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Showing papers by "Agilent Technologies published in 1998"


Patent
13 Nov 1998
TL;DR: An acoustical resonator comprising top and bottom electrodes that sandwich a PZ layer was constructed in this article. And the resonance frequency of the resonator can be adjusted after fabrication by utilizing heating elements included in the acoustic resonator and/or by adjusting the thickness of a tuning layer.
Abstract: An acoustical resonator comprising top and bottom electrodes that sandwich a PZ layer. The resonance frequency of the acoustical resonator may be adjusted after fabrication by utilizing heating elements included in the acoustical resonator and/or by adjusting the thickness of a tuning layer. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrodes comprise Mo layers. One embodiment of the present invention is constructed on a Si3 N4 membrane. A second embodiment of the present invention is constructed such that it is suspended over a substrate on metallic columns. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrodes are deposited by a method that minimizes the stress in the electrodes.

285 citations


Patent
TL;DR: In this article, a defibrillator having infrared communication capability is provided, which is implemented using infrared light or RF communications and standardized communications protocols such as the IrDA protocol to allow for ready communication between defibrators such as during handoffs of patient along the Chain of Survival.
Abstract: A defibrillator having infrared communication capability is provided. The wireless communications capability is implemented using infrared light or RF communications and standardized communications protocols such as the IrDA protocol to allow for ready communication between defibrillators such as during handoffs of patient along the Chain of Survival. The wireless communications network also allows for communications between a defibrillator and a host computer such as a palmtop for incident report generation after each handoff. Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having an infrared mode switch to allow for restricted access to advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) features of the defibrillator. A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having a remote training mode that is implemented via wireless communications. Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator test system that is implemented via wireless communications. A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a live ECG telemetry data link using the wireless communications system.

237 citations


Patent
11 Feb 1998
TL;DR: In this article, a two-dimensional array of photosensors is used to detect correlations of features, and an attitudinal signal indicative of pitch, yaw, and/or roll is generated.
Abstract: A method and system for tracking attitude of a device includes fixing a two-dimensional array of photosensors to the device and using the array to form a reference frame and a sample frame of images. The fields of view of the sample and reference frames largely overlap, so that there are common imaged features from frame to frame. Sample frames are correlated with the reference frame to detect differences in location of the common features. Based upon detection of correlations of features, an attitudinal signal indicative of pitch, yaw, and/or roll is generated. In the preferred embodiment, the attitudinal signal is used to manipulate a screen cursor of a display system, such as a remote interactive video system (RIVS). However, attitudinal tracking using the invention may be employed in other applications. Another aspect of the invention is that the two-dimensional array is configured to compensate for any curvilinear distortions introduced by a lens system for imaging the features within the field of view of the array.A movable device, such as an optical mouse, includes a housing, a lens system in the housing and an array of photosensors in the housing for acquiring images in light applied to the array by the lens system, the array disposed in a plurality of rows and columns defining an optical axis, adjacent columns being spaced apart by boundaries having curvatures increasing with departure from the optical axis sufficient to compensate for curvilinear distortion introduced in the images by characteristics of the lens system, the array comparing data from the images to indicate motion of features of the images relative to the housing.

213 citations


Patent
18 May 1998
TL;DR: In this article, a method and apparatus for transporting digital images is described, where a personal electronic handheld digital camera executes an application program that enables a user to send one or more digital images, formed by and stored in the camera, from the camera to a destination.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting digital images is provided. In one embodiment, a personal electronic handheld digital camera executes an application program that enables a user of the camera to send one or more digital images, formed by and stored in the camera, from the camera to a destination. One or more addresses describing one or more destinations are selected or identified. One or more stored digital images are selected and associated with the one or more addresses. Optionally, a voice message is recorded and associated with the one or more addresses. The camera is coupled to a data communication network, and a transport operation is initiated. Under control of the application, the camera sends the selected images to the designated destinations over the data communication network. When an address is a physical address, for example, a postal mail address, the selected images are automatically routed to a central server. At the central server, tangible copies of the selected images are printed, packaged, and sent to the physical address. Each image may be marked with an authentication stamp that uniquely identifies the image or the camera that created the image, guarding against unauthorized alteration.

209 citations


Book
31 Oct 1998

198 citations


Patent
30 Mar 1998
TL;DR: The hold feature as mentioned in this paper suspends the production of movement signals to the computer, allowing the mouse to be physically relocated on the work surface without disturbing the position on the screen of the pointer.
Abstract: An optical mouse images as an array of pixels the spatial features of generally any micro textured or micro detailed work surface below the mouse. The photo detector responses are digitized and stored as a frame into memory. Motion produces successive frames of translated patterns of pixel information, which are compared by autocorrelation to ascertain the direction and amount of movement. A hold feature suspends the production of movement signals to the computer, allowing the mouse to be physically relocated on the work surface without disturbing the position on the screen of the pointer. This may be needed if the operator runs out of room to physically move the mouse further, but the screen pointer still needs to go further. The hold feature may be implemented with an actual button, a separate proximity detector or by detecting the presence of a characteristic condition in the digitized data, such as loss of correlation or velocity in excess of a selected limit. A convenient place for an actual hold button is along the sides of the mouse near the bottom, where the thumb and the opposing ring finger grip the mouse. The gripping force used to lift the mouse engages the hold function. Hold may incorporate a brief delay upon either the release of the hold button, detection of proper proximity or the return of reasonable digitized values. During that delay any illumination control or AGC servo loops stabilize. A new reference frame is taken prior to the resumption of motion detection.

186 citations


Patent
30 Jul 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, a barrier for preventing water or oxygen from a source thereof from reaching a device that is sensitive to water and oxygen is constructed by depositing a first polymer layer between the device and the source.
Abstract: A barrier for preventing water or oxygen from a source thereof from reaching a device that is sensitive to water or oxygen. The barrier is constructed by depositing a first polymer layer between the device and the source. An inorganic layer is deposited on the first polymer layer of the device by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition utilizing an electron cyclotron resonance source ECR-PECVD. A second polymer layer is then deposited on the inorganic layer. The inorganic layer is preferably an oxide or nitride. A second barrier layer having a compound that absorbs oxygen or water can be placed between the inorganic layer and the device to further retard the passage of oxygen or water. The present invention is particularly useful in encapsulating electroluminescent displays.

177 citations


Patent
19 Feb 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a GaN-based LED with a substrate having a top surface, a first layer of a semiconducting material deposited on the top surface of the substrate, a light generation region deposited on first layer, and a second layer of semiconducted material on the first layer.
Abstract: An LED having a higher light coupling efficiency than prior art devices, particularly those based on GaN. An LED according to the present invention includes a substrate having a top surface, a first layer of a semiconducting material deposited on the top surface of the substrate, a light generation region deposited on the first layer, and a second layer of semiconducting material deposited on the first layer. Electrical contacts are connected to the first and second layers. In one embodiment, the top surface of the substrate includes protrusions and/or depressions for scattering light generated by the light generation region. In a second embodiment, the surface of the second layer that is not in contact with the first layer includes a plurality of protrusions having facets positioned such that at least a portion of the light generated by light generation layer strikes the facets and exits the surface of the second layer. In a third embodiment, the second layer includes a plurality of channels extending from the surface of the second layer that is not in contact with the light generation layer. The channels are filled with a material having an index of refraction less that that of the semiconducting material.

166 citations


Patent
19 Jun 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, a miniaturized total analysis system with an in-line NMR detection compartment and an NMR rf microcoil detector is described for use in liquid phase analysis.
Abstract: A miniaturized total analysis system with an in-line NMR detection compartment and an NMR rf microcoil detector is described for use in liquid phase analysis. The device is formed by microfabrication of microstructures in novel support substrates. The NMR detector coil may be fabricated directly in the support body at the point of detection or, alternatively, may be formed as part of a modular structure that is insertable into the device at the point of detection. In addition, an integrated device for sample preparation and NMR detection is provided comprising the miniaturized total analysis system and a miniature magnet configured to accept the miniaturized total analysis system, wherein the device is capable of generating an NMR spectrum. The invention herein is used for the analysis of small and/or macromolecular and/or other solutes in the liquid phase.

134 citations


Patent
27 Apr 1998
TL;DR: In this article, a pen-like computer pointing device images as an array of pixels the spatial features of generally any micro textured or micro detailed work surface below the tip of the pen.
Abstract: A pen like computer pointing device images as an array of pixels the spatial features of generally any micro textured or micro detailed work surface below the tip of the pen. The photo detector responses are digitized and stored as a frame into memory. Motion produces successive frames of translated patterns of pixel information, which are compared by autocorrelation to ascertain the direction and amount of movement. A contact sensor senses when the tip of the pointing device is in contact with the work surface. Buttons are included on the body of the pointing device that allow it to function in place of a computer mouse device.

130 citations


Patent
18 Jun 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, a plurality of electrodes supported by a semiconductor substrate is brought into proximity with a reaction medium, which comprises reagents for carrying out the chemical reactions, and an item of numerical data is sent to the storage means in each of the cells within the substrate by means of a data bus.
Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for carrying out multiple chemical reactions A plurality of electrodes supported by a semiconductor substrate is brought into proximity with a reaction medium, which comprises reagents for carrying out the chemical reactions An item of numerical data is sent to storage means in each of a plurality of cells within the semiconductor substrate by means of a data bus The item of numerical data is representative of an electric signal An address is sent to address decoders in communication with the storage means As a result, the item of numerical data is stored in the storage means Electric signals are selectively applied to each of the electrodes by means of a plurality of digital analog converters, each electrically coupled to a respective electrode Each of the digital analog converters is associated with a respective cell In this way, a chemical reaction takes place proximal to and in response to the field at the electrodes to which the electric signals are selectively applied A particular feature of the present invention is that the medium may be non-aqueous

Patent
13 Aug 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, a dual-boot capable programmable device and associated apparatus for updating the contents of the two boot memory devices is described. But the authors do not specify a mechanism to avoid failure of a single boot memory device.
Abstract: Methods and associated apparatus for using a dual-boot capable programmable device and for updating programmed information in such a dual-boot capable programmable device. The apparatus of the present invention includes a primary boot memory device (108), a secondary boot memory device (110), and means for selecting between the two memory devices for purposes of "booting" the dual-boot mode device (100, 114..122). In particular, a reset switch (122) of the apparatus of the present invention resets devices in the dual-boot capable programmable device and is coupled to a selection device (114..120). The selection device (114..120) multiplexes signals from the two boot memory devices onto the corresponding bus signals of the dual-boot capable programmable device. When a "long" reset switch activation is sensed (118), the selection device selects a first of the two boot memory devices for coupling to the programmable device. A "short" activation (120) of the reset switch selects the other boot memory device. The present invention also includes methods (200..214, 400..410) for updating the contents of the two boot memory devices so as to avoid an inoperable state encountered due to failure of the update process in a single boot memory device. In particular, both boot memory devices are updated in sequence. The second memory update (206..214) is prevented if the first memory update (200..202) is determined to have failed (204).

Patent
12 Jul 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed an inventive mechanism that monitors ATM traffic load by service type. But the mechanism does not consider the number of cells being transported over a backbone or link of an ATM network.
Abstract: The inventive mechanism monitors ATM traffic load by service type. The inventive mechanism receives each cell being transported over a backbone or link of an ATM network. The mechanism creates a table, which includes the VPI/VCI tags and the respective service type for each tag, to determine the numbers of cells being transported for each of the service types. The mechanism forms the table by monitoring connection/call setup-request cells and their associated answer cells, which identify the service type for each VPI/VCI tag. The inventive mechanism may set alarm levels to trigger based upon the pipe bandwidth usage by the different service types.

Patent
29 Jul 1998
TL;DR: In this article, a layer of Pd is formed on a first wafer and an adhesion layer of chromium (Cr) attaches the palladium layer to the second wafer, and the engaged wafers are annealed to form a palladium-silicide (PdSi) bond.
Abstract: Two wafers are bonded together through an annealing process that maintains temperatures at CMOS compatible levels (i.e., below 500 degrees Celsius). A layer of palladium (Pd) is formed on a first wafer. Preferably an adhesion layer of chromium (Cr) attaches the palladium layer to the first wafer. The palladium layer is engaged with silicon (Si) from a second wafer, and the engaged wafers are annealed to form a palladium-silicide (PdSi) bond between the palladium layer of the first wafer and the silicon of the second wafer. In addition to bonding the first wafer to the second wafer, the palladium-silicon bond may be used to form an electrical connection between the two wafers so that circuits on both wafers may communicate to one another through the palladium-silicon bond.

Patent
05 Mar 1998
TL;DR: In this article, the main waveform display is adapted to display one or more waveforms and associated data on a first graticule with a background while the magnified view of a region of the main display is displayed on a secondgraticule.
Abstract: An apparatus and methodology for use in a signal measurement system having a graphical user interface. The apparatus constructed and arranged to simultaneously render on a display of pixels a main waveform display and a magnified waveform display is disclosed. The main waveform display is adapted to have displayed therein one or more waveforms and associated data on a first graticule with a background while the magnified waveform display is adapted to have displayed therein a magnified view of a region of the main waveform display on a second graticule with a background. The region of the main waveform display to be magnified is defined by a graphically-controllable selection window positioned over the main waveform display to encompass the region. Preferably, the operator-controllable selection window has a position and extent that may be graphically manipulated.

Patent
22 Jun 1998
TL;DR: In this article, an embedded processor is programmed to function as a web server and provide network manageability information to a network manager, which allows network management and local area network communications to be performed over a single physical interface.
Abstract: A chip for a device such as a computer includes a media access controller and an embedded processor. The embedded processor is programmed to function as a web server and provide network manageability information to a network manager. The embedded processor is also programmed to function as a LAN controller. When a packet is received by the media access controller, the embedded processor examines a destination address of the packet and routes the packet to an appropriate end point. Packets having a first unique destination address are routed to a host interface (and eventually to a host processor), and packets having a second unique address are routed to the embedded processor-functioning-as-web server. Thus, the chip allows network management and local area network communications to be performed over a single physical interface.

Patent
31 Jul 1998
TL;DR: A surface mountable high frequency electronic package consisting of substrates stacked on top of each other, with arbitrarily-shaped solder structures such as balls and walls connecting them together, forming a fully-shielded, environmentally-sealed, sandwich in which smaller electronic components and devices are placed.
Abstract: A surface mountable high frequency electronic package consisting of substrates stacked on top of each other, with arbitrarily-shaped solder structures such as balls and walls connecting them together; forming a fully-shielded, environmentally-sealed, sandwich in which smaller electronic components and devices are placed. In addition to providing electronic and mechanical interconnection to a mother substrate, the solder structures also provide electromagnetic isolation and shielding, controlled-impedance transmission line structures, and an environmental seal. The entire package is fabricated from conventional materials and components assembled together with automated processes.

Patent
18 Nov 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, a method and apparatus for fabricating replicate arrays of nucleic acid molecules include the preparation of the molecules and the application the molecules onto a substrate in an ordered array.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating replicate arrays of nucleic acid molecules include the preparation of the molecules and the application the molecules onto a substrate in an ordered array. The apparatus comprises a synthesis unit and a plurality of outlets. The synthesis unit comprises a plurality of synthesis chambers that are spatially arranged relative to each other to provide an array suitable for conducting parallel nucleic acid syntheses. The chambers are suitable for containing discrete compositions of nucleic acid molecules. Each outlet of the plurality of outlets communicates with a single synthesis chamber. The plurality of outlets are configured such that nucleic acid molecules can be removed from the chambers through the outlet and deposited onto the substrate in an ordered array that corresponds to the spatial arrangement of the synthesis chambers.

Patent
04 Nov 1998
TL;DR: In this article, a PVT compensated variable impedance output driver for driving a signal through a signal pad on a semiconductor device is presented, which includes a plurality of p-channel field effect transistors (PFETs) electrically connected in parallel.
Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a PVT compensated variable impedance output driver for driving a signal through a signal pad on a semiconductor device. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the output driver includes a plurality of p-channel field effect transistors (PFETs) electrically connected in parallel. A source node of each of the plurality of PFETs are electrically connected together, and a drain node of each of the plurality of PFETs are electrically connected together. The driver further includes a plurality of n-channel field effect transistors (NFETs) electrically connected in parallel. A source node of each of the plurality of NFETs are electrically connected together and a drain node of each of the plurality of NFETs are electrically connected together. Further, the drain nodes of the plurality of PFETs are electrically connected with the source nodes of each of the plurality of NFETs, and are further electrically coupled (preferably through an ESD resistor) to the signal pad. A first PFET of the plurality of PFETs has a gate node that is driven by an output of a pull-up predriver circuit and a first NFET of the plurality of NFETs has a gate node that is driven by an output of a pull-down predriver circuit. The remaining PFETs and NFETs, however, have gate nodes that are driven by signals from the pull-up and pull-down predeiver circuits, as controlled by calibration words generated by a control circuit. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for controllably varying the output impedance of an output driver circuit that is configured to drive a signal through a signal pad on a semiconductor device.

Patent
03 Nov 1998
TL;DR: An annotation system and methodology for annotating a display of a computer-based system that includes a graphical user interface is presented in this article, which enables an operator to generate a graphical annotation label containing any desired data, and to graphically position the annotation label at any desired location on the display, enabling the operator to positionally associate the graphical annotation labels with a desired graphical element displayed on the graphical interface.
Abstract: An annotation system and methodology for annotating a display of a computer-based system that includes a graphical user interface. Generally, the annotation system enables an operator to generate a graphical annotation label containing any desired data, and to graphically position the annotation label at any desired location on the display, enabling the operator to positionally associate the graphical annotation label with a desired graphical element displayed on the graphical user interface. The annotation system is constructed and arranged to enable an operator to graphically generate an annotation label containing operator-generated information and to graphically alter the position of the annotation label such that the annotation label is positionally associated with a desired graphical element on the graphical user interface. The annotation label may be implemented as dialog box, window or other display region in the graphical environment provided by the graphical user interface.

Patent
09 Jul 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, a method for analyzing a target nucleic acid sequence employing the mixtures of natural and mass-modified oligonucleotide precursors and chemical or enzymatic assays is presented.
Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed which satisfy the need for more sensitive, more accurate and higher through-put analyses of target nucleic acid sequences. The methods and reagents may be generically applied to generally any target nucleic acid sequence and do not require a priori information about the presence, location or identity of mutations in the target nucleic acid sequence. The reagents of the invention are mixtures of natural and mass-modified oligonucleotide precursors having a high level of coverage and mass number complexity. A method is also disclosed for analyzing a target nucleic acid sequence employing the mixtures of natural and mass-modified oligonucleotide precursors and chemical or enzymatic assays to alter the mass of the oligonucleotide precursors prior to mass spectral analysis, generally via MALDI-TOF. The enzymatic assay may be a polymerase extension assay or a ligase assay. The kits for carrying out the methods of the invention are also disclosed.

Patent
11 Sep 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, a waveguide substrate having at least two waveguides that intersect at a trench such that optical coupling is dependent upon the presence or absence of an index-matching fluid at the intersection of the waveguide with the trench is provided.
Abstract: A method of fabricating a switching element or a matrix of switching elements includes providing a waveguide substrate having at least two waveguides that intersect at a trench such that optical coupling between the waveguides is dependent upon the presence or absence of an index-matching fluid at the intersection of the waveguides with the trench. Fluid is supplied to the trench via a fluid fill-hole that extends through a heater substrate in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a substrate surface on which at least one heater is fabricated. In the preferred embodiment, the fluid fill-hole is formed in a step of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactive ion etching (RIE). The waveguide substrate having at least two waveguides and the heater substrate having the heaters and the fill-hole are bonded together after the substrates are aligned such that the trench is in fluid communication with at least one fluid fill-hole and is in thermal communication with at least one heater. Optical fibers are then coupled to the waveguides. Preferably, a structurally weakened edge portion is formed during the ICP RIE step so that the edge portion can be removed after the two substrates are bonded, allowing uninhibited access of the optical fibers to the waveguides.

Patent
09 Jul 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors apply graph theory techniques in methods to establish multiplexed assay formats for analyzing polymorphic DNAs, which is useful in the design of assays for determining identity, ancestry, predisposition to disease, or the presence or absence of a desired trait; genetic linkage analyses (gene mapping); and drug development.
Abstract: Methods for applying graph theory techniques in methods to establish multiplexed assay formats for analyzing polymorphic DNAs are provided. These methods are used for designing and carrying out rapid and efficient processes for distinguishing target polymorphic DNA segments on the basis of variations in sequence and/or length. The methods are thus useful in the design of assays for determining identity, ancestry, predisposition to disease, or the presence or absence of a desired trait; genetic linkage analyses (gene mapping); and drug development.

Patent
14 Oct 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, a system in which remote nodes are supplied with electrical power using existing network communication links is described, where a communication device in a system according to the present techniques routes electrical power to a remote node via a set of unused lines of a network communication link used for communication with the remote node.
Abstract: A system in which remote nodes are supplied with electrical power using existing network communication links. A communication device in a system according to the present techniques routes electrical power to a remote node via a set of unused lines of a network communication link used for communication with the remote node. The electrical power distributed to the remote node may be AC or DC power.

Patent
10 Sep 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, a switching element that selectively couples a first optical path to a second optical path through an index-matching fluid includes a tapering region along each of the optical paths to achieve high coupling efficiency at both ends of substrate waveguides that form portions of the two optical paths.
Abstract: A switching element that selectively couples a first optical path to a second optical path through an index-matching fluid includes a tapering region along each of the optical paths to achieve high coupling efficiency at both ends of substrate waveguides that form portions of the two optical paths. The two substrate waveguides are separated by a gap that is filled with the index-matching fluid in order to optically couple the two waveguides. The ends of the waveguides located at the gap have relatively large cross sectional areas to promote high coupling efficiency across the gap. For example, the cross sectional dimensions may be approximately 16 μm×8 μm at the interior ends of the two substrate waveguides. On the other hand, the exterior ends have significantly smaller cross sectional areas in order to promote high coupling efficiency to optical fibers. For example, the cross sectional dimensions of an external end may be 8 μm×8 μm. The substrate waveguides are adiabatically tapered in order to inhibit reflection. In another embodiment, the tapering regions of the two optical paths are formed along the optical fibers, rather than along the substrate waveguides.

Patent
11 May 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, a pixel column amplifier architecture consisting of a first double sampling (DS) circuit and a second DS circuit that has the same configuration as the first DS circuit was proposed.
Abstract: A pixel column amplifier architecture creates a reduced noise differential image signal from an pixel sensor array. The pixel column amplifier architecture comprises a first double sampling (DS) circuit and a second DS circuit that has the same configuration as the first DS circuit. An image signal containing a combination of noise components created on a substrate is coupled to the first DS circuit. A reference image signal, held in a reset state, represents the noise component of the image signal and is coupled to the second DS circuit. Further, a reference voltage source is coupled to a reference input of both the first DS and the second DS circuits. The first DS circuit provides the first side of the differential image signal, and the second DS circuit provides the second side of the differential image signal.

Patent
16 Oct 1998
TL;DR: An improved circuit board inspection system incorporates self learning techniques for accurate determination of Z-axis elevations of electrical connections as discussed by the authors, which is referred to a laser range finder generated surface map of the circuit board, is automatically determined from a series of cross-sectional images of the electrical connections for each electrical connection.
Abstract: An improved circuit board inspection system incorporates self learning techniques for accurate determination of Z-axis elevations of electrical connections. A Delta Z, referenced to a laser range finder generated surface map of the circuit board, is automatically determined from a series of cross sectional images of the electrical connections for each electrical connection on the circuit board. The Delta Z values for each electrical connection are stored in a data base from which customized Delta Z values for specifically defined board views may be calculated.

Patent
TL;DR: An ultrasound transducer assembly for use in a phased array ultrasound imaging system includes an array of ultrasound transducers having a two-dimensional transmitting and receiving surface that is curved in at least two orthogonal directions as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly for use in a phased array ultrasound imaging system includes an array of ultrasound transducer elements having a two-dimensional transmitting and receiving surface that is curved in at least two orthogonal directions and conductors for connecting the transducer elements to electronic circuitry of the ultrasound imaging system. The array may include a curved, two-dimensional array of rows and columns of transducer elements. The transmitting and receiving surface is typically convex but may also be concave. The transmitting and receiving surface may be a portion of a spheroid or an ellipsoid. In one embodiment, the transmitting and receiving surface is configured as a portion of a spherical surface.

Patent
22 Jul 1998
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a method and apparatus for accurately distributing traceable time values to a set of nodes in a system, where each node includes a slave clock that synchronizes a slave time value using a synchronization protocol.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately distributing traceable time values to a set of nodes in a system. Each node includes a slave clock that synchronizes a slave time value using a synchronization protocol. The system includes a traceable time source that generates a traceable time value and a master node having a master clock that synchronizes a master time value to the traceable time value and that distributes the master time value to the slave clocks via the communication link. The nodes may be distributed nodes or cards connected to a backplane.

Patent
16 Oct 1998
TL;DR: In this article, the dependancies of a computer service are modeled hierarchically and the relationships between the computer service and the hardware and software services upon which it depends are contained in data structures defining a directed acyclic graph.
Abstract: The dependancies of a computer service are modeled. The modeling hierarchically defines the relationships between the computer service and the hardware and software services which the computer service depends. These relationships may be contained in data structures defining a directed acyclic graph. The model also defines which measurements need to be taken to determine health and performance of the computer service and the health and performance of all the computer services upon which the computer service depends. Software agents that take these measurements may be deployed using the model to determine the measurement locations and functions. Data from measurement agents may be propagated up the model hierarchy. The model (200) may also be visualized by a graphical interface to communicate the dependancies and the health and status of the services upon which the modeled service depends.