Abstract: A measurement device for measuring voltages along a linear array of voltage sources, such as a fuel cell stack, includes at least one movable contact or non-contact voltage probe that measures a voltage of an array element.

Abstract: An elastic seal for a building joint which includes internal walls or dividers which change orientation when the seal is compressed for placement into the building joint. The change in orientation allow for the seal to apply a relatively uniform force against the joint walls extending from the bottom wall to the top wall of the seal. Additionally, the change in orientation reduces the deflection of the top wall of the seal upwardly when compressed in the building joint. The walls also become more vertically oriented when the seal in compressed. This vertical orientation provides increased load support for the top wall when the seal is compressed into a joint.

Abstract: The current invention is a method and system for tracking an RFID tag within a defined 3D space and can be used to identify objects within a live performance and create hotspots with respect to the objects, which allows viewers the ability to select objects that are associated with one of the hotspots, and transmits their interest in the selected object to one or more users. Preferably, the system operates such that hotspots can be created for previously created video, newly created video media, as well as live broadcasts.

Abstract: A measurement device for measuring voltages along a linear array of voltage sources, such as a fuel cell stack, includes at least one movable voltage probe that measures voltage transitions along an array element. The measured voltage is used to determine a distance of travel of the at least one voltage probe along the fuel cell stack from the speed of the probe and the timing of the transitions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for tracking and correlating particles include an optical detector that captures a first and a second image of the particles. A video detector is used to capture a plurality of video frames of the particles. The video detector captures the video frames of the particles at a rate faster than the rate at which images are captured by the optical detector to track the movement of particles. A first image position of a particle in the first image of the particles is identified, and then the first image position of the particle is correlated to a second image position of the particle in the second image using the plurality of video frames.

Abstract: A method of insulating a base portion of a fuel cell system including pouring an insulation that can be poured to fill at least 30 volume % of a base portion cavity of the fuel cell system housing through an opening in a sidewall of the housing. The base portion cavity of the housing is located between a bottom wall of the housing and a stack support base plate located in the housing. The stack support base plate supports one or more columns of fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: Embodiment methods for bypassing a fuel cell in a fuel cell stack include identifying a fuel cell to bypass and connecting a conductive bypass to the fuel cell stack such that the bypass electrically connects a first interconnect in the fuel cell stack and a second interconnect in the fuel cell stack and electrically bypasses the identified fuel cell. Further embodiment methods include applying a conductive sealing material to the fuel cell stack such that the conductive sealing material seals a cathode inlet or outlet of the identified fuel cell and such that the conductive sealing material electrically bypasses the identified fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, apparatus and method to maintain the polarization state of an optical signal propagating within a photonic integrated circuit, or from a first photonic integrated circuit to a second photonic integrated circuit. According to various embodiments of the invention, an optical circuit is provided which includes an optical coupler configured to accept a first optical signal on a first input and a second optical signal on a second input, the second optical signal having a polarization state. The optical coupler may combine the first and second optical signals into an optical output signal. A principle axis of a first end of an optical fiber is may be configured to align with the polarization state of the second optical signal, such that a polarization maintaining connection is established. The polarization state may be a TM polarization state, a TE polarization state, or another polarization state.

Abstract: The current invention is a method and system for tracking an RFID tag within a defined 3D space and can be used to identify objects within a live performance and create hotspots with respect to the objects, which allows viewers the ability to select objects that are associated with one of the hotspots, and transmits their interest in the selected object to one or more users. Preferably, the system operates such that hotspots can be created for previously created video, newly created video media, as well as live broadcasts.

Abstract: Consistent with an aspect of the present disclosure, a package is provided that has a carrier and first and second substrates provided on the carrier. Conductive traces are provided on the first substrate (upper traces) and below it (lower traces) to provide two levels of electrical connectivity to a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) provided on the second substrate. As a result, an increased number of connections can be made to the PIC in a relatively small package, while maintaining adequate spacing and line widths for each trace. In addition, the lower traces are connected to bonding pads on the surface of the first substrate and are thus provided in the same plane as the upper traces. Testing of and access to both upper and lower traces is thus simplified.

Abstract: A measurement device for measuring voltages along a linear array of voltage sources, such as a fuel cell stack, includes at least one movable contact or non-contact voltage probe that measures a voltage of an array element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, apparatus and method to maintain the polarization state of an optical signal propagating within a photonic integrated circuit, or from a first photonic integrated circuit to a second photonic integrated circuit. According to various embodiments of the invention, an optical circuit is provided which includes an optical coupler configured to accept a first optical signal on a first input and a second optical signal on a second input, the second optical signal having a polarization state. The optical coupler may combine the first and second optical signals into an optical output signal. A principle axis of a first end of an optical fiber is may be configured to align with the polarization state of the second optical signal, such that a polarization maintaining connection is established. The polarization state may be a TM polarization state, a TE polarization state, or another polarization state.

Abstract: Consistent with an aspect of the present disclosure, a package is provided that has a carrier and first and second substrates provided on the carrier. Conductive traces are provided on the first substrate (upper traces) and below it (lower traces) to provide two levels of electrical connectivity to a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) provided on the second substrate. As a result, an increased number of connections can be made to the PIC in a relatively small package, while maintaining adequate spacing and line widths for each trace. In addition, the lower traces are connected to bonding pads on the surface of the first substrate and are thus provided in the same plane as the upper traces. Testing of and access to both upper and lower traces is thus simplified.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an address mark detector having an address mark output. The address mark output is indicated as erroneous if errors in a detected address mark exceed an error threshold function. The error function has a variation as a function of a difference between a detected address mark time and a reference address mark time.

Abstract: Method for producing a metal silicon (oxy)nitride by introducing a carbon-free silicon source (for example, (SiH3)3N), a metal precursor with the general formula MXn (for example, Hf(NEt2)4), and an oxidizing agent (for example, O2) into a CVD chamber and reacting same at the surface of a substrate. MsiN, MSIo and/or MSiON films may be obtained. These films are useful are useful as high k dielectrics films.

Abstract: This disclosure discusses cleaning of semiconductor wafers after the Chemical-Mechanical Planarization (CMP) of the wafer during the manufacturing of semiconductor devices. Disclosed is an alkaline chemistry for the post-CMP cleaning of wafers containing metal, particularly copper, interconnects. Residual slurry particles, particularly copper or other metal particles, are removed from the wafer surface without significantly etching the metal, leaving deposits on the surface, or imparting significant contamination to the wafer while also protecting the metal from oxidation and corrosion. Additionally, at least one strong chelating agent is present to complex metal ions in solution, facilitating the removal of metal from the dielectric and preventing re-deposition onto the wafer.

Abstract: Post CMP cleaning solutions are provided including at least one cleaning agent comprising an organic acid compound, at least one preservative compound that substantially minimizes or prevents microbial growth in the cleaning solution, and at least one amine compound. The preservative compound can be another organic acid compound that protects the cleaning solution against microbial growth. The cleaning solutions preferably have a pH ranging from about 2 to about 7.

Abstract: Alkaline post CMP cleaning solutions are provided including at least two basic compounds that can be organic amines and/or quaternary ammonium hydroxides, at least one organic acid compound, and an inhibitor compound that inhibits corrosion of materials. The inhibitor compound is preferably a mercaptan compound. In one embodiment, a cleaning solution includes at least two organic amines but is substantially free of quaternary ammonium hydroxides. The cleaning solutions preferably have a pH ranging from about 7 to about 12.

Abstract: A water timer user interface has display areas for display of water timer status information, including watering zone and watering duration indicators, user input areas, and a touch-sensitive screen. At least one of the display areas may display a graphical representation of the watering duration indicators for the watering zone identifiers. All of the display and input areas may be single-function areas and may be simultaneously visible to and accessible by a user. The display areas may simultaneously display both graphical and numeric representations of the watering duration indicators. An ambient temperature sensor may be used to sense the ambient temperature and humidity and provide corresponding signals to the controller to permit the controller to modify the amount of water supplied.

Abstract: Method for producing a metal silicon (oxy)nitride by introducing a carbon-free silicon source (for example, (SiH3)3N), a metal precursor with the general formula MXn (for example, Hf(NEt2)4), and an oxidizing agent (for example, O2) into a CVD chamber and reacting same at the surface of a substrate. MsiN, MSIo and/or MSiON films may be obtained. These films are useful are useful as high k dielectrics films.