Abstract: The invention relates to a quantizer (1) for a sigma delta modulator (10) having at least one input stage (2), the quantizer quantizing an input signal (21) present at its input stage in accordance with at least one threshold signal and outputting it as result value (22) at a digital result output (23). Furthermore, the invention relates to a sigma delta modulator having such a quantizer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently delivering data to multiple destinations in a computer network are disclosed. Data to be delivered to multiple destinations is stored in memory. The stored data is divided into blocks. Checksums are pre-calculated for each block. Pre-calculated checksums are used to calculate the data checksums for data to be inserted in each packet to be delivered to data destinations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a semiconductor device, with the steps of: applying an interconnect level (11, 12) to a semiconductor substrate (10); structuring the interconnect level (12); and applying a solder layer (13) on the structured interconnect level (11, 12) in such a way that the solder layer (13) assumes the structure of the interconnect level (11, 12). The present invention likewise provides such a semiconductor device.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing hyperthermia treatment for enhancing cancer therapy includes an applicator body and a plurality of antennas operatively associated with the applicator body. The applicator body has a concave profile extending from an aperture and defines an open cavity for receiving RF standing waves. The antennas are arrayed for transmitting RF standing waves at respective selected amplitudes and relative phases into the cavity and generally toward a tumor-containing tissue disposed in operative alignment with the antennas. In use, the tissue such as a breast or chest wall is immersed in the cavity or supported on a pillow mounted to the cavity. The cavity contains a fluid such as deionized water through which the RF energy is transmitted to heat the tissue. The hyperthermia treatment can be used to enhance the effects of a cancer-related therapy such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for fabricating a contact is provided. The method can include a step of depositing a Ti layer in order to completely fill a contact hole and on a surrounding surface of an insulation layer. The method can also include a step of partially converting the Ti layer into a TiN layer in such a manner that a TiN layer is provided on the top side in the contact hole. Further, the method can include a step of polishing back the Ti layer and any remaining TiN layer on the surrounding surface of the insulation layer in a single-stage polishing step.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing mobile subscriber surveillance identify certain call signaling messages as candidate messages for mobile subscriber surveillance. From the candidate messages, messages associated with mobile subscribers under surveillance are identified. Mobile subscriber location information is obtained for the messages associated with the mobile subscribers under surveillance. The location information is forwarded to a surveillance center, such as a state or federal law enforcement or security agency. The original call signaling messages are forwarded to their intended destinations so that surveillance is performed transparently to the mobile subscriber under surveillance.

Abstract: A vacuum-operated choke system for use with an internal combustion engine and method of using the same including a vacuum actuator for moving an actuating arm for connection to a choke valve of an internal combustion engine from a first position to a second position, an air valve in communication with the vacuum actuator, and a vacuum mechanism in communication with the vacuum actuator and the air valve for causing air to discharge through the air valve whereby the vacuum actuator can move the actuating arm from the first position to the second position and whereby the air valve is operable to allow air to enter the air valve whereby the vacuum actuator can move the actuating arm from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: The invention creates a method for testing circuit units (100) to be tested, in which test output signals (107a-107n) can be combined, where test input signals (106a-106n) are input from a test device (105) into the circuit unit (100) to be tested via a connecting unit (104), the circuit unit (100) to be tested is tested by means of the test input signals (106a-106n) in order to obtain corresponding test output signals (107a-107n) which indicate an operability of the circuit unit (100) to be tested, a gate unit (101) is connected to the connecting unit (104) by means of a first test mode switching unit (102) and of a second test mode switching unit (103), in such a manner that the test output signals (107a-107n), after being logically combined in the gate unit (101), are provided as a combined test output signal (109) via a single output line (110), and the combined test output signal (109) is output to the test device (105).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for testing wafers (101) to be tested in a test device (100), in which the test device (100) can be calibrated, at least one calibration wafer (102) being automatically introduced into the test device (100) by means of a handling unit (103), calibration values of the test device (100) being determined by means of a control by a calibration sequence control unit (105), the calibration values determined being stored in a memory unit (106), the test device (100) being calibrated by means of the stored calibration values, the calibration wafer (102) being output from the calibrated test device (100), and at least one wafer (101) to be tested being introduced into the calibrated test device (100) by means of the handling unit (103) and being tested by a control by means of a test sequence control unit (104) in the calibrated test device (100), the stored calibration values being applied.

Abstract: A polar coordinate-based profilometer includes a base, a rotary stage, a linear stage, and a probe device. The rotary stage is mounted on the base and includes a rotary table rotatable about a vertical axis oriented orthogonal to the base. The linear stage is mounted on the rotary table and is rotatable therewith. The linear stage includes a linear slide member that is translatable along a radial axis orthogonal to the vertical axis. The probe device is mounted on the linear slide member and is translatable therewith. The probe device includes a probe tip that is linearly displaceable along the radial direction and communicates with a linear displacement-sensing transducer. Alternatively, the probe device scans an object without contacting the object. Methods are provided for measuring an object based on polar coordinates, and correcting for misalignment prior to measurement.

Abstract: Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Variable Capacitor Apparatus and Related Methods. According to one embodiment, a MEMS variable capacitor is provided. The variable capacitor can include first and second electrodes being spaced apart, and at least one of the electrodes being movable when a voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes. The variable capacitor can also include a first conductive plate attached to and electrically isolated from the first electrode. Furthermore, the variable capacitor can include a second conductive plate attached to the second electrode and spaced from the first conductive plate for movement of at least one of the plates with respect to the other plate upon application of voltage across the first and second electrodes to change the capacitance between the first and second plates.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: Deficiencies in certain physiological pathways are linked with ACE or vasopeptidase inhibitor associated angioedema. Additionally, detection and/or measurement of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) enzyme activity and aminopeptidase P (APP) enzyme activity is a predictor of this risk. The present invention provides biological markers, diagnostic tests, and pharmaceutical indications that are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of angioedema and in the marketing and safety of certain medications. This ability can be important for the treatment of a subject that is in need of or are taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and/or a vasopeptidase inhibitor (combined ACE and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor), which are commonly used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, and cardiac and renal diseases.

Abstract: CDMA Receiver. According to one embodiment, a CDMA receiver is provided for receiving a CDMA signal in a multi-subscriber environment. The multi-subscriber environment can include a receiving device for receiving the CDMA signal. Further, the environment can include a Rake receiving circuit for detection of signal components of the CDMA signal which are transmitted via the various signal paths. The environment can also include a channel estimation circuit for estimating channel coefficients of a transmission channel coefficient h of a transmission channel H by means of a predetermined reference data sequence contained in the received CDMA signal. A weighting coefficient calculation device can calculate weighting coefficients for the various signal components of the CDMA signal. Further, the environment can include a weighting circuit for weighting the signal components with the calculaed weighting coefficients. A combiner can combine the weighted signal components to form an estimated received data signal.

Abstract: A short message gateway may include signal transfer point (STP) functionality, mobile originating short message service center (SMSC) functionality, and short message delivery point-to-point (SMPP) gateway functionality. The short message gateway may receive an SS7 message including a short message payload. The short message gateway may formulate an SMPP message including the short message payload and access one or more internal address resolution and/or number portability databases to determine the destination address for the SMPP message. The short message gateway may then forward the SMPP message to its destination.

Abstract: A quadrature phase modulation receiver for a spread spectrum communications system includes a mixer for mixing a received spread spectrum signal with a heterodyne signal to convert the frequency of the received signal to an intermediate frequency. A regulated oscillators module is coupled to the receiver for producing the heterodyne signal and signal equal to the intermediate frequency signal. A frequency multiplier circuit is coupled to the mixer for receiving the intermediate frequency signal and multiplying the frequency of the signal by a predetermined multiplication factor. An oscillator control signal is produced based on the frequency multiplied signal to maintain synchronization between the receiver and the transmitter.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided for retaining surgical clips, and particularly clips used in surgical ligating procedures that have an asymmetrical profile. The cartridge comprises a base having a base longitudinal axis. A plurality of axially spaced walls extend from the base and are transversely disposed in relation to the base axis. The walls define a plurality of axially spaced compartments therebetween. Each wall has a central wall axis that is generally perpendicular to the base axis. The cartridge further comprises a plurality of clip support members. Each clip support member is disposed within a respective compartment and comprises an asymmetrically shaped cross-section in relation to the central wall axis.

Abstract: Electrothermal Self-Latching MEMS Switch and Method. According to one embodiment, a microscale switch having a movable microcomponent is provided and includes a substrate having a stationary contact. The switch can also include a structural layer having a movable contact positioned for contacting the stationary contact when the structural layer moves toward the substrate. An electrothermal latch attached to the structural layer and having electrical communication with the movable contact to provide current flow between the electrothermal latch and the stationary contact when the movable contact contacts the stationary contact for maintaining the movable contact in contact with the stationary contact.

Abstract: A system for precision testing of fiber length and the like using electrostatic collection and control of fibers. The system comprises two spaced-apart and longitudinal extending electrode plates wherein one electrode plate has a positive charge and the other electrode plate is grounded or has a negative charge. An endless rotating belt extends between and parallel to the electrode plates, and the rotating belt is positioned next adjacent and in contact with or in close proximity to one of the two spaced-apart electrode plates such that the distance between the belt and the other electrode plate is greater than the length of fibers to be tested. A fiber introduction system is provided to introduce a plurality of individual fibers above the two electrode plates such that the fibers will adhere to the belt and the other ends of the fibers are attracted to the other electrode plate and thereby straightened.

Abstract: The invention creates a method and a device for digitally transmitting analog signals, in which oversampling is performed in analog/digital and digital/analog converters. In this arrangement, a digital/analog conversion is performed which, in particular, is suitable for VDSL systems. A transmitted digital transmission signal (110) is supplied to a mixing unit (201) and in the mixing unit (201), a receive noise signal (211) applied to a receive noise source terminal (209) is superimposed on the digital transmission signal (110). An interpolation filter unit (203), in combination with a subsequent noise shaping device (205), provides an increase in the frequency bandwidth, resulting in suitable oversampling.