Abstract: A grating surface of a diffraction grating diffracts a laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser device in ±1st order directions. The grating surface is formed in a rectangular or elliptic shape in such dimensions that a light spot formed on an objective lens by ±1st order diffracted beams is located in an aperture of the objective lens and not displaced from the aperture even if the objective lens is horizontally moved in a tracking operation. A grating surface of another diffraction grating has a width smaller than the width of an overlap region of a light spot on the diffraction grating corresponding to a part of a beam, diffracted in the +1st direction, entering an objective lens and a light spot on the diffraction grating corresponding to a part of a beam, diffracted in the −1st direction, entering the objective lens.

Abstract: A method for establishing communications between a master unit and a plurality of node units. Of the plurality of node units, K node units are assumed to have established communications with a master unit. A first (K+1) node unit of the plurality of node units, desires to establish communications with the master unit. The method includes transmitting from the master unit, a base-station spread spectrum signal having a common signalling chip code, transmitting from the first node unit a second spread spectrum signal with a first identification code using the common-signalling chip code, transmitting from the master unit a third spread spectrum signal with a master unit identification code, using the common-signalling chip code. The method further includes generating at the first node unit using the master unit identification signal, a master unit chip code for transmitting spread spectrum signals to the master unit.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a method an apparatus for reducing the number of leased E1 lines needed to backhaul communication traffic in a satellite communication situation. The present invention receives and decompressed a satellite signal. A copy of the compressed signal is then encoded into the least significant bits (LSBs) of the decompressed signal. The decompressed signal having the embedded information may be routed to an international PSTN network over leased communications lines. However, the compressed information is extracted from the decompressed signal and sent across the E1 lines, thereby conserving communication bandwidth and reducing the number of leased lines required. After passing through the E1 lines the information is decompressed and connected to the international PSTN network. Alternatively, the decompressed signal having the embedded information may be distributed to local PSTN networks, which interpret decompressed signals.

Abstract: A data stream (DS) comprises a time multiplex of coded data (D) and control data (C). The data stream (DS) may be, for example, of the MPEG type representing a sequence of pictures. The coded data (D) is transcoded (T) so as to obtain transcoded data (DT) which differs in size from the coded data (D). The control data (C) is adapted for the transcoded data (DT) so as to obtain adapted control data (CA) which does not substantially differ in size from the control data (C). The transcoded data (DT) and the adapted control data (CA) are written into a transcoder output buffer (TOB) and read from the transcoder output buffer (TOB) so as to obtain a transcoded data stream (DST). This allows an efficient use of a transmission channel via which the transcoded data stream (DST) is to be transmitted and, consequently, it allows a satisfactory transcoding quality.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable (40,50) having a cellularized cable component (10,10′,10″), the cellularized cable component including at least one optical fiber and a cable jacket (45,55). The cable jacket can include surface irregularities (46,56) having crests and hollows (46a,46b;56a,56b) for reducing surface-to-surface contact with a surface (60) in the cable passage way. The cable jacket can include a friction reducing additive for lubricating the interface between the cable jacket and the cable passageway or objects in the cable passageway. A method and apparatus for producing the cables is also disclosed.

Abstract: A graded index type optical fiber having a multilayer structure comprising a plurality of concentrically arranged layers formed of (co)polymers selected from the group consisting of two or more homopolymers HP1, HP2, . . . , HPn derived from monomers M1, M2, . . . , Mn, respectively, and having refractive indices decreasing in that order, and one or more binary copolymers CP derived from these monomers, the multilayer structure being such that a mixed layer consisting of the (co)polymers constituting two adjacent layers is formed therebetween, and the refractive index is highest at the center and decreases gradually toward the outer periphery. This optical fiber can be continuously formed by feeding the (co)polymers to a multilayer concentric circular nozzle and thereby extruding them through the nozzle, and allowing the polymers to interdiffuse between adjacent layers of the fiber.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for increasing the condensed phase production of BCl3 comprising less than about 10 ppm phosgene, less than 10 ppm chlorine, and less than 10 ppm HCl. In one embodiment the process comprises injecting an inert gas into a container having condensed BCl3 therein, the condensed BCl3 having therein a minor portion of phosgene impurity. A major portion of the phosgene in the condensed BCl3 is decomposed to carbon monoxide and chlorine by increasing temperature to produce a phosgene deficient stream. The temperature of the phosgene deficient stream is then decreased, and contacted with an adsorbent to remove the chlorine in the stream by adsorption to form a chlorine and phosgene free condensed stream. The chlorine and phosgene free stream is stripped using an inert gas to form a BCl3 product condensed stream, and an inert gas is used to pump the BCl3 product condensed stream to a product receiver.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for enhancing the bioadhesive properties of polymers used in drug delivery systems. The bioadhesive properties of a polymer are enhanced by incorporating an anhydride oligomer into the polymer to enhance the ability of the polymer to adhere to a tissue surface such as a mucosal membrane. Anhydride oligomers which enhance the bioadhesive properties of a polymer include oligomers synthesized from dicarboxylic acid monomers, preferably those found in Krebs glycolysis cycle, especially fumaric acid. The oligomers can be incorporated within a wide range of polymers including proteins, polysaccharides and synthetic biocompatible polymers. In one embodiment, anhydride oligomers can be incorporated within polymers used to form or coat drug delivery systems, such as microspheres, which contain a drug or diagnostic agent. The oligomers can either be solubilized and blended with the polymer before manufacture or else used as a coating with polymers over existing systems.

Abstract: A process for producing pulverous, i.e., powdered, preparations from sparingly soluble solid materials is disclosed. The process utilizes dimethyl ether under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure to dissolve the solid material. Upon release of the pressure, the solid material precipitates as a fine powder and the gaseous dimethyl ether is released or drawn off.

Abstract: The composition disclosed is a unique formulation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) extracts created to reduce the debilitating symptoms of allergies. It combines a number of organically grown, but, non-organically extracted, standardized formulations of natural ingredients which have been used singly for hundreds of years for symptomatic relief of allergies. These include Ginseng and Gan Cao, which provide a natural anti-inflammatory effect; Bai Gao, which prevent the smooth muscle spasms associated with allergic reactions; Suan Zao ren, which provides an antihistamine effect without the usual sedative effect; and Wu Mai, which reduces the local swelling associated with allergies. Combined, it was unexpectedly found that these ingredients provide a natural, non-drying, non-sedating alternative to antihistamines, without inhibiting the natural healing mechanisms.

Abstract: Typical current methods for producing large quantities of extracts from solid raw materials such as ground, roasted coffee are designed for exhaustive extraction. Such methods are not ideally suited to producing high quality coffee extracts that are rich in flavor and fragrance, and which maintain the varietal characteristics of the roasted coffee from which they are produced. The current invention provides methods and apparatus for producing such high quality extracts. The invention provides methods that have sufficient flexibility and scalability to be used for a wide variety of applications, including for producing industrial-scale quantities of extracts for the food and beverage industry. The invention provides methods and apparatus that can produce highly concentrated, “gourmet quality” extracts for use as flavoring agents, beverage concentrates, and fragrances.

Abstract: A method of reducing by-product deposition inside wafer processing equipment includes providing a chamber having a peripheral inner wall and placing a semiconductor wafer within the chamber. The method also includes placing a ring within the chamber proximate the peripheral inner wall and introducing a plurality of reactant gases into the chamber and reacting the gases. The method also includes introducing a heated gas into the chamber through the ring proximate the peripheral inner wall to increase the temperature of the peripheral inner wall.

Abstract: A laminated multilayer film substrate for use in the production of banknotes having an oriented polypropylene core layer and at least one high density polyethylene layer on each side of the oriented polypropylene layer. The core layer contains microcavities formed by the addition of a cavitating agent. The resultant films exhibit good embossability, dead-fold characteristics and other properties, making them highly suited for the production of bank notes and other security documents.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a concentration of a target nucleic acid by using a nucleic acid probe labeled with a fluorescent dye.

Abstract: A medium for storage and subsequent analysis of a genetic material includes a support for immobilizing the genetic material thereon and allowing subsequent elution of the genetic material therefrom and a coating functionally associated with the support for enabling cellular lysis and releasing the genetic material from the lysed cells while stabilizing the immobilized released genetic material.

Abstract: Methods of screening for a tumor or tumor progression to the metastatic state are disclosed. The screening methods are based on the characterization of DNA by principal components analysis of spectral data yielded by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy of DNA samples. The methods are applicable to a wide variety of DNA samples and cancer types. A model developed using multivariate normal distribution equations and discriminant analysis is particularly well suited for distinguishing primary cancerous tissue from metastatic cancerous tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for growing the microflora Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, which includes the growing of the microflora in fermentation medium containing non-chloride containing sodium salts, in particular sodium sulfate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the process produces microflora having a cell aggregate size useful for the production of food products for use in aquaculture. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, and a component selected from flaxseed, rapeseed, soybean and avocado meal. Such a food product includes a balance of long chain and short chain omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract: The problem of stress transmission from the outside of an integrated circuit package into the interior of the semiconductor has been significantly reduced by placing a microspring between the external solder ball and the interior tab. The process for manufacturing such a structure begins with a fully completed integrated circuit on whose surface freestanding metal posts are formed, each post being in contact with an I/O pad. Using a leveling plate at elevated temperature, the posts are given a permanent tilt relative to the surface and are then encapsulated in an elastomer. This subprocess may then be repeated as many times as desired with the direction in which the posts lean being changed by 90 degrees at each iteration. This results in the formation of an orthogonal spiral which acts as a coil spring to absorb stress originating at the solder ball.

Abstract: An electrically programmable read only memory device which has efficiency of electron injection from channel to floating gate is provided. This memory cell includes a control gate and floating gate between source and drain regions. The region under the floating gate has extremely small enhanced mode channel and N region. Therefore, this channel is completely depleted by the program drain voltage. The enhanced mode channel region is precisely defined by the side wall spacer technique. Also, the N drain region is accurately defined by the difference of side wall polysilicon gate and the first spacer.

Abstract: A monolithic type active matrix semiconductor device comprises a substrate having an insulating surface, a first plurality of thin film transistors formed on the substrate, each having a first channel region comprising an amorphous silicon semiconductor film, and a second plurality of thin film transistors, each having a second channel region comprising a crystalline semiconductor film. The crystalline semiconductor film of the second plurality of thin film transistors has a substantially single crystalline structure (mono-domain structure) and is doped with a recombination center neutralizer at a concentration of 1×1016 to 1×1020 atoms/cm3. The crystalline semiconductor film of the second plurality of thin film transistors contains a catalyst element which is capable of promoting crystallization of silicon.

Abstract: A method of patterning a dielectric layer. On a substrate having a metal wiring layer formed thereon, a dielectric layer and a masking layer are formed. A cap insulation layer is formed on the masking layer before patterning the dielectric layer. In addition, a dual damasecence process is used for patterning the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method for forming package board for carrying a low pin count IC chip. A hard resin substrate board is provided. Through vias are formed in locations where ball grid pads are needed. A conductive layer that also covers the vias is attached to the surface of the board using a glue material. The conductive layer is patterned to form a conductive line layer. Ball grid pad regions on the conductive line layer are located above the vias. A soldering mask that covers a portion of the conductive line layer but exposes a plurality of bonding pad regions above the conductive line layer is formed. An electroplated layer is formed over the bonding pad regions.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided which includes an upper semiconductor chip and a lower semiconductor chip attached to the upper semiconductor chip. The upper semiconductor chip is formed with a first connection pad, while the lower semiconductor chip is formed with a second connection pad. The semiconductor device also includes a deformable stud bump made of gold and arranged between the first and the second connection pads. The deformable stud bump includes an upwardly pointed portion before it is pressed and deformed by the first connection pad of the upper semiconductor chip. The pointed portion serves to break through an oxide film formed on the first connection pad of the upper semiconductor chip. The semiconductor device further includes an adhesive resin layer applied between the upper and lower semiconductor chips.

Abstract: A new method of tungsten plug metallization using a silicide glue layer is described. Semiconductor device structures are provided in and on a semiconductor substrate. An insulating layer is provided covering the semiconductor device structures wherein a contact opening is made through the insulating layer to one of the semiconductor device structures. A silicide layer is deposited conformally over the surface of the insulating layer and within the contact opening as a combined ohmic contact and glue layer. In a first embodiment, a tungsten layer is deposited overlying the silicide layer. The tungsten layer not within the contact opening is removed to complete the formation of the tungsten plug metallization. In a second embodiment, the silicide layer not within the contact opening is selectively removed and a tungsten layer is selectively deposited overlying the silicide layer within the contact opening to complete formation of the tungsten plug metallization in the fabrication of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: The invention defines a method for fabricating a semiconductor insulation layer: A semiconductor substrate is first provided; an insulation layer is applied by way of region-by-region or whole-area application to the semiconductor substrate; impurity ions are selectively implanted into at least one predetermined zone of the insulation layer; then the insulation layer is selectively etched, and the insulation layer is thereby patterned in accordance with the zone or zones of the selectively implanted impurity ions.

Abstract: A gas pipe system for a process reactor is described, which may be, for example, a vertical oven for depositing an As-doped SiO2 layer onto wafers. The gas pipe system has a TEAS bubbler which is connected on the input side to a carrier gas source and, on the output side, is connected via at least one heated pipe to the process reactor. Furthermore, a TEOS evaporator is provided, which is connected on the input side to a gas source and, on the output side, is connected via at least one heated pipe to the process reactor. Furthermore, a vertical oven and a method for deposition of an As-doped SiO2 layer onto wafers are described, with the gas pipe system being used in each case.

Abstract: A Type III PCMCIA communications card for insertion in a slot in a host computer comprises a housing including a top wall and longitudinal, parallel side walls depending from the top wall, the longitudinal side walls and top wall defining an internal cavity enclosed by a bottom cover panel. The housing further has a forward end, a rear margin and a rear end surface, the rear margin of the housing defining at least one substantially longitudinally oriented receptacle extending forwardly from the rear end surface and sized and configured to receive a standard RJ-type modular plug. A substrate, mounted within the cavity of the housing, supports electronic components for carrying out the communications function.

Abstract: A laminated panel-type structure particularly suited for vehicle interior applications such as headliners and door panels has a multiple denier polyester fiber core and randomly oriented structural reinforcing fibers. The laminated structure has superior sound attenuation properties resulting from a core of intertwined polyester fibers of differing deniers, with preferably relatively larger denier fibers on exterior areas of the core and some bicomponent fibers, short non-woven reinforcing fiber strands which are randomly attached and intertwined with the core on opposing major sides of the core, an impervious polymer film with a low melt layer which retains the reinforcing fibers against one side of the core and is attached to a scrim layer, and a polymer web on an opposite side of the core which retains the reinforcing fiber strands on the opposing major side of the core and to which a cover stock is applied.

Abstract: A cathode structure suitable for a flat panel display is provided with coated emitters. The emitters are formed with material, typically nickel, capable of growing to a high aspect ratio. These emitters are then coated with carbon containing material for improving the chemical robustness and reducing the work function. One coating process is a DC plasma deposition process in which acetylene is pumped through a DC plasma reactor to create a DC plasma for coating the cathode structure. An alternative coating process is to electrically deposit raw carbon-based material onto the surface of the emitters, and subsequently reduce the raw carbon-based material to the carbon containing material. Work function of coated emitters is typically reduced by about 0.8 to 1.0 eV.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to women's clothing apparel including a built-in bra. In preferred embodiments, the straps of the bra are fastened to the shoulder supports of a top garment substantially along the length of the shoulder supports from the front to the back of the garment. The invention also provides novel bras which can be advantageously used according to the invention.

Abstract: Featured is a method and system for cleaning abrasive sanding and/or planing media, for example sandpaper, wide belt sanding belts, planers, grinding wheels or other abrasive surfaces while the media is either in-situ in the sanding, planing, grinding equipment or when removed. Additionally, the cleaning featured method and system can clean the media while the abrasive media is being used as well as when the abrasive media is not being used. In the cleaning method dry ice (CO2, solid carbon dioxide) particles are propelled towards the abrasive surface at a high velocity so the dry ice particles impact on the surface of the abrasive media at a high velocity. Additionally, the dry ice (CO2, solid carbon dioxide) particles are propelled as to impact the abrasive surface at varying angles and locations as necessary to effectively clean the abrasive surface.

Abstract: A slurry feeding apparatus includes closed slurry bottle, piping, wet nitrogen generator, wet nitrogen supply pipe, suction and spray nozzles, temperature regulator, flow rate control valves, slurry delivery pump and controller for controlling the operation and flow rate of the slurry delivery pump. While a wafer is being polished by a CMP polisher, the controller continuously operates the pump. On the other hand, while the polisher is idling, the controller starts and stops the pump intermittently at regular intervals. No stirrer like a propeller is inserted into the slurry bottle, but the slurry is stirred up by spraying the slurry through the spray nozzle.

Abstract: A novel mobile satellite communications technique for hand-held terminals includes a satellite system having a plurality of individual satellites all in communication with a ground telecommunications hub. A signal processed by the ground telecommunications hub is radiated through multiple paths to a plurality of the individual satellites in the satellite constellation simultaneously. The radiated signal is then re-radiated by the plurality of individual satellites to a mobile satellite terminal that receives the re-radiated signal from the plurality of individual satellites simultaneously such that the same frequency spectrum may be re-used by another mobile user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the power of a signal transmitted between a base station and a mobile terminal which constitute a mobile communication system. At least one of the base station and the mobile terminal has functions to compare a predetermined reference value and a necessary transmission power obtained as a result of transmission power control in order to compensate for a signal intensity fluctuation occurring on a link between the base station and the mobile terminal, temporarily stopping the transmission if the necessary transmission power is larger than a predetermined permissible value, and transmit the signal if the necessary transmission power is equal to or smaller than the predetermined permissible value.

Abstract: The invention is intended to allow a plurality of users to share a single apparatus while securing the privacy of each user. A terminal is made portable and detachable from a base. Data exchange by radio is made possible between the base and the terminal, and E-mail or facsimile data that is received by the base through a telephone circuit is stored in the terminal. A user can remove the terminal from the base and carry it to his room, and can display a stored E-mail message or facsimile data there.

Abstract: A golf club has grooves across its face that are angled with respect to the sole of the golf club instead of being parallel with the sole of the club. The angled grooves cause a sideways spin to be imparted to a struck golf ball. In one application, the angled grooves impart a spin that corrects for what would otherwise be a slice. The grooves can be at different angles, depending upon the golf club and the application. In an embodiment, the low irons and woods will have the grooves at a relatively higher angle than the mid irons, which will have the grooves at a higher angle than the approach irons and wedges. Clubs having such angled grooves can be structured according to USGA or other rules, but need not be.

Abstract: A roller chain sprocket includes a number of sprocket teeth each having an engaging flank and a disengaging flank. An engaging flank of a first tooth of the cooperates with a disengaging flank of a second tooth to define a tooth space having a root surface extending between the engaging flank and the disengaging flank. The root surface has a first root surface portion defined by a first radius extending from an arc center of the first root surface portion. A cushion ring is mounted to a first face of the sprocket and has a number of alternating compression pads and grooves. A first groove has a first groove portion defined by a second radius extending from an arc center of the first groove portion. The arc center of the first groove portion being positioned at least proximate a radial line extending between a center of the sprocket and the arc center of the first root surface portion.

Abstract: A paper stacker for use with a printer which prints connected sheets that are to be stacked in a folded relationship having a surface for receiving the paper with a frame surrounding the paper that is raised in relationship to the paper in order to maintain paper within the confines of the frame as the frame moves upwardly. The frame is balanced by a constant force spring, and is indexed by optical sensors. The frame includes two adjustable fences for variously sized paper which adjustably moves with paddles to press the paper edges downwardly in the stack. Pinch rollers for driving the paper include low inertia drive rollers formed of a relatively low density plastic material with a pair of idler rollers. To improve stacking, ironing tractor idler rollers iron the tractor perforations, and chains orient the catenary stacking movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to cleaning compositions comprising

Abstract: A detergent composition is described which is a solid homogeneous, evenly dispersed composition containing anionic and nonionic surfactants, soil suspending agents, chelating or sequestering agents, and alkaline builders. The detergent compositions will contain either active enzymes, an oxygen releasing bleaching agent or both. The active enzymes can be protease, amylase or lipase enzymes. Said composition can be used for laundry washing or hard surface cleaning. Manufacturing procedures and methods of use are described.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a concentration of a target nucleic acid by using a nucleic acid probe labeled with a fluorescent dye.

Abstract: A method for overcoming maternal inhibition to a vaccine in a mammalian infant under 1 year of age, provided by administering to the infant in a suitable pharmaceutical carrier, a recombinant polynucleotide sequence (i.e., a recombinant virus or DNA vaccine) comprising a sequence encoding an antigen of a pathogenic organism. The polynucleotide vector (i.e., virus or DNA vaccine) useful in this method does not naturally cause a pathogenic infection in the species of the mammalian infant to which the vaccine is administered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel class of thiazole, thiadiazole, and oxadiazole compounds which are substituted at their nuclear carbons by aromatic moieties. These compounds exhibit antifungal activity against a variety of fungi including strains which have proven to be resistant to treatment with known antifungal agents such as Fluconazole.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel class of thiazole, thiadiazole, and oxadiazole compounds which are substituted at their nuclear carbons by aromatic moieties. These compounds exhibit antifungal activity against a variety of fungi including strains which have proven to be resistant to treatment with known antifungal agents such as Fluconazole.

Abstract: The present application describes disubstituted pyrazolines and triazolines of formulae I and II: 1

Abstract: The ferrules and feeding head and supply elements, insulating or exothermic, are obtained by blowing or manual molding from a formulation which comprises aluminium silicate hollow micro beads, with an alumina content below 38% in weight, an agglomerant and optional loads, in non fibrous form. Depending on the density of the micro beads, appropriate formulations may be obtained for the manufacture of ferrules and insulating and exothermic feeding head and supply elements. the ferrules obtained, have an external and internal dimensional exactness and may be coupled to the mold after production, without additional handklings and in a manual or automatic manner. Said ferrules are of interest in the production of metallic ferrous or non ferrous parts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermoplastic additive containing aluminum stearate and polyvinylidine fluoride which when added to thermoplastics such as polyethylene inhibits and reduces permeation of fluids stored within containers composed of the thermoplastic. The invention has been proven effective in reducing the permeation of hydrocarbon based materials.

Abstract: Selected novel partially fluorinated &agr;,&ohgr;-dienes can be free radically (co)polymerized to form polymers in which cyclic structures are present. The polymers are useful for films, coatings and molded parts.

Abstract: Coated porous materials that exhibit air permeability and repellency to liquids having a surface tension at least equal to or greater than 20 dynes/cm which are suitable for making ileostomy vent filters, transdermal drug substrates, agricultural and medical apparel, as well as paint and chemical protective garments. The coating for the porous material is applied as a curable composition containing fluorocarbon urethane precursors which are cross-linked in situ.

Abstract: A dimethylfurancarboxyanilide compound of the formula (I): 1