Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device is described. That method comprises forming a first dielectric layer on a substrate, then forming a trench within the first dielectric layer. After forming a second dielectric layer on the substrate, a first metal layer is formed within the trench on a first part of the second dielectric layer. A second metal layer is then formed on the first metal layer and on a second part of the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, implantable articles and surgical procedures disclosed for treating medical disorders, particularly incontinence. Improved surgical sling procedures are disclosed. Novel surgical instruments and kits for use in sling procedures are also disclosed. The present invention affords options for surgeons with concomitant advantages to the patient and the healthcare provider.

Abstract: An information processing methodology gives rise to an application program interface which includes an automated digitizing unit, such as a scanner, which inputs information from a diversity of hard copy documents and stores information from the hard copy documents into a memory as stored document information. Portions of the stored document information are selected in accordance with content instructions which designate portions of the stored document information required by a particular application program. The selected stored document information is then placed into the transmission format required by a particular application program in accordance with transmission format instructions. After the information has been transmission formatted, the information is transmitted to the application program. In one operational mode, the interface interactively prompts the user to identify, on a display, portions of the hard copy documents containing information used in application programs or for storage.

Abstract: Fluorine doping of trench layers in MCVD preforms is enhanced by exposing a silica soot layer, produced by MCVD, to a fluorine-containing gas at high pressure. The high pressure exposure is integrated into the MCVD process.

Abstract: A satellite positioning system receiver programmed to determine information for a satellite using ephemeris data (710), determine information for the same satellite using almanac data (722), which may have been previously stored on the receiver, to determine an error between the satellite information determined from the ephemeris data and the satellite information determined from the stored almanac data (730), and to update the stored almanac data based upon the error (734).

Abstract: A tool for obtaining a sample of water from a specified depth in a body of water such as a pool, spa or the like while preventing the inflow of water from the surface and other depths. The tool has an elongated handle having one or more handle sections, an inlet section having a downwardly facing inlet, an outlet section having an outlet for pouring water into a chemical test container and a fluid storage section, defined by a tubular member, disposed between the inlet and outlet sections. Preferably, the handle includes a depth marker to identify the depth at which to obtain the water sample. The upper end of the handle has a pressure control hole for use to prevent the entry of water into the tool until the inlet is at the desired depth in the water. The tool quickly and easily obtains the desired water sample.

Abstract: A collapsible container having a novel exchangeable liner is described. The collapsible container system is comprised of a multi-shaped liner with a gasket, an outer bag and a cap. These components comprise a collapsible container device that is less expensive to produce and maintain than common collapsible containers such as the Platypus and Camelbak. The components also comprise a collapsible container that has a variety of shape possibilities unlike tube lined containers such as Playtex baby bottles.

Abstract: The present invention provides inter alia copper electroplating compositions, methods for use of the compositions and products formed by the compositions. Electroplating compositions of the invention contain an increased brightener concentration that can provide effective copper plate on difficult-to-plate aperture walls, including high aspect ratio, small diameter microvias.

Abstract: Papermachine fabric, in particular press felt for the press section of a paper machine. A papermachine fabric, for example a press felt for use in the press section of a papermachine, has a thread arrangement oriented in the machine running direction (direction of the x-axis). The thread arrangement has regions of different density, i.e. a different number of threads per cm, transversely with respect to the machine running direction (direction of the y-axis). The fabric is intended to have regions of different properties transversely with respect to the machine running direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for loading a tray containing a plurality of slides into an imaging system, and for verifying the alignment and orientation of the tray in the imaging system. A plurality of retainers secures the slides in recesses defined by the tray. An aligning projection on the tray interacts with an alignment component on the imaging system to verify the alignment and orientation of the tray in the imaging system and to disable the system if it cannot do so.

Abstract: A frequency divider apparatus is a closed loop system of a recirculating memory element, at least one feedback memory element and an end memory element in series combination. Each memory element accepts a common clock. An end memory element output is logically combined with at least one of the other memory element outputs and provides an input to the closed loop system to generate a self-initializing state machine.

Abstract: A syringe adapter, which permits use of syringes of various types and sizes to be used with a front-loading injector, includes a piston extension and an adapter face plate. The piston extension includes structure for connecting the piston extension to a drive piston of the injector and a plunger of the syringe. The adapter face plate includes a mounting device for attaching the adapter face plate to an injector and a recess for receiving the distal flange of the syringe. The adapter face plate may also include locking pivot arms for releasably engaging the syringe flange.

Abstract: A fabric filter media resistant to high temperatures and method for making same which includes forming a circular knit fabric from Basalt continuous fibers; having the particular characteristics and effective for separating particulates from high temperature gas streams.

Abstract: Data not stored in the DRAM array of a SDRAM module is read from the SDRAM module in a synchronous data transfer. The data transfer, referred to as register read command/operation, resembles a read command/operation directed to data stored in the DRAM array in timing and operation. The register read command is distinguished by a unique encoding of the SDRAM control signals and bank address bits. In one embodiment, the register read command comprises the same control signal states as a MSR or EMSR command, with the bank address set to a unique value, such as 2'b10. The register read command may read only a single datum, or may utilize the address bus to address a plurality of data not stored in the DRAM array. The register read operation may be a burst read, and the burst length may be defined in a variety of ways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which allows to preferably explain and demonstrate three-dimensional objects, such as anatomic models or also models and exhibits for museums and fairs. According to the invention the model 1 is fastened to the adjacencies by at least one multiple-component force-torque measurement device 2, includes an electronic storage and evaluation unit and an optic-visual and/or acoustic indicating device. The force-torque measurement device 2 converts the forces and moments arising when the model 1 is touched into electrical measurement signals to be leaded to the electronic storage and evaluation unit, and in the electronic storage and evaluation unit the contact zone is calculated from the forces and torques detected as a result of the touch, and is communicated to the operator as a signal by means of the optic-visual and/or acoustic indicating device.

Abstract: An improved system and method for an extensible metadata architecture for digital images is provided. Executable software code may be operably coupled to a metadata query reader and a metadata query writer for requesting operations for manipulating metadata in an image file. The metadata query reader may be operably coupled to a decoder having a block reader for identifying metadata blocks in an image file and associating a metadata reader with each metadata block. Each metadata reader may then enumerate the metadata in the metadata block associated with that metadata reader. The metadata query writer may be operably coupled to an encoder having a block writer for associating a metadata writer with each metadata block to be written to an image file. Each metadata writer may then write metadata in the metadata block associated with that metadata writer.

Abstract: Compounds and methods useful for treating and prevention of cancer, particularly hormone-dependent breast cancer. Provided are compounds of formula I: wherein X is selected from O, N, S, SO, SO2, and S(CH2)n, wherein n=1-10; R1 and R2 may be the same or different and are selected from H, OH, OCH3, OCH2CH3, OCH2C6H5, NH2, NHCH3, N(CH3)2, CH3, CH2CH3, CH2CH2CH3, CH(CH3)2, C(CH3)3, NO2, F, Cl, Br, CF3, SH, SCH3, SCH2CH3, OCOCH3, OCOC(CH3)3, OCOCH2COOH, and CN; and R3 is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring. Also provided are method for treating or preventing cancer in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a heteroaryl-containing isoflavone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, to a subject in need of treatment.

Abstract: A method of operating a sensor system includes the steps of determining whether any of a plurality of sensors are malfunctioning in response to a physical stimulus on a vehicle, determining whether an outcome of the first step is plausible based upon expected physical stimuli, and determining whether to execute a decision, such as deploy a vehicle occupant restraint, or fail the sensor if it is producing signals beyond expected physical limits. The decision is executed if it is plausible and not executed if it is not plausible.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vacuum cleaner having a housing defining a blower port, an exhaust port, and a flow path between the blower port and the exhaust port. The vacuum cleaner also includes a removable cap assembly for the blower port to direct discharge airflow via the flow path to the exhaust port. The removable cap assembly, in turn, includes a cap head that engages the blower port to close the blower port, a cap body coupled to the cap head and inserted in the flow path, the cap body comprising a frame through which the discharge airflow passes, and a sound-influencing material supported by the frame within the flow path to reduce noise effected by the discharge airflow. The sound-influencing material may include a reticulated foam roll disposed in the frame to diffuse the discharge airflow.

Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. The traction assembly pivots around a pivot point located under the traction axle of the vehicle. This pivot point is preferably longitudinally displaced in relation to such axle.