Abstract: A communication receiver includes a first signal processing circuit and a second signal processing circuit. The first signal processing circuit includes a first feedforward equalizer and a decision circuit. The first feedforward equalizer processes a received signal to generate a first equalized signal. The decision circuit performs hard decision upon the first equalized signal to generate a first symbol decision signal. The second signal processing circuit includes a second feedforward equalizer, a decision feedforward equalizer, and a first decision feedback equalizer. The second feedforward equalizer processes the first equalized signal to generate a second equalized signal. The decision feedforward equalizer processes the first symbol decision signal to generate a third equalized signal. The first decision feedback equalizer generates a second symbol decision signal according to the second equalized signal and the third equalized signal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a first metal feature formed into a first dielectric layer, a second metal feature formed into a second dielectric layer, the second dielectric layer being disposed on said first dielectric layer, and a via connecting the first metal feature to the second metal feature, wherein a top portion of the via is offset from a bottom portion of the via.

Abstract: A forming tube for forming and reinforcing a concrete column includes a tubular lining and a fiber-reinforced composite shell. The tubular lining is made from a first material, and has inner and outer tubular surfaces. The inner tubular surface has a plurality of ridge units displaced from one another in a direction of an axis. Each ridge unit has a plurality of ridges displaced from one another in a circumferential direction. The fiber-reinforced composite shell is made from a second material different from the first material, and is configured to enclose the outer tubular surface. The fiber-reinforced composite shell is formed by winding a prepreg filament on the outer tubular surface, followed by curing the prepreg filament.

Abstract: A forming tube for forming and reinforcing a concrete column includes a tubular lining and a fiber-reinforced composite shell. The tubular lining is made from a first material, and has inner and outer tubular surfaces. The inner tubular surface has a plurality of ridge units displaced from one another in a direction of an axis. Each ridge unit has a plurality of ridges displaced from one another in a circumferential direction. The fiber-reinforced composite shell is made from a second material different from the first material, and is configured to enclose the outer tubular surface. The fiber-reinforced composite shell is formed by winding a prepreg filament on the outer tubular surface, followed by curing the prepreg filament.

Abstract: A method for remote mask data jobview through a network featuring 24-hour service, reduced cycle time and lower cost, whereby customers can obtain real time mask data access instead of downloading entire pattern files. Expensive CAD/CAM software is unnecessary for the mask data jobview; instead, only a web browser is required. The method for remote mask data jobview through a network comprising the steps of: storing a mask data file to a jobview computer, wherein drawing software is installed on the jobview computer; logging onto a web server from a customer computer through a first network, wherein a web-based graphic mode emulator is installed on the web server; logging onto the jobview computer from the web server through a second network; using the web-base graphic mode emulator to operate the drawing software; and using a browser installed on the customer computer to operate the drawing software to open and review the mask data file.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving an email message having a sender and at least one recipient at an email server of the sender, determining an address of the at least one recipient's email server closest to the sender's email server, sending the email message to the email server indicated by the address, and forwarding the email message to a mail box of the at least one recipient.