Abstract: A CMOS DRAM integrated circuit includes paired P-type and N-type wells in a substrate. The wells are fabricated using a self-aligning process. Similarly, FETs of the DRAM circuit are fabricated in the wells of the substrate using a self-aligning process to provide FETs of opposite polarity in a DRAM which may have paired memory cells and dummy cells for symmetry of circuitry. One or more layers having an irregular top surface topology may be planarized using mechanical or chemical-mechanical polishing of the topological layer.

Abstract: In a physical design automation system for producing an optimized cell placement for an integrated circuit chip, a placement optimization methodology is decomposed into a plurality of cell placement optimization processes that are performed simultaneously by parallel processors on input data representing the chip. The results of the optimization processes are recomposed to produce an optimized cell placement. The fitness of the optimized cell placement is analyzed, and the parallel processors are controlled to selectively repeat performing the optimization processes for further optimizing the optimized cell placement if the fitness does not satisfy a predetermined criterion. The system can be applied to initial placement, routing, placement improvement and other problems. The processors can perform the same optimization process on different placements, or on areas of a single placement.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock is disclosed which allows access to a closed or secure location wherein the lock includes a locking mechanism for operating between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. A rotatable cam wheel has a circumferential surface portion defining a slot such that rotation of the cam wheel moves the slot. A movable lever is coupled to the locking mechanism for changing the condition of the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition and is pivotably movable into and out of engagement with the cam wheel. The movable lever engages the cam wheel such that rotation of the cam wheel changes the condition of the locking mechanism. A cantilever and detent on the lever releasably maintain the lever in a position disengaged from the cam wheel.

Abstract: A method for genetically engineering cells to produce soluble and secretable Golgi processing enzymes instead of naturally occurring membrane-bound enzymes. Cells are genetically engineered to express glycosyltransferases which lack both a membrane anchor and a retention signal. The resulting altered enzyme becomes soluble and secretable by the cell without losing its catalytic activity. Secretion of the soluble glycosyltransferase by the cell provides for increased production and simplified recovery of glycosyltransferase.

Abstract: A shelter (1) comprising an array of substantially rigid panels (2, 3, 4) hingedly joined together, the arrangement being such that a central polygonal roof panel (2) is surrounded by a number of wall panels (3) equal in number to the sides of the polygon, each wall panel having an edge hingedly attached to an edge of the roof panel, and a tension element (20) being arranged to extend along the edges of the wall panels remote from the roof panel in such a way that by applying tension to the tension element, adjacent edges of respective wall panels can be brought together to form a three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: A cat litter enclosure is provided including a main housing providing an outer box having an entrance at one end enclosing a removable second housing providing an inner box, smaller than the outer box, having an entrance at an end opposite the entrance into the main housing. A path is provided around the inner periphery of the main housing leading from the entrance therein to the entrance in the second housing. A removable cat litter pan is disposed within the second housing. The path may be carpeted and, since a cat must move along the path to enter the second housing where the cat litter pan is, and retrace its path, its paws will be cleaned of litter and other debris when the cat exists the main housing.

Abstract: A system and associated method ablate body tissue using multiple emitters of ablating energy. The system and method convey ablating energy individually to each emitter in a sequence of power pulses. The system and method periodically sense temperature at each emitter and compare the sensed temperatures to a desired temperature established for all emitters to generate a signal individually for each emitter based upon the comparison. The system and method individually vary the power pulse to each emitter based upon the signal for that emitter to maintain the temperatures at all emitters essentially at the desired temperature during tissue ablation.

Abstract: A hollow valve is used as an inlet or exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine. A hollow valve has a valve head and a valve stem. A cavity extends from the valve head to the valve stem. A low melting point alloy in solid is inserted into the cavity and occupies 1/4 to 1/3 of the cavity in volume. During operation of the engine, the alloy is melted, thereby cooling the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary drum structure for a sterilizer. The structure includes: four beams (30, 32, 34, 36) disposed parallel to said axis and defining a rectangular parallelepiped volume; a plurality of spacer elements (52, 54, 56) disposed in the four faces defining said parallelepiped volume and forming triangulated structures; a second end part (60) fixed to second ends of the beams to define an inlet opening (64) into said drum; and a circular running path (62).

Abstract: Footgear with an inner sole (66) having a grid of removable resilient elements to permit removal of selected elements (68) to provide relief to ulcerated or injured areas of the foot. An air bladder (64) may underlie sole (66), preferably with additional cushioning material (40) within the air bladder. A walker (12) with a soft support (20) may be provided with the inner sole within the support. Some of the removal resilient elements may have a higher density or height than others. The footgear may include an adhesively-backed resilient pad (212) to provide additional support to a region. The footgear may include means for reducing shear stress on a bottom surface of the foot. An edema patch (240) may be provided for covering an open space (248) left after a user has removed a removable section from the grid. The edema patch applies pressure to the afflicted zone of the foot (250) preventing fluids from building up.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing and treating cardiac disorders transmit an electrical energy pulse that temporarily stuns a zone of myocardial tissue, temporarily rendering it electrically unresponsive. The systems and methods sense an electrophysiological effect due to the transmitted pulse. The systems and methods alter an electrophysiological property of myocardial tissue in or near the zone based, at least in part, upon the sensed electrophysiological effect. The alteration of the electrophysiological property can be accomplished, for example, by tissue ablation or by the administration of medication. In a preferred implementation, radio frequency energy is used to both temporarily stun myocardial tissue and to ablate myocardial tissue through a common electrode.

Abstract: A valve including a housing defining an interior, entry port, an exit orifice, and a fuel path between the entry port and exit orifice, a magnetic coil associated with the interior of the housing, and a resilient valve element defining an outer section fixedly secured to the housing, an interior section engaging and closing the exit orifice, and a spring section between the outer section and the interior section defining at least one aperture. The resilient valve element will be deflected such that the interior section of the valve element is disengaged and spaced apart from the exit orifice in response to an application of a predetermined voltage to the coil.

Abstract: Rapid Thermal Processing of a semiconductor wafer is performed by scanning a laser beam across a silicon dioxide film in contact with a surface of the wafer. The silicon dioxide film absorbs the energy from the laser beam and converts the energy to heat. The heat, in turn, is transferred to the wafer. Temperature feedback can be obtained to increase control and uniformity of temperatures across the wafer.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including a thigh support, a leg rest, a foot rest and a control system which is adapted to monitor the respective positions of the leg rest and the foot rest. The control system will either move the foot rest to a position where it will not strike the floor during movement of the leg rest or prevent the foot rest from moving in such a manner that it will strike the floor. A control system which is adapted to adjust the back support and leg rest such the seat is in either the sleep orientation or the upright orientation in response to the user's actuation of a single switch may also be used.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the constituents present in an electroless plating bath solution. The method involves measuring ac spectra using a working electrode which has a high hydrogen overvoltage. First, a selected dc potential is applied to a working electrode which has been subjected to pretreatment and which is present in the electroless bath being analyzed. The electrode must have a high hydrogen overvoltage and is preferably an alloy of a low hydrogen overvoltage noble metal and a high overvoltage metal. A constant ac signal is superimposed on the dc potential. The dc potential is then swept over a chosen range at a selected sweep rate. The various constituents in the bath are then monitored by measuring the ac current at one or more reference phase angles with respect to the constant ac signal between the working electrode and a reference electrode as the dc potential is varied. The resulting ac spectra provides a useful measurement of the make-up of the constituents in the electroless plating solution.

Abstract: A carport enclosure built around an existing carport. The carport itself includes a plurality of carport support posts secured upright by respective footings and a roof supported by the support posts and overhanging the support posts. Enclosure posts, supported upright by footings, are positioned outboard of the carport support posts. A first side or end wall is attached to and supported by at least one of the enclosure posts, disposed underneath the roof and extends at least substantially up thereto so as to appear to be an integral side wall. Similarly, a second side or end wall is attached to and supported by at least one of the enclosure posts, disposed underneath an opposite side of the roof and extends at least substantially up thereto so as to appear to be an integral side wall. A rear wall is attached to and supported by at least one of the enclosure posts so as to appear to be an integral rear wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods employ an energy emitting electrode to heat tissue. The systems and methods follow a prescribed temperature set curve, in which a setpoint temperature changes over time, to control the application of energy to the electrode.