Abstract: Semiconductor device-based chemical sensors and methods associated with the same are provided. The sensors include regions that can interact with chemical species being detected. The chemical species may, for example, be a component of a fluid (e.g., gas or liquid). The interaction between the chemical species and a region of the sensor causes a change in a measurable property (e.g., an electrical property) of the device. These changes may be related to the concentration of the chemical species in the medium being characterized.

Abstract: Semiconductor device-based chemical sensors and methods associated with the same are provided. The sensors include regions that can interact with chemical species being detected. The chemical species may, for example, be a component of a fluid (e.g., gas or liquid). The interaction between the chemical species and a region of the sensor causes a change in a measurable property (e.g., an electrical property) of the device. These changes may be related to the concentration of the chemical species in the medium being characterized.

Abstract: Gallium nitride material transistors and methods associated with the same are provided. The transistors may be used in power applications by amplifying an input signal to produce an output signal having increased power. The transistors may be designed to transmit the majority of the output signal within a specific transmission channel (defined in terms of frequency), while minimizing transmission in adjacent channels. This ability gives the transistors excellent linearity which results in high signal quality and limits errors in transmitted data. The transistors may be designed to achieve low ACPR values (a measure of excellent linearity), while still operating at high drain efficiencies and/or high output powers. Such properties enable the transistors to be used in RF power applications including third generation (3G) power applications based on W-CDMA modulation.

Abstract: Gallium nitride material devices and methods of forming the same are provided. The devices include an electrode-defining layer. The electrode-defining layer typically has a via formed therein in which an electrode is formed (at least in part). Thus, the via defines (at least in part) dimensions of the electrode. In some cases, the electrode-defining layer is a passivating layer that is formed on a gallium nitride material region.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupler which allows a host processor such as, for example, a personal computer or point of sale device or the like to communicate with and control a portable data carrier. A portable data carrier is a portable device which contains integrated circuit(s). Examples of portable data carriers are Integrated Circuit Cards, data keys, super smart cards, and smart coins. The coupler is adapted to receive the card in a standard card receptacle or card reader to establish connection between the card and a connector in the coupler to which the necessary control signals are applied. The presence of an integrated circuit card is detected in the coupler's card connector terminal which provides a card present signal to the host processor. The host, in turn, provides Clear-To-Send (CTS), Request-To-Send (RTS), Data-Set-Ready (DSR) and Data-Terminal-Ready (DTR) signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for executing parts of a program process on two processors of a multiprocessor system. A home process resides in a home processor and is the destination process of all interprocess messages. The home process may call for the execution of a selected procedure on a remote processor. A call message is sent to the remote processor and a remote process is initiated. When the selected procedure has been executed in the remote processor, a return message is sent to the home process and execution of the home process is continued. Interprocess messages to the program process are received by the home processor and are forwarded to the remote processor. Interprocess messages generated by the selected procedure are transmitted by the remote processor, but are tagged with the identity of the home processor and home process.

Abstract: A waxing and polishing apparatus is provided which includes a spherically-shaped body of elastically resilient material and a spherically-shaped housing being adapted to enclose the spherically-shaped body. The spherically-shaped body includes a cavity therein that cooperates with a first portion of the spherical surface of the body to define a wall therebetween; and a plurality of fluid-communicating apertures are provided which interconnect the cavity and the first portion of the spherical surface. A passage is provided which intercommunicates the cavity with a second portion of the spherical surface distal from the first portion and a plug is provided for removably plugging the passage.