Abstract: The present invention provides a single-use electronic device and test card for use therein which performs a coagulation or lysis assay of a blood sample. The device includes a housing having an exterior surface and defining an interior area and means for receiving the sample through the housing into the interior space. A non-porous substrate is positioned within the interior space for receiving the sample thereon. A reagent accelerates the coagulation of the sample and is positioned on the substrate and in contact with the sample. Optionally, an electroactive species may also be reacted with the sample. The device also includes means for measuring the viscosity of the sample and generating an electrical signal which correlates to a curve of the coagulation/lysis assay.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning and/or drying objects that may have been wetted or contaminated in a manufacturing process. The objects are submerged in a rinse liquid in an enclosed chamber, and aerosol particles from a selected liquid are introduced into the chamber above the rinse liquid surface, forming a thin film on this surface. As the rinse liquid is slowly drained, some aerosol particles settle onto the exposed surfaces of the objects, and displace and remove rinse liquid residues from the exposed surfaces by a “chemical squeegeeing” effect. Surface contaminants are also removed by this process. Chamber pressure is maintained at or near the external environment pressure as the rinse liquid is drained from the chamber. Inert gas flow is employed to provide aerosol particles of smaller size and/or with greater dispersion within the chamber. Continuous filtering and shunt filtering are employed to remove most contaminants from the selected liquid.

Abstract: Method and system for controllable deposit of copper onto an exposed surface of a workpiece, such as a semiconductor surface. A seed thickness of copper is optionally deposited onto the exposed surface, preferably using oxygen-free liquid ammonia to enhance this deposition. The workpiece exposed surface is then immersed in an electroplating solution, including copper and liquid ammonia at a suitable pressure and temperature, and copper is caused to plate onto the exposed surface at a controllable rate. When the copper deposited on the exposed surface reaches a selected total thickness, electroplating is discontinued, the electroplating solution is removed, and the gaseous and liquid ammonia are recovered and recycled for re-use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamic organizational database as an underlying information system to support collaborative computing in a global enterprise. This information system is built based on the Organizational Modeling and Management model (OMM) and provides a system architecture and a graphical user interface for easy manipulation of organizational objects. Contrary to traditional approaches, the present invention separates the organization model from the process model, the application model and the data model. Thus, independent and flexible enterprise modeling and design is allowed to reflect more realistically a rapidly changing business environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single-use electronic device and test card for use therein which performs a coagulation or lysis assay of a blood sample. The device includes a housing having an exterior surface and defining an interior area and means for receiving the sample through the housing into the interior space. A non-porous substrate is positioned within the interior space for receiving the sample thereon. A reagent accelerates the coagulation of the sample and is positioned on the substrate and in contact with the sample. Optionally, an electroactive species may also be reacted with the sample. The device also includes means for measuring the viscosity of the sample and generating an electrical signal which correlates to a curve of the coagulation/lysis assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single-use electronic device and test card for use therein which performs a coagulation or lysis assay of a blood sample. The device includes a housing having an exterior surface and defining an interior area and means for receiving the sample through the housing into the interior space. A non-porous substrate is positioned within the interior space for receiving the sample thereon. A reagent accelerates the coagulation of the sample and is positioned on the substrate and in contact with the sample. Optionally, an electroactive species may also be reacted with the sample. The device also includes means for measuring the viscosity of the sample and generating an electrical signal which correlates to a curve of the coagulation/lysis assay.

Abstract: A disposable electronic assay device comprising card-like housing containing a sample receptor for receiving a sample of body fluid containing an analyte to be determined, a sample treatment element for reaction with sample fluid components to yield a physically detectable change which correlates with the amount of analyte in the sample, a detector responsive to the physically detectable change for producing an electrical signal which correlates with the amount of analyte in the sample, a signal processor connected to the detector for converting the electrical signal to a digital test result output, and visually readable output means connected to the signal processor for receiving and presenting the test result output. The signal processor can include an analog to digital conversion element for converting an analog reflectance or transmission output signal to a digital reflectance output, processor for converting the digital reflectance or transmission output to a digital test result output.

Abstract: In a computing system having a data source, a memory, and a central processing unit (CPU), data is transferred from the data source to the memory by first monitoring signals from the CPU to determine whether data transfer is desired. If data transfer is desired, an optimized instruction set is generated which is specifically designed to cause the CPU to carry out the data transfer in an optimal manner. This optimized instruction set is sent to the CPU and is executed thereby to transfer the data quickly and efficiently. An apparatus for carrying out the above method comprises a determiner, an instruction generator, and a coupling circuit. The determiner monitors address and control signals from the CPU to determine whether data transfer is desired. In response to a determination that data transfer is desired, the determiner generates a run control signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for high speed generation of digital exponential functions in connection with a computer processor. The invention employs compact look-up tables accessed by look-up techniques and value interpolation to determine values not found in the tables. In specific embodiments, specific techniques are employed for table generation and value interpolation to attain results at desired levels of speed, precision, economy and reliability. Applications include alternatives to conventional hardware multipliers and numerical processors. Individual embodiments may be realized either directly in hardware or software. Multiple embodiments may be realized as software or hardware function libraries. Coupled multiple embodiments may be realized as general purpose hardware or software mathematical processors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distribution board for electrical power which provides rear electrical access to connect busbars and switch modules together. The distribution board includes a framework for supporting electrical components, a switch compartment for receiving at least one switch module, and a terminal compartment for connecting outlet terminals from the switch module to outgoing lines. The present invention also includes a switch unit which utilizes a housing having a rear face. The rear face incorporates both input and output terminals.

Abstract: A fuse switch unit for use in a panelboard is provided which can be engaged via plug-on terminals with a busbar supply system. The unit includes a switch mechanism having in front thereof lug terminals for coupling fuse links which are adjacent the operating handle of the switch mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel active materials which reversibly store hydrogen under conditions which make them exceptionally well-suited for elecrochemical applications. These active materials have both novel compositions and structures. A first group of active material compositions incorporate the elements of titanium, vanadium, and nickel. A second group adds zirconium to the first group of active materials. A preferred third composition group adds chromium to the first group of active materials. These materials may be single or multiphase combinations of amorphous, microcrystalline, or polycrystalline structures. Preferably, these materials have a multiphase polycrystalline structure. Methods of reducing the size or of sizing these materials, as well as other hydride-forming alloys, also are provided. Methods of preparing the inventive hydrogen storage materials and fabricating electrodes from these active materials are contemplated.

Abstract: A material for acting as a catalyst for hydrogen evolution in an electrolytic cell is formed from a host matrix including at least one transition element which is structurally modified by incorporating one or more modifier elements at least one of which is a transition element to improve its catalytic properties. The utilization of a disordered material, which can be any of a number of different disordered structures, makes possible the modification of local order chemical environments of the material to create catalytical active sites for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Modifier elements, including for example Ti, Mo, Sr, Si, La, Ce, O and Co, structurally modify the local chemical environments of the host matrix formed of a transition element such as Ni, Mo, or Co to provide a material having an increased density of catalytically active sites which exhibits low overvoltages when utilized as a catalytic material for a electrolyte cell cathode.

Abstract: A catalytic body which is substantially amorphous is formed from at least two materials vacuum deposited on a cool substrate or sprayed on a cool surface to provide a local order non-equilibrium structural configuration. The amorphous body comprises a composition of at least one metal and a second component which maintains the amorphous character of the composition. The body has an increased number and desired type of catalytically active sites. In most applications, the composition includes at least initially a component which is removed by leaching or vaporization to leave a rough surface with a large surface to volume ratio. The resulting composition is sometimes annealed to relax or modify the local structure thereof to provide a more reactive structural configuration. In an electrode form of the invention, the catalytic body is highly conductive, resistant to corrosion and degradation under current reversal and has low overvoltage characteristics when used in electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A button cell package in which button cells are releasably retained in position by an adhesive surface layer on a laminated structure having a resilient layer between the adhesive layer and a nonresilient base. An additional layer having preferential barrier properties is used with cells of the metal-air type and is located between the adhesive surface layer and the resilient member. The adhesive layer seals the metal-air cell to increase cell shelf life and prevents inadvertent dislodgment and loss of cell capacity, yet permits small amounts of evolved hydrogen to diffuse from the cell. The resilient layer serves as a cushion and provides a means for obtaining maximum surface contact between the adhesive surface layer and the button cell surface to maintain the cell in impact-resistant, releasable adhesive contact with the adhesive layer. The method of assembling the package is also described.