Abstract: In order to provide a compact loop antenna, for use in an inductive read/write apparatus, capable of extending a communication range even if the antenna area or power supply thereto is constrained, a compact loop antenna, for use in an inductive read/write apparatus, comprises two layers of loop antennas, each thereof comprising a printed circuit board 2 for featuring a loop pattern 1, a loop pattern 1 formed by an etching process on the printed circuit board 2, and a start terminal 3 and a end terminal 4 for supplying power for signal transmission and outputting a received signal and each thereof maintaining a predetermined distance from each other.

Abstract: A communication unit operates in a wireless-networking environment and maintains a mapping for active channels and associated network identifiers. The communication unit may associate with a wireless network using the mapping for one or more of the active channels having a selected network identifier. For associations and reassociations with wireless networks, the communication unit may selectively scan the channels having mapping stored in a table to more quickly identify active channels and thereby reduce scan time. In some embodiments, an access point may perform channel-width measurements and radar detection using the bitmap.

Abstract: A lead assembly includes a flexible lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and the lead body includes two or more conductors disposed therein. The second conductor is disposed within the first conductor, and the second conductor has a coating of insulation on the second conductor. In another option, a sleeve of insulative material is disposed between the first conductor and the second conductor.

Abstract: A system that prevents fragments of a disc from escaping from a drive. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises a drive and a fragment barricade affixed within the drive. The fragment barricade is positioned within the drive so as to prevent fragments of the disc from escaping from the drive.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system includes a programming device that determines parameters for programming an implantable medical device based on patient-specific information including indications for use of the implantable medical device. By executing an indication-based programming algorithm, the programming device substantially automates the process between the diagnosis of a patient and the programming of an implantable medical device using parameters individually determined for that patient.

Abstract: A device and method for designing and manufacturing an integrated heat spreader so that the integrated heat spreader will have a flat surface on which to mount a heat sink after being assembled into a package and exposed to the heat of a die. This device and method for designing and manufacturing an integrated heat spreader would generate a heat spreader that would be built compensate for deformations resulting from (1) physical manipulation during assembly (2) thermal gradients during operation and (3) differing rates of expansion and contraction of the package materials coupled with multiple package assembly steps at elevated temperatures so that one surface of the integrated heat spreader would have a flat shape.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management device is configured to detect oscillations in cardiac rhythm by comparing electrogram signals during successive heart beats. Upon detection of electrical alternans, the device may adjust its operating behavior to compensate for the deleterious effects of the condition.

Abstract: Structures and methods for write once read only memory employing charge trapping are provided. The write once read only memory cell includes a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) in a substrate. The MOSFET has a first source/drain region, a second source/drain region, and a channel region between the first and the second source/drain regions. A gate insulator is formed opposing the channel region. The gate insulator includes a number of high work function nanoparticles. A gate is formed on the gate insulator. A plug is coupled to the first source/drain region and couples the first source/drain region to an array plate. A transmission line is coupled to the second source/drain region. The MOSFET is a programmed MOSFET having a charge trapped in the number of high work function nanoparticles in the gate insulator adjacent to the first source/drain region.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting flow in a mass flow controller (MFC). The position of a gate in the MFC is sensed or otherwise determined to monitor flow through the MFC and to immediately or nearly immediately detect a flow failure. In one embodiment of the present invention, a novel MFC is provided. The MFC includes an orifice, a mass flow control gate, an actuator and a gate position sensor. The actuator moves the control gate to control flow through the orifice. The gate position sensor determines the gate position and/or gate movement to monitor flow and immediately or nearly immediately detect a flow failure. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gate position sensor includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal and a receiver for receiving the signal such that the receiver provides an indication of the position of the gate based on the signal received.

Abstract: A memory device includes isolation devices located between-memory cells. A plurality of isolation lines connects the isolation devices to a positive voltage during normal operations but still keeps the isolation devices in the off state to provide isolation between the memory cells. A current control circuit is placed between the isolation lines and a power node for reducing a current flowing between the isolation lines and the power node in case a deflect occurs at any one of isolation devices.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the capture threshold of a bipolar lead in order to determine an appropriate value for the stimulus pulse energy to be used with the lead by a cardiac rhythm management device. An appropriate bipolar stimulating configuration can also be determined. The method is particularly useful in testing bipolar leads used to excite the left ventricle such as when delivering cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a hearing aid having a housing with a face plate to which a handle is connected. Additionally, an at least partially coiled antenna is located proximal to the face plate. Another aspect relates to an apparatus comprised of a means for locating hearing aid components in a housing, a means for inserting and removing the hearing aid with a handle, a means for connecting the handle to the housing, and a means for integrating an antenna with the handle, wherein the antenna is located proximal to the housing. Another aspect relates to a method of making a hearing aid, including connecting an antenna to a handle and connecting the handle to the hearing aid, wherein the antenna is located proximate to the hearing aid housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for treating patients with sinus node dysfunction who have apparently normal intrinsic AV conduction and thus do not require ventricular pacing unless there is an unexpected AV conduction failure. In one embodiment, a cardiac device with dual-chamber pacing capability is programmed to operate in a primary DDI (or DDI(R)) mode adjusted to pace only the atria if intrinsic AV conduction is intact and switch to a secondary DDD (or DDD(R)) mode upon detection of AV block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining whether solder used during assembly of a printed circuit board is lead-free or not. This may include providing a pad on the printed circuit board and placing solder on the pad in a predetermined pattern. The solder may be heated so as to create reflow. The solder may later be examined to determine if the solder is lead-free.

Abstract: A process of making a reworkable thermal interface material is described. The reworkable thermal interface material is bonded to a die and a heat sink. The reworkable thermal interface material includes a phase-change polymer matrix material. Other materials in the reworkable thermal interface material can include heat transfer particles and low melting-point metal particles. The phase-change polymer matrix material includes a melting temperature below a selected temperature and the heat transfer particles have a melting temperature substantially above the selected temperature. The heat transfer particles act as a spacer limit, which holds the thermal interface material to a given bond-line thickness during use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for an industrial scale extraction and purification of xanthophylls (e.g., lutein and zeaxanthin) from plant material (e.g., alfalfa or other leafy green crops having high levels of chlorophyll). The process involves harvesting lutein rich alfalfa, extracting an oleoresin from the alfalfa leaves, saponifying the oleoresin, extracting and extracting lutein using a series of solvent extractions specific for oleoresin obtained from alfalfa or other leafy green plants.

Abstract: Integrated circuits include networks of electrical components that are typically wired, or interconnected, together with aluminum wires. In recent years, researchers have begun using copper in combination with diffusion barriers, rather than aluminum, to form the wires. Unfortunately, typical diffusion barriers add appreciable resistance to the wiring and require costly fabrication methods. Accordingly, the inventors devised one or more exemplary methods for making integrated-circuit wiring from materials, such as copper-, silver-, and gold-based metals. One exemplary method removes two or more masks in a single removal procedure, forms a low-resistance diffusion barrier on two or more wiring levels in a single formation procedure, and fills insulative material around and between two or more wiring levels in a single fill procedure. This and other embodiments hold the promise of simplifying fabrication of integrated-circuit wiring.

Abstract: Described are integrated circuit electrodes and method for fabricating an electrode, which include, in an embodiment forming a silicon, first portion of the electrode in a lower region of a substrate opening. The method may further include forming a second portion of the electrode in the opening and overlying the first portion, the insulative layer encompassing a sidewall of the second portion. The method may further include forming a third portion of the electrode overlying the second portion and overlying at least a portion of the insulative layer, wherein the first portion and the second portion are different materials. In an embodiment, the second portion is a diffusion barrier layer and the third portion is an oxidation resistant layer. In an embodiment, the method includes encompassing a lower sidewall of the third portion with the insulative layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may operate to use multiple oscillators to generate a demodulator clock signal and a modulator clock signal within a radio-frequency identification (RFID) circuit. The demodulator clock signal may be generated from a radio-frequency signal received at the RFID circuit. A modulator clock signal may be generated using a calibration value stored in a non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A cascode I/O driver is described that includes a barrier formed in the shared region between the two transistors. The barrier region allows the I/O driver to be designed to primarily meet I/O requirements. Accordingly, improved operating speeds are achieved. An system is described that includes an I/O driver in parallel with an ESD device. In an embodiment, the I/O driver may assist the ESD device in discharging electrostatic, after the ESD begins conducting.