Abstract: A nonvolatile memory cell for a random access memory device is provided. The invented memory cells are similar in configuration to the memory cells of known DRAM devices, so that DRAM devices embodying the invented cells may replace existing DRAM devices. The invented nonvolatile cell also affords a memory device that has low cost of manufacture, high data storage capacity, and low power consumption. Each memory cell includes a floating layer of polysilicon that is interposed between a reference voltage source and a node polysilicon. The floating polysilicon provides nonvolatile storage of data previously stored on the node polysilicon. An electron charge stored on the node polysilicon is transferred to the floating polysilicon, using known electron tunneling methods, before power to the device is removed, so that the data is not lost.

Abstract: A portable static voltage dissipation device configured to be transported on a users person is provided. The device of the present invention includes a hollow, preferably impact resistant, translucent housing. The housing is impact resistant to prevent damage from coming to electronic devices retained therein. Electrically conductive end caps are coupled to first and second ends of the housing. The end caps provide a grasping location for the user. A resistor to prevent excessive current from flowing from the user to inhibit the user from receiving an electrical shock, is coupled to an end cap and an electrostatic voltage discharge indicating device is connected to the resistor and the remaining end cap. The indicating device provides a visual indication that a charge of electrostatic voltage accumulated in the body of the user has been discharged by the device.

Abstract: A power amplifier device for amplifying an audio signal from sound generating circuitry in a micro-computer is provided. The device is retained in a housing secured in a drive bay of the micro-computer containing a compact disc read only memory drive. The device and disc drive may also be configured in a unitary housing. The device receives a line-level audio signal from the audio circuitry and transmits the signal to a frequency and time response contouring device, to adjust the response of the signal. A power level adjusting mechanism, such as a volume control, adjusts the power level of the signal generated by the frequency and time response device. Amplifiers are coupled to the volume control to amplify the audio signal to a level determined by the volume control. The amplification device connects to at least leftwardly and rightwardly positioned loudspeakers to provide stereophonic sound at the desired level.

Abstract: An impact tool for use in surgical procedures is provided. The invented tool is useful for performing such surgical functions as freeing cement, implanting pins, setting guides, and inserting surgical staples. The tool comprises a body that has an impact force calibrating member coupled to a first end and a chuck in a second end. The chuck includes a rod that extends into a channel in the body. An impact inducing assembly is retained in the channel. The assembly causes a surgical implement retained in the chuck to deliver an impact with a calibrated force to a desired object. The impact inducing assembly comprises a piston, a spring interposed between the piston and calibrating member, and an actuation mechanism to engage the rod. An antirotation assembly may optionally be provided to prevent the implement from rotating relative to the body, as the rod is propelled along the channel. An object is impacted by applying pressure to the implement with the tool.

Abstract: A cooling system for cooling electrical components in a personal computer is provided. The cooling system provides filtered air under a positive air pressure to such components in the computer, as the electrical power supply and microprocessor, as well as other components in the computer. The filtered air cools the components and prevents dust from collecting on the components. In a second embodiment, the cooling system includes a tower style case for supporting the personal computer. The case houses an air filter and induction fans, for providing copious cooling air flow through ducts in the computer. Air vents are placed in optimal areas in the computer, such as near the microprocessor and power supply, to provide increased air circulation for the components in these areas. A switch panel is additionally provided that enables energizing peripheral devices when desired.

Abstract: A method to and apparatus for communicating formatted data from mass storage media to a host computer is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment data is received through a serial digital signal processor (DSP) from an optical compact disk. The method and apparatus separates data bytes from auxiliary bytes, and stores them into separate and specific spaces within a DRAM. Error correction is performed after each block of data has been stored. After a given block has been verified, the system controller records the block number. The method and apparatus reduces the amount of address storage required to locate valid blocks of data in the DRAM. The method of the present invention increases the effective rate of transfer of data from the DRAM to a host computer.

Abstract: A system for coupling lens to an eyeglass frame includes an eyeglass frame with a lens bridge that comprises a mating wall and a coupling wall. A channel is formed between the walls. The coupling wall is arcuate with a tip that projects towards the mating wall. At least one lens is provided for coupling to the bridge. The lens has a coupling region that extends from a top edge of the lens, along both surfaces, and a distance towards a bottom edge of the lens. A first surface of the lens has a groove that extends across the lens and along a bottom perimeter of the coupling region. The groove includes a recessed cavity configured to receive the tip of the coupling wall, to snap-fit the lens to the bridge. A second surface of the coupling region is configured complementary to an inner surface of the mating wall to frictionally engage the mating wall. The lens is coupled to the bridge by pressing the lens into the channel.

Abstract: A method for fabricating semiconductor devices with a self-spaced contact is provided. Spacing required between the self-spaced contact and a gate region is lessened, thus reducing chip size, and parasitic capacitance and resistance. A transistor region includes a gate and diffusion region. A pad oxide layer comprises an uppermost layer of the gate. A spacer oxide is formed on side walls of the gate region. The thickness of the pad oxide layer controls the width of the spacer oxide region. The spacer oxide insulates the gate from the diffusion regions, so that electrical contacts may be formed close to the gate for reducing the overall size of the semiconductor device. The doping structure of the diffusion regions is controlled by the width of the spacer oxide regions. Thus, the doping structure of the diffusions can be altered to reduce parasitic capacitance and resistance.

Abstract: A portable desk with a substantial storage area and a stable work surface is provide. A rigid box member has a front wall with a height less than a height of a back wall. A pair of side walls extend between the front wall and the back wall. At least one of the side walls has an elongated elastic strip affixed to its inner periphery at spatially positioned intervals. At least one of the side walls has a flexible enclosure demountably affixed to its outer periphery. A bottom portion of the box member has a plurality of strips of spatially positioned hook and loop fabric fasteners affixed to an inner surface thereof. The bottom portion has a slip resistant outer surface thereof to prevent the desk from slipping off of a user's lap. A rigid lid member is rotatably coupled to the back wall of the box member. The lid member has a groove extending across the width of an outer surface thereof. The groove is dimensioned to hold a writing instrument.

Abstract: The device comprises a housing featuring a transparent window behind which is positioned an infrared detector. A disc in the same plane as that of the front face of the housing can rotate around its central axis perpendicular to said plane. The visible side of the disc shows a pattern of a color in contrast with that of the disc, such as black over white background or vice-versa. If the infrared detector signals the presence of a heat-emitting source, such as the one given out by the body of a bird on a surface to be protected, a dissuasive process for birds is activated which combines disc rotation and sound emission. The disc rotation creates the illusion of the presence of the eye of a bird of prey, while the sound emission includes cries like those of birds in distress, or cries or a feared bird of prey.