Abstract: Circuit and method for generating a signal for use in locking a second signal on a first signal. The first and second signals have an associated frequency. A first beat note signal and a second beat note signal are generated from the first and second signals, respectively, when the frequencies of the first and second signals are not equal. The circuit includes a first and second flip-flop and detector circuitry. The first flip-flop is configured to receive the first and second beat note signals for generating a first state signal. The first flip-flop generates the first state signal by sampling the second beat note signal at a first periodic interval of the first beat note signal. The second flip-flop is configured to receive the first and second beat note signals for generating a second state signal. The second flip-flop generates the second state signal by sampling the second beat note signal at a second periodic interval of the first beat note signal.

Abstract: A damascene manufacturing process capable of forming borderless via. The process includes the steps of forming a first trench in a first dielectric layer above a substrate, and then forming a conductive line within the first trench. Thereafter, a portion of the conductive line is removed to form a second trench within the first dielectric layer directly above the conductive line. Next, material is deposited into the second trench to form a cap layer. Subsequently, a second dielectric layer is deposited over the first dielectric layer, and then the second dielectric layer is patterned to form a via opening that exposes the cap layer. Next, the cap layer is removed to form a cavity region that exposes the conductive line. Finally, a plug is formed within the cavity region and the via opening such that the plug is electrically connected with the conductive line.

Abstract: The teachings of the present invention aid a user in attaining an ergonomic position with respect to a remote object such as a display screen (e.g., VDT) or a manufacturing tool. To that end, various mechanisms which feedback to the viewer information related to position and orientation are taught. A first aspect incorporates a feedback mechanism into a display screen. The feedback mechanism could be formed in a variety of manners. In one embodiment, four lights are arranged such that a viewer in the proper orientation will perceive all four lights. However, as the viewer's orientation varies, one or more of the lights is concealed, thereby indicating to the user that the orientation is improper. In another embodiment, the cluster of lights is replaced with a cluster of four distinct pieces of diffraction grating. The diffraction grating could be such that the intensity of the reflected light varies as the viewer's orientation varies.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. The encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user, and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. Suitable examples of the encoded physical medium include a data-linked book, magazine, globe, or article of clothing. Some or all of the selected regions have had certain information encoded therein, information suitable for interfacing and controlling the computer system. When the user engages the sensor with a region having certain encoded information, the certain encoded information is interpreted and an appropriate action taken. For example, the sensor or the computer system may provide suitable feedback to the user.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a dual trench capacitor with a horn region is provided. On a semiconductor substrate having at least a device isolation structure and a transistor thereon, wherein the transistor includes at least a gate and a source/drain region, an insulation layer with an opening exposing the source/drain region is formed. The opening is partly filled with a conductive plug, the plug having a surface level lower than a surface level of the insulation layer, so that a trench with a side wall of the insulation layer is formed on the plug within the opening. A conductive spacer is formed on the side wall with a horn shape. A part of the insulation layer which encompassing the conductive plug and the conductive spacer is removed, so that a dual trench structure which exposes outer side walls of the conductive spacer and the conductive plug, and a part of the insulation layer is formed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a node contact window. A substrate having devices and a first dielectric layer is provided. Bit lines having spacer are formed on the first dielectric layer and a second is formed on the first dielectric layer. A hard material layer is then formed on the second dielectric layer. An opening is formed within the second dielectric layer to expose the spacer and the first dielectric layer. A polysilicon spacer is then formed on the sidewalls of the opening. A node contact window is formed by etching through the first dielectric layer to expose the substrate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gear module comprising an output gear pivotally fitted to a base, a transmission gear rotated by a driving force from a driving motor to transmit the driving force to the output gear, a power actuating lever having a base end pivotally fitted to the base to be rotated around the base end; an actuated lever having a top end pivotally fitted to the transmission lever and a base end pivotally fitted to the base; and a connection bar connecting the top end of the power actuating lever and the top end of the actuated lever, the connection bar allowing the actuated lever to rotate in accordance with a rotation of the power actuating lever and allowing the transmission gear and the output gear to be engaged with each other, wherein the link axises of the power actuating lever and the connection bar form approximately a straight line when the transmission lever is engaged with the output gear.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a gesture recognition system for recognizing gestures made by a moving subject within an image and performing an operation based on the semantic meaning of the gesture. A subject, such as a human being, enters the viewing field of a camera connected to a computer and performs a gesture, such as flapping of the arms. The gesture is then examined by the system one image frame at a time. Positional data is derived from the input frames and compared to data representing gestures already known to the system. The comparisons are done in real-time and the system can be trained to better recognize known gestures or to recognize new gestures. A frame of the input image containing the subject is obtained after a background image model has been created. An input frame is used to derive a frame data set that contains particular coordinates of the subject at a given moment in time.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing system includes a getter-based gas purifier coupled in flow communication with a gas distribution network for a semiconductor fabrication facility. The gas distribution network supplies purified gas to at least one wafer processing chamber in the semiconductor fabrication facility. The gas purifier includes a getter column having a metallic vessel with an inlet, an outlet, and a containment wall extending between the inlet and the outlet. Getter material which purifies gas flowing therethrough by sorbing impurities therefrom is disposed in the vessel. A first temperature sensor is disposed in a top portion of the getter material. The first temperature sensor is located in a melt zone to detect rapidly the onset of an exothermic reaction which indicates the presence of excess impurities in the incoming gas to be purified. A second temperature sensor is disposed in a bottom portion of the getter material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biasing circuit for bringing a power FET to a substantial full enhancement. The biasing circuit includes: (a) a rail power voltage that is coupled to a drain terminal of the power field effect transistor; (b) a load being coupled between an other potential and a source terminal of the power field effect transistor; and (c) a micromachined DC/DC converter that is coupled between a gate terminal of the power field effect transistor and the rail power voltage. The micromachined DC/DC converter is configured to produce an enhanced voltage that is greater than the rail power voltage to the gate terminal of the power field effect transistor to achieve a substantial enhancement of the power field effect transistor.

Abstract: This invention provides charcoal cookers the ability to concentrate the fuel and to be able to remove the divider without disrupting the grill or food cooking on it while in operation. The invention further provides charcoal cookers with the ability to reposition a charcoal grill divider of this invention without disrupting the grill or food cooking on it while in operation.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.

Abstract: A cutting interment (10) for use on multi-strand plastic fiber materials. Opposed handles (22a and 22b) on arms (18a and 18b) may be manually operated to close jaws (14a and 14b) with a cavity (42) for crimping. At the base of the cavity (42) are cutting edges (52a), which employ heat from either heating elements (54a and 54b) or an external source to cut and simultaneously cauterize the cut ends. Optional reliefs (44 and 46) may also be provided to contain and focus the heat at the cavity (42) and thus efficiently apply it specifically to the working material.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a dry cleaning system and method, in which dry cleaning machinery is used in conjunction with a specific solvent which is derived from an organic/inorganic hybrid (organo silicone). Such solvent is used in combination with an organic and/or organo-silicone-based detergent which is specifically tailored for working in conjunction with the solvent to afford optimal cleaning. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of loading articles into a cleaning basket; agitating the articles in the solvent and detergent composition in which they are immersed; removing most of the solvent and detergent composition; centrifuging the articles; heating the articles and remaining composition and creating vapors, condensing vapors and optionally reducing the pressure to dry the articles, recovering and recycling solvent and removing the articles from the basket after cooling the articles.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and provides examples with process sensitive help that guides a student to intuitively develop the appropriate next step.

Abstract: A method of optical proximity correction suitable for use in a mixed mode photomask. An original pattern is to be transferred from the mixed mode photomask. A binary mask curve and a phase shift mask curve reflecting relationship between critical dimensions of the photomask and the original pattern are obtained. A critical value of the critical dimension is selected. For the binary mask curve, the portion with the critical dimension of the original pattern larger than the critical value is selected. In contrast, for the phase shift mask curve, the portion with the critical dimension of the original pattern smaller than the critical value is selected. These two portions are combined as an optical characteristic curve. The mixed mode photomask can thus be fabricated according to the optical characteristic curve.

Abstract: A chemical-mechanical polishing station having a belt-operated conditioner. The belt-operated conditioner comprises a longitudinal main body, a belt sprinkled with hard particles, and a plurality of rollers. The belt wraps around the external edge of the longitudinal main body and is capable of rotating at a constant speed. The axles of the roller are parallel to each other. Furthermore, all the rollers are positioned within but touching the belt. Consequently, the rollers can rotate when they are driven by the belt. The hard particles sprinkled along the belt are used for scouring the polishing pad so that polishing pad surface can be reconditioned and any residual impurity particles can be removed. The belt-operated conditioner further includes a cleaning device. The cleaning device is used for removing any impurity particles clinging onto the belt when the conditioner is in operation.

Abstract: A hollow panel having a cover material bonded thereto includes a first wall having an inner surface and a substantially planar outer surface. A second wall opposes the first wall so as to define a hollow space therebetween and has at least one protrusion formed therein. Each protrusion has a tip which is integrally joined to the inner surface of the first wall to form a double-walled rib bridging the hollow space. The double-walled rib has integrally joined opposing walls such that an outer surface of the second wall is substantially planar. The cover material is bonded to the outer surface of the first wall.