Abstract: A plunger machine for molding reinforced polymer compositions is provided. The plunger machine has particular application in molding polymer that is reinforced with particles having an aspect ratio that is greater than 1:1. The plunger machine includes a barrel housing with a smooth walled barrel with longitudinal fins projecting inwardly towards the center of the bore that defines a main melt chamber. A plunger housing, having a plunger bore, defines an initial melt chamber and is in communication with the main melt chamber. A plunger resides in the plunger bore and is reciprocatable therein. The barrel bore is continuously inwardly tapered and cooperates with the longitudinal fins to provide a shortened melt period and a smooth transition and alignment of reinforcing members within the polymer mixture during the melt process.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a routing architecture with a plurality of predesigned layers and a custom layer. The structure includes a plurality of parallel vertical tracks. In one layer, the tracks include a pin coupled to an input/output of an underlying function block and the track also includes a first portion of an unbroken conductive path. A second portion of the unbroken conductive path is formed under the pin in at least a second predesigned layer. In some embodiments, the second portion of the unbroken conductive path is formed in the second predesigned layer for some tracks and a third predesigned layer for other tracks. Hence, pins and unbroken conductive paths are multiplexed in a single track. In addition, the second predesigned layer further includes long horizontal conductors.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method for customizing a one-time configurable integrated circuit to include a multi-time configurable structure is disclosed. Such a method includes, in one embodiment receiving a description of circuit functionality from a user for implementation in the one-time configurable device, where the functionality includes a portion that is designated by the user to be reconfigurable. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention then models a reconfigurable structure that has enough capacity to accommodate the designated functionality. Optionally, some embodiments of the invention add in more capacity than is required to implement the designated functionality to allow for future reprogramming. The method then embeds the reconfigurable structure in the one-time configurable device. In certain embodiments, the one-time configurable device can be a mask-programmed MBA, gate array, or standard cell, while the reconfigurable structure is a PLA or modified PLA.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method for customizing a one-time configurable integrated circuit to include a multi-time configurable structure is disclosed. Such a method includes, in one embodiment receiving a description of circuit functionality from a user for implementation in the one-time configurable device, where the functionality includes a portion that is designated by the user to be reconfigurable. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention then models a reconfigurable structure that has enough capacity to accommodate the designated functionality. Optionally, some embodiments of the invention add in more capacity than is required to implement the designated functionality to allow for future reprogramming. The method then embeds the reconfigurable structure in the one-time configurable device. In certain embodiments, the one-time configurable device can be a mask-programmed MBA, gate array, or standard cell, while the reconfigurable structure is a PLA or modified PLA.

Abstract: Described herein is an ASIC having an array of predesigned function blocks. The function blocks can be used to implement combinational logic, sequential logic, or a combination of both. The function blocks also have a selectable output drive strength. The output drive strength can be selected, in some embodiments, using mask programming.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method for customizing a one-time configurable integrated circuit to include a multi-time configurable structure is disclosed. Such a method includes, in one embodiment receiving a description of circuit functionality from a user for implementation in the one-time configurable device, where the functionality includes a portion that is designated by the user to be reconfigurable. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention then models a reconfigurable structure that has enough capacity to accommodate the designated functionality. Optionally, some embodiments of the invention add in more capacity than is required to implement the designated functionality to allow for future reprogramming. The method then embeds the reconfigurable structure in the one-time configurable device. In certain embodiments, the one-time configurable device can be a mask-programmed MBA, gate array, or standard cell, while the reconfigurable structure is a PLA or modified PLA.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a routing architecture with a plurality of predesigned layers and a custom layer. The structure includes a plurality of parallel vertical tracks. In one layer, the tracks include a pin coupled to an input/output of an underlying function block and the track also includes a first portion of an unbroken conductive path. A second portion of the unbroken conductive path is formed under the pin in at least a second predesigned layer. In some embodiments, the second portion of the unbroken conductive path is formed in the second predesigned layer for some tracks and a third predesigned layer for other tracks. Hence, pins and unbroken conductive paths are multiplexed in a single track. In addition, the second predesigned layer further includes long horizontal conductors.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method for customizing a one-time configurable integrated circuit to include a multi-time configurable structure is disclosed. Such a method includes, in one embodiment receiving a description of circuit functionality from a user for implementation in the one-time configurable device, where the functionality includes a portion that is designated by the user to be reconfigurable. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention then models a reconfigurable structure that has enough capacity to accommodate the designated functionality. Optionally, some embodiments of the invention add in more capacity than is required to implement the designated functionality to allow for future reprogramming. The method then embeds the reconfigurable structure in the one-time configurable device. In certain embodiments, the one-time configurable device can be a mask-programmed MBA, gate array, or standard cell, while the reconfigurable structure is a PLA or modified PLA.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation detector system is disclosed which includes a detector of semiconductor material in the form of a superlattice having a plurality of layers of a first conductivity type spaced by alternate layers of a second conductivity type forming a layered structure having distinct natural energy band gap responsive to a narrow band of electromagnetic wavelengths, but which can be tuned by physical or electromagnetic devices to alter the band of wavelengths to which the detector responds. The system includes electrodes connecting the sensor to an output device.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for controlling operating pressure within a mold cavity of an injection molding die. Finely detailed, and parts having thin walls are molded with the invention providing a process for eliminating defects. There is a pressure control apparatus which is preset to provide varying degrees of negative and positive pressure during the mold cycle, and to reset to repeat the procedure for subsequent cycles. The procedure includes a cleaning stage for preparing the mold cavity for the following mold cycle.