Abstract: A saw blade is disclosed for the high-speed cutting of ferrous alloys. A blade with negatively-raked carbide-tipped teeth, a large gullet between each tooth, and vibration-reducing arc-shaped slots allow for the essentially burr-free cold-cutting of steel without lubricant.

Abstract: A method for providing electronic discovery on computer systems and archives is provided by using artificial intelligence to produce smart search agents to retrieve relevant data, particularly legally relevant documents. Information relevant to desired data related to an issue is input into a neural network to train said neural network to produce search algorithms in the form of smart search agent. The smart search agents are released onto target computer systems and/or archives to search for responsive data and documents. Notification, reports, and indexing of responsive data and documents can be provided to produce relevant results or prevent the production of relevant results.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fabrication method of UBM for flip chip interconnections of a semiconductor device, consisting of dipping a patterned wafer into a plating solution containing materials supplying nickel and copper ions, forming a copper layer at a predetermined current density for connection between a chip pad and a solder bump and for residual stress-buffering, and forming a nickel-copper alloy layer at an increased current density for prevention of diffusion between the solder and the pad. The method is advantageous in terms of low fabrication cost due to not requiring an etching process, while meeting the conditions of wettability, diffusion-barrier function and small residual stress required to form UBM on the patterned wafer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining brain functioning in an individual by measuring the amount of either N-acetylaspartate or choline in an individual's brain. The present invention also provides methods for determining a change in an individual's brain functioning due to a change in the concentration of N-acetylaspartate or choline in the individual's brain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the orbits of spacecraft or other objects relative to primary celestial bodies, given applicable measurements. The present invention uses the variation of parameters in universal variables for spacecraft trajectory propagation during operation of its optimal sequential orbit estimation. This method provides a universal capability for all three conics: elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic, forward-time and backward-time numerical integration for filtering and smoothing, respectively. A method for determining local and global estimates of atmospheric density is also provided. A method for realistic orbit simulation provides a means for validating an orbit estimate.

Abstract: A bandwidth sharing method for use on respective interstitial connections between on one side a plurality of users and on the other side a common data-link having a shared packet switching device, the method including performing the steps of: monitoring data-link directed bandwidth from each user; maintaining a current sum of the monitored bandwidth; and whenever the current sum exceeds a predetermined data-link bandwidth threshold, reducing current collective data-link directed bandwidth by for substantially each user, comparing the respective user's data-link directed bandwidth with a predetermined data-link bandwidth threshold for the respective user; using an allocation function, selecting at least one user who is exceeding his predetermined data-link bandwidth threshold, and for a predetermined time interval, cutting the connection between each selected at least one user and the shared switching device, so as to restore a current sum of the monitored bandwidth to be not greater than the predet

Abstract: A plasma reaction chamber, particularly a DC magnetron sputter reactor, in which the plasma density and the ionization fraction of the plasma is increased by a plasma inductive loop passing through the processing space. A tube has its two ends connected to the vacuum chamber on confronting sides of the processing space. An RF coil powered by an RF power supply is positioned adjacent to the tube outside of the chamber and aligned to produce an RF magnetic field around the toroidal circumference of the tube such that an electric field is induced along the tube axis. Thereby, a plasma is generated in the tube in a loop circling through the processing space.

Abstract: A method of making an ungrounded type flexible fabric container with a reduced energy of electrostatic discharge for use in a combustible environment is provided. A woven fabric is configured to form a flexible fabric container having sidewalls, a closed end and an open end. The woven fabric made as from a static dissipating fabric comprising fabric woven of non-conductive tapes, to which a plurality of conductive staple fibers are woven into or coated onto the fabric at a spacing of from 3 mm to 100 mm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for core drilling of concrete by resiliently mounting a hammer drill to a drill press or similar support frame using a recoil spring to maintain a driving force on the hammer drill. An air blower is positioned adjacent the core drilling bit to provide cooling of the bit and material removal from the core such that the bit no longer needs to be periodically withdrawn from the core for material removal. In a preferred embodiment, the support frame uses a screw jack to periodically move the resiliently mounted hammer drill. Use of an inexpensive electric blower and electric hammer drill allow semi-automatic remote operation, wherein the screw jack is turned to compress the recoil spring and then the blower and hammer drill are turned on from a remote distance by switching the electricity on. In this manner, the operator can operate the core drilling system without being subjected to the concrete dust and debris being blown from the core by the blower.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for sharing user event information (such as, and without limitation, presence on a network) among mobile (wireless) devices and those connected to fixed IP networks such as the Internet. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the system and method support instant messaging between wireless devices and fixed IP network devices and between wireless devices and other wireless devices. The term wireless device is used broadly to include cell phones, laptop computers with wireless modems, wireless PDAs, and any other remote wireless devices.

Abstract: An optimized integrated high capacity digital satellite trunking network, otherwise known as the Multipurpose Wideband Communications System (MPWCS) and method to link multiple earth stations in the same or different satellite antenna transponder footprints using uplink frequency to select the downlink footprint. The configuration of the network eliminates the need to reconfigure the transponder based on the desired downlink footprint. The invention integrates wideband receivers and hybrid signal combiners on the satellite along with an appropriate uplink and downlink frequency plan to provide the ability to reconfigure connectivity between uplink and downlink footprints based on uplink frequency selection. Certain configurations allow single hop connectivity between all transponder antenna footprints for all users within those footprints of the geostationary satellite.

Abstract: An anti-fomitic device in the form of a bag or envelope forms a cover for an object for preventing cross-infection by bacteria and other pathogens that may reside on the object. The anti-fomitic device is a flat, flexible bag or envelope with a closure means at one or both ends of the bag or envelope, having a sterile interior that is sealed during manufacture to maintain sterility. Therefore, no outer wrapping for the anti-fomitic device is required. The anti-fomitic device is inverted when used to cover the object and results in an ultimate outer surface that is initially sterile. Materials for the coverings/bags are impervious to the transmission of pathogens. A laundered covering such as a sheet, pillowcase, etc., can then be slipped over the object that is covered with the anti-fomitic device to enhance comfort, yet maintain protection against pathogens on the object being covered.

Abstract: In a substrate vacuum processing chamber, a second inner slit passage door apparatus and method to supplement the normal slit valve and its door at the outside of the chamber. The inner slit passage door, blocks the slit passage at or adjacent the substrate processing location in a vacuum processing chamber to prevent process byproducts from depositing on the inner surfaces of the slit passage beyond the slit passage door and improves the uniformity of plasma in the processing chamber by eliminating a large cavity adjacent to the substrate processing location into which the plasma would otherwise expand.

Abstract: A spherical cutting tool such as a ball end mill, a tapered ball end mill and the like is disclosed, in which cutting edges are formed on a spherical surface. The tangential lines of the respective points of the cutting edges on a spherical surface are made to have a constant (helix) angle relative to the axis of the tool. A tooth can be formed with an eccentric relief, and the tooth reinforced with a smaller relief angle and a wider land width. Therefore, the tool can be operated at a higher feed rate, thereby making it possible to improve the machining efficiency.

Abstract: The ribbon drive generation apparatus is comprised of a ribbon-like curved shape, composed either of metal or other suitable material, attached to a central axle with the complete apparatus being contained in a tube having a constant diameter for the length of the tube. A front portion of the tube has a pivot or tether and the rear portion of the tube has a drag means, such as fins, so as to cause rotation of the tube until it is oriented parallel to the flow. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrical output of the ribbon drive generation apparatus is connected to a storage battery so as to store energy in times of high flow and make up for generating deficiencies during times of lesser flow. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, plural generating stages are serially arranged to adapt to flow variation and provide smooth start-up. Bypass vents and coupling means are located between each stage.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for determining premium tables to produce annuity rates, where the annuity rates reflect client data pertaining to age, sex, medical conditions and high risk behavior. The annuity rate reflects potential medical and social advancement, prudence, interest, expenses, and commissions as well as other related factors in determining premiums to be paid by individuals.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and system for conducting elections using a personal voting code enabled electronic device (PVCe-ballot) as the voting ballot. Voters maintain their vote selections in secrecy even if third parties observe vote casting. One or more computers or personal computers perform the functions of a pre-election computer, voting computer and an elections computer. Voters provide or enter voter verification information. If voter verification matches that stored in the PVCe-ballot, the voter is allowed to enter voting codes. Election selections are marked as affirmative when an entered voting code matches a stored personal voting code. Optional security features include the use of party access codes and tamper detection circuitry.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine and method is disclosed wherein a separate compression cylinder and an adiabatic power cylinder are used and a regenerator or pair of regenerators is mounted between them to provide heat for hot-air ignition. The single regenerator embodiment operates as a two-stroke cycle engine and the embodiment with an alternating pair of regenerators operates as a four-stroke cycle engine. Improvements include a power transfer valve with an anti-backflow design using a recessed valve seat, a rapid leakdown lifter, and ceramic coatings to minimize blow-by, seal the power cylinder during the combustion process, and protect the valve. Additionally, the power cylinder piston, power cylinder head and power transfer valve are all either made from ceramics or have ceramic coatings to insulate the gases and prevent loss of heat from the gases to the cooling system. The lower pressures allows the soft spray of fuel without forming soot.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assessing the signal strength, quality and sources of interference in a wireless network. A drive test is performed using a receiving scanner in a geographic area that contains a plurality of base stations within a carrier's wireless network. The receiver and companion logic measure, analyze and record synchronization channels across all the frequencies used by the local base station. Signal quality is computed and expressed in the form of RxQual. Multiple readings are taken in a brief time period (˜480 msec) thus an average, representative quality is assessed. Signal fading, degradation, and interference are calculated using corelative techniques, for each used frequency. If the signal quality level is insufficient, then a scan for adjacent channel and co-channel interference is done. The data and analyses are used by the carrier to fine tune the wireless network system.