Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing step is performed to expose a silicon/silicon dioxide interface on a surface situated on a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate is dipped in a solution of about 200 parts of deionized water, about 1 part of hydrofluoric acid, and at least 5 parts tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide. The exposed silicon/silicon dioxide interface is then contacted with an organic carboxylic acid surfactant having a critical micelle concentration greater than or equal to 1−7 m/l and having a pH from about 2.2 to about 7. Lastly, the exposed silicon/silicon dioxide interface is rinsed in deionized water or sulfuric acid to remove silicon dioxide particles from the exposed silicon/silicon dioxide interface, leaving a very clean, low particulate surface on both the silicon dioxide and silicon portions thereof, with little or no etching of the silicon portion.

Abstract: A series of evaluation steps is described for the planarization of a semiconductor substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer, using a linear track polisher having a continuous polishing surface. In the series of evaluation steps, there is determined a first pressure and a first continuous polishing surface speed at which an optimum material removal rate can be achieved and wherein the continuous polishing surface does not accumulate glaze as is possible when planarizing doped oxides such as PSG and BPSG.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for degrading and cleaning combustion products of carbon-containing fuels such as fossil fuels. The systems and apparatus utilize catalytically reactive particles that are at least partially suspended by moving gases within a reaction chamber and maintained at a temperature sufficient to cause the suspended media particles, typically silica sand, silica gel, or alumina, to become catalytically reactive in the presence of moisture. Typically, the reaction chamber is maintained at a temperature in a range from about 30° C. to about 500° C. Moisture may be provided by the waste exhaust, although additional moisture may be introduced into the reaction chamber in order to maintain reactivity of the catalytically reactive particles. The systems and apparatus can be adapted to be used in combination with diesel engines or other internal combustion engines and industrial burners. The exhaust gases containing the incomplete combustion products can be further pressurized as needed.

Abstract: A memory initialization circuit includes one or more duplicated pairs of bit lines, which may be used to initialize the memory cells of a memory array to different logical values. When an initialization signal is asserted on the initialization circuit, the individual bit lines in the pair of bit lines are set to opposite logical values, for instance setting one bit line to a logical zero and the other to a logical one. This occurs without regard to external data values received by the circuit. When the initialization signal is removed, individual bit lines in a duplicated pair carry identical values, which may be equal to external data values that are received by the circuit. Thus, after initialization, memory cells function as if duplicated pairs were not included in the circuit. A memory array may be initialized to a predetermined pattern by coupling different combinations of memory cells to different bit lines from duplicated pairs.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided for transmitting information in a message using an existing message based service in a digital mobile network. According to the invention, the message is provided with an information field intended to be extracted from the message by the receiver. Furthermore, the message is provided with a pointer field in a position which is given by a predetermined rule while using a predetermined syntax and including information which indicates where in the message the information field is arranged.

Abstract: A numerically controlled oscillator that generates an accurate digital representation of a repeating waveform such as a sinusoidal wave. Based on the desired output frequency, multiple samples are calculated from multiple cycles of the repeating waveform. As samples are taken, they are stored in a memory location until a sufficient number of samples are accumulated. After the samples are accumulated, they are output in a specified order, which generates an accurate digital representation of a sinusoidal wave at the desired output frequency.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure A user interface device has a graphical user interface that can simultaneously display a combination of television and related Internet content, along with predetermined responses to the television or video content. The predetermined responses may offer a set of choices, and selecting one of the choices results in sending the chosen response to a chat room to be added to the chat stream. Selecting a choice may alternatively cause a second set of responses to be displayed, the second set corresponding to the choice that was selected. The predetermined responses may be standardized responses that are broadcast to many user interface devices, or the predetermined responses may be customized responses input by the user. Alternatively, the user may define a profile that provides a subset of the available predetermined responses, the subset having a particular style selected by the viewer.

Abstract: A method is described of converting a file system path corresponding to a resource to a uniform resource locator (URL) corresponding to the resource. After receiving the file system path, the following information is obtained related to the resource located in the inputted file system path: the protocol prefix, domain name, the port number if different than default, and the URL fixed subdirectory structure if any. This information may be obtained, for example, by reference to a URL provided to a conversion module. The URL is then manufactured by first assigning the protocol prefix as the left-most characters of the URL. Then, the domain name, a colon “:” and port number if different than default, any subdirectory structure, and a latter portion of the file system path are added to the protocol prefix. Finally, any back slashes “\” are converted to forward slashes “/” to complete the conversion to the URL.

Abstract: A cooling system for use with high-power x-ray tubes. The cooling system includes a dielectric coolant disposed in the x-ray tube housing so as to absorb heat dissipated by the stator and other electrical components, as well as absorbing some heat from the x-ray tube itself. The cooling system also includes a coolant circuit employing a pressurized water/glycol solution as a coolant. Pressurization of the water/glycol solution is achieved by way of an accumulator which, by pressurizing the coolant to a desired level, raises its boiling point and capacity to absorb heat. A coolant pump circulates the pressurized coolant through a fluid passageway defined in an aperture of the x-ray tube and through a target cooling block disposed proximate to the x-ray tube in the x-ray tube housing, so as to position the coolant to absorb some of the heat generated at the aperture by secondary electrons, and the heat generated in the target cooling block by the target anode of the x-ray tube.

Abstract: Precipitation hardenable stainless steel endodontic files and methods for their manufacture, wherein the most preferred precipitation hardenable stainless steel is 17-4PH and aging is preferably not one of the manufacturing steps. Precipitation hardenable stainless steels used in embodiments of this invention are iron-chromium-nickel grades that have the desired properties of flexibility, strength, hardness, wear resistance, stiffness, resistance to permanent deformation, resistance to variable torque, and biocompatibility for endodontic files.

Abstract: An ion processing element employing composite media disposed in a porous substrate, for facilitating removal of selected chemical species from a fluid stream. The ion processing element includes a porous fibrous glass substrate impregnated by composite media having one or more active components supported by a matrix material of polyacrylonitrile. The active components are effective in removing, by various mechanisms, one or more constituents from a fluid stream passing through the ion processing element. Due to the porosity and large surface area of both the composite medium and the substrate in which it is disposed, a high degree of contact is achieved between the active component and the fluid stream being processed. Further, the porosity of the matrix material and the substrate facilitates use of the ion processing element in high volume applications where it is desired to effectively process a high volume flows.

Abstract: A source code translating method includes the steps of representing a particular source code in the form of an abstract syntax tree without using nodes representing expression statements, and converting such abstract syntax tree into a character string, wherein as the type of the root node in the abstract syntax tree being processed is if-statement (T71), a branch is taken to invoke the “procedure for producing if-statement” where a character string “if (” is first produced, and then, to produce “x==0” contained in the first occurrence of the subtree, the “procedure for outputting the abstract syntax tree as an expression” is recursively invoked, then a character string “)” is produced; to produce “y=0;” contained in the second occurrence of the subtree, the “procedure for outputting the abstract syntax tree as a statement” is recursively invoked, then a character string “else” is produced; and

Abstract: A method and system for extraction of chemicals from an groundwater remediation aqueous effluent are provided. The extraction method utilizes a critical fluid for separation and recovery of chemicals employed in remediating groundwater contaminated with hazardous organic substances, and is particularly suited for separation and recovery of organic contaminants and process chemicals used in surfactant-based remediation technologies. The extraction method separates and recovers high-value chemicals from the remediation effluent and minimizes the volume of generated hazardous waste. The recovered chemicals can be recycled to the remediation process or stored for later use.

Abstract: Sponge assemblies include a substantially spherical mesh sponge having an element of loofah secured thereto. In one embodiment, the element of loofah includes a substantially flat disk including an outer layer of loofah, an inner layer of loofah, and a reinforcing layer disposed therebetween. In another embodiment, the element of loofah includes a block of uncompressed natural loofah.

Abstract: A coupling adaptor for use in connecting a delivery tip to an air/water tip of a fluid dispensing apparatus such as a three-way syringe. The coupling adaptor includes a sidewall that extends between a proximal grasping end and an opposing distal coupling end. The sidewall has an interior surface defining a chamber sized so as to enable an air/water tip to be positioned within the chamber. The coupling adaptor may include structure so as to form a compression fit with a delivery tip and/or threaded engagement tip with the delivery tip. The interior surface of the sidewall may be adapted to form a seal with the air/water tip. The coupling adaptor may be formed from a flexible plastic such as polyethylene.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method of lowering the net resistivity of an interconnect by depositing a monomer layer upon an aluminum bonding pad, the treatment thereof to cross link the monomer to form an electrically conductive polymer, and simultaneously, the substantial reduction of alumina, Al2O3, to metallic aluminum. In the method of the present invention, deposition of a monomer layer in a solvent, volatilization of the solvent, and contact with a strong oxidizer such as a potassium permanganate allows for the use of the strong oxidizer without the hindrance of having to deal with a manganese oxide husk on the surface of the aluminum bonding pad. Preferably, the chemical qualities of the monomer will include the tendency to be a reducing agent to the native oxide film of the bonding pad. By selecting a monomer that tends to reduce rather than to oxidize, the problem of thickening the native oxide film is avoided.

Abstract: A lightweight folding table with legs that may be attached without a separate fixturing step is disclosed. Preferably, the table includes a table top having a working surface and a mounting surface, upon which the legs are attached. Fixturing mounts may be integrally formed with the table top by a process such as blow molding. The fixturing mounts may be configured to receive and hold independent mounting assemblies, each of which is pivotally attached to a leg. The fixturing mounts may have fixturing protrusions arranged so as to frictionally engage the mounting assemblies in such a manner that the mounting assemblies are held in place. An adhesive may then be applied to the mounting assemblies to provide a more permanent attachment, if desired. The adhesive may be allowed to set without using any external fixturing implements to hold the mounting assemblies in place.

Abstract: An antenna system for a communication card provides wireless or radio frequency (RF) communication with other networks or communication systems. The antenna system includes an antenna attached to a retractable platform that is selectably movable between an extended position and a retracted position. When wireless communication is desired, the retractable platform is located in the extended position and the antenna is substantially disposed outside of the body of the communications card. When wireless communication is not desired, the retractable platform and antenna are stored inside the body of the communications card in the retracted position. Desirably wireless communication is automatically available when the retractable platform is in the extended position, and wireless communication is automatically unavailable when the retractable platform is in the retracted position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling a catheter, such as a drainage catheter, to a patient's body and decoupling the catheter from the body are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention take advantage of the flexibility of a catheter cannula and allow for a self-contained system that secures the catheter cannula within the body while bodily fluid is draining. In one embodiment, the catheter is coupled to the body by compressing a proximal hub member to a distal hub member, causing the cannula to curl and form an anchoring configuration (i.e. a loop, pigtail, j-curve, malecot, etc.). In compressing the portions, one or more fingers within the proximal hub member force a cord into one or more corresponding channels within the distal hub member, thereby shortening the amount of cord in the cannula. The proximal and distal hub members can be locked together in the compressed position for as long as the catheter is to be coupled to the body.