Abstract: This invention is for a reader/writer device (terminal) for accessing item-related data in rewritable tags of the “RF-ID” type wherein each tag includes non-volatile memory. In a farm animal application each animal is implanted with an identified tag. From time to time, the terminal can be given a selected security level by reading password-like and individual identity data from a special tag held by an individual. As a result the individual can gain “read” and/or “write” to selected fields in the data record held within the tag. Further information may be added from time to time by empowered individuals. Schemes are enabled for the enhanced management of animals having such tags include accurate descriptors, proving ownership, showing compliance with disease control programmes and withholding periods after possible treatments, traceability of meat products from the shop to the farm, breeding schemes and performance recording.

Abstract: A personal cellular collection apparatus and method for collecting a nonintrusive cell or tissue sample for medical testing such as cervical cancer screening is provided. The apparatus includes a cervical guide ring, an insertion handle, a means for movably attaching the guide ring, and a means for directing a tissue sampling tool to a woman's cervix. The means for movably attaching the guide ring to the insertion handle is a hinge or rachet mechanism having a tab or latch on the ring and a catch on the proximal end of the insertion handle. The method of the invention includes insertion of the collection tool through the introitus of the user's vagina, digital positioning of the guide ring to encircle the user's cervix, guiding a sampling tool to the cervix, wiping the cervix with the sampling tool to collect a tissue sample and removing the sampling tool and cervical guide from the user's vagina.

Abstract: A personal PAP smear apparatus and method for collecting a non-intrusive cell or tissue sample for medical testing such as cervical cancer screening is provided. The apparatus includes an insertion handle, a flexible speculum ring, and a means for movably attaching the speculum ring to the insertion handle. The speculum ring includes two adjacent ring halves circumferentially divided to permit expansion of the collapsed speculum tube housed within the hollow ring halves. The method of the invention includes insertion of the flexible speculum assembly into the user's vagina, movement of the speculum ring to a raised position encircling the user's cervix, separating the ring halves to expand the tube and define the speculum bore, and inserting a sampling tool through the bore until it touches the cervix or surrounding surface areas for tissue sampling.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer having copper bondpads (17) that are free of voids (13) and a method for coating the copper bondpads (17) with solderable or wirebondable metals such that the copper bondpads (17) are free of the voids (13). The void free metal coatings are achieved using a dual activation process. In a first activation step (27), the copper bondpads (17) are activated by placing them in a palladium bath. In a second activation step (28), the bondpads are placed in a nickel—boron bath. After the dual activation, the copper bondpads (17) are coated with a layer of nickel—phosphorous or palladium. The nickel—phosphorous or palladium layer may be coated with a layer of gold for subsequent formation of solder balls or wirebonds thereon.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer having copper bondpads (17) that are free of voids (13) and a method for coating the copper bondpads (17) with solderable or wirebondable metals such that the copper bondpads (17) are free of the voids (13). The void free metal coatings are achieved using a dual activation process. In a first activation step (27), the copper bondpads (17) are activated by placing them in a palladium bath. In a second activation step (28), the bondpads are placed in a nickel-boron bath. After the dual activation, the copper bondpads (17) are coated with a layer of nickel-phosphorous or palladium. The nickel-phosphorous or palladium layer may be coated with a layer of gold for subsequent formation of solder balls or wirebonds thereon.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for generation of tools and applications for a computer network. An access server, executed by a first computer, accesses interface definitions stored in a database, wherein the object names, short descriptions and long descriptions of the stored interface definitions are stored in at least one language ID and at least one code page. A data access library, coupled to the access server and executed by a second computer, provides the interface definitions to be stored in the database by the access server. A second server, coupled to the data access library and executed by a third computer, sends requests to the database through the access server, wherein the requests maintain and use the stored interface definitions. A string handler, coupled to the second server, stores and retrieves object names, short descriptions and long descriptions in a user specified language ID and code page.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for generation of tools and applications for a computer network. An access server, executed by a first computer accesses interface definitions stored in a database. A data access library, coupled to the access server and executed by a second computer, provides the interface definitions to be stored in the database by the access server. A server, coupled to the data access library and executed by a third computer, sends requests to maintain and use stored interface definitions in the database. An set of code generation data, stored in the database, which allows developers to give hints to the programmer and/or the code generator for default values, validation specifications and GUI presentation hints for a given field.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for generation of tools and applications for a computer network. An access server, executed by a first computer accesses interface definitions stored in a database. A data access library, coupled to the access server and executed by a second computer, provides the interface definitions to be stored in the database by the access server. A server, coupled to the data access library and executed by a third computer, sends requests to maintain and use stored interface definitions in the database.