Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to suppressing deterioration in rigidity and dynamic characteristics of a tab even when an initial point of contact between a tab and a ramp during unloading is set closer to the outer periphery of a disk. A data storage device in one embodiment of the present invention includes a head, a ramp for unloading the head, a load beam having a head support portion for supporting the head and a tab adapted to slide on a sliding surface of the ramp on a front end side with respect to the head support portion, and an actuator having the load beam and adapted to actuate the head for loading and unloading. During unloading, a portion of the tab offset from the center in the transverse direction of the tab first comes into contact with the sliding surface of the ramp. The load beam has a flange formed to be bent and continuously from the front end portion of the tab up to both ends of the head support portion.

Abstract: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. Examples of in vivo accessories include fastening accessories such as surgical clips for use with a clip applier, single working member accessories such as a blade which can be grasped and manipulated by a grasping tool for cutting, sheath accessories that fit over working members of a tool, flow tubes for providing suction or introducing a fluid into the surgical site, and a retraction member resiliently biased to retract a tissue to expose an area in the surgical site for treatment. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site.

Abstract: A robotically controlled endoscopic medical instrument that includes an end effector coupled to a wrist. The wrist provides two separate degrees of freedom about the same pivot point. The end effector can be moved and actuated by pins. The pins allow for a compact minimally invasive medical instrument that has a wrist with two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a remote center positioner used to support an instrument and provide a center of spherical rotation, remote from any bearings or mechanical supports, at a desired location of the instrument. The remote center positioner is particularly useful in laparoscopic surgery to constrain a surgical instrument to move around a fixed center of rotation remote from any bearings or mechanical supports and coincident with an entry incision in the abdominal wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing robotically-assisted surgical procedures on a patient enable an image display device to provide an operator with auxiliary information related to the surgical procedure, in addition to providing an image of the surgical site itself. The systems and methods allow an operator to selectively access and reference auxiliary information on the image display device during the performance of a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The invention provides robotic surgical systems which allow selectable independent repositioning of an input handle of a master controller and/or a surgical end effector without corresponding movement of the other. In some embodiments, independent repositioning is limited to translational degrees of freedom. In other embodiments, the system provides an input device adjacent a manipulator supporting the surgical instrument so that an assistant can reposition the instrument at the patient's side.

Abstract: A voltage translator features an isolation circuit, connected to two inverters which are operated by different voltage levels, to selectively isolate one of the inverters from the source voltage associated therewith. The voltage translator also includes a first inverter, a second inverter and a pull-up circuit. The first inverter is coupled between a first source voltage and ground, and has a signal input and an output node. The second inverter is coupled between a second source voltage and ground. The second inverter has an input node, connected to the output node, and a signal output. The pull-up circuit is connected between the input node and the signal output.

Abstract: A logic cell for a programmable logic device that features a random access memory adapted to selectively function as additional logic functions for the logic cell or one of a several different types of random access memory. For example, the random access memory may be configured to provide AND-OR logic functions or as a 32×1 single input port random access memory, two 16×1 single input port random access memories or a 32×1 dual input port memory.

Abstract: A substrate processing chamber, particularly a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber used both for thermal deposition of a conductive material and a subsequently performed plasma process. The invention reduces thermal deposition of the conductive material on peripheral portions of the pedestal supporting a wafer and in a pumping channel exhausting the chamber. A peripheral ring placed on the pedestal, preferably also used to center the wafer, is thermally isolated from the pedestal so that its temperature is kept substantially lower than that of the wafer. The processing chamber includes a chamber lid assembly having an isolator ring member that has a sloping surface for confirming the plasma within a processing zone of the processing chamber while the wafer is being processed therein. A method for forming a CVD layer on a wafer comprising elevating the pedestal until an upper pedestal surface of the pedestal extends above a lower edge of the isolator ring member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an approach which provides an increase in the number of usable substrates with a film, such as titanium nitride, deposited thereon at a sufficient deposition rate and where the film meets uniformity and resistivity specifications as well as providing good step coverage. In accordance with an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of substrate processing. The method includes steps of circulating a heat exchange medium through a passage in a chamber body of a vacuum chamber, and heating a heater pedestal having a surface for supporting the substrate to a heater temperature. The heat exchange medium has a heat exchange temperature of about 60.degree. C. or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for depositing titanium films at rates up to 200 .ANG./minute on semiconductor substrates from a titanium tetrachloride source. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a ceramic heater assembly with an integrated RF plane for bottom powered RF capability allows PECVD deposition at a temperature of at least 400.degree. C. for more efficient plasma treatment. A thermal choke isolates the heater from its support shaft, reducing the thermal gradient across the heater to reduce the risk of breakage and improving temperature uniformity of the heater. A deposition system incorporates a flow restrictor ring and other features that allow a 15 liters/minute flow rate through the chamber with minimal backside deposition and minimized deposition on the bottom of the chamber, thereby reducing the frequency of chamber cleanings, and reducing clean time and seasoning. Deposition and clean processes are also further embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system utilizing diffractive X-ray examination is utilized which includes an interrogating X-ray path from a conventional broad band X-ray source having a standard emission point. X-rays from the X-ray source impinge on a toric monochronometer having monochromatic Bragg X-ray diffraction occurring resulting in monochromatic X-ray diffraction. X-rays exiting the slit aperture stop expand and form a scanning beam and pass through the specimen (usually soft tissue) being examined. In passing through the specimen, the X-rays receive image information by absorption, critical angle scattering, and, refraction, dependent upon the specimen, structure. The X-rays are then incident on a toric detection crystal where monochromatic Bragg X-ray diffraction again occurs leaving the image revealed by absorption, critical angle scattering, and, refraction which occurred in the specimen.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf swing trainer for use by a developing golfer. The trainer includes a rotor that rotates about a rotational axis. When using the trainer, the golfer connects himself or the golf club shaft to the rotor at a point near his hands. The golfer then takes practice swings while linked to the rotor. According to one aspect of the invention, the rotor is flexible so that deviations in the golfer's swing from the ideal path causes flexure of the rotor. This in turn causes noticeable flexure and vibration in the rotor, which clearly indicates the error to the golfer so that he may correct his motion on subsequent swings. According to another aspect of the invention, the rotational inertia of the rotor about the axis is less, and in preferred embodiments much less, than that of the swung club about the same axis. This ensures that the inertia of the rotor will not obscure the natural feel of the proper swing. Rapid development of the golfer's skill is improved with use of the trainer.

Abstract: A portable computer having a standby power mode of operation has a bay for receiving a portable removable disk drive. The drive has a pair of slots engageable with parallel guide rails in the receiver, and a notch engageable with a retractable latch normally biased in the direction of the notch. A switch adjacent one of the rails generates a standby signal for the computer whenever the drive is inserted into the bay or moved in the ejection direction after installation. An ejector mechanism retracts the latch and an auxiliary locking pivot to release the drive for removal. The ejector also provides an ejection force which moves the drive a sufficient distance externally of the bay to permit the drive to be grasped by the user for complete removal. A grounding contact engageable with a similar contact on the drive provides a static discharge path for the drive prior to electrical interconnection with the computer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a diode, for example, for use in a Schottky clamped transistor, which as a process step disposes a layer of oxide between the substrate and the overlying layer of polysilicon which must ultimately be etched away. The oxide layer permits use of an end point dry etch process which in turn allows greater miniaturization of the circuit over wet etch processes. Use of the end point process made feasible by the oxide layer also prevents overetch of the silicon material. As a result, a more ideal metal silicide anode-to-substrate Schottky barrier is formed with corresponding improvements in the diode ideality factor. In addition the oxide layer eliminates Schottky mask alignment problems and further improves diode performance characteristics by elimination of parasitic diodes. The process can be implemented with minimal deviation from other core processes used to fabricate similar circuits.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a human CRIPTO-related gene. In particular, the present invention relates to a DNA segment encoding a human CRIPTO-related gene; polypeptides encoded by said DNA segment; recombinant DNA molecules containing the DNA segment; cells containing the recombinant DNA molecule; a method of producing a human CRIPTO-related polypeptide; a DNA segment encoding a genomic clone of the human CRIPTO gene (CR-1); antibodies specific to CR-3; and a method of measuring the amount of CR-3 in a sample.

Abstract: The data processor related to the invention enables to designate whether the branch prediction mechanism itself should be activated or not for a conditional branch instruction, and the data processor enables to initialize branch history as required and also designates activation or inactivation of the branch prediction mechanism by setting a specific value to a specific bit of an exclusive usable register by software means. Also when a specific instruction is executed, the data processor automatically clears the branch history. As a result, in the event when the data processing efficiency is adversely declined by application of branch prediction mechanism or when monitoring external address bus, the branching prediction mechanism can be inactivated by setting the predetermined value to the exclusive usable register.

Abstract: An assembly structure and process for attaching integrated circuits to multichip modules and attaching the module to a printed circuit board. An epoxy loaded with diamond dust or boron nitride is used to attach the integrated circuit to the module. The dust material increases the thermal conductance of the epoxy for improved heat dissipation without substantially increasing the capacitance of interconnect routed underneath the epoxy. Reverse wedge wire bonding is also used to electrically connect the integrated circuit to the module allowing greater chip densities on the module surface. The chip/module assembly can then be mounted on a printed circuit board and the module leads wired directly to the board.

Abstract: A variable speed-type bicycle chain ring assembly includes a hub member having a plurality of angularly spaced radial arms which are stepped at a front side of the hub member so as to form at least two mounting sections that are spaced at different radial distances from a center point of the hub member. The mounting sections of the radial arms are circumferentially aligned. The thickness of the mounting sections increases from an outermost end to an innermost end of the radial arms. The bicycle chain ring assembly further includes at least two concentric sprocket ring members of different diameters. The sprocket ring members are mounted on the hub member at a respective one of the mounting sections.

Abstract: A float-operated valve assembly for a water tank includes a valve housing provided inside the water tank and connected to an external water source. The valve housing has an outlet opening formed at an intermediate portion thereof. A ratchet pole extends into the valve housing and has an end portion which is formed with aligned ratchet teeth. The ratchet pole is provided with a stopper that is urged by water from the external water source so as to cut off water flow to the water tank. The float ball of a float ball assembly urges a pivot arm to apply a pushing force on the end portion of the ratchet pole so as to move the stopper and permit water flow to the water tank when water inside the water tank no longer applies a buoyant force on the float ball. A float-controlled pawl engages the ratchet teeth of the ratchet pole when water inside the water tank is below a predetermined level, thereby maintaining the stopper in an open position when the water tank is being refilled.