Abstract: An electrostatic holding device for holding semiconductor wafers and similar materials during microelectronic device manufacturing operations. It has a circular, electrically conductive wafer support having a rounded periphery; an annular border region; and a flat, concentric, raised, central plateau having an electrically conductive top surface. The plateau has a tapered circumferential edge which extends down to the annular border region. A nonelectrically conductive coating is on the rounded periphery, the border region and the tapered edge which extends to, but does not cover, the conductive top surface of the central plateau such that an the coating is coplanar with the conductive top surface of the central plateau. A removable dielectric sheet overlies the top surface of the central plateau, the coating on the tapered edge and the coating on the border region.

Abstract: A variety of new ways can be used for associating antimicrobial elemental metal with a medical article. The associated antimicrobial metal reduces the risk of infection associated with the medical use of the medical article. New medical articles are produced by some of these new approaches. Some of the methods involve ways of adjusting the dissociation rate of associated elemental metal such that desired degrees of antimicrobial activity can be achieved over selected periods of time.

Abstract: A compact optical assembly includes a tight bend region that effectively propagates light from a source to an end use while maximizing beam lumens, improving color mixing, and minimizing complexity. A first nonimaging optical component increases the angular distribution of light from the source to an input end of the bend region having a light fiber with a first cross-sectional dimension. A second nonimaging optical component receives light from the bend region and decreases the angular distribution. A light conductor that interconnects the light source to the first nonimaging optical component has a cross-sectional dimension in the plane of the bend region greater than that of the light fiber and, likewise, a second conductor receiving light from the second nonimaging optical component has a cross-sectional dimension in the plane of the bend region greater than the light fiber.

Abstract: A method for forming square shape images in a lithographic process is disclosed wherein a first plurality of lines running in a first direction is defined in a first, usually sacrificial, layer, and then a second resist is defined wherein the lines run in an intersecting pattern to those of the first layer, thereby creating cornered images wherever the first and second layer intersect and in the open areas between the lines. Methods are proposed for developing the square intersecting areas and the square angle areas defined by the openings. Additionally, a photomask is disclosed in which the length and width of the cornered images are independently patterned using the two-exposure process.

Abstract: A lightguide for illuminating a dial of a timekeeping device having a flat portion having a bottom surface and an upper surface in facing alignment with the watch dial, a lightpipe integrally formed with and extending below the flat portion, the lightpipe having a foot region at one end thereof, and geometries molded into the bottom surface of the flat portion to selectively eject internally reflected light from the bottom surface of the flat portion through the upper surface, where the lightguide provides illumination to the dial when a concentrated light source disposed below and spaced apart from the foot region conducts light to the lightpipe.

Abstract: A fiber optic lighting system connector for coupling a fiber optic cable to another fiber optic cable, or a light source, or a light fixture. The connector includes a sleeve member having a plurality of resilient fingers and an axial bore for receiving a fiber optic cable end portion. A cap is non-threadably coupled to the sleeve member and movable axially about the resilient fingers between first and second positions to constrict the resilient fingers about a fiber optic cable end portion or conductor member for axial retention thereof in the axial bore. The resilient fingers preferably include first and second recesses in corresponding side portions thereof, and a tooth disposed between and offset from the first and second recesses.

Abstract: A vehicle computer system has a housing sized to be mounted in a vehicle dashboard or other appropriate location. A computer is mounted within the housing and executes an open platform, multi-tasking operating system. The computer runs multiple applications on the operating system, including both vehicle-related applications (e.g., vehicle security application, vehicle diagnostics application, communications application, etc.) and non-vehicle-related applications (e.g., entertainment application, word processing, etc.). The applications may be supplied by the vehicle manufacturer and/or by the vehicle user.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite web suitable for use, after post-treatment with a wetting agent, as a battery separator is formed by a wet process on a papermaking machine. One nonwoven composite material is made from a furnish of polyolefin binder fibers and polyolefin staple fibers. The web coming off the papermaking machine is dried using infra-red dryers followed by heated dryer cans. After drying, the web is thermally bonded using heated calendar rolls. The polyolefin binder fibers melt as the web passes through the calendar rolls and thermally bond the polyolefin staple fibers of the web when the melted binder fiber material fuses upon cooling.

Abstract: This invention has enabled a new, simple nanoporous dielectric fabrication method. In general, this invention uses a polyol, such as glycerol, as a solvent. This new method allows both bulk and thin film aerogels to be made without supercritical drying, freeze drying, or a surface modification step before drying. Prior art aerogels have required at least one of these steps to prevent substantial pore collapse during drying. Thus, this invention allows production of nanoporous dielectrics at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, without a separate surface modification step. Although not required to prevent substantial densification, this new method does not exclude the use of supercritical drying or surface modification steps prior to drying. In general, this new method is compatible with most prior art aerogel techniques. Although this new method allows fabrication of aerogels without substantial pore collapse during drying, there may be some permanent shrinkage during aging and/or drying.

Abstract: Inhibitors for matrix metalloproteases, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and a process for using them to treat a variety of physiological conditions. The compounds of the invention have the generalized formula(T).sub.x A--B--D--E--Gwherein A and B are aryl or heteroaryl rings; each T is a substituent group; x is 0, 1, or 2; the group D represents ##STR1## the group E represents a three carbon chain bearing one to three substituent groups which are independent or are involved in ring formation, possible structures being shown in the text and claims; and the group G represents --M, ##STR2## in which M represents --CO.sub.2 H, --CON(R.sup.11).sub.2, or --CO.sub.2 R.sup.12 ; andR.sup.13 represents any of the side chains of the 19 noncyclic naturally occurring amino acids, and include pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: Described are novel aldehyde cyclic trimers which are useful for controllably releasing fragrance composition components into the environment surrounding the location of said trimers. The trimers are particularly useful in effecting malodor elimination from solid or semisolid surfaces, e.g., the human epidermis (skin) and surfaces that have a displeasing tobacco aroma.

Abstract: In a photographic process printer system that receives printable pixel data into a print engine component from a computer component over a high-speed fiber channel communication pathway. Feedback control messages from the print engine component are sent over a low-speed serial channel communication pathway to the computer component to control the transmission of printable pixel data. The computer component continues to transmit packets of printable pixel data over the high-speed fiber channel communication pathway as long as the feedback control messages indicate that the print engine component is ready to receive more packets of printable pixel data.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) are disclosed, wherein: A is a fibrinogen antagonist template; W is a linking moiety of the form --(CHR.sup.g).sub.a --U--(CHR.sup.g).sub.b --V--; Q.sup.1, Q.sup.2, Q.sup.3 and Q.sup.4 are independently N or C--R.sup.y, provided that no more than one Q.sup.1, Q.sup.2, Q.sup.3 and Q.sup.4 is N; R' is H or C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl-C.sub.0-6 -alkyl or Ar--C.sub.0-6 alkyl; R.sup.g is H or C.sub.1-6 alkyl, Het-C.sub.0-6 alkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl-C.sub.0-6 alkyl or Ar--C.sub.0-6 alkyl; R.sup.k is R.sup.g, --C(O)R.sup.g or --C(O)OR.sup.g R.sup.i is H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, Het-C.sub.0-6 alkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl-C.sub.0-6 alkyl, Ar--C.sub.0-6 alkyl, Het-C.sub.0-6 alkyl--U'--C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl-C.sub.0-6 alkyl--U'--C.sub.1-6 alkyl or Ar--C.sub.0-6 alkyl--U'--C.sub.1-6 alkyl; R.sup.y is H, halo, --OR.sup.g, --SR.sup.g, --CN, --NR.sup.g R.sup.k, --NO.sub.2, --CF.sub.3, CF.sub.3 S(O).sub.r, --CO.sub.2 R.sup.g, --COR.sup.g or --CONR.sup.g.sub.2, or C.sub.

Abstract: An improved cold plate for use with a beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser has an ice chest and a carbonator unit. The cold plate is positioned beneath the ice chest. The cold plate includes a first surface in direct contact with the ice chest. The cold plate further includes a second surface with a concave middle portion such that the carbonator unit is positioned directly therein for intimate contact therewith.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device for high pressure diesel fuel systems includes a pressure sensing element attached directly to a wall adjacent a fuel inlet passageway that generates electrical signals responsive to stresses imposed on the wall by fuel pressure within the fuel inlet passageway. The pressure sensing element includes a semiconductor element that deflects in response to a deflection of a portion of the pressure caused by fuel pressure within fuel inlet passageway. A coil is electrically connected with the pressure sensing element and is configured to generate a magnetic field that moves a magnetic armature to control fuel pressure.

Abstract: A modular blood filter device and delivery system, comprising a hollow vessel insertion device with a modular filter apparatus. The insertion device, which can be an introducer, includes a distal end adapted to enter an artery, and a proximal end adapted to receive a modular filter apparatus. When the insertion device is a cannula, the modular filter apparatus is received through a side port. The modular filter apparatus includes a shaft and an adjustable filter device or a removable filter associated with the shaft. The adjustable filter includes filter mesh, an adjustable frame capable of assuming enlarged and contracted conditions and a frame sizing mechanism associated with the frame. Certain embodiments include a filter cartridge, and the shaft is inserted into the cartridge, thereby protecting the adjustable filter device therein. The cartridge may then be removably received by the insertion device. An expandable obturator may be used to ease the entry of the insertion device into the vessel.

Abstract: A storage container (12) includes, in some embodiments, a tray insert (10) having a base (14) and side walls (16) which define a reservoir (18) for retaining fluids exuded from stored food. The base (14) of the tray insert (10) substantially conforms to the bottom of the storage container (12) into which the tray insert (10) is placed and the upper edge (28) of the side walls (16) substantially conforms to the interior side wall of the storage container (12). A series of ribs (20) and optional rib segments (25) extend upwardly from the base (14) of the tray insert (10), with the ribs (20 and 25) and the upper edge (28) of the side walls (16) supporting a cover (26) formed of liquid permeable sheet material so that the cover (26) supports food which has been placed into the storage container (12).

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided having an expandable distal portion and balloon protector means comprising a first removable sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon, and an optional second removable (outer) sleeve positioned over the inner sleeve, the second (outer) sleeve having a constrictive relationship with the first (inner) sleeve, said first and second sleeves being removed prior to use of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to contryphan peptides having 6-12 amino acids, preferably including one or more D-tryptophan or D-leucine residues. The peptides of the present invention are generically termed "contryphans," although the D-leucine containing contryphans are sometimes referred to as leu-contryphans. More specifically, the present invention is directed to contryphan peptides having the general formula Xaa.sub.1 -Cys-Xaa.sub.2 -Xaa.sub.3 -Xaa.sub.4 -Pro-Xaa.sub.5 -Cys (SEQ ID NO:1), wherein Xaa.sub.1 is any amino acid or des-Xaa.sub.1, Xaa.sub.2 is Pro, 4-trans-hydroxyproline or Val, Xaa.sub.3 is D-Trp, L-Trp, D-Leu or L-Leu, preferably D-Trp or D-Leu, Xaa.sub.4 is any amino acid and Xaa.sub.5 is Trp or Tyr. When the peptide contains Xaa.sub.1, it is preferably Gly, Glu, or Lys, most preferably Gly. When Xaa.sub.3 is D- or L-Trp, Xaa.sub.2 is preferably Pro or 4-trans-hydroxyproline. When Xaa.sub.3 is D- or L-Leu, Xaa.sub.2 is preferably Val.