Abstract: A UV-curable coating for use with golf balls and other substrates includes one or more low viscosity polyether acrylate, a functional carbodiimide resin, one or more low viscosity aliphatic urethane polyacrylate oligomer, and a photoinitiator selected from one or more of mono-aryl ketones, trimethylbenzoyldiphenyl phosphinates, and/or phosphine oxides. In addition, a method of curing a UV-curable coating is disclosed. The method includes the steps of spraying the formulation onto the exterior of a substrate, surrounding the substrate in an inert gas enviromnent, and irradiating the substrate with ultraviolet radiation from a doped medium pressure mercury vapor lamp.

Abstract: A multi-motor drive in which the resonance existing between one or more output filter capacitors of a current source inverter and an a.c. induction motor is reduced. The inverter features a switching pattern generator which controls the power switches of the inverter based on a reference current. A control loop, connected to the switching pattern generator, measures the load current or voltage and generates a nominal reference current based on an error therein; determines a damping current based on the voltage at the terminal; and determines the reference current supplied to the switching pattern generator by subtracting the damping current from the nominal reference current. The invention essentially simulates the use of a physical damping resistor connected in parallel with each output filter capacitor, but without the corresponding energy loss.

Abstract: A resealable access site (10) is provided for allowing a cannula (18) multiple accesses to an internal cavity (35) defined by a container (12). The access site (10) includes a first conduit (28) defining a passageway (29) forming a fluid path to the cavity within the container. Sealingly attached to the conduit (28) is a housing (26) with a lower portion (26a) and a lower flange (68) attached to a lower end of the lower portion and extending radially inward from the lower portion. A septum (24) is disposed and compressed within the lower portion, with the septum defining an opening (46) extending upward through at least a portion of the septum. The opening (46) is sized for insertion of the cannula (18) through the septum (24) with the septum sealing about the exterior of the cannula. The septum (24) is maintained in the housing by the support provided by the opposing flange (68) and conduit (28).

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 from between the lines after CMP with a solution comprising acetic acid and ammonium fluoride. Embodiments include removing up to 60 .ANG., e.g. about 10 .ANG. to about 30 .ANG., of silicon oxide by immersing the wafer in a solution containing at least about 90 wt. % acetic acid and up to about 10 wt. % ammonium fluoride.

Abstract: A wall structure for dividing building space includes several different freestanding base panels such as an internally open partition panel, a sound-deadening partition panel, a glass-supporting partition panel, and a doorway-supporting partition panel, and further includes an overhead system comprising a structural expressway construction, a transom subframe, covers for the subframe, and a glass module attachable to the subframe. The structural expressway construction has a torque box bracket for moving support from an inboard location spaced from the vertical side edge of the base panels to the vertical side edge. The transom subframe mounts atop the different base panels, and telescopingly extends into mating engagement with a ceiling channel.

Abstract: Methods for treating a connective tissue disorder by introducing at least one gene encoding a product into at least one target cell of a mammalian host for use in treating the mammalian host are disclosed. These methods include employing recombinant techniques to produce a vector molecule containing the DNA sequence encoding for the product and infecting the target cell of the mammalian host using the vector. The injection can be done in vivo, by directly injecting the vector into the host, or can be done in vitro by transfecting a population of cultured target cells with the vector and transplanting them each into the host. Nonviral means can also be used to introduce the DNA sequence to the host. Administration of more than one gene of interest results in an enhanced therapeutic benefit. Also disclosed is a method for treating a connective tissue disorder by introducing at least one gene encoding a product into at least one target cell of a joint of a host for use in treating multiple joints of the host.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel vaccines for the prevention or attenuation of infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The invention further relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding antigenic polypeptides of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antigenic polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention additionally relates to diagnostic methods for detecting Streptococcus nucleic acids, polypeptides and antibodies in a biological sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are agents for enhancing the contrast in an ultrasound image. These agents are extremely small bubbles, or "microbubbles," comprised of specially selected gases. The microbubbles described herein exhibit long life spans in solution and may be produced at a size small enough to traverse the lungs, thus enabling improved ultrasound imaging of the cardiovascular system and other vital organs. Also disclosed herein is a method for selecting gases from which contrast agents may be produced. The method is based on calculations using inherent physical properties of gases and describes a means to associate the properties of a gas with the time for dissolution of microbubbles comprised of the gas.

Abstract: An improved reverse voltage protection circuit that protects sensitive electronic devices from damage due to both reversed battery connections and source voltage interruptions. An N-channel protection FET is inversely connected between the negative terminal of the protected device and ground, and the conduction of the protection FET is extended during a reverse transient protection period following interruption of the source voltage. A capacitor connected across the gate-to-source circuit of the protection FET is charged from the source voltage through a low impedance charging circuit including a diode to prevent the capacitor from discharging, and is discharged during an interruption of the source voltage through a high impedance discharging circuit connected in parallel with the charging circuit.

Abstract: A multiple-layer interconnect structure in an integrated circuit, is formed using damascene techniques. A first layer interconnect has a first dielectric layer through which at least one first layer conductor extends. A second layer interconnect is then formed on the first layer interconnect. The second layer interconnect also includes a second layer dielectric through which at least one second layer conductor extends. However, the second layer interconnect is created by first forming a thick second later dielectric layer and then reducing the thickness of the second layer dielectric prior to a patterning step. As a result topographical irregularities that may have carried over to the second layer interconnect from the first layer interconnect are removed by providing a substantially planar surface on the second layer dielectric.

Abstract: A portable water storage tank having an internal submersible pump connected to a water discharge pipe and an internal air-hydropneumatic tank also connected to the water discharge pipe; a pressure switch connected to the discharge pipe and an electrical circuit for turning the pump on and off in response to pressure variations in the water discharge pipe. A water heater in the water storage tank and a temperature sensor in the tank to activate the heater upon detection of predetermined water temperatures.

Abstract: A memory device comprises a substrate, an antenna on a first surface of the substrate, a microelectronic structure coupled to the antenna, a selectively deformable intermediate layer covering the first surface, the antenna and the microelectronic structure and conforming thereto, and an adhesive layer covering the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer may be deformable for selectively positioning the antenna with respect to the adhesive, and positioning the antenna with respect to an item to which the memory device is secured. The intermediate layer may be compressed, creating a relatively low profile for printing on the memory device. The intermediate layer may be an elastomerically compressible material, such as foam, or may be a selectively pressurizable and deformable envelope.

Abstract: A DC--DC converter having an input node receiving an input voltage V.sub.IN and generating an output voltage V.sub.OUT. A reference voltage generator provides a voltage V.sub.REF and a hysteresis voltage generator provides a voltage V.sub.HYST. A first comparator generates a signal determined from a difference between V.sub.REF and V.sub.OUT. A second comparator generates a signal determined from a difference between V.sub.OUT and V.sub.HYST. A latch is coupled to receive the outputs of the first and second comparators, and to generate an output. A driver circuit receives the latch output and generates a PWM signal used to switch the output stage. A double pulse suppression circuit masks off the latch inputs for a preselected time during the switching intervals fo the main power transistors to eliminate noise jitter.

Abstract: A UV-curable coating for use with golf balls and other substrates includes one or more low viscosity polyether acrylate, a functional carbodiimide resin, one or more low viscosity aliphatic urethane polyacrylate oligomer, and a photoinitiator selected from one or more of S mono-aryl ketones, trimethylbenzoyldiphenyl phosphinates, and/or phosphine oxides. In addition, a method of curing a UV-curable coating is disclosed. The method includes the steps of spraying the formulation onto the exterior of a substrate, surrounding the substrate in an inert gas environment, and irradiating the substrate with ultraviolet radiation from a doped medium pressure mercury vapor lamp.

Abstract: A self-piercing pulse oximeter sensor is provided for attachment to subject, e.g., an individual or an animal. The device includes a flexible pulse oximeter sensor, an earring post, and a grommet. The earring post may be used as a piercing device if there is not a pierced body part suitable for attaching the pulse oximeter sensor to the body. Otherwise the earring post may be slid into the pierced hole. In either case, the tip of the earring post engages a grommet once passing through the body part. Thus, the pulse oximeter sensor functions in a transilluminance mode by transmitting light through the pierced body part.

Abstract: A proxy system that offers connection services and acceleration services is disclosed. The acceleration services provide for accelerated delivery of content to requestors (e.g., clients) while guaranteeing a minimum level of service (for content delivery) to the requestors. The acceleration services are facilitated by improved techniques for rapid and efficient delivery of objects from a network (e.g., the Internet) to users. The improved techniques can be utilized in a variety of apparatuses, including a proxy having an acceleration apparatus (e.g., an acceleration server). The acceleration apparatus manages and monitors its utilization of processing resources so that performance of the proxy system can during worst case conditions guarantee a minimum level of service (for content delivery) to the requestors. The proxy system is also well suited for being scaled to provide additional processing resources.

Abstract: A plasma reactor and methods for processing semiconductor wafers are described. Gases are introduced into a reactor chamber. An induction coil surrounds the reactor chamber. RF power is applied to the induction coil and is inductively coupled into the reactor chamber causing a plasma to form. A split Faraday shield is interposed between the induction coil and the reactor chamber to substantially block the capacitive coupling of energy into the reactor chamber which may modulate the plasma potential. The configuration of the split Faraday shield may be selected to control the level of modulation of the plasma potential. For etch processes, a separate powered electrode may be used to accelerate ions toward a wafer surface. For isotropic etching processes, charged particles may be filtered from the gas flow, while a neutral activated species passes unimpeded to a wafer surface.

Abstract: Abrasion of Cu metallization during CMP is reduced and residual slurry particulate removal facilitated by employing a CMP slurry containing a dispersion of iron oxide particles having high solubility in dilute acids. Embodiments include CMP Cu metallization with a slurry containing iron oxide particles and removing residual iron oxide particles after CMP with an organic acid, such as oxalic acid or acetic acid, or a dilute inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric, boric or fluoroboric acid.

Abstract: A circuit and method for preventing an oscillator from oscillating above a first predetermined frequency or below a second predetermined frequency. The present invention may comprise (a) a clock generation circuit configured to generate an output clock signal in response to (i) a reference clock, (ii) one or more control signals and (ii) a reset signal and (b) a control circuit configured to generate said reset signal in response to said one or more control signals.