Abstract: A structural tie or strap in the form of a connector for use in the construction industry. The connector is substantially rectangular with fixing points at either end for fastening to walls or the like and includes an acoustic attenuation mechanism to enhance acoustic performance between the walls. The acoustic attenuation mechanism is embodied as folds, apertures and/or openings through the connector which prevent direct passage of sound and vibration waves through the connector, between the walls. An embodiment as a party wall strap is described.

Abstract: An interconnect structure which includes a metal-containing cap located atop each conductive feature that is present within a dielectric material is provided in which a surface region of the metal-containing cap is oxidized prior to the subsequent deposition of any other dielectric material thereon. Moreover, metal particles that are located on the surface of the dielectric material between the conductive features are also oxidized at the same time as the surface region of the metal-containing cap. This provides a structure having a reduced leakage current. In accordance with the present invention, the oxidation step is performed after electroless plating of the metal-containing cap and prior to the deposition of a dielectric capping layer or an overlying interlayer or intralevel dielectric material.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent climbing a vertically disposed member is provided. The apparatus includes a covering member manufactured from a predetermined material and having a predetermined shape, a predetermined thickness, and a predetermined size. A securing mechanism is operably connected to such covering member at a predetermined location thereon for securing such covering member at least one of to and around a predetermined object such that such object is rendered substantially incapable of being climbed upon at the location covered by the covering member.

Abstract: A single chip integrated circuit measuring circuit (1) for determining a characteristic of the impedance of an external complex impedance circuit (2) for facilitating characterization of the impedance of the complex impedance circuit (2) comprises a signal generating circuit (7) for generating a variable frequency stimulus signal for applying to the complex impedance circuit (2). A first receiving circuit (10) receives a response signal from the complex impedance circuit (2) in response to the stimulus signal and conditions the response signal. A first analog-to-digital converter (68) converts the conditioned response signal to a first digital output signal, which is read from the first analog-to-digital converter (68) through a first digital output port (14). The response signal from the complex impedance circuit (2) is a current signal, and a current to voltage converter circuit (64) converts the response signal to a voltage signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bonus actuator attachment for a slot or gaming machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method of selectively triggering a first bonus triggering event, by way of a bonus actuator attachment, so as to make the player eligible to participate in a bonus game upon the happening of a second bonus triggering event. Actuation of the bonus actuator attachment is a first triggering event wherein the gaming machine recognizes that the player wishes to be eligible for a bonus round within the gaming machine. The first triggering event may also require that the player make an additional wager separate from any initial wager on the game wherein the additional wager is solely to make the player eligible for a second bonus triggering event and, ultimately, a bonus round of the gaming machine.

Abstract: A game visually recognizable as roulette, but wherein winning results correspond to the outcome of a simultaneous game of bingo, includes a bingo server from which bingo balls are drawn, a roulette server visually representing a roulette wheel, and two or more stations where participants place bets and perform other gaming functions. Bets are made and all bet permutations place a corresponding bet on a bonus bingo card. When “no more bets” is called, players' bets and bingo cards are locked, and bingo balls are randomly drawn. The roulette wheel spins, as a simulation of roulette. When all bingo balls are drawn, one participant wins the “end of game pattern” and a prize is awarded. A bonus bingo patterns is determined, corresponding to the numbers on a roulette wheel. The winning card is displayed, with the corresponding winning roulette ball displayed as a simulated ball dropping on the roulette spindle.

Abstract: A new configuration damper, for interconnecting two elements of a structure that undergo relative movements and deformations, that increase the level of damping when the overall structure is subjected to a loading condition is disclosed. The new configuration damper aides in controlling displacements, velocities and accelerations under dynamic loading in structural systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining cellular response to stimuli. The cells to be tested, for example, may be contained in a section of taste-bud containing lingual epithelium.

Abstract: An electronic presentation system and method provides multiple display screens for presentation materials as well as permits dynamic annotations to presentation materials that do not permanently alter the presentation materials. The presentation materials can easily be directed to any one of the display screens and any annotations can be saved for future use or simply deleted. A single interface screen allows simple annotation of either the left or right screen images while a zoom feature allows slides to be presented in a variety of different ways.

Abstract: A wiring harness that is protected against damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet light is disclosed and claimed. The harness may be constructed out of two pieces that may be joined together, and may also be mounted against a surface, and its structure and design may be altered to minimize aesthetic impact of the structure upon which it is mounted.

Abstract: An interconnect structure which includes a metal-containing cap located atop each conductive feature that is present within a dielectric material is provided in which a surface region of the metal-containing cap is oxidized prior to the subsequent deposition of any other dielectric material thereon. Moreover, metal particles that are located on the surface of the dielectric material between the conductive features are also oxidized at the same time as the surface region of the metal-containing cap. This provides a structure having a reduced leakage current. In accordance with the present invention, the oxidation step is performed after electroless plating of the metal-containing cap and prior to the deposition of a dielectric capping layer or an overlying interlayer or intralevel dielectric material.

Abstract: An aqueous seeding solution of palladium acetate, acetic acid and chloride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conductive adhesives that may be used within an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus may include printing devices such as inkjet printers, electrophotographic printers, copiers, faxes, all-in-on devices or multi-functional devices. The conductive resins may be applied to the shaft of foam rolls suitable for transporting and applying image forming material in an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer.

Abstract: Disclosed are modeling and process control techniques for manufacturing products. More specifically, computer-aided modeling techniques are described that allow the manufacturer to predict a profile for a multivariate output that is necessary to achieve a target performance property for a manufactured product.

Abstract: Embodiments for toner supply members, particularly toner supply member properties and architectures for controlling toner layer thickness supply to the developer member in image forming devices. In one embodiment the toner supply members have a foamed elastic body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power on reset circuit includes a main circuit and a translation circuit. The main circuit may be configured to receive an external signal and to generate an input signal that is indicative of a state of the external signal. The translation circuit may be configured to receive the input signal and provide a power on reset signal indicative of a brownout condition of the external signal. The external signal may be a relatively high voltage signal compared to the power on reset signal.

Abstract: A multi-chamber processing system is described for depositing materials on multiple workpieces (wafers, display panels, or any other workpieces) at a time in a vacuum chamber. The system includes a sputtering chamber and a separate pre-clean chamber, where wafers can be transferred between the two chambers by a robotic arm without breaking a vacuum. The wafers are mounted one-by-one onto a rotating pallet in the pre-cleaning chamber and sputtering chamber. The pallet is firmly fixed to a rotatable table in the sputtering chamber. Copper tubing in the table couples RF energy to the wafers, and a liquid running through the copper tubing controls the temperature of the wafers. Multiple targets, of the same or different materials, may concurrently deposit material on the wafers as the pallet is rotating. Multiple magnets (one for each target) in the magnetron assembly in the sputtering chamber oscillate over their respective targets for uniform target erosion and uniform deposition on the wafers.

Abstract: A toner feeding device and method to supply toner from a toner reservoir to a selected location in the printer such as a toner supply roll. The toner feeding device may contact with a portion of an inner wall of a toner reservoir and may flex and may subsequently recover to convey toner particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining cellular response to stimuli. The cells to be tested, for example, may be contained in a section of taste-bud containing lingual epithelium.

Abstract: A method to electrolessly plate a CoWP alloy on copper in a reproducible manner that is effective for a manufacturable process. In the method, a seed layer of palladium (Pd) is deposited on the copper by an aqueous seeding solution of palladium acetate, acetic acid and chloride. Thereafter, a complexing solution is applied to remove any Pd ions which are adsorbed on surfaces other than the copper. Finally, a plating solution of cobalt (Co), tungsten (W) and phosphorous (P) is applied to the copper so as to deposit a layer of CoWP on the Pd seed and copper.