Abstract: A random number generating apparatus for an interface unit of a Carrier Sense with Multiple Access and Collision Detect (CSMA/CD) Ethernet data network. The interface unit includes a transmit backoff unit for implementing a backoff algorithm in response to a network collision signal and a random number. The apparatus comprises a dual mode random number generator and a multiplexer for switching the random number generator between modes in accordance with the serial address bits of a data packet being processed by the interface unit. The random number generator includes a 25 stage linear feedback shift register. The multiplexer has two signal inputs connected to outputs of the 18th and 22nd stages of the shift register respectively, a switch input connected to receive the serial address bits and an output connected in circuit to an input of the shift register.

Abstract: A system of the invention connects an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) data network to a plurality of host units. The data network transfers data in the form of ATM cells. A plurality of ATM termination units are connected between the network and the host units respectively. Each termination unit includes a virtual channel memory for storing ATM cells; a processor for segmenting and reassembling the ATM cells stored in the memory; a network interface for transferring ATM cells including segmented Conversion Sublayer Payload Data Units (CS-PDU)s between the memory, the processor and an ATM network; and a host interface for transferring unsegmented CS-PDUs between the memory, the processor and a host unit. The processor of each termination unit includes a computing unit, and a programmable instruction memory for storing a program for controlling the computing unit.

Abstract: A system for interactive design and simulation of an electronic circuit allowing a user to design a circuit by graphical entry and to view full or partial simulation and design results simultaneously, on a single display window. The user is able to define the form of a display of speed, delay, loading, symbols, simulation input and/or output values on each node and any path of the design. Simulation may be user-defined or other process time. The user is further able to view any information relevant to any object in the design at any level of design abstraction, and is able to view multiple levels of design abstraction simultaneously and to display information common to the various representations.

Abstract: A CMOS-technology, DRAM integrated circuit includes paired P-type and N-type wells in a substrate, which wells are fabricated using a self-aligning methodology. Similarly, FET's of the DRAM circuit are fabricated in the wells of the substrate using a self-aligning methodology to provide FET's of opposite polarity in a DRAM which may have paired memory cells and dummy cells for symmetry of circuitry. The DRAM includes a multitude of annular multi-plate capacitor structures formed atop the FET's of the substrate, and plural layers of insulative dielectric with embedded bit and word traces providing for connection of the multitude of memory cells of the DRAM to external circuitry.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a semiconductor circuit chip housed in a package. The package provides for electrical interface of the integrated circuit chip with external circuitry, and also provides environmental protection for the circuit chip. The circuit chip includes a circuit portion which liberates heat into the semiconductor substrate of the chip during operation of the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit chip also includes a layer of insulative material which overlies the semiconductor substrate. A thermally conductive plug member penetrates through the layer of insulative material and extends into a hole formed in the semiconductor substrate. This plug member is in conductive heat transfer relation with the material of the semiconductor substrate, and connects thermally with high-conductivity heat transfer structure conducting heat from the substrate to the package for liberation to the ambient.

Abstract: Nonaqueous pharmaceutical compositions for use in aqueous physiological systems are disclosed comprising drug delivery vehicles suspended in nonaqueous perfluorocarbon or fluorinated silicone liquid carriers. The suspended drug delivery vehicles may be water labile or water stable and incorporate therapeutic or diagnostic compounds which remain stable and pharmaceutically effective for extended periods. The pharmaceutical compositions have improved bioavailability, are capable of low dose volume delivery, and do not leach the incorporated therapeutic or diagnostic compounds into the liquid carriers making them well suited for multi-dose packaging and administration.

Abstract: A method of cell placement for an integrated circuit chip includes performing a chaotic improvement operation on an initial cell placement. At least some of the cells are relocated to new locations that provide lower interconnect wirelength and congestion. For each cell, the centroid of the net of cells to which the cell is connected is computed. The cell is then moved toward the centroid by a distance that is equal to the distance from the current position of the cell to the centroid multiplied by a "chaos" factor .lambda.. The value of .lambda. is selected such that the cell relocation operations will cause the placement to converge toward an optimal configuration without chaotic diversion, but with a sufficiently high chaotic element to prevent the optimization operation from becoming stuck at local fitness maxima.

Abstract: An applicator for, and a method of, selectively applying a color layer to a toner image formed on a substrate. The applicator is adapted to be removably secured to the substrate without the aid of additional implements such as adhesive tabs. After heat has been applied to the applicator, it will leave a color layer on the toner image, but not on the substrate.

Abstract: A paperboard sheet has a longitudinal scoreline defining a narrow flap portion on one side thereof and a body portion on the other side. The sheet is packaged flat together with a set of tabbed dividers thereby protecting the dividers. With the sheet and dividers removed from the packaging, the flap portion is folded up ninety degrees on the scoreline to define a guide tray. The guide tray is inserted into a printer feed tray and the set of tabbed dividers is placed on the body portion with the tabs thereof abutting the upturned flap portion, and the feed tray guides adjusted. The flap guides the dividers as they are fed into the printer, preventing skewing thereof. Guide tray instructions are conveniently printed on the paperboard sheet. The guide tray can be used for guiding sheets, other than tabbed dividers, which have irregular longitudinal edges.

Abstract: An apparatus for torque-converter clutch transmission includes a final output planetary gear, at lease a braking pump, a compound planetary gear train, an oil path system, and a centrifugal pump. The final output planetary gear includes a sun gear mounted on an engine crankshaft, a planetary carrier mounted on an output shaft, and a ring gear. The compound planetary gear train includes first and second planetary gears which together share a common ring gear. The first planetary gear further includes a sun gear mounted to the engine crankshaft and a planetary carrier connected to a rotor shaft of the braking pump, and a ring gear, while the second planetary gear further includes a sun gear connected to the ring gear of the final output planetary gear and a planetary carrier fixedly mounted to an inner wall of a gear box.

Abstract: A disposable, hand-held, single-use applicator for applying waxes, polishes, medicines and other chemical compounds has a base piece and a chemically-impregnated pad attached to the lower surface of the base piece. The handle of the applicator has a first handle piece that is hingedly attached to the upper surface of the base piece, and a second handle piece that is not attached to the base piece. A swivel gap separates the second handle piece from the base piece. The base piece and pad may swivel at least somewhat relative to the first handle piece to adjust to the contour of the surface to which the chemical is being applied. The first and second handle pieces are collapsibly interconnected with one another such that the second handle piece may be rotated to a collapsed position in which the second handle piece is substantially juxtaposed to the first handle piece, with both handle pieces extending almost within the same plane.

Abstract: An fluorescent metal-chelating amphiphile having the structure: ##STR1## wherein A is a hydrophobic fluorophore, X and Y are aliphatic hydrocarbons having from 9 to 25 carbon atoms, B is a hydrophilic spacer, C is a metal chelator, and L is either an ether or ester linkage. The fluorescent metal-chelating amphiphile is combined with a matrix lipid to form lipid-based sensors which provide fluorometric detection of metal ions in liquids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locating a good approximation of optimal Steiner tree routing in the presence of rectilinear obstacles, including finding a Steiner tree on an escape graph. The escape graph is constructed by forming lines from given points (pins) and obstacles. Obstacles and the segments of obstacles are provided with lines parallel to that segment at a given minimum distance s.sub.min from the. The lines are constructed until they reaches either a boundary of an obstacle or a boundary of the core. For pins which do belong to a boundary of an obstacle, a ray, perpendicular to the segment of the boundary on which the pin is located is constructed from the pin and out from the obstacle until it reaches another obstacle or a boundary of the core. For pins which do not belong to an obstacle, vertical and horizontal lines are constructed. A Steiner tree may then be found on the escape graph by using any number of algorithms such as algorithm S and algorithm M.

Abstract: Signal area efficiency in integrated circuit designs is improved by increasing the information efficiency of signal wiring on an integrated circuit. Candidate signals are selected for combination by prioritizing signals according to length of travel, travel path, and information content. Signals with low information content and with greater distance between endpoints make poor utilization of fixed wiring and provide the best candidates for improvement. Candidate signals which travel similar (substantially parallel) paths from point to point across the integrated circuit are combined to improve chip area utilization efficiency. A variety of techniques are described for combining low-information-content signals onto a small number of wires, transmitting them over the small number of wires, and re-expanding them at their destination. Assuming that the combining/expanding circuitry occupies less space than the point-to-point wiring which would otherwise be required, there is a net reduction in chip area.

Abstract: A utility knife/box cutter includes an ergonomically-shaped handle portion with exterior stippling to provide a good grasp upon the knife. Within the handle portion, a channel member is received in a forwardly extending cavity and movably receives a cutting blade carrier for longitudinal movement relative to the handle portion. A cutter blade carried in the blade carrier is moveable between a storage position entirely within the handle portion and successively further forward use and replacement positions. Also received into the handle portion is a spare blade holder member pivotal between a blade retaining position entirely within the handle portion and a blade releasing position in which a forward part of the spare blade holder member is pivoted out of the handle portion to present spare blades for removal and transfer to the cutting blade carrier.

Abstract: Photorefractive crystals having the formula K.sub.1-y Li.sub.y Ta.sub.1-x Nb.sub.x O.sub.3 wherein x is between 0 and 1 and y is between 0.0001 and 0.15. The crystals are useful as a photorefractive material for use in optical systems. The crystals may be doped with various first transition elements and lanthanides including copper, vanadium, chromium, iron, and manganese, nickel, europium and cerium.

Abstract: A fire-resistant multipurpose protective coating is provided by means of a two-layer coating in which the first layer is a heat-resistant oxidized graphite layer and the second layer is a hydrophobic highly-dispersed-hydrophobic-powder layer containing a silicone liquid. The coating is effective in protecting various substances from fire, strong thermal fluxes, corrosion, acids, bases, electrolytes, other corrosive liquids, and microorganisms.

Abstract: In order to provide specific information, e.g. concerning emergency exits on ships, in aeroplanes, in buildings, in specific land areas etc. there is provided a device in the form of a profile strip (1) along the path which has to be followed. The profile strip (1) is preferably installed along the walls in the form of a handrail. The profile strip (1) is designed in certain areas for the insertion of information supplying means (2) which may consist of signs and/or light panels and/or sound devices and/or direction indicating lugs or grooves. In the strip there may be cavities for providing any necessary cables for activation of the means.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling dispensation of fluids utilizing at least one metered valve apparatus controlling a movement of fluid from at least one bulk fluid reservoir through at least one conduit in response to an authorization signal. A central controller establishes an electronic interconnection map corresponding to plumbing interconnections between at least one bulk fluid reservoir and at least one fluid conduit and employs the electronic interconnection map to generate the authorization signal. A remote communication link from the central processor to at least one metered valve apparatus facilitates transmission of the authorization signal.