Abstract: A robust single-chip hydrogen sensor and a method for fabricating such a sensor. By utilizing an interconnect metallization material that is the same or similar to the material used to sense hydrogen, or that is capable of withstanding an etchant used to pattern a hydrogen sensing portion, device yields are improved over prior techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyurethane obtainable by reacting a polyisocyanate and a polyol composition comprising a highly branched polysaccharide of randomly bonded glucopyranose units or an alkoxylated derivative of the same. The polysaccharide has an average number of 10–100 glucose residues and said polysaccharide and derivative both have an average functionality of 30 or more. The invention also relates to a process for the production of such a polyurethane as well as a mix for the production of a polyurethane comprising a polyol composition, comprising 2–100 % of a highly branched polysaccharide, at least one catalyst and at least one surfactant.

Abstract: A method and system for accurately validating performance and functionality of a processor in a timely manner is provided. First, a program is executed on a high level simulator of the processor. Next, a plurality of checkpoints are established. Then, state data at each of the checkpoints is saved. Finally, the program is run on a plurality of low level simulators of the processor in parallel, where each of the low level simulators is started at a corresponding checkpoint with corresponding state data associated with the corresponding checkpoint.

Abstract: This invention is a method and system for improved garbage collection in a distributed computing system. Garbage collection is the process of releasing resources that are no longer being utilized by the objects to which those resources are allocated. Specifically, a garbage collection system and method are described that allow for different types of garbage collection to be used at different times and/or on different objects or resources in the system. In the preferred embodiment, the garbage collection routines are contained in separate mobile code module that can be changed dynamically interchanged to provide different garbage collection algorithms.

Abstract: A robust single-chip hydrogen sensor and a method for fabricating such a sensor. By utilizing an interconnect metallization material that is the same or similar to the material used to sense hydrogen, or that is capable of withstanding an etchant used to pattern a hydrogen sensing portion, device yields are improved over prior techniques.

Abstract: A robust single-chip hydrogen sensor and a method for fabricating such a sensor. By utilizing an interconnect metallization material that is the same or similar to the material used to sense hydrogen, or that is capable of withstanding an etchant used to pattern a hydrogen sensing portion, device yields are improved over prior techniques.

Abstract: Double metal cyanide (“DMC”) complex catalysts comprise a double metal cyanide compound and a complexing agent such as an alkyl ether of a glycol, preferably of the formula R1O(CH2CHR2O)xH  (I) wherein: x is 1, 2, or 3; R1 is a C1-C4 alkyl group; and R2 is —H or a —CH3 group. Such catalysts have particular applicability in the production of low unsaturated polyols from epoxides.

Abstract: A permeable protective coating for a single-ship hydrogen sensor. A hydrogen-permeable coating is applied to a semiconductor wafer containing hydrogen sensor dies, prior to dicing of the wafer. The permeable coating is preferably an organic spin-on polymer, and the hydrogen sensors preferably include hydrogen-sensing elements composed of a palladium nickel alloy.

Abstract: This invention is a method and system for improved garbage collection in a distributed computing system. Garbage collection is the process of releasing resources that are no longer being utilized by the objects to which those resources are allocated. Specifically, a garbage collection system and method are described that allow for different types of garbage collection to be used at different times and/or on different objects or resources in the system. In the preferred embodiment, the garbage collection routines are contained in separate mobile code module that can be changed dynamically interchanged to provide different garbage collection algorithms.

Abstract: A novel method, system and service for delivering and instantiating resources and services in a distributed system is described. The invention removes dependencies on location, and the need for location-awareness that are present in existing products and practices. Instead of a lookup service pointing to a specific resource base, the invention returns a proxy that uses a resource service to locate and access resources. The present invention provides a highly-available resource base, allows for load balancing resource bases, admits of any other policy-based decisions (such as cost, speed, or quality of service) on where to retrieve a resource from. For service proxy writers, the invention does not require them to commit in advance to an specific code base servers. Using this method, a priori knowledge of specific resource bases is not required, allowing applications to be constructed dynamically and from the most appropriate resources.

Abstract: A robust single-chip hydrogen sensor and a method for fabricating such a sensor. By adding an adhesion-promoting layer between the body of a sensor and an on-chip hydrogen-exposed electrically-resistive hydrogen-sensing element, device yields are improved when compared to directly applying the electrically-resistive hydrogen-sensing elements to the sensor body. The resistance of the sensing element is indicative of the hydrogen in the medium surrounding the sensor. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adhesion-promoting layer is a chromium (Cr) adhesion layer, and the hydrogen-exposed electrically resistive hydrogen sensing element is a PdNi alloy.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that enforces dependencies between memory references within a load store unit (LSU) in a processor. When a write request is received in the load store unit, the write request is loaded into a store buffer in the LSU. The write request may include a “watch address” specifying that a subsequent load from the watch address cannot occur before the write request completes. Note that the watch address is not necessarily the same as the destination address of the write operation. When a read request is received in the load store unit, the read request is loaded into a load buffer of the LSU. The system determines if the read request is directed to the same address as a matching watch address in the store buffer. If so, the system waits for the write request associated with the matching watch address to complete before completing the read request.

Abstract: A process for making polyether polyols employing a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst with specific low molecular weight polyether polyols as starters in combination with specific reaction conditions and impurity levels.

Abstract: Double metal cyanide (“DMC”) complex catalysts comprise a double metal cyanide compound and a complexing agent such as an alkyl ether of a glycol, preferably of the formula

Abstract: Elimination of traps and atomics in thread synchronization is provided. In one embodiment, a processor includes a lock cache. The lock cache holds a value that corresponds to or identifies a computer resource only if a current thread executing on the processor owns the computer resource. A lock cache operation (e.g., a lockcachecheck instruction) determines whether a value identifying a computer resource is cached in the lock cache and returns a first predetermined value if the value identifying the computer resource is cached in the lock cache. Otherwise, a second predetermined value is returned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for coating a substrate which comprises (a) contacting said substrate with a low volatility organic (so-called "low VOC") coating composition having a viscosity as measured by ZAHN cup 2 of less than about 200 seconds and consisting essentially of at least one polyisocyanate, a solvent in an amount of between 0% and 45% by weight based upon the amount of said polyisocyanate in said composition, and an trimerization catalyst, said composition being essentially free of any volatile mono- and di-isocyanates, to form a coating on said substrate, and (b) heating said coating to a curing temperature of between 120.degree. F. and 350.degree. F. for a curing time of between about ten minutes and about six hours in order to cure said coating by trimerizing at least some of the isocyanate groups of the polyisocyanate to provide a heat-cured coating on said substrate. Also claimed is the coating composition itself.

Abstract: Two-component polyurethane coating formulations comprising an aqueous dispersion of a polyisocyanate and a neutralized, water-dispersible resin are disclosed. The neutralized, water-dispersible resin incorporates recurring units of an allylic alcohol or an alkoxylated allylic alcohol. These low-VOC formulations use commercial polyisocyanates and ordinary mixing techniques. The uniquely uniform distribution of hydroxyl groups in the resin contributes to an excellent overall balance of coating properties from the 2K system, including high gloss, hardness, impact resistance, flexibility, weatherability, and chemical resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of novel polyurethane polyuretidione crosslinking agents in solvent and water borne coatings systems. These polyuretidione polyurethanes are characterized by their relatively low solution viscosity, and the ability to provide a relatively high crosslink density in the final, cured film, and thereby, coatings with the excellent physical properties and resistance to chemical and environmental exposure of known polyurethane systems without the potential for worker exposure to toxic isocyanates. This invention also relates to a process for the production of these polyuretidiones and their use in pseudo-one and two component coating compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are new coatings compositions based on an HDI isocyanurate or biuret polyisocyanate and a bis(imine) reaction product of a diaminoalkane containing between two and five carbon atoms with an alkyl aldehyde containing between four and seven carbon atoms (advantageously a bis(imine) product of the reaction of 1,4-diaminobutane and isobutyraldehyde). The latter bis(imine) is completely miscible in HDI isocyanurate and biuret polyisocyanates, and, as a reactive diluent, allows the preparation of high performance coatings formulations that require only small amounts of solvents to achieve a conveniently sprayable viscosity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of novel polyurethane polyuretidione crosslinking agents in solvent and water borne coatings systems. These polyuretidione polyurethanes are characterized by their relatively low solution viscosity, and the ability to provide a relatively high crosslink density in the final, cured film, and thereby, coatings with the excellent physical properties and resistance to chemical and environmental exposure of known polyurethane systems without the potential for worker exposure to toxic isocyanates. This invention also relates to a process for the production of these polyuretidiones and their use in pseudo-one and two component coating compositions.