Abstract: An enzymatic electrochemical-based sensor includes a substrate and a conductive layer formed from a dried water-miscible conductive ink. The water-miscible conductive ink used to form the conductive layer includes a conductive material, an enzyme, a mediator, and a binding agent and is formulated such that the water-miscible conductive ink is a water-miscible aqueous-based dispersion and the binding agent became operatively water-insoluble upon drying.

Abstract: A cable operated drum brake has an internal brake operating lever (12) provided with an quick-attach device (10) for an operating cable (11). A cable attachment tube (21) projects from a backplate (17) of the brake and the operating cable has a cable inner (13) with a latching formation (14) on the end thereof and a cable outer sleeve (15). An end portion of the operating cable is slideable towards (X) the backplate (17) within the tube (21) up to a first position at which further movement towards the backplate is stopped by contact between an abutment (26) on the tube and a cooperating abutment (31a) on the cable outer sleeve. When in the first position the latching formation (14) has moved passed the quick-attach device (10). The cable is then subsequently moveable away from the backplate (Y) within the tube to a second position in which the latching formation (14) on the cable inner is fully engaged with the quick-attach device (10).

Abstract: A polishing inhibiting layer forming additive for a slurry, the slurry so formed, and a method of chemical mechanical polishing are disclosed. The polishing inhibiting layer is formed through application of the slurry to the surface being polished and is removable at a critical polishing pressure. The polishing inhibiting layer allows recessed or low pattern density locations to be protected until a critical polishing pressure is exceeded based on geometric and planarity considerations, rather than slurry or polishing pad considerations. With the additive, polishing rate is non-linear relative to polishing pressure in a recessed/less pattern dense location. In one embodiment, the additive has a chemical structure: [CH3(CH2)xN(R)]M, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of: Cl, Br and I, x equals an integer between 2 and 24, and the R includes three carbon-based functional groups, each having less than eight carbon atoms.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an ultrasound system are provided. The method includes receiving scanning information from an ultrasound system, with the scanning information including at least one of image information and spectral information. The method further includes controlling power to a transducer of the ultrasound system based on the scanning information.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for an improved image acquisition rate in an ultrasound imaging system. The system includes an encoder for encoding an ultrasound signal with a code for transmission to form an encoded ultrasound signal, a transmitter for transmitting the encoded ultrasound signal, and a receiver for receiving an encoded echo signal produced based on the encoded ultrasound signal, wherein the receiver decodes the encoded echo signal to produce a decoded echo signal. The transmitter may include a transducer array for transmitting the encoded ultrasound signal. The receiver may include a separate transducer element or a dedicated transducer element of the transmitter transducer array. The system further includes a processor for determining a position of a scatterer based on a time of transmission of the encoded ultrasound signal, a time of reception of the encoded echo signal, and a strength of the encoded echo signal.

Abstract: A slurry containing abrasive particles, an oxidizing agent having a low static etch rate on at least one acid or salt metal, and having a pH of about 5 to about 11 is especially useful for polishing surfaces, including both metal and silicon dioxide, such as present in microelectronics, at the same or substantially the same polishing rates.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for delivering a drug to an individual. The microfluidic device includes a body that defines a reservoir for receiving the drug therein. A valve interconnects the reservoir to an output needle that is insertable into the skin of an individual. A pressure source urges the drug from the reservoir toward the needle. The valve is movable between a closed position preventing the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle and an open position allowing for the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle in response to a predetermined condition in the physiological fluids of the individual.

Abstract: A method for preparing a semiconductor material for formation of a silicide layer on selected areas thereupon is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method includes removing at least one of a nitride and an oxynitride film from the selected areas, removing metallic particles from the selected areas, removing surface particles from the selected areas, removing organics from the selected areas, and removing an oxide layer from the selected areas.

Abstract: A method for preparing a semiconductor material for the formation of a silicide layer on selected areas thereupon is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method includes removing at least one of a nitride and an oxynitride film from the selected areas, removing metallic particles from the selected areas, removing surface particles from the selected areas, removing organics from the selected areas, and removing an oxide layer from the selected areas.

Abstract: A subassembly for coupling a laser to an optical fiber comprises a substrate having an asymmetrical, pyramidal cavity, a spherical lens located in the cavity, and a semiconductor laser positioned on the substrate. The output face of the laser is located along an edge of the cavity (without overhanging the edge), and its active region is aligned with the center of the lens along the optic axis of the subassembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed, an optical subassembly includes a platform on which a laser and photodiode are mounted. The laser has a rear facet through which passes a small portion of the light emitted by the laser. The photodiode is mounted on the surface of the platform with a light admitting facet for receiving a portion of the light emitted from the rear facet of the laser being substantially perpendicular to the light emitting facet of the laser. The surface of the platform may include a channel. The channel may be tapered from a narrower end near the laser to a wider end near the photodiode, and may be coated with a light-reflective material.

Abstract: An overhead support system for TV monitors comprising a shoe releasably and slidably insertable into seated position into a pocket in an upper portion of the monitor housing. The shoe carries electrical contacts to mateably engage with corresponding electrical contacts for the monitor when in seated position. Conductor cables are embedded in the shoe and extend from the electrical contacts through a pipe, one end of which is secured to the shoe and the other end of which passes through shock absorbing material supported on an overhead support frame to threadably engage an anchor means supported on the shock absorbing material. This system securely supports such monitors in overhead locations such as on buses.