Abstract: The present invention generally is directed to a system, method and article of manufacture for accessing data independent of the particular manner in which the data is physically represented. In one embodiment, a data repository abstraction layer provides a logical view of the underlying data repository that is independent of the particular manner of data representation. In one embodiment, the data repository abstraction layer specifies a location of data in a repository and a method for accessing the data. A query abstraction layer is also provided and is based on the data repository abstraction layer. A runtime component performs translation of an abstract query into a form that can be used against a particular physical data representation.

Abstract: An optical filter composed of a concatenation of elementary filters consisting of chirped slanted Bragg gratings written on a continuous portion of an optical waveguide, characterized in that the various gratings in the concatenation have the same angle, identical lengths and a linear chirp.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus of connecting wellbore tubulars by explosive welding, using a frangible anvil, and reforming a surface of wellbore tubulars at a connection. In one embodiment, a first tubular is aligned proximate a second tubular such that an inside diameter of the first tubular and an outside diameter of the second tubular form an annular space, a frangible anvil is disposed in a bore defined by the tubulars, and an explosive charge placed around the outside surface of the first tubular is detonated. In another embodiment, tubulars are aligned, connected by explosive welding, and then reformed at the connection.

Abstract: A traction apparatus (1) for propulsion along a bore comprises first and second traction members (6) having outwardly extending legs (14). A propulsion system for operating the traction members (6) comprises a turbine-driven shaft (7) which drives the traction members (6) by way of bearing members (15). In a first phase, one of the legs of the first traction member is moved in one direction whilst in contact with the traction surface to impart the propulsion force at the same time as one of the legs of the second traction member is moved in opposite direction whilst out of contact. In a second phase one of the legs of the second traction member is moved in said one direction whilst in contact with the traction surface to impart the propulsion force at the same time as one of the legs of the first traction member is moved in opposite direction whilst out of contact.

Abstract: The present invention generally an apparatus and a method for filling tanks with acetylene gas. The invention includes filling a first tank to a first level, thereafter filling a second tank while continuing to fill the first tank. The invention further includes restricting the flow of gas to the second tank while continuing to fill the first tank. The invention also includes a first and a second transportable source of compressed acetylene.

Abstract: A programmable graphics system and method for processing high precision graphics data represented in one or more data formats in one or more passes. Graphics program instructions executed by the system control the processing and format conversion of the data. The program instructions and the data are stored in a memory accessible by the system. Within the memory, contiguous memory entries can contain program instructions or data represented in different formats. The format used to represent a particular data element within the data, is specified in the state information maintained in the system and is used to configure format conversion units within the system. High precision data, such as floating color, is processed by the programmable graphics system and output via a digital to analog converter (DAC) for display.

Abstract: Air intake temperature in a gas turbine is regulated by a heat exchange fluid having a low viscosity at low temperatures. The circulated heat transfer fluid preferably comprises an alkali metal formate, most preferably potassium formate. The potassium formate may be blended with other alkali metal formate(s), with alcohol, glycols, salt brines, or any combination of glycols, alcohols, Sodium Nitrite, Sodium Nitrates, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, water and/or or other salt brines.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method of forming a wellbore. In one aspect, an expandable bit for use in a wellbore is provided. The expandable bit includes a body and a blade assembly disposed on the body. The blade assembly is movable between a closed position whereby the expandable bit has a smaller outer diameter and an open position whereby the expandable bit has a larger outer diameter. The expandable bit further includes a release assembly for providing a secondary means to move the blade assembly from the open position to the closed position. In another aspect, a method of forming a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, an expandable apparatus for use in forming a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: For regenerating a binary optical signal (sd, sE2) a monolithic semiconductor component (100) comprises: a saturable absorber structure (3) having a saturable absorber section (31), a first optical waveguide (1, 11 to 16) defining a first guide axis (X) disposed on either side of the section (31), a second optical waveguide (2, 21 to 24) defining a second guide axis (Y) crossing the first axis (X) in the section (31) and disposed on either side of the section (31). The saturable absorber structure has a dimension along the first guide axis greater than its dimension along the second guide axis. The first and second waveguides respectively inject an optical clock signal (c1) and the binary optical signal (sd, sE2). Application to optical transmission systems for regenerating signals in accordance with two different regeneration regimes.

Abstract: Thermo-optic devices including a bottom cladding layer, a patterned core material and a top cladding layer, each having a different refractive index, can be made by depositing a heater material, such as tungsten or chromium, on the outside of the bottom and/or top cladding layer. Depending on the refractive index differences between the cladding layers and the core layers, the amount of heater material can also be varied. The heater material can surround the cladding layers, can be present on the sidewalls and top only, or the sidewalls alone, to provide sufficient heat to change the refractive index of the layers and thus the path of light passing-through the device. These devices when built into the substrate can be connected to underlying devices for vertical integration, or connected to other devices and components formed on the same substrate for increased integration.

Abstract: Generally, a method and apparatus for supporting a web of polishing material. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a platen adapted to support the web, a frame assembly, and one or more flexures coupled between the platen and the frame assembly. The flexure allows the frame assembly to be moved in relation to the platen. When the frame assembly is in an extended position relative to the platen, the web is placed in a spaced-apart relation to the platen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for planarizing a substrate by electropolishing techniques. Certain embodiments of an electropolishing apparatus include a contact ring adapted to support a substrate, a cell body adapted to hold an electropolishing solution, a fluid supply system adapted to provide the electropolishing solution to the cell body, a cathode disposed within the cell body, a power supply system in electrical communication with the contact ring and the cathode, and a controller coupled to at least the fluid supply system and the power supply system. The controller may be adapted to provide a first set of electropolishing conditions to form a boundary layer between the substrate and the electropolishing solution to an initial thickness and may be adapted to provide a second set of electropolishing conditions to control the boundary layer to a subsequent thickness less than or equal to the initial thickness.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a process for depositing silicon carbide using a silane-based material with certain process parameters that is useful for forming a suitable ARC for IC applications. Under certain process parameters, a fixed thickness of the silicon carbide may be used on a variety of thicknesses of underlying layers. The thickness of the silicon carbide ARC is substantially independent of the thickness of the underlying layer for a given reflectivity, in contrast to the typical need for adjustments in the ARC thickness for each underlying layer thickness to obtain a given reflectivity. Another aspect of the invention includes a substrate having a silicon carbide anti-reflective coating, comprising a dielectric layer deposited on the substrate and a silicon carbide anti-reflective coating having a dielectric constant of less than about 7.0 and preferably about 6.0 or less.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for controlling the temperature within a remotely located enclosure that contains temperature sensitive equipment is provided. For some embodiments, the system includes an array of thermoelectric cooling (TEC) devices that act as an active cooling device and an active heating device. The system may also include a temperature controller that receives signals from a temperature sensor located at or near the temperature sensitive equipment. The controller may be configured to supply DC power to the thermoelectric coupling devices based on the output signal of the temperature sensor. The polarity of the DC power can be reversed by the controller in order to cause the thermoelectric device to heat or to cool the enclosure. The system also contains a passive cooling device. The system includes an independent electrical power source with a battery and solar cell to supply power to the temperature control devices and the equipment contained in the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of forming a tantalum-nitride layer (204) for integrated circuit fabrication is disclosed. Alternating or co-reacting pulses of a tantalum containing precursor and a nitrogen containing precursor are provided to a chamber (100) to form layers (305, 307) of tantalum and nitrogen. The nitrogen precursor may be a plasma gas source. The resultant tantalum-nitride layer (204) may be used, for example, as a barrier layer. As barrier layers may be used with metal interconnect structures (206), at least one plasma anneal on the tantalum-nitride layer may be performed to reduce its resistivity and to improve film property.

Abstract: An optical device including a laser with a laser cavity having a gain curve with a maximum at a wavelength ?max; and an optical carrier coupled to the cavity. The optical carrier includes a grating that defines a reflection peak coefficient at a wavelength ? that is less than the wavelength ?max by at least 10 nanometers at ambient temperature.

Abstract: The invention is a method for manufacturing an optical module where on forms a groove in a substrate for positioning a component such as an optical component. The optical component is provided to be bonded into the groove by a aluminum oxide bonding process. To prepare the bonding an aluminum layer is deposited on the optical component followed by a protection layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing photolithography on a substrate which has a first region on a lower level and a second region on an upper level, wherein a first pattern area exists within said first region, a second pattern area exists within said second region, and at least said first and second regions are coated with a photoresist, the method comprising: a) exposing the photoresist through a first mask so as to expose said first region including said first pattern area, and thus create a first pattern in said first pattern area, but not expose said second pattern area; and b) exposing the photoresist through a second mask so as to expose said second pattern area, and thus create a second pattern in said second pattern area, but not expose said first pattern area, and also to expose an area of said first region which lies adjacent said second region.

Abstract: System and method for reserving a memory space for multithreaded processing is described. Memory space within a memory resource is allocated responsive to thread type. Examples of thread types for graphics processing include primitive, vertex and fragment types. Memory space allocated may be of a predetermined size for a thread type. Memory locations within a first memory space may be interleaved with memory locations within a second memory space.