Abstract: The present invention provides data coherent logic for an SRAM device. The present invention utilizes a data strobe signal and an output strobe signal to control data written into and read out of the. SRAM device from an input/output pad. Data coherent logic is designed to resolve timing conflicts between the data and output strobe signals. The logic selectively delays the output strobe signal when a match occurs for data requested in a read operation immediately following a write operation. The delay allows sufficient time for the data to be registered and selected before being outputted from the device.

Abstract: Information sent from a server in response to a request from a client computer is accompanied by a version stamp, comprising date/time code. At the client, on each occurrence of a specified event or events, the version stamp is compared with any previous version stamp to determine whether this is a new transmission of information or not. A log is kept at the client of all information displayed, whether on-line or off-line, and the logged information is subsequently returned to the server, when a subsequent request for information is made by the client of the server. When it is determined from the version stamp that new information is being received from the server, this indicates that the logged information has reached the server, and the log can be cleared. Similar operations can be applied to the sending and receipt of e-mail messages.

Abstract: A two-step chlorination/alkylation technique used to introduce alkyl groups, —CnH2n+1 (n=1-6), functionally onto single-crystal, (111)-oriented, n-type Si surfaces. H-terminated Si photoanodes were unstable under illumination in contact with an aqueous 0.35 M K4Fe(CN)6-0.05 MK3Fe(CN)6 electrolyte. Such electrodes displayed low open-circuit voltages and exhibited a pronounced time-dependent deterioration in their current density vs potential characteristics due to anodic oxidation. In contrast, Si surfaces functionalized with —CH3 and —C2H5 groups displayed significant improvements in stability while displaying excellent electrochemical properties when used as photoelectrodes in the aqueous Fe(CN)63−/4− electrolyte.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel wavelength-separating-routing (WSR) apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels, which are focused onto an array of corresponding channel micromirrors. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and continuously pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into selected output ports. As such, the inventive WSR apparatus is capable of routing the spectral channels on a channel-by-channel basis and coupling any spectral channel into any one of the output ports. The WSR apparatus of the invention may further employ a polarization diversity scheme, whereby polarization-sensitive effects become inconsequential and insertion loss is minimized. The WSR apparatus of the invention may additionally be equipped with servo-control and channel equalization capabilities.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for reverse digitized communications. A method includes: providing at least one optical fiber from at least one member selected from the group consisting of a headend and a hub, a minifibernode coupled to said at least one optical fiber, and an electrical conductor coupled to said minifibernode; transforming a forward optical signal from said at least one optical fiber to a forward analog electrical signal on said electrical conductor at said minifibernode; and transforming a reverse analog electrical signal on said electrical conductor to a reverse digital optical signal at said minifibernode. The systems and methods provide advantages because the need for muxnode units is eliminated, the cost of the node units is reduced, the amount of optical fiber is reduced and the reverse bandwidth is increased.

Abstract: A data queue system comprises plural memory blocks defined in memory, and a queue which comprises a number of memory blocks each including a link to the following block in the data queue. A queue descriptor includes identities which identify: the final block in the queue, the memory location where the most recent read commit occurred (and optionally an offset from a predetermined location in that block), the memory location where the most recent write commit occurred (and optionally an offset from a predetermined location in that memory block), the size of the blocks, the memory location the most recent write occurred, the number of unused blocks, the number of blocks which contain data to be read, the type of data queue, the memory location where the most recent read occurred and the number of blocks which have been read since the most recent read commit.

Abstract: A first method of forming a sublithographic opening in a first layer of a first material begins by creating a lithographic opening on the first layer with the lithographic opening being over the location of the desired sublithographic opening. The first material in the first layer is partially removed from the lithographic opening. A sacrificial layer of the same material as the first layer is conformally deposited to fit the contour of the first layer, including over the lithographic opening. The resultant structure is anisotropically etched to etch the sacrificial layer as well as the first layer to form the sublithographic opening within the lithographic opening. A second method to form a sublithographic opening is to deposit a sacrificial layer such as polysilicon. A lithographic opening is created in the sacrificial layer with the lithographic opening being positioned over the location of the desired sublithographic opening. The sacrificial material is removed from the lithographic opening.

Abstract: A nonvolatile reprogrammable switch for use in a PLD or FPGA has a nonvolatile memory cell connected to the gate of an MOS transistor with the terminals of the MOS transistor connected to the source of the signal and to the circuit. The nonvolatile memory cell is of a split gate type having a floating gate positioned over a first portion of the channel and a control gate positioned over a second portion of the channel with electrons being injected onto the floating gate by hot electron injection mechanism. The nonvolatile memory cell is erased by the action of the electrons from the floating gate being tunneled through Fowler-Nordheim tunneling onto the control gate, which is adjacent to the second region. As a result, no high voltage is ever applied to the second region during program or erase. Thus, the nonvolatile memory cell with the second region can be connected directly to the gate of the MOS transistor, which together therewith forms a nonvolatile reprogrammable switch.

Abstract: A home automation system interface and method for interfacing with a system that automatically controls controlled devices throughout a home. A unique architecture of occupancy sensors includes entry/exit sensors for detecting movement through doorways that separate rooms in the home, room motion sensors for detecting room occupancy, spot sensors to detect occupancy of specific locations within the rooms, and house status sensors to detect the status of certain parameters of the home. A central controller communicates with the sensors and controlled objects over a communications network, where the sensors and controlled objects can be added to the system in a ‘plug and play’ manner. The central controller controls the controlled objects in response to the entry/exit sensors room motion sensors, spot sensors and the house status sensors.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of diagnosing a cell proliferative disorder of breast tissue by determining the methylation status of nucleic acids obtained from a subject. Aberrant methylation of several genes including TWIST, HOXA5, NES-1, retinoic acid receptor beta (RAR&bgr;), estrogen receptor (ER), cyclin D2, WT-1, 14.3.3 sigma, and combinations of such genes serve as markers of breast malignancy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling data transfers over communications links having a plurality of transmission lanes. In one embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of elastic buffers, each of which is coupled to one of the lanes in the communications link, and a buffer controller coupled to the buffers. Data is clocked into the elastic buffers using a first clock signal and is clocked out of the buffers by a second clock signal. The buffer controller is configured to monitor each of the buffers and to detect impending underflow or overflow conditions. In response to detect in one of these conditions, the buffer controller will cause the words to be added or deleted, respectively, to all of the elastic buffers rather than only the buffer in which the overflow/underflow condition was detected.

Abstract: A reading and spelling skill diagnosis and training system and method are provided wherein a user's auditory processing, phonological awareness and processing, morphological awareness, visual orthographic memory, reading and spelling skills are trained in order to improve the user's reading and spelling skills. The system may include one or more modules that each test and train a different set of skills. Each module may include one or more different tasks (implemented as interactive graphical games) that train a particular skill or set of skills of the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for communications links with non-intrusive expansion capability. A first splitter combiner switches form a shut state to a bypass state when a second headend output is communicatively coupled to a first upstream input and a second headed output is communicatively coupled to a first downstream output. The first splitter combiner is then switchable back to the shut state from the bypass state when the either the second headend output is communicatively decoupled from the first upstream input or the second headend input is communicatively decoupled from the first downstream output. The systems and methods provide advantages because a communication network can be equipped for non-intrusive expansion of the network.

Abstract: A self aligned method of forming an array of floating gate memory cells, and an array formed thereby, wherein each memory cell includes a trench formed into a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and spaced apart source and drain regions with a channel region formed therebetween. The drain region is formed underneath the trench. An electrically conductive floating gate is formed over and insulated from a portion of the channel region, with a horizontally oriented edge extending therefrom. An electrically conductive control gate is formed having a first portion disposed in the trench and a second portion disposed adjacent to and insulated from the floating gate edge.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media with thermal fluctuation resistance and low noise made compatible are obtained by using as magnetic layers a combination of a first magnetic material having a first Curie point higher than the recording temperature and a second magnetic material having a second Curie point higher than the operation temperature of the apparatus and lower than the recording temperature, a combination of a ferromagnetic material having a Curie point higher than the recording temperature and an antiferromagnetic material having a Neel point higher than the operation temperature of the apparatus and lower than the recording temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to program and/or to test a non-volatile memory cell to be programmed into a plurality of bit states (with each bit state having two states). More particularly, the method rapidly programs or tests such a cell by hard programming the cell when the cell is to be programmed into a state which permits the minimal amount of current t o flow in the channel. The charge pump integral with the memory device is capable of generating two types of pulses: a small incremental pulse, and a “hard” pulse, which is used only if the cell is to be programmed into the fully programmed state. For the states between fully programmed and fully erased, the incremental pulse is used to incrementally program the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides centrifugal rotors for delivering a premeasured volume of liquid to a chamber in the rotor. In particular the rotors comprise siphons for delivering a premeasured volume of liquid between a first and a second chamber in the rotor. The siphons of the invention are designed such that the inlet of the siphon on the first chamber is radially outward of the siphon outlet on the second chamber. The first chamber is emptied to a level equivalent to the radial position of the siphon outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for optical spectral power monitoring employing novel frequency-division-multiplexing detection schemes. The optical spectral power monitoring apparatus of the present invention uses a wavelength-dispersing means (e.g., a diffraction grating) to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal into multiple spectral channels, and an array of beam-modulating elements (e.g., micromirrors) positioned such that each beam-modulating element receives a unique one of the spectral channels. The beam-modulating elements are individually controllable such that the optical power levels of the spectral channels coupled into an output port carry distinct dither modulation signals. By performing a synchronous detection of the dither modulation signals, in conjunction with a predetermined calibration table, an optical power spectrum of the multi-wavelength optical signal can be derived.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals expressing a hypersensitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Transgenic animals have point mutations in the nucleic acid sequence encoding the &agr;4 subunit of the receptor that result in increased sensitivity to nicotine. Such transgenic animals are model systems for nicotine addiction and certain types of epilepsy.

Abstract: The invention relates to an animal model for studying behavior related to RGS9 and RGS9 modulated dopamine D2-mediated behavior. The invention provides transgenic non-human animals in which RGS9 expression is disrupted, methods of using such animals, and methods of modulating dopamine D2-mediated behavior.