Abstract: A method for improving the adhesion of a functional coating to an article formed of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite, which includes applying a primer coating to the article, where the primer coating has as its constituents at least some of the constituents of the functional coating and exhibits greater adhesion to the article than does the functional coating.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. A pair of fixation elements are adapted to be secured within a vertebra in an orientation that best assures a secure and durable attachment to cortical and/or cancellous bone. Artificial facet joint surfaces are mounted on the fixation elements, either directly or with the aid of a support. The artificial facet joint structure may be carried by an arm. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted for articulation with a complementary natural or artificial facet joint structure. Bilateral prostheses may by coupled by a brace to further secure and stabilize the prostheses.

Abstract: A method of forming impressions in a flexible graphite sheet is provided. More particularly, the inventive method involves contacting a flexible graphite sheet with an forming element capable of oscillating against the flexible graphite sheet, whereby the oscillations in the element are such that a plurality of impressions are formed in the flexible graphite sheet.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra. In some embodiments, the prosthesis is attached with a non-invasive support member, such as a clamp. In other embodiments, a translaminar screw may be used for additional fixation.

Abstract: Systems and methods incorporate implant structures, and/or implantation devices, and/or surgical implantation techniques, to make possible the treatment of physiologic conditions, such as sleep disordered breathing, with enhanced effectiveness.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck system having an electrostatic chuck for securely holding a wafer on a surface of the electrostatic chuck. The electrostatic chuck system comprises a wafer bias sensor coupled to a first portion of the electrostatic chuck for sensing an alternating current signal at the first portion. The wafer bias sensor outputs, responsive to the alternating current signal, a direct current voltage level representative of a direct current bias level of the wafer. The electrostatic chuck system further comprises a variable electrostatic chuck power supply coupled to the wafer bias sensor. The variable electrostatic chuck power supply provides a first potential level to the first portion of the electrostatic chuck.

Abstract: An ultrasonic level instrument detects the presence of a fluid at a defined location and provides a self-diagnostic integrity check. An excitation circuit simultaneously induces vibrations at a first and second frequency in a transmitting piezoelectric crystal, and the vibrations are detected by a receiving crystal. A first and second filter circuit generate first and second filter outputs, respectively, by selectively passing the receiving crystal output at the first and second frequencies, respectively. The first filter output is indicative of the presence of fluid and the second filter output is indicative of the sensor integrity.

Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid level sensor includes an ultrasonic coupling element for use in self testing. The sensor includes a gap and a pair of transducers spaced apart by the gap. The sensor senses presence of liquid in the gap. The ultrasonic coupling element extends between the transducers and acoustically couples them together. The coupling element is used to test ultrasonic sensor integrity.

Abstract: An identity state observer for a smooth-rotor permanent-magnet synchronous motor is derived which reconstructs the electrical and mechanical states of the motor from current and voltage measurements. The observer operates in the rotor frame and estimates direct and quadrature stator currents, rotor velocity, and rotor position. Since the rotor position is estimated, the rotor reference frame is approximated using the latest rotor position estimate. The motor dynamics and the transformation into the estimated rotor frame are nonlinear and thus the observer and observer error dynamics are nonlinear. Therefore, small signal stability is analyzed from a linearized model. Simulations including realistic measurement disturbances are used to investigate the global stabilitiy and accuracy of the observer.

Abstract: Chip performance is measured using LSSD logic to propagate a signal through the LSSD scan path of the chip. The measurement data is compared to tabular data which is used to classify the AC chip performance. The use of the LSSD scan path provides an accurate overall measurement of an entire chip. The circuitry is internal to the system and does not require external test circuitry. No unique test patterns are required for a given chip design. The chip measurements can be made after installation of the chip in a field operational environment as well as during a manufacturing and testing environment. The chip measurements can be made by local execution of the testing or controlled from a remote location.

Abstract: A miniature toy steerable car uses the selective direction of rotation of the motor to effectively steer the front wheels of the vehicle. A reversible motor selectively drives one of a pair of rear wheels by means of a gear arrangement and one-way drive mechanisms such that one or the other of the rear wheels of the vehicle acts to drive and propel the vehicle in a forward direction. The motor is coupled with a front wheel steering mechanism which causes the front wheels to turn in one direction when the rotation of the motor is clockwise and causes the front wheels to turn in the other direction when the rotation of the motor is reversed or made to rotate counterclockwise.