Abstract: A method for making an integrated circuit characterized by: determining a range of bonding pad pitches which varies between a minimum bonding pad pitch and a maximum bonding pad pitch; setting a driver pitch to the minimum bonding pad pitch; forming a base set including a plurality of drivers having the determined driver pitch; forming customization layers over the base set, where the customization layers include a plurality of bonding pads having a pad pitch greater than the minimum bonding pad pitch but less than or equal to the maximum bonding pad pitch; and coupling some, but not all, of the drivers to the pads. As a result, a single base set can be used to make integrated circuits having a range of bonding pad pitches. The method and structure of the present invention are very well adapted for use in gate array integrated circuits.

Abstract: A tilt and telescopic switch 10 includes a main body 19 received and accommodated in the space defined by a first hemispherical recess 38 of an upper casing member 12 and a second hemispherical recess 60 of a lower casing member 14. The main body 19 accommodated in the space continuously receives the pressing force of a spring 44 and allows a first hemispherical member 28 of the main body 19 to come into contact with the first hemispherical recess 38 along the substantially whole surface thereof. The first hemispherical member 28 of the main body 19 is thus guided by the hemispherical inner surface of the first hemispherical recess 38, so that the main body 19 rocks from its neutral position in the direction shown by the double-headed arrow X or in the direction shown by the double-headed arrow Y.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for framing data in digital transmission lines automatically recognizes a framing format. The apparatus preferably includes a frame alignment apparatus that can recognize any one of a number of predetermined framing formats created by framing information on an input signal. The frame alignment apparatus outputs an aligning signal to an output frame counter, which counts the data and framing information on the input signal and outputs a frame synchronization signal according to the framing format. The input signal is also coupled to an output apparatus that outputs the input signal at the clock rate of a terminating apparatus. The frame alignment apparatus preferably includes a plurality of pattern recognizers able to recognize at least one of the framing formats and a storage apparatus for storing counts of successive data and framing information that match a framing pattern. The counts are preferably used to identify the framing information on the input signal and the framing format.

Abstract: An ultrasonic bonder for coupling lead frame leads to associated traces on a substrate is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the bonder includes an ultrasonic transducer. A base supports the transducer at one end, while a bonding tool is attached to the other end. The bonding tool is suitably sized for engaging a lead frame lead to facilitate connecting the lead frame lead to an associated trace on a substrate. A pair of force sensors are positioned on opposite sides of the transducer's longitudinal axis. Each force sensor has a sensor axis that is arranged at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the transducer for detecting the forces applied to the bonding tool and for outputting a force signal indicative of the detected forces. A controller receives the force signals and outputs a drive signal to the transducer to facilitate mechanically bonding the selected lead frame lead to its associated trace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing natural language and deducing meaning from a natural language input characterized by the steps of (a) receiving an ordered string of word objects having a natural language meaning, (b) selecting a word window length, and (c) successively moving the word window along the ordered string and analyzing the meaning of a substring of word objects that fall within the word window. The substring is removed from the ordered string if the substring has a recognized meaning, until all substrings of the ordered string that fit within the window have been analyzed. In a step (d), the word window length is reduced and step (c) is repeated until only an unrecognized residual of the ordered string remains. The meaning of the substring is analyzed by mapping the substring against a database using one or more mapping routines.

Abstract: A data retiming system for retiming incoming data and eliminating jitter is described. The data retiming system includes a local clock; a phase aligner for receiving the incoming data and producing a recovered clock from the incoming data, and then producing retimed incoming data by retiming the incoming data with the recovered clock; and a buffer memory for removing jitter from the retimed incoming data by storing the retimed incoming data to the buffer memory in accordance with the recovered clock and reading the stored data from the buffer memory in accordance with the local clock. The data retiming system provides reliable operation even at very high data rates. A freezeable voltage-controlled oscillator for producing a clock signal in accordance with a freeze signal and a frequency control signal is also disclosed. Using current steering techniques, the freezeable voltage-controlled oscillator is able to freeze its output very quickly.

Abstract: An antenna for a wireless network is disclosed. The network includes multiple gaming machines such as slot machines or video poker machines located in an establishment. These machines communicate certain playing data (coin-in, coin-out data, etc.) to a central computer over the wireless network. Antennas for the gaming machines are located in a conventional candle on top of the gaming machine. Such candles typically contain one or more lights which when illuminated indicate a certain event such as a jackpot being hit. The disclosed antenna is unobtrusively located within a conventional candle structure so that from its exterior, a candle antenna appears to be a normal candle of the type typically used on gaming machines. However, interior to the candle antenna is an antenna capable of sending and receiving signals of a particular radio frequency band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tape printing device for printing a desirable series of characters on a tape and cutting the tape to a label of a desirable length, and also a tape cartridge used in the tape printing device. The tape cartridge has a characteristic element readably storing specific information on the tape such as a width of the tape. The tape printing device reads the characteristic element to control printing conditions according to the type of the tape cartridge. More specifically, the tape printing device determines a variety of parameters including a number of lines and character sizes of the character series printed on the tape as well as lengths of left and right margins. When a tape of a relatively large width is set in the tape cartridge, the device increases a rotation torque of a platen for feeding the tape.

Abstract: A medical catheter steering construction is described that is particularly well suited for steering ablation catheters that utilize coaxial transmission lines. An elongated coaxial transmission line is received within a lumen in the flexible tubular member. An antenna is coupled to the center conductor of the coaxial transmission line. A shield termination is secured to the shield portion of the coaxial transmission line. A steering wire that extends through the tubular member to permit a user to steer the catheter during insertion is attached to the shield termination. With this arrangement, when the catheter is inserted into the vessel of a patient, the tip of the catheter may be steered by pulling on the steering wire. In one embodiment of the invention, a distal portion of the tubular member has a stiffness that is significantly less than the stiffness of the majority of the tubular member to facilitate bending during steering. Suitable methods for making such catheters are also described.

Abstract: A method for deleting objects displayed on the screen of a display assembly of a pointer based computer system is described. The method includes the steps of detecting a pointer created stroke and processing the stroke for gesture recognition. Thereafter, the processed stroke is checked to determine whether it meets the path definition requirements of a scrub gesture. In another step, a determination is made as to whether an object displayed on the screen has been selected. If an object is selected and the processed stroke meets the requirements of a scrub gesture, the selected object is deleted. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the selected object determining step includes the substep of determining whether any objects were preselected at the time the scrub gesture was made. When no suitable objects are preselected, a determination is made as to whether the scrub gesture substantially overlaps a displayed object. If a displayed object is substantially overlapped, it is selected for deletion.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for inputting data to an active application of a computer system. A method of the present invention comprises the steps of creating an input image on a screen of a computer system, detecting the engagement of the input image by a pointer, analyzing the engagement to determine input data, and sending the input data to the active application program. Another method of the present invention comprises the steps of initializing a computer implemented process for intercepting input request calls made by the active application program, creating an input image on the computer system's screen, detecting an engagement of a pointer with the input image, analyzing the engagement to determine potential input data, and sending the input data to the application program. The present invention preferably includes an organizational image including a palette and a number of icons representing input utilities.

Abstract: A camera is of a type using the 120 size of roll film or the 220 size of roll film, which is so arranged that the height of a pressure plate on a back lid is changed over depending upon a type of a used film. A reflection-type photosensor is provided in the camera body, whereby a state of a lock mechanism of the back lid is detected. A second reflective plate is mounted on the pressure plate, and the second reflective plate reflects light from the photosensor when the back lid is in a lock state. A reflecting position where the light from the photosensor impinges is changed between reflective portions depending upon the height of the pressure plate. Since reflectivities of these reflective portions are different from each other, the height of the pressure plate, that is, the type of the used film can be determined by analyzing an output from the photosensor receiving the reflected light from the second reflective plate.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a vacuum in a thermally insulating jacket is described. The device comprises a container formed of a gas-tight material, preferably aluminum, which has an opening to the atmosphere. Inside the container is a first pellet comprising a powder of a Ba-Li alloy getter material. Arranged above, and completely covering, the first pellet is a second pellet comprising a powder of a drying material, optionally including the oxide of a noble metal and a material to prevent contraction of the drier. A process for manufacturing such a device is also described in which the first pellet is obtained by compression of its constituent powders at a pressure between about 30 bar and 1000 bar.

Abstract: A bias voltage generator for a voltage controlled oscillator is described. In one aspect of the invention, the bias voltage generator includes a biasing circuit to generate a minimum clock output at zero operating voltage, and includes a common mode rejection circuit for the BIASN and BIASP control voltages for the differential delay stages and a IDD test current shut-down circuit. A differential delay stage is described that includes a current source controlled by the BIASN and BIASP control voltages from the bias voltage generator, a resistance linearization circuit for current controlling transistors of a BIASN circuit, and a process variation circuit for compensating for temperature and process variations. The improved characteristics of the resulting VCO permits high frequency operation with a relatively low gain, relatively constant gain throughout operating voltage range, improved noise rejection capabilities, increased speed of delay stage, and reduced output signal swing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data management system realizing simple, clear, and easily understandable display and operation. The data management system is applicable, for example, to management of name cards. In management of name cards, name card data (101) includes a plurality of name card records (100). A card summary record (110, 112) prepared as title data includes a card ID and part of item data included in each name record (100). Each summarized card data (111, 113) includes a plurality of card summary records (110, 112) collected according to a predetermined condition, and is placed into a certain card box (120, 121). Each card box has a characteristic name such as `business` or `private`. Visually hierarchical display of data in the form of a card box list, a target list including a plurality of target data, and individual name card data helps the user clearly understand the whole data display and data retrieval. This allows quick access to a desired name card.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for controlling the supply of power to an I/O device attached to a General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) circuit in a personal digital assistant (PDA) is described. The GPIO circuit, which is responsible for supplying power to the attached I/O device, includes a pin enable circuit coupled to the power pin of the I/O device, where the pin enable circuit includes a contingency register holding a contingency bit and a power register which controls the power supply to the I/O device power pin. The contingency bit is reflective of a power supply priority of the I/O device, where the priority is determined by the type of the I/O device and whether or not the I/O device is recognized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tape printing device for printing a desirable series of characters on a tape and cutting the tape to a label of a desirable length, and also a tape cartridge used in the tape printing device. The tape cartridge has a characteristic element readably storing specific information on the tape such as a width of the tape. The tape printing device reads the characteristic element to control printing conditions according to the type of the tape cartridge. More specifically, the tape printing device determines a variety of parameters including a number of lines and character sizes of the character series printed on the tape as well as lengths of left and right margins. When a tape of a relatively large width is set in the tape cartridge, the device increases a rotation torque of a platen for feeding the tape.

Abstract: A digital integrated circuit provided with a dual latch clocked LSSD that includes a master latch coupled to a slave latch such that it operates in at least three operational modes. Preferably the three modes of the dual latch clocked LSSD include a functional mode, a capture mode, and a shift mode. In the functional mode, the dual latch clocked LSSD operates as an edge-triggered flip-flop storage element. In the capture mode, the dual latch clocked LSSD operates as a level sensitive latch storage element controlled by the system clock, one of two scan clock signals, and, preferably, by a test mode input signal. In the shift mode, the dual latch clocked LSSD again operates as a level sensitive latch storage element, but is controlled by a pair of shift clocks. By separating the capture mode from the functional mode, the dual latch clocked LSSD is exceptionally resistant to skew problems in both the capture and the shift modes.

Abstract: An ink washing device is disclosed, for use in a printing machine having a deposit roller with a variable luminance outer surface. The washing device includes a blade disposed adjacent to the deposit roller, for removing excess deposit of ink on the outer surface of the deposit roller, thus causing its luminance to vary. A luminance sensor detects changes in the luminance of the outer surface. The washing operation is interrupted or continued based on the detected luminance changes.