Abstract: A laser system and processing method exploits the absorption contrast between the materials from which a link (12) and an underlying substrate (22) are made to effectively remove the link from the substrate. Laser output in a wavelength range of 1.2 to 2.0 .mu.m (30) optimizes the absorption contrast between many high conductivity materials (e.g., metals) and silicon substrates and permits the use of laser output in a wider range of energy or power levels, pulse widths, without risking damage to the silicon substrates or adjacent circuit structures. Existing link processing laser systems can be readily modified to operate in the 1.2 to 3.0 .mu.m range.

Abstract: A memory testing assembly (50) for testing a memory device under test ("DUT") includes a row address converter (58) and a column address converter (62). The row and column address converters translate generic row and column count signals into correct row and column address signals that address desired memory cells in a particular DUT. The row and column address converters comprise separate memory arrays, which allow them to employ a relatively small amount of memory bits. The row and column address converters are, however, cross-coupled to provide row and column information signals that are fed back to inputs of the respective column and row address converters. Such feedback allows the memory tester to be able to test DUTs for which some of the row addresses must be known to translate the column addresses and/or some of the column addresses be known to translate the row address. The memory tester writes data into the cells of the DUT and reads and compares the read data with the previously written data.

Abstract: A computing system (50) includes N number of symmetrical computing engines having N number of cache memories joined by a system bus (12). The computing system includes a global run queue (54), an FPA global run queue, and N number of affinity run queues (58). Each engine is associated with one affinity run queue, which includes multiple slots. When a process first becomes runnable, it is typically attached one of the global run queues. A scheduler allocates engines to processes and schedules the processes to run on the basis of priority and engine availability. An engine typically stops running a process before it is complete. When the process becomes runnable again the scheduler estimates the remaining cache context for the process in the cache of the engine. The scheduler uses the estimated amount of cache context in deciding in which run queue a process is to be enqueued.

Abstract: An interconnect lead (12) has trenches (28) that function as stress joints to inhibit the formation of stress related defects, such as cracks and hillocks. The interconnect lead is formed by a continuous layer (18) of a refractory metal alloy and a segmented layer (22) of an aluminum alloy. The stress joints are formed by using a high resolution microlithographic process (48) to etch the narrow trenches in a transverse direction to the length of the conductor through the aluminum layer.

Abstract: High-power optical output (60) that exhibits a high degree of lateral and transverse spatial coherence from an unstable resonator semiconductor laser (14) is efficiently optically coupled into a lasant mode volume (76) of a solid-state laser (28). This apparatus and method of pumping enable the preferred lasants, Cr:LiCAF and Cr:LiSAF, to reach laser operation at a reduced pumping level.

Abstract: A temperature sensor (10), which is connected to a sampling/recording meter (14), is imbedded in a diaper (22). The meter measures and records the temperature of the sensor at time intervals of, for example, one minute over a predetermined period of, for example, three days. The temperature and time data are then loaded from the meter to a computer (30), which causes a printer (40) to plot temperature versus time data in graphical format, and numerical format. Voiding events are identified. Thereafter, at a short time before the person will void, the person can voluntarily use a toilet or bed pan either alone or with the assistance of care giver. This voluntary voiding is an example of intervention. The meter includes an event button (44) that allows the recording and later printing of a symbol representing a specific event and the time the event occurred. The symbols may be used in identifying voiding events.

Abstract: A free-form, three-dimensional, solid-phase object (30) is produced from droplets (24) of liquid-phase material having appreciable surface tension and well-defined solidification properties. The liquid-phase material is ejected from an ejection head (20) in discrete droplets onto a substrate (98). The temperature, frequency, size, and trajectory of the droplets and the relative speed of motion between the substrate and the ejection head are adjusted to compensate for the physical properties of the liquid-phase material and the heat dissipation characteristics of the growing object to form a desired object (212).

Abstract: A fog-light assembly having (A) a plate having an upper margin attached to a front bumper of a car and a lower margin formed with a track on the rear side of the plate, (B) a pair of fog lights sliding on and along the track, between a working position where the fog lights are beside the plate and an idle position where the fog lights are hidden behind the plate and (C) a driving bolt for moving the fog lights by threading.

Abstract: A magnetic holding device is provided that includes at least one electromagnet assembly for selectively switching a holding portion for a magnetic substance into an excited state or an unexcited state; and a permanent magnet for selectively keeping the holding portion in an excited state or an unexcited state in cooperation with the electromagnet assembly.

Abstract: A detectable cutter knife (100) is useful as a replacement for a conventional cutter knife used in product inspection and cutting systems of the type having a cutting wheel assembly. The cutting wheel assembly includes a knife guide having angularly spaced radially oriented knife support slots through which cutter knives having tangs extending therefrom move between a retracted noncutting position and an extended cutting position. The detectable cutter knife (100) includes a shank (102), a tang (114), and an amount of metallic material in the shank sufficient to stimulate a metal detector. The use of metallic material in the shank permits automatic and efficient detection of a broken cutter knife (100) and its removal from product flow. Preferably, the metallic material takes the form of a ball bearing (152) secured within a hole (150) positioned in a low-stress area (154) of shank (102).

Abstract: Binoculars capable of simultaneous individual focus and simultaneous individual focus mechanisms therefor are discussed. The binoculars of the present invention are preferably offset hinged in the bridging portion to accommodate various users and for compactness. In addition, the binoculars of the present invention simulate the ease of center focus and combat parallax that results from misalignment of the optical axis and the mechanical axis of each binocular tube.

Abstract: Particulate materials, particularly fine particles of clay animal litter, are agglomerated using a reticulated cellulose product formed by growing Acetobacter. Treatment with such reticulated cellulose also enhances the liquid absorbency of particulate materials.

Abstract: A source-level run-time software code debugging instrument (10) includes a target access probe ("TAP") (12) and a communications adapter ("COMDAP") (14) that process emulation commands provided by source-level debugging software operating on a host computer. The TAP includes a TAP CPU (28) that receives target CPU input signals and delivers target CPU output signals for controlling the execution of software code by the target circuit in accordance with command signals provided by the host computer. The TAP also includes a programmable logic cell array (24) and a RAM (34). The TAP logic cell array routes command and data signals to and from the TAP CPU, and the RAM stores an in-circuit emulation ("ICE") program used by the TAP to operate the target circuit. The COMDAP is physically separate from the TAP and provides an interface between the host computer and the TAP. The COMDAP includes a programmable logic cell array (44) and an EPROM (46).

Abstract: A cut-off material is provided, which includes an impermeable cutoff member (10, 70) provided with an expandable hose portion (18, 72) and a flange portion (20, 74) formed integrally with one end of the hose portion. The cutoff member is disposed in first and second pipelines, so that the flange portion is positioned within the first pipeline (12) and that the hose portion is positioned within the second pipeline (14). The cut-off member is maintained, for example, by a base (24,54,82) that is wound to be radially expandable, so that the flange portion is brought into liquid tight contact with the inner surface of the first pipeline and the hose portion extends within the second pipeline.

Abstract: Multi-chamber devices of collecting particles in aquatic environments including an upper chamber serving as a particle interceptor chamber, a lower chamber serving as a particle accumulator chamber, and a valve assembly interposed between the upper and lower chambers are disclosed. Upon rotation of an indented valve body, particles in the upper chamber are transferred to the lower chamber and preserved for analysis. The valve assembly substantially reduces the presence of living organisms in particle samples and enhances the accuracy of passive vertical particle flux sampling techniques. A plurality of sample collection chambers may be provided to facilitate temporal resolution of vertical particle flux measurements during a single deployment period.

Abstract: A stand (10) that includes an upwardly projecting support member (24) shaped into wedge portions (36, 38), each wedge portion configured to fit within the groove (18) formed in a conventional holder (14) for a lathing tool. The stand (10) provides a compact and convenient mechanism for storing holders that are not fastened to the lathe.

Abstract: A binding agent comprising fiber strands of microbially produced cellulose is disclosed. The cellulose is synthesized by certain strains of microorganisms of the genus Acetobacter grown under agitated culture conditions to produce fine, interconnected fiber strands forming a three-dimensional reticulated structure. The binding agent is effective for binding fibers and fragments of material, such as natural and treated wood fragments and particles as well as synthetic materials, and it imparts wet and dry tensile strength to the bound material.

Abstract: A laser device is mounted on the front surface of a trigger guard on a firearm such that a laser beam is emitted in the direction of fire. Mounting screws pass through the trigger guard into an end of the laser device, and a pivot device placed between the laser device and trigger guard permits adjustment of the orientation of the laser beam relative to the barrel axis of the firearm. Power to the laser device is provided by passing wires through channels that are drilled through the trigger guard, and then to a battery through a momentary switch that is mounted on the front surface of the firearm handle or grip.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vibration-generated movement and manipulation, such as transportation, orientation, loading or sorting of materials are provided. At least one electromagnetic coil is disposed to act in a horizontal plane, and another electromagnetic coil may be disposed to act in a vertical plane, imparting two-dimensional vibration to a generally horizontal vibratory surface. Apparatus vibrationally transports parts across a surface while concurrently orienting and sorting them. Reversibility of transport direction is also provided.