Abstract: A thrombus is generated in an aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation or fistula by means of a catheter having an insulated heating coil coupled to an insulated delivery wire. In one embodiment, two delivery wires are coupled to heating coils to provide a closed circuit. The heating coils may be in the form of a double helix or a single helix in combination with a straight heating coil. The heating coils are permanently connected to the delivery wires. Alternatively, a single insulated heating coil may be attached to a single insulated delivery wire with a uninsulated coil attached to the tip of the insulated heating coil. The electrical circuit is then made through the heating coil and non-insulated electrode coil into the vascular system and to a body electrode. A catheter may also be used for heating blood within the vascular system which is directly flowed into a tumoral mass for the purposes of thermal treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A high-powered, solid state microwave and millimeter wave, power combiner and divider is provided by using a plurality of radially oriented tapered slotline cards disposed in a center cylindrical coaxial section between its inner and outer conductors. The cylindrical coaxial section in turn is coupled to a conical input coaxial section that couples and distributes the input signal among the plurality of cards, and an output coaxial section that combines the output signal from the plurality of cards to an output coaxial terminal. The device is compact with broadband performance and provides a natural heat sink for a plurality of lower powered devices, which enables the power combiner to use a large number of lower powered devices to meet larger power requirements.

Abstract: The retention of free coils or GDC coils within body cavities or aneurysms in the human vascular system is achieved through the use of a GDC cage. The GDC cage is comprised of an expandable cage coupled to the wire, which cage and wire are disposed within a catheter. The cage has a memory so that it normally assumes an expanded configuration when unconfined, but is capable of assuming a collapsed configuration when disposed and confined within the catheter. In the illustrated embodiments a detachable joint is provided between the cage and wire so that the cage may be selectively detached from the wire and left in place within the body lumen in its selected position in the expanded configuration. The cage may thus be placed and detached in aneurysms to retain the coils disposed therein or placed in front of aneurysm openings to prevent the escape of free coils from the aneurysm. The cage may be used as a fishing tool to capture escaped free coils in the vessel, which may have escaped from the aneurysm.

Abstract: A tunable antenna-coupled intersubband terahertz (TACIT) detector is based on intersubband absorption in doped semiconductor quantum wells. THz-frequency radiation impinges on a coplanar antenna. The antenna couples radiation into a narrow constriction in a two dimensional electron gas (the "active region") with electric field perpendicular to the plane of the antenna. Radiation, which is at the intersubband absorption frequency, is absorbed in the active region. The resulting change in resistance through the constriction is detected. The frequency of the absorption, and hence the detection frequency, can be tuned over the 1-5 THz range by applying small voltages between a front and back gate. The efficiency with which radiation couples from the antenna into the active region can be optimized at each frequency.TACIT detectors solve a number of outstanding problems associated with Terahertz detection including:1.

Abstract: Incremental values of a plurality of capacitors are programmably coupled through ROM core FETs with selective threshold voltages, EPROM core FETs, RAM cells, ROM fuse links or antifuse ROM links to a dummy bit line. The dummy bit line carries a bit line voltage to simulate either the worst case logical one or worst case logical zero within a read-only memory array of memory cells. The dummy bit line voltage is used as a control signal to a trigger circuit. The trigger circuit generates at the appropriate threshold a triggering signal used to control sense amplifiers coupled to the memory circuit. Therefore, by programmably altering the delay time on the dummy bit line, the read cycle of the memory can be programmably altered to either minimize the read time cycle to provide a fast, high quality memory product, or to maximize the read time cycle to provide for a slower but higher yield memory product at less expense.

Abstract: An integrated circuit, or microelectromechanical structure is defined onto a contour surface by utilizing a flexible mask upon which photolithographic patterns are first defined using conventional planar photolithographic techniques. The contour surface is provided with a thin film uniformly distributed on the surface and then the flexible mask is aligned with the contour substrate. Alignments are made through multiple stages of yaw alignment, translation alignment and rotational alignment. Once the mask is aligned with contour substrate it is then subjected while rotating to developing field, such as uniform illumination of ultraviolet light shining on the side of the contour substrate as it is rotated in the illumination field. The developed photoresist layer disposed on the surface of the contour substrate is thus developed and the underlying film etched according to the patterned mask in a manner similar to a conventional planar photolithography.

Abstract: An artery, vein, aneurysms vascular malformation or arterial fistula is occluded through endovascular occlusion by the endovascular insertion of a platinum wire and/or tip into the vascular cavity. The vascular cavity is packed with the tip to obstruct blood flow or access of blood in the cavity such that the blood clots in the cavity and an occlusion if formed. The tip may be elongate and flexible so that it packs the cavity by being folded upon itself a multiple number of times, or may pack the cavity by virtue of a filamentary or fuzzy structure of the tip. The tip is then separated from the wire mechanically or by electrolytic separation of the tip from the wire. The wire and the microcatheter are thereafter removed leaving the tip embedded in the thrombus formed within the vascular cavity. Movement of wire in the microcatheter is more easily tracked by providing a radioopaque proximal marker on the microcatheter and a corresponding indicator marker on the wire.

Abstract: When embodied in a microgyroscope, the invention is comprised of a silicon, four-leaf clover structure with a post attached to the center. The whole structure is suspended by four silicon cantilevers or springs. The device is electrostatically actuated and capacitively detects Coriolis induced motions of the leaves of the leaf clover structure. In the case where the post is not symmetric with the plane of the clover leaves, the device can is usable as an accelerometer. If the post is provided in the shape of a dumb bell or an asymmetric post, the center of gravity is moved out of the plane of clover leaf structure and a hybrid device is provided. When the clover leaf structure is used without a center mass, it performs as a high Q resonator usable as a sensor of any physical phenomena which can be coupled to the resonant performance.

Abstract: The present invention is an endovascular embolic composition. The embolic composition comprises a hydrophilic insoluble matrix having a microscopic mesh-like structure. The voids or intricacies of the matrix enclose droplets of aqueous solution as well as liquid oil. This structure is essentially equivalent to a "gel" structure with the insoluble matrix including both aqueous and oil droplets within its mesh. In creating the matrix a liquid oil base is mixed with an aqueous solution of a matrix base. The matrix base comprises an organic polymer such as a protein like albumin or its equivalent dissolved in an aqueous solution which may contain additional solutes. The matrix base solution is mixed and emulsified with the liquid oil base at a volume ratio ranging between about 1-to-1 and 1-to-5 respectively.

Abstract: A dental bracket having a non-adhering, moldable base, wherein the moldable base is conformed to the surface of the tooth to which it is to be adhered. A very thin layer of dental adhesive interposed between the moldable base and the tooth (by coating of any or both of the tooth and moldable base--preferably the tooth) effects full adherence of the bracket to the tooth. The base material is fully cured by normal curing methods such as by UV or other wavelength light activation. Use of a non-tacky, bondable plastic membrane (or coating or use of a thin inert interposition material which is non-tacky and bondable) bonded to the base material (and which is conformed with the molding of the base material), facilitates application of a bracket with an applicator. A bracket applicator and package suitable for use with the dental bracket of the present invention is also described.

Abstract: A multipurpose ointment (MPOc) in a semisolid-semiliquid form and a multipurpose particle (MPPc) in a solid soft particulate form are prepared by combining a matrix base in a aqueous solution with a liquid oil base and added modifiers and medications to form either an ointment or suspension of particles for endovascular disposition for embolizing abnormal microvascular beds or nidi. The ointment or particles are formed from a albumin (human serum or chicken egg) matrix or equivalent material or combination of the same in an aqueous solution, typically contrast-medium solution, which has been emulsified with a radiopaque oil base such as ETHIODOL, and then heated to modify the mobility, viscosity, deformability, elasticity, surface tension and friction along with the inclusion of medications and modifiers for the desired physical characteristics and biological end effects.

Abstract: Dopant activation in heavily boron doped p.sup.+ --Si is achieved by applying electric current of high density. The p.sup.+ --Si was implanted by a 40 KeV BF.sup.2+ at an ion intensity 5.multidot.10.sup.15 ions per cm.sup.2 and annealed at 900.degree. C. for 30 minutes to obtain a partial boron activation according to conventional processing steps. To obtain additional activation and higher conductivity, current was gradually applied according to the invention to a current density of approximately 5.times.10.sup.6 A/cm.sup.2 was realized. The resistance of the p.sup.+ --Si gradually increases and then decreases with a precipitous drop at a threshold current. The resistance was reduced by factor of 5 to 18 times and was irreversible if an activation current threshold was reached or exceeded. The high-current-density-dopant activation occurs at room temperature.

Abstract: A micromachined hot-wire anemometer having fast response times and higher sensitivities than conventional hot-wire anemometers is provided by micromachining doped polysilicon wires carried on silicon supports cantilevered from a substrate including one or more insulating layers disposed between said substrate and supports. The micromachined polysilicon hot-wire anemometer is fabricated using surface micromachining techniques.A shear stress sensor is micromachined to define a thin diaphragm over a cavity defined in a substrate underlying the diaphragm. The cavity is evacuated, sealed, and a thermistor disposed over the diaphragm. The thermistor is thus thermally insulated from the substrate and provides a low profile shear stress sensor for measuring flow rates in boundary layers above a flow surface.

Abstract: A memory precharge voltage, VPC, is provided which tracks changes in the high voltage supply, VDD, according to a measured degree, which maintains a precharge voltage notwithstanding transient loads which may tend to draw the precharge voltage down, and which maintains the precharge voltage at the operating level notwithstanding the fact that the precharge generator is substantially turned off during a power down condition. The precharge voltage, VPC, is then used as the controlling input signal to a circuit which it generates and an internal control voltage, MLC, used to drive small pull-up current FETs coupled to the bit lines in the ROM core. The internal control signal MLC is generated to track the discharge current in a bit line within the memory core, to track VPC, and to be maintained at its operating voltage level even when the MLC current is substantially turned off during a power down condition.

Abstract: Fruit or other objects placed on the conveyor and spun by the conveyor are properly oriented on the conveyor by the method and apparatus of the invention by ejecting one or more adjacent touching objects or ejecting objects which form stacked triplets. An optical sensor determines wherein there is or is not a gap between objects and relates that gap detection to the position of the objects on the conveyor. Detection of a continuous signal through a controller circuit causes a downstream solenoid to be energized according to predetermined timing. The solenoid in turn, when energized, rotates a finger which is coupled to, carried with the conveyor system and situated underneath the pocket between adjacent spools. The finger rotates upwardly and ejects the objects sitting in the pocket, thereby removing the misplaced or touching objects on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An artery, vein, aneurysm, vascular malformation or arterial fistula is occluded through endovascular occlusion by the endovascular insertion of a platinum wire and/or tip into the vascular cavity. The vascular cavity is packed with the tip to obstruct blood flow or access of blood in the cavity such that the blood clots in the cavity and an occlusion if formed. The tip may be elongate and flexible so that it packs the cavity by being folded upon itself a multiple number of times, or may pack the cavity by virtue of a filamentary or fuzzy structure of the tip. The tip is then separated from the wire mechanically or by electrolytic separation of the tip from the wire. The wire and the microcatheter are thereafter removed leaving the tip embedded in the thrombus formed within the vascular cavity. Movement of wire in the microcatheter is more easily tracked by providing a radioopaque proximal marker on the microcatheter and a corresponding indicator marker on the wire.

Abstract: Damage-tolerant, continuous fiber ceramic matrix composites are fabricated to fill the space between the fibers with a powder. The powder particles are heat treated to form a porous framework without shrinkage, which is then strengthened with an inorganic synthesized from a precursor in solution. High particle packing densities is achieved within the fiber preform using a small particle-to-fiber diameter ratio. Filling the interstices with a powder increases the composite density and also limits the size of the crack-like voids within the matrix. The ceramic matrix composite (CMC) has mechanical characteristics similar to those found in wood. It is also affordable and inherently oxidation resistant. The composite is characterized by a heterogeneous distribution of fibers within a porous matrix having a homogeneous, fine porosity. A residual stress from thermal expansion mismatch of the matrix and fibers is created in the composite. The illustrated embodiment uses Al.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the identification number or any other information within a plurality of radiofrequency identification tags within a common field of interrogation utilizes a combination of an isolation state into which the tags may be placed together with bitwise interrogation of the identification number or information followed by selective deactivation. A first bit in the identification number or information is interrogated of all the tags in the field. If any tag responds that the bit is a 1, a 1 is entered into an ID register in a reader and all tags in which a 0 exists in that bit position are deactivated. The process continues until only one tag remains activated. The last activated tag at this point has been completely read and is then placed in an isolated state. The process is begun anew with the remaining nonisolated tags until all tags have been read.

Abstract: A trombus is generated in an aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation or fistula by means of a catheter having an insulated heating coil coupled to an insulated delivery wire. In one embodiment, two delivery wires are coupled to heating coils to provide a closed circuit. The heating coils may be in the form of a double helix or a single helix in combination with a straight heating coil. The heating coils may be electrolytically or mechanically detached therefrom. Alternatively, a single insulated heating coil may be attached to a single insulated delivery wire with a uninsulated coil attached to the tip of the insulated heating coil. The electrical circuit is then made through the heating coil and non-insulated electrode coil into the vascular system and to a body electrode. A catheter may also be used for heating blood within the vascular system which is directly flowed into a tumoral mass for the purposes of thermal treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The topographic surface features of a translucent object, such as a citrus fruit with a peel, are scanned and evaluated to permit the classification thereof according to its surface features. In the case of citrus fruit, the coarseness or pebbliness, puff and crease, ridge and valley, cuts, punctures, scrapes and splits, clear rot or sour rot of the peel is optically identified through digital analysis of the pixel scans and sorted based upon the peel surface quality. The object is classified by separating the scanned image of the fruit from the background image and removing the background image. A statistical evaluation of the image of the object as a whole, including both hemispheres of the object, is made to determine if there is any surface feature variation which might qualify as a defect or be a suitable basis upon which a classification judgment can be made.