Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical storage device having excellent safety and high battery capacity. Specifically disclosed is an electrical storage device comprising at least a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer and a positive electrode collector, a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer and a negative electrode collector, a separator and an organic electrolyte solution. This electrical storage device is characterized in that the negative electrode active material layer is composed of a metal complex oxide which absorbs and desorbs lithium ions, the positive electrode active material layer contains a carbonaceous material having a layered crystal structure, and the interlayer distance d002 of the layered crystal structure in the carbonaceous material is within the range of 0.36-0.38 nm.

Abstract: A sample handling device (100) for handling a sample, the sample handling device (100) comprising a drive shaft (101) being drivable by a drive unit (102), a base plate (103) mounted to follow a motion of the drive shaft (101) when being driven by the drive unit (102), wherein the base plate (103) is configured to receive a sample carrier block (104) mountable to follow a motion of the base plate (103), and a compensation weight (105, 106) mounted asymmetrically on the drive shaft (101) in a manner to at least partially compensate an unbalanced mass of the sample handling device (100) during the motion.

Abstract: An apparatus has an improved antenna pattern for a cross dipole antenna. Such antennas desirably have an omnidirectional antenna pattern. Conventional cross dipole antennas exhibit nulls in their antenna patterns, which can cause antennas to deviate from a standard or specification. Applicant recognized and confirmed that the connection of a coaxial cable to the antenna arms is a cause of the nulls in the antenna pattern, and has devised techniques disclosed herein to compensate or cancel the effects of the connection. In one embodiment, the arms of the cross dipole antenna that are coupled to a center conductor of the coaxial cable remain of conventional length, but the arms of the cross dipole antenna that are coupled to a shield of the coaxial cable are lengthened by a fraction of the radius of the outer diameter of the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A safety system prevents cutting machine operators from being accidentally carried through the infeed chute into the machine's cutting mechanism. An operator wears a safety device on his wrist and/or ankle and a sensor array mounts on opposing sides of the cutting machine's infeed chute. The sensor array elements are wound in opposite directions and connect in series opposing. The magnetic field of the safety device induces a current in the sensor array as it moves in the proximity of the sensor array. The safety system generates a signal which is proportional to the sum of the induced currents. When the signal exceeds a threshold, the safety system shuts off power to the feed mechanism and/or the cutting blades of the cutting machine, preventing injury to the operator.

Abstract: Methods of providing graft impaction using anchored implants are disclosed. In some embodiments, the graft impaction provided by the anchored implants can facilitate surgical spinal fusion procedures. The anchored implants provide increased strength and increased pull-out resistance. The anchored implants can be used in conjunction with various surgical vertebral fusion approaches or techniques, such as anterior, posterior, transforaminal, and/or extreme lateral interbody fusion.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. A microfluidic processing device is fabricated on a substrate having a plurality of N independently controllable components, (e.g., a resistive heating elements) each having at least two terminals. The substrate includes a plurality of input/output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller, and a plurality of leads for connecting the contacts to the terminals of the components. The leads are arranged to allow the external controller to supply control signals to the terminals of the components via the contacts using substantially fewer contacts than the total number of component terminals. The components are independently controlled by arranging the leads so that each component's terminals are connected to a unique combination of contacts.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods store data in a non-volatile solid state memory device according to a rate-compatible code, such as a rate-compatible convolutional code (RPCC). An example of such a memory device is a flash memory device. Data can initially be block encoded for error correction and detection. The block-coded data can be further convolutionally encoded. Convolutional-coded data can be punctured and stored in the memory device. The puncturing decreases the amount of memory used to store the data. Depending on conditions, the amount of puncturing can vary from no puncturing to a relatively high amount of puncturing to vary the amount of additional error correction provided and memory used. The punctured data can be decoded when data is to be read from the memory device.

Abstract: A device for programming user-defined information into an electronic device is provided. The programmer allows a user to program customized information, such as user-selected audio, video, or Internet access information into his or her programmable device. Such electronic devices include wireless telephones, pagers, and personal digital assistants. The programmer allows a user to, among other things, customize the device to suit his or her particular taste.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed, such as those involving increasing the density of isolated features in an integrated circuit. In one or more embodiments, a method is provided for forming an integrated circuit with a pattern of isolated features having a final density of isolated features that is greater than a starting density of isolated features in the integrated circuit by a multiple of two or more. The method can include forming a pattern of pillars having a density X, and forming a pattern of holes amongst the pillars, the holes having a density at least X. The pillars can be selectively removed to form a pattern of holes having a density at least 2X. In some embodiments, plugs can be formed in the pattern of holes, such as by epitaxial deposition on the substrate, in order to provide a pattern of pillars having a density 2X. In other embodiments, the pattern of holes can be transferred to the substrate by etching.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the examination of an orifice includes a mount for a light source for illuminating the orifice, a connector for detachably mounting a dilator for insertion into and dilation of an orifice, and an actuator for operating a mounted dilator. The mounted dilator includes operative parts able to move apart from one another.

Abstract: Methods for forming cell arrays of multiple cell samples arranged substantially in a monolayer on a single substrate particularly suited for diagnostic analysis are disclosed. The cell arrays are formed with a high-speed dispensing apparatus capable of dispensing small volumes in precise, complex patterns. Also disclosed are substrates upon which cell arrays may be formed, and methods for conducting diagnostic analyses on the formed cell arrays.

Abstract: An Internet based system for executing transactions is described. The system may include transaction data, a database, a business logic manager and user profiles. A rules may also be included, and store information about system responses to modifications of the data. The user profiles may be configured to store information concerning the availability of information and displays depending upon the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for call processing are described. In an illustrative embodiment, a call processing system answers a call from a caller intended for a first party and records a message from the caller. The call processing system stores call information and the caller message. Some or all of the caller message is transmitted in substantially real time to a terminal associated with the first party. Further, at least a portion of the caller message is converted to text, which is transmitted to a terminal associated with the first party and is stored for later access. The first party can then submit a search query with respect to the stored information. When a search query is received from the first party, the system searches a data store to determine if there is matching call and provides the first party with information related to a matching call.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for demodulation are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an input signal having a frequency that varies in relation to a state of the signal, calculating a sine and cosine of a phase control signal, generating a first signal proportional to the sine of a product of a first quantity and the frequency of the input signal, generating a second signal proportional to the cosine of a product of the first quantity and the frequency of the input signal, and summing a product of the first signal and the cosine of the phase control signal with a product of the second signal and the sine of the phase control signal to generate a demodulator output for resolving the state of the input signal. In certain implementations, the phase control signal is controlled so as to reduce a frequency error of the input signal.

Abstract: A memory device includes a command decoder and control interface logic. One or more external inputs, such as row and column address strobes, communicate with the command decoder through the control interface logic. A control signal is also in communication with the control interface logic. During operation of a drowsy mode in the memory device, a self-refresh signal causes the control signal to disable the external inputs. With the external inputs disabled, command hazards are reduced when exiting drowsy mode.

Abstract: A pixel for an organic light emitting diode display is disclosed. The pixel includes a capacitor configured to be charged with a voltage which compensates for the threshold voltage and mobility of the transistor driving the organic light emitting diode of the pixel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed, such as those involving array/port consolidation and/or swapping. One such apparatus includes a plurality of port pads including a plurality of contacts; a plurality of memory arrays; and a plurality of master data lines. Each of the master data lines extends in a space between one of the port pads and a respective one of the memory arrays. Each of the master data lines is electrically connectable to the contacts of a respective one of the port pads. The apparatus further includes a plurality of local data lines, each of which extends over a respective one of the memory arrays. Each of the local data lines is electrically connectable to a respective one of the master data lines. At least one of the local data lines extends over at least two of the memory arrays. This configuration allows memory array consolidation and/or swapping without increasing die space for additional routing and adversely affecting performance of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring users on one or more computer networks, disassociating personally identifiable information from the collected data, and storing it in a database so that the privacy of the users is protected. In one embodiment, the system generates an anonymized identifier and associates that anonymized identifier with collected network data. An embodiment of the system may further anonymize data such as resource location identifiers, by identifying and removing personal information.

Abstract: A single-wafer, chemical vapor deposition reactor is provided with hydrogen and silicon source gas suitable for epitaxial silicon deposition, as well as a safe mixture of oxygen in a non-reactive gas. Methods are provided for forming oxide and silicon layers within the same chamber. In particular, a sacrificial oxidation is performed, followed by a hydrogen bake to sublime the oxide and leave a clean substrate. Epitaxial deposition can follow in situ. A protective oxide can also be formed over the epitaxial layer within the same chamber, preventing contamination of the critical epitaxial layer. Alternatively, the oxide layer can serve as the gate dielectric, and a polysilicon gate layer can be formed in situ over the oxide.