Abstract: A machine for applying a heat meltable composition includes a drive module, a light source module, and a nozzle module. The drive module attaches to the end of an elongate arm for moving the material with respect to the nozzle. The light module includes a laser for irradiating the composition as it passes through the nozzle and is applied to the material. The nozzle includes a mechanism for withdrawing the composition after flow is terminated to prevent the formation of strings in the composition. The modules are controlled by a process that provides a sequence of steps upon receipt of control signals from an operator foot pedal.

Abstract: An application management system for achieving a common user access (CUA) interface throughout multiple applications of a computer system is described. The system includes an operating environment having an application control module (ACM) that is run-time bound and executable by the applications. The ACM furnishes generalized procedural codes for each application. The application uses data structures to define the appearance and operation of the application to the ACM. The system also integrates the application program interfaces (API's) of an operating environment graphic user interface (GUI) system and a database management system (DBMS) within the ACM. The invention reduces the programming required for applications and improves consistency in programming across multiple applications.

Abstract: A system for facilitating debugging of software running within an information processing unit includes an external trigger state machine which selectively overrides the cacheability attribute of a cache line. An in-circuit emulator (ICE), which is used for debugging purposes, monitors addresses read by and written to a CPU. If an address which is of interest for debugging purposes is detected by the ICE, then the ICE issues a trigger signal. The trigger signal causes the external trigger state machine to designate the cache line associated with the detected address as a non-cacheable operation (i.e., to override the cacheability attribute) . Thus, the data associated with the cache line is written out to the main memory module where the data can be observed by an ICE, rather than to an internal cache memory location where the data would be invisible to an ICE.

Abstract: A first and second electronic devices are connected by two data lines arranged in a wired-AND configuration so that each device can signal the other device by forcing one of the two-wires into a "low" condition. An inventive method uses serial transfer of a predetermined numbers of bits in a digital word delimited by start and stop bits which are, in turn, defined by their relation to a clock signal on one of the data lines. The start and stop bits are chosen to be in a particular state during the "active" portion of the clock signal. Thus, the need for clocked gates or multivibrators is eliminated. In the preferred embodiment, the method and apparatus are used in a digital multimeter to intercouple a microprocessor and an electronic measuring circuit so that the microprocessor can control the measuring circuit and receive measured values from the circuit.

Abstract: A multimedia console keyboard provides a convenient user interface to provide multimedia functions easily accessible to the user. In general, the multimedia console keyboard provides speakers, microphones, volume control, brightness control, contrast control, a pointing device, an electronic keyboard template with contact sensitive ICON and a real time clock/calendar alarm and computer power control switch at the keyboard. The multimedia console keyboard provides an integrated analog-digital preprocessor with audio compression and expansion capabilities and other analog capabilities. Integrated audio allows for a closed-loop voice activation and control for the computer.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically arranging objects inside a container of a graphical user interface in a visually attractive and effective manner. In a departure from the art, selectable grid styles are provided for arranging cells into different configurations inside the container. Depending on the grid style available, the cells may be placed in any one of many different grid styles, such as rectangular, rhombus-shaped, or circular. Furthermore, identifiers are utilized for placing objects such as icons or buttons in each cell and ordering the objects for other user applications. In this way, different grid styles can be utilized and/or easily changed and new grid styles can easily be added.

Abstract: A workstation includes a support assembly with at least one longitudinally extending rail. A longitudinally extending conveyor is slidably mounted to the rail for sliding movement between a home position, where the conveyor is predominately provided for working on a workpiece, and a second position, where one end of the conveyor is provided adjacent to a conveyor line. The conveyor has a longitudinal length that allows an access space between the conveyor and one of the lines when the conveyor is provided in the home position.

Abstract: A personalized voice mail identification system is enclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention resides on a personal computer (PC) connected to a phone line via a TAPI-compliant or other appropriate device for enabling telephone functions to be performed by the PC. In one aspect of the invention, when a caller calls a system subscriber, a callerID code, if present, is detected and a determination is next made whether there is an ID recording comprising the spoken caller's name associated with the callerID code already stored in a database of the system. If there is an ID recording for the caller in the database, the recording is accessed and played to the subscriber as part of a call screening function.

Abstract: A closable enclosure for rapid thermal processing of semiconductor wafers is presented, wherein the closable enclosure has an enclosed volume less than 10 times the volume of the wafer, and wherein the closable enclosure may be closed about the wafer while the closable enclosure is surrounded by the process gas.

Abstract: A rapid thermal processing (RTP) chamber is disclosed, wherein a transparent plate and a body are sealed with a gas tight seal, and wherein the gas tight seal is activated by inflating an inflatable element.

Abstract: A system is provided for positioning a substrate having a surface required to be characterized with a contact angle measurement. The system includes a stage which supports the substrate and a dispenser assembly having a dispensing tip through which a liquid droplet having a preselected volume is dispensed onto the surface of the substrate. A first actuating mechanism moves the stage in response to first actuation signals and a second actuating mechanism which changes the vertical spacing between the dispensing tip and the surface of the substrate and dispenses the liquid droplet from the dispenser assembly in response to second actuation signals. A controller is connected to the actuating mechanisms and delivers the first and second actuation signals to the first and second actuating mechanisms, respectively, so as to place the liquid droplet at a predetermined location on the surface of the substrate for performing the contact angle measurement.

Abstract: A two-way wireless local transmission system integrates computer and television user interfaces. A television set-top device includes a separate transmitter and receiver. The transmitter converts an audio and video signal into a modulated signal within the 902-928 MHz frequency band and transmits the modulated signal to a receiver associated with a computer peripheral device. The receiver downconverts the modulated signal and processes the signal within the computer. The computer processed signal is then sent by a transmitter in the computer peripheral device to the receiver in the set-top device, which provides the signal to a television receiver which displays images in response to the received signals.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention for detecting screen hotspots provides a graphical user interface environment that enables a user to select screen hotspots that are graphically represented by complex shapes and multiple colors. The use of complex-shaped multi-colored hotspots enables the creation of more realistic graphical representations implementing screen hotspots. Monochrome bitmaps, or masks, are created for each and every hotspot of each and every window view that may be displayed on a screen. Each mask defines valid coordinates for the corresponding hotspots such that, so long as a cursor is located on a valid coordinate, the user can select that hotspot, regardless of the complex shape or multiple colors used to graphically represent the hotspot.

Abstract: A method of reducing the time needed for installing a combination of software programs onto a hard disk drive by creating modules for each software program and associating a file with each software program that records all changes made to files and directories by the installation process of that software program. When downloading combinations of these modules onto a hard disk drive, a software installation program is run which implements the changes to files and directories necessitated by each of the modules thereby resulting in a disk operating system that is properly configured for the operation of the combination of software programs.

Abstract: A method for Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) is presented, wherein the broadband reflectivity of an object is measured, and the results of the measurement used by the RTP system to adjust the RTP system parameters used in processing the object.

Abstract: A closable enclosure for rapid thermal processing of semiconductor wafers is presented, wherein the closable enclosure has an enclosed volume less than 10 times the volume of the wafer, and wherein the closable enclosure may closed about the wafer while the closable enclosure is surrounded by the process gas.

Abstract: A computer processing unit (CPU) module is described. The present CPU module accommodates a CPU and includes a power supply, a power good detection circuit and a clock speed selector, all of which are integral to the CPU module. The power supply provides the CPU module the ability to convert power supplied to the CPU module to power as needed by the CPU. The power good detection circuit provides the CPU module the ability to notify the mother board of a power supply to the CPU which is below the operating voltage of the CPU (e.g. a power failure or insufficient voltage). The clock speed selector provides the CPU module the ability to automatically set the clock speed to that required by the CPU without modification to the BIOS stored on the mother board or changing components.

Abstract: A user interface with embedded or linked objects is enclosed. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a computer program, operating with a GUI and capable of linking or embedding an object from an application program into the GUI. The program includes instructions for determining a size of the object, instructions for determining whether the object is in an active mode, instructions for providing a first frame size of a container if the object is not in the active mode, and instructions for providing a second frame size if the object is in the active mode. The frame can simply represent the size of the container or an actual border around the container. The computer program also provides a first client window that is responsive to whether or not the object is active. Furthermore, the computer program adjusts the location of the object on the display when the object is in the active mode, provides space for controls of the objects server application, and provides appropriate pop-up menus for the object.

Abstract: A docking station for connection with a notebook computer includes a non-volatile memory chip which stores a serial number, an identification number, and configuration information pertaining to the docking station. When a notebook computer engages with the docking station, an electrical connection is provided between a microprocessor within the notebook computer and the non-volatile memory within the docking station so that the microprocessor within the computer 110 can interrogate the memory within the docking station. Based upon the information contained within the non-volatile memory, the software operating system of the notebook computer determines whether or not the notebook computer is compatible with the docking station. Furthermore, if selected configuration information is stored within the non-volatile memory within the docking station, this configuration information can be utilized by the software system of the notebook computer to allocate system resources.

Abstract: A power management system for a computer system having an audio circuit which generates an audio output signal. An activity detection circuit senses audio signal activity on the analog audio signal. The power management system maintains power to at least the audio circuit when activity is detected on the analog audio circuit by the activity detection circuit. The power management system causes the audio circuit to enter a power conservation mode when no activity is detected by the audio detection circuit on the audio analog signal for a predetermined amount of time.