Abstract: A method and system for detecting conflicts in replicated data in a database network that includes a plurality of computer systems, each having a table which includes replicated data includes providing a column to the table in each system which indicates whether replicated data in the table is current for the system. The method further includes determining whether replicated data in the table in the system is current based on a value in the column when a request to access the replicated data in the table is received. Through aspects of the method and system of the present invention, conflict detection is delayed until a request to access the replicated data in the system is submitted. Thus, no conflict detection is required during the replication cycle, nor is any conflict resolution required during the replication cycle.

Abstract: A semiconductor device assembly and method of making the device are disclosed. The assembly comprises a semiconductor die attached to an electrically conductive layer, which is, in turn, connected to a dielectric layer carrying conductive traces of the electrical connection layer. The conductive traces provide connection between an array of discrete conductive elements and bonding wires connected to bond pads of the die. The conductive layer enhances thermal conduction and structural stiffness for the assembly. In addition, the conductive layer provides a voltage reference plane that may be connected to a power source, a ground source, or an intermediate reference voltage. The conductive layer also includes at least one electrical current isolation slot, which segments the conductive layer to help isolate noise induced in one segment of the conductive layer from the other segments.

Abstract: A semiconductor device assembly and method of making the device are disclosed. The assembly comprises a semiconductor die attached to an electrically conductive layer, which is, in turn, connected to a dielectric layer carrying conductive traces of the electrical connection layer. The conductive traces provide connection between an array of discrete conductive elements and bonding wires connected to bond pads of the die. The conductive layer enhances thermal conduction and structural stiffness for the assembly. In addition, the conductive layer provides a voltage reference plane that may be connected to a power source, a ground source, or an intermediate reference voltage. The conductive layer also includes at least one electrical current isolation slot, which segments the conductive layer to help isolate noise induced in one segment of the conductive layer from the other segments.

Abstract: The present invention describes, generally, a method and system for controlling the dynamics of an actuatable load functioning or operable within a servo or servo-type system, wherein the dynamics of the load are controlled by way of a unique pressure control valve configured to provide intrinsic pressure regulation. The pressure control valve, which may be referred to as a dynamic pressure regulator because of its capabilities, utilizes dual spools that are physically independent of one another and freely supported in the valve body to regulate the pressures acting within the overall system between the control or pilot pressure and the load or load pressure.

Abstract: A desktop card printer having an external communication link, a multi-platform standardized PDL controller in communication with the link, and at least one data writer in communication with the controller. The controller controls the data output of data writers. The controller may be a PCL® controller. The data writers may include one or more print heads for visible printing, magnetic write heads for writing to magnetic media, and smart card contacts for writing to embedded smart card chips. The printer may include one or more couplers in communication with one or more of the data writers, for converting information into a form usable by the data writer. The data link may be a USB or Telnet link. The printer may include an internal USB hub. Image processing and decision making may be performed primarily or entirely within the printer, in particular within the processor. The printer may be commanded by a dedicated host, such as a personal computer, or it may be connected to a network.

Abstract: The present invention describes, generally, a method and system for controlling the dynamics of an actuatable load functioning or operable within a servo or servo-type system, wherein the dynamics of the load are controlled by way of a unique pressure control valve configured to provide intrinsic pressure regulation. The pressure control valve, which may be referred to as a dynamic pressure regulator because of its capabilities, utilizes dual spools that are physically independent of one another and freely supported in the valve body to regulate the pressures acting within the overall system between the control or pilot pressure and the load or load pressure.

Abstract: The present invention features a sleeve valve comprising an elongate body having an outer surface and including a lumen for receiving a fluid and an associated fluid pressure therein and for defining a flow path of the fluid; at least one fluid flow port formed through the outer surface that is in fluid connection with the lumen; and a sleeve slidably disposed about the outer surface of the body and configured to displace across the fluid flow port to precisely regulate fluid emission through the fluid flow port. The sleeve and elongate body are operably related in a manner so as to provide some degree of fluid force compensation, such that the forces necessary to displace the sleeve across the fluid flow port are substantially unaffected by the fluid pressures acting within the body and at the fluid flow port. In other words, the fluid pressures do not substantially contribute to the resistance in the sleeve during actuation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting energy from an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes a chamber having a primary piston and a secondary piston with a combustion portion of the chamber situated adjacently between the primary piston and secondary piston. The secondary piston includes a substantially lesser mass than that of the primary piston. The chamber includes at least one fluid port for supplying fuel to the combustion portion and an out-take port for releasing combustive exhaust. The chamber includes a controller for controlling the combustion therein at selected cycles of the primary piston. With this arrangement, the secondary piston is configured to draw a portion of energy from combustion controlled by the controller in the chamber. Such portion of energy is provided with a rapid response to an energy transferring portion interconnected to the secondary piston, which in turn, transfers and/or converts the energy for acting on a load or external application.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus is disclosed that can directly connect to a portable digital video camera and can record uncompressed video and audio data, along with associated metadata, in the field and elsewhere. Most preferably, the integrated apparatus includes a removable, recordable, reusable digital magazine that may be mounted. Most preferably, the integrated apparatus also supports a variety of input and output formats, and the apparatus may be easily connected to other computing systems, either directly or through network connections, wired or wireless. The digital magazine can be mounted in a variety of docking stations and can be directly connected to a network, allowing the video and audio data to be easily stored and transferred.

Abstract: The invention is a method of producing a cross-linked polymeric support having a multimodal pore structure, which comprises providing a degradable initiator molecule; providing an organic phase comprising said initiator molecule, radically polymerisable monomers and a porogen in a solvent; providing an aqueous phase comprising a transition metal catalyst; suspension polymerisation of the organic phase by adding a ligand, co-ordinating to the transition metal in the aqueous phase to produce a cross-linked polymeric support having a primary pore structure and comprising initiator molecule; and subjecting the support obtained to degrading conditions to remove the initiator molecule from within the support to produce a cross-linked polymeric support having a secondary pore structure in addition to the primary pore structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device assembly and method of making the devices are disclosed. The assembly comprises a semiconductor die attached to an electrically conductive layer, which is in turn, connected to a dielectric layer carrying conductive traces of the electrical connection layer. The conductive traces provide connection between an array of discrete conductive elements and bonding wires connected to bond pads of the die. The conductive layer enhances thermal conduction and structural stiffness for the assembly. In addition, the conductive layer provides a voltage reference plane that may be connected to a power source, a ground source, or an intermediate reference voltage. The conductive layer also includes at least one electrical current isolation slot, which segments the conductive layer to help isolate noise induced in one segment of the conductive layer from the other segments.

Abstract: A drinking flask includes a first compartment for storing a quantity of a first liquid for drinking. A second compartment of the flask stores a first complimentary food item, and a third compartment stores a second complimentary food item. A fourth compartment includes a drink opening. A one way valve fluidly couples the first compartment and the fourth compartment when pressure is applied to the flask to dispense a portion of the quantity of the first liquid into the fourth compartment for drinking by a user through the drink opening.

Abstract: Seal arrangements are arranged to provide a seal edge suspended on suspension mountings to accommodate for axial movements in a component against which the edge acts. The edge is associated with a backing member so that the edge extended to a desired degree beyond the backing member to provide a good sealing function by suspending the edge it is allowed to float and so does not become excessively worn due to axial movements or excursions by the component 6, 36, 46, 56 whilst retaining the seal edge 4, 34, 44, 54 at an appropriate position for sealing efficiency. Typically, the seal edge is formed from bristles of a brush seal. A number of seal arrangements 1, 31, 41, 51 are normally arranged in a seal assembly 63.

Abstract: A desktop card printer having an external communication link, a multi-platform standardized PDL controller in communication with the link, and at least one data writer in communication with the controller. The controller controls the data output of data writers. The controller may be a PCL® controller. The data writers may include one or more print heads for visible printing, magnetic write heads for writing to magnetic media, and smart card contacts for writing to embedded smart card chips. The printer may include one or more couplers in communication with one or more of the data writers, for converting information into a form usable by the data writer. The data link may be a USB or Telnet link. The printer may include an internal USB hub. Image processing and decision making may be performed primarily or entirely within the printer, in particular within the processor. The printer may be commanded by a dedicated host, such as a personal computer, or it may be connected to a network.

Abstract: A low-k dielectric layer (104) is treated with a dry-wet (D-W) or dry-wet-dry (D-W-D) process to improve patterning Resist poisoning occurs due to an interaction between low-k films (104), such as OSG, and DUV resist (130). The D-W or D-W-D treatment is performed to either pretreat a low-k dielectric (104) before forming the pattern (130) or during a rework of the pattern (130).

Abstract: Semiconductor device packages formed in accordance with methods of packaging semiconductor dice in grid array-type semiconductor device packages using conventional lead frame or lead lock tape assembly equipment. Circuitry-bearing segments having an electrically insulating layer that carries redistribution circuitry and redistributed bond pads and which is supported from beneath by a support layer are secured to the active surface of a semiconductor die. The support layer may comprise an electrically conductive material, which may act as a heat sink or as a ground plane for the packaged semiconductor device. The methods provide increased accuracy with which segments are placed on a semiconductor die relative to the placement accuracies provided when pick-and-place equipment is used to position conventional grid array substrates relative to semiconductor dice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removably interconnecting a reduced-sized memory card with an extension member. A locking mechanism may be formed in a peripheral end portion of the reduced-sized memory card that may include an entry surface and a ledge. The extension member may include a biasing portion that slidably engages the entry surface and removable interconnects with the ledge. With this arrangement, the extension member may easily be secured and removed from the reduced-sized memory card, allowing easy interchangeability between a standard-sized socket of one electronic device and a reduced-sized socket of another electronic device.

Abstract: A low-k dielectric layer (104) is treated with a dry H2 plasma pretreatment to improve patterning. Resist poisoning occurs due to an interaction between low-k films (104), such as OSG, and DUV resist (130). The H2 plasma pre-treatment is performed to either pretreat a low-k dielectric (104) before forming the pattern (130) or during a rework of the pattern (130).