Abstract: A method of programming a memory cell comprises applying a reverse bias to the memory cell using a temporary resistor in series with the memory cell. The memory cell comprises a diode and a resistivity switching material element in series. The state of the resistivity switching material element changes from a first initial state to a second state different from the first state.

Abstract: A structure and a method of manufacturing a three dimensional memory using a number of bit line masks that is less than the number of device layers. A first bit line mask is used to form a first bit line layer in a first device level. The first bit line layer comprises first bit lines. The first bit line mask is also used to form a second bit line layer in a second device level. The second bit line layer comprises second bit lines. The first bit lines and the second bit lines have different electrical connections to a bit line connection level despite employing the same mask pattern.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable anti-fomitic device in the form of a bag or tube forms a cover for an object which prevents cross-infection by bacteria and other pathogens that may reside on the object. The heat-shrinkable anti-fomitic device can have a sterile interior that is sealed or stored flat 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. A plurality of such devices can be heat shrunk to an object such that removal of the outer layer will prevent cross contamination. Heat shrink film materials for the coverings/bags serve as a barrier to the transmission of pathogens.

Abstract: A method of biasing a nonvolatile memory array. The nonvolatile memory array includes a first and second plurality of Y lines, a plurality of X lines, a first and second plurality of two terminal memory cells. Each first and second memory cell is coupled to one of the first or second plurality of Y lines and one of the plurality of X lines, respectively. Substantially all of the first plurality and second plurality of Y lines are driven to a Y line unselect voltage. At least one selected Y line of the first plurality of Y lines is driven to a Y line select voltage while floating remaining Y lines of the first plurality of Y lines and while driving substantially all of the second plurality of Y lines to the Y line unselect voltage.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable anti-fomitic device incorporating anti-microbial metal wherein the device, in the form of a bag or tube, forms a cover for an object, preventing cross-infection by bacteria and other pathogens that may reside on the object. Anti-microbial metal ions from the cover further reduce future cross-infection from the object by killing pathogens. The anti-microbial, heat-shrinkable, anti-fomitic device can have a sterile interior that is sealed or stored flat during manufacture to maintain sterility. Therefore, no outer wrapping for the anti-fomitic device is required. The anti-fomitic device can be inverted when used to cover the object to present an outer surface that is initially sterile. A plurality of such devices can be heat shrunk to an object such that removal of the outer layer will further prevent cross contamination. Heat shrink film materials for the coverings/bags serve as a barrier to the transmission of pathogens and conform closely to the covered object.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming a first photoresist layer over an underlying layer, patterning the first photoresist layer into a first photoresist pattern, wherein the first photoresist pattern comprises a plurality of spaced apart first photoresist features located over the underlying layer, and etching the underlying layer using the first photoresist pattern as a mask to form a plurality of first spaced apart features. The method further includes removing the first photoresist pattern, forming a second photoresist layer over the plurality of first spaced apart features, and patterning the second photoresist layer into a second photoresist pattern, wherein the second photoresist pattern comprises a plurality of second photoresist features covering edge portions of the plurality of first spaced apart features.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining technical support services over a network. A registered seeker of technical support services submits a search request to a task matching server. The search request comprises search criteria for identifying one or more registered providers of technical support services. The task matching server searches a library of provider profiles comprising qualifications of registered providers of technical support services and provides the seeker a list of registered providers meeting the search criteria. The seeker selects a registered provider from the list. The task matching server facilitates the exchange of communications between the seeker and the selected provider. The selected provider sends a quotation for technical support services to the seeker. The quotation comprises service terms under which the selected provider is willing to provide the technical support services.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells, a plurality of interconnects and a multi-material seal comprising a first seal material and a second seal material, where the second seal material first forms an effective seal at a higher temperature than the first seal material.

Abstract: A paper bullet firing pistol toy produces its own projectiles sequentially for shooting. By sliding an operating part on the outside of the toy, a strip of paper is drawn into the body of the pistol, and a piece of the paper is cut and folded into a bullet shape inside the toy. Thereafter, the paper bullet is shot from the muzzle by operating the trigger part, and the toy's mechanisms can be restored to their initial states by restoring the sliding operating part to its initial position, thereby making it possible to shoot paper bullets continuously.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming a first layer comprising a seed material over an underlying layer, forming a second layer comprising a sacrificial material over the first layer, the sacrificial material being different from the seed material, patterning the first layer and the second layer into a plurality of separate features, forming an insulating filling material between the plurality of the separate features, removing the sacrificial material from the separate features to form a plurality of openings in the insulating filling material such that the seed material is exposed in the plurality of openings, and growing a semiconductor material on the exposed seed material in the plurality of openings.

Abstract: A catheter system for locking a catheter to an implantable pump and for effectively flushing a catheter after implantation within a body. A locking component comprises an extension boot and catheter lock that together fluidly connect the catheter to the pump in a secure, safe and effective manner. A catheter component comprises a design having kink-resistant walls and a unique tip. A flushing component comprises a hub and stylet combination characterized by a hydrophilic coating on the stylet and a flush through hub to allow flushing of the stylet while inside the catheter.

Abstract: A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. The pulses are produced at a high frequency relative to the signal modulated on a sequence of pulses. The signal modulated onto a sequence of pulses may represent portions of a lower frequency sine wave or other lower frequency waveform, including DC. When the PAMCC's output is connected in parallel with the outputs of similar PAMCCs an array of PAMCCs is formed, wherein the output pulses of the PAMCCs are out of phase with respect to each other. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC.

Abstract: In order to address the challenge associated with the analysis and visualization of large datasets, a method and apparatus provides for visualizing data clouds using color and opacity blending. The information stored within the data cloud is represented using a data container object. The colors and opacities associated with the container object's data point or points is blended to develop two-dimensional computer generated imagery that is unique to the virtual reference point chosen, typically within an OpenGL environment. The result is the ability to understand the sample density of large interactively rendered datasets from different reference points and as the datasets change over time.

Abstract: A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. Some embodiments provide a PAMCC for each direct current source in an array, for example multiple solar panels. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. The pulses are produced at a high frequency relative to the signal modulated on a sequence of pulses. The signal modulated onto a sequence of pulses may represent portions of a lower frequency sine wave or other lower frequency waveform, including DC. When a PAMCC's output is connected in parallel with the outputs of similar PAMCCs an array of PAMCCs is formed, wherein the output pulses of the PAMCCs are out of phase with respect to each other. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the conversion of fluorocarbons into fluorinated unsaturated compounds useful as monomers or other chemical precursors, such as C2H2F2. The process comprises reacting a hydrocarbon feed (20) and a fluorocarbon feed (10) in a high temperature reactor (26), at sufficiently high temperature and sufficiently short resident time to form a reaction product mixture (28) having the fluorinated unsaturated compound as the major reaction product, and cooling (18) to a temperature sufficiently low to inhibit polymerization of the unsaturated compound. The reaction product may then be processed by removal of higher molecular weight compounds (35) and acids (32) and optionally separated (44) into product components.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an operational status of a segment of a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network. Subscriber premises units (SPUs) connected to the HFC cable network are “pinged” and their responses recorded. The two most responsive SPUs in each node of the HFC cable network are identified. The most responsive SPU is added to a primary ping list and the next most responsive SPU is added to a secondary ping list. The SPUs on the primary list are “pinged” and their responses recorded. If an SPU on the primary list fails to respond, the secondary SPU associated with the node is pinged. If both the primary and secondary SPU associated with a node fail to respond to the “ping,” the node is identified as non-responsive. If all of the nodes associated with a modulator (or a demodulator) are identified as non-responsive, the modulator (or demodulator) is identified as “non-responsive.” Additionally, network devices are pinged and their responses noted.

Abstract: A sputtering target, including a sputtering layer and a support structure. The sputtering layer includes an alkali-containing transition metal. The support structure includes a second material that does not negatively impact the performance of a copper indium selenide (CIS) based semiconductor absorber layer of a solar cell. The sputtering layer directly contacts the second material.

Abstract: A non-permanent system for the unloading and loading of ocean-going cargo vessels is described using a cargo transfer system which is supported by dirigibles or airships. The cargo transfer system is comprised of a moving transfer cable, a cargo lifting device and a cargo staging device. The system is used to transfer cargo between at least one sea terminus and at least one land terminus. Cargo is moved along the transfer cable from one terminus to another by means of dirigibles or airships. The sea-terminus of the system may be a floating temporary dock or a large ocean vessel such as an aircraft carrier. The system can be developed so that it is fully transportable and can be assembled and launched from a large ship, as well as recovered for movement to another location. The system may also be used at inland ports. The system can be sized to the port requirements using one transfer system or multiple systems.

Abstract: A method of making a device includes forming a first sacrificial layer over an underlying layer, forming a first photoresist layer over the first sacrificial layer, patterning the first photoresist layer to form first photoresist features, rendering the first photoresist features insoluble to a solvent, forming a second photoresist layer over the first photoresist features, patterning the second photoresist layer to form second photoresist features, etching the first sacrificial layer using both the first and the second photoresist features as a mask to form first sacrificial features, forming a spacer layer over the first sacrificial features, etching the spacer layer to form spacer features and to expose the sacrificial features, removing the first sacrificial features, and etching at least part of the underlying layer using the spacer features as a mask.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device includes a first electrode, a diode steering element, at least three resistivity switching storage elements, and a second electrode. The diode steering element electrically contacts the first electrode and the at least three resistivity switching storage elements. The second electrode electrically contacts only one of the at least three resistivity switching storage elements.