Abstract: A heat sink assembly for an electronics assembly, such as an RF power amplifier, includes a pallet, a fin structure, and a hollow base separate from the fin structure. The fin structure may be an integral curved sheet or a modular apparatus comprising a plurality of inverted U-shaped fin modules. Top horizontal walls of the fin structure directly contact a bottom surface of the pallet. Vertical fins of the fin structure are inserted through the slots of the base. The pallet, fin structure and base are coupled together such that the upper surface of the base applies load to the contact portions of the fin structure sandwiched between the base and the pallet. Methods for assembling a power amplifier and manufacturing a heat sink assembly are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting moisture, such as rain on a vehicle, wherein a sensor acquires an optical image from a region of interest and produces the data to a microprocessor, the microprocessor processes the acquired optical image and selects an algorithm to evaluate the acquired optical image in order to determine whether sufficient moisture exists on the vehicle to warrant action such as activating windshield wipers.

Abstract: A neural processing module is disclosed which combines a weighted synapse array that performs “primitive arithmetic” (products and sums) in parallel with a weight change architecture and a data input architecture that collectively maximize the use of the weighted synapse array by providing it with signal permutations as frequently as possible. The neural processing module is used independently, or in combination with other modules in a planar or stacked arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention is based on a prefetching scheme consisting of two modules: a prediction module and a threshold module. After a use's request for a new file is satisfied, the prediction module immediately updates a database of history information if needed, and computes the access probability for each candidate file, where the access probability of a file is an estimate of the probability with which that file will be requested by the user in the near future. Next the threshold module determines the prefetch threshold for each related server, which contains at least one candidate file with nonzero access probability. The threshold is determined in real time based on then current network conditions. Finally, each file whose access probability exceeds or equals its server's prefetch threshold is prefetched. When prefetching a file, the file is actually downloaded if and only if no up-to-date version of the file is available on the local computer; otherwise no action is taken.

Abstract: Piercing, heat sink, and reflector modules are detachably connected together to provide a lighting fixture adaptable to low voltage, line voltage, halogen, fluorescent, incandescent, and other lighting systems. In heat sensitive applications, such as insulated ceilings, a heat conductive basket sleeve is disposed around the heat sink and reflector modules, and the sleeve, heat sink module and reflector module are enclosed within a heat-sealing cover. Heat from the sleeve is conducted to a trim ring externally disposed on the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture permits direct connection to a continuous insulated cable without the requirement of a junction box connection, thereby facilitating installation of the fixture in either new or existing construction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of correcting quadrature error in a dynamically decoupled micro-gyro (100, 200) having a drive mass (110, 210) that is vibrated relative to a drive axis (Y, Z) and a sense mass (111, 211) that responds to the drive mass (110, 210) in the presence of an angular rate and associated coriolis force by vibrating relative to a sense axis (X, Y). The method includes the steps of providing a first static force element (121, 221) for applying a first steady-state force to a first region of the drive mass (110, 210); providing a second static force element (122, 222) for applying a second steady-state force to a second region of the drive mass (210), and applying a corrective steady-state force to the drive mass (110, 210) with the first and second static force elements (121, 122; 221, 222), the corrective steady-state force making the drive axis (Y, Z) of the drive mass (110, 210) orthogonal to the sense axis (X, Y) of the sense mass (111, 211).

Abstract: The Mamikon spinner is a continuous 3 twist, single surface, having threefold symmetry and dynamic properties. It spins with a slight flow of air in the direction of the axes, and when rotated about the axis of symmetry, it acts as a blade, propeller or fan, providing for a multiplicity of utilitarian, educational, entertainment and ornamental uses.

Abstract: An amplifier assembly having a grounded mode wall is disclosed. The mode wall is supported in a substantially serpentine slot in an amplifier substrate. The serpentine slot supports and grounds the mode wall at a plurality of points of contact. The points of contact are spaced apart at roughly ¼ the wavelength or less of EMI emissions of the amplifier circuitry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laminating a decorative lamination film to an extruded substrate is disclosed. The decorative lamination film may be clear, translucent, pearlescent, or opaque and it is compressed against the extruded substrate between a pair of rollers. In the context of vertical blind louvers, the rollers and the decorative lamination film are wider than the extruded substrate, the side edges of the extruded substrate being temporarily pressed upward in contact with the lamination film. The roller in contact with the lamination film is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt a central length of the lamination film that is contact with the extruded substrate, and thereby under increased pressure, but not so hot as to melt the unused side lengths of the lamination film. The unused side lengths, therefore, do not melt and naturally separate from the central length.

Abstract: An IV manifold includes a plurality of injection/aspiration ports and has an elongate configuration with a width greater than the diameter of the ports. A flow channel is formed between mating members of a housing and provided with a U-shaped configuration. Projections along the flow channel direct fluid flow into valve cavities associated with the ports to clear dead spots around the valve elements. A check valve included in the manifold tends to direct high pressures against the valve elements which respond by forming surface seals thereby avoiding deformation. An aspiration port can be formed with a second seal disposed on the side of the valve element opposite the first seal. Opening this second seal by negative pressure in the lumen of the port provides for the aspiration of fluids in the flow channel. Two-way aspiration can be provided by a valve having a cage with or without compressible characteristics to accommodate low tolerance fittings.

Abstract: The invention is a method of fabricating electrically passive components or optical elements on top or underneath of an integrated circuit by using a porous substrate that is locally filled with electrically conducting, light emitting, insulating or optically diffracting materials. The invention is directed to a method of fabricating electrically passive components like inductors, capacitors, interconnects and resistors or optical elements like light emitters, waveguides, optical switches of filters on top or underneath of an integrated circuit by using porous material layer that is locally filled with electrically conducting, light emitting, insulating or optically diffracting materials. In the illustrated embodiment the fabrication of voluminous, solenoid-type inductive elements in a porous insulating material by standard back- and front-side-lithography and contacting these two layers by electroplating micro-vias through the pores is described.

Abstract: A flush valve is adapted for placement through a hole in the bottom of a toilet tank. The valve seat has an axis with a lower section adapted to extend through the hole and an upper section defining an opening generally perpendicular to the axis. A first sleeve communicates with a central channel in the upper section. A valve elbow has a second axis with an overflow section and a second sleeve registerable with the first sleeve to provide fluid communication between the overflow section and the (central channel) an associated method includes injection molding steps wherein first and second core pins are removed laterally and the second sleeve is inserted into the first sleeve to provide fluid communication between the overflow section of the valve elbow in the central channel of the valve seat.

Abstract: The activity of intracellular chemical reactions of molecules is measured by the use of fluorescently labeled substrate molecules that undergo a change in electrophoretic mobility upon chemical reaction such as that catalyzed by an enzyme. Specificity is achieved by using labeled substrate molecules that can be acted upon only by specific enzymes. Thus the activity of a specific enzyme or class of enzymes can be determined. Measurements are made with the intracellular presence of such substrate molecules, at some time of interest, typically after exposure of the cell to a stimulus that activates a particular enzymatic pathway. To ensure accuracy, measurements must be made in a timely manner so as to minimize chemical reactions occurring subsequent to the time of interest. Fast controllable laser lysis is used to obtain the contents of a single cell into which reporter substrate molecules have been introduced.

Abstract: A silicone rubber diaphragm pump utilizing a pair of MEMS Parylene check valves and a miniature solenoid plunger and actuator is comprised of a spacer sandwiched by a silicone rubber diaphragm on one side and a check valve support on the other. The check valves in the check valve support form the inlet and outlet to a pumping chamber defined between the check valve support and silicone rubber diaphragm. The pumping action has been demonstrated by driving the silicone diaphragm with the plunger using the solenoid type actuator to generate over and under pressures in the chamber. This forces the pumped medium into and out of the chamber, thus allowing the medium to be transported. Tubing or connectors affixed to the inlet and outlet ports of the check valve support structure allow for external fluidic access. The pump works with both gas and liquid.

Abstract: A power rectifier having low on resistance, mass recovery times and low forward voltage drop. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a power rectifier device employing a vertical device structure, i.e., with current flow between the major surfaces of the discrete device. The device employs a large number of parallel connected cells, each comprising a MOSFET structure with a gate to drain short via a common metallization. This provides a low Vf path through the channel regions of the MOSFET cells to the source region on the other side of the integrated circuit. A thin gate structure is formed annularly around the pedestal regions on the upper surface of the device and a precisely controlled body implant defines the channel region and allows controllable device characteristics, including gate threshold voltage and Vf. A parallel Schottky diode is also provided which increases the switching speed of the MOSFET cells.

Abstract: An additive to a flame reaction is provided which forms noncorrosive deposits on cooler metal surfaces which are more stable than Na2SO4 or K2SO4. The additive preferentially combines with the sodium or potassium, and sulfates of these will not be formed. By adding tungsten, tungsten salts or tungsten percursors to the flame, a complex sodium tungstate is produced on the surface of the cooler metal object in a dense form and corrosion is inhibited. The level of tungsten preferably present at an atomic concentration is equal to 1.5 to 2 times that of the sodium in the specific flame environment and possibly a little higher for potassium. The nature of the fuel and possible alkali reduction schemes will control the quantity and mixing method of the additive. The additive may be directly mixed into the fuel or injected into the burned gas regions of the combustion, Ta and Nb also appear as possible substitutes for W in the invention.

Abstract: An RF pallet ground comprises overhangs disposed at opposite ends. Each overhang includes a downwardly protruding ledge and a notch defined in a bottom surface of the pallet. The ledges and notches extend from one side of the pallet to the other. The ledge provides a positive connection directly to ground. The ledge has a length shorter than the length of the main body of the pallet. Fasteners are positioned on either side of an RF trace on the pallet, allowing positive pressure to be applied to the ground through the ledge.

Abstract: The invention includes a protective eye device for an oral treatment patient including an eyepiece having bridge portions that form a seal with the nose. The bridge portions are a fulcrum between attachment portions that extend downwardly and outwardly from the bridge portions, and upper portions disposed above the bridge portions. A retaining member is coupled to the attachment portions below the fulcrum such that tension on the retaining member causes the attachment portions to extend toward the face and facilitates the sealing relationship between a lower rim and a middle surface of the face between the eyes and mouth. The tension on the retaining member simultaneously causes the upper portions to extend away from the face, and facilitates the spatial relationship, or a gap, between the forehead and an upper rim. The invention also includes a method for shielding the eyes of a patient.

Abstract: The unified constant-frequency integration (UCI) control method of the invention is based on one-cycle control. It employs an integrator with reset as its core component along with a few logic and linear components to control the pulse width of a three-phase rectifier, active power filter, or grid-connected inverter so that the three phase current draw from, or the current output to, the utility line is sinusoidal. The UCI control employs constant switching frequency and operates in continuous conduction mode (CCM) that is desirable for industrial applications.