Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method of synthesizing a circuit design is disclosed including receiving an input model of an initial circuit design into an electronic design automation system; receiving a user specification detailing a reliability feature to add to the initial circuit design; adding the reliability feature to the input model based upon the user specification to generate a modified input model; and producing an output model of a circuit design with the reliability feature in response to the modified input model.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of making freestanding metal matrix composite articles and alloy articles are described. A method of making a freestanding composite article described herein comprises disposing over a surface of the temporary substrate a layered assembly comprising a layer of infiltration metal or alloy and a hard particle layer formed of a flexible sheet comprising organic binder and the hard particles. The layered assembly is heated to infiltrate the hard particle layer with metal or alloy providing a metal matrix composite, and the metal matrix composite is separated from the temporary substrate. Further, a method of making a freestanding alloy article described herein comprises disposing over the surface of a temporary substrate a flexible sheet comprising organic binder and powder alloy and heating the sheet to provide a sintered alloy article. The sintered alloy article is then separated from the temporary substrate.

Abstract: In one aspect, articles are described herein comprising wear-resistant claddings. An article described herein, in some embodiments, comprises a metallic substrate and a cladding adhered to the substrate, the cladding including a metal matrix composite layer comprising at least one hard particle tile having a pore structure infiltrated with matrix metal or matrix alloy. Infiltration of the pore structure of the hard particle tile by the matrix metal or alloy can render the tile fully dense or substantially fully dense.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying objects includes a bag and at least one cord. The bag has a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion of the bag includes a channel. The cord includes a first end portion coupled to the bottom portion of the bag, a second end portion coupled to the bottom portion of the bag, and a middle portion positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion of the cord includes a first length of cord which extends slidably through the channel and a second length of cord which is positioned outside of the channel. The second length of cord has a substantially larger diameter than the first length of cord.

Abstract: A backpack assembly includes a pack configured to be worn on a wearer's back. The backpack assembly also includes straps coupled to the pack and configured to extend over the wearer's chest. The straps include at least one first side strap and at least one second side strap. The backpack assembly also includes a strap retainer. The strap retainer includes a closed loop on a first side of the strap retainer and an open loop on a second side of the strap retainer. The at least one first side strap is slidably retained within the closed loop and the at least one second side strap is slidably retained within the open loop. The open loop also includes a side opening through which the at least one second side straps can be inserted and removed.

Abstract: A bag configured to be worn or carried on the back by a user having a cinched top and including padded straps which extend over the user's shoulders. Each of the straps includes a strap member which may be a cord or a drawstring which is attached to the bottom of the bag and loops around the perimeter of the top of the bag. Each of the straps also includes a padded member which encircles a portion of the strap member to provide additional comfort to the user by cushioning the strap member and distributing the weight of the bag over a larger surface area.

Abstract: A backpack assembly includes a pack configured to be worn on a wearer's back. The backpack assembly also includes straps coupled to the pack and configured to extend over the wearer's chest. The straps include at least one first side strap and at least one second side strap. The backpack assembly also includes a strap retainer. The strap retainer includes a closed loop on a first side of the strap retainer and an open loop on a second side of the strap retainer. The at least one first side strap is slidably retained within the closed loop and the at least one second side strap is slidably retained within the open loop. The open loop also includes a side opening through which the at least one second side straps can be inserted and removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying objects includes a bag and at least one cord. The bag has a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion of the bag includes a channel. The cord includes a first end portion coupled to the bottom portion of the bag, a second end portion coupled to the bottom portion of the bag, and a middle portion positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion of the cord includes a first length of cord which extends slidably through the channel and a second length of cord which is positioned outside of the channel. The second length of cord has a substantially larger diameter than the first length of cord.

Abstract: A bag includes an outer body portion or outer shell which encloses a storage compartment. The bag also includes a pocket non-removably attached to the bag which is accessible through the outer body portion or outer shell and is freely contained within the storage compartment. The pocket is configured to retain a cover, which is non-removably attached thereto. The cover is a flexible material that is water resistant or water repellant. The cover can be collapsed and stored within the pocket or can be withdrawn from the pocket and spread over the outer body portion or outer shell of the bag, thereby protecting it, for example, from inclement weather.

Abstract: A backpack assembly includes a pack configured to be worn on a wearer's back. The backpack assembly also includes straps coupled to the pack and configured to extend over the wearer's chest. The straps include at least one first side strap and at least one second side strap. The backpack assembly also includes a strap retainer. The strap retainer includes a closed loop on a first side of the strap retainer and an open loop on a second side of the strap retainer. The at least one first side strap is slidably retained within the closed loop and the at least one second side strap is slidably retained within the open loop. The open loop also includes a side opening through which the at least one second side straps can be inserted and removed.

Abstract: A bag configured to be worn or carried on the back by a user having a cinched top and including padded straps which extend over the user's shoulders. Each of the straps includes a strap member which may be a cord or a drawstring which is attached to the bottom of the bag and loops around the perimeter of the top of the bag. Each of the straps also includes a padded member which encircles a portion of the strap member to provide additional comfort to the user by cushioning the strap member and distributing the weight of the bag over a larger surface area.

Abstract: A backpack assembly includes a pack configured to be worn on a wearer's back. The backpack assembly also includes straps coupled to the pack and configured to extend over the wearer's chest. The straps include at least one first side strap and at least one second side strap. The backpack assembly also includes a strap retainer. The strap retainer includes a closed loop on a first side of the strap retainer and an open loop on a second side of the strap retainer. The at least one first side strap is slidably retained within the closed loop and the at least one second side strap is slidably retained within the open loop. The open loop also includes a side opening through which the at least one second side straps can be inserted and removed.

Abstract: A bag includes an outer body portion or outer shell which encloses a storage compartment. The bag also includes a pocket non-removably attached to the bag which is accessible through the outer body portion or outer shell and is freely contained within the storage compartment. The pocket is configured to retain a cover, which is non-removably attached thereto. The cover is a flexible material that is water resistant or water repellant. The cover can be collapsed and stored within the pocket or can be withdrawn from the pocket and spread over the outer body portion or outer shell of the bag, thereby protecting it, for example, from inclement weather.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a more accurate estimate of a signal correction parameter(s) in sequencing-by-synthesis operations, such as incomplete extension rates, carry forward rates, and/or signal droop rates. The sequencing operation produces signal data. A model is constructed to simulate a population of template strands as it undergoes the sequencing process and becomes divided into different phase-states as the sequencing-by-synthesis progresses. For example, the model may be a phase-state model. The output from the model is used to adjust the signal correction parameter(s). For example, the model may be fitted to the signal data. This fitting results in a more accurate estimate of the signal correction parameter(s). In another embodiment, the signal droop rate is modeled as a decaying function and this decaying function is fitted to the signal data to obtain an improved estimate of the signal droop rate.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses are described for an arbitration unit that implements a round robin policy. Each requesting device has an equal chance of accessing a shared resource based upon a current request priority assigned to that requesting device. The arbitration unit includes at least a state block that includes a plurality of state registers. The plurality at least includes a first state register for a first unordered pair of requesting devices, a second state register for a second unordered pair of requesting devices, and a third state register for a third unordered pair of requesting devices.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article includes the steps of: establishing a defined location for a tool activity to occur; determining an actual location of the tool; comparing the actual location of the tool with the defined location; ascertaining an occurrence of the tool activity at the actual location; and verifying whether the tool activity occurred at the defined location.

Abstract: A core block with a highly configurable interface such that the interface of the core can be optimally configured for the system the core is integrated into. In one embodiment the method consists of defining a configurable interface with different configuration options, capturing the specific core configuration through manual entry or through the use of a Graphical User Interface, and providing for software that combines the source description of the core with the configuration data to generate the core with an optimally configured logic and circuit interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for error handling in networks have been described. The method configures a plurality of cores, wherein each core is connected with and associated with each of one of a plurality of initiators. The method further connects one or more of the initiators to a network. Next, one or more of the initiators determine an error in one or more of the cores and communicate the error.

Abstract: Improvements in the design of a low mass wafer holder are disclosed. The improvements include the use of peripherally located, integral lips to space a wafer or other substrate above the base plate of the wafer holder. A uniform gap is thus provided between the wafer and the base plate, such as will temper rapid heat exchanges, allow gas to flow between the wafer and wafer holder during wafer pick-up, and keep the wafer holder thermally coupled with the wafer. At the same time, thermal disturbance from lip contact with the wafer is reduced. Gas flow during pick-up can be provided through radial channels in a wafer holder upper surface, or through backside gas passages. A thicker ring is provided at the wafer holder perimeter, and is provided in some embodiments as an independent piece to accommodate stresses accompanying thermal gradients. Self-centering mechanisms are provided to keep the wafer holder centered relative to a spider which is subject to differential thermal expansion.

Abstract: Air from the intake manifold and fuel from an injector is mixed by a Venturi of adjustable flow path, upstream of an intake valve. Fuel is injected into the throat of the Venturi to improve vaporization and to premix the fuel and air before the mixture enters the combustion chamber. A pressurized manifold from a supercharger or turbocharger system can enhance the action of the Venturi. The Venturi mixing enhances combustion efficiency, resulting in increased power and fuel economy for an internal combustion engine.