Abstract: A preamplifier stage with dynamically controllable signal gain in a data signal processing circuit that includes a downstream analog-to-digital signal converter. The level of the data signal subsequent to its preamplification is monitored and the gain of the preamplifier stage is dynamically adjusted in response to such data signal transcending one or more predetermined thresholds. Hence, the effective dynamic range of the preamplifier stage is extended, thereby also effectively extending the dynamic range of the overall system beyond that to which it would have otherwise been limited by the dynamic range of the analog-to-digital signal converter. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, such a preamplifier is used in an X-ray imaging system such as that using flat panel solid state imaging devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a mask for conductive wirings in a semiconductor device, wherein the conductive wirings are formed on a semiconductor substrate of the semiconductor device, comprising the steps of: (a) calculating data for the entire regions of the semiconductor substrate on which the conductive wirings are formed; (b) reading the size, shape and position of the conductive wiring patterns for the conductive wirings to generate data for conductive wirings, and storing the generated conductive wirings data; (c) extending the conductive wirings data by a predetermined size to generate data for the extended conductive wirings; (d) subtracting the extended conductive wirings data from the data for the entire regions of the semiconductor substrate to calculate a differential data between the extended conductive wirings data and the entire regions data, and to generate data for dummy conductive wiring pattern; (e) adding the conductive wirings data to the dummy conductive wiring pattern data t

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating a semiconductor device including stacked capacitors on a semiconductor substrate having a logic circuit region formed with a circuit and a RAM cell region formed with a plurality of transistors, involving the steps of forming an insulating film to a thickness corresponding to a height of stacked capacitors, to be formed, over an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, partially removing the insulating film from the RAM cell region, thereby forming a space in which the stacked capacitors are to be formed, forming the stacked capacitors in the space, and partially removing the insulating film from the logic circuit region, and forming interconnection lines for the logic circuit in a space defined in the logic circuit region by virtue of the removal of the insulating film. In accordance with this method, steps formed during the formation of capacitors are removed prior to subsequent processing steps for forming layers over those capacitors.

Abstract: In a firefighter's protective garment, having a detachable outer flame-resistant shell and an inner thermal, i.e. heat, protective liner, the neck portion of the liner extending upright beyond an over-the-neck portion of the shell and fastening on the outside of the neck portion of the shell, such that the whole of the neck of a firefighter is protected by both a heat protective material and a fire protective material.

Abstract: Method and device to update a data count in a data transfer operation in which a data counter generates an intermediate count value in accordance with a first amount of data to be transferred to a storage media; and an augmenter augments the intermediate count value by a specified count value in accordance with data to be transferred to the storage media in addition to the first amount of data, wherein the updated count value is loaded into the data counter such that the intermediate count value becomes equal to the updated count value during the data transfer operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising: 10 to 90% by weight, preferably 10 to 50% by weight and particularly preferably 10 to 40% by weight of an isostearyl glycoside with a degree of polymerization of between 1 and 3; and 90 to 10% by weight, preferably 90 to 50% by weight and particularly preferably 90 to 60% by weight of isostearyl alcohol as an agent for improving the water resistance of a cosmetic composition.

Abstract: A heterocyclic compound has the following formula (I) wherein Y represents a substituted or unsubstituted ethylene group or a trimethylene group, W represents the group —SO2R1, X represents an oxygen atom or sulfur atom or the group —NR2 or —CHR3, R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and Z represents a pyridyl group.

Abstract: The saturation compensating analog to digital converter has converter circuitry receiving an analog signal and outputting converted data. The converted data from the converter circuitry is processed and filtered to provide a digital data output. The digital data output is received into shift register circuitry before being transmitted for later-stage processing. When the converter circuitry is operating close to a saturated condition, a saturation detector generates a saturation signal. The saturation signal is received at a variable gain circuit which adjusts the gain of the input signal to the converter circuitry. The shift register circuitry also receives the saturation signal and provides an upshift of the digital data to compensate for the associated reduction in input gain provided by the variable gain circuit. In operation, the variable gain circuit is initially set to its maximum output, thus providing the maximum possible input signal to the converter.

Abstract: A blank for a halftone phase shift photomask in the present invention comprises a transparent substrate and a halftone phase shift film provided thereon, and said halftone phase shift film has a multilayer construction in which at least a first layer capable of being etched with a chlorinated gas and a second layer capable of being etched with a fluorinated gas are disposed in this order from the side near said transparent substrate. A film made of tantalum silicides is suitable to use as the second layer of the halftone phase shift film.

Abstract: A foldable chair assembly includes front and rear leg rods, sleeve members sleeved slidably and respectively on the leg rods, a fabric seat connected to the sleeve members, a fabric backrest connected to the rear leg rods, and four foldable cross-frames connected pivotally to the leg rods and the sleeve members. Each of a pair of armrest rods is connected pivotally to one of the front leg rods at one end, and is connected movably to one of the rear leg rods at the other end.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining multiple spectra from a plurality of samples through the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. A plurality of microcoils are coupled to and are in operable communication with an NMR spectrometer. The coils are operable in both a transmit mode and a receive mode to transmit RF energy to a sample being analyzed and to receive the return data for analysis by the NMR spectrometer. At least one switch is coupled to the plurality of coils and the NMR spectrometer. A controller for the NMR spectrometer is coupled to the switch and is used to control alternative activation of the coils for NMR data acquisition of multiple samples.

Abstract: A method of testing a device includes monitoring an output of the device, wherein the output is generated by the device in response to an applied test command; and resolving the output into atomic operations, wherein the atomic operations are substantially the smallest constituent operations which are substantially independent of the device. The method is used to provide a simple, comprehensive test environment that effectively tests 1394a and 1394-1995 designs, for example, in Verilog. The test environment contains rules which completely characterize the behavior of different 1394 bus protocols as defined by the IEEE specifications. The test environment provides portability between different devices under test and between different protocols, automated closed-loop reconciliation of test commands and protocol requirements, topology independence, and out-of-order execution of instructions or relative sequencing.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant protective garment with a ballistic resistant pad having at least two panels and a plurality of overlying layered sheets within the panels of the ballistic resistant pad in which the sheets are constructed of woven lyotropic liquid crystal polymer fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating a semiconductor device including stacked capacitors, in which dummy plate electrodes and charge storage electrodes are formed at a region other than a memory cell region, to control a topology resulting from capacitors, thereby allowing fine interconnection lines to be formed after the formation of those capacitors. In accordance with this method, dummy plate electrodes and charge storage electrodes, each of which has the same height as that of the stacked capacitor, are formed at the logic circuit region when the stacked capacitor are formed at the memory cell region.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image receiving sheet applicable to an over head projector (OHP) and a process for forming an OHP image. The image receiving sheet is capable of forming a yellow image providing a parallel-ray transmittance (Y) of 50% or more when the transmittance density (X) is in a range from 0 to 1.0 by electrophotography. The image receiving sheet is capable of forming a yellow image providing a haze value (Z) of 40% or less when the transmittance density (X) is in a range from 0 to 1.0 by electrophotography.

Abstract: A semiconductor package including a semiconductor chip having bonding pads respectively arranged in a line adjacent to four sides of the upper surface; gold bumps formed on each bonding pad; a glass substrate which is made by forming metal patterns, the metal pattern including an inner pattern electrically connected to the bonding pad of the semiconductor chip through the gold bumps, an outer pattern, and a connecting pattern between the inner pattern and the outer pattern: a Dam having a frame-shape on the connecting pattern and surrounding the inner patterns; sealing material sealing the space between the glass substrate around the semiconductor chip and solder balls attached on the outer patterns of each metal pattern.

Abstract: A differential conversion circuit for converting an unbalanced signal to a balanced signal is provided. The differential conversion circuit is arranged with primarily passive components, and so avoids introducing noise or other disturbances to the signal. The differential conversion circuit has a terminal input for receiving an unbalanced signal that is related to a communication input signal. An inductor and a resonating capacitor connect to the terminal input, and a coupling capacitor connects to the inductor. One differential output line is provided by the resonating capacitor, while the other differential output line is provided by the coupling capacitor. The output from the capacitors is thereby a pair of lines that provide a balanced differential signal which is deliverable to a balanced load.

Abstract: A holding and guiding device for a mooring chain, mounted pivotally about a vertical axis (5) and having an integrated chain stopper (2) mounted above the glide track (4) on top of the fairlead. The glide track (4) has a longitudinal slot (11) providing room for the standing links (9) of the chain and has flat parts (3) supporting the lying links (8) of the chain in order to avoid that these become subjected to bending moments when the chain is loaded. In the middle of the flat parts (3) the glide track has deviations (12) providing room for the welds of the chain. Between the flat parts (3) the glide track (4) is evenly rounded in the longitudinal direction. The slot (11) of the glide track has one or more shallower parts which, when the chain is pulled in, force the standing links (9) outwards so that they in turn lift the ends of the lying links (8) of the chain away from the glide track (4).