Abstract: A cell array circuit for a programmable logic device is provided with split read and write lines in the memory cell. The circuit eliminates the need for pass gates in the speed path. The circuit includes steering logic, a row line driver circuit and a row decoder circuit to facilitate the different modes of operation of the cell array circuit.

Abstract: Contaminants are detected optically at concentrations below 1 part-per-million (ppm) and extending to a level approaching 1 part-per-trillion (ppt) by using intracavity laser spectroscopy (ILS) techniques. A diode laser-pumped solid-state laser (the ILS laser) is employed as a detector. The ILS laser comprises an ion-doped crystal medium contained in a laser cavity optically pumped by a diode laser pump laser. A gas sample containing gaseous contaminant species is placed inside the laser cavity and on one side of the ion-doped crystal. The output signal from the ILS laser is detected and analyzed to identify the gaseous species (via its spectral signature). The concentration of the gaseous species can be determined from the spectral signature as well. Advantageously, the diode laser pump laser is relatively small and compact in comparison to other sources of optical pumping.

Abstract: An optimization method is disclosed that enhances the interactivity of multimedia information. The optimization method includes separating a multimedia information into primary and secondary layers and enhancing that information in the primary layers such that the perceived psychographic information quality is improved. This method has the advantage of providing compression and/or transmission algorithms to maximize enhancement of the multimedia information.

Abstract: Contaminants in corrosive gases are detected optically at concentrations below 1 part-per-million (ppm) and extending to a level below 1 part-per-billion (ppb) by using intracavity laser spectroscopy (ILS) techniques. A laser, the ILS laser, is employed as a detector. The ILS laser comprises a gain medium contained in a laser cavity. A gas sample containing gaseous contaminant species is contained within a gas sample cell which is placed inside the laser cavity and on one side of the gain medium. Accordingly, the corrosive gas is prevented from reacting with the components of the ILS laser. The output signal from the ILS laser is detected and analyzed to identify the gaseous species (via its spectral signature). The concentration of the gaseous species can be determined from the spectral signature as well.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning cracks, grooves, channels and spacings in pavement. The inventive tool comprises an elongate pole having a longitudinal axis and a flat blade having at least one vertex, said blade being disposed at one end of said pole whereby said vertex may engage the ground when said pole is held at a predetermined angle with respect to said surface. In a specific implementation, the tool has a wooden pole and metallic blade and includes first and second vertices disposed at opposing ends of a first edge on the blade extending along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pole. In alternative embodiments, an edge of the blade between the pole and the vertex is straight or curved in a concave or convex manner or some combination thereof as may be required for particular applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to certain improvements in the art of keratometry and, more particularly, to the use of television techniques to determine the shape of the corneal surface of an eye in essentially real-time. Paired television images of diffuse reflections from the cornea are produced by projecting an infra-red illuminated pattern onto the cornea. These diffuse reflections are compared by triangulation to define the corneal contour. The resultant data are processed by a conventional microcomputer to derive surface contour for display, the shape data so generated in a form for instant use. Compensation for image brightness at each location is provided by altering camera video amplifier gain on a pixel by pixel basis, thereby linearizing the response in photometric units. The linearization reduces the complexity of the digital signal processing required for producing a contour map of the cornea. The present invention specifically relates to devices that are used with surgical microscopes.

Abstract: An interferometer including a test plate member having a computer-generated hologram (CGH) written on the reference surface. In a preferred testing configuration, the interferometer setup includes a laser light source, diverger lens, beamsplitters, collimators, and other auxiliary optics arranged in a common-path (Fizeau-type) configuration to minimize measurement errors for testing an optical test piece with the test plate member having the computer-generated hologram. By having the computer-generated hologram written directly on the reference surface of the test plate member, the measurement of aspheric optical surfaces is made with greater precision, more efficient, and with less cost than prior art interferometers and associated methods.

Abstract: A high energy density, high power density capacitor having an energy density of at least about 0.5 J/cm.sup.3 is provided. The capacitor comprises a plurality of interleaved metal electrode layers separated by a polymer layer. The interleaved metal electrode layers terminate at opposite ends in a solder termination strip. The high energy density aspect of the capacitors of the invention is achieved by at least one of the following features: (a) the dielectric thickness between the interleaved metal electrode layers is a maximum of about 5 .mu.m; (b) the polymer is designed with a high dielectric constant .kappa. of at least about 3.5; (c) the metal electrode layers within the polymer layer are recessed along edges orthogonal to the solder termination strips to prevent arcing between the metal electrode layers at the edges; and (d) the resistivity of the metal electrode layers is within the range of about 10 to 500 ohms per square, or a corresponding thickness of about 200 to 30 .ANG..

Abstract: A high sensitivity, high frequency directional hydrophone is disclosed which utilizes flexible optical waveguide wrapped about an hemispherical mandrel located at the focus of a paraboloidal acoustic reflector.

Abstract: A drum shell and method of making same. A first layer of carbon fiber material is rolled into a cylindrical shape. Next, a layer of foam is wrapped over the cylinder of carbon fiber material. Finally, a second layer of carbon fiber material is rolled over the foam layer. In a more specific implementation, several sheets of carbon fiber soaked in an epoxy resin are rolled on a cylindrical mold to provide the first and second rolls thereof. After the application of the second set of sheets, the shell is vacuum dried and cut to desired lengths to complete the construction.

Abstract: Contaminants are detected optically at concentrations below 1 part-per-million (ppm) and extending to a level approaching 1 part-per-trillion (ppt) by using intracavity laser spectroscopy (ILS) techniques. An optically-pumped solid-state laser (the ILS laser) is employed as a detector. The ILS laser comprises an ion-doped crystal medium contained in a linear laser cavity which may be optically pumped by a diode laser pump laser. A gas sample containing gaseous contaminant species is placed inside the laser cavity and on one side of the ion-doped crystal. The output signal from the ILS laser is detected and analyzed to identify the gaseous species (via its spectral signature). The concentration of the gaseous species can be determined from the spectral signature as well. Advantageously, the linear cavity is relatively small and compact in comparison to other ILS systems.

Abstract: A method of improving the breakdown strength of polymer multi-layer (PML) capacitors is provided. The method comprises removing metal, specifically, aluminum, from the cut edge. This is done by either etching back the metal electrode layers in either basic or acidic solution or by anodizing the metal to cover that portion of the metal at the edge with an oxide. Removing the metal from the cut edge increases the breakdown strength of the PML capacitors by a factor of two or more.

Abstract: A braid-removing tool. The inventive tool comprises an elongate body portion having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end and being adapted for retention by a human hand. An elongate tooth is mounted at the first end of the body portion along an axis which is aparallel with respect to the longitudinal axis. In a specific embodiment, the inventive tool further comprises a hook mounted at the second end of the body portion. A finger grip is molded into a first side of the body portion and left and right thumb grooves are molded into a second side of the body portion. The tool allows a user to rapidly and safely remove braids with a simple turn of the wrist.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed which utilize Little's law to improve cache management in a computer based storage system in which the cache is a partitioned or non partitioned write-back cache. In a first aspect, a method and system for managing a write-back cache in a computer based system to accommodate for deferred write operations is disclosed. The method .and system comprises determining an average cast out delay for a cache entry. In a second aspect the method and system comprises utilizing the average castout delay for estimating the number of dirty cache entries which will be needed by the cache if the write operations rate and the average cast out delay does not change significantly. In a third aspect, a method and system for managing a partitioned and prioritized cache in a computer based system to provide sensitivity to a local maximum is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for protecting the stacked gate edge of a semiconductor device is disclosed. The process provides for providing a spacer formation before the self aligned source (SAS) etch is accomplished. By providing the spacer formation prior to the SAS etch, tunnel oxide integrity is much improved and the source junction implant profile is much more uniform because the silicon around the source region is not gouged away.

Abstract: A multiple fiber positioner (MFP) provides a micromachined structure that includes multiple V-grooves in silicon created via anisotropic etching for positioning optical fibers in splices and connectors. The MFP has a permanently bonded cover to provide a one-piece, stand-alone component. This MFP component is used to create new fiber optic splices and connectors.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the efficiency of operation of a dispatch unit in a processing system, the processing system including at least one performance monitor counter (PMC) and at least one monitor mode control register (MMCR) to configure the operations of the at least one PMC, includes counting a number of instructions dispatched by the dispatch unit during a predetermined sampling period, counting a number of times a predetermined number of instructions are dispatched by the dispatch unit per cycle during the predetermined sampling period, and determining the efficiency of the dispatch unit according to the counted number of instructions and the counted number of times the predetermined number of instructions are dispatched by the dispatch unit.

Abstract: Contaminants are detected optically at concentrations below 1 part-per-million (ppm) and extending to a level approaching 1 part-per-trillion (ppt) by using intracavity laser spectroscopy (ILS) techniques. A solid-state laser with an ion-doped crystal medium contained in an optical resonator cavity (the ILS laser) is employed as a detector. A gas sample containing gaseous contaminant species is placed inside the optical resonator cavity and on one side of the ion-doped crystal. The output signal from the ILS laser is detected and analyzed to identify the gaseous species. The concentration of the gaseous species can be determined as well.

Abstract: Apparatus, method, and system aspects for providing efficient accesses to memory in a computer system, the computer system including a controller, are described. Included in the aspects are a random access memory array having a plurality of rows and columns and coupled to the controller, and a column selection mechanism coupled to the memory array and the controller with the column selection mechanism being divided into predetermined portions for providing column selection signals to access chosen portions of a row in the memory array. Further included as the column selection mechanism is a multiplexer. In one embodiment, the multiplexer is divided into halves and provides separate selection signals for accessing upper word halves and lower word halves of the random access memory.

Abstract: A Ti.sub.x N.sub.y layer, not necessarily stoichiometric, is interposed between a titanium or aluminum interconnect layer to improve adhesion and prevent re-entrant undercutting and lifting of the interconnect layer during the process of patterning and plasma etching to form interconnect lines on a substrate, such as an oxide.