Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring windlass rotation are provided to determine the real time rate and length of rode release when anchoring a boat. The rotation can be monitored in real time using directional sound and/or electromagnetic radiation receivers and/or transmitter in a module attached to the windlass. Another windlass module can monitor windlass rotation using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) components such as accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, and/or inertial measurement units (IMU) to sense motion and/or position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring windlass rotation are provided to determine the real time rate and length of rode release when anchoring a boat. The rotation can be monitored in real time using directional sound and/or electromagnetic radiation receivers and/or transmitter in a module attached to the windlass. Another windlass module can monitor windlass rotation using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) components such as accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, and/or inertial measurement units (IMU) to sense motion and/or position.

Abstract: Novel techniques and equipment for anchoring a boat include sensing and measuring the real time rate and length of rode release based on detecting real time changes in the angular position of a windlass by computer vision using a portable computing device. Rode release is also detected using novel methods based on sensing sound, rode chain movement, and sensing acceleration and/or motion. The apparatus can include software operable to provide safe anchoring based on monitoring real times values of the rate and length of rode release, comparing these values to the speed and position of the boat, and providing local and remote status and alarm information to crew members.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for anchoring a boat are described. Novel methods provide means for sensing and measuring the real time rate and length of rode release based on detecting real time changes in the angular position of a windlass by computer vision using a portable computing device. Rode release is also detected using novel methods based on sensing sound, rode chain movement, and sensing acceleration and/or motion. The apparatus can include software operable to provide safe anchoring based on monitoring real times values of the rate and length of rode release, comparing these values to the speed and position of the boat, and providing local and remote status and alarm information to crew members.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to fabricating low cost polysilicon solar cell on flexible substrates using inkjet printing. Particular embodiments form polycrystalline or microcrystalline silicon solar cells on substrates utilizing liquid silane, by employing inkjet printing or other low cost commercial printing techniques including but not limited to screen printing, roller coating, gravure coating, curtain coating, spray coating and others. Specific embodiments employ silanes such as cyclopentasilane (C5H10) or cyclohexasilane (C6H12), which are liquids at room temperature but undergo a ring opening chemical reaction upon exposure to radiation of a wavelength of ultraviolet (UV) or shorter. . Opening of the rings of the liquid silane converts it into a polymerized material comprising saturated and unsaturated silicon chains of varied length. Heating to approximately 250-400° C. converts these materials into a hydrogenated amorphous silicon film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to controlling progress of a dialogue session. The dialogue session is initiated by a calling Interactive Voice Response (IVR) either with a called IVR or with a called Voice Mail System (VMS). Various progress detectors are provided at the calling IVR to detect the progress at one or more steps of the dialogue session. Further, appropriate actions are executed based on the detected progress, for controlling the progress of the dialogue session. The detected progress is reported to a master application connected to the calling IVR. The master application controls the dialogue session based on the reported progress.

Abstract: A molded frame for fixing optical elements in a liquid crystal shutter including a registration portion configured similar to a 35 mm slide frame for precisely registering the elements relative to one another and a mounting portion configured to mate with the outer surface of a CRT and couple the frame thereto.

Abstract: A method for connecting liquid crystal shutters. Multiple flat panel display cells each having opposed active and common substrates are fixed in overlapping relation to one another with each of the active and common substrates having multiple electrodes defined thereon. Multiple heat seal connectors are provided each having conductive paths defined thereon. Each heat seal connector is connected to one of the active and common substrates. Multiple ones of the heat seal connectors are connected to the same printed circuit, which may have a terminating header connector.

Abstract: A method for fabricating liquid crystal shutters using a laser exposure system. An output beam from the laser is split into multiple exposure beams and a photoresist coated substrate having a metallic layer is caused to traverse the beams. The substrate is then processed leaving multiple parallel electrodes on the substrate surface.

Abstract: A method for bonding together liquid crystal cells using a transparent grease. The grease maintains a level of viscosity appropriate for physically bonding the cells while matching the indices of refraction of the cells or cell layers for proper optical coupling.

Abstract: A method for bonding together liquid crystal cells using a transparent grease. The grease maintains a level of viscosity appropriate for physically bonding the cells while matching the indices of refraction of the cells or cell layers for proper optical coupling.

Abstract: A memory matrix comprises a plurality of word lines, a plurality of bit lines, and a stacked diode and voltage-variable resistor structure interconnecting bit lines to word lines. The stacked diode and voltage-variable resistor structure includes a doped region in a semiconductor substrate defining a work line, a doped polycrystalline silicon layer over said word line and forming a p-n junction therewith, and an amorphized region in the doped polycrystalline silicon layer having increased resistance over the non-amorphized portion of the doped polycrystalline silicon layer. A contact is made to the amorphized polycrystalline silicon material which preferably includes a titanium-tungsten barrier layer and an aluminum layer over the barrier layer.

Abstract: A voltage-programmable device in which the programming voltage V.sub.p and the "off" resistance R.sub.i are separately controlled. The device includes a body of semiconductor material having a doped region therein, and an amorphized layer in the doped region and abutting a surface, and a surface layer in the amorphized layer with the surface layer having a resistivity higher than the resistivity of the amorphized layer prior ot programming of the device. The surface layer has a miniscule thickness (on the order of 50-150 Angstroms) and does not affect the programming of the device. Moreover, the final resistance of the programmed device is not significantly affected by the presence of the first layer. The amorphized layer is formed by ion implantation, and the or by oxygen plasma treatment.

Abstract: An electrically programmable element is fabricated in a P-N junction isolated region of a semiconductor body by first extending the depth of the region in the body by introducing dopants through the region into the body by ion implantation or by diffusion and drive-in, and thereafter forming an amorphotized layer in the first region overlying the extended portion. The increased depth of the first region provided by the second region prevents damage to the P-N junction between the semiconductor body and the first region during formation of the amorphotized layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with ohmic contacts and variable resistance contacts has an interconnection pattern to the contacts including a first barrier metal in contact with the variable resistance contacts and a second metal contacting the barrier metal and the ohmic contacts. The barrier layer protects the amorphotized crystalline structure of the variable resistance contacts. Fabrication processes are described.

Abstract: P-glass is heated to reflowing temperature by the radiant heating of a material overlying the P-glass layer. The coating layer is chosen such that its reflectivity increases at its melting temperature, and that temperature corresponds to the P-glass reflow temperature. Increased radiant heating will not increase the energy absorbed by the coating because more of the radiation is reflected. The temperature of the coating is thus limited providing controlled conductive heating of the P-glass layer.