Abstract: One aspect disclosed herein relates to a method for forming a strained semiconductor structure. In various embodiments of the method, a number of recesses are formed in a surface of a first semiconductor wafer such that the surface of the first semiconductor wafer has a number of raised areas and a number of recessed areas. A surface of a second semiconductor wafer is bonded to the raised areas of the first semiconductor wafer in an environment having a first pressure. The surface of the second semiconductor wafer is bonded to the recessed areas of the first semiconductor wafer in an environment having a second pressure. The second pressure is greater than the first pressure to influence the second semiconductor wafer into contact with the first semiconductor wafer in the recesses in the surface of the first semiconductor wafer. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: A database system and method for adjusting a value within a database configured as a multidimensional aggregation tree (MAT) having a plurality of leaves. A value associated with a vertex within the MAT is modified, propagated down toward the leaves of the MAT and reconciled up through the tree from the leaf to determine if there is a locked vertex. If there is a locked vertex, a value is adjusted down toward the leaves from the locked vertex, wherein adjusting down includes computing a value for a leaf associated with the locked vertex.

Abstract: A multiple voltage supply switch is disclosed. The multiple voltage supply switch includes a plurality of switching device pairs. Each switching device pair is connectable between an associated one of a plurality of voltage supplies and an output of the switch. Each switching device pair includes a first switching device connected to the associated one of the plurality of voltage supplies and a second switching device connected in series between the first switching device and the output of the switch. Both the first and second switching devices are activated to connect the associated one of the voltage supplies to the output of the switch and at least one of the first or the second switching devices of each of the other switching device pairs are inactivated to disconnect the voltage supply associated with the other switching device pairs from the output of the switch.

Abstract: The present invention includes a dielectric. The dielectric comprises a polymer that has a high dielectric constant. The polymer comprises polarizable species. The present invention also includes an embedded capacitor, and an IC package made with the dielectric.

Abstract: A non-volatile data storage unit having a data input and a volatile memory device for storing data. The volatile memory device is preferably a latch circuit made up of a pair of cross-coupled inverter circuits which store the data in complementary form. A non-volatile memory device, such as a pair of flash memory cells, is included which also store data in complementary form. Control circuitry is provided for controlling the operation of the data storage unit, including circuitry for transferring data from the data input to the volatile memory device and circuitry for programming the non-volatile memory device with data from the volatile memory device. The storage unit also preferably includes circuitry for transferring data stored in the non-volatile memory device to the volatile memory device, with such transfer typically taking place after an interruption of power to the storage unit.

Abstract: A cardiac lead is provided that includes a connector for coupling to a cardiac stimulator and a first flexible insulating sleeve coupled to the connector. A second flexible insulating sleeve is coupled to the connector and has a portion positioned inside the first flexible insulating sleeve. A first conductor wire is provided that has at least a first loop and a second loop. The first and second loops are positioned between the portion of the second flexible insulating sleeve and the first insulating sleeve. A second conductor wire is provided that has a third loop. The third loop is positioned between the portion of the second flexible insulating sleeve and the first insulating sleeve. The first and second conductor wires are spiraled together so that the third loop is positioned between the first and second loops. The lead provides for the union of two conductors in a flexible structure that facilitates passage of a highly curved stylet.

Abstract: An electrode for a cardiac lead and method of making the same are provided. The electrode includes an electrode member and a coating applied to the electrode member. A method of fabricating a high impedance cardiac lead electrode is provided. The method includes the steps of providing an electrode member and coating a first portion of the electrode member with an electrically insulating material and placing a tubular mask or shield over the electrode. Portions of the insulating material are removed to expose selected areas of the electrode. The second or exposed portion enhances the impedance of the electrode, resulting in power savings and extended life spans for implantable stimulation and sensing devices. Exemplary materials for the coating includes diamond-like carbon and sapphire.

Abstract: An integrated memory circuit having an array of memory cells and which is operable in at least one test mode as well as in a normal operating mode, and a true V.sub.th measurement test implemented by such circuit. The memory circuit includes circuitry for implementing a true V.sub.th measurement test mode in which an external voltage (or a sequence of external voltages) is applied to an external pad, and a test voltage at least substantially equal to such external voltage (or a sequence of test voltages, each at least substantially equal to one of a sequence of external voltages) is applied directly to the control gates of all or selected ones of rows of the cells (e.g., to all or selected ones of the wordlines of the array). In preferred embodiments, each memory cell is a nonvolatile memory cell such as a flash memory cell.

Abstract: A computerized system for keyboard control of compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM) audio of a computer. The computer has a CD-ROM player, a, computer keyboard and a basic input/output system (BIOS). The CD-ROM player is receptive to an audio compact disc (CD). The keyboard has a plurality of keys for entry of one or more predetermined sequences of one or more keystrokes by a user of the computer, each predetermined sequence corresponding to an audio function of the CD-ROM player. The BIOS is operatively coupled to the CD-ROM player and the keyboard, and in response to detecting a predetermined sequence of keystrokes entered by the user on the keyboard operatively signals the CD-ROM player to execute a corresponding audio function. In a further embodiment, the system also comprises an operating system and a CD-ROM control application. The operating system receives a command sent by the BIOS in response to detecting a predetermined sequence of keystrokes entered by the user on the keyboard.