Abstract: A method and apparatus to convert parallel data to serial data. More specifically, there is provided a parallel-to-serial converter comprising a data pipeline configured to receive parallel data, and binary sort logic comprising a plurality of switches arranged to receive the parallel data from the data pipeline, and configured to output the parallel data serially.

Abstract: A proton conducting polymer is formed by the copolymerization of a plurality of compounds, including a silicon compound comprising an organic chain, and a compound including at least one acid group. The polymer comprises a hybrid organic-inorganic matrix having acid groups linked through a linking group. The linking group may include one or more electron withdrawing groups. The electron withdrawing group may be a halogen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing independent control of on-die termination (ODT) of output buffers. The ODTs for the buffer circuits of an input/output (I/O) buffer can be enabled and disabled in response to an ODT control signal. Additionally, the ODTs for a first set of the buffer circuits can be enabled and disabled responsive to the ODT control signal and the ODT for at least one of a second set of the buffer circuits is disabled.

Abstract: The gene responsible for Stargardt-like macular dystrophy has been identified, along with its normal allelic form. The mutant gene encodes a mutant protein containing a frameshift mutation, resulting in abnormal fatty acid synthesis and transport in the retina. Also disclosed are assays for Stargardt-like macular dystrophy and therapies.

Abstract: When an inspection apparatus of a semiconductor device repeatedly executes computation of prescribed area data, such as image processing for detecting defects, procedures for commanding, data load, computation, and data store need to be repeated the number of times of the computation. This may impose a limitation on the speeding up of the operation. In addition, when performing parallel computation by a high-capacity image processing system for handling minute images, a lot of processors are needed, resulting in an increase in cost.

Abstract: Improved polymer-based materials are described, for example for use as an electrode binder in a fuel cell. A fuel cell according to an example of the present invention comprises a first electrode including a catalyst and an electrode binder, a second electrode, and an electrolyte located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrolyte may be a proton-exchange membrane (PEM). The electrode binder includes one or more polymers, such as a polyphosphazene.

Abstract: A calibration circuit for calibrating the input data path of a digital circuit is disclosed. A simple string of a repeating data pattern such as, e.g., “1100,” is sent on the data path. The digital circuit captures the data using a clock signal, examines the data signal for the predetermined pattern and adjusts a delay applied to the data signal until the predetermined pattern is recognized. Then the delay is further adjusted until the predetermined pattern is no longer recognized indicating that an edge of the eye of the data is near a clocking edge of the clocking signal. The delay applied to the data signal is then further adjusted by a predetermined amount to position the clock edge near the center of the data eye.

Abstract: A lithium-ion battery comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte including a molten salt. The positive electrode comprises an electroactive compound including phosphorus, oxygen, lithium, and at least one other metal or semi-metal. The combination of such electrode compositions and a molten salt electrolyte provides a battery with very high thermal stability. Other ions, such as alkal metal ions, may be used in place of lithium ions for applications in other battery technologies.

Abstract: A computed tomography detector module is presented. The detector module includes a substrate having a topside and a bottom side. Additionally, the detector module includes a plurality of detector layers disposed on the top side of the substrate in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the substrate, where each of the plurality of detector layers comprises a direct conversion material configured to absorb radiation, and where each of the plurality of detector layers comprises a first side and a second side. Further, the detector module includes a plurality of pixelated anode contacts is disposed on the first side of each of the plurality of detector layers. Also, the detector module includes a common cathode contact is disposed on the second side of each of the plurality of detector layers.

Abstract: In accordance with an implementation of the present technique, a detector is disclosed. The detector includes a photodetector array and a substrate layer. The photodetector array includes a plurality of photodiodes and a structure of trenches or diffusions grids that electrically isolate each photodiode of the plurality of photodiodes. The plurality of photodiodes and the structure of trenches or deep diffusions grids are disposed on a first surface of the photodetector array and a second surface opposite the first surface is bonded to a substrate layer. The substrate layer is typically made of the same semiconductor material as the photodetector array but heavily doped and conductive to provide cathode contact to the photodetector array in addition to mechanical support.

Abstract: An augmented reality system with mobile and interactive functions for multiple users includes two major portions: a computer system for handling augmented reality functions, and a user system for each user. The computer system for handling augmented reality functions has very powerful functionality for processing digital image data and transforming the digital image data into a three-dimensional virtual image for each user system. The user system mainly includes a Head-Mounted Display (HMD), a microphone and a PDA. A user can see the virtual image from the HMD and use the microphone or the PDA for communication with other users.

Abstract: A Micro Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) which is based on MEMS accelerometers and gyro sensors is developed for real-time recognition of human hand motions, especially as used in the context of writing on a surface. Motion is recorded by a rate gyro and an accellerometer and communicated to a Bluetooth module, possibly to a computer which may be 20 to 30 feet or more from the sensor. The motion information generated and communicated is combined with appropriate filtering and transformation algorithms to facilitate a complete Digital Writing System that can be used to record handwriting on any surface, or on no surface at all. The overall size of an IMU can be less than 26 mm×20 mm×20 mm, and may include micro sensors, a processor, and wireless interface components. The Kalman filtering algorithm is preferably used to filter the noise of sensors to allow successful transformance of hand motions into recognizable and recordable English characters.

Abstract: Intraocular retinal prosthesis systems and methods for fabricating the same are provided. In one aspect, fabrication of all or multiple components of a prosthesis device or system are combined into a single monolithic fabrication process. Also, many such entire systems can be fabricated simultaneously in a single microfabrication processing run. A prosthesis device includes a cable region that connects an electrode array region with a power and data management region. The electrode array region includes one or more arrays of exposed electrodes, and the power and data management region includes various power and control elements. The power and data management elements, in one aspect, include an RF coil or coils and circuit arrangements and/or chips configured to provide drive signals to the electrodes via a cable and receive power and signals from the RF coil or coils. Each region includes elements fabricated on or in a single polymer layer during the same fabrication process.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes an upper board and a lower board that couple each other and form a space therebetween, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the upper board and the lower board and a plurality of spacers located in the space between the upper board and the lower board. The spacers are conductive so that the liquid crystal layer and the spacers form two equivalent parallel resistive paths to conduct the extra charges in the liquid crystals. When the LCD is subject to an external high static charge source, the static partial voltage found in the liquid crystal layer is reduced because of the lower equivalent parallel resistance, thus the damage and the interference on the liquid crystals in the liquid crystal layer caused by the external static charge source may be reduced.

Abstract: A method for the inhibition of the binding of ?4?1 integrin to its receptors, for example VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) and fibronectin; compounds that inhibit this binding; pharmaceutically active compositions comprising such compounds; and to the use of such compounds either a above, or in formulations for the control or prevention of diseases states in which ?4?1 is involved.

Abstract: A phase detector generates a first output signal if a feedback clock signal leads a reference clock signal by more than a first time. The phase detector generates a second output signal if the feedback clock signal lags the reference clock signal by more than a second time. If the feedback clock signal either leads the reference clock signal by less than the first time or lags the reference clock signal by less than the second time, neither output signal is generated. The phase detector may be used in a delay-lock loop in which the first and second output signals increase or decrease a delay of the reference clock signal by respective first and second delay increments. In such case, the each of the first and second delay increments should be less than the sum of the first and second times.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and fabrication of micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) for applications in such varied fields as the biomedical, micro-fluidics and chemical analysis fields.

Abstract: A system for controlling the air-to-fuel ratio in an internal combustion engine includes an air intake conduit coupled to an intake manifold, an EGR valve disposed in-line with an EGR conduit responsive to a valve control signal, a lambda sensor producing a lambda signal indicative of the air-to-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas and a control circuit producing the valve control signal as a function of a desired mass air flow value, a desired air-to-fuel ratio, and the lambda signal. In an alternate embodiment, the system further includes a fueling system responsive to a fueling control signal. In this embodiment, the control circuit produces the fueling control signal as a function of a desired fuel control value, a desired air-to-fuel ratio, and the lambda signal. In another alternate embodiment, the control circuit produces the valve control signal as a function of a desired air-to-fuel ratio and the lambda signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing independent control of on-die termination (ODT) of output buffers. The ODTs for the buffer circuits of an input/output (I/O) buffer can be enabled and disabled in response to an ODT control signal. Additionally, the ODTs for a first set of the buffer circuits can be enabled and disabled responsive to the ODT control signal and the ODT for at least one of a second set of the buffer circuits is disabled.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the adherence of poorly-adherent parylene-to-parylene films or layers and/or altering the water and chemical permeability of the parylene layers. A device having two or more parylene layers is heated in a reduced pressure treatment chamber at a temperature above the deposition temperature of the parylene (e.g., from about room temperature to several hundreds of degrees Celsius) for an extended period of time (e.g., a few hours up to several days). The methods of the present invention have been shown to convert poorly-adherent and/or water-permeable films to optimally-adherent and/or relatively water-impermeable films.