Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the layout of an integrated circuit, in accordance with timing constraints, by means of sizing the buffers in the layout. A nominal netlist for the layout of the integrated circuit is used to determine critical paths through the circuit. The time-critical paths are determined and the instances of the buffers along the path are resized so that the time delays in the time-critical paths are either brought within the predetermined timing criteria, or no further improvement in any time-critical path is possible.

Abstract: A container for the temporary storage of foods is disclosed. The container includes a corrugated medium having a single backer paper thus creating an exposed corrugated surface on a side opposite the backer. The food container is formed such that the exposed corrugation is located towards an interior surface of the container. The corrugation is provided in a meandering, nonlinear pattern to provide strength along both longitudinal and transverse directions relative to the orientation of the corrugation. By using a corrugated medium having a single layer of backer paper, it is possible to construct the container using approximately one-third less materials without sacrificing strength.

Abstract: A probe station suitable for low noise measurements includes a chuck for supporting a test device and a supporting surface for the test device. The probe station has means for controlling the temperature in the vicinity of the test device by sensing the temperature and, in response to the sensing, alternatively raising or lowering the temperature. At least two layers including a first electrically conductive layer adhered to an insulator layer are disposed between the supporting surface and the chuck. The electrically conductive layer is electrically connected to one of the chuck and supporting surface.

Abstract: A process for producing a label bearing article (10) calls for an adhesive mounting of a label (16) to an exterior surface (14) of a thin thermoplastic substrate (12), and placing the thermoplastic substrate (12) and the affixed label (16) into a mold cavity of an injection molding apparatus with the label bearing exterior surface (14) against a wall of the mold cavity. A molten thermoplastic resin is injected into the mold cavity under pressure so that the resin contacts an interior surface (15) of the thermoplastic substrate (12) to thereby firmly press the exterior surface (14) of the thermoplastic substrate (12) and the affixed label (16) against the wall of the mold cavity, thereby forming the composite article (10). Sufficient heat and pressure are provided within the mold cavity to at least partially recess the label (16) into the exterior surface (14) of the thermoplastic substrate (12) and integrally mold the thermoplastic substrate (12) to the label (16).

Abstract: A wafer probe station is equipped with an integrated environment control enclosure substantially surrounding a supporting surface for holding a test device, such enclosure limiting fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the enclosure and preferably also providing EMI shielding and a dark environment. The limited communication between the interior and exterior of the enclosure is kept substantially constant despite positioning movement of either the supporting surface or probe holders. The positioning mechanisms for the supporting surface and probe holders each have portions located at least partially outside of the enclosure for transferring movement mechanically to the surface or holders, respectively.

Abstract: An integral fastener particularly for use in mounting a sheet material to a structural member with a plurality of threaded studs. The integral fastener in one embodiment is connected to the sheet by a web adjacent an aperture in the sheet. The fastener has an opening that defines multiple flaps. To fasten the sheet material to the stud, the stud is inserted through the sheet aperture and the fastener is pressed on the stud so that it extends through the fastener opening, deflecting the flaps, which engage the threads of the stud. In another embodiment, the fastener is formed within the sheet and defines an opening through which the stud passes. In a third embodiment, the stud comprises a T-shaped flange and the fastener has a slotted opening at an acute angle to the plane of the T-shaped flange to retain the fastener on the T-shaped flange.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a container for the temporary storage of foods is disclosed. The container includes a corrugated medium having a single backer paper thus creating an exposed corrugated surface on a side opposite the backer. The food container is formed such that the exposed corrugation is located towards an interior surface of the container. The method of manufacture involves fabrication of a single-face sheet of corrugated material to which is affixed a tape liner along opposed side edges of the sheet. A wider tape is affixed to the sheet intermediate the lateral edge tapes. The sheet is then cut along a longitudinal midline of the intermediate tape and also across the sheet to form discrete blanks. The blanks are substantially single-face corrugated material but have double-face corrugated material along the lateral edges where the tape was applied. Thereafter, the blank may be further cut, scored and folded to form containers having a single-face,bottom panel and double-face side walls.

Abstract: A shielded microwave probe tip assembly includes an end of a coaxial cable coupled to probe fingers forming a coplanar controlled impedance microwave transmission line where the ground probe fingers are interconnected by a shield member that is spaced apart from the signal line probe finger but is positioned between the signal line probe finger and a device under test. The shield prevents the generation of extraneous signals or parasitic coupling from the device under test which would otherwise degrade measurement accuracy.

Abstract: An interconnect assembly for evaluating a probe measurement network includes a base, respective inner and outer probing areas in mutually coplanar relationship on the upper face of the base, a reference junction, and a high-frequency transmission structure connecting the probing areas and the reference junction so that high-frequency signals can be uniformly transferred therebetween despite, for example, variable positioning of the device-probing ends of the network on the probing areas. A preferred method for evaluating the signal channels of the network includes connecting a reference unit to the reference junction and successively positioning each device-probing end that corresponds to a signal channel of interest on the inner probing area.

Abstract: An acoustical barrier having a central aperture that is defined by a flexible seal. The acoustical barrier has an inwardly directed flange circumscribing of the central aperture and spacing the mass layer from a wall a predetermined distance. The wall has an aperture in which is disposed a moisture seal through which a pass-through component extending from one side of the wall to another side of the wall is positioned. The pass-through component is mounted to an article that is disposed within the central aperture of the acoustical barrier. The flexible seal is positioned away from the moisture seal and blocks the transfer of acoustical noise from one side of the wall to the other.

Abstract: An inflatable body comprising an airtight envelope enclosing a core of batting material, having tensile elements extending from upper to lower surface thereof and having the upper and lower surfaces thereof bonded to the envelope.The process of making the body comprises first laying down two sheets of air impervious film with the core positioned therebetween. The tensile elements are bonded to the sheets. Simultaneously or separately from bonding to the core, the edges of the sheets are sealed together and a valve assembly bonded between or inserted in one of the sheets to allow control of the air volume and pressure within the assembly.

Abstract: A waste container having a container body to an upper portion of which is pivotally mounted a lid. A wheel and axle assembly is mounted to a lower portion of the container body to aid in the movement of the waste container. The waste container has an upper handle disposed near the upper portion of the container body and a lift handle disposed near the lower portion of the container body in opposing and vertically aligned relationship to the upper handle. The opposing relationship of the upper handle and the lift handle provides for a person to grasp the upper handle and the lift handle to lift and invert the waste container into a receiving vehicle to dump the contents of the waste container.

Abstract: A wafer probe station is equipped with an integrated environment control enclosure substantially surrounding a supporting surface for holding a test device, such enclosure limiting fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the enclosure and preferably also providing EMI shielding and a dark environment. The limited communication between the interior and exterior of the enclosure is kept substantially constant despite positioning movement of either the supporting surface or probe holders. The positioning mechanisms for the supporting surface and probe holders each have portions located at least partially outside of the enclosure for transferring movement mechanically to the surface or holders, respectively.

Abstract: A probe suitable for low-loss microwave frequency operation has a tip assembly including a semi-rigid coaxial cable having a Teflon.TM. dielectric for temperature stability and a freely-suspended end. On this end a semicylindrical recess is formed defining a shelf along which an inner finger and outer pair of fingers are mounted, each made of resilient conductive material, so as to form a coplanar transmission line. Cantilevered portions of the fingers extend past the end of the cable to form an air-dielectric transmission path of uniform and stable characteristic despite exposure to numerous contact cycles and to provide suitable means for probing nonplanar device pads while also offering good visibility of device pads generally.

Abstract: An acoustic barrier for mounting to a barrier wall, such as a barrier wall between an engine compartment and a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The barrier wall has multiple indentations forming an uneven surface. The acoustic barrier comprises a decoupling layer and a mass layer. The mass layer has a series of projections formed on a rear surface, which coincide with the indentations of the barrier. When the decoupling layer is mounted to the rear wall of the mass layer, the projections alter the shape of the decoupling layer to conform with the shape of the barrier layer.