Abstract: A driving network for an emitter-switching circuit comprises a pair of cascode-configured transistors, the one of the bipolar type and the other of the MOS type, and the driving network is of the type comprising a driving block for respective conduction terminals and of said pair of transistors. The driving network (20, 30) further comprises sensor means in the driving block suitable for measuring a voltage to be compared with a reference value in a first comparator block. A negative feedback network between the output of the comparator and the driving block to provides a voltage value to said driving block to bias the conduction terminal of the bipolar transistor of the emitter-switching circuit in order to regulate the storage time thereof.

Abstract: A memory device comprises a plurality of banks of storage locations accessible in response to access requests. Data refresh means are provided for refreshing data stored in the storage locations within prescribed times, whereby the memory device autonomously perform a refresh. A cache memory is embedded in the memory device. The cache memory has a plurality of cache storage locations for storing data contained in recently accessed storage locations. Access control means control the access to the storage locations and to the cache storage locations in response to the access requests: an access request is diverted to the cache memory whenever access to anyone of the recently accessed storage locations is requested. Any cache storage location is freely associable to any storage location in any bank, the association between any cache storage location and a storage location in the plurality of banks being established by a storage location association table in the access control means.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a scanning assembly that scans about two or more axes, typically in a raster pattern. A plurality of light sources emit light from spaced apart locations toward the scanning assembly such that the scanning assembly simultaneously scans more than one of the beams. The light sources are positioned such that their beams each illuminate discrete regions of the image field that are substantially non-overlapping with respect to the other discrete regions. The image is thus formed from a set of “tiles”. By activating a first light source during a forward sweep of the mirror and activating a second light source during a reverse sweep of the mirror, two halves a common line can be written during a single sweep of the mirror. Shifting the position of the sources such that the two halves are aligned reduces raster pinch. In alternative embodiments, the same approach is used for imaging.

Abstract: A micromachined device made of semiconductor material is formed by: a semiconductor body; an intermediate layer set on top of the semiconductor body; and a substrate, set on top of the intermediate layer. A cavity extends in the intermediate layer and is delimited laterally by bottom fixed regions, at the top by the substrate, and at the bottom by the semiconductor body. The bottom fixed regions form fixed electrodes, which extend in the intermediate layer towards the inside of the cavity. An oscillating element is formed in the substrate above the cavity and is separated from top fixed regions through trenches, which extend throughout the thickness of the substrate. The oscillating element is formed by an oscillating platform set above the cavity, and by mobile electrodes, which extend towards the top fixed regions in a staggered way with respect to the fixed electrodes. The fixed electrodes and mobile electrodes are thus comb-fingered in plan view but formed on different levels.

Abstract: A method for forming, by thermal oxidation, a silicon oxide layer on an integrated circuit including three-dimensional silicon patterns, includes implanting a first element according to a first angle with respect to a horizontal direction. The first element is electrically neutral and has a first effect on the growth rate of a thermal oxide on silicon. A second element is implanted according to a second angle with respect to the horizontal direction. The second element is electrically neutral and has a second effect complementary to the first effect on the growth rate of a thermal oxide on silicon. The second angle is distinct from the first angle, and one of the first and second angles is a right angled. The silicon is thermally oxidized.

Abstract: A method of compressing digital images acquired in CFA format that utilizes optimized quantization matrices. The method, basing itself on the statistical characterization of the error introduced during the processing phase that precedes compression, appropriately modifies the coefficients of any initial quantization matrix, even of a standard type, obtaining a greater compression efficiency without introducing further quality losses.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling rapid partial configuration of reconfigurable devices includes a configuration definition unit and a configuration loading unit. The configuration definition unit defines partial configuration requirements, and contains at least a starting address of configuration data for the partial reconfiguration, data size specifying the number of contiguous locations to be reconfigured, and desired configuration data corresponding to the contiguous locations. The configuration loading unit provides for loading the configuration data into the reconfigurable device according to the partial configuration requirements without providing commands corresponding to any addresses outside of said configuration requirements.

Abstract: In a body of semiconductor material, a field region separates a first active area and a second active area. A drain region is formed in the first active area; a body region is formed in the second active area and accommodates a source region. A body-contact region is formed inside the source region and extends from the surface as far as the body region. An insulating layer extends on top of the surface and accommodates a plurality of metal contacts, which extend as far as the drain region, the source region and the body-contact region. The body-contact region is self-aligned to a respective contact.

Abstract: A method and system of forming vertical optical interconnects in optical integrated circuits is disclosed. The method includes forming a first optical transmission layer over a substrate. A first cladding layer is then formed on the first optical transmission layer and portions of the first cladding layer removed to form an angled sidewall in the first cladding layer. An optical interconnect layer is formed on the angled sidewall of the first cladding layer and on an exposed portion of the first optical transmission layer.

Abstract: A method for treating mouth ulcers (canker sores/aphthous ulcers) with licorice extract oral patches to speed healing and relieve pain. If licorice extract is applied to a mouth ulcer using an adhesive oral patch that delivers the medication for at least 30 minutes and the patches are used for at least two or more hours per day, the method reduces the healing times from typically 10–14 days to typically 2 days. The licorice extract patches also quickly reduces canker sore pain and, if used before commencing a meal, reduces pain during the meal. A fully dissolving patch with licorice extract and collagen is disclosed.

Abstract: A goggle comprising a lens, a frame, a lens-retention mechanism and an adjustment mechanism wherein the lenses can be selectively moved relative to the frame to at least two different positions defining substantially different levels of air flow between the lenses and frame while maintaining the lenses in front of a user's eyes, and retained at each position. In certain,embodiments, one position is defined by substantially all of the lens periphery contacting the frame to substantially form a seal. The adjustment and lens-retention mechanisms may be the same mechanism.

Abstract: A multilayer metal supply rings structure of an integrated circuit comprises at least two parallel perimetral metal rails defined in metal layers of different levels, geometrically superposed one to the other. Each rail is constituted by using definition juxtaposed modules, each module defining on a metal layer parallel segments, longitudinally separated by a separation cut, of each rail, superposed rails of said multilayer structure constituting one supply node being electrically interconnected through a plurality of interconnection vias through dielectric isolation layers between different metal levels. A feature of the multilayer metal supply rings structure is that the segments of each of said perimetral metal rails modularly defined on each metal level belong alternately to one and another supply node upon changing the metal level. A process of defining a multilayer metal supply rings structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for making modular all of the components of hydronic heating systems so that they can be assembled in various configurations with a minimum of error and labor. The system includes a modular transition adaptor that completes a first hydronic loop and provides a supply outlet and return inlet for servicing a second hydronic loop which is dependent from the first. The transition adaptor has standard spacing and fittings for simple and error free connection to other components such as boilers and mechanical modules. The system also includes a modular supply-return connector that can be connected to the branch outlet and branch inlet of the transition adaptor and to other supply-return connectors. Each supply-return connector includes further branches to provide heated liquid to hydronic radiator loops. The supply-return connectors may include pumps or valves.

Abstract: A method for outfitting a vessel such as a water ship for a particular mission includes maneuvering the vessel toward a mission module, capturing the mission module with the vessel, and coupling the mission module to the vessel. Such method allows one to interchange mission modules, and thus outfit a vessel for different missions, quickly and easily.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactobacillus reuteri variant from animal sources that inhibits rotavirus infection and other pathogenic microorganisms, as well as being tolerant of gastric and bile acids. Also, this invention relates to a prophylactic and therapeutic composition comprising the same for contributing in many probiotic ways to the host's general health and preventing and treating diseases or conditions associated with rotavirus and other enteric pathogens.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate of a first concentration type is described, which comprises at least a buried insulating cavity, comprising the following steps: forming on the semiconductor substrate a plurality of trenches, forming a surface layer on the semiconductor substrate in order to close superficially the plurality of trenches forming in the meantime at least a buried cavity in correspondence with the surface-distal end of the trenches.

Abstract: A scanner such as a bar-code scanner includes a scan-beam generator, a beam reflector having a first magnet, and a beam-sweep mechanism having a second magnet. The beam-sweep mechanism causes the reflector to sweep the scan beam across a target such as a bar-code symbol by exerting a force on the first magnet with the second magnet. In one example, attraction between the magnets holds the reflector steady in a non-sweep position. Conversely, in a sweep position, repulsion between the magnets causes the reflector to oscillate and sweep the scan beam across a target such as a bar-code symbol. Because it does not include a motor for rotating a beam-sweep mirror, the scanner is often smaller and uses less electrical energy than motorized bar-code scanners.

Abstract: Optical systems that provide for simultaneous images and spectra from an object, such as a tissue sample, an industrial object such as a computer chip, or any other object that can be viewed with an optical system such as a microscope, endoscope, telescope or camera. In some embodiments, the systems provide multiple images corresponding to various desired wavelength ranges within an original image of the object, as well as, if desired, directional pointer(s) that can provide both an identification of the precise location from which a spectrum is being obtained, as well as enhancing the ability to point the device.