Abstract: A method for taking measurements using a vector network analyzer (VNA) enables a reduction in interference created when the VNA is operated in the presence of external signals. For the method, three measurements are taken, one at a desired measurement frequency, another at a frequency slightly less than the desired measurement frequency, and another at a slightly greater frequency than the desired measurement frequency. An interfering signal may occur at or near the frequency of one of the three measurements. To eliminate measurement error from the interfering signal, the measurement signal with the median, or middle, magnitude is selected to provide the measurement results.

Abstract: A footwear sanitizing device is insertable into footwear to be sanitized. The device includes a self-contained ion generator that subjects the footwear to an outflow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays disposed in a pair of electrode assemblies. Preferably each first array comprises at least one metal pin spaced coaxially-apart from a metal ring-like structure. Alternatively, the first array may comprise at least one wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone.

Abstract: When Tilted Channel Implant (TCI) is performed on transistor precursor structures having an etch-defined gate length (L2M) and a trim-defined sidewall thickness (SwM), mass production deviations may cause errors and cause shifts in the lateral placement and implant depth of TCI dopants. Countering adjustments to TCI dosage and TCI energy are automatically made in accordance with the invention. In one embodiment, a first linear or quasi-linear interpolation function is used having form: Energya=E0*(1+&bgr;*eSw/SwT), where multiplying factor &bgr; may either be a constant or a function of normalized sidewall error value, eSw/SwT. In the same embodiment, a second linear or quasi-linear interpolation function is used having form: Dosea=Dose0*(1+&agr;(L2T−L2M)/L2T), where multiplying factor &agr; is a constant or a function of normalized gate length error value, (L2T−L2M)/L2T.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating reminder messages based on a freeform input is disclosed. In one embodiment, freeform inputs are handwritten annotations on paper that are scanned into a computer system. Based on information contained in the freeform input, the system creates a reminder message and transmits it in response to a time reference contained in the freeform input. In an alternative embodiment, freeform digital ink inputs may be directly entered into a pen computer system via a stylus. Reminder messages may be delivered over a computer display, facsimile device, via email, telephone or portable paging device.

Abstract: A stylized writing instrument shaped like a proprietary or familiar object. Embodiments of the invention include a housing shaped like the proprietary or familiar object, a writing implement, and internal mechanisms provided within the housing for extending the writing implement from, and retracting the writing implement into, the housing. The internal mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of actuation systems for extending and retracting the writing implement, including a cam actuation assembly, an edge slide actuation assembly, a gravity actuation assembly, a pressure actuation assembly and a push button actuation assembly.

Abstract: A circuit for correction of errors in a memory device comprises a data word byte counter 16, data encoders 18 and 20, a syndrome accumulator 22, a data word byte address generator 24, a comparator 26, a decoder 28 and an error correction enable buffer 30. The error correction circuit 4 is coupled to a memory array 2 through a pre-read input-output bus 14, and is further coupled to an input-output multiplexer buffer 6 which is coupled between the memory array 2 and a data bus 12.

Abstract: A programmable vitamin and pill dispenser that is capable of storing multiple pill groups. The dispenser provides reminders to an individual when it is time to ingest the next serving. The serving is dispensed into a cup upon depressing a dispenser button. By loading the individual compartments specific to each serving, an individual does not have to create the serving each time.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method that immobilizes the vertebral bodies by immobilizing the respective spinous process extending therefrom. The device contains a spacer extending from a body with the spacer adapted to be positioned between adjacent spinous processes so that the spacer may be located close to the spine. A strap connected with the body is designed to engage the spinous processes, such that the device may be adjusted to be positioned about the spinous processes. The device ensures that the spacer remains positioned between adjacent spinous processes. The method to insert the device minimizes destruction to body tissue, thus it is less traumatic to the patient and allows for the patient to recover from the procedure faster than conventional methods.

Abstract: A clustered enterprise Java™ distributed processing system is provided. The distributed processing system includes a first and a second computer coupled to a communication medium. The first computer includes a Java™ virtual machine (JVM) and kernel software layer for transferring messages, including a remote Java™ virtual machine (RJVM). The second computer includes a JVM and a kernel software layer having a RJVM. Messages are passed from a RJVM to the JVM in one computer to the JVM and RJVM in the second computer. Messages may be forwarded through an intermediate server or rerouted after a network reconfiguration. Each computer includes a Smart stub having a replica handler, including a load balancing software component and a failover software component. Each computer includes a duplicated service naming tree for storing a pool of Smart stubs at a node. The computers may be programmed in a stateless, stateless factory, or a stateful programming model.

Abstract: A server computer generates an update file for transmission to a client computer that permits the client computer to generate a copy of a current version of a subscription file from a copy of an earlier version of the subscription file. For each segment of the current version of the subscription file, the server computer searches an earlier version of a signature list for an old segment signature which matches a new segment signature corresponding to the segment. When a match is detected, the server computer writes a command in the update file for the client computer to copy an old segment of the client computer's copy of the earlier version of the subscription file into the client computer's copy of the current version of the subscription file, where the old segment corresponds to the segment for which a match was detected.

Abstract: A circuit for generating video synchronization timing signals includes a negative peak detector (FIG. 5) for following variations of a composite video signal (FIG. 1), rather than clamping the most negative voltage of the composite video signal. The negative peak detector provides a voltage level VTIP representative of the voltage at the synchronization tip of the composite video signal. A sample and hold circuit (700, 702, 704) is used to add an offset VSLICE to VTIP, VSLICE being a voltage level of the breezeway, color burst, or back porch segments of the composite video signal, or a combination of these segments. The sample and hold circuit generates a signal VREF, and is connected by a resistor divider (708,710) to the negative peak detector to form the signal VTIP+VSLICE provided to an amplifier (606) functioning as a comparator. The signal VSLICE+VTIP is compared in comparator (606) with the composite video signal to provide an overall circuit output.

Abstract: A new interferometry configuration combines the strengths of two existing interferometry methods, improving the quality and extending the dynamic range of both. On the same patterned mask, placed near the image-plane of an optical system under test, patterns for phase-shifting point diffraction interferometry and lateral shearing interferometry coexist. The former giving verifiable high accuracy for the measurement of nearly diffraction-limited optical systems. The latter enabling the measurement of optical systems with more than one wave of aberration in the system wavefront.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for facilitating the generation of tools and applications for a computer network. An access server, executed by a first computer, accesses interface definitions stored in a database. A data access library, coupled to the access server and executed by a second computer, provides the interface definitions to be stored in the database by the access server. A second server, coupled to the data access library and executed by a third computer, sends a request to the database through the access server, wherein the request maintains and uses the stored interface definitions. An application programming model, stored in the database, supports the unique identification of the interface definitions for a service in cases where multiple interface definitions exist for the service.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory cell at least partially formed in a semiconductor substrate, comprising a first avalanche injection element having a first active region of a first conductivity type and a second active region of a second conductivity type, separated by a channel region of said second conductivity type; a second avalanche injection element having a third active region of said second conductivity type and sharing said second active region with said first avalanche injection element, the second avalanche injection element having a channel region of said first conductivity type; and a common floating gate at least partially overlying said first and second avalanche injection elements. In a further embodiment, the first avalanche element has an N+/P junction, the second avalanche element has a P+/N junction, and the floating gate capacitively coupled to the first and second avalanche elements.

Abstract: Deliberative and reactive processing are combined to process multi-modal inputs and direct movements and speech of a synthetic character that operates as an interface between a user and a piece of equipment. The synthetic character is constructed as an ally, working with and helping the user learn and operate the equipment. The synthetic character interacts with both a virtual space where the character is displayed, and a physical space (domain) that includes the user. Real-time reactive processing provides lifelike and engaging responses to user queries and conversations. Deliberative processing provides responses to inputs that require more processing time (deep linguistic processing, for example). Knowledge bases are maintained for both dynamic (discourse model, for example) and static (e.g., knowledge about the domain or discourse plans) information types.

Abstract: A clustered enterprise Java™ distributed processing system is provided. The distributed processing system includes a first and a second computer coupled to a communication medium. The first computer includes a Java™ virtual machine (JVM) and kernel software layer for transferring messages, including a remote Java™ virtual machine (RJVM). The second computer includes a JVM and a kernel software layer having a RJVM. Messages are passed from a RJVM to the JVM in one computer to the JVM and RJVM in the second computer. Messages may be forwarded through an intermediate server or rerouted after a network reconfiguration. Each computer includes a Smart stub having a replica handler, including a load balancing software component and a failover software component. Each computer includes a duplicated service naming tree for storing a pool of Smart stubs at a node. The computers may be programmed in a stateless, stateless factory, or a stateful programming model.