Abstract: Modem-equipped computers can initiate an audio channel using the modem data connection. The connection is initiated with a protocol that does not require any additional modem hardware or telephone line features, and is not tied to any proprietary hardware/software compression or transmission schemes. The protocol negotiates an audio data compression/decompression scheme and then establishes an audio channel using a socket. Headers are compressed and decompressed using a predetermined compression scheme. Compressed audio data is delivered to the remote computer where it is decompressed using the negotiated compression/decompression. The protocol significantly reduces the latency which disrupts normal speech patterns when voice data is sent over a data connection. This protocol also reduces the bandwidth required to send voice over a data connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vehicle frame rails, preferably of steel, which are formed with a web section which is not of a constant thickness. Preferably, the frame rail is formed by roll forming to produce the variable thickness, although other techniques, such as machining, could be used.

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus are disclosed for applying an adhesive coating to one surface and a release coating to an opposite surface of sheets of previously embossed and optionally decoratively printed paper, and for drying the sheets and then stacking them for processing into individual pads of embossed, self-stick, removable sheets of notepaper. Individual sheets of embossed paper are fed onto a conveyor system, and the feed and conveyor speeds are regulated so that the sheets are in slightly overlapping relationship to form an artificial web as the sheets pass continuously through release coating and adhesive coating subassemblies which continuously apply release and adhesive coatings to opposite sides of the web. Conveyor speeds downstream of the coating subassemblies are regulated to separate the web into its individual coated and embossed sheets as they pass through a dryer.

Abstract: Transacylase enzymes and the use of such enzymes to produce Taxol™, related taxoids, as well as intermediates in the Taxol™ biosynthetic pathway are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding the transacylase enzymes.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for performing reticle-substrate alignments in the context of charged-particle-beam (CPB) microlithography. More specifically, the subject methods pertain to detecting an amount of relative rotation between the “transfer-receiving” (e.g., substrate) side and the “transfer-originating” (e.g., reticle) side in one operation simply by detecting marks that are disposed near an axis of the CPB-optical system. A charged particle beam is passed through an alignment mark(s) situated relative to an alignment axis of the reticle and thus indicates reticle orientation. One or more respective index marks are defined on the substrate relative to an alignment axis of the substrate, thereby indicating substrate orientation. E.g., two index marks can be provided on the substrate, one convex and the other concave, but otherwise similarly shaped. The index marks can be situated linearly aligned with each other or at an angle to each other.

Abstract: A genetically disabled mutant virus has a genome which is defective in respect of a selected gene that is essential for the production of infectious new virus particles, and which carries heterologous genetic material encoding an immunomodulatory protein such as GM-CSF, IL-2, or others, such that the mutant virus can infect normal host cells and cause expression of immunomodulatory protein, but the mutant virus cannot cause production of infectious new virus particles except when the virus infects recombinant complementing host cells expressing a gene that provides the function of the essential viral gene; the site of insertion of the heterologous genetic material encoding the immunomodulatory protein preferably being at the site of the defect in the selected essential viral gene. Uses include prophylactic and therapeutic use in generating an immune response in a subject treated therewith; use in the preparation of an immunogen such as a vaccine for use in tumor therapy; use in the in-vitro expansion of (e.g.

Abstract: A vibration damper for a seat suspension system is disclosed with a shock absorber which dampens seat vibrations when the shock absorber is coupled to the seat suspension system. The shock absorber includes a dampening cylinder housing with a dampening piston slidable therein. The dampening cylinder housing is coupled to one of the vehicle and seat, such as to the floor of the vehicle. An elongated latch engaging member, which may be in the form of a dampening piston rod is coupled to the dampening piston. A latch is shiftable between first and second positions. When in the first position the latch engages the dampening rod, and when in the second position the latch disengages the dampening rod. When engaged to the dampening rod, the latch couples the dampening rod to the other of the vehicle and seat so that the shock absorber applies a dampening force to the seat. Conversely, when the latch disengages the dampening rod, the shock absorber is relieved from applying a dampening force to the seat.

Abstract: An integrated message system for a vehicle provides an extendable, prioritized message scheme. Using this scheme, the message system acts as a centralized message provider for variety of alerts and operating data originating throughout the vehicle. The message system defines a hierarchy of message levels, each having a unique output protocol. The protocol defines attributes associated with messages at a particular level such as textual or graphical message, an auditory alert, as well as the scheme for playing these messages and alerts. The system integrates a variety of subsystems that conventionally have separate driver interfaces such as a collision warning system and an adaptive cruise control system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for making charged-particle-beam microlithography masks are provided. The apparatus and methods provide consistent maintenance of the temperature of a mask workpiece below a specified temperature during etch processes performed to make the mask. A workpiece (comprising a substrate upon which a membrane is formed) is placed in thermal contact with a temperature-controlled support. The workpiece is cooled as the support withdraws heat from the workpiece by thermal conduction. In a second aspect of the methods provided, the etch process is paused at regular intervals for set periods of time to provide the workpiece with a cooling period. The etch process is paused for a cooling period before the temperature of the workpiece increases to a level that may cause damage to the mask membrane and/or mask pattern. After the workpiece has cooled, the etch process can be resumed until the next cooling period or until the etch process is completed.

Abstract: Charged-particle-beam pattern-transfer methods, apparatus, and masks are disclosed that reduce the effects of resist-heating, avoid the so-called stencil problem, and exhibit high throughput. A circuit pattern is divided into low-resolution and high-resolution features that are defined by respective mask patterns in different areas of a mask or on different masks. The respective mask patterns are projected overlappingly onto the substrate. In another embodiment, a mask pattern defines low-resolution circuit features and a portion of high-resolution features. A second mask pattern defines a substantial portion of the high-resolution circuit features. The first and second mask patterns are projected onto the substrate with the charged-particle beam at first and second doses. The first dose, corresponding to the low-resolution circuit features, is larger than the second dose, and the first and second doses are independently selectable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically reclaiming and restoring memory occupied by redundant software components. In a computing environment which permits applications to run in the real-mode as well as the protected-mode, only one set of software components, either real-mode or protected-mode can be active at any one time. Protected-mode applications cooperate with a real-mode applications to remove and reclaim the memory occupied by redundant software components such as device drivers when the protected-mode applications boots. The real-mode software components are restored and replaced in memory when the protected-mode application quits. The memory reclaimed from redundant software components contributes to the maximum amount of memory available for use by both protected-mode applications, and real-mode applications.

Abstract: The present invention suggests a new scheme of integrating a heat conducting promotion apparatus (or heat sink) and a chip carrier (such as a substrate) of an IC package including a chip. It is characterized by at least a cavity which is in the chip carrier and around the chip, and the configuration of the heat conducting promotion apparatus having a first part which is close to or contacts a heat conducting surface of the chip, and a second part which extends from the first part toward the cavity until it partly contacts a surface of the chip carrier and partly is inside of the cavity. It is also characterized by options of placing at least an elastic entity in the cavity to contact the heat conducting promotion apparatus' part which is inside the cavity, or twisting the heat conducting promotion apparatus' part which is inside the cavity.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for reducing distortions, differences in focal point-positions, and astigmatic blurring of a pattern defined on a reticle and projected onto a sensitive substrate using a charged particle beam. The methods reduce variations in the distribution of beam current as projected onto the substrate. To such end, a charged particle beam passing through pattern features as defined on the reticle is projected onto a region on the substrate. The reticle is provided with multiple “micro features” each having a size less than the resolution limit of the projection-optical system. The micro features can be provided on a portion of the reticle having a low feature density.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for performing microlithography of a pattern defined by a reticle that is divided (segmented) into multiple exposure units. During exposure of each exposure unit, appropriate focal-point corrections are made according to variations in feature density and feature distribution within individual exposure units. Each exposure unit is divided into multiple subregions. The proportion of the area of each subregion occupied by actual pattern features is determined. A mean (average) feature density in the exposure unit is calculated based on the minimum (not zero) surface area of features and the maximum surface area of features. Based on the result of such a calculation, the focal point for the exposure unit is adjusted as required using a focal-point correction lens.

Abstract: Charged-particle-beam (CPB) projection-exposure methods, apparatus, and reticles are disclosed that can be used for efficiently and accurately measuring and correcting various reticle distortions. A reticle is segmented into multiple exposure units grouped into stripes. In a stripe, peripheral exposure units define second alignment marks for measuring reticle distortion arising from loading the reticle in the CPB projection-exposure apparatus. The reticle includes struts arranged into a grillage separating individual exposure units from one another. The struts define first alignment marks for measuring reticle distortion arising from reticle fabrication. The positions of the first alignment marks are measured in advance to obtain distortion data for each respective exposure unit. After loading the reticle in the CPB projection-exposure apparatus, the positions of the second alignment marks 51 are measured to obtain data on reticle distortion arising from loading the reticle.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) characterized by leaflets that are narrower and longer than is typical for the species, and a unique, vibrant seasonal foliage coloration. In the spring, the ‘Monum’ foliage is deep purplish-red turning to dark green in the summer and reddish purple in the winter.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the hybrid tea class, characterized particularly by its red-purple color; vigorous, upright, well-branched growth; strong, damask rose like fragrance; dark green, glossy foliage; and good disease resistance.

Abstract: A rose plant of the floribunda class having compact growth habit; large, bright orange, pink and yellow flowers having strong fragrance; glossy, dark green, healthy foliage; and good disease resistance.