Abstract: A method and system for decoding data received from a channel experiencing two-dimensional inter-symbol interference, as well as systems implementing such a decoding method and system, are disclosed. The method includes an iterative multi-strip equalization method that receives a plurality of channel values associated with a plurality of locations in a plurality of rows of a matrix, computes initial probability values based upon those channel values, applies a BCJR algorithm to symbol probability values based upon bands of rows of the initial probability values, and resolves the results of applying the BCJR algorithm to arrive at a plurality of bands of rows of revised probability values, which are subsequently combined/substituted with one another. The process iteratively repeats until the revised probability values attain a sufficient degree of convergence. By utilizing data from overlapping bands to perform the BCJR algorithm, ISI in both dimensions is addressed.

Abstract: A system of mechanical components that operate cooperatively to control evaporation of fuel or hydrocarbon leakage from engines is disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the system of mechanical components comprises a first valve assembly and a second valve assembly. The first valve assembly, which functions as a fuel-shut off valve assembly, governs whether fuel can proceed from a fuel bowl into a carburetor, and when closed, prevents fuel vapors from developing within the carburetor. The second valve assembly, which functions as a “vapor venting control valve assembly,” has an input port that is coupled by way of a fuel tank vapor hose to both a fuel tank and to the fuel bowl. When in a closed state, the second valve assembly controls the fuel vapors, which are provided to its input port from the fuel tank and the fuel bowl, from being communicated to an output port of the second valve assembly.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices, structures and systems that utilize a polysilazane-based silicon oxide layer or fill, and methods of making the oxide layer are disclosed. In one embodiment, a polysilazane solution is deposited on a substrate and processed with ozone in a wet oxidation at low temperature to chemically modify the polysilazane material to a silicon oxide layer.

Abstract: A system, device, and method include a cell-powered first electronic device powered using electrical potential imposed across an electrolytic cell. The potential is voltage-boosted to accomplish this task. If the electrical potential imposed the cell is insufficient, the device can also be battery-powered. In any event, this device is in communication with one or more sensors in the electrolytic cell, as well as a second electronic device, and the first and second electronic devices wirelessly communicate. More specifically, the first electronic device wireless transmits data signals to the second electronic device, which receives the same. The first and second electronic devices are physically remote from one another, and they communicating over a private or public network, preferably using spread spectrum technology.

Abstract: A lever assembly and a master cylinder are provided. The lever assembly includes a lever and an adjuster mechanism that changes the mechanical advantage of the lever. The reach of the lever relative to a handlebar can be adjusted. Both the mechanical advantage and reach of the lever can be adjusted without tools and while a vehicle including the same is operated. The master cylinder includes a reservoir in a clamp area. A reservoir bladder fits into the reservoir. A cover encloses the bladder and includes a vent opening making the bladder at atmospheric pressure such that air can move into the bladder and out of the bladder. The master cylinder can be bled without reorienting the master cylinder. A method of adjusting a mechanical advantage of a lever and a method of bleeding a braking system without reorienting the master cylinder are also provided.

Abstract: A method of constructing a cargo body, including providing a first cargo body panel having a main portion with a thickness and providing a second cargo body panel. Further, forming a post portion in the first cargo body panel integrally with the main portion and forming a base portion of the post portion. Additionally, forming a distal portion of the post portion that is located a distance from the base portion that is substantially greater than the thickness of the main portion. In addition, overlapping at least part of the first cargo body panel over the second cargo body panel.

Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for monitoring characteristics of semiconductor substrates and workpieces during planarization and for endpointing planarization processes are provided. The invention utilizes a fiber optic contact sensor incorporated into a planarizing pad or pad-subpad assembly for process monitoring of mechanical energy (e.g., mechanical vibration) and acoustical energy (e.g., ultrasonic vibration) that allows an operator to determine status and/or an endpoint of a planarizing or polishing process. In another embodiment, the invention utilizes a fiber optic contact sensor incorporated into a table support for a planarizing pad.

Abstract: A method for making an optical device includes the steps of: rubbing an orienting film so as to stretch the molecular structure thereof and so as to permit the molecular units of the molecular structure to be aligned along a first axis and to permit the orienting space between each adjacent pair of the molecular units of the molecular structure to be oriented in a direction parallel to a second axis; and forming an optical anisotropical layer on the orienting film by applying a liquid crystal film of rod-like molecules on the orienting film which orients the rod-like molecules by virtue of spatial effect of the molecular units and the orienting spaces.

Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain (110) includes an engine (122) with a vertical crankshaft (124), a first transmission (126) below the engine and driven by the crankshaft, a second transmission (128) above the first transmission and horizontally adjacent the engine and having an input driven by the first transmission and having an output providing vehicle propulsion. A module pre-assembled unit is ready for drop-in mounting to a vehicle.

Abstract: A catalyst composition for the polymerization of olefins comprising the combination of one or more Ziegler-Natta procatalysts comprising one or more transition metal compounds; one or more aluminum containing cocatalysts; and a mixture comprising two or more selectivity control agents (SCA's), corresponding to the formula: (CH3O)nSi(OR)4-n, wherein R, independently each occurrence, is C2-12 alkyl, C3-12 cycloalkyl, C6-18 aryl or (poly)alkyl-substituted aryl, or C7-18 poly(aryl)-substituted alkyl, and n is an integer from zero to 4.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices, structures and systems that utilize a polysilazane-based silicon oxide layer or fill, and methods of making the oxide layer are disclosed. In one embodiment, a polysilazane solution is deposited on a substrate and processed with ozone in a wet oxidation at low temperature to chemically modify the polysilazane material to a silicon oxide layer.

Abstract: An improved composition and method for cleaning the surface of a semiconductor wafer are provided. The composition can be used to selectively remove a low-k dielectric material such as silicon dioxide, a photoresist layer overlying a low-k dielectric layer, or both layers from the surface of a wafer. The composition is formulated according to the invention to provide a desired removal rate of the low-k dielectric and/or photoresist from the surface of the wafer. By varying the fluorine ion component, and the amounts of the fluorine ion component and acid, component, and controlling the pH, a composition can be formulated in order to achieve a desired low-k dielectric removal rate that ranges from slow and controlled at about 50 to about 1000 angstroms per minute, to a relatively rapid removal of low-k dielectric material at greater than about 1000 angstroms per minute.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for dissipating heat generated by a die during operation and having a low height profile, a semiconductor die package incorporating the device, and methods of fabricating the device and package are provided. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device comprises a thick thermally conductive plane (e.g., copper plane) mounted on a thin support substrate and interfaced with a die. Thermally conductive via interconnects extending through the substrate conduct heat generated by the die from the conductive plane to conductive balls mounted on traces on the opposing side of the substrate. In another embodiment, the semiconductor devices comprises a thick thermally conductive plane (e.g., copper foil) sandwiched between insulative layers, with signal planes (e.g., traces, bonding pads) disposed on the insulative layers, a die mounted on a first signal plane, and solder balls mounted on bonding pads of a second signal plane.