Abstract: An endodontic probe is used to perform disinfection procedures on target tissues within root canal passages and tubules. The endodontic probe can include an electromagnetic radiation emitting fiber optic tip having a distal end and a radiation emitting region disposed proximally of the distal end. According to one aspect, the endodontic probe can include a porous structure that encompasses a region of the fiber optic tip excluding the radiation emitting region and that is loaded with biologically-active particles, cleaning particles, biologically-active agents, or cleaning agents for delivery from the porous structure onto the target tissues.

Abstract: A slew rate enhancing circuit is disclosed. A current mirror circuit generates a mirrored current according to a current source, and the mirrored current is adaptively provided for an amplifier. A switch circuit is electrically coupled with the current source and the current mirror circuit. The switch circuit includes a first branch and a second branch that are coupled in parallel, wherein passage of the first branch and passage of the second branch are respectively controlled by a first switch and a second switch according to the non-inverting input voltage and the inverting input voltage.

Abstract: A system and method of contrast enhancement is disclosed. A contrast enhancement unit processes an input pixel to generate a contrast-enhanced pixel, and a delta unit subtracts the input pixel from the contrast-enhanced pixel, thereby resulting in a difference value. Multiple delayed difference values generated by a delay unit are low-pass filtered to generate a refined difference value. An adding unit adds back the refined difference value to the input pixel, thereby resulting in an output pixel that is contrast-enhanced without noise boost.

Abstract: A pixel circuit of a CMOS image sensor is disclosed. At least two transfer transistors are configured to transfer integrated light signals of corresponding photodetectors to a first node. A reset transistor is configured to reset the first node to a predetermined reset voltage of a second node, and a source follower is configured to buffer the integrated light signals. In one embodiment, a capacitor is further connected between the first node and the second node to minimize influence of the effective capacitance including capacitance of a floating diffusion region and parasitic capacitance due to the photodetector and the transfer transistor.

Abstract: A method of making a showerhead for a semiconductor processing apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate; forming first holes in the substrate; forming a protective film on the substrate, where the protective film covers sidewalls of the first holes; and forming second holes in the substrate, where a part of the protective film within the first holes is removed. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate; forming islands on the substrate; forming a protective film on the substrate, where the protective film does not cover the tops of the islands; and forming holes in the islands.

Abstract: In a method and system of detecting abnormality in an imaging device, multiple digital data are received in sequence from the imaging device via at least one data output pin. The multiple digital data correspond respectively to multiple pixel data. Subsequently, the multiple digital data for a specific pin are compared to determine whether they are, or how many of them are, the same. Accordingly, the specific pin is determined as abnormal when the number of the same digital data exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system and method for resolving request collision in a single-port static random access memory (SRAM) are disclosed. A first SRAM part and a second SRAM part of the single-port SRAM are accessed in turn. When request collision occurs, data is temporarily stored in a first or second shadow bank associated with the first or the second SRAM part which is under access. The temporarily stored data is then transferred, at a later time, to an associated one of the first/second SRAM parts while the other one of the first/second SRAM parts is being accessed.

Abstract: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgical repair technique involves the use of a single femoral and tibial tunnel and an implant that separates and positions two distinct bundles. This allows for the surgeon to create a more anatomic reconstruction with a procedure that is less technically demanding, can be performed using a transtibial or anteromedial approach, minimizes tunnel widening, and decreases operative time. The result is a strong fixation option for soft tissue grafts, with circumferential graft compression at the aperture, high pull-out strength, and ease of use. The graft bundles are positioned in a more anatomic orientation through the above noted single femoral and tibial tunnel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting non-volatile memory is described. A write command is processed only when an operating voltage is between specified operating limits and when a data pattern stored in the non-volatile memory is repeatedly read successfully.

Abstract: A readout circuit for an image sensor is disclosed. At least one column amplifier (CA) generates a CA reset signal when the column amplifier is reset. A capacitor and a switch are configured to receive a column of the image sensor. A multiplexer is coupled between (a) the capacitor and the switch and (b) an input of the column amplifier. A correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit is used for controllably receiving an output of the column amplifier.

Abstract: An ion implanter and an ion implant method are disclosed. The ion implanter has an aperture assembly with a variable aperture and is located between an ion source of an ion beam and a holder for holding a wafer. At least one of the size and the shape of the variable aperture is adjustable. The ion beam may be flexibly shaped by the variable aperture, so that the practical implantation on the wafer can be controllably adjusted without modifying an operation of both the ion source and mass analyzer or applying a magnetic field to modify the ion beam. An example of the aperture assembly has two plates, each having an opening formed on its edge such that a variable aperture is formed by a combination of these openings. By respectively moving the plates, the size and the shape of the variable aperture can be changed.

Abstract: A fabricating method includes adhering an exposed surface of a first solid adhesive film to a first substrate. The second surface of the first solid adhesive film is exposed and adhered to a second substrate. A third substrate is adhered to a second substrate via a patterned second solid adhesive film, and a diaphragm layer is adhered to the third substrate via a patterned third solid adhesive film. A fourth solid adhesive film with a removable release film is adhered to the first substrate covered, followed by slicing to form wafer level lens modules.

Abstract: A method for forming a silicon trench, comprises the steps of: defining an etching area at a silicon substrate; forming metal catalysts at the surface of the etching area; immersing the silicon substrate in a first etching solution thereby forming anisotropic silicon nanostructures in the etching area; immersing the silicon substrate in a second etching solution thereby resulting in the silicon nanostructures being side-etched and detached from the silicon substrate, thus forming the silicon trench.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving yield ratio of testing are disclosed. The method includes the following steps. First of all, devices are tested and electromagnetic interference is measured. Next, the test results are examined for whether the devices pass the test or not. Then, electromagnetic interference data are examined for whether the electromagnetic interference data are over a predetermined standard if the devices fail the test. The above-mentioned steps are performed again if the electromagnetic interference data are over a predetermined standard. The test is terminated if the devices still fail the test and the values of electromagnetic interference are still over a predetermined standard.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation system, most typically applicable to orthopedic joint repairs, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee repair procedures, comprises an implant which is placeable in a tunnel disposed in a portion of bone, wherein the tunnel is defined by walls comprised of bone. A first member is deployable outwardly to engage the tunnel walls for anchoring the implant in place in the tunnel, and a second member is deployable outwardly to engage tissue material to be fixed within the tunnel. The second member also functions to move the tissue material outwardly into contact with the tunnel walls to promote tendon-bone fixation. Extra graft length is eliminated by compression of the tendon against the bone at the aperture of the femoral tunnel, which more closely replicates the native ACL and increases graft stiffness. The inventive device provides high fixation of tendon to bone and active tendon-bone compression.

Abstract: An image stabilization device is disclosed. The image stabilization device includes a first linkage assembly and a first flexible element. The first linkage assembly is disposed on a frame. The first linkage assembly includes a first linkage which is disposed in a first direction. The first flexible element is capable of pressing an optical element to the first linkage so as to make the optical element move along the first direction.

Abstract: An injection method for non-volatile memory cells with a Schottky source and drain is described. Carrier injection efficiency is controlled by an interface characteristic of silicide and silicon. A Schottky barrier is modified by controlling an overlap of a gate and a source/drain and by controlling implantation, activation and/or gate processes.

Abstract: A device for repairing a tear in a portion of tissue comprises a proximal actuator portion, a transfer needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion and a catch needle extending distally from the proximal actuator portion. A suture needle is disposed in the transfer needle, and is extendable from the transfer needle toward the catch needle and retractable from the catch needle toward the transfer needle. An extendable catch plunger is disposed in the catch needle for capturing suture therein when it is transferred from the transfer needle. A retractable insertion sheath is provided for covering the transfer needle and the catch needle when the device is inserted into a procedural site. A depth limiting apparatus limits the depth of insertion of the needle into the procedural site.

Abstract: Unique dental care devices, systems and methods for cleaning teeth and oral tissue comprises an oscillating tooth brush with dual opposing brush heads, adapted to clean teeth and sulcus area. The devices are capable of brushing a set of opposing upper and lower teeth of the mouth simultaneously. The devices, once inserted and positioned into the mouth to clean a pair or a set of opposing upper and lower teeth, can be maneuvered inside the mouth cavity from one side of the mouth to the other to clean all the teeth without requiring removal from the mouth and repositioning.