Abstract: In a technique for fabricating an integrated circuit to include an active device structure which supports an electrical interconnect structure, a photoresist layer is used prior to forming an electrical interconnect structure on the active device structure. The photoresist and related residues are removed by exposing the photoresist and exposed regions of the active device structure to one or more reactive species that are generated using a gas mixture including hydrogen gas, as a predominant source of the reactive species, in a plasma source such that the photoresist and residues are continuously exposed to hydrogen-based reactive species. An associated system architecture is described which provides for a substantial flow of hydrogen gas in the process chamber.

Abstract: In a system having a boring tool and an above-ground portable locator for locating the boring tool as moved by a drill string in a region which includes an in-ground line, an apparatus is described for monitoring the positional relationship between the boring tool and the line. The apparatus includes a transmitter for generating a magnetic locating field from one of the boring tool or an underground length of the line. A receiver is carried by the boring tool if the field is generated from the line, or connected to the line if the field is generated from the boring tool, for detecting an intensity of the magnetic locating field to produce a magnetic field intensity indicative signal that is indicative of the positional relationship between the boring tool and the line. A remote display indicates the detected intensity of the magnetic locating field.

Abstract: A steering tool is movable by a drill string to form an underground bore along an intended path. A sensing arrangement of the steering tool detects its pitch and yaw orientations at a series of spaced apart positions along the bore, each position is characterized by a measured extension of the drill string. The steering tool further includes a receiver. At least one marker is positioned proximate to the intended path, for transmitting a rotating dipole field to expose a portion of the intended path to the field for reception by the receiver. The detected pitch orientation, the detected yaw orientation and the measured extension of the drill string are used in conjunction with magnetic information from the receiver to locate the steering tool. The steering tool may automatically use the magnetic information when it is available. A customized overall position determination accuracy can be provided along the intended path.

Abstract: Tension monitoring is described using a sensor which may exhibit an offset for which compensation may be provided to produce a zero voltage amplified output or to increase dynamic range. An arrangement determines whether a power reset is responsive to a battery bounce such that an initially-measured system start-up parameter can be retained. The start-up parameter is automatically saved at start-up if the power reset is responsive to a start-up from a shut-down condition. The start-up parameter may be a zero tension amplified output responsive to the sensor offset at zero tension. Protection of a tension data set is provided such that no opportunity for altering the data set is presented prior to transfer of the data set. A housing configuration forms part of an electrical power circuit for providing electrical power to an electronics package from a battery.

Abstract: A device rotates at least one static magnetic field about an axis, producing a rotating magnetic dipole field, and is movable in relation to the surface of the ground. The field is periodically sensed using a receiver to produce a receiver output responsive to the field. A positional relationship between the receiver and the device is monitored using the output. In one aspect, changing the positional relationship, by moving the device nearer to a boring tool which supports the receiver, causes an increase in accuracy of depth determination. In another aspect, determination of an actual overhead position of the boring tool, and its application, are described. Use of a plurality of measurements over at least one-half revolution of each magnet is disclosed. Establishing a surface radial direction toward a boring tool and resolution of multi-valued parameters is described. Calibration techniques, as well as a three transmitter configuration are also described.

Abstract: A portable locator and method for establishing the location of the cable line in a region which includes at least one generally straight electrically conductive cable line extending across the region from which cable line a locating signal includes a first arrangement for measuring a local flux intensity of the locating signal at a first above ground point within the region with the portable locator in a particular orientation at the first above ground point. A second arrangement uses the local flux intensity to establish a cable line angular orientation which limits the possible directions to the cable line relative to the particular orientation of the portable locator at the above ground point. A third arrangement uses the measured local flux intensity to establish an actual direction of the cable line that is selected from the possible directions based on certain characteristics of the locating signal.

Abstract: A boring tool moves having a pitch orientation, a yaw orientation and a roll orientation and is steerable underground using the roll orientation. A maximum drill string curvature is established for steering. The boring tool is advanced over a path segment. An averaged roll characteristic is determined for movement of the boring tool along the path segment. A path segment pitch orientation is established based on at least one measured pitch orientation along the path segment. Using the maximum drill string curvature in combination with the averaged roll characteristic and the path segment pitch orientation, the yaw orientation is determined. The averaged roll characteristic is determined based on a series of incremental roll measurements that are spaced across the path segment. A set of coupled ordinary differential equations is used to characterize movement of the boring tool.

Abstract: A customizable chamber spectral response is described which can be used at least to tailor chamber performance for wafer heating, wafer cooling, temperature measurement, and stray light. In one aspect, a system is described for processing a treatment object having a given emission spectrum at a treatment object temperature which causes the treatment object to produce a treatment object radiated energy. The chamber responds in a first way to the heating arrangement radiated energy and in a second way to the treatment object radiated energy that is incident thereon. The chamber may respond in the first way by reflecting the majority of the heat source radiated energy and in the second way by absorbing the majority of the treatment object radiated energy. Different portions of the chamber may be treated with selectively reflectivity based on design considerations to achieve objectives with respect to a particular chamber performance parameter.

Abstract: In a system in which a transmitter is moved through the ground in a region, the system including a locator for tracking the position of and/or guiding the transmitter as the transmitter moves through the ground, a locating signal is transmitted from the transmitter that is selectively operable at a current one of at least two frequencies for use in tracking the transmitter by receiving the locating signal at the frequency using the locator. A selected one of the frequencies of the locating signal is indicated to the locator using a frequency code that is produced by a locating signal frequency control arrangement which forms part of the transmitter, which frequency code can individually identify each of the frequencies. An associated transmitter is also described.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring information to and/or from flexible sheet media in a highly advantageous curved configuration is disclosed. The sheet material includes a length and a width defining first and second opposing surfaces. The assembly includes support means for supporting the sheet the curved configuration across its width, having the first surface inwardly oriented with respect to the curved configuration. Thereafter, moving means moves the flexible sheet material so supported in a direction along a read/write path generally parallel to the sheet material length and transverse to the direction of curvature. A read/write arrangement is provided which is configured for reading and/or writing information across the width of the first surface of the sheet as the sheet is moved along the path in the curved configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods enabling the efficient and repeatable measurement of mobility performance of wireless data communications equipment are described. This is particularly useful for testing the impact of roaming of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) devices, such as clients, between their counterparts, such as access points. The apparatus and methods include controlled emulation of roaming by WLAN devices, using a set of WLAN tester units, by activating and deactivating instances of emulated devices on different tester units to simulate the physical translation of the actual WLAN devices in an environment. Simulation of increasing and decreasing distance during the roaming process is also rendered possible. This enables various mobility performance measurements to be made on WLAN devices in a repeatable manner, free from artifacts due to device manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing a solid state light emitter and driving circuitry integrated into a component module that will retrofit common incandescent light bulb applications.

Abstract: A low power matchline sensing scheme where power is distributed according to the number of mismatching bits occurring on a matchline is disclosed. In particular, match decisions involving a larger number of mismatched bits consume less power compared to match decisions having a lesser number of mismatched bits. The low power matchline sensing scheme is based upon a precharge-to-miss sensing architecture, and includes a current control circuit coupled to each matchline of the content addressable memory array for monitoring the voltage level of the matchline during a search operation. The current control circuit provides a voltage control signal to the current source of the matchline to adjust the amount of current applied to the matchline in response to the voltage of the matchline. In other words, matchlines that are slow to reach the match threshold voltage due to the presence of one or more mismatching bits will receive less current than matchlines having no mismatching bits.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a multi-function tool that when assembled in different configurations would meet many needs of the home or commercial mechanic. One configuration is height adjustable allowing users to work safely in an elevated position over the engine compartment of a light truck (i.e. half-ton to one-ton vehicle) even if that vehicle is lifted or taller than factory normal. Another configuration is an engine stand to hold a small engine block so the mechanic may repair it. Yet another configuration is a crane or hoist to assist in lifting engines or parts of engines (e.g. heads) out of the engine compartment to prevent injury to the mechanic. This hoist could also aid in lifting the engine or engine parts onto the engine stand or onto another conveyance (i.e. onto a truck).

Abstract: A method and system are provided for maintaining a virtual ground node of an SRAM memory array at a minimum level sufficient for maintaining data retention. A circuit can maintain the virtual ground node at a virtual ground reference voltage of Vdd?(1.5*Vth), or maintain 1.5*Vth across the memory cells, where Vth is a threshold voltage of an SRAM memory cell transistor and VDD is a positive supply voltage. By tracking the Vth of the memory cell transistors in the SRAM array, the circuit reduces leakage current while maintaining data integrity. A threshold voltage reference circuit can include one or more memory cell transistors (in parallel), or a specially wired memory cell to track the memory cell transistor threshold voltage. The value of the virtual ground reference voltage can be based on a ratio of feedback chain elements in a multiplier circuit.

Abstract: Electric power is stored in a flywheel assembly, from a dc power buss, and supplied to the buss, through electronics associated with a motor/generator, its rotor integral with a flywheel supported by magnetic bearings. Upon operation, the flywheel assembly is released by mechanical backup bearings which then normally remain disengaged until shutdown as the flywheel assembly is levitated by the axial magnetic field. Enhancements developed herein smooth the flux density across discontinuities or segments present in permanent magnets due to presently limited capability for manufacture of large annular magnetic members. Herein, the introduction of a medium such as a steel cylindrical member to directly interface with the rotor as opposed to the segmented permanent magnet, greatly eradicates induced eddy current and heat on the rotor. In addition, exhibited is an annularly slotted rotor which allows for greater surface area for flux absorption.