Abstract: Devices for improving the capturing and utilization of high-energy electromagnetic radiation, for example, x-rays, gamma rays, and neutrons, for use in physical, medical, and industrial analysis and control applications are disclosed. The devices include optics having a plurality of optical crystals, for example, doubly-curved silicon or germanium crystals, arranged to optimize the capture and redirection of divergent radiation via Bragg diffraction. In one aspect, a plurality of optic crystals having varying atomic diffraction plane orientations are used to capture and focus divergent x-rays upon a target. In another aspect, a two- or three-dimensional matrix of crystals is positioned relative to an x-ray source to capture and focus divergent x-rays in three dimensions.

Abstract: A tubular prosthesis, which may be an endovascular prothesis, is provided which includes a tubular member (stent or stent/graft combination) and an outer covering having portions sealed to the tubular member. The tubular member is impervious to a pre-determined fluid, particularly an occluding fluid, while the outer cover is pervious to the pre-determined fluid. In one aspect of the present invention, the implantation of the prosthesis allows for occluding fluid to weep from the prosthesis and into a sac of an aneurysm to cause occlusion thereof without introducing the occluding fluid into the blood stream. In this manner, a Type II failure of the prosthesis may be avoided. In other aspects of the invention, therapeutic agents may be delivered and/or a seal may be formed about the prosthesis to prevent a Type I failure.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument has a portion having an outer surface with a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The non-circular cross-sectional shape may be provided to the instrument by providing peripheral projections or fins along the length of the portion or by providing the periphery of the portion with a polygonal shape. Where fins are used, the fins are preferably quite small and only have a minimal effect on the fluid flow cross sectional area between the interior of the working channel and the endoscopic instrument. The resulting instrument has significantly reduced backlash while maintaining adequate fluid flow in the working channel. According to a second embodiment of the invention, a portion of the interior of the working channel of the endoscope has an interior surface having a non-circular cross sectional shape by the inclusion of a plurality of radially spaced and inwardly directed ribs or by being polygonally shaped.

Abstract: An appendable system includes a plurality of appendable devices that are adapted to interoperate with each other and/or a workstation via a communication network to monitor and/or control a process. Each of the appendable devices can communicate with one or more sensors and/or control outputs and includes a housing that facilitates mounting of the appendable device to a surface.

Abstract: The inventive system allows for more efficient use of resources for providing location information in a wireless network where multiple sources of such information may be available. In one implementation, a first source of location information such as Cell ID information is used to monitor the location of a mobile unit. The first source may provide sufficient location information in many instances. For example, in the case of a location-based billing application, Cell ID information may be sufficient in some cases to indicate that a subscriber is within or outside of a home zone. In other cases, more accurate information may be required to make such a determination. When required, a more accurate source of information such as TDOA or GPS information may be invoked. The invention allows for more efficient use of the multiple sources by allowing for reduction of the instances where a high resource location information source is accessed.

Abstract: A semiconductor resistor comprises a resistor body formed on a semiconductor substrate and first and second conductive terminals electrically connected to the resistor body at opposite ends thereof. The semiconductor resistor further includes at least first and second conductive paths between at least one of the first and second conductive terminals and the resistor body. The at least one conductive terminal is configured such that a resistance of the at least one conductive terminal between the at least first and second conductive paths is substantially matched to a resistance of the resistor body between the at least first and second conductive paths. In this manner, a current distribution between the at least first and second conductive paths is substantially matched.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an integrated-circuit chip that has a design based on a wiring model that allows at least a particular wiring layer to have more than one preferred wiring directions. Other embodiments provide a method of manufacturing an integrated circuit (“IC”) that has a plurality of wiring layers. The method specifies a layout of the IC by using a wiring model that specifies more than one preferred wiring direction for at least a region of a particular wiring layer. The method then uses the layout to fabricate the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for solving a set of differential-algebraic equation arising in a circuit simulation is provided. A collocation method is applied to each differential-algebraic equation to discretize the set of differential-algebraic equations. A solution to the set of differential-algebraic equations based on the discretized differential-algebraic equation is then formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling single and multiple high-flux and ultra-high-flux heat dissipating devices, comprising a liquid coolant module having a base plate and a cover plate defining therebetween a liquid coolant chamber with a liquid coolant inlet port and a liquid coolant outlet port in fluid communication with the liquid coolant chamber; at least one heat dissipating device mounted to the liquid coolant module; a multi-level-cooling-enhancement stud mounted upon each heat dissipating device and disposed within the liquid coolant module; and apparatus for inducing phase change nucleate boiling of a subcooled liquid coolant within the liquid coolant module to enhance its cooling performance.

Abstract: A thrombus filter configured for placement in within a blood vessel lumen defined by a blood vessel wall. Methods and devices for selectively removing the thrombus filter when the presence of a filter in the vascular system is no longer desired. The thrombus filter includes a first strand formation, a second strand formation, and a joined portion.

Abstract: A secure and distributed time service is discussed for use in a network. In particular, the invention relates to Fiber Channel networks and the secure distribution of time service using a push model. In order to distribute time on a push model, one entity assumes responsibility for time in the network. Other entities in the network receive periodic time updates and check the validity of their own time by gauging the elapsed time since the previous time update. The time service is secured using by applying a unique combination of encryption techniques.

Abstract: Coatings for medical devices which include polycationic peptides such as L-arginine and methods for fabricating the coatings are disclosed.

Abstract: An architecture for creating a vertical JFET. Generally, an integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor area with a major surface formed along a plane and a first source/drain doped region formed in the surface. A second doped region forming a channel of different conductivity type than the first region is positioned over the first region. A third doped region is formed over the second doped region having an opposite conductivity type with respect to the second doped region, and forming a source/drain region. A gate is formed over the channel to form a vertical JFET. In an associated method of manufacturing the semiconductor device, a first source/drain region is formed in a semiconductor layer. A field-effect transistor gate region, including a channel and a gate electrode, is formed over the first source/drain region. A second source/drain region is then formed over the channel having the appropriate conductivity type.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for using standard issue synchronous optical network (SONET) framers to comply with current automatic protection system (APS) standards. Each standard framer includes its own section, line, and path layer termination. The working set of lines and protection set of lines of the APS system are switched after the path layer rather than before. A firmware solution allows for a proper use of various error indication signals.

Abstract: A high voltage connector assembly is disclosed for use with high power apparatus including x-ray devices. The present connector is a pancake-style connector, and interconnects a high voltage cable with the cathode of the x-ray tube. The present connector includes a housing, a socket assembly, and insulating material surrounding the socket assembly to insulate it from the housing. The socket assembly comprises a potting-filled conductive sleeve having a continuously shaped, smooth terminal end. The terminal end of the sleeve forms a triple junction with the insulating material and air present near the sleeve. The continuously smooth terminal sleeve end prevents electrical arcing to occur at the triple junction by reducing field strength at the terminal end and urging the electric field of the socket assembly away from the triple junction. The reduction in electrical arcing propensity allows the x-ray device to operate at relatively higher operating voltages.

Abstract: A configurable adaptive echo canceler which can perform acoustical echo cancellation (AEC) or hybrid echo cancellation (HEC) under software control. Particular parameters based on the particular application can be associated with either a suitable AEC or a suitable HEC, and the parameters are made selectable through the use of a control register. Exemplary parameters are accuracy of filter coefficients, a span select to manipulate the expected length of the echo path, a step size to adjust the adaptation of the echo cancellation, enablement of a tap update, selection of adaptation mode, center clipper selection, and sub-band or full-band echo cancellation. With the use of audio line switching, the configurable echo canceler can allow various modes of operation of the telephone, some of which may require an AEC in the installed unit and/or some of which may require an HEC.

Abstract: A zinc electrode is provided for use in electrochemical cells having an alkaline electrolyte and high cycle life. The zinc electrode comprises a mixture of zinc oxide together with an inorganic fibre which contains silica and alumina. Preferably, the composition of the inorganic fibre is in the range of 80% to 99% alumina, and 1% to 20% silica. Typically, the zinc electrode will further comprise an inorganic fibre additive in the range of 2% to 15% by weight of the zinc oxide electrode. Also, the zinc electrode will typically further include 2% up to 10% of bismuth oxide.

Abstract: A three-phase spindle motor has three terminals each driven with pulse width modulated signals. Rotation of the motor is controlled by iteratively measuring an electrical period of the motor, determining a rotational position of the motor, and synchronizing the sinusoidal pulse width modulation of the spindle motor with the measured electrical period. The electrical period of the motor is measured by detecting zero crossings in the a back electromotive force induced at a first terminal of the motor and determining the time between successive zero crossings. The rotation position of the motor is determined based upon the last measured electrical period and a location of last detected zero crossing. The zero crossings are detected by selecting a time window during which the back electromotive force signal is sensed for zero crossings. The time window is selected as a function of the last measured electrical period and the rotational position of the motor.

Abstract: A carrier head for supporting a wafer during a chemical mechanical polishing process is provided. In one exemplary implementation, the carrier head may comprise a wear ring, and a slidably movable pressure plate disposed within the wear ring. The pressure plate may be arranged to provide slidable movement relative to the wear ring. This degree of freedom can accommodate height dimensional changes that may occur in the wear ring.