Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with various embodiments can provide for comprehensive erase verification and defect detection in non-volatile semiconductor memory. In one embodiment, the results of erasing a group of storage elements is verified using a plurality of test conditions to better detect defective and/or insufficiently erased storage elements of the group. For example, the results of erasing a NAND string can be verified by testing charging of the string in a plurality of directions with the storage elements biased to turn on if in an erased state. If a string of storage elements passes a first test process or operation but fails a second test process or operation, the string can be determined to have failed the erase process and possibly be defective. By testing charging or conduction of the string in a plurality of directions, defects in any transistors of the string that are masked under one set of conditions may be exposed under a second set of bias conditions.

Abstract: In a non-volatile semiconductor memory system (or other type of memory system), a memory cell is programmed by changing the threshold voltage of that memory cell. Because of variations in the programming speeds of different memory cells in the system, the possibility exists that some memory cells will be over programmed. That is, in one example, the threshold voltage will be moved past the intended value or range of values. The present invention includes determining whether the memory cells are over programmed.

Abstract: In a non-volatile semiconductor memory system (or other type of memory system), a memory cell is programmed by changing the threshold voltage of that memory cell. Because of variations in the programming speeds of different memory cells in the system, the possibility exists that some memory cells will be over programmed. That is, in one example, the threshold voltage will be moved past the intended value or range of values. The present invention includes determining whether the memory cells are over programmed.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultrasonic monitor for measuring pulse rate values in a living subject, including a module with at least one source of ultrasonic energy, a gel pad comprised of a polymer and from about 50 to about 95% by weight of an ultrasound conductive diluent, wherein the gel pad is positioned in direct contact between the module and the living subject; an ultrasonic energy detector and associated hardware and software for detecting, calculating and displaying a readout of the measured rate values.

Abstract: A sound reproduction system is disclosed which minimizes unwanted acoustic reflections and the resulting comb-filter effects but which still maintains a broad and uniform directional characteristic throughout the region in the listening room in which listening positions are located.

Abstract: A synchronization agent management server coupled to a network having a plurality of synchronization agents coupled thereto in communication with the management server, comprising a user login authenticator, a user data flow controller, and a unique user identification controller. The management server communicates with at least one interactive agent to control data migration between a computer to a network storage device. In one aspect, the management server is part of a data synchronization system for data between network coupled devices which includes a storage server having a data store of change transactions coupled to the network.

Abstract: A system and method of keypad entries on a numeric keypad as letters of a Latin alphabet. In one aspect, the method comprises the steps of receiving at least one key entry within a fixed time period, the key entry corresponding to a letter character and being an association of a projection of the letter character on the keypad; and translating said key entry to a text character. The method may include receiving at least a first key entry and a second key entry wherein said first key entry represents a first point in a character, and said second key represents a second point in the character, the first and second points being chosen to represent points on a projection of the character on the keypad.

Abstract: A laser leveling system includes an angle measurement device for determining the position of a laser level relative to a base. The system further includes a mechanism for determining the distance from the laser level to a target.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that uses GPS and additional data to determine the location of an object. Typically, GPS receivers need valid data from four satellites to accurately determine a three dimensional location. If a GPS receiver is receiving valid data from fewer than four satellites, then additional data is used to compensate for the shortage of satellites in view of the GPS receiver. Examples of additional data includes a representation of the surface that the object is traveling on, an accurate clock, an odometer, dead reckoning information, pseudolite information, and error correction information from a differential reference receiver. An exemplar use of the disclosed system is to concurrently track a set of one or more automobiles during a race. The determined locations of the automobile can be used to provide route information, to generate statistics and/or to edit video of one or more of the automobiles.

Abstract: A waterproof fly fishing fly box is disclosed including a central base member, a top cover and a bottom cover. The top and bottom covers affix to the central base member so that, when closed, the top cover and central base member define a first internal environment therebetween. Similarly, when the bottom cover is closed, the bottom cover and central base member define a second internal environment. The fly fishing fly box further includes a first and second closed cell foam layers affixed to and covering substantially all of a top surface and bottom surface, respectively, of the central base member. The first and second foam layers serve to fix the flies within the first and second internal environments, and to ensure a tight seal of the first and second internal environments against water from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that can determine the speed of a golf club or golf ball, and report that speed in a format suitable for use on a television broadcast, a radio broadcast, the Internet or another medium. In one embodiment, the system includes a set of radars pointed toward the golf ball. Data from the radars is collected and sent to a computer which can determine the speed of the club during a swing, the speed of the ball after being hit, the angle of the path of the ball and/or other related statistics.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a placement method for the physical design of integrated circuits in which natural topological feature clusters are discovered and exploited during the placement process is disclosed. Topo-clusters drive initial placement, with all of the gates of a topo-cluster being placed initially in a single bin of the placement layout or within a group of positionally-related bins. An iterative placement refinement process is done using a technique referred to as Dual Geometrically-Bounded FM (GBFM). GBFM is applied on a local basis to windows encompassing a number of bins. From iteration to iteration, windows may shift position and vary in size. When a region bounded by a window meets a specified cost threshold in terms of a specified cost function, that region stops participating. Following the foregoing global placement process the circuit is then ready for detailed placement in which cells are assigned to placement rows.

Abstract: An integrated marker and tape measure (20) which include a flexible tape and recoil assembly (24) and a marking mechanism (40). A desired tape dimension is aligned with a fixed indicator on the housing and a mark is made at the indicator on a surface being measured. The tool makes a linear mark by means of a simple button press which slidably moves the marking mechanism (40) across the surface. There is also included the option to have a braking mechanism, a locking mechanism, a level (120), a lens (118), a light (112), a marking template (122), and a means to add and subtract these optional features. The marking mechanism (40) can be exchanged with other marking mechanisms utilizing a variety of marking media.