Abstract: A four point measurement technique for testing programmable impedance drivers such as the BZIO buffers contained in RapidChip® and ASIC devices. Specifically, two test pads are added for taking voltage measurements at additional points. By taking the additional voltage measurements and performing some calculation using Ohm's law, the error components of the testing process are effectively eliminated. The technique is suitable for use at wafer sort where additional device pads can be made available for contact with the automated test equipment (ATE) used in the manufacturing test environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically delivering raw sausages to a smokehouse rack is described. A continuous rotating conveyor holds a plurality of half-tubular trays hung on gimbals. Sausages are extruded into a tray at a loading station, and the tray is carried around by the conveyor to an unloading station, where an arm causes the tray to tilt and to roll the sausage onto a smokehouse rack.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus has liquid chambers and nozzles that discharge droplets of liquids contained in the liquid chambers through liquid channels. The liquid discharge apparatus includes a substrate provided with partitions on one face thereof, the liquid chambers and the liquid channels being defined between the partitions. The liquid discharge apparatus further includes a nozzle sheet provided with adhesion-improving layers at least at positions corresponding to the top faces of the partitions and the nozzles for discharging liquid, the nozzle sheet and the top faces of the respective partitions being bonded to each other with the adhesion-improving layers. The liquid discharge apparatus also includes driving elements provided on the face of the substrate at positions corresponding to the liquid chambers, for changing the pressure of the liquid chambers. The liquid discharge apparatus is used as a printer head for ink jet printing.

Abstract: A semiconductor device able to maintain a bonding state between a bump and an electrode and having high reliability even under thermal stress, wherein a sealing resin is interposed to bond the electrodes and bumps between a wiring board formed with a plurality of electrodes and an IC chip formed with a plurality of bumps, the bumps being formed under the condition that the following formula is satisfied. 100<((?A×F)/H)<125 where ?A represents the top diameter of a bump bonded with an electrode, H the height of a bump projecting from the IC chip and bonded with an electrode, and F the linear thermal expansion coefficient of the sealing resin.

Abstract: This invention provides a steam oxidation method of a matter to be oxidized with proper controllability and reproducibility. It is provided a steam oxidation method, where a semiconductor substrate (a matter to be oxidized) is housed in a steam oxidation reactor and is subjected to: a first step of supplying N2 gas to the reactor housing the semiconductor substrate and substituting the inside of the reactor with N2 gas; a second step of stopping supply of the N2 gas and supplying a steam-accompanied N2 gas, in which the N2 gas is accompanied with steam, to the reactor; a third step of increasing a temperature of the semiconductor substrate to 450° C. (a steam oxidation temperature) while supplying the steam-accompanied N2 gas; and a fourth step of holding the semiconductor substrate for a predetermined time at 450° C.

Abstract: A method of producing a microlens array includes a patterning step of forming a first optical resin layer having a first refractive index on a transparent substrate and forming a plurality of microlens planes arrayed in a two-dimensional pattern on the front surface of the first optical resin layer; a planarizing step of forming a planarized second optical resin layer; a joining step of providing a support layer on which a transparent protective film is previously formed; and a removing step of removing the support layer in such a manner that only the protective film remains on the second optical resin layer. The planarizing step is performed by filling irregularities of the microlens planes with a resin having a second refractive index and planarizing the front surface, opposed to the microlens planes, of the resin, to form the planarized second optical resin layer, and the joining step is performed by joining the support layer to the planarized second optical resin layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for charging a riveting module (10) that is vertically displaced between a lower placement position and an upper charge position with blind break-mandrel rivets (100) or hollow-core rivets that consist of a shank and a reusable mandrel. Said device comprises a rivet supply (22) and, in addition to the riveting module (10), a funnel (24) that receives the rivet (100) with its mandrel (110) oriented upward and that is displaced laterally between a position below the rivet supply (22) and a position below the riveting module (10) in the charge position.

Abstract: A semiconductor device wherein some parts of a circuit are disposed on Si—Ge regions and others are implemented in Silicon substrate regions of the chip. The Si—Ge region provides that carrier flow is forced to the surface channel region which helps reduce short channel effects. A method of making such a semiconductor device is also provided and includes steps of forming a thermal oxide layer on a Silicon substrate, masking at least a portion of the thermal oxide layer, removing at least a portion of the thermal oxide layer in order to expose a portion of the Silicon substrate, epitaxially growing an Si—Ge layer on the exposed portion of the Silicon substrate, epitaxially growing a Silicon layer on the Si—Ge layer, and continuing manufacture of the device by forming a circuit on the Si—Ge regions and non-Si—Ge regions of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A two layer PBGA which includes a metal ground plane at its bottom layer. The ground plane is preferably a metal plane which is connected to ground through a metal connection to a ball pad at the center of the package and a ball pad proximate the edge of the package. The ground plane is voided around the signal and power balls, via and “dog bones”. The PBGA is configured such that the ground plane serves effectively the same function as the second layer ground plane in a conventional four layer PBGA. The PBGA provides a cheaper alternative to the generally more expensive four layer PBGA, and provides better cross talk performance (especially for high frequency signaling) as well as better thermal performance as a result of having more metal at the bottom layer of the package.

Abstract: A rotary card holder comprises a rotary card wheel, which at its respective opposite ends is non-rotatably secured to hand wheels, with a stationary axle, about which the card wheel rotates, extending through the card wheel and the hand wheels and having secured non-rotatably to its opposite ends respective end caps with which respective free ends of a wire support frame are non-rotatably secured. Each end cap carries a flexible polypropylene strip which has a free end extending from the periphery thereof to engage in a selected one of a series of grooves in the inside periphery of the hand wheels. In this way the card wheel is retained in its adjusted position each time it is adjusted and a ‘clicking’ indication is produced during adjustment.

Abstract: A brake lamp illumination system for a trailer senses when the speed of the wheels decreases. If the system detects such a deceleration, the system senses whether power has been supplied to illuminate brake lamps provided on the vehicle. If no power is detected in the circuit which supplies power to the brake lamps, power is directed to the circuit to illuminate the brake lamps.

Abstract: A pedal box for a vehicle (V), comprises a pedal (E) pivotally mounted intermediate its end on a pedal pin (PP) carried by the pedal box, so as to have, beyond each side of the pedal pivot (PP), a lower pedal part carrying a footpad (FP), and an upper pedal part; an abutment surface (S) provided in or on the upper pedal part and so located with respect to the pedal pivot axis (PP) that the abutment surface (S) is beyond a top dead center position of the pedal pivot (PP) at the driver/passenger compartment (PC) side; and an activation device (C, D) adapted, in use, to be secured between a portion (Q) of the vehicle (V) designed to deform upon frontal impact, and a portion (P) of the vehicle (V) designed for minimal deformation upon frontal impact and, upon activation, to engage the abutment surface (S) such that the upper pedal part is rotated towards the driver/passenger compartment (PC), and the lower pedal part is rotated away from the driver/passenger compartment (PC).

Abstract: A deep socket which has two ends, where each end is configured to engage a pair of different sized nuts. Preferably, one end of the deep socket is configured to engage either a ¾ inch or {fraction (13/16)} inch square nut, and the other end of the deep socket is configured to engage either a 1 inch or 1-and-⅛ inch square nut. Preferably, the deep socket is configured such that the deep socket can be used to turn a nut fully down on a threaded rod which extends up to eight inches including a nut on the threaded rod. Preferably, the socket includes a body that provides a bore that is configured to accept the threaded rod when the socket is used to turn the nut down on the threaded rod. Preferably, each end of the socket is configured to be engaged with a ¾ inch square adapter. Ideally, each end is configured to engage a spring pin locking mechanism which is provided on the adapter such that the socket tends to remain engaged with the adapter.

Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anaesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.

Abstract: A novel diagnostic system for a trailer is provided by the present invention. The trailer includes a micro controller which is part of an anti-lock brake system of the trailer. A warning light is provided on the trailer and is in electrical connection with the micro controller. A switch is provided proximate to the warning lamp. The switch can be activated by a technician to provide a short across the warning lamp. A stored program within the micro controller recognizes the short and performs a diagnostic function in response thereto by flashing the warning lamp in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a cabinet and wash chambers in the form of drawers which slide in and out of the cabinet. Rigid and flexible closures are disclosed for sealing off the wash chambers when retracted into the cabinet. A detergent dispenser for the dishwasher is provided in one wall of a wash chamber in the wash water discharge path into the wash chamber so that detergent powder is flushed out of the dispenser and mixed with the wash water prior to the latter being discharged into the wash chamber. A wash programme for a dual wash chamber dishwasher is also disclosed which minimizes total water consumption by transferring water from one chamber to the other.