Abstract: Agents for enhancing the contrast in a diagnostic ultrasound procedure comprise colloidal dispersions of the liquid-in-liquid type, i.e., emulsions or microemulsions, in which the dispersed liquid phase is a liquid having a boiling point below the temperature of the animal to be imaged and which therefore undergoes a phase change from a dispersed liquid to a highly echogenic dispersed gaseous foam or kugelschaum following administration to the animal. The liquid state of the dispersed phase allows one to manufacture extremely stable, pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions with particle sizes typically below 1000 nm. The gaseous state at body temperature yields highly echogenic microbubbles, typically below 10,000 nm in diameter, which are effective as ultrasound contrast agents. Intravenous, intraarterial, oral, intraperitoneal, and intrauterine dosage forms, methods of administration, and imaging techniques are described.

Abstract: The control algorithm for a rear wheel anti-lock brake system includes a subroutine which proportions the applied braking force between front and rear wheel brakes of a vehicle during a braking cycle. The speed of the rear wheels is sensed and used to calculate an estimated vehicle deceleraion. Upon the estimated vehicle deceleration exceeding a deceleration threshold, an isolation valve is closed to hold the brake pressure applied to the vehicle rear brakes constant. Upon further increases of the estimated vehicle deceleration, the isolation valve is selectively opened to increase the rear brake pressure in proportion to the front brake pressure.

Abstract: String silencers for reducing the sound made when an arrow is released from a bow. These silencers are made from a material which allows the silencer to freely flex when the arrow is released and the bow string begins to vibrate. Silencers usable with conventional bow strings and with split bow strings are disclosed. Disclosed silencers for conventional bow strings have uniform and necked down configurations, and a representative, disclosed silencer for split bow strings has a center segment and integral arms at opposite ends of the center segment. With the silencer at rest, these arms extend in opposite directions from, and at equal angles to, the center segment.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and a method of removing photoresist is described. The process described uses a low oxygen gas or non-oxygen gas plasma that removes the photoresist and provides a protective surface layer over the low-k dielectric material. The low-k dielectric material is part of a dielectric stack. After exposure to the gas plasmas the integrated circuit is subjected to solvent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying grain in which a plurality of conveyors are mounted one above the other. The discharge end of one conveyor feeds the input end of the next lower conveyor. The conveyors have a porous top surface and are vibrated to move the grain. Warm air is conveyed beneath the top conveyor and every other conveyor thereafter. Cool air is conveyed beneath the conveyor beneath the top conveyor and every other conveyor thereafter. The warm and cool air passes through the porous top surfaces of the conveyors. Thus the conveyors alternately heat and cool the grain to remove moisture to the desired level. The apparatus can be free standing or mounted as part of a combine or harvester.

Abstract: A method for predicting process parameters for optimization and control of microstructure in metal and alloy products of hot working fabrication processes is described. The method uses state-space material behavior models and hot deformation process models for calculating optimal strain, strain rate and temperature trajectories for processing the material. Using the optimal trajectories and appropriate optimality criteria, suitable process parameters such as ram velocity and die profile for processing the material are determined to achieve prescribed strain, strain rate and temperature trajectories.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in vivo electroporation therapy. Using electroporation therapy (EPT) as described in the invention, tumors treated by a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention and a chemotherapeutic agent caused regression of tumors in vivo. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of EPT utilizing low voltage and long pulse length for inducing cell death. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for clinical electroporation that includes a needle array electrode having a “keying” element that determines the set point of the therapy voltage pulse and/or selectable array switching patterns. A number of electrode applicator designs permit access to and treatment of a variety of tissue sites. Another embodiment provides a laparoscopic needle applicator that is preferably combined with an endoscope for minimally invasive EPT.

Abstract: An article and method of manufacturing a semiconductor flash cell. The method includes producing an isolation formation layer on a silicon substrate, forming an oxide on the isolation formation layer, growing a tunnel oxide layer thereon, depositing a first poly silicon layer, masking and etching the first poly silicon layer, depositing a second poly silicon layer and performing a blanket etch back step, forming an oxide/nitride/oxide layer forming a third poly-silicon layer and depositing a silicide layer thereon.

Abstract: A process for etching and filling a trench prevents the top opening of the trench from being closed off prior to the trench being completely filled. After a masking layer is deposited and patterned, the trench is etched and then the masking layer is removed. A first liner insulating layer is grown or deposited and is then etched anisotropically to remove the layer from the top surface of the substrate as well as from the top portion of the walls of the trench. A second, thinner liner layer is grown or deposited on the exposed portion of the walls of the trench to provide surface and edge protection. A polysilicon layer is then deposited to fill the trench and is planarized to remove the portion deposited on the top surface of the substrate. Alternatively, the thinner oxide liner can be omitted, and the polysilicon is removed by chemical mechanical polishing until the trench liner oxide appears on the top surface. An overlaying insulation layer is then deposited.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a tablet to the support of a seating assembly includes inner and outer mounting collars which are attached to the tablet support. The inner and outer mounting collars define a passage within which a connecting shaft is supported. The connecting shaft extends from a hinge mechanism connected to the tablet. The connecting shaft includes a radially extending key member. The inner and outer collars form a shaft retaining structure which supports the connecting shaft for pivotal movement and also provides a chamber that accommodates rotation of the key member along an arcuate key path between a front key stop and a rear key stop. This mounting assembly provides two-dimensional rotational movement for the tablet arm, and provides convenient and quiet movement of the tablet arm from a lowered, stored position to a raised, vertical intermediate position and to an operative raised, horizontal position.

Abstract: A terrain awareness system (TAS) provides LOOK-AHEAD/LOOK-DOWN as well as LOOK-UP terrain advisory and warning indications to the pilot of an aircraft of a hazardous flight condition. The TAS includes an airport data base as well as a terrain data base that is structured to provide various resolutions depending on the topography of the particular geographic area of interest. Navigational data from a satellite-based navigational system, such as a global positioning system (GPS), is used to provide a LOOK-AHEAD/LOOK-DOWN and LOOK-UP terrain advisory and terrain warning indications based upon the current position and projected flight path of the aircraft. Since the terrain advisory and the warning signals are a function of the flight path of the aircraft, nuisance warnings are minimized.

Abstract: In a fluid sampling system, a pre-slit injection site includes a housing with a flow path therethrough. A first end of the housing carries a pre-slit septum. One form of a blunt cannula, usable with the injection site, carries a locking member. When the pre-slit injection site slidably receives the blunt cannula, the locking member latches to the injection site and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula includes an elongated member having a tapered distal end region and a substantially cylindrical sheath surrounding the elongated member to protect it from inadvertent touch contamination. The sheath may include means defining at least two slots opposite one another at its distal end and the sheath may be outwardly tapered.

Abstract: The formation and/or growth of dendrites emanating from Cu or Cu alloy lines into a bordering open dielectric field are prevented or substantially reduced by chemically removing a portion of the surface from the dielectric field and between the lines after CMP. Embodiments include removing up to 20 Å of silicon oxide by buffing with a solution containing ammonium fluoride, diammonium hydrogen citrate, triammonium citrate and dionized water.

Abstract: A valve control apparatus for generating an anticipatory output response for controlling a fluid flow in a fluid flow line includes a valve provided inside the fluid flow line, at least one sensor for providing at least one input signal, said at least one input signal responsive to properties of said fluid flow in advance of said valve, and a letdown back-pressure controller receiving said at least one input signal and providing a tunable output signal for selectively opening and closing said valve to vary flow in the flow line responsive to said at least one input signal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing fluid tubing such as fuel or brake tubing utilizes fluid tubing which includes a metal tube with a longitudinal axis, a corrosion resistant metal coating over the metal tube, a binder layer over the metal coating and a plastic coating over the binder layer. A water jet cutter is positioned adjacent to the fluid tubing. The fluid tubing and/or the water jet cutter are moved in a feed direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The fluid tubing and/or the water jet cutter are rotated about the longitudinal axis. A water jet is jetted from the water jet cutter against the fluid tubing substantially tangentially to the metal tube and at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis, whereby the plastic coating and the binder layer are removed from the fluid tubing and the metal coating remains substantially intact on the metal tube.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining altitude, specifically altitude in an aircraft, and an estimated error of the altitude. The altitude determination preferably uses a first altitude based on hydrostatic calculations, including local pressure and temperature, as well as a second altitude which is preferably a GPS altitude. A radio altimetry can also be used instead of or to complement the GPS altitude. Other sources of altitude determination can be used in the equation for the calculation of the final altitude. Each of the sources of altitude determination is provided with a complementary estimated error. In the final determination of the probable altitude, each source of altitude information is preferably accorded a weighting according to the estimated error of the altitude source. For global positioning altitude, the final combination of the altitude sources uses a complementary filter which takes into account the selective availability of the GPS altitude.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site (34) includes a housing (40) with a flow path therethrough. A first end (42) of the housing (40) carries a pre-slit septum (52). One form of a blunt cannula (98), usable with the injection site (34), carries a locking member (100). When the pre-slit injection site (34) slidably receives the blunt cannula (98), the locking member (100) latches to the injection site (34) and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula (280) includes a tube having a tapered distal end region (298) and having elongate discharge slots (294) for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post (330), an annular barb (394), and axially oriented grooves (268).