Abstract: A DC-DC converter includes a voltage input module receiving an input voltage from an exterior power supply, a voltage transforming module connected with the voltage input module for transforming the input voltage into a proper output voltage, a voltage output module connected with the voltage transforming module for supplying the proper output voltage to an exterior electric appliance, a first detecting module connected with the voltage output module for detecting an output current of the voltage output module and sending a corresponding current signal, a second detecting module connected with the voltage output module for detecting the output voltage of the voltage output module and sending a corresponding voltage signal, and a control module for receiving and analyzing the corresponding current and voltage signals and then generating a corresponding control signal so as to control the output voltage of the voltage transforming module for protecting the electric appliance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permanently rendering data recorded on an optical disc unreadable, comprising a slotted alignment plate and a scarifying component. A disc rests against the plate so that the slot traverses the disc. The scarifying component slides through the slot and contacts the disc surface, thus creating an optically disruptive groove across a surface layer of the optical disc. This disruptive groove can pass through the index and data region and prevents access to previous data and information stored on the disc.

Abstract: In an orientation optimization, at least one signal chain path starting from a signal source and passing through a series of M 2-pin logic cells is located according to a netlist. An output of the Nth 2-pin logic cell in the series of M 2-pin logic cells, where N<M, is set as a gravity point to attract an input of the (N+1)th 2-pin logic cell, thereby optionally flipping the (N+1)th 2-pin logic cell.

Abstract: A multiple speakers, including: A sound box has a long flat body and a long first voice face at front. Both sides of the first voice face incline separately to from a second voice face. A first speaker unit places inside the sound box including a left speaker and a right speaker that is placed separately at the left end and right end of the first voice face. A second speaker unit places inside the sound box including a left speaker and a right speaker that is placed separately at the left side and right side of the second voice face.

Abstract: A multi-channel headphone includes a case adapted to be worn on user's ear and cover the whole ear, in which a middle speaker, a front speaker, rear speaker and a bass speaker are provided. The front speaker has a broadcasting portion facing a front side of an auricle of the ear and the rear speaker has a broadcasting portion facing a rear side of the auricle. The headphone provides a sound closing to the idea surround sound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a novel ?-lactam antibiotic from a protoplast fusion strain. The method is to fermentatively culture the protoplast fusion strain of Penicillium chrysogenum and Cephalosporium acremonium. The ferment filtrate is isolated, lyophilized, and extracted by acetone or acetone/methanol. The extract is concentrated by decompression, and then analyzed by preparation type HPLC to isolate the active antibiotic compound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permanently rendering data recorded on an optical disc unreadable, comprising a slotted alignment plate and a scarifying component. A disc rests against the plate so that the slot traverses the disc. The scarifying component slides through the slot and contacts the disc surface, thus creating an optically disruptive groove across a surface layer of the optical disc. This disruptive groove can pass through the index and data region and prevents access to previous data and information stored on the disc.

Abstract: A computer pointing device that functions electronically as a mouse with a preferred shape that looks like the top of an upright hawk, permitting ergonomic holding by the whole palm in a naturally upright position during operation, including moving the cursor, turning the scroll wheel, and clicking the buttons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a novel ?-lactam antibiotic from a protoplast fusion strain. The method is to fermentatively culture the protoplast fusion strain of Penicillium chrysogenum and Cephalosporium acremonium. The ferment filtrate is isolated, lyophilized, and extracted by acetone or acetone/methanol. The extract is concentrated by decompression, and then analyzed by preparation type HPLC to isolate the active antibiotic compound.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly including a non-linear curved keyboard, a base, and optionally a pointing device such as a trackball. The keyboard comprises an elongated base having an upper non-linear surface and a plurality of keys attached to the upper surface. The plurality of keys is divided into several groups and the geometric relationships between the keys are selected such that to allow maximum use of the thumbs and the fingers, the wrists, the forearms, and the shoulders are in a natural position. An asymmetrical element, supported by asymmetrical theory of nature discussed in I-Ching and embodied in the He Tu diagram, may be introduced into the geometry arrangement. The creation of asymmetrical groups are detailed which allow more ergonomic adjustment of the keys, yet preserve the existing geometry of an original keyboard. A trackball may be added in the space between the upper surface and the elongated base.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed walking cane with the sole purpose of reducing the force of impact and the associated impulses along the longitudinal axis of the cane shaft as generated when the cane tip hits the ground during walking. With a systematic approach taken to treat the interfaces between the cane, the user and the ground as a whole system and then followed by detailed analyses backed by human physiological and ergonomic studies, the resultant optimizations and improvements are made to achieve this objective. The resultant reduction in the force of impact and the associated impulses in said walking cane minimizes the risk of injuries such as the Repetitive Strain Injuries and other potential injuries to the wrist, hand, arm shoulder, back, spine, neck and the head. The immediate therapeutic benefits to a user are the lack of any undue fatigue and the almost effortless sensation associated with extended period of use of said ergonomic cane.

Abstract: A computer pointing device that functions electronically as a mouse with a preferred shape that looks like the top of an upright hawk, permitting ergonomic holding by the whole palm in a naturally upright position during operation, including moving the cursor, turning the scroll wheel, and clicking the buttons.

Abstract: A fungus which has high infectivity toward a stem, leaf, bud, or flower nematode and is characterized by the production of a first type of conidiophores, conidiogenous cells, and conidia and a second type of conidiophores, conidiogenous cells, and conidia when grown in vivo or on a solid medium. The first type of conidiophores is macronematous, mononematous, simple, erect, and broadly ampulliform; the first type of conidiogenous cells is integrated, phialidic, and rarely percurrent; and the first type of the conidia is solitary, one-celled, asymmetrically ellipsoidal, lunate, and concave. The second type of conidiophore is macronematous, mononematous, simple or branched, cylindrical, subulate, and elongate; the second type of conidiogenous cells is integrated, phialidic, enteroblastic, terminal or intercalary, laterally proliferic, and indeterminate; and the second type of conidia is solitary, one-celled, bacilloid, and cylindrical. In particular, a fungal culture Esteya vermicola ATCC74485.

Abstract: An improved and new apparatus and method for post chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) cleaning has been developed. Use of a QDR (Quick Dump Rinse) DI water bath for receiving a cassette of semiconductor substrates from a previous CMP processing station, for keeping the semiconductor substrates submerged in DI water following CMP and before transmission to a next processing station and for performing at least one rinsing and dumping operation on the semiconductor substrates in flowing DI water greatly enhances the manufacturing throughput of the process, reduces the use of chemicals, and simplifies the tool requirements for the post-CMP cleaning process.

Abstract: An improved and new apparatus and method for post chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) cleaning has been developed. Use of a QDR (Quick Dump Rinse) DI water bath for receiving a cassette of semiconductor substrates from a previous CMP processing station, for keeping the semiconductor substrates submerged in DI water following CMP and before transmission to a next processing station and for performing at least one rinsing and dumping operation on the semiconductor substrates in flowing DI water greatly enhances the manufacturing throughput of the process, reduces the use of chemicals, and simplifies the tool requirements for the post-CMP cleaning process.

Abstract: A method to prevent volcano effect in tungsten plug deposition is described. The method is applied to both the contact plugs as well as the via plugs. For these purposes, the use of a nitrogen (N.sub.2) plasma of a specific recipe is introduced. It is shown that the presence of the nitrogen plasma improves the titanium nitride (TiN) barrier layer through annealing, and nitrogen stuffing of the grain boundaries. In addition, a titanium (Ti) layer must be used prior to the deposition of the TiN layer in order to improve adhesion. This step also enhances the titanium nitride barrier, and reduces the contact resistance (R.sub.c) of the contact-plugs as well. Finally, the nitrogen plasma process and the metal deposition can be done in one and the same equipment.