Abstract: A method for compressing an integrated circuit model has steps of selecting a first net and compressing at least a second net connected to the first net by removing resistors and summing capacitors. Through steps of the present invention, the size and complexity of the integrated circuit model are thereby simplified while retaining information regarding the second net that may be required for analysis.

Abstract: A method for identifying FETs implemented in a predefined logic equation defined by at least one signal name from a netlist having output nodes, supply voltages with their opposite supply voltages, and FETs with their connectivity, that includes the steps of selecting an output node from the netlist, preparing the predefined logic equation for searching FETs in the netlist, and identifying FETs from the netlist that are implemented in the prepared predefined logic equation.

Abstract: A method for generating a configuration database file based on at least one data file of at least one ECAD tool included in a predefined tool list, which includes the steps of selecting an ECAD tool from the predefined tool list, reading a data file of the selected ECAD tool and generating a configuration database file based on the read data file.

Abstract: A method for identifying dynamic NAND or NOR gates from a netlist having output nodes, supply voltages along with their opposite supply voltages, FETs and their connections, which includes the steps of selecting an output node from the netlist, identifying FETs having at least one branch that is connected directly to the selected output node but not connected directly to the supply voltage, verifying that the branch(es) of the identified FETs define a dynamic logic gate, and identifying either a NAND gate or a NOR gate for the dynamic logic gate.

Abstract: A locating plate for locating a first piece of rotary machinery relative to a second piece of rotary machinery is provided. The plate has a first periphery surface for mating with a first receiving surface of the first piece of rotary machinery and a second periphery surface for mating with a second receiving surface of the second piece of rotary machinery. The plate also has at least one attaching device for use in attaching the plate to the first piece of rotary machinery and at least one removal device for use in removing the plate from the first piece of rotary machinery. The plate is removably attachable to the second piece of rotary machinery, and the second periphery surface is sizable independently from the first periphery surface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for storing a circuit design in memory of a computer system and analyzing the design using an electronic computer-aided design (E-CAD) tool. The design may include hierarchical cells for repeated elements and groups of elements. A flat data structure is created to represent a specified portion of the circuit between two terminal nodes. For each node and edge in the specified portion, the flat data structure stores a name, an address pointer to the underlying data in the circuit model, and address pointers to adjoining nodes or edges in the flat data structure. Also for each node and edge in the design, the data structure stores an indicator showing whether the node or edge has been analyzed. The E-CAD analysis is performed on the flat representation, the results are recorded, and the flat data structure is deleted from memory.

Abstract: A method of producing nanocrystalline ceramic powder by creating a plasma stream in a reactor vessel, and physically converting a ceramic precursor material into ceramic particles suspended in the vessel, using the plasma stream. A metallic reactant may additionally be introduced into the vessel using the plasma stream, wherein the metallic reactant forms ceramic particles having the same composition as the ceramic particles of the physical converting step. The plasma stream is created using an electrothermal gun. The gun may use a ceramic barrel which is eroded by the plasma stream. Alternatively (or additionally), the ceramic precursor material may be injected as particulates into the plasma stream, wherein the ceramic precursor particulates are micron-sized or larger. A novel electrothermal gun design may optionally use a replaceable insert constructed of the ceramic precursor material.

Abstract: A configuration software tool is disclosed for analyzing circuit design violations detected by an E-CAD tool and proposing solutions. An E-CAD tool analyzes a circuit design and outputs violations of design specifications. The configuration tool reads the violations to identify symptoms. The configuration tool accesses a solutions database that stores solutions to common violations encountered with the design. Based on the symptoms, the configuration tool outputs possible solutions for each violation. The user selects one of the proposed solutions or another solution. Based on the selected solution, the configuration tool edits the configuration file of the E-CAD tool. Once all solutions are resolved, the E-CAD tool is re-run on the design. The configuration tool may be stored in a computer system that operates the E-CAD tool, or it may be stored in a remote location accessed by multiple computer systems, such as network server connected to the computer systems.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for storing a circuit design in memory of a computer system and analyzing the design using an electronic computer-aided design (E-CAD) tool. The design may include hierarchical cells for repeated elements and groups of elements. A flat data structure is created to represent a specified portion of the circuit between two terminal nodes. For each node and edge in the specified portion, the flat data structure stores a name, an address pointer to the underlying data in the circuit model, and address pointers to adjoining nodes or edges in the flat data structure. Also for each node and edge in the design, the data structure stores an indicator showing whether the node or edge has been analyzed. The E-CAD analysis is performed on the flat representation, the results are recorded, and the flat data structure is deleted from memory.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for identifying FETs that comprise NAND and NOR logic gates in a circuit design having numerous FETs. A potential logic gate output node is queried to determine the configuration of FETs around the output node. FETs connected directly between the output node and either a high or low potential (VDD or GND) are identified and stored to memory along with a their corresponding gate signals. Branch FETs that are of a different type than the directly-connected FETs and that are channel-connected between the output node and either VDD or GND are also identified. If a gate signal for each FET in a branch corresponds to a gate signal of a directly-connected FET at the same output node, then a logic gate exists.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for analyzing a VLSI circuit design stored in a computer system. Each segment of the design layout is stored in the computer memory for analysis and implementation. An electronic computer-aided design (E-CAD) program is used to analyze the design. First, the E-CAD tool is run on the entire design or on a designated part thereof. The tool compares the design to specifications and returns a list of violations on a segment basis. The E-CAD tool identifies violations for the designer to fix through redesign or clarification of specifications. The method marks or flags signals of those segments reporting violations. After the designer has attempted to remedy the violations, the method reruns the E-CAD analysis on those signals that reported a violation during a prior run.

Abstract: A system and method for use with an optical communication beam of light is disclosed. The system allows the beam of light to operate at an adequate power level that provides a robust optical link while minimizing any safety risk to humans. Such a system includes multiple operating modes which control the power output of the beam of light. In the normal mode, the beam of light operates at a selected power level which provides a desired signal to noise ratio. Once a blocking occurs, the beam of light enters a power reduction mode to prevent harm to the blocking object. An acquisition and recovery mode is then employed to reestablish the blocked communication link.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for updating mobile distance determination units on a golf course that includes a first mobile unit that determines a new location for a point-of-interest defined for a golf course. The first mobile unit wirelessly transmits update data to identify the new location to a base station computer. The base station computer processes the updated data for broadcasting to activated second mobile distance determination units. The base station computer then wirelessly broadcasts the updated data from the base station computer to the second mobile distance determination units. The second mobile distance determination units update their point-of-interest location data and use this updated data to determine distances between the second mobile distance determination units and the new locations.

Abstract: A turbine shell assembly includes radially inner and outer shell components; axial alignment fits on the inner and outer shell components, each alignment fit comprising a male fit component on one of the inner and outer shell components and a female fit component on the other of the inner and outer shell components, the female fit component comprising a pair of flanges forming a U-shaped channel with opposed faces, and the male fit component comprising a projection received within the U-shaped channel; and a pair of axial alignment keys, each key having a mounting flange for securement along an outer edge of a respective one of the pair of flanges and an alignment flange engaged along a respective one of the opposed faces.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing nanosized powders utilizes a hybrid exploding wire device containing a solid metal wire fuse in the bore of a tube that is open at each end. The ends of the fuse are connected to electrodes on the ends of the tube. The electrodes are designed to erode to maintain a heavy metal plasma. The bore may comprise a corresponding ceramic to be produced, and a microcrystalline powder of a corresponding ceramic may be retained within the bore. An electrical discharge vaporizes and ionizes the fuse. The tube confines the radial expansion of the plasma such that the plasma exits from both ends of the tube where it reacts with a suitable gas to form nanoscale particles. In addition, the plasma gas ablates and vaporizes a portion of the bore wall to contribute to the nanoceramic synthesis. Other alternatives include replacing the fuse with a thin conductive sheath or a consumable metal insert.

Abstract: A method of producing nanocrystalline ceramic powder by creating a plasma stream in a reactor vessel, and physically converting a ceramic precursor material into ceramic particles suspended in the vessel, using the plasma stream. A metallic reactant may additionally be introduced into the vessel using the plasma stream, wherein the metallic reactant forms ceramic particles having the same composition as the ceramic particles of the physical converting step. The plasma stream is created using an electrothermal gun. The gun may use a ceramic barrel which is eroded by the plasma stream. Alternatively (or additionally), the ceramic precursor material may be injected as particulates into the plasma stream, wherein the ceramic precursor particulates are micron-sized or larger. A novel electrothermal gun design may optionally use a replaceable insert constructed of the ceramic precursor material.

Abstract: A bag securing and tensioning system for a vacuum cleaner includes a duct for directing a flow of dirt-laden air from an inlet thereof to an outlet thereof, a porous outer bag and a connection member for releasably mounting the outer bag to the outlet end of the duct. The connection member includes a longitudinally extending slot located in a handle of the vacuum cleaner and a bag guide member including an extension slidably mounted in the slot. A bag clip is secured to the bag guide member. The bag clip holds an end of the porous outer bag.