Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for determining the status of a networked device, e.g., a networked RFID device. In some embodiments of the invention, a customized packet is used to transmit a “heartbeat” from each of a plurality of networked devices to a server. Some such embodiments use a customized syslog packet for the heartbeats. The heartbeat includes identification information regarding the device, e.g., the unique electronic product code (“EPC”) of the device. The identification information may include other identification and/or authentication information, such as a shared secret and time data, which may be hashed with the identification information. The heartbeat may include information indicating the health, accuracy and/or reliability of the device and/or of the network that includes the device.

Abstract: An integrated computing device (tool) and method is disclosed, for creating a casino gaming floor layout, analyzing the layout from the simulated point of view of a patron within the floor, and assessing the performance of the layout in real time or with historical data.

Abstract: Hardmask films having high hardness and low stress are provided. In some embodiments a film has a stress of between about ?600 MPa and 600 MPa and hardness of at least about 12 GPa. In some embodiments, a hardmask film is prepared by depositing multiple sub-layers of doped or undoped silicon carbide using multiple densifying plasma post-treatments in a PECVD process chamber. In some embodiments, a hardmask film includes a high-hardness boron-containing film selected from the group consisting of SixByCz, SixByNz, SixByCzNw, BxCy, and BxNy. In some embodiments, a hardmask film includes a germanium-rich GeNx material comprising at least about 60 atomic % of germanium. These hardmasks can be used in a number of back-end and front-end processing schemes in integrated circuit fabrication.

Abstract: DSF-based microbial pathogens may be controlled by certain methods and compositions. A method of controlling diseases caused in a host organism by pathogenic microbial expression of ?,? unsaturated fatty acid signal (DSF) molecules involves inoculating the host organism with a non-pathogenic microbe that disrupts ?,? unsaturated fatty acid signal molecule-mediated cell-cell communication by the pathogenic microbe in the host organism. Microbes having protein expression that interferes with ?,? unsaturated fatty acid signal molecule-mediated cell-cell communication by the pathogenic microbe in the host organism can be identified and isolated or engineered by transformation with DSF-interference (inhibition or activation) gene or genes. Genes conferring DSF-interference activity can also be expressed in organisms (e.g., plants) susceptible to diseases caused by microbes that use DSF, resulting in genetically resistant organisms.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for administering payouts in gaming machines are disclosed. More particularly, improved techniques for distributing large payouts with minimal interruption of a gaming session at a gaming apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for inhibiting cardiomyopathy and for inhibiting cardiac arrhythmia, by administering to an individual in need thereof a cis-epoxyeicosantrienoic acid, an inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), or both. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering to the individual a nucleic acid encoding an inhibitor of sEH. Cardiomyopathies treatable by the methods of the invention include cardiac hypertrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: A method for the ultraviolet (UV) treatment of etch stop and hard mask film increases etch selectivity and hermeticity by removing hydrogen, cross-linking, and increasing density. The method is particularly applicable in the context of damascene processing. A method provides for forming a semiconductor device by depositing an etch stop film or a hard mask film on a substrate and exposing the film to UV radiation and optionally thermal energy. The UV exposure may be direct or through another dielectric layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a write operation are described. The systems include a logic element (LE) including an N-input look-up table (LUT) having a configurable random access memory (CRAM) including 2N memory cells. The systems further include a write address decoder coupled to the LE and a write address hard logic register that stores an address of one of the memory cells. N is an integer. The hard logic register removes a dependency of a timing relationship between a write address launch and a write to the CRAM on a design of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: Prior electrochromic devices frequently suffer from high levels of defectivity. The defects may be manifest as pin holes or spots where the electrochromic transition is impaired. This is unacceptable for many applications such as electrochromic architectural glass. Improved electrochromic devices with low defectivity can be fabricated by depositing certain layered components of the electrochromic device in a single integrated deposition system. While these layers are being deposited and/or treated on a substrate, for example a glass window, the substrate never leaves a controlled ambient environment, for example a low pressure controlled atmosphere having very low levels of particles. These layers may be deposited using physical vapor deposition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting broadcast traffic in Mobile IP are disclosed. When a Mobile Node registers via a Foreign Agent supporting Mobile IP, the Foreign Agent receives a registration request from a Mobile Node and sends the registration request to a Home Agent. A registration reply received from the Home Agent has a network mask extension including a network mask associated with the home address of the Mobile Node. The Foreign Agent then sends the registration reply to the Mobile Node. Alternatively, the Mobile Node may register via a collocated care-of address, in which case the registration reply is received directly from the Home Agent. Once the Mobile Node has obtained its network mask, it may send packets such as broadcast packets, as well as roam to its Home Agent. Additionally, in accordance with various embodiments, the Foreign Agent duplicates broadcast packets for transmission to Mobile Nodes, rather than receiving the duplicated packets from the Home Agent.

Abstract: A Data Center Ethernet (“DCE”) network and related methods and device are provided. A DCE network simplifies the connectivity of data centers and provides a high bandwidth, low latency network for carrying Ethernet, storage and other traffic. A Fiber Channel (“FC”) frame, including FC addressing information, is encapsulated in an Ethernet frame for transmission on a Data Center Ethernet (“DCE”) network. The Ethernet address fields may indicate that the frame includes an FC frame, e.g., by the use of a predetermined Organization Unique Identifier (“OUI”) code in the D_MAC field, but also include Ethernet addressing information. Accordingly, the encapsulated frames can be forwarded properly by switches in the DCE network whether or not these switches are configured for operation according to the FC protocol. Accordingly, only a subset of Ethernet switches in the DCE network needs to be FC-enabled. Only switches so configured will require an FC Domain_ID.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the unexpected finding that vessels smaller than even the smallest arteries (i.e. arterioles) thicken, become dysfunctional and cause end organ damage to tissues as diverse as the brain and the kidney. Methods are provided to improve the structure and function of arterioles and to preserve the function of end organs such as the brain and kidney. In various embodiments the methods involve administering to a mammal in need thereof “D” or “L” class A amphipathic helical peptides.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking and determining a location of a gaming machine or other item within a casino or hotel is disclosed. In one embodiment the method and apparatus utilizes a transmitter or emitter to provide a tracking signal that may be tracked by one or more receivers or detectors. It is contemplated that the transmitter or emitter connect to a gaming machine. As the gaming machine is relocated within the casino its location is monitored. The one or more receivers may communicate with a host computer or other data processing system to generate location data regarding the gaming machine in relation to other aspects of the casino. Based on the location information generated by the location monitoring and tracking system, other aspects of machine operation may be controlled and additional features dependant on the machine location information may be enabled.

Abstract: Disclosed is a logic element (LE) that can provide a number of advantageous features. For example, the LE can be configured to implement register packing and/or a fracturable look up table.

Abstract: Disclosed is a session modification mechanism for altering a data tapping process in a storage area network (SAN). In general, a data tapping mechanism is set up so that an appliance receives SAN data that is tapped from a particular SAN session. That is, the data tapping mechanism provides to a particular appliance a copy of the SAN data that is being written from a particular host to a particular storage device. The session modification mechanism allows the appliance to alter various aspects of the SAN session that is to be (or is being) tapped.

Abstract: A system for designing a circuit, which includes a module, uses a computer. A user may program or adapt the computer to perform computer-aided design functions. The computer obtains a description of the module from the user. The computer parses the description of the module to identify a port of the module, and to obtain information about the port. The computer presents to the user the information that it has obtained about the port.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of redox-active polymers attached to surfaces. In certain embodiments, the methods involve providing redox-active molecules bearing at least a first reactive site or group and a second reactive site or group; and contacting the surface with the redox-active molecules where the contacting is under conditions that result in attachment of said redox-active molecules to said surface via the first reactive site or group and attachment of redox-active molecules via the second reactive site or group, to the redox-active molecules attached to the surface thereby forming a polymer attached to said surface where the polymers comprise at least two of said redox-active molecules.

Abstract: A modularized gaming machine operable to receive wagers on a play of a game of chance is described. The modularized gaming machine may include a base gaming module that can operate independently or can be coupled to additional gaming modules. In one embodiment, the base gaming module may include a security monitoring system operable to determine a security configuration including error conditions that depends on features of gaming modules coupled to the base gaming module. In another embodiment, the security monitoring system may be operable to monitor a fixed security configuration that is independent of the configuration of the modularized gaming machine. The fixed security configuration may anticipate input from security devices that are unconnected in a particular configuration of the modularized gaming machine. In these instances, a signal mechanism may provide information to the security monitoring system to ensure a non-error condition for unconnected security devices.

Abstract: An electro-optic display includes a “matrix” for confining moving elements of the display (e.g., rotating or twisting elements). The matrix (or at least the viewable portions thereof) may have a high reflectivity, comparable to that of white paper. This results in an overall “whiter” or brighter display. The matrix may include channels to facilitate inter-cell fluid transport and high-density element packing. In some cases, the matrix elements provide a hexagonal arrangement of cells for holding the rotating elements. The rotating elements of the display may be electrically and optically anisotropic hemispherically coated spheres. The hemispherical coating typically provides the necessary charge to create electrical anisotropy.

Abstract: Conventional electrochromic devices frequently suffer from poor reliability and poor performance. Improvements are made using entirely solid and inorganic materials. Electrochromic devices are fabricated by forming an ion conducting electronically insulating interfacial region that serves as an IC layer. In some methods, the interfacial region is formed after formation of an electrochromic and a counter electrode layer. The interfacial region contains an ion conducting electronically insulating material along with components of the electrochromic and/or the counter electrode layer. Materials and microstructure of the electrochromic devices provide improvements in performance and reliability over conventional devices.