Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a systems and methods for the real-time amplification and analysis of a sample of DNA.

Abstract: The invention consists of a secure data transmission cable for electronically transmitting secure data between remote locations in an exposed condition. The data transmission cable comprises a tubular outer protective layer, an inner core disposed within the outer protective layer, a data transmission line carried within the inner core for transmitting secure data between the remote locations, and a fiber optic sensor line included in the outer protective layer for detecting unauthorized activity relative to the transmission line. The fiber optic data transmission line comprises a plurality of optical fibers for transmitting data between remote locations and for detecting unauthorized activity relative to the transmission line. A protective casing surrounds the data transmission line for protecting the fiber optic data transmission line from contacting the outer protective layer. An outer protective casing braided around the core in which the sensor line is enclosed provides strength to the cable.

Abstract: Data exchanged between at least one server and at least one user is intercepted in a capturing module that operates independently from the server and the user. A copy of the intercepted data is stored in a database. The intercepted data that is destined for the server is forwarded to the server, or the intercepted data that is destined for the user is forwarded to the user. The intercepting and storing are performed transparently to the user. Interception of data may be performed continuously, and storing of data may be performed during a predetermined time window or at predetermined time intervals. The intercepted data may include events, attributes, images, user identifications, requests, and/or responses. Only a predetermined portion of the data and/or data that satisfies predefined rules is stored. The user may be a web server or a web browser, and the server may be a web server. The data may be exchanged in the form of an Internet protocol and assembled into a web page view for the user.

Abstract: A lamp and socket assembly (10) comprises a housing (12) including a socket cavity (25). The socket cavity (25) is defined by side walls and a bottom wall (80). A vent hole (82) passes though the bottom wall (80) of the socket cavity. A lamp (16) has a lamp base (17). A lamp socket (14) is disposed in the socket cavity (25) and includes a through passage (42) for receiving the lamp base (17) and at least one retaining finger (38a, 38b) for retaining the lamp base (17) in the through passage (42). An electrical contact insert (26) is received in the socket cavity (25). A plurality of electrical contacts (28) are received in and retained by the contact insert (26). A plurality of blade terminals (46) are interlocked with the contact insert (26), with respective ones of the contacts (28), and with the housing (12).

Abstract: A wiring assembly that allows easy installation into a vehicle and includes a connector that allows functional signals to perform a function in a connector while passing through the connector.

Abstract: A power-actuated closure system is disclosed. The system includes a power-actuated closure panel having a leading edge. One or more non-contact optical sensing system(s) is/are affixed to the power-actuated closure panel. The sensing system is adapted to detect the presence of an obstruction in proximity to and in advance of the leading edge of the closure panel. The system also includes a control system that selectively controls the motion of the closure panel in response to signals received from the sensing system.

Abstract: A floating gate circuit having a floating gate and a level shift circuit. A first tunneling device formed between a first and second tunnel electrode is included for removing electrons from the floating gate. Electrons are injected onto the floating gate without the use of a tunneling device, e.g., using avalanche injection. A first circuit is coupled to the floating gate for generating an output voltage at an output terminal. The level shift circuit has a second tunnel device coupled between the output terminal and the first tunnel electrode. The second tunnel device is for tracking changes in the characteristics of the first tunneling device connected to the floating gate. The level shift circuit level shifts the output of the floating gate circuit to a voltage that enables the tunnel device coupled to a floating gate to precisely set the floating gate to a desired voltage during a set mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing the charge on a floating gate in a floating gate reference voltage generator. After an initial high voltage set mode, the method and apparatus allows for a controlled ramp down sequence to ramp down the voltages at the floating gate erase and program electrode generated by first and second bias sources coupled thereto, such that, when these bias sources are completely shut down in the generator, a more accurate voltage is set on the floating gate. The first bias source is preferably a voltage source and the second bias source is preferably a current source. The voltage at the erase electrode that is coupled to the floating gate is controlled during the ramp down sequence by shutting off the current source coupled thereto while allowing a feedback circuit in the generator to remain active.

Abstract: An engine cover for at least partially enclosing a portion of an engine. The engine cover includes a body having an inwardly-facing surface for facing an engine and an outwardly-facing surface opposite the inwardly-facing surface. The body also includes a plurality of through-apertures disposed in spaced relation to one another about the body for mounting the body to an engine. The engine cover also includes a plurality of sockets integral with the body and disposed in spaced relation to one another about the body. The engine cover also includes a plurality of leads extending different lengths within the body between the outwardly-facing surface and the inwardly-facing surface. The leads extend between a first end exposed in a first of the plurality of sockets and a second end exposed in a second of the plurality of sockets different than the first socket.

Abstract: A semiconductor device of the invention includes an integrated circuit formed on a semiconductor substrate having first and second surfaces and a notch region along the edges. The first surface includes electrical contact pads electrically connected with the integrated circuit. The first surface of the semiconductor substrate includes a top protective layer that has a surface portion extending beyond the edges of the semiconductor substrate. The second surface of the semiconductor substrate includes a bottom protective layer with electrical connectors. The surface portion of the top protective layer includes electrical contact pads that are electrically interconnected with electrical contact pad extensions. The electrical contact pad extensions are interconnected with electrical connectors via a backside electrical connector that overlaps the electrical contact pad extensions forming a lap connection. Methods for constructing such devices and connections are also disclosed.

Abstract: Data exchanged between at least one server and at least one user is intercepted in a capturing module that operates independently from the server and the user. A copy of the intercepted data is stored in a database. The intercepted data that is destined for the server is forwarded to the server, or the intercepted data that is destined for the user is forwarded to the user. The intercepting and storing are performed transparently to the user. Interception of data may be performed continuously, and storing of data may be performed during a predetermined time window or at predetermined time intervals. The intercepted data may include events, attributes, images, user identifications, requests, and/or responses. Only a predetermined portion of the data and/or data that satisfies predefined rules is stored. The user may be a web server or a web browser, and the server may be a web server. The data may be exchanged in the form of an Internet protocol and assembled into a web page view for the user.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for integrating electronic mail, voice mail, and fax mail in a universal mailbox. Message receivers may access their messages with a telephone or a computer regardless of the communication medium used by the message sender. Using a telephone, message receivers may playback voice mail, redirect fax mail, and “listen” to e-mail through a text-to-speech conversion process. Using a computer and modem, message receivers may playback voice mail, view fax mail, and read e-mail by accessing the universal mailbox via connection software. Message senders and receivers may choose from a variety of filter and forward options that allow them to manage their communications via the universal mailbox. Forwarding and conversion of messages is performed automatically. The options are used to define a set of rules to be applied to inbound and outbound messages so that messages are sent and received in accordance with the preferences of the senders and receivers.

Abstract: A mechanical pipe joint, restraining gasket, and method for restraining pipe spigots within adjacent bell sockets. The restraining gasket is composed of two axially-separate components: a sealing portion and a restraining portion made of a plurality of arcuate locking members. The restraining gasket and a gland surround an outer surface of the pipe spigot. The mechanical pipe joint is formed as the pipe spigot is inserted into the bell socket and the gland is axially attached to the bell socket so that the restraining gasket is held between: the gland, an inner surface of the bell socket, and the outer surface of the pipe spigot, so as to provide a fluid seal in the joint and urge the locking members into contact with the outer surface of the pipe spigot, axially restraining the pipe spigot within the bell socket.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for integrated electronic mail, voice mail, and fax mail messaging. A common message format is defined for use by an electronic mail service and a telecommunications service so electronic mail messages that may include voice and fax mail attachments may be exchanged between the services. Message senders and receivers may choose from a variety of filter and forward options that allow them to manage their communications and specify a preference for receiving messages at the electronic mail or telecommunications service. Forwarding and conversion of messages is performed automatically. The options are used to define a set of rules to be applied to inbound and outbound messages so that messages are sent and received in accordance with the preferences of the senders and receivers.

Abstract: A floating gate voltage level shift circuit is disclosed for generating a voltage reference which can operate on a low supply voltage Vcc by providing a circuit that enables the floating gate to be set accurately to a positive voltage during a SET operation and subsequently shifted down to a lower voltage for a READ operation. The floating gate voltage level shift circuit comprises a differential amplifier with two floating gates, a first floating gate and a second floating gate where the second floating gate is capacitively coupled to either a READ voltage or a Vshift voltage. The floating gate voltage level shift circuit operates in two primary modes, a SET operation and a READ operation. During the SET operation, the C1p capacitor of the second floating gate is connected to a Vshift voltage, rather than ground, while accurately setting the floating gate a positive voltage.

Abstract: A headphone assembly includes a pair of headphones that are operationally coupled together. Each of the headphones includes a housing having a first wall, a second wall and a peripheral wall extending between the first and second walls. A plurality of openings extends into first wall. A sound emitter is mounted within the housing. A tubular member has a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second ends is open. A fastener is adapted for selectively attaching the first end of the tubular member to the peripheral wall of the housing such that the first wall is positioned within the tubular member. Each of the second ends of the tubular members may be selectively positioned over an ear lobe such that the ear lobe is positioned within the tubular member.

Abstract: An LDMOS structure which provides for reduced hot carrier effects. The reduction in hot carrier effects is achieved by increasing the size of the drain region of the LDMOS relative to the size of the source region. The larger size of the drain region reduces the concentration of electrons entering the drain region. This reduction in the concentration of electrons reduces the number of impact ionizations, which in turn reduces the hot carrier effects. The overall performance of the LDMOS is improved by reducing the hot carrier effects.