Abstract: A packet forwarding method and apparatus performs multiprotocol routing (for IP and IPX protocols) and switching. Incoming data packets are examined and the flow (i.e., source and destination addresses and source and destination socket numbers) with which they are associated is determined. A flow table contains forwarding information that can be applied to the flow. If an entry is not present in the table for the particular flow, the packet is forwarded to the CPU to be processed. The CPU can then update the table with new forwarding information to be applied to all future packets belonging to the same flow. When the forwarding information is already present in the table, packets can thus be forwarded at wire speed. A dedicated ASIC is preferably employed to contain the table, as well as the engine for examining the packets and forwarding them according to the stored information. Decision-making tasks are thus more efficiently partitioned between the switch and the CPU so as to minimize processing overhead.

Abstract: A position measuring device includes a radiation source mounted on an isolated reference frame and a two-dimensional radiation detector mounted adjacent the radiation source. The object whose position is to be detected has a mirroring device, e.g. a retro-reflector, mounted on it so as to reflect light emitted from the radiation source along a return path that is parallel to but displaced from the incident light path. The amount of displacement is dependent on the position of the object and is measured by the two-dimensional detector. Three such devices can be combined in a system to measure the position of the object in all six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A system and method for processing data representative of a color image is disclosed. Image data represents an intensity of photoexposure of an imaging array at specific locations in the imaging array and in distinct spectral regions corresponding to color channels. A process identifies “white” regions in the color image by comparing the intensities of photoexposure of groups of associated pixels which are responsive to photon energy in different spectral regions. If the intensities of photoexposure of the pixels in the group of associated pixels are proportionally equivalent, these pixels are determined to be in a white region of the image. White balancing gain coefficients are then based upon the pixel intensity values at pixel locations in the white regions of the image.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing an antenna are presented. The antenna is capable of being mounted on a printed circuit board. In accordance with the method, the design dimension of a unitary piece of material are selected according to an operating wavelength. The unitary piece of material is stamped out from a larger section of material according to the design dimensions to form an antenna. The unitary piece of material includes a circular area and a stem area. The circular area has a center and an outer region. The stem area has a first end and a second end. The first end is joined with the center. The unitary piece is bendable at the first end and the center.

Abstract: MEMS Device Having A Trilayered Beam And Related Methods. According to one embodiment, a movable, trilayered microcomponent suspended over a substrate is provided and includes a first electrically conductive layer patterned to define a movable electrode. The first metal layer is separated from the substrate by a gap. The microcomponent further includes a dielectric layer formed on the first metal layer and having an end fixed with respect to the substrate. Furthermore, the microcomponent includes a second electrically conductive layer formed on the dielectric layer and patterned to define an electrode interconnect for electrically communicating with the movable electrode.

Abstract: A method and system for auto-focusing is disclosed where the number of the fractal pixels having a fractal dimension within a predetermined range is determined. The focused image is determined by adjusting the image to maximize the fractal pixel count. Alternatively, the focused image may be selected from a set of images, the image having the largest fractal pixel count selected as the focused image.

Abstract: A dual discharge valve for immersion in fluid, in a cistern includes a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion. An upwardly movable main valve assembly within the housing forms therewith a variable volume upper chamber and lower chamber. A first vent means is between the upper and lower chambers and an outlet leads down from the lower housing portion, which portion contains a seat for the main valve assembly at the entry to the outlet so that in the lowered position of the main valve assembly the outlet is blocked against the ingress of fluid. A central stem extends upwardly from the main valve assembly and is actuable by a first operating means remotely from the upper housing to raise the main valve assembly off its seat, the wall of the lower portion of the housing above the seat having apertures.

Abstract: A modified atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to perform contact resistance and/or current-dependent stiction measurements for conductive thin films at controlled values of applied force. The measurements are preferably performed under conditions approximating the operation of the thin films as electrodes in microswitch array fingerprint sensors. A first, planar thin film is contacted with a second, curved thin film deposited over a round ball having a diameter of a few microns to a few tens of microns. The second film is preferably a coating deposited over the ball and over the arm controlling the ball motion. The coating deposited over the arm provides an electrically conductive path to the contact surface of the ball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for developing a photoresist pattern. The method consists of mixing a concentrated chemical solution with a solvent to obtain a diluted chemical solution of a predetermined concentration. In this method, the mixing is done in a fabrication facility where the substrates are processed. The diluted chemical solution is then applied onto the photoresist pattern. Analysis of the pattern is then carried out to detect any defects or pattern collapse on the substrate. In the event that defects and/or pattern collapse occur, the predetermined concentration is adjusted to reduce the phenomenon.

Abstract: A stand-alone plasma vacuum pump for pumping gas from a low-pressure inlet to a high-pressure outlet, composed of: a housing enclosing one or more pumping regions located between the inlet and the outlet; a plurality of permanent magnet assemblies providing magnetic fields that extend in the pumping region between the inlet and the outlet, the magnetic field forming magnetic flux channels for guiding and confining plasmas; elements disposed for coupling microwave power into the flux channels to heat electrons, ionize gas, and accelerate plasma ions in a direction from the inlet to the outlet; elements disposed for creating an electric in the magnetic flux channels to accelerate ions in the flux channels toward the outlet by momentum transfer; and a differential conductance baffle proximate to the outlet for promoting flow of plasma ions and neutral atoms to the outlet.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for providing tunable gas injection in a plasma processing system (10, 10?). The apparatus includes a gas injection manifold (50) having a pressurizable plenum (150) and an array of adjustable nozzle units (250), or an array of non-adjustable nozzles (502, 602), through which gas from the plenum can flow into the interior region (40) of a plasma reactor chamber (14) capable of containing a plasma (41). The adjustable nozzle units include a nozzle plug (160) arranged within a nozzle bore (166). A variety of different nozzle units are disclosed. The nozzle plugs are axially translatable to adjust the flow of gas therethrough. In one embodiment, the nozzle plugs are attached to a plug plate (154), which is displacable relative to an injection plate (124) via displacement actuators (170) connecting the two plates. The displacement actuators are controlled by a displacement actuator control unit (180), which is in electronic communication with a plasma processing system control unit (80).

Abstract: The semiconductor device has a low-resistance layer provided under the interconnection extending from the singal input to a gate of MOSFET. The low-resistance layer suppresses the influence of the substrate resistance and the noise characteristic of the semiconductor device can also be improved. The low-resistance layer can be provided on a surface of the substrate or a polysilicon interconnection.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated nucleotide sequences from Coryneform bacteria which code for the pck gene encoding the enzyme phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PEP carboxykinase). The invention also relates a process for the fermentative preparation of L-amino acids, in particular L-lysine, L-threonine, and L-glutamate by attenuation of the pck gene.

Abstract: A hollow, reinforced, molded automotive hard top is made using a sheet of thermoplastic material with nanoparticles dispersed therein. The particles comprise less than 15% of total volume of the plastic sheet, at least 50% of the particles have a thickness less than about 20 layers, and at least 99% of the particles have a thickness of less than about 30 layers. The sheet is preheated and molded in an assembly having mold surfaces corresponding to the hard top configuration. Vacuum is applied to one side of the assembly and pressurized gas is applied to the opposite side of the assembly to force the sheet into conformity with the mold surfaces. After cooling, the conformed sheet is transferred to another mold assembly, where a reinforced plastic melt having a blowing agent is applied. Together, the solidified melt and the conformed plastic sheet form the hard top.

Abstract: There is disclosed a disk drive of a perpendicular magnetic recording system including a write compensator against magnetic disturbance. The write compensator estimates strength and direction of the magnetic disturbance based on the detection result of the magnetic disturbance from a magnetic sensor during a write operation. The write compensator executes write compensation in accordance with the direction of the magnetic disturbance and the recording magnetization direction on a disk medium.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for improving CD uniformity in lithographic system is presented herein. The system includes an exposure apparatus configured to expose substrates, a track apparatus that is operatively coupled to the exposure apparatus and a plurality of processing modules and apparatus. The system also includes a measuring device configured to measure attributes of the exposed and processed substrates and to assess whether the exposed and processed substrate attributes are uniform based on pre-specified substrate profile information. The system further includes a module configured to adaptively calculate corrective exposure data based on the measured attributes upon determining that said attributes are not uniform. The corrective exposure data is configured to correct for non-uniformities in the substrates by regulating the exposure dosage of the exposure apparatus.

Abstract: In this invention, a facial image is sensed from different directions, pupil and nasal cavity regions are detected from the sensed facial image, feature points are detected from the detected regions, a feature pattern is extracted on the basis of the feature points, and the feature pattern is registered or is verified with a registered feature pattern to identify a person.

Abstract: A system for precisely positioning and moving a platform relative to a support structure is disclosed herein. The platform is particularly suitable for carrying wafers. Charged particle optics can be attached to the support structure. The platform positioning system comprises a stage, comprising a base, a platform and stage actuators, the stage actuators being coupled to the platform and the platform being coupled to the base; a frame attached to the base; a support structure mechanically coupled to the frame; stage sensors attached to the support structure, for sensing the position of the platform relative to the support structure; and a current control system coupled to the stage sensors and the stage actuators. The current control system may include a predictor for generating an ouptut signal anticipating the actual position of the platform relative to the support structure in real time.