Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A release mechanism is provided for the tension element.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for regulating a hydraulic restriction system. In general, the methods and devices can allow for non-invasive pressure control using a flow control mechanism. The flow control mechanism can be disposed between an implantable restriction device and a fluid source and include an adjustable, variably-sized fluid communication member in fluid communication with the restriction device and the fluid source. The geometry of the fluid communication member can control a rate of fluid flow between the restriction device and the fluid source, thereby also regulating a rate at which a pressure of fluid within the restriction device changes. Alternatively, the fluid flow control mechanism can include a biasing mechanism that can control the rate of fluid flow between the restriction device and the fluid source.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for regulating a hydraulic restriction system including a restriction device. In general, the methods and devices can allow for non-invasive, transient pressure control. The methods and devices can also, in some embodiments, mechanically regulate pressure of the restriction device without using any electrical components that may need to be powered to operate over extended periods of time.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for regulating a restriction system. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided having a restriction device configured to receive fluid and to form a restriction in a pathway corresponding to an amount of fluid contained therein, at least one fluid reservoir, and a fluid logic system coupled between the restriction device and the at least one fluid reservoir. The fluid logic system is configured to regulate an amount of fluid in the restriction device in response to a fluid pressure acting thereon.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for regulating a restriction system. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided having a restriction device coupled to a port with a fluid disposed therein, such that the restriction device is adapted to form a restriction in a pathway corresponding to an amount of fluid contained therein, and a pressure adjustment unit in communication with the port and effective to maintain a substantially constant equilibrium pressure between the pressure adjustment unit and the restriction device. The pressure adjustment unit is configured to regulate an amount of fluid in the restriction device in response to a fluid pressure acting thereon.

Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator system that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The system includes a one-piece torque wrench that is provided with cantilever arms aligned in an annular fashion about the centerline of the torque wrench. The cantilever arms include teeth in an inward perpendicular fashion in relation to cantilever arms. The clamp coagulator includes an outer tube retainer that includes spline gears projecting in a perpendicular fashion along the outer circumference of retainer. Torque is transmitted through the cantilever arms to the spline gears for attaching a handpiece to the clamp coagulator.

Abstract: A method for enhancing information derived from acoustically inspected samples comprises deriving an acoustic image of a sample, and generating a visual superposition of one or more additional images. The additional images are selected from the group consisting of an optical image, a second acoustic image in a different sized field of view form said acoustic image, an infrared image, an X-ray image, and an electron beam image.

Abstract: A method for enhancing information derived from acoustically inspected samples comprises deriving an acoustic image of a sample, and generating a visual superposition of one or more additional images. The additional images are selected from the group consisting of an optical image, a second acoustic image in a different sized field of view form said acoustic image, an infrared image, an X-ray image, and an electron beam image.

Abstract: A system for, and method of, manufacturing a semicustom reticle for an integrated circuit (IC) and an IC manufactured by the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a library of reticle primitives, at least two of the reticle primitives containing patterns corresponding to portions of a layer to be created by the semicustom Reticle and (2) exposure equipment that employs the at least two of the recticle primitives to create an image of the patterns on the semicustom reticle to allow the semicustom reticle to create the layer in a single lithographic step.

Abstract: A patterned transfer process in the manufacture of a semiconductor device is monitored. Patterned features formed on a semiconductor layer to be etched are scanned for generating a first amplitude modulated waveform intensity signal. The first amplitude modulated waveform intensity signal is sampled to extract a first measurement population of critical dimension measurements. The patterned features are etched and then scanned for generating a second amplitude modulated waveform intensity signal. The second amplitude modulated waveform intensity signal is then sampled to extract a second measurement population of critical dimension measurements, which are then cross-correlated to obtain correlation values of the etching process.

Abstract: A system for, and method of, manufacturing an integrated circuit (IC) and an IC manufactured by the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a library of reticle primitives, at least two of the reticle primitives containing patterns corresponding to circuit modules to be contained in the IC, (2) an interconnect reticle containing patterns corresponding to interconnecting conductors for electrically coupling the circuit modules and (3) lithographic equipment that employs the at least two of the recticle primitives and the interconnect reticle to create a lithograph of the circuit modules and the interconnecting conductors.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is useful as a disposable litter box and comprised of a base flexibly attached to a cover and constructed from a single piece of biodegradable, lightweight construction material that either is, or is treated to be, moisture resistant. An object of the invention is to provide a collapsible, disposable pet litter box having a cover flexibly attached to a base and wherein the device of the present invention is capable of being manipulated, into an erect state, that allows access to the litter material held within the base, and into a collapsed state that caps the base and seals litter in the base.

Abstract: A method of depositing a material upon a substrate is disclosed. A material, such as photoresist, is deposited upon a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer by spinning the substrate and commencing deposition at the edge of the wafer and moving inward in a spiral pattern. The method produces a more uniform coating than hitherto available.

Abstract: A deck structure for use in supporting cargo at an intermediate level above the floor or bed of a trailer van, or the like. A first embodiment includes a first deck section pivotally mounted on a side wall of a trailer van and movable to a horizontal load position, and back up to a vertical stored position against the side wall where it is releasably held by a spring slam bolt engaged with a height saving angle locking rail. In the first embodiment a second section of the deck is pivotally connected to the first section and it is also movable between a horizontal load position and a vertical stored position against the side wall, and when it is in the vertical stored position it is hanging from the first section and is configured such that it nests closely in the first deck section to provide a slender storing intermediate deck structure.

Abstract: A method of depositing a material upon a substrate is disclosed. A material, such as photoresist, is deposited upon a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer by spinning the substrate and commencing deposition at the edge of the wafer and moving inward in a spiral pattern. The method produces a more uniform coating than hitherto available.

Abstract: A method to achieve good stepper focus and exposure over an entire wafer for a particular mask level before the start of a product run is described. This method can also be used to produce a characterization of lens field curvature (i.e., a surface of optimum focus across the lens) and to characterize lens astigmatism, defocus sensitivity, relative resolution, and other characteristics, and to check the stepper for optical column tilt. The process prevents the complexities of resist development from affecting determination of focus. The process involves forming an array of latent images in a resist and examining the scattered light from the edges of the latent images. Analysis of the scattered light quickly provides information on correct exposure and focus together with lens characteristics over the printing field.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory cell with parallel gates is disclosed. The direction of the gates is desirably chosen to minimize lithographic astigmatic effects. Thus gates of comparatively uniform width are produced and predictability of transistor performance thereby improved. Another embodiment of the invention features a connection between two conductive layers and a source/drain. The connection forms a node between one access transistor and one pull-down transistor.

Abstract: A binder composition for aggregate mixtures which comprises a sugar selected from the group consisting of mono saccharides, di saccharides, tri saccharides and mixtures thereof. Also disclosed are a novel monolithic layer composition incorporating the binder and a method of forming a protective layer in a metallurgical vessel utilizing the monolithic layer composition.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operated valve for generating a fast, pulsed molecular beam is disclosed. Two axially aligned solenoids are mounted in a valve housing, the front end of which is closed by end plate having a central valve aperture. The solenoids are held in spaced apart relationship by a non-magnetic ring to define a gap between the faces of the two solenoid windings. A thin disc of magnetic material moves between the solenoid cores upon energization of first one and then the other of the windings. A small diameter non-magnetic tube extends from the center of the disc coaxially through one of the solenoid cores and terminates in a stainless steel tip which carries a valve head in the form of a short rod having a flat end. The tube is axially movable by the disc to move the valve head into and out of engagement with the end plate to close and open the valve aperture.