Abstract: Semiconductor structures and fabrication methods are provided which includes, for instance, providing a gate structure over a semiconductor substrate, the gate structure including multiple conformal gate layers and a gate material disposed within the multiple conformal gate layers; recessing a portion of the multiple conformal gate layers below an upper surface of the gate structure, where upper surfaces of recessed, multiple conformal gate layers are coplanar; and removing a portion of the gate material to facilitate an upper surface of a remaining portion of the gate material to be coplanar with an upper surface of the recessed, multiple conformal gate layers.

Abstract: Semiconductor structures and fabrication methods are provided which includes, for instance, providing a gate structure over a semiconductor substrate, the gate structure including multiple conformal gate layers and a gate material disposed within the multiple conformal gate layers; recessing a portion of the multiple conformal gate layers below an upper surface of the gate structure, where upper surfaces of recessed, multiple conformal gate layers are coplanar; and removing a portion of the gate material to facilitate an upper surface of a remaining portion of the gate material to be coplanar with an upper surface of the recessed, multiple conformal gate layers.

Abstract: An image processing system, and a method of operation thereof, includes: a local patch ternarization module for receiving an input image, for calculating a mean value of a local patch of pixels in the input image, and for calculating ternary values for the pixels based on the mean value; and an artifact removal module, coupled to the local patch ternarization module, for removing a residue artifact based on the ternary values and for generating an output image with the residue artifact removed for sending to an image signal processing hardware.

Abstract: A convertible stand/table may be converted for use alternately as a table or a stand, and in particular, a stand suitable for use in mounting, securing, holding, or otherwise retaining or mounting one or more items for viewing and/or use by an individual, including, for example, a tablet or other portable computing device. Further, in some configurations, a magnetic mounting pad, including a suction cup surface and at least one permanent magnet, may be used to mount a portable electronic device such as a tablet on an inclined and magnetically-attractive surface, with the suction cup surface, e.g., provided by a microsuction layer, adhered to the back of the portable electronic device, and with the permanent magnet attracted to the magnetically-attractive surface.

Abstract: A magnetic ball joint, usable in connection with a convertible stand/table, as well as in other applications, utilizes an array of interleaved magnets and ferromagnetic bodies to both magnetically engage and retain a magnetically-attractive ball using concentrated magnetic force as well as to provide frictional resistance to movement of the ball in the joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling electronic components on a lead frame. The apparatus including a singulation device configured to singulate the lead frame to thereby separate the electronic components and to position the separated electronic components alternately into at least two layers along different levels; and a guide having a plurality of lanes running along a surface of the guide, the lanes being configured to transport the separated electronic components from a first end of the guide arranged adjacent to the singulation device to a second end of the guide arranged adjacent to an output area. The lanes at the first end of the guide are alternately arranged into at least two layers having respective levels to receive the electronic components from the singulation device, whereas the lanes at the second end of the guide are arranged into a single layer along a common level for transferring the electronic components to the output area.

Abstract: A method includes providing a gate structure having a dummy gate, a first spacer along a side of the gate. The dummy gate and the spacer are removed to expose a gate dielectric. A second spacer is deposited on at least one side of a gate structure cavity and a top of the gate dielectric. A bottom portion of the second spacer is removed to expose the gate dielectric and the gate structure is wet cleaned.

Abstract: A method includes providing a gate structure having a dummy gate, a first spacer along a side of the gate. The dummy gate and the spacer are removed to expose a gate dielectric. A second spacer is deposited on at least one side of a gate structure cavity and a top of the gate dielectric. A bottom portion of the second spacer is removed to expose the gate dielectric and the gate structure is wet cleaned.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing semiconductor integrated circuits having FinFET structures with epitaxially formed source and drain regions are disclosed. A method of fabricating an integrated circuit includes forming a plurality of silicon fin structures on a semiconductor substrate, epitaxially growing a silicon material on the fin structures, wherein a merged source/drain region is formed on the fin structures, and anisotropically etching at least one of the merged source drain regions to form an un-merged source/drain region.

Abstract: Integrated circuits having replacement metal gates with improved threshold voltage performance and methods for fabricating such integrated circuits are provided. A method includes providing a dielectric layer overlying a semiconductor substrate. The dielectric layer has a first and a second trench. A gate dielectric layer is formed in the first and second trench. A first barrier layer is formed overlying the gate dielectric layer. A work function material layer is formed within the trenches. The work function material layer and the first barrier layer are recessed in the first and second trench. The work function material layer and the first barrier layer form a beveled surface. The gate dielectric layer is recessed in the first and second trench. A conductive gate electrode material is deposited such that it fills the first and second trench. The conductive gate electrode material is recessed in the first and second trench.

Abstract: The invention relates to solution-processable, p-type, low-optical gap oligothiophene compounds for use in solar cell application, comprising at least one thiophene-containing group, at least one electron-withdrawing dicyanovinyl or tricyanovinyl group, and at least one electron-donating diphenylaminofluorenyl or N-alkylcarbazole group.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for handling electronic components on a lead frame. The apparatus comprises a singulation device configured to singulate the lead frame to thereby separate the electronic components and to position the separated electronic components alternately into at least two layers along different levels; and a guide having a plurality of lanes running along a surface of the guide, the lanes being configured to transport the separated electronic components from a first end of the guide arranged adjacent to the singulation device to a second end of the guide arranged adjacent to an output area. The lanes at the first end of the guide are alternately arranged into at least two layers having respective levels to receive the electronic components from the singulation device, whereas the lanes at the second end of the guide are arranged into a single layer along a common level for transferring the electronic components to the output area. Also disclosed is a guide suitable for use with the apparatus.

Abstract: A locking hinge design relies on a mechanically-actuated magnetic clutch to selectively disengage first and second gears respectively coupled to first and second members and thereby selectively enable relative rotation between the first and second members about an axis of rotation. The mechanically-actuated magnetic clutch includes first and second magnetic members disposed in an opposing relationship, such that permanent magnets respectively disposed in each magnetic member may be placed into either a mutually attractive or mutually repellant relationship in response to relative movement therebetween. One of the magnetic members is coupled to one of the gears to move the gear along the axis of rotation and thereby selectively disengage or engage the gear from or with the other gear such that the gears are selectively engaged in response to mechanical movement of the magnetic members.

Abstract: A FinFET has shaped epitaxial structures for the source and drain that are electrically isolated from the substrate. Shaped epitaxial structures in the active region are separated from the substrate in the source and drain regions while those in the channel region remain. The gaps created by the separation in the source and drain are filled with electrically insulating material. Prior to filling the gaps, defects created by the separation may be reduced.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus that interacts with a user and a personal computer (PC) receives inputs from a user and from the PC and reacts and interacts. The interactive apparatus includes a USB interface with the PC to receive power and data such as key strokes, key combinations, email notifications, and web cam events, for example. The interactive apparatus also includes microphones and a phototransistor to detect sounds and movement. The interactive apparatus includes an eye assembly attached to a body and leg, which is responsive to inputs and interactions with the user and PC.

Abstract: An interactive robotic apparatus that interacts with a user, especially an elderly individual to provide companionship and comfort. The interactive apparatus receives inputs from the user and reacts and interacts. The interactive robotic apparatus includes microphones and a phototransistor to detect sounds and movement. The interactive robotic apparatus also includes a speaker to generate sounds responsive to the interaction with the user and exhibits a breathing animation and heartbeat.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure in fabrication includes a n-FinFET and p-FinFET. Stress inducing materials such as silicon and silicon germanium are epitaxially grown into naturally diamond-shaped structures atop the silicon fins of the n-FinFET and p-FinFET areas. The diamond structures act as the source, drain and channel between the source and drain. The diamond structures of the channel are selectively separated from the fin while retaining the fin connections of the diamond-shaped growth of the source and the drain. Further fabrication to complete the structure may then proceed.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a releasable sensory material that invokes a sensory response when in contact with tissues or surfaces of a mouth of a user. In one embodiment, an element is provided that is visually indicative of the sensory response. The oral care implement may also include a soft tissue cleaner provided with the sensory material.

Abstract: An toothbrush having a handle and a head. The handle may include a first component and a second component covering at least a portion of the first component. The first and second components may be chemically compatible. The first and second components may both comprise a hard polyolefin. The first and second components may have different transparencies. In one aspect, the first component may be opaque and the second component may be transparent or semi-transparent. In some aspects, the handle may also include a third component comprising a thermoplastic elastomer. Furthermore, there may be at least one projection extending outwardly from an outer surface of the first component.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for alignment of a thin-film transistor (TFT) panel and a barrier panel of a three-dimensional (3D) display. The apparatus comprises at least one light source for illuminating pixels in at least one region of the TFT panel and for illuminating at least one region of an exposure pattern of the barrier panel; a pattern recognition system for detecting light emitted from the at least one light source that is reflected by or transmitted through the 3D display, to generate alignment data relating to an alignment between the detected illuminated pixels of the TFT panel and the exposure pattern of the barrier panel; and a positioning mechanism for adjusting the relative position between the barrier panel and the TFT panel in relation to the alignment data. The at least one light source comprises at least one invisible light source which emits invisible light outside the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.