Abstract: Providing a method for die bonding semiconductor elements surely without causing damage thereto in a shorter time with less steps of operations, thereby improving the productivity.

Abstract: The electrode structure of the invention includes a p-type AlxGayIn1−x−yN (0≦ x< 1, 0≦ y≦ 1, x+ y≦ 1) semiconductor layer and an electrode layer formed on the semiconductor layer. In the electrode structure, the electrode layer contains a mixture of a metal nitride and a metal hydride.

Abstract: An interconnect assembly and methods for making and using the assembly. An exemplary embodiment of an aspect of the invention includes a contact element which includes a base portion adapted to be adhered to a substrate and a beam portion connected to and extending from the base portion. The beam portion is designed to have a geometry which substantially optimizes stress across the beam portion when deflected (e.g. it is triangular in shape) and is adapted to be freestanding. An exemplary embodiment of another aspect of the invention involves a method for forming a contact element. This method includes forming a base portion to adhere to a substrate of an electrical assembly and forming a beam portion connected to the base portion. The beam portion extends from the base portion and is designed to have a geometry which substantially evenly distributes stress across the beam portion when deflected and is adapted to be freestanding.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of copper as via and interconnect structures for an integrated circuit. The process in accordance with a preferred embodiment produces an interconnect layer of continuous copper with superior adhesion while requiring only a minimum number of steps for its production. This process addresses the current need in semiconductor manufacturing for reliable and performance-oriented vias and interconnect structures, while not being susceptible to many of the problems which plague the use of aluminum for similar structures. Fabrication of an integrated circuit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention begins with the formation of semiconductor devices on a silicon wafer. Next, an intermetallic dielectric layer (IDL) is formed by materials such as silicon dioxide (SiO2), polymide, or silicon nitride over the devices. This step is followed by the laying of a diffusion barrier layer on the IDL surface.

Abstract: An improved and new process for fabricating a planarized structure of polysilicon plugs embedded in silicon oxide has been developed. The planarizing method comprises a two-step CMP process in which the first CMP step comprises chemical-mechanical polishing using a first polishing slurry which is selective to polysilicon and the second CMP step comprises chemical-mechanical polishing using a second polishing slurry which polishes both polysilicon and silicon oxide. The processing time of the two-step CMP process is significantly less than the processing time of a one-step CMP process requiring an over-polish period. This reduced processing time reduces the cost of the CMP operation and at the same time produces a product with superior planarity and without reliability degradation due to residues of polysilicon.

Abstract: A docking station includes mechanisms to accommodate multiple devices simultaneously. In the preferred embodiment, the docking station can accommodate at least a notebook computer and a palmtop-type handheld device. The docking station preferably facilitates a communication link between the handheld device and the notebook computer when the two devices are docked to the docking station. The communication link allows transmission and synchronization of data between the handheld device and the notebook computer. In a first embodiment of the invention, the docking station includes a docking connector that can mate with the notebook computer. The docking station also includes a docking cradle that can accommodate the handheld device. In the preferred embodiment, the docking cradle is configured to be adjustable in angle, so that the docked handheld device can be positioned at a desired angle.

Abstract: A socket device for receiving a connection pin is disclosed, the socket device including a substrate having an upper surface. The socket device includes a connection pad disposed on the upper surface and a first layer disposed on the upper surface and on the connection pad. The first layer includes material having an overall positive coefficient of thermal expansion. The socket device includes a second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer includes material having an overall negative coefficient of thermal expansion. The socket device also includes a contact hole formed in the first and second layers exposing a portion of the connection pad.

Abstract: A memory module with offset notches for improved insertion and a memory module connector for mating thereto. The connector housing includes an accommodating space for receiving a portion of the memory module printed circuit board (PCB). A first key is disposed within the accommodating space of the housing and is positioned between the first end and the center of the housing. A second key is further disposed within the accommodating space and is positioned between the second end of the housing and the center. A distance between the first key and the second key is greater than 40% of the length of the housing. Either the first, second, or both keys may extend from the accommodating space beyond a top plane defined by a top side of the accommodating space of the housing. The memory module comprises the PCB with a first notch positioned between the first end of the PCB and the center of the PCB. A second notch is positioned between the second end of the PCB and the center of the PCB.

Abstract: A double lock connector 1 having spacers 3,4 for engaging terminals is provided with detecting pin inserting portions 16,17 continuing from the front end of a connector housing 2 to the spacers 3,4. The detecting pin inserting portions are of slits. The detecting pin inserting portions 16,17 communicate with respective accommodating recesses 13,14 for base plate portions 9,10 of the spacers 3,4. Detecting pins are arranged opposite to the front end of the connector housing 2, and the detecting pins are inserted into the detecting pin inserting portions and abut against the respective spacers 3,4. The detecting pins are set inside a continuity testing portion of a terminal continuity testing member, and the continuity testing portion is moved toward the front end of the double lock connector 1. Thus, the presence of the spacers is securely detected.

Abstract: A yo-yo includes a pair of rotary elements spaced from each other and each having a cavity, a bearing portion formed on each of the pair of rotary elements at a center thereof, and an axle detachably received in the bearing portion so as to be rotatable together with the pair of rotary elements. The axle has an engaging portion formed at each of opposite ends thereof. The axle is loosely inserted into a generally cylindrical spool interposed between the pair of rotary elements. A locking device having a pair of locking parts is mounted in the cavity, and the pair of locking parts have respective holding portions for detachably holding the engaging portion therebetween.

Abstract: An abrasive sheet member is disclosed, including a substrate having first and second major surfaces, an abrasive on the first major surface, and a plurality of hooking stems on the second major surface. The hooking stems are adapted to hook engaging structures on an opposed surface to releasably affix the abrasive sheet member to the surface.

Abstract: A system and method for providing mobile switching center (MSC) initiated service negotiation in a wireless communication system. If a new call arrives for a subscriber unit while the subscriber unit is already on the traffic channel, a change in the service configuration may allow the subscriber unit to receive the new call while preserving the old call. MSC initiated service negotiation may be used to establish the change in service configuration. The MSC transmits a Change Service Command message to the base station in whose coverage area the subscriber unit is located. The Change Service Command proposes a new service configuration to accommodate both the old and the new call. The base station, subscriber unit, and MSC may interchange further messages to modify the proposed service configuration if necessary. Messages are exchanged until the base station, subscriber unit, and MSC reach an agreement regarding the new service configuration. The present invention also provides support for soft handoff.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile communication system including mobile stations comprising transmission means for sending data over the radio path, at least one mobile exchange, and base stations having a data transmission connection with the mobile exchange, traffic channels being allocated to be used by transceiver units of the base stations for providing calls to the mobile stations, the base stations also comprising means for receiving the data sent by the mobile stations over the radio path and for forwarding said data to other parts of the system. In order for the mobile stations to be able to send data more efficiently, at least one predetermined data channel is allocated for the mobile stations to send data.

Abstract: A game apparatus and a method of replaying a game display a moving entity which moves in a given area on a display screen. The game apparatus has a memory for storing, for a predetermined period of time, absolute coordinates in the predetermined area of a moving entity which moves in the predetermined area in response to a control signal entered by an operator while a game is in progress, and a display data generating unit or reading the absolute coordinates from the memory in response to a replay request from the operator and processing the absolute coordinates into display data depending on processing information supplied from an input unit by the operator.

Abstract: A golf club set in which the attenuation rate of torque oscillation of club shafts is optimized for every individual club. The attenuation rate of torque oscillation of club shafts is controlled so as to be larger as the corresponding loft angles of the clubs increase.

Abstract: A golf club head having a sole plate and hosel integral piece is disclosed herein. The integral piece may be composed of a metal material for with a golf club head having a composite body. The integral piece also improves the consistency of the loft and lie parameters of a golf club bead. The hosel may be formed with the sole plate, or the hosel may be connected to the sole plate. The integral piece may also have a polymer sleeve thereabout to assist in reducing the stress at the tip end of a shaft inserted into the hosel.

Abstract: An athletic apparatus has a resilient ball and a pair of elongate weights. The athletic apparatus enables an large number of different exercises and stretching activities because the athletic apparatus can adapt to three different configurations. The resilient ball of the athletic apparatus is functional as a medicine ball when neither of the pair of elongate weights are attached thereto. With one of the pair of elongate weights attached, the athletic apparatus allows various functional exercises such as rowing, shoveling, and hammering, as well as training for golf and tennis. Fully assembled with both of the pair of elongate weights, the athletic apparatus enables another plurality of exercise and stretching exercises.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing productivity of a plant by spraying Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) on a plant. The invention also relates to increasing productivity of a plant under stress by applying Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) to a plant and subsequently applying an aqueous solution containing methanol to the plant.

Abstract: A high-temperature lubricant comprising a water-base and minor effective amounts of borate, dextrin, graphite, xanthan gum, and an organic preservative. A powder for preparing a water-based high temperature lubricant is disclosed in which the powder comprises graphite and minor effective amounts of borate, dextrin, and xanthan gum. A continuous process for making the lubricant is also disclosed.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an integrated circuit includes: a stress-follower circuit configuration. The stress-follower circuit of the configuration is coupled to a pad of the integrated circuit. The stress-follower circuit configuration is coupled so as to reduce the voltage stress on the gate of a transistor in a transistor stack so that in operation the transistor in the stack tolerates an operating voltage approximately 1.5 volts above its nominal voltage. The transistor stack is also coupled to the pad.

Abstract: Hepatitis B virus core antigen nucleic acid vaccines and their use are disclosed. In the vaccines and methods of the invention, precore sequences in the 5′ untranslated region of the core antigen mRNA are not present.

Abstract: Androgen synthesis inhibitors, as well as methods for the use of the same to reduce plasma levels of testosterone and/or dyhydrotestosterone, and to treat prostate cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy, are disclosed.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention concerns a process for the isolation of the alkaloid galanthamine; the galanthamine itself which has been produced according to this process; the use of the galanthamine thus produced in galenic preparations; and the galanthamine thus produced for treating narrow-angle glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, as well as alcohol and nicotine dependence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a phenanthroline derivative of formula (I) 1

Abstract: The present invention provides a macroporous hyperhydroxy polymer formed from a monomer mixture of substantially similar fractions of functional acrylic monomers which are combined to form a compound having a polymer skeleton which provides a high number of hydroxyl sites. The result is a material which, when hydrated, has a pore size relative to oxygen and water which provides a high ratio of free water to bound water. When formed into contact lenses, the material exhibits oxygen permeability approaching that of a static layer of tears of equal thickness and water contents of 95% or greater. The polymer is also suitable for use as burn dressings, bandages, soil hydratants, surface treatments, lubricants and coatings, absorbents, transport membranes and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-soluble addition polymer which is produced from a carboxylated diol represented by the following general formula (I) and a polyisocyanate and has an acid value of 100 to 250, and an aqueous ink using this polymer as a dispersant for a disperse dye: 1

Abstract: The compound of the present invention possesses excellent gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonizing activity, and is useful for preventing or treating sex hormone-dependent diseases, e.g., sex hormone-dependent cancers (e.g., prostatic cancer, uterine cancer, breast cancer, pituitary tumor), prostatic hypertrophy, hysteromyoma, endometriosis, precocious puberty, amenorrhea syndrome, multilocular ovary syndrome, pimples etc, or as a pregnancy regulator (e.g., contraceptive), infertility remedy or menstruation regulator.

Abstract: A continuous process for the preparation of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid or a salt thereof which includes introducing an aqueous mineral acid into a nitrile hydrolysis reactor including a continuous stirred tank reactor and introducing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanenitrile into the nitrile hydrolysis reactor. 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanenitrile is continually hydrolyzed within the nitrile hydrolysis reactor to produce a nitrile hydrolysis reactor product stream containing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanamide. The nitrile hydrolysis reactor product stream is continuously introduced into an amide hydrolysis flow reactor. 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanamide is continually hydrolyzed within the amide hydrolysis flow reactor to produce an aqueous hydrolyzate product containing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid. 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid is recovered from the aqueous hydrolyzate product.

Abstract: D-mannitol having a specific surface area of not less than about 1 m2/g is disclosed. The D-mannitol shows improved compressibility and is useful as an excipient.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for examining a body part. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for immobilizing and compressing the body part. The apparatus also comprises a mechanism for providing an internal anatomical image of the body part and a mechanism for detecting single gamma-rays emitted by a radiotracer infiltrated into the body part. The detecting mechanism is disposed in an adjacent relationship with the mechanism for providing an internal anatomic image so that the body part remains in the same position during and between anatomic and radiotracer imaging. In one embodiment, the detecting mechanism includes a detector module disposed on one side of the immobilizing mechanism. The detector module preferably has at least one array of gamma ray sensitive material in communication with a position detector. In another embodiment, the detecting mechanism includes a pair of detector modules disposed one on each side of the immobilizing mechanism.

Abstract: The concentration and/or radii of a contrast agent in a fluid can be estimated by acquiring ultrasound spectral data, performing spectral analysis to generate a linear estimation of the power spectrum, and correlating at least one spectral parameter to a predetermined distribution function for the contrast agent. If the mean radius squared of particles is known, then the concentration of contrast agent particles can be calculated. If the concentration is constant, then relative variations in mean radius squared can be determined.

Abstract: An orthopedic bandage with a curable resin applied to a substrate with the cut ends of the substrate bound together with a binder-detackifier composition. The bandage is constructed by applying stripes of the binder-detackifier agent to the substrate. The substrate is then cut within a stripe of the binder-detackifier composition so that the binding aspect of the composition will stabilize the cut ends of the substrate. A curable resin is also to be applied to the substrate. The detackifying aspect of the composition allows handling of the curable resin while minimizing or eliminating the sticky or tacky feelings normally associated with resins during the curing process. The end placement of the stripes of binder-detackifier allow the user to control the amount of detackifier transferred to the gloves used by the user while applying the bandage both during cast construction and during the final formation.

Abstract: Self-adhesive bandage consisting of a flexible carrier with a self-adhesive coating applied on one side, characterized in that the carrier is provided with a large number of apertures, thus giving rise to individual segments linked by way of connecting bridges.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing gas concentration in blood which has use as a generalized extracorporeal system and method to treat hypoxemic blood from a patient by mixing the blood with an oxygen supersaturated solution to generate hyperoxemic blood to be infused back to the patient. The extracorporeal system comprises an extracorporeal tubing through which blood from the patient is circulated, a blood pump for withdrawing blood from and delivering blood to the patient, at least one channel for delivering oxygen-supersaturated fluid and a mixing region for introducing supersaturated fluid without bubble formation. By infusing the oxygen-supersaturated fluid into the hypoxemic or normoxemic blood from the patient, hyperoxemic blood is thereby produced. The hyperoxemic blood is then returned to a central vein, right heart or artery of the patient with the blood pump at approximately the same volume delivery rate as blood volume withdrawal rate.

Abstract: A radiotherapy stent device has a flexible, collapsible mesh body that can be expanded in a blood vessel of a patient to deliver radiation to the tissue surrounding the site of stent implantation. One or more hollow sleeves are secured on the body. The sleeves are loaded with radioactive material immediately prior to positioning of the stent in the vascular structure. As a result, the shelf life of the stent is substantially increased, and dosage of the radiation can be more precisely controlled.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter system for properly implanting a stent in a body lumen generally comprising a catheter having an elongated shaft with an inflatable balloon formed of compliant material and a stent mounted on the working length of the balloon. The balloon material is compliant within the working range of the balloon to provide substantial radial expansion. The wingless radially expansive balloon expands in a uniform manner, thereby producing uniform expansion and implantation of the stent. Another embodiment is directed to a balloon catheter, having a semi-compliant balloon or a noncompliant balloon formed at least in part of a block copolymer.

Abstract: A cardioplegia occluder and methods of using the device during cardiac surgery are disclosed. The system typically includes a substantially rigid cannula with an occluder mounted on the distal region of the cannula that expands upon activation to occlude the aorta downstream of an infusion port which delivers cardioplegia solution to arrest the heart. Systems including cutting blades, blade guards, flanges, radiopaque markers and occluder aligners are also disclosed. In use, the distal end of the cannula is inserted through an incision into the aorta, the occluder is expanded and cardioplegia solution is infused upstream of the aorta to arrest the heart. The infusion port can alternately be used to aspirate cardioplegia or embolic debris or other unwanted material from the aorta.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and devices for determining the instant of injection and the duration of injection in thermodilution measurements in which an injectate fluid at a temperature deviating from the temperature of the blood of a patient is injected at a specific injection site into a blood vessel of the patient and the temperature of the blood is measured at a measuring site downstream of the injection site, the injectate fluid being used at approximately room temperature and, before entry into the blood vessel, passed via a temperature sensor which, before the measurement, has a temperature deviating from room temperature, the temperature determined by the temperature sensor being sensed continuously, the instant of the beginning of injection being determined from a change occurring in the sensed temperature and the instant of the end of injection being determined from a subsequently occurring change in direction of the temperature profile.

Abstract: A penetrator for penetrating a stopper sealing an opening in a container. The penetrator includes a stamped piece of sheet material formed to define a shank having a length. A groove extends along the length of the shank. The shank has a pointed distal. The stamped piece of sheet material further includes a bearing plate extending from the shank at a proximal end opposite the distal end of the shank.

Abstract: A flow directed microcatheter is formed having a gradually changing flexibility and diameter between a proximal end and a distal end of the microcatheter. The changing properties of the microcatheter according to the present invention provide the flexibility of the distal tip needed to allow the microcatheter to be directed by the flow of blood within the vasculature, and the columnar strength and torquability at the proximal end and along the length of the microcatheter needed to advance and direct the distal tip to the target site. A proximal segment of the microcatheter includes a plurality of strands which vary in diameter to change the flexibility of the microcatheter. A distal segment of the microcatheter includes an inner layer which is compatible with solvents, such as DMSO, and an outer layer which provides strength and flexibility. The proximal segment and the distal segment of the microcatheter are joined by a kink resistant fuse joint.

Abstract: A handpiece for cosmetic tissue treatment includes an input connector for connection of a first beam-outlet end of a first optical fiber to the handpiece and for alignment of the first optical fiber with an axis of the handpiece so that a first light beam emitted from the first beam-outlet end is transmitted substantially along the axis, a movable first deflecting device for deflection of the first light beam into a second light beam, and an output for emission of the second light beam towards a target surface. The handpiece may be used for eblating a thin epidermal layer of the derma of a patient and also marks on the tissue such as marks from chloasma, liver spots, red spots, tattoos, blood vessels just below the surface, etc. In addition, warts, wounds, hair follicles, etc., may be ablated or treated.

Abstract: A surgical screw system for use with implantation rods includes a screw member, a receiver member, a pressure cap and a locking device. The screw member has a shaft and a head with a spherical undersurface and a conical tapered recess. The receiver member has an upper and lower portion, a u-shaped rod receiving channel and an axial bore. The u-shaped channel has two lateral legs at the upper portion and forms an opening leading to the axial bore. The axial bore near the lower portion includes an inwardly conical tapered surface which has a diameter larger than the shaft of the screw member but smaller than the head of the screw member. The conical surface forms a support upon which the spherical undersurface of the head of the screw member rests when the screw member is guided through the bore of the lower portion of the receiver member. The pressure cap is positioned within the axial bore and situated upon the head of the screw member.

Abstract: Improved bone cutting guides enable a surgeon to better gauge required resection characteristics. In one embodiment at least a portion of the guide is transparent, thereby enabling the user to optimize cut estimates and to visualize the resection as it is being performed. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of the body is shaped to interact with another bone or prosthetic element associated with a joint, thereby enabling the device to function both as a trial and as a cutting guide. In this embodiment as well the guide may be at least partially transparent to improve visualization. Although primarily intended for use in femoral-side knee arthroplasty, the invention is applicable to any procedure which might benefit from improved bone-cutting accuracy.

Abstract: IM revision tools include reamers with depth markings or stops, an impactor-extractor with a coupling for attaching to tools which are inserted into and removed from the IM canal, a resection guide tower to which a cutting block is attached and which includes a notch which serves as both a witness mark and a holder for a femoral or tibial collar, a reversible clean-up cutting block with a quick-connect clamp attachable to the guide tower for resecting the distal femur and separate left and right clean-up cutting blocks for resecting the proximal tibia, a selection of spacer blocks for measuring the space between the tibia and femur to determine the size of the components to be installed, a multiple cut cutting guide for preparing the femur, a set of 5 and 10 mm trial wedges, a trial stem valgus adapter, femoral sizing indicators which include indications of anterior/posterior offset, a stabilizer box cutting template which is attachable to the multiple cut cutting guide, and anterior/posterior offset adapters

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis, including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device with increased efficiency as a result of substantially increased pressure uniformity across individual PZTs and through the PZT stack. Specifically, the PZT stack is uniformly compressed by way of a bolt having a head that has a surface area roughly equal to the surface area of the individual piezoelectric elements. The bolt is further combined with an aft end bell that has a reduced surface contact with the bolt head and a larger surface contact with the adjacent piezoelectric stack.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating revascularization channels in tissue, such as the myocardium of the heart, mechanically cuts the channels using a hand piece with easily removable cutting tip assemblies having angled, sharpened edges to allow rapid tip replacement. The cutting tip assembly has an inner needle within an outer hollow needle with each needle attached to the hand piece for independent rotation and axial movement. The inner needle may be hollow, or formed with a pointed tip, and may rotate counter to the outer needle to enhance gripping and storage of the tissue excised by the outer needle. The hand piece may attach a cylindrical magazine of cutting tip assemblies or one cutting tip assembly. The cutting tip assembly may be heated to provide thermal damage to the heart muscle during the creation of the channel, providing some of the advantages of the laser method of TMR.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and/or affecting parameters of a patient's body and more particularly to such a system comprised of a system control unit (SCU) and one or more other devices, preferably battery-powered, implanted in the patient's body, i.e., within the envelope defined by the patient's skin. Each such implanted device is configured to be monitored and/or controlled by the SCU via a wireless communication channel. In accordance with the invention, the SCU comprises a programmable unit capable of (1) transmitting commands to at least some of a plurality of implanted devices and (2) receiving data signal from at least some of those implanted devices. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the system operates in closed loop fashion whereby the commands transmitted by the SCU are dependent, in part, on the content of the data signals received by the SCU.

Abstract: An implantable electrical heart defibrillation system for both ventricle and atrium is proposed and is characterized in that it acts in a manner such as:

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an achieving low-rate collagen shrinkage using an electrode array comprising an elongated insulator strip having at least one pair of spaced-apart bi-polar RF electrodes, and a “channeling” disposed on the strip between the bi-polar electrodes to direct the flow of RF current therebetween. The channeling electrode is not directly coupled to the RF power source, but only indirectly through the tissue in contact with the channeling electrode. The apparatus enables low RF power levels (e.g., 0.5 watts to 25 watts) to be applied over time intervals of 5 seconds to 180 seconds to attain low-rate collagen shrinkage by directing or focusing the path of the RF current.