Abstract: An improved system for upgrading new and existing gates or barriers to provide improved crash barrier rating. This system comprises a reinforcing attachment to the gate or barrier and improved reinforced bollards with catch hooks to absorb the energy of impact. The reinforcing attachment is an arrangement of cable and structural members that provide for increased reinforcement by ensuring that the load is distributed on the cable to minimize the risk of breakthrough as a result of cable failure. The bollards have been improved by strengthening the catch hook attachments and adding reinforcement positioning elements to facilitate proper assembly.

Abstract: A high resolution printhead for an ink jet printer. The printhead includes a semiconductor substrate containing at least one ink feed edge and a plurality of ink ejection actuators spaced a distance from the ink feed edge. Each of the ink ejection actuators has an aspect ratio ranging from about 1.5:1 to about 6:1. A nozzle plate is attached to the semiconductor substrate. The nozzle plate contains a plurality of nozzle holes, ink chambers and ink channels laser ablated in the nozzle plate corresponding to the plurality of ink ejection actuators. Adjacent nozzle holes are spaced apart with a pitch ranging from about 600 to about 1200 dpi. The distance from the ink feed edge is substantially the same for each of the ink ejection actuators.

Abstract: A process for removing discoloration from metal parts due to the heating of these parts.

Abstract: In a multimedia call center (MMCC) operating through an operating system, a client-specific self-help wizard is provided for active clients and updated periodically with information related to client transaction history with the MMCC. A connected client is presented by the wizard with a selective media function through which the client may a select a media type for interaction and help, and the MMCC will then re-contact the client through the selected media. The client, for example, may select IP or COST telephony, and the MMCC will place a call to the client to a number or IP address listed for the client, and interactivity will then be through an interactive voice response unit. Help information specific to a client is updated in the client's wizard periodically according to ongoing transaction history with the MMCC. The wizard may also monitor client activity with the wizard and make reports available to various persons.

Abstract: Flow features in an inkjet printhead. The flow features can include a plurality of first channels, each of the plurality of first channels having a first length and positioned to fluidly communicate with an ink reservoir, and each of the plurality of first channels terminating in a first nozzle. The flow features can further include a plurality of second channels, each of the plurality of second channels having a second length greater than the first length and positioned to fluidly communicate with the ink reservoir, each of the plurality of second channels terminating in a second nozzle, each second nozzle being larger than each first nozzle.

Abstract: An improved ink jet printhead for an ink jet printer and method therefor. The printhead includes a semiconductor substrate containing ink ejection devices. A thick film layer is attached to the substrate. A nozzle plate is attached to the thick film layer. The nozzle plate contains a plurality of ink ejection nozzles corresponding to the ink ejection devices. The printhead contains flow features having a height dimension and a width dimension formed therein for flow of ink to the plurality of ink ejection devices for ejection through the nozzles. At least a portion of the flow feature dimensions for at least one of the nozzles is formed in both the thick film layer and laser ablated in the nozzle plate, wherein the thick film layer contains at least 12% of the flow feature dimensions.

Abstract: An ink jet printer includes a carrier for mounting a first printhead and a second printhead. A first ink reservoir is coupled in fluid communication with the first printhead, and contains a chromatic dye-based ink. A second ink reservoir is coupled in fluid communication with the second printhead, and contains a chromatic pigment-based ink.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure may be covered with a thermally decomposing film. That film may then be covered by a sealing cover. Subsequently, the thermally decomposing material may be decomposed, forming a cavity.

Abstract: In one method, two light signals, of the same optical frequency, but having orthogonal states of polarization, are transmitted through an optical device and the mean signal delay of each of the light signals is measured. Calculations, based upon disclosed relationships, provide the polarization-independent delay (&tgr;0) through the optical device based upon the mean signal delays (&tgr;g1 and &tgr;g(−1)) of each of the light signals. By comparing &tgr;0 at adjacent wavelengths, the chromatic dispersion of the optical device can be accurately measured even in the presence of PMD. In a second, similar method, four light signals of non-degenerate polarizations states that span Stokes space are utilized. In a modification of the above-described methods based on the measurement of pulse delays, the methods are adapted to the measurement of phase delays of sinusoidally modulated signals.

Abstract: Carborane may be used as a precursor to form low dielectric constant dielectrics. The carborane material may be modified to enable it to be deposited by chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and anode for plating copper or other metals onto a barrier or seed layer of a wafer surface is described. A copper layer of uniform thickness is plated on the surface by, for instance, maintaining a constant current density between the anode and wafer surface. Several configurations of anodes are described for obtaining the constant current density.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of forming an air gap using etch back of an inter layer dielectric (ILD) with self-alignment to metal pattern. The method entails forming a first metallization layer deposited on a first dielectric, forming a second metallization layer deposited on a second dielectric, wherein the second metallization layer is spaced apart from the first metallization layer, forming a sacrificial ILD between the first and second metallization layers, forming a diffusion layer over the first and second metallization layers and over the sacrificial ILD, and removing the sacrificial ILD to form an air gap between the first and second metallization layers. This method is particular applicable for dual copper damascene processes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of providing a substrate, the substrate having a first metal line and a second metal line isolated horizontally by a dielectric; forming an etch stop layer over the substrate; reducing thickness of the etch stop layer over the first metal line, leaving thickness unchanged over the second metal line; forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) over the etch stop layer; and removing the ILD over the second metal line. The present invention further discloses a structure that includes a substrate; a first metal line and a second metal line located over the substrate; a dielectric located over the substrate adjacent to the first metal line and the second metal line; an etch stop layer located over the first metal line, the second metal line, and the dielectric, the etch stop layer being thicker over the second metal line; and a via located over the thicker etch stop layer over the second metal line.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of providing a substrate, the substrate having a first metal line and a second metal line isolated horizontally by a dielectric; forming an etch stop layer over the substrate; reducing thickness of the etch stop layer over the first metal line, leaving thickness unchanged over the second metal line; forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) over the etch stop layer; and removing the ILD over the second metal line.

Abstract: In one method, two light signals, of the same optical frequency, but having orthogonal states of polarization, are transmitted through an optical device and the mean signal delay of each of the light signals is measured. Calculations, based upon disclosed relationships, provide the polarization-independent delay (&tgr;0) through the optical device based upon the mean signal delays (&tgr;g1 and &tgr;g(−1)) of each of the light signals. By comparing &tgr;0 at adjacent wavelengths, the chromatic dispersion of the optical device can be accurately measured even in the presence of PMD. In a second, similar method, four light signals of non-degenerate polarizations states that span Stokes space are utilized. In a modification of the above-described methods based on the measurement of pulse delays, the methods are adapted to the measurement of phase delays of sinusoidally modulated signals.

Abstract: A narrowband communication system provides wideband data services in a secondary service band. This limits the impact on primary services in peak traffic regions in that the primary service band is not required to download wideband data from a communication node (e.g., a satellite) to a mobile terminal. The narrowband communication system implements a handoff protocol (400) that rate negotiates a channel bandwidth of an active connection (404) to the amount of channels that are available in a new cell. The narrowband communication system preempts (414) lower priority subscribers when a higher priority (408) high-speed data terminal requires access to the system and a requested channel assignment is not available (412). The complexity of a high-speed data terminal communication chipset is reduced by a receiver design that minimizes the range of frequencies that are required to be demodulated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of providing a substrate, the substrate having a first metal line and a second metal line isolated horizontally by a dielectric; forming an etch stop layer over the substrate; reducing thickness of the etch stop layer over the first metal line, leaving thickness unchanged over the second metal line; forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) over the etch stop layer; and removing the ILD over the second metal line. The present invention further discloses a structure that includes a substrate; a first metal line and a second metal line located over the substrate; a dielectric located over the substrate adjacent to the first metal line and the second metal line; an etch stop layer located over the first metal line, the second metal line, and the dielectric, the etch stop layer being thicker over the second metal line; and a via located over the thicker etch stop layer over the second metal line.

Abstract: A plurality of orbiting satellites (102-112), each comprised of an onboard computer (142). Each of the orbiting satellites and a plurality of ground-based computers (114-124) are utilized to perform delay-insensitive functions associated with the orbiting satellites. An ubiquitous data link (128-138) is maintained between each satellite and one or more of the ground-based computers. The integrated system is configured to allow a satellite to generate a remote procedure call (RPC), transmit the RPC to a ground-based computer, whereupon the ground-based computer processes the RPC and transmits a response back to the satellite. Delay-sensitive tasks and functions are performed by the computer onboard the satellite; delay-insensitive tasks are advantageously performed by the ground-based computer assets.

Abstract: Four different light signals, all of the same optical frequency, but, having different states of polarization, are transmitted through an optical device and the mean signal delay of each of the light signals is measured. Calculations, based upon the relationship, &tgr;g=&tgr;0−½ {right arrow over (&OHgr;)}·{overscore (s)}, describing the polarization dependence of &tgr;g (a measured mean signal delay) through the device as a function of &tgr;0 (a polarization independent delay component of the device), {right arrow over (&OHgr;)} (the PMD vector at the device input) and {overscore (s)} (the input Stokes vector of the light signal), yield the PMD of the device. Also, by comparing data taken at adjacent wavelengths, the chromatic dispersion of the optical device can be accurately measured even in the presence of PMD.

Abstract: The T-Pad is a computer that allows a user to physically record and view different types of information simultaneously without conflicts between information by way of two screens and with the aid of a stylus. The T-Pad's second screen/display replaces a physical keyboard however the T-Pad accommodates for a keyboard and other input and output devices. The T-Pad is only limited to ones' imagination for usage and should acknowledge by sight that the T-Pad is a creative format of computer hardware.