Abstract: A method is provided for forming a monolithically integrated optical filter, for example, a Fabry-Perot filter, over a substrate (10). The method comprises forming a first mirror (16) over the substrate (10). A plurality of etalon material layers (32, 34, 36, 38) are formed over the mirror (16), and a plurality of etch stop layers (42, 44, 46) are formed, one each between adjacent etalon material layers (32, 34, 36, 38). A photoresist is patterned to create an opening (54) over the top etalon material layer (38) and an etch (56) is performed down to the top etch stop layer (46). An oxygen plasma (58) may be applied to convert the etch stop layer (46) within the opening (54) to silicon dioxide (57). The photoresist patterning, etching, and applying of an oxygen plasma may be repeated as desired to obtain the desired number of levels (82, 84, 86, 88). A second mirror (72) is then formed on each of the levels (82, 84, 86, 88).

Abstract: A method and composition for treating acne. The present invention involves treatment of this medical condition with an oral administration of a mixture comprised of inorganic nickel compound(s) such as nickel sulfate, inorganic bromide compound(s) such as potassium bromide, inorganic zinc compound(s), and sulphur.

Abstract: The present invention relates to denture adhesive composition that can be dispensed from a tube, syringe and/or a pump comprising a safe and effective adhesive amount of a denture adhesive component; and a safe and effective amount of a water insoluble component selected from the group consisting of a water insoluble thermoplastic component, a water insoluble liquid component, and mixtures thereof; wherein the composition comprises a normalized ooze amount of about 0.001% to about 40%, or a ooze ratio from about 0.001 to about 0.7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a denture adhesive article comprising: a) a safe and effective adhesive amount of a water soluble denture adhesive component; b) a safe and effective amount of a component selected from the group consisting of a water soluble plasticizer, a water soluble carrier, and mixtures thereof; wherein the article is bioerodible; and wherein the article has dry tack.

Abstract: A high speed sensing scheme for a non-volatile memory array is disclosed. The memory array includes non volatile memory cells arranged in a complementary bitline configuration includes precharge circuits for precharging the bitlines to a first voltage level such as VSS, a reference circuits for applying a reference charge on the reference bitlines of the complementary bitline pairs, and bitline sense amplifiers for sensing a voltage differential between the complementary bitline pairs. A voltage on the data bitline being changed when a programmed non-volatile memory cell connected to an activated wordline couples the wordline voltage to the data bitline.

Abstract: Support is provided for multiple late binding objects with a same identifier, in an operating environment that only supports registration of a single late binding object with the same identifier. Each of a plurality of processes is associated with one of a plurality of late binding objects, such that at least two processes are each associated with a separate late binding object having the same identifier. Responsive to one of the plurality of processes attempting to access a late binding object by its identifier, a determination is made as to which late binding object is associated with the process. The associated late binding object is made available to the process.

Abstract: A bipolar high output current buffer is disclosed using a negative feedback current mirror to supply the base drive to an output transistor. Small quiescent currents are used wherein the buffer demonstrates low quiescent power dissipation. The current mirror supplies the incremental base drive to the output transistor to support high output currents. When the output drive may source or sink the high output currents, two current mirrors may be used, one for each of the source and the sinking circuitry. This invention provides for minimal loss of dynamic range.

Abstract: The invention provides a woven fabric comprising at least about 18% available stretch in at least a first direction and less than about 5% growth in at least the first direction, wherein the fabric consists essentially of staple fiber yarns in at least the first direction, and wherein the staple fiber yarns comprise poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) bicomponent staple fiber.

Abstract: A system and method for providing secure access to a computer system. An access device divides the password into multiple segments and places them in data packets. In one embodiment, an authentication server has multiple addresses, and each packet is sent to a different address. The server then reassembles the password. In another embodiment, when the server receives a password, the server sends an index value back to the access device, which then accesses the server on another address indicated by the index value. Alternatively, the password is sent to multiple addresses for the server, and the server determines whether any of the received packets have been altered. The multiple password packets may be forced to follow different paths to the server, thereby denying hackers the ability to intercept all of the password characters or determine the inter-packet timing factor. The system is effective against passive and active hackers, Trojans, and phishing techniques.

Abstract: A priority encoder (PE) for a CAM, comprising a plurality of PE blocks, each receiving a plurality of match results corresponding to data entries in a corresponding data array block and, for determining an address of a highest priority data entry based on a physical location in the data array block during a CAM search-and-compare operation a register for storing a user defined priority value assigned to each PE block and means for evaluating priority values and the address determined by the plurality of PE blocks to select a PE block having the highest priority data entry.

Abstract: System and apparatus for improving the display quality of display systems. A preferred embodiment comprises a planar object configured to variably pass light produced by a light source located on a first side of the planar object to a second side of the planar object, and a motor coupled to the planar object, the motor to rotate the planar object and change the amount of light passed by the planar object. The planar object includes a semi-circular beveled portion formed on a first side of the planar object. A slot with monotonically increasing width is cut along a spine of the semi-circular beveled portion and through the planar object and depending upon a width of the slot that is in front of the light source, the planar object passes a different amount of light. The motor is a DC brushless motor or a limited angular torque motor.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid passivate composition for treating metal surfaces having dispersed therein solid particles which result in a transparent or translucent, preferably colorless, corrosion resistant coating, upon drying of the aqueous liquid passivate composition, the coating providing better resistance to heating by solar energy than the untreated metal surface at lower coating thicknesses than paint.

Abstract: The present disclosure suggests various microelectronic component assembly designs and methods for manufacturing microelectronic component assemblies. In one particular implementation, the invention provides a microelectronic component assembly that includes spaced-apart first and second lead frame members. A packaged element is disposed between the lead frame members and attached thereto only by a plurality of elongate, flexible links that permit the packaged element to accommodate thermally induced stresses by floating with respect to the first and second lead frame members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for making purchase transactions at a point-of-sale. A wireless purchase device (WPD) comprising a short range communications device for communication with vendor point-of-sale equipment such as a wireless vendor device (WVD) and a long range communications device for communications with credit or debit authorization processors. In preferred embodiments, a WVD will communicate vendor identification data and a transaction purchase price to a WPD and a WPD user will determine whether to complete the transaction. The transaction may be completed by transmitting the vendor identification and purchase data to an authorization processor for credit or debit approval. Authorization approval or denial is transmitted to the WPD where the user is discretely notified of the outcome. If approved, the user may transmit the approval to the WVD to complete the transaction.

Abstract: A system and method for documenting delays associated with a project. The present invention includes provisions that enable a field personnel working on a project on the field to document excusable delays as the delays are encountered. The field personnel is equipped with a communications device that has access to a server. During a communications session between the communications device and the server, the field personnel uses the communications device to upload project information related to the delays to the server. The server then invokes or updates a DMT to document the time associated with the delays. The delay time documented in the DMT is then subtracted from a total time reported by a maintenance clock associated with the project.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method pertain to identifying an output signal having indeterminate timing, creating an expectation for a signal change associated with the output signal, and adding the expectation to an ordered list of expectations for the output signal. In another embodiment, a system and method pertain to detecting a signal change, identifying a vector associated with the signal in which the change occurred, examining pending expectations of the vector until a mature expectation is identified, comparing an expected value contained in the mature expectation with the detected signal change, and reporting an error if the expected value does not match the detected signal change.

Abstract: A cover that protects a tip of a surgical instrument. The tip can be placed within a housing of the cover. The housing has openings on each end that allow sterilization fluid to flow across the tip during an autoclave procedure. The tip can be placed on a handle of the cover. The handle can be rotated relative to the housing to allow for the easy insertion and removal of the tip from the cover.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyester bicomponent staple fiber comprising poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(trimethylene terephthalate), and poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) or a combination of such members, said bicomponent staple fiber having: a) a scalloped oval cross-section shape having an aspect ratio a:b of about 2:1 to about 5:1 wherein ‘a’ is a fiber cross-section major axis length and ‘b’ is a fiber cross-section minor axis length; b) a polymer interface substantially perpendicular to the major axis; c) a cross-section configuration selected from the group consisting of side-by-side and eccentric sheath-core; d) a plurality of longitudinal grooves; and e) a groove ratio of about 1.05:1 to about 1.9:1. Additionally, the invention provides a spun yarn comprising cotton and the polyester bicomponent staple fiber of the invention, as well as fabrics and garments comprising the spun yarn of the invention.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) wherein R1 is a C1-6 straight or branched chain alkyl group, a C2-6alkenyl group, a C2-6 alkynyl group, a C3-6cycloalkyl group or a C3-6cycloalkylC1-6alkyl group, each optionally substituted by one to three groups independently selected from: —CN; —NO2; a group —COR2 wherein R2 is hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, —OR3 wherein R3 is hydrogen or C1-6alkyl or NR4R5 wherein R4 and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl; a group —S(O)mR6 wherein m is 0, 1 or 2, R6 is hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, hydroxy or NR7R8 wherein R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl; a group PO(OR9)2 wherein R9 is hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl; a group NR10R11 wherein R10 and R11 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, —COR12 wherein R12 is hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl, or —S(O)m?R13 wherein m? is 0, 1 or 2 and R13 is hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl; halo; or a group —OR14 wherein R14 is hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by one to three halo atoms, C6-10 aryl or —COR15 wherein R15 is hydroge