Abstract: A computer program product stores computer instructions therein for instructing a computer to perform a process. The program product includes a recording medium readable by the computer, and computer instructions stored thereon instructing the computer to perform the process. The instructions and the process include determining and storing at least one enterprise attribute data, customer attribute data, shareholder attribute data and government attribute data, and implementing an enterprise computer simulation model that utilizes the attribute data and generates enterprise performance data. The enterprise simulation model evaluates the enterprise performance data with respect to the at least one of each other and predetermined criteria. The data from evaluated enterprise performance is then used for ranking, indexing, decision making, enterprise controlling and/or investment purposes, manually and/or electronically.

Abstract: A method for forming a MOSFET device on a semiconductor substrate is disclosed here. First, a gate oxide layer, a polysilicon layer, a metal silicide layer and a silicon oxynitride layer are formed on the semiconductor substrate in sequence. Then, the silicon oxynitride layer, the metal silicide layer, the polysilicon layer and the gate oxide layer are etched to define a gate pattern. The sidewall spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the gate structure. The source and drain areas are defined by forming the doping areas in the semiconductor substrate. Next, a non-doped dielectric layer is formed above the semiconductor substrate to cover the gate structure, the sidewall spacers and the source/drain areas. An annealing procedure is next performed about 10 to 15 minutes at a temperature of about 800 to 850.degree. C. Then, a dielectric layer is formed on said non-doped dielectric layer.

Abstract: A mobile satellite system includes a satellite communication switching office having a satellite antenna for providing communication of satellite messages via a satellite. The mobile satellite system also includes a mobile communication system transmitting to and receiving messages from the mobile satellite system, and a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system sending to and receiving customer messages from the mobile communication system via the mobile satellite system. A central controller controls communication in the mobile satellite system. A customer premises gateway (CPG) system provides an interface between the CAD system and the central controller, enabling the mobile communication system to transmit the messages to the CAD system and enabling the CAD system to transmit the customer messages to the mobile communication system.

Abstract: A fall restraint system protects a worker while inspecting and/or repairing a roof of a building. The restraint system includes a ladder that is positioned against the building. A fall restraint device is removably connected to the ladder and contacts the roof. A cable support structure is connected to the fall restraint device, and a cable is attached to it. The cable extends from the cable support structure toward the peak of the roof, and from the peak toward the ground. The cable is adapted to be connected to a harness that is worn by the worker. The worker then uses the cable to inspect/repair the roof.

Abstract: Fused biconical tapered couplers formed from the pulling of heated optical fibers have controllable coupling ratios by dynamically adjusting the heat intensity and pull speed during fabrication. Fiber coupler fabrication begins by arranging two optical fibers, heating the optical fibers using a heat source a predetermined distance from the optical fibers, and pulling the optical fibers at an initial pulling velocity as the heated optical fibers soften. The heat source is moved away from the optical fibers and the pulling velocity is selectively reduced in response to a substantial change in the detected coupling ratio. Changes in the coupling ratio are controlled by selectively reducing the pulling speed and the heat intensity to a point where the pulling of the optical fibers may be halted, and the heat removed, without a substantial change in the detected coupling ratio. The coupling ratio may be monitored at different wavelengths for fabrication of wideband couplers and wavelength division multiplexers.

Abstract: In a mobile satellite system, a system for providing satellite communication between multiple users in a virtual network arrangement includes first and second mobile earth terminals (METs) responsively connected to and registering with the mobile satellite system. The first MET selects a virtual network identifier (VN ID) representing a virtual network group including the first and second METs to establish voice communication therewith and transmits the VN ID to a central controller. The central controller receives the VN ID from the first MET, validates the first MET for communication, validates the VN ID, allocates a frequency for the virtual network group, and broadcasts the message to the virtual network group including the second MET informing the virtual network group of the allocated frequency and the voice communication associated therewith. The second MET tunes to the frequency in response to the message broadcast by the central controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for sensing, encoding and transmitting electronic keyboard data, pointing device control signals and voice input. The apparatus includes a wireless device appended, for example, to each wrist of the operator. The wireless device utilizes an optical reflectance matrix detecting key closures, an inertial motion sensor encoding pointing device commands and sound acquisition circuit, all of whose signals are optionally multiplexed and broadcast at, for example, radio frequency or wireless to a local base station connected to the computer-based host system. The optical reflectance matrix includes a plurality of infrared LED's or other light sources sequentially illuminating columns in a plane below the palm of the user's hand, from which reflections from the user's fingers are detected along rows with a plurality of sensors such as phototransistors. The optical plane is penetrated by the user's extended fingers (or other obstructions), in an "air typing" action.