Abstract: A ferroelectric capacitor includes a bottom electrode, a top electrode, an a ferroelectric layer located between the top and bottom electrodes that extends to completely encapsulate the top electrode, except for a contact hole to allow metalization of the top electrode. The total encapsulation of the top electrode reduces the sensitivity of the ferroelectric capacitor to hydrogen and thus improves electrical switching performance. The encapsulation technique can also be used to improve the performance of ferroelectric transistors and other devices.

Abstract: A non-volatile ferroelectric latch includes a sense amplifier having at least one input/output coupled to a bit-line node, a ferroelectric storage capacitor coupled between a plate-line node and the bit-line node, and a load element coupled to the bit-line node. The sense amplifier further includes a second input/output coupled to a second bit-line node and the latch further includes a second ferroelectric storage capacitor coupled between a second plate-line node and the second bit-sine node, and a second load element coupled to the second bit-line node. The load element includes a dynamic, switched ferroelectric capacitor a static, nonswitched ferroelectric capacitor, a linear capacitor, or even a resistive load.

Abstract: An RC equivalent delay circuit includes an input node, an output node, a feedback node, and an intermediate node; a first inverter having an input coupled to the input node and an output coupled to the intermediate node; a second inverter having an input coupled to the intermediate node and an output coupled to the feedback node; a third inverter having an input coupled to the feedback node and an output coupled to the output node; and one or two switches having a first input coupled to the input node, a second input coupled to the feedback node, and an output coupled to the intermediate node.

Abstract: A multi-layer ferroelectric thin film includes a nucleation layer, a bulk layer, and an optional cap layer. A thin nucleation layer of a specific composition is implemented on a bottom electrode to optimize ferroelectric crystal orientation and is markedly different from the composition required in the bulk of a ferroelectric film. The bulk film utilizes the established nucleation layer as a foundation for its crystalline growth. A multi-step deposition process is implemented to achieve a desired composition profile. This method also allows for an optional third composition adjustment near the upper surface of the film to ensure compatibility with an upper electrode interface and to compensate for interactions resulting from subsequent processing.

Abstract: A memory cell layout for use in a 1T/1C ferroelectric memory array includes an access transistor having a gate coupled to a word line and a current path coupled between a bit line and an internal cell node, a shunt word line extending across the memory cell that is electrically isolated from the word line and the access transistor within the physical boundary of the memory cell, and a ferroelectric capacitor coupled between the internal cell node and a plate line.

Abstract: A method of driving a sense amplifier having at least one input/output node and at least one latch node the method includes the steps of initially setting the latch node to a first logic state such that the sense amplifier is disabled, adjusting the latch node voltage in one or more discrete levels, and finally setting the latch node to a second logic state such that the sense amplifier is enabled.

Abstract: A reference cell layout for use in a 1T/1C ferroelectric memory array includes a transistor of a first polarity type having a gate coupled to a reference word line and a current path coupled between a bit line and an internal cell node, a transistor of a second polarity type having a gate coupled to a pre-charge line and a current path coupled between a source of power supply voltage and the internal cell node, a shunt reference word line extending across the reference cell that is electrically isolated from the reference word line, the pre-charge line and the transistors within the physical boundary of the memory cell, and a ferroelectric capacitor coupled between the internal cell node and a reference plate line.

Abstract: A method of driving a selected plate line segment in a 1T/1C memory, the method including the steps of logically combining an odd word line signal and an even word line signal to form a first logic signal, logically combining the first logic signal with a plate clock signal to form a second logic signal, latching the second logic signal, and driving the selected plate line segment with the latched second logic signal.

Abstract: A sense amplifier cell layout for use in a 1T/1C ferroelectric memory array includes a first sense amplifier having two input/output nodes for receiving a first bit line signal and a first inverted bit line signal and a second sense amplifier having two input/output nodes for receiving a second bit line signal and a second inverted bit line signal, wherein the combined width of the first and second sense amplifiers is substantially the same as the width of two columns of 1T/1C memory cells used in the array.

Abstract: Sunglasses are formed by an elongated curved frame with a temple hinged at each end of the frame for engaging a user's ears when the frame is in front of the user's face, and a single-piece wraparound double curvature spherical lens secured at its upper edge to the frame and depending in front of the eye portion of a user's face when the frame is supported by the temples on the user's ears. The lens is a double curvature single piece spherical lens. A nosepiece notch is formed in the center of the lower edge of the lens and a nosepiece pad is formed integrally with the lens along the notch. Rearwardly extending rounded peripheral vision shields are formed integrally with the lens on the ends thereof adjacent to and below the frame ends. The shields extend rearwardly of the frame ends for peripherally shielding the user's eyes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in computer systems utilizes a memory chip employing multiple distributed SRAM caches directly linked to a single DRAM main memory block. Each cache is directly linked to a different bus. Each chip further contains a partially distributed arbitration and control circuit for implementing cache policy and arbitrating memory refresh cycles.

Abstract: A mobile frame (10) for supporting an elongate flexible structure (11) such as a ground working tool assembly, the mobile frame (10) is foldable between a first position in which the elongate flexible structure (11) is supported in a working condition in relation to the ground, and a second position in which the elongate flexible structure (11) is supported in a stored condition in relation to the ground. The mobile frame comprises a first frame portion (31) supported for movement over the ground and a second frame portion (32) for supporting one end of the elongate flexible structure. The second frame portion is mounted on the first frame portion for folding movement with respect thereto about a pivot axis inclined to the fore-and-aft axis of the mobile frame such that the spacing between the ends of the elongate flexible structure (11) increases as the elongate flexible structure is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a metal-ferroelectric-metal ("MFM") capacitor includes the steps of depositing a silicon dioxide layer on a silicon or other substrate, a lower platinum or other noble metal electrode, a PZT or other ferroelectric material dielectric layer, and an upper platinum or other noble metal electrode. The upper electrode and ferroelectric dielectric layer are patterned and etched according to a first pattern corresponding to the final dimensions of the ferroelectric dielectric layer. The upper electrode and lower electrode are subsequently patterned and etched according to a second pattern corresponding to the final dimensions of one or more upper electrodes and the final extent of the lower electrode. The second etching step leaves a benign vestigial upper electrode feature. An oxide layer is finally deposited over the entire surface of the MFM capacitor structure, which is etched and metalized over desired upper and lower electrode contacts.

Abstract: A substantially neutral metal alkanoate solution suitable for application of the constituent micronutrient metal to agricultural crops or acreage where such crops are to be grown, is disclosed. Alkanoates having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred, with acetates most preferred. Metals selected from the group consisting of boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, sodium and zinc are preferred, with zinc particularly preferred. The compositions of the present invention remain soluble at and below freezing temperatures for extending periods, and exhibits a high degree of miscibility in fertilizers. A method of manufacturing the compositions of the present invention is disclosed, in which a metal oxide is dispersed in water, ammonia is added to the dispersion, and acid is added to the basic dispersion to solubilize and substantially neutralize the dispersion and create an aqueous micronutrient solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided to monitor a generally transparent blood tube at a location that is downstream from a blood separator in order to detect the presence of red blood cells in a tube that is intended to carry a different blood component, for example platelets. A red light source and a green light source are located in relation to the tube so that red light emission and green light emission are directed toward the tube and toward the flowing blood component(s) that is carried within the tube. The red light source produces a red reflection intensity from red blood cells whose magnitude increases as a function of an increase in the concentration of red blood cells. The green light source produces a green reflection intensity from the red blood cells whose magnitude decreases as a function of an increase in the concentration of the red blood cells.

Abstract: A denture of the present invention includes a molded, plastic dental plate in which is mounted at least one anterior artificial tooth. The anterior artificial tooth includes a base surface and a concealed portion which are mounted in a base portion of the dental plate. The anterior artificial tooth also includes an incisal edge, a lingual surface and a buccal surface. Formed in the interior of the anterior artificial tooth is a passageway substantially elliptical in cross section which extends vertically from the base surface to the lingual surface, spaced apart from the incisal edge. The material from which the dental plate is manufactured extends from the base of the dental plate through the passageway and extends one lingual surface of the anterior artificial tooth, to form an integral dental plate base, column and lingual coating. The coating extends contiguously over the lingual surface of adjacent anterior artificial teeth.

Abstract: Sunglasses (20) having side shields (28) for blocking the sun at their lateral edges, include lenses (22) joined by a frame or bridge (21), temples (24) hingedly joined to the frame, the side shields (28) being slidably mounted on the temples (24) adjacent the hinges (25). The side shields have spaced ribs (29) on their inner surface (51) defining a channel (30) for receiving a temple bar, with inwardly projecting lips (31) on the ribs for engaging and releasing the temple. The side shields can slide forward and off the temples when the temples are folded, and are securely held on the temples when the temples are open and in use.

Abstract: Eyeglasses are formed from a single curved lens and a frame supporting the lens along the upper edge thereof. A pair of temples are attached by hinges to the frame at the outer sides thereof. A central depending boss on the frame, a temple hinge boss at each outer side of the frame mounting the temple hinges, and depending supporting bosses intermediate the central boss and hinge bosses, each define a slot for receiving and retaining the upper edge of the lens. The boss slots being of a depth for supporting said lens with said upper edge thereof in spaced relation from said frame, fasteners securing said lens to said hinge bosses, and a fastener securing said lens to said central boss.