Abstract: A memory cell has a first and second conductor. The first conductor is oriented in a first direction and the second conductor is oriented in a second direction. The first conductor has at least one edge. A state-change layer is disposed on the first conductor and a control element is partially offset over the at least one edge of the first conductor. The control element is disposed between the first and second conductors. Preferably the state-change layer is a direct-tunneling or dielectric rupture anti-fuse. A memory array can be formed from a plurality of the memory cells. Optionally, creating multiple layers of the memory cells can form a three-dimensional memory array.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating an emitter having a flat cathode emission surface: First a protective layer that is conductive is formed on the flat cathode emission surface. Then an electronic lens structure is created over the protective layer. Finally, the protective layer is etched to expose the flat cathode emission surface.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a substrate having an etched surface and a non-etched surface. The etched surface contains circuit elements and the non-etched surface contains a bonding surface. The non-etched surface is located at a predetermined height from the etched surface. Bonding this integrated circuit with another substrate creates a wide-gap between the substrates that is preferably evacuated and hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A cubic memory array is fabricated on a substrate having a planar surface. The cubic memory array includes a plurality of first select-lines organized in more than one plane parallel to the planar surface. A plurality of second select-lines is formed in pillars disposed orthogonal to the planer surface of the substrate. A plurality of memory cells are respectively coupled to the plurality of first and plurality of second select-lines.

Abstract: A through-substrate etching process is monitored by providing a sacrificial electrode in proximity to a desired etch window on the substrate. An etch process is performed on the substrate. The etch process is monitored by measuring an electrical property of either the substrate or the sacrificial electrode or both.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ink-jet printheads having nozzles with re-entrant profiles has the following steps. A source of electromagnetic energy is created which is then used with an optical system to produce a source of energy having a constant illumination angle on an process plane. A substrate is then exposed with the electromagnetic source to define the nozzles having the re-entrant profile. Also, apparatus for creating the constant illumination angle include an optical deflecting mask and an afocal optical system.

Abstract: A portable computer has a base housing attached to a top housing. A latch secures the top housing to the base housing. The portable computer has a card reader coupled to an electro-mechanical actuator which is further coupled to the latch. The card reader is capable of disengaging the latch to allow access to the portable computer.

Abstract: An evacuated structure removes air accumulated within a container that contains material held at a first pressure. The evacuated structure has a shell that includes a slowly defusing air-permeable material. The air permeable material interfaces to a volume of space evacuated to a second pressure less than the first pressure within the container. Unwanted air that accumulates within the container is drawn into the volume of space of the evacuated structure due to the difference in pressure between the interior of the container and the interior of the shell.

Abstract: A fluid-jet printhead has a substrate on which at least one layer defining a fluid chamber for ejecting fluid is applied. The printhead includes an elevation layer disposed on the substrate and aligned with the fluid chamber. The printhead also includes a resistive layer disposed between the elevation layer and the substrate wherein the resistive layer has a smooth planer surface interfacing with the resistive layer.

Abstract: An emitter has an electron supply layer and a tunneling layer formed on the electron supply layer. Optionally, an insulator layer is formed on the electron supply layer and has openings defined within in which the tunneling layer is formed. A cathode layer is formed on the tunneling layer. A conductive layer is partially disposed on the cathode layer and partially on the insulator layer if present. The conductive layer defines an opening to provide a surface for energy emissions of electrons and/or photons. Preferably but optionally, the emitter is subjected to an annealing process thereby increasing the supply of electrons tunneled from the electron supply layer to the cathode layer.

Abstract: An electronic device has a case and a screen attached to the case. The screen indicates a cursor position. The electronic device further has an input device mounted to the case. The input device includes a curved surface for detecting an object disposed on the curved surface using a light path that transfers an image of the object to an optical sensor. The optical sensor detects the movement of the object across the curved surface and in response, the input device manipulates the cursor position.

Abstract: A memory cell has a first and second conductor. The first conductor is oriented in a first direction and the second conductor is oriented in a second direction. The first conductor has at least one edge. A state-change layer is disposed on the first conductor and a control element is partially offset over the at least one edge of the first conductor. The control element is disposed between the first and second conductors. Preferably the state-change layer is a direct-tunneling or dielectric rupture anti-fuse. A memory array can be formed from a plurality of the memory cells. Optionally, creating multiple layers of the memory cells can form a three-dimensional memory array.

Abstract: A process for creating and an apparatus employing shaped orifices in a semiconductor substrate. A first layer of material is applied on the semiconductor substrate then a second layer of material is then applied upon the first layer of material. An orifice image is then transferred to the first layer of material and a fluid-well image is transferred to the second layer of material. That portion of the second layer of material where the orifice image is located is then developed along with that portion of the first layer of material where the fluid well is located to define an orifice in the substrate.

Abstract: An electronic device has a display housing which includes a display panel and at least two light sources used to backlight the display panel. The at least two light sources are activated independently of each other to selectively increase or decrease the illumination of the display panel. A circuit is coupled to the at least two light sources. The circuit determines which of the at least two light sources is chosen such that the combined life of the at least two light sources is increased.

Abstract: The invention is a fluid ejection device, such as a printhead, that has a substrate with a first surface mating to an orifice layer, preferably through a stack of thin-film layers. The orifice layer defines a fluid chamber interfacing to an orifice opening or nozzle. The substrate has a second surface having a truncated pyramidal structure; either polyhedral or triangular ridge shaped defining an opening through the substrate to the fluid chamber. The substrate further has an ejection element, preferably disposed as a resistor in the stack of thin-film layers. When energy is transferred from the ejection element to the fluid in the fluid chamber, fluid is ejected from the orifice opening. The fluid ejection device may have one or a plurality of fluid chambers and one or a plurality of frustums of a truncated polyhedral, truncated pyramidal, truncated conical or truncated triangular cross-sectional ridge structures defining openings from the second surface of the substrate to the fluid chambers.

Abstract: An electronic device has at least one component that is capable of generating a quantity of heat. The electronic device further has an air-moving device and an air duct. The air moving device is capable of creating a flow of air that removes a portion of the quantity of heat. The flow of air enters the air duct. The air duct has a restriction chamber that includes a venturi vent in which the flow of air into the duct and through the restriction chamber creates a new flow of air into the venturi vent. The new flow of air into the venturi vent does not pass over the at least one component in the electronic device.

Abstract: A portable computer system has a screen attached to a base housing having an accessory bay and a first wireless transceiver. The screen has a cursor positioned by a mouse having a second wireless transceiver in contact the first wireless transceiver of the portable computer. A module, capable of insertion and removal from the accessory bay, has a mouse bay and connector for coupling to the mouse. When the mouse is in the mouse bay, a battery in the mouse is recharged.

Abstract: An active matrix device has a plurality of drive signals, a plurality of select signals and an array of sub-pixels. Each of the sub-pixels has an electronic element connected to one of the drive signals and one of the select signals to display. The active matrix device also includes inversion circuitry coupled to the drive signals that has at least one Cole sequence generator. A Cole sequence generator provides a random, semi-random or pseudo-random sequence pattern. The inversion circuitry is capable of reducing the direct current bias voltage applied by the electronic element to the sub-pixel. The inversion circuitry is further capable of reducing flicker of the active matrix device.

Abstract: A fluid-jet printhead has a substrate on which at least one layer defining a fluid chamber for ejecting fluid is applied. The printhead includes an elevation layer disposed on the substrate and aligned with the fluid chamber. The printhead also includes a resistive layer disposed between the elevation layer and the substrate wherein the resistive layer has a smooth planer surface interfacing with the resistive layer.

Abstract: An electronic device has a host processor system having an AT Attachment (ATA) mass storage interface having a single channel. The electronic device further has at least three mass storage device ports that are capable of accepting ATA mass storage devices. A method for interfacing the mass storage devices to the ATA single channel interface provides the host processor access to all the ATA mass storage devices.