Abstract: A built-in self test implementation for testing the speed and timing margins of the IO pins of a source synchronous IO interface (SSIO). The implementation preferably includes built-in self test logic including a pseudo-random pattern generator which is configured to generate input sequences. Buffers are connected to the IO pins, and the buffers are configured to receive the input sequences. The buffers are connected to multiple input signature registers, and the multiple input signature registers are configured to receive the input sequences from the pseudo-random pattern generator and generate signatures. Comparators are provided to compare the signatures to expected vector values and generate a pass/fail output signal. Preferably, at least one programmable delay cell is disposed between each buffer and the multiple input signature registers. The programmable delay cells provide that propagation delays can be set to perform timing margin tests.

Abstract: A method for forming an active area in a substrate includes the steps of growing an isolation oxide on a silicon substrate, providing a photresist mask to define the active areas on the substrate, performing etching and stripping processes, removing the residual oxide from the active areas and selectively growing an epitaxial silicon layer.

Abstract: A design which allows burn-in of DRAM's at the wafer level, as opposed to in die form or after the package has been assembled. The DRAM dies on the wafer are IEE1149.1 (JTAG) compliant, and the TDO pad of each die is connected to the TDI pad of the next die. The dies are arranged in rows, and each die in a given row is daisy chained to the next die in the row. The last die in the row is daisy chained to the first die in the next row. Additionally, the TMS and TCK pads of the dies are connected in parallel, such as via metal lines running along the scribe area of the wafer. The DRAM dies on the wafer are also connected to power busses along the scribe area so that the individual dies can be powered.

Abstract: A slew based clock multiplier which outputs a fraction of a master clock without having to use, as a reference, an edge of a higher frequency clock, and without having to use precision delay cells to delay edges of the master clock. The slew based clock multiplier can be configured to provide such an output as the result of a ratio of input current sources, a ratio of capacitors in the circuit, or as a result of a combination of the two.

Abstract: A software program to translate a Verilog UDP (User Defined Primitive) into basic logic gates, in order to allow easier porting into other HDL languages and non-Verilog models, such as the LogicVision model. In a preferred embodiment the program is in Perl script, and reads in a Verilog source file. On finding a UDP, the script writes out a gate level description of the UDP into a Perl hash data structure, which is later used to output a LogicVision model.

Abstract: An integrated process tool monitoring system for semiconductor fabrication. Specifically, a process tool parameter auditing system, where a process tool user need not run a different verification system for each process tool type used and need not download parameters every time before a semiconductor device or material is to be processed by the process tool.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter that is configured to implement a scaling scheme wherein a signal level is digitally scaled before a digital-to-analog converter, and is scaled back in the analog stage of the digital-to-analog converter. The scaling normalizes the input mean power to the digital-to-analog converter. Therefore, the digital-to-analog converter has a generally constant power and no extra dynamic range is needed. Preferably, the device is configured to receive fundamental, dedicated, supplemental and pilot channels, and is configured to combine the four channels to form a single signal. The single signal is then received by a gain scaler, a shaping filter, a digital-to-analog converter, and an analog filter. The gain scaler receives the signal, and applies a first gain thereto. Then, the shaping filter receives the signal, and the signal then travels to the digital-to-analog converter wherein a second gain is applied to the signal.

Abstract: A novel passive peel system for a printer is provided for peeling labels off of a backing. Labels secured to a backing is defined as media. The printer has a printhead for printing indicia on the labels and a platen roller. A first embodiment of the passive peel system includes a peel tear bar proximate to the platen roller for bending the backing therearound and a separator bar proximate to the peel tear bar for separating the backing from the labels after the labels have been printed on by the printhead. The media passes over the peel tear bar, the backing passes between the peel tear bar and the separator bar, and the labels pass over the separator bar. The labels can be peeled with low tension or with zero tension on the backing. A second embodiment of the passive peel system includes a peel tear bar and an anti-buckle bar mounted proximate to the peel tear bar for preventing buckling of the media as the media passes over the peel tear bar.

Abstract: A wear and/or abrasive resistant tile e.g. for use on a scroll of a classifier, comprises a front, working face and a rear, mounting face defined by an upper face portion and a lower face portion spaced rearwardly from the upper face portion, the upper and lower face portions being in parallel planes; an upwardly projecting, upper lip formation defining an upper edge of the lower face portion; a downwardly projecting lower lip formation defining a lower edge of both the lower face portion and the tile, the lower lip defined by a chamfered face extending towards the lower face portion, with a lower surface of lower lip formation being non-pointed, and stepped upwardly from a geometrically projected apex, and at least one groove provided in the rear mounting face of the tile. A carrier is also included, and the carrier has a transverse slot. Also included are a tile and carrier combination, and a scroll provided with tile and carrier combinations.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a cabinet and wash chambers in the form of drawers which slide in and out of the cabinet. Rigid and flexible closures are disclosed for sealing off the wash chambers when retracted into the cabinet. A detergent dispenser for the dishwasher is provided in one wall of a wash chamber in the wash water discharge path into the wash chamber so that detergent powder is flushed out of the dispenser and mixed with the wash water prior to the latter being discharged into the wash chamber. A wash programme for a dual wash chamber dishwasher is also disclosed which minimises total water consumption by transferring water from one chamber to the other.

Abstract: A method of establishing the insurance rate at a desired location comprising the steps of selecting a plurality of predetermined points, calculating the insurance rate at each predetermined point, and interpolating among the values of insurance rates at predetermined points adjacent to the desired location to calculate the insurance rate at the desired location.

Abstract: A beverage server assembly includes a base, a housing for holding a beverage which is positioned on the base, and a contact member between the base and the housing. The contact member is fixed to the base and is in electrical connection with the housing. The base is supported above a surface on which the beverage server assembly is positioned, such as a countertop, at a predetermined height by legs. Each leg has a foot attached thereto. Each rear leg of the base is secured to the surface by a bracket to prevent a customer from tipping the beverage server assembly towards the surface.

Abstract: A feeder assembly for birds or other animals having a pan member, a feeder tube defining a channel for receiving feed from a feed supply and defining a brood gate opening, a plurality of wing members having a plurality of fingers for adjustably engaging the feeder tube, and a cone member disposed about the feeder tube and slidably mounted to the plurality of wing members by a plurality of engaging arms. The cone member is adapted to slide relative to the feeder tube between a raised position to open the brood gate opening and a lowered position to close the brood gate opening. The pan member and an end of the cone member define a feed opening for permitting feed to pass from the feeder tube to the pan member for presentation. The feed opening can be adjusted in size either by adjusting the wing members relative to the pan member or by sliding and adjustably positioning the cone member relative to the feeder tube and the wing members.

Abstract: A system for drying a gas, such as air, includes a source of gas to be dried, a multi-stage compressor having an inlet connected to the source, and a dryer connected interstage to the compressor and to the outlet of the compressor. The dryer is connected interstage to the compressor between a compression stage and a heat exchanger of one of the compressor stages for regenerating a first desiccant filled tower. The dryer is also connected to the outlet of the compressor for drying the gas using a second desiccant filled tower. A communication structure can be activated to connect the first tower to the outlet of the compressor for drying the gas using the first tower, and to connect the second tower interstage to the compressor for regeneration of the second tower.

Abstract: A novel adjustment mechanism is provided for varying the height of a poultry drinker above a poultry feeder. The adjustment mechanism preferably includes a first portion to which the feeder is attached, a second portion to which the drinker is attached, and a structure, such as a pin, for fixing the position of the second portion relative to the first portion. The first portion includes a slot along which the second portion slides. The second portion includes a support channel which extends through the slot and the fixing structure contacts the first portion and the support channel to prevent movement of the second portion relative to the first portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical storage device in the form of a compact disc recorder which includes sound receiving means for receiving analog signals, a convertor connected to the sound receiving means for converting the received analog signals into digital data, data storage structure communicatingly connected to the convertor for receiving the digital data from the convertor and storing the digital data received, and a compact disc recordable drive communicatingly connected to the data storage structure for receiving the stored digital data from the data storage structure and recording the digital data onto a compact disc received by the compact disc recordable drive.

Abstract: Suspenders for suspending trousers. The suspenders include straps and hooks generally fixed at ends of the straps. At least one of the hooks has a strap-hold at a first end thereof for engaging at least one of the straps and a hook portion at a second end thereof for engaging at least one loop on the trousers. The strap-hold has a longitudinal axis and the hook portion extends in a direction which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strap-hold. The hook portion is configured to generally facilitate hooking of the hook portion on the at least one loop on the trousers.

Abstract: A heated water dispensing apparatus has been described. The heated water dispensing apparatus includes a reservoir for retaining a quantity of water, a selector for selecting a temperature of water and a volume of water to be dispensed, and a controllable dispense valve for automatically dispensing water from the reservoir. The heated water dispensing apparatus also includes a weighing assembly which generates a weight control signal relating to the volume of water dispensed through the dispense valve and at least one device outlet valve for providing heated water to a remote device. The heated water dispensing apparatus also includes a controller. The controller operates the dispense valve in accordance with the weight control signal so that a selected volume of water is automatically and accurately dispensed. The controller also operates the dispense valve to prevent dispensing of water through the dispense valve before water of a selected temperature has been produced.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for a drinking system for birds or other animals that includes a housing and first and second engaging members for engaging the elongated supports for the fluid supply conduit of the drinking system. The first engaging member includes a pair of ends, each end including a plurality of flexible fingers extending generally parallel to the fluid supply conduit. The second engaging members are adapted to engage the flanges of the elongated supports. The pressure regulator includes a valve element and the housing desirably defines a valve bore for receiving the valve element. The valve element desirably includes a circular seal having a peripheral edge that extends radially inwardly and that includes a lip for sealing the valve bore when the valve element is in the closed position.