Abstract: An integrated semiconductor device is formed by bonding the conductors of one fabricated semiconductor device having a substrate to the conductors on another fabricated semiconductor device having a substrate, flowing an etch-resist in the form of a photoresist between the devices, allowing the etch-resist to dry, and removing the substrate from one of the semiconductor devices. Preferably the etch-resist is retained to impart mechanical strength to the device. More specifically, a hybrid semiconductor device is formed by bonding the conductors of one or more GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum well modulators to conductors on an IC chip, flowing a photoresist between the modulators and the chip, allowing the photoresist to dry, and removing the substrate from the modulator.

Abstract: A personal computer is typically equipped with a modem that enables the user to dial through the Public Telephone Switched Network (PTSN) to access an Interactive Voice Response system. Once connected to the Interactive Voice Response System, the present system for providing personal computer access to an interactive voice response system uses the touch-tone generation capability of the personal computer to implement a predefined script to navigate through the Interactive Voice Response System. The navigation path is defined by the selections provided by the Interactive Voice Response System to enable a user to reach a computer interaction site that represents one of the back-end selections served by the Interactive Voice Response System. Thus, once the Interactive Voice Response System is traversed, the user can interact with the computer to perform the desired tasks.

Abstract: A hinge which includes a first leaf member, a second leaf member, and a pin rotatably connecting the first leaf member to the second leaf member. The hinge also includes a first contact member connected to the first leaf member and a second contact member connected to the second leaf member. A contact portion of the first contact member and the second contact member establish an electrical connection with each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to interface devices that provide an interface between a first device and a second device, where the interface device provides electrical isolation between the first device and the second device, and where codec processing is distributed between the first-device side and the second-device side of the interface device. In a preferred embodiment, the second device has a transmission line, the interface device is a modem, and the electrical isolation is provided by one or more digital couplers that transmit sigma-delta signals that are coded and decoded in both the first-device-side and second-device-side circuitries of the modem.

Abstract: A method of aligning, placing, and attaching an optical fiber directly to an electronic, complementary, metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) chip that uses alignment features defined during the CMOS fabrication. The method involves the steps of: i) defining, during the fabrication of an electronic CMOS device, one or more shallow grooves upon the device substrate; ii) disposing an optical fiber within the defined groove(s); and iii) securing the optical fiber within the groove(s). Advantageously, the method may be practiced using a variety of fabrication techniques and apparatus that are compatible with conventional CMOS devices.

Abstract: For use in a power converter having a power switch subject to switching losses and a rectifying diode subject to a reverse recovery condition, a snubber circuit and related method to mitigate adverse effects associated with the switching losses and the reverse recovery condition. In one embodiment, the snubber circuit includes a recovery circuit, having first and second energy storage devices and a snubber diode, coupled to the rectifying diode. The snubber circuit further includes a third energy storage device, coupled across the rectifying diode, configured to cooperate with the recovery circuit to mitigate adverse effects associated with the reverse recovery condition and reduce a rate of change of a voltage across the power switch to reduce the switching losses.

Abstract: An asynchronous wait state generator circuit and method is included in a dual port device, e.g., in a dual port memory, to allow the use of separate address decoders and simultaneous access to memory locations from asynchronously operating, separate ports. When an address collision is detected between accesses on both ports of a dual port device, a wait state signal is generated for the relevant port having the later attempt to access the same memory or other addressable location. In the unique event wherein both accesses are initiated at precisely the same time, a meta-stable element is used to resolve the condition and to allow access to a prioritized port. The wait state signals output for the relevant port of the dual port device are preferably synchronized with the clock signal of the relevant port.

Abstract: An alignment adapter for use with a multi-fiber, optical connector that is in the form of a substantially planar slab having a central opening for receiving a connector therethrough. The slab includes a pair of alignment apertures on opposing sides of the central opening that are positioned in a defined spatial relationship with the fibers held in the multi-fiber connector. According to an aspect of the invention, the alignment adapter includes a pair of alignment rods held in the alignment apertures that are used to convert an optical connector into a male type connector. According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is disclosed having a plurality of channels for holding optical fibers and a pair of alignment apertures positioned adjacent to the fiber holding channels in a defined spatial relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system provide or broadcast information within a given geographic region that is also specific to a given geographic region, such as traffic reports, sightseeing interests, public services information, or weather conditions. The apparatus, method and system of the present invention also provide for different or varying information to be broadcast from region to region; specific hand-off procedures as mobile units change regions; the capability for multiple mobile units to utilize the same broadcast channel containing the information; and the muting of the reverse voice channels of such mobile units during such broadcast sessions. The system of the present invention includes a plurality of serving transceivers located in a corresponding plurality of geographic areas, and a switching center coupled via a plurality of trunk lines to the plurality of serving transceivers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communications connector comprising an internal circuit board having a plurality of circuit board layers that include a plurality of capacitive and inductive devices that counteract the crosstalk created by a first other connector mated to the communications connector. In addition, the communications connector comprises an internal fanout assembly mounted to the internal circuit board that has a plurality of conductors arranged so as to form a compensation area that counteracts crosstalk created by a second other connector mated to the communications connector. The circuit board can comprise at least one capacitive device provided on its outer surface that is manually reducible in size so as to adjust the amount of capacitance created therewith such that the amount of crosstalk compensation provided by the circuit board can be adjusted.

Abstract: An enclosure for electronic devices has a wall of a rigid plastic material, with elongated chambers defined therein. The chambers are filled with a material having a high thermal conductivity, or materials having high heat capacity, such as phase change material. Each chamber is located so that the material in the chamber is in thermal contact with the wall at a first location that tends to be at a relatively high temperature, and at a second location that tends to be at a lower temperature. The enclosure may alternatively have heat pipes of metal rather than chambers.

Abstract: A vacuum collet includes a filament disposed in the collet for assisting in removal of components from the collet. The filament is movable in a vertical direction within the collet to gently dislodge components lodged on a bottom face of the collet. The filament may be actuated by a solenoid or pneumatic or hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A biotelemetry tracking and locating system uses a person's own physical or biological measurement as an identification code used by a tracked unit, e.g., a bracelet worn by a child, to track and/or locate the person from a tracking/locating unit, e.g., worn or carried by a parent. The tracking/locating unit includes a transmitter and optionally a receiver. The tracking/locating unit detects a combination of encoded biological measurements (e.g. body temperature, and/or heart rate) and combines the biological measurements into a substantially unique ID code. The tracking/locating unit may be carried, e.g., by a parent to track the continued presence within a reception range of, e.g., a child wearing the tracked unit. A directional antenna, e.g., a YAGI type antenna, in the tracking/locating unit allows the tracking/locating unit to determine which direction the tracked unit is in, e.g., with respect to the tracking/locating unit.

Abstract: The invention provides improved computer network firewalls which include one or more features for increased processing efficiency. A firewall in accordance with the invention can support multiple security policies, multiple users or both, by applying any one of several distinct sets of access rules. The firewall can also be configured to utilize “stateful” packet filtering which involves caching rule processing results for one or more packets, and then utilizing the cached results to bypass rule processing for subsequent similar packets. To facilitate passage to a user, by a firewall, of a separate later transmission which is properly in response to an original transmission, a dependency mask can be set based on session data items such as source host address, destination host address, and type of service. The mask can be used to query a cache of active sessions being processed by the firewall, such that a rule can be selected based on the number of sessions that satisfy the query.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching from an active to a standby controller in a redundant duplex carrier system without requiring retransmission of messages in progress during the switch. A main processor in the standby controller is periodically switched and made the active controller to ensure reliability of the system. The main processor in the active controller stops sending messages for a period of time before switching control to the standby controller. The main processor in the standby controller delays initiating any new communications until any current messages have been completed from the active controller. The main processor of the standby controller then retrieves any unprocessed messages that may have been sent to the active controller just before or during the switch from the active controller to the standby controller. The delay of new messages and retrieval of any unprocessed messages ensures that no data will be lost during the switch, thus removing the need for retransmission.

Abstract: A capacitor for a DRAM cell comprises a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a dielectric film. The capacitor is disposed in a first opening defined in a second dielectric layer and overlaying a first plug through a first dielectric layer. The first plug is electrically connected to a transistor. The first electrode layer is electrically connected to the first plug. The second electrode layer can act as a barrier between a second plug exposed by a second opening and the second opening. The first and second electrode layer can be formed from Ta and TaN, and the dielectric film can be formed from tantalum oxide. A plug layer electrically connected to the second electrode layer can also be included. The plug layer can be formed from copper. A method of forming the DRAM capacitor is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integrated circuit comprising a voltage source and a voltage sensing circuit having a switch circuit for sensing a switch voltage and a switch current; a voltage comparison circuit connected to the switch circuit for comparing the switch voltage to a limiting voltage; and a current limiting circuit connected to the switch circuit and the voltage comparison circuit, which is capable of limiting the switch current when the switch voltage reaches or exceeds the limiting voltage. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the switch circuit is a bi-directional switch circuit and the voltage comparison circuit incorporates a series of Zener diodes, wherein the current limiting circuit is a current foldback circuit.

Abstract: A power system utilizing a method and apparatus to cost-effectively and efficiently supply power to an electrical system requiring a switchable main power source and a continuous auxiliary power source. Specifically, the power system utilizes an improved power converter having a main output circuit and an auxiliary output circuit coupled to a common input circuit. Primary switching circuitry in the input circuit, secondary switching circuitry in the main output circuit, and capacitance in the auxiliary output circuit allow for the systematic control of the main output from the power converter to the electrical system. In particular, the main output circuit can be switched on and off without interrupting the auxiliary output circuits supply of electrical power to the electrical system. Moreover, switching at a zero current state allows for the use of more cost-effective and efficient circuitry.

Abstract: A systematic method for assigning tester channels on an Automated Test Equipment (ATE) to various signal pins on Device Under Test (DUT). The method involves creating a test fixture or a load board for a digital Integrated Circuit (IC) by wiring the DUT pins to as few channel groups as possible. The number of channel groups required for each vector set load are calculated before the signal pins are assigned. Then, the signal pins are assigned in a systematic manner to the fewest number of channel groups. As the number of test channel groups is reduced, the amount of vector data loaded into the tester's vector memory before each test vector is executed also is reduced, therefore reducing the time and cost required to test the signal pins on the DUT.

Abstract: A tin-rich gold-tin solder is disclosed which is particularly advantageous for self-aligning applications. When utilized with gold-plated bond locations, the out-diffusion of tin from the solder during heating functions to shift the composition of the remaining solder closer to the eutectic value, thus preserving the liquid state of the solder and improving its reflow quality with respect to conventional eutectic solders.