Abstract: A carrier medium for a semiconductor die includes a carrier tape with at least one pocket for the die to sit in and a selectively applied non-activated adhesive on the carrier tape.

Abstract: A carrier medium for a semiconductor die includes a carrier tape with at least one pocket for the die to sit in and a selectively applied non-activated adhesive on the carrier tape.

Abstract: A fuel flow meter assembly for detecting fraud caused by tampering. The fuel flow meter assembly comprises a fuel flow meter comprising a shaft and a fiber optic displacement sensor operatively connected to the fuel flow meter shaft for generating information representative of an amount of fuel delivered through the fuel flow meter. The fuel flow meter assembly also comprises at least one transponder coupled with one of the fuel flow meter shaft and the displacement sensor. Further, the fuel flow meter assembly comprises at least one interrogator electronics coupled with the other of the fuel flow meter shaft and the displacement sensor. The at least one interrogator electronics is configured for remote electronic communication with the at least one transponder.

Abstract: A fuel flow meter assembly for detecting fraud caused by tampering. The fuel flow meter assembly comprises a fuel flow meter comprising a shaft and a fiber optic displacement sensor operatively connected to the fuel flow meter shaft for generating information representative of an amount of fuel delivered through the fuel flow meter. The fuel flow meter assembly also comprises at least one transponder coupled with one of the fuel flow meter shaft and the displacement sensor. Further, the fuel flow meter assembly comprises at least one interrogator electronics coupled with the other of the fuel flow meter shaft and the displacement sensor. The at least one interrogator electronics is configured for remote electronic communication with the at least one transponder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the attenuation of an RF signal caused by a DPF at an unknown or different ambient temperature than the temperature used for DPF sensor calibration is disclosed. The method and apparatus determine the sensor attenuation just prior to determining the DPF attenuation by disconnecting the antennas and determining the attenuation of a loopback path. This sensor attenuation can then be deducted from the attenuation determined for the normal path that includes the attenuation caused by the loopback path, the cables, and the DPF. This method compensates for variation in the attenuation of the sensor caused by changes in ambient temperature of the sensor. Further temperature compensation is be achieved by determining additional factors to account for variations caused by changes in ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the attenuation of an RF signal caused by a DPF at an unknown or different ambient temperature than the temperature used for DPF sensor calibration is disclosed. The method and apparatus determine the sensor attenuation just prior to determining the DPF attenuation by disconnecting the antennas and determining the attenuation of a loopback path. This sensor attenuation can then be deducted from the attenuation determined for the normal path that includes the attenuation caused by the loopback path, the cables, and the DPF. This method compensates for variation in the attenuation of the sensor caused by changes in ambient temperature of the sensor. Further temperature compensation is be achieved by determining additional factors to account for variations caused by changes in ambient temperature.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that removes a bubble from a pipeline. During operation, the system first detects a stall in the pipeline. The system next determines whether a first register contains invalid data, which is associated with a bubble. Next, the system determines whether a second register contains valid data, wherein the second register is adjacent to and upstream from the first register. If the first register contains invalid data and the second register contains valid data, the system replaces the invalid data of the first register with valid data based on the valid data in the second register without propagating the invalid data to a downstream register. As a result, the system removes the invalid data from the pipeline.

Abstract: A method for producing an insulating or barrier layer (FIG. 1B), useful for semiconductor devices, comprises depositing a layer of silicon and at least one additional element on a silicon substrate whereby said deposited layer is substantially free of defects such that epitaxial silicon substantially free of defects can be deposited on said deposited layer. Alternatively, a monolayer of one or more elements, preferably comprising oxygen, is absorbed on a silicon substrate. A plurality of insulating layers sandwiched between epitaxial silicon forms a barrier composite. Semiconductor devices are disclosed which comprise said barrier composite.

Abstract: A system and application for providing a user with interactive and individualized assistance in selecting an appropriate product for the user based on one or more user-selected goals is provided. The consumer or user accesses the application over a computer network such as the Internet and selects items for purchase from a database. The graphical interface can organize the products, for example, by a pre-selected value, a product category, or the consumer's historical shopping data. The application then reviews the selected products or items and recommends substitutions to help the consumer achieve specified goals. The application also includes additional functionality to permit the consumer to shop on a collection of products basis, e.g.

Abstract: A device for optimizing antenna operation comprises a wireless control signal detector for detecting a wireless control signal generated by a remote control unit, and a microprocessor operatively connected to the detector. The microprocessor is programmed to analyze the wireless control signal during a learning operation to determine a coding format of the wireless control signal and to analyze the wireless control signal during a normal use operation to determine a broadcast channel or station selected by a user. The device additionally comprises a plurality of tuning elements operatively connectable to an antenna for tuning the antenna, and a plurality of switching circuits operatively connected to the tuning elements and to the microprocessor. The switching circuits are operable to selectively couple the tuning elements to the antenna, in response to signals from the microprocessor, thereby optimizing signal reception by the antenna for a channel or station selection encoded in the wireless control signal.

Abstract: The combination of a water filter and a display for indication of the water filter condition includes an electrical circuit connected to the display and responsive to use of the water filter. The circuit includes a microcontroller, a timer connected to the microcontroller and providing timing signals thereto, and a switch connected to the microcontroller and responsive to the flow of water from the filter to cause the microcontroller to process the timing signals. The microcontroller is programmed to utilize the timing signals to provide an electrical signal to the display indicative of filter condition.

Abstract: A faucet having multiple water discharges includes a housing, an input water connection for the housing, a stream discharge on the housing, a spray discharge on the housing, a filtered water discharge on the housing, a water filter within the housing, and a control valve in the housing connected to each of the water discharges. There is an unfiltered water flow path from the input water connection to the control valve. A manual actuator accessible from the exterior of the housing operates the control valve to direct water from the unfiltered water flow path to either the stream discharge or the spray discharge. There is a filtered water flow path from the input water connection, through the filter, to the control valve. A filtered water manual actuator accessible from the exterior of the housing operates the control valve to direct filtered water to the filtered water discharge.

Abstract: A device for optimizing antenna operation, a wireless control signal detector detects a wireless control signal generated by a remote control unit, and a microprocessor is operatively connected to the detector. The microprocessor is programmed to analyze the wireless control signal during a learning operation to determine a coding format of the wireless control signal and to analyze the wireless control signal during a normal use operation to determine a broadcast channel or station selected by a user. The device additionally comprises a plurality of tuning elements operatively connectable to an antenna for tuning the antenna, and a plurality of switching circuits operatively connected to the tuning elements and to the microprocessor. The switching circuits are operable to selectively couple the tuning elements to the antenna, in response to signals from the microprocessor, thereby optimizing signal reception by the antenna for a channel or station selection encoded in the wireless control signal.

Abstract: A system is provided which transmits either analog or digital data signals over the air. The system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and receiver are arranged to transmit signals using a carrier signal having a high frequency such as in the range of 902-928 MHz. The transmitter and receiver are configured to provide for the transmission of two channels of stereophonic signals while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios, good frequency response, and low distortion. To provide for the proper transmission of signals between transmitter 10 and receiver 12, these devices include oscillating circuits having ceramic resonators which provide a base frequency which is readily modulated to facilitate proper transmission of either analog or digital signals between the transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: A system is provided which transmits either analog or digital data signals over the air. The system includes including a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and receiver are arranged to transmit signals using a carrier signal having a high frequency such as in the range of 902-928 MHz. The transmitter and receiver are configured to provide for the transmission of two channels of stereophonic signals while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios, good frequency response, and low distortion. To provide for the proper transmission of signals between transmitter 10 and receiver 12, these devices include oscillating circuits having ceramic resonators which provide a base frequency which is readily modulated to facilitate proper transmission of either analog or digital signals between the transmitter and receiver.