Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first conductive layer, an insulator layer disposed on the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer disposed on the insulator layer. A first fuse is disposed in the first conductive layer and provides a first signal, and a second fuse is disposed in the second conductive layer in alignment with the first fuse and provides a second signal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first conductive layer, an insulator layer disposed on the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer disposed on the insulator layer. A first fuse is disposed in the first conductive layer and provides a first signal, and a second fuse is disposed in the second conductive layer in alignment with the first fuse and provides a second signal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a differential amplifier having a first terminal that is operable to receive an input signal and having a second terminal. The integrated circuit also includes a reference circuit that generates a reference signal on the second terminal of the amplifier. During testing of the integrated circuit, the reference circuit can be activated to generate the reference signal such that a tester need not supply it as a test signal. During normal operation, however, either the reference circuit can generate the reference signal or the reference signal can be supplied by an external source.

Abstract: An integrated device includes a package having first and second sides, first package terminal disposed on the first side of the package, and a second package terminal disposed on the second side of the package in alignment with the first package terminal. An integrated circuit is mounted to the package and has an input terminal coupled to the first package terminal and an output terminal coupled to the second package terminal. In operation, the first package terminal receives a signal and couples the signal to the input terminal of the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit couples the signal from its input terminal to its output terminal, and the signal leaves the device via the second package terminal.

Abstract: An IC includes a memory array that has memory cells for storing data and that refreshes the data stored in a memory cell during a respective refresh cycle of a refresh mode. The integrated circuit also includes a refresh circuit that during a first portion of the refresh mode implements a first series of refresh cycles in the memory array at a first frequency and that during a second portion of the refresh mode implements a second series of refresh cycles in the memory array at a second frequency. Such a refresh circuit allows longer internal row-line on times during a self-refresh mode without affecting the auto-refresh TRC, which is the specified maximum time that the IC requires to execute an auto-refresh cycle. Therefore, the IC can consume less power during a self-refresh mode and still meet the same auto-refresh specification.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a differential amplifier having a first terminal that is operable to receive an input signal and having a second terminal. The integrated circuit also includes a reference circuit that generates a reference signal on the second terminal of the amplifier. During testing of the integrated circuit, the reference circuit can be activated to generate the reference signal such that a tester need not supply it as a test signal. During normal operation, however, either the reference circuit can generate the reference signal or the reference signal can be supplied by an external source.

Abstract: An IC includes a memory array that has memory cells for storing data and that refreshes the data stored in a memory cell during a respective refresh cycle of a refresh mode. The integrated circuit also includes a refresh circuit that during a first portion of the refresh mode implements a first series of refresh cycles in the memory array at a first frequency and that during a second portion of the refresh mode implements a second series of refresh cycles in the memory array at a second frequency. Such a refresh circuit allows longer internal row-line on times during a self-refresh mode without affecting the auto-refresh TRC, which is the specified maximum time that the IC requires to execute an auto-refresh cycle. Therefore, the IC can consume less power during a self-refresh mode and still meet the same auto-refresh specification.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for performing less-invasive surgical procedures within a body cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a system and method for isolating a surgical site such as an anastomosis between an internal mammary artery and a coronary artery in a thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting procedure. The system comprises a foot (11) pivotally coupled to the distal end of a shaft (3) by a linkage (13). The foot has first and second engaging portions (15, 17) with contact surfaces for engaging a tissue surface. The engaging portions are movable between an open position, where the contact surfaces are separated by a gap, and a collapsed position, where the foot is configured for delivery through the percutaneous penetration.

Abstract: An adjustable receiver is provided for use on brass musical instruments. The adjustable receiver includes a barrel which is coupled to the end of the instrument leadpipe, and a receiving member which is telescopingly received within the barrel. Receiving member is configured to receive the instrument leadpipe. Receiving member is longitudinally movable relative to the barrel, such as through use of a threaded coupling.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes radially movable engagement or latch members configured to engage a profile within a subsurface nipple, and further includes one or more sealing assemblies. The sealing assemblies are radially expandable by enlarging the interior of diameter of the elements of the sealing assembly, such as by placing a mandrel of relatively enlarged diameter through an internal diameter of elements of the sealing assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus adapted to provide a time delay between the hydraulic actuation of the firing head assembly by fluid pressure and the detonation of a downhole explosive device used in subterranean wells, such as a perforating gun. In a preferred embodiment, the firing head assembly can be quickly and easily connected in a tubing string intermediate the ported sub and the perforating gun or other explosive device. In one preferred embodiment, the hydraulically-actuated firing head assembly is provided with five combustible columns which are generally coextensive. When the fluid pressure applied to the firing head assembly is sufficient to actuate the firing head assembly, the actuation mechanism, such as a firing piston, initiates a combustive reaction in one end of the first combustible column. When the combustive reaction reaches the other end of the first combustible column, it is communicated to one end of the second combustible column.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cementing tool for cementing multiple stages within a well. The assembly includes a housing assembly which defines one or more cementing ports. A first sleeve assembly is retained within the housing and is movable from a first position, where the sleeve covers the port, and thereby precludes fluid flow therethrough, to a second position wherein the sleeve opens the cementing port. The apparatus also includes a second sleeve assembly which is movable from a first position away from the cementing port to a second position wherein the sleeve assembly covers the port. The first sleeve is cooperatively configured with the housing assembly to provide engaging surfaces which resist rotation of the first sleeve relative to the housing. Additionally, the first sleeve and the second sleeve assembly are configured to limit relative rotation when the two pieces are longitudinally adjacent one another.

Abstract: An improved bit and method for cutting plastic and sticky rock formations, which tend to cause bit balling, is provided by a drag bit having a cutting face formed of a plurality of generally radially extending open arched blades. Each arched blade is provided with a cutting face and defines a cavity beneath the arched to the bit body. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting elements on the arched blade are a plurality of synthetic polycrystalline diamonds which are cut, sized and shaped to comformally fit with each other so as to present a substantially diamond-only surface as a cutting surface of the bit. Hydraulic nozzles are defined in the bit body beneath and azimuthally behind the arches formed by each blade. The nozzles direct hydraulic flow across the cavity under the arch and across each portion of the cutting face on the arch.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices for absorbing shock in a tool string within a borehole. These components may serve together in a variety of configurations to form a shock absorbing system. A longitudinal shock absorber is connected in the tool string. The longitudinal shock absorber includes compressible members utilized to damp longitudinal movement. A radial shock absorber is connected in the tool string. The radial shock absorber includes resiliently mounted contact pads for contacting the sides of the borehole to damp radial movement. A carrier assembly is utilized to provide a shock absorbing mounting for particularly delicate components such as gauges, and to damp any shock which might be transmitted thereto from either a radial or longitudinal direction.