Abstract:
The disclosure relates generally to production of lithography masks such as used in mass production of monolithic integrated circuits (IC's). Layers of such IC's often need to be filled with dummy-fill. In accordance with the disclosure, dummy-objects are first generated by a conventional flat-fill technique and then they are automatically surrounded by outlines that are substantially wrinkle-free. The outlines are cleared of the original flat-fill and then used as areas that are to be automatically tiled by an auto-tiling program. Tiles are then re-filled with array definitions of regularly-spaced dummy-objects. The arrays consume less data storage space than do the original, individually-specified (flat-filled) dummy-objects. The array data is appended to layout data of functional objects in a layer of the integrated monolithic device (IC) to thereby generate a dummy-filled tapeout file. The dummy-filled tapeout file is subjected to pre-tapeout rules checking and then transmitted via a network to a mask house for production of a corresponding lithography mask. The lithography mask is used to mass produce corresponding integrated circuits.
Abstract:
A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and in particular a sleeve, to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A depth stop enhances accurate insertion, and prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, and marker deployment etc.
Abstract:
A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a manner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line. A method of forming a package for a catheter product comprises the steps of providing a sheet material for the package and placing the catheter product on the sheet material. It also includes affixing a tear strip to the sheet material and wrapping the sheet material around the catheter product. Further, the method includes the step of sealing the sheet material to form a sealed cavity with the catheter product being disposed within the sealed cavity.
Abstract:
An obturator as part of a biopsy system enhances use with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) by indicating location of a side aperture in an encompassing cannula. The cannula (e.g., detached probe, sleeve sized to receive a core biopsy probe) includes a side aperture for taking a tissue sample. When the obturator is inserted in lieu of the biopsy device into the cannula, a notch formed in a shaft of the obturator corresponds to the side aperture. A dugout trough into the notch may further accept aqueous material to further accentuate the side aperture. In addition, a series of dimensionally varied apertures (e.g., wells, slats) that communicate through a lateral surface of the shaft and that are proximal to the side aperture receive an aqueous material to accentuate visibility in an MRI image, even in a skewed MRI slice through the cannula/obturator.
Abstract:
A data bus circuit for an integrated circuit memory includes a 4-bit bus per I/O pad that is used to connect the memory with an I/O block, but only two bits per I/O are utilized for writing. Four bits per I/O pad are used for reading. At every falling edge of an input data strobe, the last two bits are transmitted over the bus, which eliminates the need for the precise counting of input data strobe pulses. The data bus circuit is compatible with both DDR1 and DDR2 operating modes.
Abstract:
An electrolytic cell includes a container for holding an electrolyte. A conductively doped single crystal diamond anode electrode is positioned to be disposed within the electrolyte, as is a conductive cathode electrode. Conductors are coupled to the electrodes for coupling to a power supply. An electrolyte inlet and an electrolyte outlet are coupled to the container for causing electrolyte to flow past the electrodes. The anode electrode is downstream from the cathode electrode in one embodiment, such that an electrolyte comprising water is purified by generation of oxygen and/or ozone.
Abstract:
An environmental chamber includes an ultrasonic nebulizer assembly for controlling the relative humidity within the chamber. The ultrasonic nebulizer assembly is connected in closed-loop fluid communication with an enclosed chamber of the environmental chamber and includes an ultrasonic nebulizer module to generate water vapor that is introduced into the enclosed chamber. The ultrasonic nebulizer module is constructed to be immersed in water within the ultrasonic nebulizer assembly and is readily replaceable by the user. A nebulizer hour timer is provided to monitor the length of time of the ultrasonic nebulizer is operating to provide a precise indication to the user of how much life is left in the ultrasonic nebulizer before it needs to be replaced.
Abstract:
During the production of recombinant proteins from gram negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharides (LPS, endotoxin) are released along with the protein of interest. In many instances, LPS will copurify with the target protein due to specific or non-specific protein-ILPS interactions. We have investigated the ability of alkanediols to effect the separation of LPS from protein-LPS complexes while the complexes are immobilized on anion or cation exchange chromatographic media. Alkanediols provide a safer alternative to the use of other organics such as alcohols or acetonitrile due to their lower toxicity and decreased flammability. In addition, they are less costly than many of the detergents that have been used for such purposes. LPS removal efficiency increased with increasing alkane chain length. 1,2-alkanediols were more effective than terminal alkanediols in the separation of LPS from protein LPS complexes.
Abstract:
An invention where a roof protector comprised of a group of modular panels which can be interconnected having the qualities of lightness, strength, flexibility and durability and when connected to strong anchor points and installed over a roof, such panels serve to provide adequate protection against uplift and shingle damage of the roof and roofing components of manufactured homes, fixed foundation homes or other structures against damage caused by high winds such that might occur during a hurricane.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for network-based or Internet-based software delivery are described. In one embodiment, an application program or software platform resides on a client. The program or platform is configured so that it is extensible based on software extensions that are deliverable over a network such as the Internet. In the described embodiment, extension files that comprise a software extension are hosted on an Internet server. Additional files are also hosted on the Internet server and describe aspects of the software extension. Extensions are incorporated on a client by navigating to a particular Internet site through which the extensions can be accessed. The files describing the extension files are downloaded on the client. The extension files are then downloaded and incorporated into the program or platform.