Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices and arrays, comprising metal-insulator-metal (M-I-M) structures with opposed first and second ferro-magnetic electrodes with alterable relative magnetization direction. The insulator is formed by depositing an oxidizable material (e.g., Al) on the first electrode, naturally oxidizing it, e.g., at about 0.03 to 10 milli-Torr for up to a few thousand seconds at temperatures below about 35° C., then further rapidly (e.g., plasma) oxidizing at a rate much larger than that of the initial natural oxidation. The second electrode of the M-I-M structure is formed on this oxide. More uniform tunneling properties result. A second oxidizable material layer is optionally provided after the initial natural oxidation and before the rapid oxidation step during which it is substantially entirely converted to insulating oxide. A second natural oxidation cycle may be optionally provided before the second layer is rapidly oxidized.
Abstract:
Method and arrangement for providing a modular tractor assembly including a driver compartment having a rearward connecting edge configured to slidably receive a complementary forward connecting edge of one of a day compartment module, a sleeper compartment module, or an inter-modular fairing connector assembly. A portion of the rearward connecting edge of the driver compartment has a flange portion disposed at an acute angle relative to a long axis of the tractor for complementarily receiving a forward connecting edge of one of the day compartment module, the sleeper compartment module and the inter-modular fairing connector assembly. The interface between the driver compartment and the day compartment module, a sleeper compartment module, or an inter-modular fairing connector assembly is substantially hidden by the doors of the vehicle to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Abstract:
A method of providing a caller with a directory assistance dialog. The dialog is configurable, at any level of the dialog, from an automated speech recognition (ASR) dialog to an operator-assisted (OP) dialog. The dialog is handed off to an operator if any level of the speech recognition dialog fails. Also, a configuration switch may be set to cause the dialog to be handed off to an operator even if a response at some level of the ASR dialog is successfully recognized.
Abstract:
A method of designing an interface system that allows users to map the representation of their task directly to the interface. There are three major phases to the Customer-Centric Approach to Interface Design (C-CAID). End-users' tasks are categorized to determine the frequency of reasons or tasks of why users interact with a particular system. These reasons and their relative frequencies are used to design interface options that emphasize the user's task categories. Finally, the customer-centric interface designs are evaluated and compared with existing system interfaces using usability tests with actual users performing the tasks. The results from usability tests are used to pinpoint the task-option combinations that do not work well and which should be revised. Benefits of this customer-centric design are improved systems performance and increased user satisfaction.
Abstract:
An arrow (20) having an arrowhead assembly (30) attached thereto is provided for marking a remote location with a marking media (22). The marking media (22) is preferably in the form of a paint ball or a scent ball. The arrowhead assembly (30) includes a media reservoir (46) defining a cavity (52) and a plurality of supports (54) extending outward from the media reservoir (46) along a longitudinal axis (L). The supports (54) secure the marking media (22) within the cavity (52) in a press-fit connection. In one embodiment, a cap (62) and a resilient nose cone (70) are attached to the media reservoir (46), surrounding the marking media (22), to prevent damage to a target upon impacting the target.
Abstract:
A probe measurement system for measuring the electrical characteristics of integrated circuits or other microelectronic devices at high frequencies.
Abstract:
An arrow having an arrowhead assembly is disclosed for delivering scent to a remote location. The arrowhead assembly includes a base, a releasing mechanism defining a reservoir and including a cap connected to said base, and a pad disposed within the reservoir. The releasing mechanism releases the pad from within the reservoir upon impact with a surface. The releasing mechanism defines a frangible break-line between the cap and the base to detach the cap from the base, thereby releasing the pad from the reservoir. The pad may include a spike for attaching the pad to a surface upon impact.
Abstract:
A snowboard binding (100) is disclosed having a base plate (102) with a highback (120) pivotally attached. A locking lever (130) is disposed on the back of the highback for locking the highback in a generally upright position with a desired maximum forward lean. A flexible member such as a strap (140) or a panel (202), cord guide (204), and cord (206) attached to the highback and to the locking lever to facilitate moving the lever between an open position and a locked position. In an embodiment of the invention, the base plate includes a pair of oppositely-disposed, pivotable sidewalls (104) and the highback is attached to the base plate with a heel loop (1 12) that pivotably engages the sidewalls, such that straps (108, 110) mounted to the sidewalls move to engage the boot (90) when the highback is moved to an upright position.
Abstract:
Rather than increasing the mass of the structure, the structure in a sensor system suspends its substrate from some mechanical ground. Motion of the substrate relative to the mechanical ground thus provides the movement information. To those ends, the sensor system includes a base, a substrate, and a flexible member suspended from at least a portion of the substrate. At least a portion of the flexible member is capable of moving relative to at least a portion of the substrate. In addition, the flexible member is secured to the base, thus causing the substrate to be movable relative to the base. Moreover, the mass of the substrate is greater than the mass of the flexible member. The substrate and flexible member are configured to interact to produce a motion signal identifying movement of the base.
Abstract:
A method for processing a call is disclosed. The method receives a speech input in connection with a call and transforms at least a segment of the speech input into a first textual format. The method also generates a first list of entries based, at least partially, on a consideration of the first textual format, the first list comprising at least one action with a corresponding confidence level and at least one object with another corresponding confidence level, selects an entry of the first list having a higher corresponding confidence level, outputs a second textual format. The method further generates a second list based, at least partially on consideration of the selected entry and the second textual format and suggesting a routing option for the call based on the selected entry and a pairing entry in the second list having a high corresponding confidence level.