Abstract: An improved system and method is disclosed for dynamically estimating the output variances of carrier-smoothing filters used, for example, in GPS receivers. By accurately estimating the output variances of the carrier-smoothing filters as they transition from initialization to steady-state operation, it is possible to calculate any required protection levels without having to wait for the filters to fully stabilize. As one example, a system for estimating output variances of a carrier-smoothing filter for use in a satellite navigation system receiver is disclosed, which includes a plurality of smoothing filters associated with a navigation processing unit in a satellite navigation receiver. One or more processors associated with the navigation processing unit executes an algorithm for each smoothing filter, which provides a method for dynamically calculating an output variance for a respective smoothing filter as it transitions in response to new input variance values.

Abstract: An inertial system is provided. The system includes at least one inertial sensor, a processing unit and a plurality of Kalman filters implemented in the processing unit. The Kalman filters receive information from the at least one inertial sensor, and at most one of the plurality of Kalman filters has processed zero velocity updates on the last cycle. The plurality of Kalman filters is used to optimize system response and performance during periods of intermittent motion.

Abstract: A method for guiding the approach and landing of an aircraft is provided. The method involves receiving navigation information from the aircraft, receiving navigation information from an aircraft carrier, integrating the navigation information from the aircraft with the navigation information from the aircraft carrier to determine a relative velocity and a relative position between the aircraft and the aircraft carrier, and propagating the relative velocity and the relative position forward in time for navigation purposes.

Abstract: A pane is separated from a moving ribbon of brittle material by restraining the ribbon upstream of a score line prior to separating the pane. The ribbon is restrained by selectively contacting a first side and a second side of the ribbon in one of an opposite, overlapping or offset relation. The ribbon can be restrained prior to, substantially simultaneous with or subsequent to forming the score line. The restrained status of the ribbon is maintained during and immediately after separation of the pane from the ribbon, thereby reducing the introduction of a disturbance or bending moment into the upstream ribbon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating a mount for an aluminum nitride (AlN) seed for single crystal aluminum nitride growth is provided. A holder having a proximal base and wall portions extending therefrom is fabricated from crystal growth crucible material, and defines an internal cavity. An AlN seed is placed within the holder, and placed within a nitrogen atmosphere at a temperature at or exceeding the melting point of a suitable material capable of forming a nitride ceramic by nitridation, such as aluminum. Pellets fabricated from this material are dropped into the holder and onto the seed, so that they melt and react with the nitrogen atmosphere to form a nitride ceramic. The seed is effectively molded in-situ with the ceramic, so that the ceramic and holder forms a closely conforming holder for the seed, suitable for single crystal AlN growth.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, an improved process for preparing a surface of substrate is provided wherein the surface of the substrate is prepared for a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process, the CMP process is performed on the surface of the substrate, and the surface of the substrate is finished to clear the substrate surface of any active ingredients from the CMP process. Also, an improved substrate produced by the method is provided. According to one aspect of the invention, particular polishing materials and procedures may be used that allow for increased quality of AlN substrate surfaces.

Abstract: A method is provided for the punching of a bridge break and thereafter sealing the bridge break during the injection molding process of the lead frame. The bridge breaking tool is placed over the bridge that is to be broken. The collar presses down on the circuit and the punch presses down on the bridge with enough force to form the bridge break. Once the bridge break is formed the punch is retracted from the cavity of the template and molten polymer is injected to flow around the ends of the bridge break. The bridge breaking tool's hold down collars and retracted punch form a molding area for molten polymer to flow over the bridge break and the exposed circuit area. The bridge breaking tool is retracted after the bridge break is encased in the cured molten polymer and the cured molten polymer forms a lead frame structure.

Abstract: A pulse width modulated solenoid system having low noise characteristics is described. Noise reduction is primarily achieved by separating the solenoid device from the insulator and the manifold housing through the use of rubber isolators and multiple sets of o-rings, thus preventing metal to metal contact. Additional noise reduction is achieved by encapsulating all of the solenoids, using the insulator, the cover plate, the housing, and the screen carrier. Noise levels are also further reduced by minimizing the impact force of the armature against the sleeve by allowing fluid to vent into the upper area of the sleeve, thus causing a dampening effect.

Abstract: Polymorphic nucleic acid molecules encoding the very low density lipoprotein receptor are described, as well as gene products encoded by these nucleic acid molecules. Allele-specific primers and probes hybridizing to regions flanking or containing these sites are also described, along with methods of use therefor.

Abstract: Slurry compositions comprising an oxidizing agent, optionally a copper corrosion inhibitor, abrasive particles; surface active agent, a service of chloride and a source of sulfate ions.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, an improved process for preparing a surface of substrate is provided wherein the surface of the substrate is prepared for a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process, the CMP process is performed on the surface of the substrate, and the surface of the substrate is finished to clear the substrate surface of any active ingredients from the CMP process. Also, an improved substrate produced by the method is provided. According to one aspect of the invention, particular polishing materials and procedures may be used that allow for increased quality of AlN substrate surfaces.

Abstract: Compressed wavelet transform coefficients are used to correct outputs of inertial sensors for gravitational deflections. The compressed wavelet transform coefficients comprise gravitational deflection data that is first converted to discrete wavelet coefficients by a discrete wavelet transform and that are then compressed to form the compressed wavelet transform coefficients. An inertial sensor signal relating to a first navigational parameter of a vehicle is generated. The compressed discrete wavelet coefficients are accessed from a memory based on a position of the vehicle. The accessed coefficients are decompressed, and an inverse discrete wavelet transform is performed on the decompressed coefficients to produce gravitational compensation data. The sensor signal is compensated based on the gravitational compensation data.

Abstract: The complete genomic structure of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha gene is described. Also described are the identification of novel single nucleotide polymorphisms and association with higher plasma LDL-cholesterol and total and LDL-apolipoprotein B concentrations.

Abstract: The complete genomic structure of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha gene is described. Also described are the identification of novel single nucleotide polymorphisms and association with higher plasma LDL-cholesterol and total and LDL-apolipoprotein B concentrations.

Abstract: Polymorphic nucleic acid molecules encoding the very low density lipoprotein receptor are described, as well as gene products encoded by these nucleic acid molecules. Allele-specific primers and probes hybridizing to regions flanking or containing these sites are also described, along with methods of use therefor.

Abstract: A system for chemical-mechanical polishing is described which includes a wafer backing film having concentric first and second portions. The portions of the wafer backing film are of different materials. The second portion of the wafer backing film has an annular shape and surrounds the first portion; a backing shim is used to adjust the first portion and second portion with respect to each other in a vertical direction. The first and second portions of the wafer backing film and the backing shim are mounted on an adhesive assembly film, thereby forming an assembly for mounting on a wafer carrier. The second portion of the wafer backing film is less compressible than the first portion, and is adjusted in the vertical direction so that the outer edge of the wafer is substantially sealed when backside air is applied to the wafer during a film removal process.

Abstract: A system for chemical-mechanical polishing is described which includes a wafer backing film having concentric first and second portions, and a wafer carrier having corresponding first and second portions for mounting the portions of the wafer backing film thereon. The portions of the wafer backing film are of different materials. The second portion of the wafer backing film has an annular shape and surrounds the first portion; the second portion of the wafer carrier is adjustable with respect to the first portion of the wafer carrier in a vertical direction. The second portion of the wafer backing film is less compressible than the first portion, and is adjusted in the vertical direction so that the outer edge of the wafer is substantially sealed when backside air is applied to the wafer during a film removal process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a VAV (variable air volume) air conditioning system which is capable of varying the supply air volume to a space based upon discharge temperature while simultaneously maintaining constant ventilation. The thermal dynamic balancing system of the present invention includes a bypass air box and an outside air ventilation box, each having adjustable dampers, which are controlled, in concert with one another, to provide a system which constantly dehumidifies the air in the conditioned space while simultaneously maintaining the discharge air temperature and degree of ventilation at constant values.

Abstract: Modified polyethylene terephthalate polymers, particularly suitable for making carbonated drinks or mineral water bottles by injection (stretch) blow moulding, include a small proportion (from 0.007 to 0.08 mole %) of residues of a polyfunctional hydroxyl compound such as pentaerythritol as a chain branching agent and have (after solid phase polymerisation processing) melt viscosity values of from 300 to 1050 Pa.s (3000 to 10500 Poise) at 295.degree. C. (approximately Intrinsic Viscosity 0.6 to 0.9). The polymers also preferably include from 0.5 to 5 mole % of residues derived from a chain orientation disrupting monomer such as iso-phtalic acid. Best results are obtained in restricted ranges of polymer viscosity, hydroxyl compound and also chain orientation disrupting monomer level. As compared with conventional PET the polymers have the advantage that solid phase polymerisation rates are much improved.

Abstract: A pressure tolerant composite panel has an inner fiber reinforced layer, an outer fiber reinforced layer and an core disposed therebetween. In one embodiment of the invention, the inner layer has weakening structures incorporated at the peripheral edges thereof, and has an outer layer of a different and lower modulus of elasticity than the inner layer to provide some degree of elongation. When high internal forces are encountered, the weakening structures allow the inner layer to separate, with the outer layers stretching to absorb the forces without failure. Optionally, strengthening straps are position about the panel such that it is compartmentalized into discrete sections to contain damage in localized areas. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the inner core is produced of a crushable material which has a yield strength sufficient to provide structural support under normal operating conditions.