Abstract: Methods of operating a memory device and memory devices are provided. For example, a method of operating a memory array is provided that includes a synchronous path and an asynchronous path. A Write-with-Autoprecharge signal is provided to the synchronous path, and various bank address signals are provided to the asynchronous path. In another embodiment, the initiation of the bank address signals may be provided asynchronously to the assertion of the Write-with-Autoprecharge signal.

Abstract: A microprobe, measurement system and method are disclosed. The microprobe includes a probe tip mounted at a meeting point of a plurality of flexures. The probe tip is moveable upon flexing of one or more of the flexures, each flexure further comprising one or more actuators controllable to flex the flexure and one or more sensors arranged to sense flexin of the flexure.

Abstract: A tag includes an integrated circuit thereon, including memory, antenna means for RF transmission of data acquired by the integrated circuit, a sensor sensing environmental conditions to which the sensor is subjected, the sensor providing signals based on the environmental conditions to the integrated circuit, a thermistor device of increasing the accuracy of the tag by confining on-board calculation data to a resistance domain and leaving conversion of the data to a temperature domain for an external device once the data is retrieved from the tag's memory.

Abstract: Methods of operating a memory device and memory devices are provided. For example, a method of operating a memory array is provided that includes a synchronous path and an asynchronous path. A Write-with-Autoprecharge signal is provided to the synchronous path, and various bank address signals are provided to the asynchronous path. In another embodiment, the initiation of the bank address signals may be provided asynchronously to the assertion of the Write-with-Autoprecharge signal.

Abstract: A strain gauge (10), comprising a silicon strain sensing element (14) for sensing strain with first and second load points (16) and provided with a pair of piezo-resistors (22) located between said load points such that, when said strain sensing element (14) is subjected to tension or compression at said load points, a first of said pair of piezo-resistors (22a, 22b) is subjected to compression and a second of said pair of piezo-resistors (22a, 22b) is subjected to tension, wherein a change in relative resistance of said pair of piezo-resistors is induced by subjecting said strain sensing element to compression or tension.

Abstract: A surge suppression unit contains electrical surge suppression components configured to redirect power surges. A sensor monitors the surge suppression components for a possible impending explosion or fire condition. A disconnect mechanism is configured to disconnect power from the surge suppression components when the sensor detects the explosion or fire condition.

Abstract: Polyalkylene glycol compositions having reduced low molecular weight oligomers are disclosed. Some compositions, particularly polyethylene glycol compositions, have a number average molecular weight range from about 3000 to about 10,000 g/mol and have a total oligomer concentration of less than about 400 ppm of all oligomers having a molecular weight of less than or equal to 812 g/mol and a total oligomer concentration of less than about 50 ppm of all oligomers having a molecular weight of less than or equal to 240 g/mol. Other polyalkylene compositions, particularly polyethylene glycol compositions, are characterized by a total oligomer concentration of less than about 90 ppm of all oligomers having a molecular weight less than or equal to 460 g/mol and are obtained without further processing to remove oligomers having a molecular weight of less than about 460 g/mol. Methods for making such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for administering cold therapy to a human ankle, and a method for administering cold therapy to a human ankle using the device. In accordance with the invention, two opposing flexible sheet members are connected via a web that spans a gap between them. At least one insert that includes a flexible, fluid-tight pouch containing at least a chilled, non-gaseous, temperature retaining fluid is releasably secured to one of the flexible sheet members. The insert is positioned adjacent to either the lateral or medial side of the human ankle. Bottom portions of each of the opposing flexible sheet members are secured to each other underneath the human's foot. Straps extending from the opposing flexible sheet members are drawn in opposite directions, one over the ankle ligaments on the top of the foot and another around the leg above the ankle, to secure the device to the human's ankle and thereby provide cold therapy and compression thereto.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a burst including payload and a synchronization field, wherein the synchronization field contains a synchronization pattern; selecting, from a plurality of expected synchronization patterns, a target synchronization pattern dependent on an operating mode; comparing the received synchronization pattern against the target synchronization pattern; and if the received synchronization pattern is of the target synchronization pattern, processing the payload; otherwise, discarding the burst.

Abstract: A strain gauge (10), comprising a silicon strain sensing element (14) for sensing strain with first and second load points (16) and provided with a pair of piezo-resistors (22) located between said load points such that, when said strain sensing element (14) is subjected to tension or compression at said load points, a first of said pair of piezo-resistors (22a,22b) is subjected to compression and a second of said pair of piezo-resistors (22a,22b) is subjected to tension, wherein a change in relative resistance of said pair of piezo-resistors is induced by subjecting said strain sensing element to compression or tension.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing an electrical component, involving bonding a thin metal foil to an insulating substrate and thereby forming a component blank, and laser machining at least the metal foil of said component blank to produce at least one trench for defining one or more foil tracks, said trench being at least equal in depth to the thickness of the foil so as to prevent current flow across the trench.

Abstract: A process for removing extractables from biomedical devices, particularly ophthalmic biomedical devices, involves contacting the device with a mixture of first and second extractants. The first extractant is an organic compound having a flash point above 38° C., and the second extractant is an organic compound having a flash point below 38° C.

Abstract: A process for producing polymeric biomedical devices, such as contact lenses, involves casting a monomeric mixture including a diluent; and subsequently removing extractables from the devices by contacting the devices with the an additional volume of the diluent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising carboxyalkylcellulose esters for sustained delivery of pharmaceutically active substances. The composition comprises: at least one pharmaceutically active agent, and at least one carboxyalkyl cellulose ester comprising an anhydroglucose repeat unit having the structure: wherein: R1-R6 are each independently selected from —OH, —OC(O)(alkyl), and —O(CH2)xC(O)OH, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein x ranges from 1-3, a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose of —OH ranges from 0.1 to 0.7, a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose of —C(O)(alkyl) ranges from 0.1 to 2.7, and a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose of —O(CH2)xC(O)OH ranges from 0.2 to 0.75, and wherein in pharmaceutically acceptable media, the composition exhibits sustained release of the at least one pharmaceutically active agent.

Abstract: Cellulose mixed esters are disclosed having low molecular weights and low degrees of polymerization. These new cellulose mixed esters include cellulose acetate propionate and cellulose acetate butyrate. The esters exhibit solubility in a wide range of organic solvents with minimal viscosity increase, are compatible with a wide variety of resins, and are useful in coatings and inks compositions as binder resins and rheology modifiers.

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser for containing plural elongate form medicament carriers, each having multiple distinct medicament dose portions carried thereby, the dispenser having a housing of generally non-circular form, and within said housing a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the distinct medicament dose portions carried by each of said plural medicament carriers. The mechanism comprises at least one receiving station for receiving each of the plural medicament carriers; a release for releasing in combination a distinct medicament dose portion from each of the plural medicament carriers on receipt thereof by said receiving station; an outlet, positioned to be in communication with the distinct medicament dose portions releasable by said release; and at least one indexer for individually indexing the distinct medicament dose portions of each of the plural medicament carriers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal treatment pack that includes a tubular body having a first opening, a second opening, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first opening, the inner surface and the second opening cooperate to define a passage through the tubular body for the limb. The inner surface and the outer surface of the tubular body are defined by a continuous film of flexible material such as a copolymer of polyester and polyurethane. A temperature-retaining fluid such as a water-based gel is received between the inner surface and the outer surface. Optionally, a thermal pack according to the invention can be covered with a fabric layer to provide insulation between the continuous film of flexible material and a user's skin. The diameter of the passage through the thermal treatment pack is preferably smaller than or equal to the diameter of the injured limb, which causes the inner surface of the thermal treatment pack to make contact the limb or an insulating wrap placed over the limb.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance system for obstacle detection in an opaque material. The system includes at least one electromagnetic signal source adapted to produce an electromagnetic source signal suitable for transmission through the opaque material, at least one electromagnetic signal detector adapted to receive reflected electromagnetic energy signals from discontinuities in the opaque material encountered by the electromagnetic source signal, and a reflected electromagnetic energy signal processor suitable for determining a presence of obstructions and/or strata variations within the opaque material. The system is preferably integral with a head element suitable for traversing the opaque material, for example a subterranean drill bit.

Abstract: A multi-component pharmaceutical dosage form suitable for retaining drug substance can be released to provide a controlled drug release profile in the gastro intestinal environment, characterized by a body e.g. comprising a delayed release polymeric material such as Eudragit 4135F, the body having at least one cavity said cavity having a mouth opening and a film means e.g. comprising an immediate release polymeric material e.g. Eudragit E100 or a blend thereof, connected to the body and closing the mouth opening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating a condition associated with elevated cholesterol levels are provided, comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a safe and effective amount of a cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor and a soluble fiber. Further disclosed herein are kits comprising a first composition comprising a cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor selected from the group consisting of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, HMG CoA synthase inhibitors, and mixtures thereof; and a second composition comprising a soluble fiber. Even further described are compositions comprising a cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor selected from the group consisting of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, HMG CoA synthase inhibitors, and mixtures thereof; and a soluble fiber.