Abstract: A system and method for automated print identification is described. In particular, the method includes providing an active search record, arranging the prints of the active search record according to print quality to generate a filtered active file database, providing the filtered active file database as the input to a match algorithm, detecting a print correlation corresponding to a print contained in the active file database, determining if a print match has been made, determining the strength of a match if a print match has been made, and determining the active search file record to be added into the active database or the matched active file records to be updated.

Abstract: A monolithically integrable spiral balun comprises a substrate having first, second, third, and fourth transmission lines formed thereon. The first transmission line has a first end coupled to receive an input signal and has a second end. The first transmission line forms a spiral that winds in a first direction from its first end to its second end. The second transmission line has a first end and has a second end electrically coupled to the second end of the first transmission line. The second transmission line forms a second spiral that winds in a second direction from its first end to its second end. The third transmission line has a first end for providing a first output and a second end for coupling to a first potential. The third transmission line forms a third spiral that interleaves the first spiral and winds in the second direction from its first end to its second end. A fourth transmission line has a first end for providing a second output and a second end for coupling to a second potential.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is protected by monitoring at least one fuel cell parameter, comparing the parameter to a preset level, and disconnecting or reconnecting a main load in response to the fuel cell parameter. For example, a fuel cell system (300) is provided with a protection circuit (304, 308) that prevents operation of the fuel cells in the negative dP/dI region. System (300) includes a stack of fuel cells (302) connected in series and coupled to a main load (310). A controller (304) provides a control signal (314) based on the individual fuel cell voltage levels falling above or below a preset level. Control signal (314)is used to control a load switch (308)coupled between the stack of fuel cells (302) and the main load (310). The load switch (308) disconnects the main load (310) in order to prevent operation of the fuel cell cells in the negative dP/dI region.

Abstract: Efficient cell lysis in small samples, i.e., samples less than one milliliter, is achieved by exposing the sample to microwave radiation in the frequency range of 18 to 26 GHz. The sample containing cells is supported in a wave-guide cavity, and a microwave source provides microwave radiation to the input port of the wave-guide cavity. A computer controls the frequency and source power level of the microwave radiation produced by the microwave source. The computer also monitors the input power level of the microwave radiation at the input port by means of an input power measuring instrument, the output power level at the output port by means of an output power measuring instrument, and the temperature of the sample by means of a thermocouple. In this way, the computer can control the operating parameters to achieve efficient cell lysis.

Abstract: A hybrid low voltage distributed power amplifier structure (300) provides improved efficiency by forming drain transmission line inductors (323) on a substrate (306) while the rest of the amplifier is built in IC form (302). A wirebond interconnection (330) is made between the IC's drainline capacitors (324) and the substrate's drainline inductors (323) which are a higher impedance point in the circuit. As a result, the wirebond inductance becomes negligible and has little or no impact on the power amplifier's performance.

Abstract: A microwave device has a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) disposed therein for applying microwave radiation to a microfluidic structure, such as a chamber, defined in the device. The microwave radiation from the MMIC is useful for heating samples introduced into the microfluidic structure and for effecting lysis of cells in the samples. Microfabrication techniques allow the fabrication of MMICs that perform heating and cell lysing of samples having volumes in the microliter to picoliter range.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis device having a substrate layer and a cover layer, with a plurality of electrophoresis channels formed in the substrate layer, includes an optical waveguide system that transmits excitation radiation from a source port into each one of the electrophoresis channels. The optical waveguide system is defined by regions, within either the cover or substrate, that have an index of refraction higher than that of the surrounding material.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a multilayered structure out of sheets of green-tape without the application of high pressures includes the step of applying an adhesive to the sheets of green-tape. Selection of an adhesive with a polymer that decomposes at a higher temperature than the binder present in the green-tape promotes stability of the interfaces during the firing process and promotes void-free sintering within the interfacial regions.

Abstract: A fuel processor and integrated fuel cell including a monolithic three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reformer and including an integrated fuel cell stack. The reformer includes a vaporization zone, a reaction zone including a catalyst, and an integrated heater. The integrated heater is thermally coupled to the reaction zone. The fuel processor further includes an inlet channel for liquid fuel and an outlet channel for hydrogen enriched gas. The fuel processor is formed utilizing multi-layer ceramic technology in which thin ceramic layers are assembled then sintered to provide miniature dimensions in which the encapsulated catalyst converts or reforms inlet fuel into a hydrogen enriched gas.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive memory fabricated on a common substrate. The memory including first and second spaced apart magnetoresistive memory arrays each including a plurality of MTJ memory cells arranged in rows and columns and a plurality of word/digit lines associated with the rows of magnetoresistive memory cells of each of the arrays. Switching circuitry is positioned on the substrate between the first and second arrays and designed to select a word/digit line in one of the first and second arrays. A current source is positioned on the substrate adjacent and coupled to the switching circuitry for supplying programming current to the selected word/digit line.

Abstract: A scalable magnetoresistive tunneling junction memory cell comprising a fixed ferromagnetic region having a magnetic moment vector fixed in a preferred direction in the absence of an applied magnetic field, an electrically insulating material positioned on the fixed ferromagnetic region to form a magnetoresistive tunneling junction, and a free ferromagnetic region having a magnetic moment vector oriented in a position parallel or anti-parallel to that of the fixed ferromagnetic region. The free ferromagnetic region includes N ferromagnetic layers that are anti-ferromagnetically coupled, where N is an integer greater than or equal to two. The number N of ferromagnetic layers can be adjusted to increase the effective magnetic switching volume of the MRAM device.

Abstract: A micro-gas chromatograph column is formed by texturing a channel into a plurality of green-sheet layers, which are then sintered together to form a substantially monolithic structure. A thick-film paste may be added to the channel textured in the green-sheet layers to provide a porous plug sintered in the micro-gas chromatograph column in the substantially monolithic. A thermal conductivity detector is formed in the substantially monolithic structure by depositing a conductive thick-film paste on the surface of one of the green-sheet layers to define a resistor in an exit channel of the micro-gas chromatograph column.

Abstract: A magnetoelectronics element (40) is provided that is comprised of a first magnetic layer (42), a first tunnel barrier layer (44) on the first magnetic layer (42), a second magnetic layer (46) on the first tunnel barrier layer (44) and a stressed over-layer (48) on the second magnetic layer (46), which is configured to alter a switching energy barrier of the second magnetic layer (46).

Abstract: An electrically active antenna apparatus comprising a substrate, a RF feed positioned on the substrate, a radiator element positioned on the substrate and adjacent to the RF feed such that the radiator element and the RF feed are electromagnetically coupled, and a plurality of active devices that make electrical contact with the radiator element. The plurality of active devices are biased to actively tune the resonance frequency of the radiator element.

Abstract: Chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of semiconductor wafers presents a harsh abrasive and chemical environment for equipment used in a polishing process. Prior art translation mechanisms are prone to failure due to corrosion and require maintenance that exposes the polishing process to contamination from lubricants. A translation mechanism (31) requiring no lubrication is designed to have maintenance at intervals greater than a CMP tool. The translation mechanism (31) includes a housing (32) and a moveable mount (33). The housing (32) and the moveable mount (33) are made of hardened stainless steel which is impervious to the CMP environment. Bearing shafts (39) buffer a threaded shaft (36) from side loading on the moveable mount (33). Polymer bearings (51) connected to moveable mount (33) provide a low friction contact surface to bearing shafts (39). A polymer translation nut (41) connects to the moveable mount (33) and is threaded onto the threaded shaft (36).

Abstract: A method of fabricating a field effect transistor including doping a continuous blanket layer in a semiconductor substrate structure adjacent the surface to include a source area and a drain area spaced from the source area. A high dielectric constant insulator layer is positioned on the surface of the semiconductor substrate structure overlying the continuous blanket layer to define a gate area between the source and drain areas. A gate contact on the insulator layer is selected to provide a work function difference that depletes the doped layer beneath the insulator layer. Further, the doped layer depth and dosage are designed such that the doped layer is depleted beneath the insulator layer by the selected work function difference of the gate contact and the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch assembly (10) and a method of forming the MEMBS switch assembly (10) is provided that includes a switching member (12) having a first portion (34) that is at least partially formed with a first material having a first dielectric constant and a second portion (36) that is at least partially formed with a second material having a second dielectric constant. Furthermore, the switching member (12) further includes a first lead (14) spaced apart from a second lead (16) for contacting the switching member (12). In operation, the switching member (12) is configured for movement such that the first portion (34) and second portion (36) of the switching member (12) can provide variable electrical connections between the first lead (14) and second lead (16).

Abstract: A high power SAW device includes an electrode positioned on a piezoelectric substrate. The electrode includes a bonding layer of material deposited on and bonding with the substrate and a conductive structure, of at least one layer of material, overlying the bonding layer and fixedly bonded to the substrate by the bonding layer. The conductive structure includes aluminum and an alloy metal with the alloy metal being in a range from approximately 1% by weight to a percent providing for a fravorable trade-off of resistivity versus mechanical properties. The alloy metal is selected from elements in one of the IV and VI columns of the periodic table, e.g. titanium, molybdenum, chromium, and tungsten.

Abstract: The MRAM architecture includes a data column of memory cells and a reference column, including a midpoint generator, positioned adjacent the data column on a substrate. The memory cells and the midpoint generator include similar magnetoresistive memory elements, e.g. MTJ elements. The MTJ elements of the generator are each set to one of Rmax and Rmin and connected together to provide a total resistance of a midpoint between Rmax and Rmin. A differential read-out circuit is coupled to the data column and to the reference column for differentially comparing a data voltage to a reference voltage.

Abstract: A field emission device (100) includes a cathode (110) and a ballast resistor (112) connected to cathode (110). Ballast resistor (112) includes a thin metallic layer (113) and a protective layer (114) disposed on metallic layer (113). Metallic layer (113) is made from chromium and has a thickness of about 40 angstroms. Protective layer (114) is made from sputtered silicon and has a thickness of about 500 angstroms. A portion of metallic layer (113) makes physical contact with cathode (110) and is sandwiched between cathode (110) and protective layer (114). Protective layer (114) is positioned to shield metallic layer (113) from high transient voltages.