Abstract: A method of forming high quality inductors and capacitors in semiconductor integrated circuits utilizes one or more sealed air-gaps in a supporting substrate under the passive devices. The process is compatible with standard silicon processing and can be implemented with high temperature processing at the beginning, middle, or end of an integrated circuit fabrication process. A one micron air-gap in a high resistivity epitaxial layer results in a parasitic capacitance equivalent to 3.9 micron thick silicon oxide or a 11 micron thick depletion layer in silicon.

Abstract: The present invention provides multiple-wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (“MW-VCSEL”) arrays. These arrays are fabricated in a molecular beam epitaxy system or the like using two patterned-substrate growth techniques. The growth techniques can be used with an in-situ laser reflectometry. In one embodiment, a temperature dependent growth rate to create the devices is provided. In an alternative aspect, uniform growth is performed followed by a temperature-dependent desorption technique. These techniques provided desired wavelength span and desired characteristics.

Abstract: A method for forming a chamber or nozzle structure in a substrate. The chamber is formed by first creating a surface feature, such as a pit or trench, on the surface of the substrate. A layer of resist is applied to the sidewall of the surface feature and the substrate is isotropically etched such that the etch works back up the inside of the resist on the surface feature sidewall to form a re-entrant angle between the surface feature sidewall and the top of the chamber wall. This results in a chamber that is wider than the opening between the sidewalls of the surface feature. An anisotropic etch step may be performed before or after the isotropic etch step or steps to control the final shape of the chamber.

Abstract: A hot trap converts unreacted organic metal-film precursor from the exhaust stream of a CVD process. The converted precursor forms a metal film on the surface of the hot trap, thereby protecting hot vacuum pump surfaces from metal build up. A cold trap downstream from the hot trap freezes effluents from the exhaust stream. The metal captured by the hot trap and the effluents captured by the cold trap may then be recycled, rather than being released as environmental emissions.

Abstract: A digital pulse width modulation circuit and method includes a first pulse width clock signal modulated by a second pulse width clock signal that represents a converted analog voltage input. The first and second pulse width signals are provided to a counter that counts to a predetermined gate count, wherein an output pulse width signal is provided that is in proportion to the analog voltage input.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving the durability of a sensor, specifically one attached by an adhesive material to a subject. Specifically, the present invention discloses a method and apparatus for laminating a sensor and inserting the sensor into a protective shield for use. The shield includes some adhesive material to affix the sensor to the subject. A dirty, damaged, or worn out shield may be discarded and the sensor inserted into a new shield for continued use of the sensor.

Abstract: A network transmitter schedules packets so that packets are transmitted to a host or group of hosts so as not to overload any particular part of the network. In an embodiment, the transmitter uses packet data structures with a schedule indication for packets placed in the queue so that an independently running adaptor may know when to remove packets from the queue and transmit them. In an alternative embodiment, packets are scheduled by setting a future interrupt for transmitting a packet or group of packets. In a further embodiment, packets are placed in temporal sets where a temporal set is a group of packets that can be transmitted in succession without violating the bandwidth limitations of any network segment.

Abstract: A locking device includes a lock body with two blind bores and a shackle with two parallel arms for insertion into the bores. The lock body further includes two key-actuated cylindrical plugs, an accommodation chamber disposed therein proximate to the plugs, and a linkage member provided within the chamber to interlink the plugs in such a manner that only simultaneous actuation of the cylindrical plugs can retract the spring-loaded latch bolts to release the shackle from the blind bores of the lock body.

Abstract: Image registration is performed by reducing images to histograms, rotating histograms to register the histograms, then using the registration of the histograms to register the images, thereby registering images with less computation than image rotation. Where the image is compressed using line-by-line run length encoding, the histogram can be derived from the run length encoding without decompression. Histogram rotation can also be used for skew angle detection.

Abstract: A system and method for programming elements in an integrated circuit. The system allows for selection of an internal voltage supply and an external supply. Provision is also possible for improved testing techniques.

Abstract: A portable image transfer system includes a digital still camera which captures images in digital form and stores the images in a camera memory, a cellular telephone transmitter, and a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU controls the camera memory to cause it to output data representing an image and the CPU controls the cellular telephone transmitter to cause a cellular telephone to transmit the data received from the camera memory. A receiving station is coupled to the cellular telephone transmitter by a cellular network to receive image data and store the images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a tubular handle (4, 6) of an exercise device to a flexible line (10), such as an elastic cord, is described. The elastic flexible line is directed through a circumferential opening (60) in the handle and attached to the inner lumen of the handle with a coupling assembly (24). The coupling assembly comprises a retainer (30) defining a hole (40) for receiving the end portion of the flexible line and fastener (32) for securing the end portion of the flexible line to the retainer to thereby fix the line to the handle. The coupling assembly provides a strong mechanical link between the flexible elastic line and the handle that minimizes wear on the elastic line.

Abstract: A data filter consists of an electronic circuit with a delay and offset in a feedback loop to a reference input of a comparator to provide low frequency tracking of a binary-level data signal so digital information can be extracted at the output of the comparator by causing the reference input to track a relatively slowly-varying baseband neutral signal level. The delay is preferably implemented by a low-pass filter, providing additional noise immunity.

Abstract: A method for joining or restructuring tissue consists essentially of providing a preformed film or sheet of a solid filler material which fuses to tissue upon the application of energy. The material comprises collagen, gelatin, mixtures thereof, optionally combined with a plasticizer, and the film may be cut prior to placing over the tissue. Radiofrequency energy is then applied at between about 20 and 120 Watts to the filler material and the tissue after the filler material has been placed over the tissue for about 1 to 60 seconds so that about 20 to 1800 joules are delivered to the filler material and tissue.

Abstract: A transfer processing procedure comprising instruction words is inputted from an external to a program storing area of a DMA processing unit 40 whose functions are arranged to correspond to instructions, and the DMA processing unit 40 performs a transfer process in accordance with the function corresponding to the inputted instruction word.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a valve replacement system together with methods of preparation and use, are provided for endovascular replacement of a heart valve in a host. The valve replacement system includes up to five components: (1) a prosthetic valve device, (2) a valve introducer device, (3) an intraluminal procedure device, (4) a procedure device capsule, and (5) a tissue cutter. The system provides for endovascular removal of a malfunctioning valve and subsequent replacement with a permanent prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A method for identifying compounds capable of inhibiting the production of .beta.-amyloid peptide in cells comprises exposing cultured cells in one or more test compounds. The cells are cultured under conditions which produce amyloid precursor protein and which result in intracellular accumulation of an approximately 22 kD polypeptide which includes the entire sequence of the .beta.-amyloid peptide. Test compounds which cause a change in the accumulation of the 22 kD polypeptide are considered likely candidates for use as drugs for treating .beta.-amyloid diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lipophilic drug derivatives which are capable of being formulated in liposomes or micelles. These drug derivatives are known therapeutic agents which are covalently attached to a fatty acid chain of a phospholipid, glyceride, ceramide or 1,2-diacyloxypropane-3-amine. The linkage between the therapeutic agent and the lipid is one which can be cleaved in vivo, allowing the therapeutic agent to be separated from the micellar or liposomal formulation.