Abstract: A hull for a marine propulsion system includes recesses for receiving and protecting propellers of the propulsion systems. The hull may be designed with a pair of recesses, such as in a stern region, in which props of two separate electrically driven propulsion units are positioned. The recesses are formed integrally with the hull shell, and present open lower and aft regions for free circulation of water displaced by the props. The recesses may also properly orient thrust from the props, such as at oblique angles with respect to a centerline of the hull. The recesses may be formed in the hull for receiving the propulsion units as an optional package. A top surface of each recess forms an integral cavitation plate for reducing or eliminating air entrainment into the water stream around the props as well as cavitation due to localized low pressure regions during operation.

Abstract: A manually operable ejector assembly is mounted on the front side of a carrier that supports a hot-pluggable disk drive for removable slidable insertion into a sheet metal cage structure portion of a computer system. The ejector assembly includes a main ejector lever which is pivotally spring-biased in a forward direction outwardly from the front side of the carrier, and is releasably held in a pivotally retracted position by a slide bar member that is spring-biased toward a retaining position in which it overlies a free end of the ejector lever. To remove the carrier from the cage, the slide bar member is slid away from the free ejector lever end, thereby permitting the lever to be spring-driven outwardly to an intermediate open position in which it conveniently forms a pull-handle but does not disconnect the drive from the backplane connector.

Abstract: A method of forming electrical contacts includes the step of implanting ions into a contact hole at an angle to create an enlarged plug enhancement region at the bottom of a contact hole. Thus, even if the contact hole is misaligned, over-sized, or over-etched, the enlarged plug enhancement region contains subsequently formed barrier layers and other conductive materials to reduce current leakage into the underlying substrate or into adjacent circuit elements.

Abstract: A technique is described for producing fluids from a series of wells. Production fluids from production wells are raised from the wells and deposited in a separation unit. The production fluids typically include both liquid and gas phase components. The separation unit utilizes a plurality of separation stages to separate the gas and liquid phase components in the production fluids.

Abstract: A coiled tubing system deploys an electric submergible pump system within a wellbore. The coiled tubing system includes an internal power cable for providing power to a submergible motor. Additionally, a control line, such as a hydraulic line, is disposed within the hollow interior of the coiled tubing to provide an input to the submergible pumping system. The control line is preferably routed through an interior space of a connector unit disposed between the coiled tubing and the submergible motor.

Abstract: A technique for steering a watercraft includes applying drive signals to first and second electric propulsion systems disposed at locations on either side of a longitudinal centerline of the craft. The drive signals power motors of the systems to drive props at corresponding speeds and directions. The props generated components of thrust which combine to provide a net resultant thrust to steer the watercraft. An operator command device receives operator commands, and a control circuit translates the commands to the drive signals to steer the craft in accordance with the operator commands.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system is provided for an internal combustion engine employs a plurality of fluid actuators for each fuel delivery assembly. Each of the plurality of fluid actuators receives fuel from a source of fuel and directs the fuel to a fuel delivery assembly. The fuel delivery assembly receives the fuel from the plurality of fluid actuators and delivers the fuel to a combustion chamber. The fluid actuators are under the control of a control system. The control system controls the operation of the fluid actuators to provide desired volumes of fuel at desired flow rates through a fuel delivery assembly to a combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an array of ultra-small pores for use in chalcogenide memory cells. A layer of a first material is applied onto a substrate. A portion of the layer of the first material is then removed to define an upper surface with vertical surfaces extending therefrom to a lower surface in the first layer of the first material. A fixed layer of a second material is then applied onto the vertical surfaces of the first layer of the first material. The fixed layer of the second material has a first thickness. A second layer of the first material is then applied onto the fixed layer of the second material. The fixed layer of the second material is then removed to define an array of pores in the first material layers. The pores thus defined have minimum lateral dimensions ranging from approximately 50 to 500 Angstroms and cross sectional areas greater than or equal to the first thickness of the second layer squared.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine employs a plurality of fuel delivery assemblies for each combustion chamber. The fuel delivery system contains a fluid actuator for each respective combustion chamber or cylinder. Each fluid actuator receives fuel from a source of fuel and directs the fuel to the plurality of fuel delivery assemblies for each combustion chamber. The fluid actuators are under the control of a control system. The control system controls the operation of the fluid actuators to provide desired volumes of fuel at desired flow rates to a combustion chamber from the plurality of fuel delivery assemblies.

Abstract: A cascaded removable media data storage system includes a first level enhanced removable media data storage system controller connected to a host or server computer network. Connected in parallel to the enhanced first level removable media data storage system controller are at least two enhanced second level removable media data storage system controllers. Each enhanced second level removable media data storage system controllers is connected to a mirrored group of removable media data storage units.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a low specific gravity liquid from underground storage. The system includes a subterranean cavern and a sump in fluid communication with a floor of the cavern. A bottom intake ESP system is deployed to draw liquid from the sump to fully drain the cavern without vaporizing the liquid at the pump intake.

Abstract: A battery-powered computer chassis intrusion detection circuit which stores the time and date that the chassis hood, components, or AC power was removed. When intrusion occurs, an alarm bit isolates the detection circuit oscillator from the circuit, effectively stopping a real time clock from incrementing the time and date. When the computer is powered back up, internal ROM checks to see if an alarm condition occurred. If so, the intrusion date and time is recorded and the user or administrator may be alerted.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a memory device having a plurality of memory cells. Each memory cell has a non-volatile resistive memory element with a small active area. A plurality of memory cells are formed at selected locations of at least a portion of a semiconductor wafer. To form the memory cells, a lower electrode layer and a memory material layer are deposited over at least a portion of the wafer. Patterns are formed over desired contact locations of the memory material layer and etching is used to remove portions of the memory material layer. The etching step undercuts the patterns and forms memory elements having a protruding contact portion with an apex contact area. The pattern is removed, and an upper electrode is formed and electrically coupled to the contact area. Corresponding access devices and word/bit line conductor grids are provided and coupled to the memory cells.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for calibrating time delays between RF and gradient frequency pulses in a magnetic resonance imaging system. The calibration procedure includes the formation of calibration images of a phantom positioned in the gradient field system. Calibration images are processed and compared to one another to determine deviation between locations in the gradient field system and the impact of radio frequency-to-gradient waveform time delays on the deviations. Optimal time delays are identified which minimize the deviations between the calibration images. Multiple axes of the system may be calibrated through the use of symmetrical phantoms and similar pulse sequences of each axis. A spectral-spatial pulse sequence is employed bearing the calibration routine.

Abstract: A modular stator for use in an electric motor. The modular stator includes a plurality of stator sections and a plurality of connectors. The plurality of stator sections have conductors extending therethrough with exposed terminal ends. The connectors have corresponding conductive elements with receptacles for receiving the terminal ends. Thus, a given stator may be assembled to a variety of desired lengths by connecting the appropriate number of modular components.

Abstract: A technique is described for correction of phase errors in bipolar readout gradient examination sequences, such as EPI pulse sequences. The technique employs short reference pulse sequences associated with each readout pulse train. Reference data is collected for positive and negative lobes of the reference sequence. Each reference sequence is employed to estimate a phase error of an associated readout sequence. Data collected in the readout sequence is then corrected based upon the estimated errors. Phase errors resulting from changes in scan orientation are thereby corrected for each frame of k-space data without significantly increasing the data acquisition time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus creating a two stage input to an integrated fuel pump of a fuel injector. The fuel pump has a reciprocating assembly for generating a fuel pulse and an actuating coil which induces linear motion of the reciprocating assembly. A nozzle is formed on the distal end of the injector for discharging fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. An energy controller coupled to the fuel pump generates an initial energy phase and a secondary energy phase in the actuating coil. The initial energy phase corresponds to an initial stage of movement of the reciprocating assembly. The initial stage of movement is associated with overcoming internal resistive forces initially present in the reciprocating assembly. The secondary energy phase corresponds to a secondary stage of movement of the reciprocating assembly wherein the initial resistive forces of the reciprocating assembly have been overcome.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling heat generation within a battery-powered portable computer. One aspect is directed to a computer including a battery, a battery charging circuit operatively connected to the battery to charge the battery at a charging rate, and a temperature detection and control circuit, coupled to the battery charging circuit, that detects a temperature within the computer and provides a control signal to the battery charging circuit having a control value based on the temperature detected. The battery charging circuit is responsive to the control value of the control signal to alter the charging rate. Another aspect is directed to a method for controlling heat dissipation within a portable electronic device having a battery and a battery charging circuit.

Abstract: Impurities are added to a conductor layer in a semiconductor process to prevent formation of void spaces and encourage complete filling of contacts. The impurities reduce the melting point and surface tension of a conductor layer, thereby improving filling characteristics during a reflow step. The impurities may be added at any time during the process, including during conductor deposition and/or reflow.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a watercraft is provided, which may be an integral part of a watercraft or may be retrofitted to a particular watercraft. The propulsion system is mounted to the hull in a central area, such as forward of a transverse centerline of the hull. The propulsion system includes a propulsion assembly coupled to a retractable arm, which is pivotable between a stowed and operational position. In the stowed position at least a portion of the propulsion assembly may be received within a recessional housing formed in the hull.