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. Embodiments include removing up to 20 .ANG. of silicon oxide by buffing with a solution containing ammonium fluoride, diammonium hydrogen citrate, triammonium citrate, a surfactant and de-ionized water.

Abstract: A process for the production of C.sub.8 and higher olefins by the oligomerization of light olefins to heavier olefins is improved by the addition of cycloparaffins to the oligomerization zone. The recycle of the cycloparaffins extends the catalyst activity and improves the catalyst life. Cyclohexane provides an excellent solvent for removing deposits from the catalyst with chemical inertness to the process and a boiling range that allows its essentially complete recovery when producing nonenes and higher olefins from propylene feeds.

Abstract: A production pump for lifting subterranean fluids to the surface of the earth. The production pump is formed from a housing having a pumping unit disposed within the housing. The housing further has a first end defining a first chamber that provides a fluid intake for the pump unit. The housing further has a second end defining a second chamber that provides a fluid outlet for the pump unit. Additionally, the pump includes a conduit that extends from the second end of the housing into the first chamber to provide fluid to the first chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in vivo electroporation therapy. Using electroporation therapy (EPT) as described, tumors treated by a combination of electroporation using the apparatus and a chemotherapeutic agent caused regression of tumors in vivo. In one embodiment, a method of EPT utilizes low voltage and long pulse length for inducing cell death. One embodiment 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: In an ring laser gyro, a path length modulation signal is applied to an amplifier with two gain levels and the amplifier's output is added to a path length transducer drive signal that changes the gyro's path length. When a path length reset signal is produced, the higher gain signal is selected and maintained for a short interval after the reset signal.

Abstract: A thin film transistor (10) in an electronic device such as an active matrix display panel having an intrinsic amorphous silicon semiconductor layer (22) providing a channel region (23) between source and drain electrodes (14, 16) includes directly adjacent to the side of the semiconductor layer (22) remote from the gate electrode (25) at the channel region (23) a layer (20) of amorphous semiconductor material which has a high defect density and low conductivity that serves to provide recombination centres for photogenerated carriers. Leakage problems due to the photoconductive properties of the intrinsic semiconductor material are then reduced. Conveniently, an hydrogenated silicon rich amorphous silicon alloy (e.g. nitride etc) can be used for the recombination centre layer (20).

Abstract: A fluid assembly and a method are provided. In one embodiment, the fluid assembly is insertable into a container holding a first fluid to be supplied to a diagnostic instrument and comprises a first element, a second element, and a first conduit fluidly connected between the first element and the second element such that the first fluid in the container moves through the first conduit towards the diagnostic instrument. A second conduit containing a second fluid is fluidly connected between the first element and the second element. A pressure transducer is fluidly connected with the second conduit such that the second fluid is bounded within the second conduit by the first fluid and the pressure transducer. The pressure transducer monitors pressure of the second fluid to indicate a volume of the first fluid in the container.

Abstract: An article is disclosed which provides for powering or charging the battery of a variety of different electronic devices, with the article being in two parts. The first part has components such that it is "universal" for use with all of the variety of different devices, and the second part has components which are specific to the operation of only a single model, type or brand of such device or of closely related devices which operate with the same voltage and plug-compatibility requirements of the specific device. In particular, the article with both parts (modules) present will operate a specific model, type or brand of device. However one can disconnect the two parts from each other and connect a different second part for a different device to the same first part, thereby being able to operate two different devices with substitution of only one part (the second) rather than requiring substitution of the entire article when a difference device must be powered or its battery charged.

Abstract: Relatively heavy electrical equipment, such as a computer mainframe or server unit, is provided with a mechanism which prevents and/or mitigates damage to the equipment caused by seismological or other activity. In particular, the mechanism comprises a turnbuckle having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts.

Abstract: An improved oil flow reduction valve regulates the flow of lubricant to the fan reduction gearbox of a turbine engine, or other accessories requiring lubrication as a function of engine load. The invention takes advantage of the strong correlation between the gear torque output of the engine and the engine compressor discharge pressure by metering oil flow as a function of compressor discharge pressure. In one embodiment a metering valve employs a sense piston that receives a pressure signal from the compressor section of the engine. In response to the pressure signal, the sense piston moves a slide valve which blocks or uncovers one or more output orifices to regulate the flow of oil through the metering valve. The valve is preferably configured to allow maximum oil flow in the event the valve should fail or in the event the compressor discharge pressure signal is lost, to ensure safe operation of the lubricated components.

Abstract: An unplumbed sterilizer includes a heater having an electrical heating element disposed within a thermally conductive heater body. A conformable thermally conductive heat transfer plate is mounted between a mounting surface on the heater body and a heating surface on the sterilizing chamber. The heat transfer plate is effective to maintain a continuous mechanical contact between the heating and mounting surfaces. Further, a temperature sensor is attached to the heater body. By regulating the electrical power to the heating element as a function of the temperature of the heater body, the power applied to the heating element is maintained within specifications. Further, the heater body is mechanically attached to the sterilizing chamber by a single fastener resiliently applying a clamping force through the center of the heater body. In addition, the heater body is accessed simply by removing a cover plate from the outer body of the sterilizer.

Abstract: An integrated XNOR flip-flop is provided which is faster than conventional XNOR flip-flop combinations. The integrated XNOR flip-flop is faster and uses less area than conventional XNOR flip-flop combinations. The integrated circuit has few gates along the critical path and takes advantage of the set up times inherent in the flip-flop. Accordingly, the integrated XNOR flip-flop is able to perform the same function in an expedient manner. In one illustrative embodiment, a plurality of the integrated XNOR flip-flops are used to compare a tag of a cache memory with an address to determine whether the desired address is available in the cache.

Abstract: A connection module is disclosed for a submergible pumping system of the type including a submergible electric motor and a pump drivingly coupled to the motor. The system may also include additional components such as a fluid separators, an injection pump, and so forth. The connection module includes a body through which a fluid passage is formed. A recess is formed in the body for receiving a cable for transmitting power to the submergible electric motor. The fluid passage transfers fluid within the pumping system, such as by means of shrouds disposed around the system components. The connection module also includes an electrical connector for completing current carrying paths between a supply cable and the motor. The connection module may thus serve as the motor head in which the electrical connections are made, but through which fluid is channeled to system components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating the pressure readings obtained by catheter tip pressure transducers. The apparatus includes a Plexiglas vessel covered by a closure containing eight catheter ports through which the transducers are introduced into the vessel. The vessel is filled with saline solution that has been warmed to body temperature. The transducer ends of the catheters are inserted through airtight hemostatic control valves into the vessel through the catheter ports. Plexiglas guide tubes are used to guide the transducers into the saline solution at predetermined distances below the surface of the saline solution. The distances are used to calculate the hydrostatic pressures exerted upon the transducers by the saline solution. Known pressures are applied to the transducers through an airtight pressure port in the closure. Calculated hydrostatic pressures are added to the known pressures to provide calibration pressures for comparison with monitored pressure readings.

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: Curable epoxy resin compositions, preferably solvent-free, wherein a fluorene amine curative is partially melt dissolved and partially dispersed as a solid in at least one aromatic polyepoxide. The compositions provide prepregs which exhibit tack with surprisingly good shelf life properties. Cured composites comprising the prepregs are also provided. The cured composites exhibit little resin migration and glass transition temperatures that are comparable to those of cured neat resins.

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: Method and apparatus for actuating one or more downhole well tools carried by a production or workstring conduit having an imperforate wall and for blocking fluid communication between an activating fluid body and a second fluid source within said well across dynamic seals between actuating members of the well tool, by producing selective signals through the conduit wall detectable by a member to produce an activating signal for actuating the downhole well tool by a downhole energy source.