Author: claimsbot

1. A method for testing an array of configuration random-access memory elements on a programmable logic device for the presence of resistive bridging faults at their outputs, comprising:
writing test configuration data into the configuration random-access memory elements;
clearing programmable logic registers on the programmable logic device;
sensitizing the array to resistive bridging faults by performing read operations on the configuration random-access memory elements; and
applying test vectors to the programmable logic registers and observing corresponding test results to determine whether any of the sensitized configuration random-access memory elements have associated resistive bridging faults.
2. The method defined in claim 1 wherein applying the test vectors comprises checking the array for proper operation immediately after sensitizing the array without performing any intervening error correction code error detection operations on the test configuration data.
3. The method defined in claim 1 wherein applying the test vectors comprises checking the array for proper operation immediately after sensitizing the array without performing any intervening cyclic redundancy check error detection operations on the test configuration data.
4. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the array has an associated data register and wherein applying the test vectors comprises checking the array for proper operation immediately after sensitizing the array without performing any intervening data shifting operations using the data register.
5. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the programmable logic device has input-output pins, wherein applying the test vectors comprises checking the array for proper operation using direct observation immediately after sensitizing the array without performing any intervening error correction code error detection operations on the test configuration data, and wherein using direct observation comprises:
with a tester, applying at least part of the test vectors to at least some of the input-output pins while observing the test results on at least some of the input-output pins.
6. The method defined in claim 1 wherein applying the test vectors comprises checking the array for proper operation using scan chain testing immediately after sensitizing the array without performing any intervening error correction code error detection operations on the test configuration data.
7. The method defined in claim 1, wherein applying the test vectors comprises checking the array for proper operation using scan chain testing immediately after sensitizing the array without performing any intervening error correction code error detection operations on the test configuration data and wherein using scan chain testing comprises:
with a tester, applying at least part of the test vectors using a scan chain formed from at least some of the programmable logic registers.
8. The method defined in claim 1 wherein applying the test vectors comprises checking the array for proper operation using scan chain testing immediately after sensitizing the array without performing any intervening error correction code error detection operations on the test configuration data and wherein using scan chain testing comprises:
with a tester, observing at least part of the test results using a scan chain formed from at least some of the programmable logic registers.
9. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the array comprises data lines and wherein sensitizing the array comprises precharging the data lines.
10. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the array comprises data lines and precharge drivers that drive the data lines and wherein sensitizing the array comprises:
precharging the data lines with the precharge drivers; and
tristating the precharge drivers after precharging the data lines.
11. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the array comprises data lines, precharge drivers that drive the data lines, and address lines and wherein sensitizing the array comprises:
precharging the data lines with the precharge drivers;
tristating the precharge drivers after precharging the data lines; and
systematically asserting the address lines to read from the array after tristating the precharge drivers.
12. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the programmable logic comprises metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors having gates and wherein the configuration random-access memory elements each include:
an address transistor;
a clear transistor;
an output line that is coupled to the gate of a respective one of the programmable logic metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors; and
a pair of cross-coupled inverters having an inverted data node that is connected to the address transistor and a data node that is connected to the clear transistor and the output line, wherein applying test vectors to the programmable logic registers comprises applying test vectors to the programmable logic registers to determine whether unwanted resistive paths are present that bridge the gates of any of the metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors.
13. A method for testing an array of configuration random-access memory elements on a programmable logic device for the presence of resistive bridging faults at their outputs, wherein the programmable logic device comprises programmable logic that includes metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors having gates and that includes programmable logic registers, and wherein the configuration random-access memory elements each include an address transistor, a clear transistor, an output line that is coupled to the gate of a respective one of the programmable logic metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors, and a pair of cross-coupled inverters having an inverted data node that is connected to the address transistor and a data node that is connected to the clear transistor and the output line, the method comprising the steps of:
sensitizing the array to resistive bridging faults by performing read operations on the configuration random-access memory elements; and
applying test vectors to the programmable logic registers and observing corresponding test results to determine whether any one of the sensitized configuration random-access memory elements has an associated resistive bridging fault that bridges the gate of the metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor that is coupled to its output line.
14. The method defined in claim 13 further comprising:
before sensitizing the array, writing test configuration data into the configuration random-access memory elements and clearing the programmable logic registers on the programmable logic device.
15. The method defined in claim 13 further comprising:
before sensitizing the array, placing the programmable logic device in user mode to clear the programmable logic registers on the programmable logic device, wherein applying the test vectors to the programmable logic registers and observing corresponding test results to determine whether any one of the sensitized configuration random-access memory elements has an associated resistive bridging fault comprises applying the test vectors to the programmable logic registers and observing corresponding test results to determine whether any one of the sensitized configuration random-access memory elements has an associated resistive bridging fault that can only be detected in the user mode.
16. The method defined in claim 13 wherein applying test vectors to the programmable logic registers and observing corresponding test results comprises applying test vectors to the programmable logic registers and observing corresponding test results immediately after sensitizing the array without performing any intervening error correction code error detection operations.
17. The method defined in claim 13 wherein applying test vectors to the programmable logic registers and observing corresponding test results comprises checking whether the metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors have been turned on and off as expected by the configuration random-access memory elements.
18. The method defined in claim 13 wherein applying test vectors to the programmable logic registers and observing corresponding test results comprises using scan chain testing to check whether the metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors have been turned on and off as expected by the configuration random-access memory elements.
19. The method defined in claim 13 wherein applying test vectors to the programmable logic registers and observing corresponding test results comprises using direct observation testing in which test signals are applied and test results are observed through input-output pins to check whether the metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors have been turned on and off as expected by the configuration random-access memory elements.
20. The method defined in claim 13 wherein the array comprises data lines, precharge drivers that drive the data lines, and address lines, wherein the data lines are connected to the address transistors, wherein the address transistors each have an address transistor gate, wherein the address lines are each connected to a respective one of the address transistor gates, and wherein sensitizing the array comprises:
precharging the data lines with the precharge drivers;
tristating the precharge drivers; and
systematically asserting the address lines to read from the array.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A method comprising:
associating at least one historical event with at least one media content event based, at least in part, upon a chronological relationship;
displaying a chronological representation of the at least one historical event and the at least one media content event within a window of time;
receiving a user selection of an informational item displayed within the chronological representation; and
updating the chronological representation based on the selected informational item.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the informational item is chosen from the group consisting of: the at least one historical event; the at least one media content event; a window of time; and media metadata.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the media metadata is chosen from the group consisting of: an artist identifier, an album identifier, a track identifier, and a music genre identifier.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
in response to receiving a user selection of an informational item, identifying one or more media content events and one or more historical events having an associated date corresponding to the selected informational item.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein updating the chronological representation includes narrowing a chronological scope of the chronological representation.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein updating the chronological representation includes filtering the chronological representation based upon the selected informational item.
7. A computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:
associating at least one historical event with at least one media content event based, at least in part, upon a chronological relationship;
displaying a chronological representation of the at least one historical event and the at least one media content event within a window of time;
receiving a user selection of an informational item displayed within the chronological representation; and
updating the chronological representation based on the selected informational item.
8. The computer program product of claim 7 wherein the informational item is chosen from the group consisting of: the at least one historical event; the at least one media content event; a window of time; and media metadata.
9. The computer program product of claim 8 wherein the media metadata is chosen from the group consisting of: an artist identifier, an album identifier, a track identifier, and a music genre identifier.
10. The computer program product of claim 7 further comprising instructions for performing operations comprising:
in response to receiving a user selection of an informational item, identifying one or more media content events and one or more historical events having an associated date corresponding to the selected informational item.
11. The computer program product of claim 7 wherein the instructions for updating the chronological representation include instructions for narrowing a chronological scope of the chronological representation.
12. The computer program product of claim 7 wherein the instructions for updating the chronological representation include instructions for filtering the chronological representation based upon the selected informational item.
13. A computing device configured to perform operations comprising:
associating at least one historical event with at least one media content event based, at least in part, upon a chronological relationship;
displaying a chronological representation of the at least one historical event and the at least one media content event within a window of time;
receiving a user selection of an informational item displayed within the chronological representation; and
updating the chronological representation based on the selected informational item.
14. The computing device of claim 13 wherein the informational item is chosen from the group consisting of: the at least one historical event; the at least one media content event; a window of time; and media metadata.
15. The computing device of claim 14 wherein the media metadata is chosen from the group consisting of: an artist identifier, an album identifier, a track identifier, and a music genre identifier.
16. The computing device of claim 13, wherein the computing device is further configured to perform operations comprising:
in response to receiving a user selection of an informational item, identifying one or more media content events and one or more historical events having an associated date corresponding to the selected informational item.
17. The computing device of claim 13 wherein updating the chronological representation includes narrowing a chronological scope of the chronological representation.
18. The computing device of claim 13 wherein updating the chronological representation includes filtering the chronological representation based upon the selected informational item.
19. The computing device of claim 13 wherein the computing device is chosen from the group consisting of a personal media device, a client computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a television, a cable box, an internet radio, and a dedicated network device.

1. A body mass related risk factor scale, comprising:
a weight scale that measures and determines a person’s weight;
a height measuring device for determining the height of the person being weighed;
a display unit for data input purposes, technical configuration and operation of the body mass related risk factor scale;
a microprocessor for calculating, processing and organizing data associated with the body mass related risk factor scale;
a color liquid crystal diode display for displaying data from the microprocessor;
an internal battery for maintaining the time and date in the event of a power outage;
a mini-printer to print data associated with the body mass related risk factor scale;
client software to facilitate downloading data into a computerized system; and
a reset button to reset the body mass related risk factor scale in case of malfunction.
2. The scale according to claim 1, wherein the person must enter their age, gender, height and weight (taken automatically) into -the body mass related risk factor scale in order to determine their body mass related risk factor.
3. The scale according to claim 1, wherein the body mass related risk factor is a color-coded measure of a person’s overall health.
4. The scale according to claim 1, wherein the body mass related risk factor is a numerical measure of a person’s overall health.
5. The scale according to claim 1, wherein the height-measuring device is an adjustable horizontal measuring bar.
6. The scale according to claim 1, wherein the height-measuring device is a measuring tape.
7. The scale according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes a real-time clock and calendar to indicate what time and date it is.
8. The scale according to claim 1, wherein the microprocessor is provided with read only memory.
9. The scale according to claim 1, wherein the microprocessor is provided with flash memory that retains data even after power has been turned off.
10. The scale according to claim 1, wherein the microprocessor is programmed with body mass indexes.
11. The scale according to claim 1, wherein a serial port and a USB2 port are provided for data transfer with similar ports found on a computer.
12. The scale according to claim 1, wherein a solid stand is set between the display unit and the weight scale.
13. The scale according to claim 1, wherein a flexible cord is used between the display unit and the weight scale.
14. A method for determining the overall health of a person, comprises the steps of:
accessing a color-coded body mass scale;
using the color-coded body mass scale to determine the person’s weight;
inputting person specific data into the color-coded body mass scale;
calculating a body mass related risk factor;
displaying the body mass related risk factor as a number and a color-code; and
saving the person specific data and the body mass risk factor in the color-coded body mass scale.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A device for microfluidic chromatography, the device comprising:
first, second and third capillary tubes, the second tube disposed between the first and third tubes;
a chromatographic packing disposed in the second tube;
a first and second porous support layer disposed on opposite ends of the second tube; and
an external coupling joining the tubes such that the tubes are fluidically sealed;
wherein the device has a fluidic resistance such that a pressure differential across the device of less than about 10 psi produces a flow rate through the joined tubes of at least about 0.5 mlmin for a liquid solution.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the support layers comprise at least one of a porous membrane or a woven membrane.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the supports layers have a thickness in a range of 100 to 200 \u03bcm.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the support layers have a pore size in a range of 5 to 20 \u03bcm.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the support layers are disposed in a substantially flat orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis of the device.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the support layers are held in place by a compressive radial force.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the solution comprises water, a polar solvent or an organic solvent.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device holds between 0.5 to 5 \u03bcl of liquid.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the second tube has a larger diameter than the first or third tubes.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the diameter of the second part is about five times larger than the diameter of the first or third tubes.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the second tubes has an internal diameter of about 0.5 mm.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the first or third tubes has a diameter of about 0.1 mm.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein a residual volume in at least one of the first or third tubes is less than about 500 nl.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the coupling joins the tubes by a compressive radial force.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein the coupling comprises at least one of a heat shrink material, PTFE, or silastic.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the tubes comprises PTFE, silastic or PEEK.
17. The device of claim 1, wherein the packing has a particle size in a range of about of 40 to 100 \u03bcm.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein the packing comprises silica particles, chemically coated particles, an ion exchange material, an ion-exchange resin, ion exchange resin coated particles or a metal oxide.
19. The device of claim 1, wherein the packing is configured to separate a first compound from a second compound.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein the first compound is a radionucleotide, a fluorine, a fluoride, a polypeptide or a nucleotide.
21. The device of claim 1, wherein the packing binds a polypeptide, a polynucleotide or a fluoride.
22. The device of claim 1, wherein a pressure differential of less than about 5 psi produces a flow rate of least about 0.5 mlmin.
23. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to be fluidically coupled to at least one of a channel, a pump or a valve.
24. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to be fluidically coupled to a microfluidic chip or microfluidic system.
25. The device of claim 1, wherein the device has a shape configured to fit into a recess on a microfluidic chip.
26. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to be interchangeable with another chromatography device coupled to a microfluidic chip or microfluidic system.
27. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to operate in a substantially horizontal orientation.
28. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to operate at a temperature of up to about 100\xb0 C.
29. A microfluidic system for performing chemical analysis, the system comprising:
the chromatography device of claim 1; and
a microfluidic chip fluidically coupled to the chromatography device.
30. A system for performing microfluidic chemical reactions, the system comprising:
the chromatography device of claim 1; and
a microfluidic chemical reaction device fluidically coupled to the chromatography device.
31. A method for performing microfluidic chromatographic separation, the method comprising:
providing a microfluidic chromatography column having a chromatographic packing;
flowing a sample solution containing a compound through the column at a rate of at least 0.5 mlmin using a pressure differential of no more than about 10 psi, wherein at least a portion of compound becomes bound to the packing;
flowing an eluting solution through the column, wherein at least a portion of the bound compound is released from the packing.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the compound is one of a polypeptide, protein, nucleotide, fluoride, halide, acid or base.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein the sample solution comprises one of an aqueous solution, polar solvent or organic solvent.
34. The method of claim 31, wherein the elutent solution comprises one of an aqueous solution, polar solvent or organic solvent, acid solution or base solution.
35. The method of claim 31, wherein up to about ten mls of sample solution is flowed through the column.
36. The method of claim 31, wherein the pressure differential is no more than about 5 psi.
37. The method of claim 31, wherein the concentration of the compound is at least ten times that of the sample solution.
38. The method of claim 31, wherein elutent solution existing the column is utilized in a microfluidic chemical reactor.
39. The method of claim 31, wherein elutent solution existing the column is utilized in a measurement.
40. The method of claim 31, wherein flow into the column is electronically controlled.
41. The method of claim 31, wherein flow into the column is controlled by a metering pump.
42. A method for fabricating a microfluidic chromatography device, the method comprising:
placing a chromatographic packing material in a first capillary tube;
placing a shrinkable tube over at least a portion of the first capillary tube; and
placing at least one support layer within the shrinkable tube adjacent the first capillary tube;
placing a second capillary tube adjacent the at least one support layer on an opposite side from the first capillary tube; and
shrinking the shrinkable tube over the first capillary tube and at least a portion of second capillary tube, wherein the shrinkable tube holds the support layer in place by a compressive radial force.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the shrinkable tube is shrunk by the application of heat.
44. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one support layer has a substantially flat orientation within the shrinkable capillary tube.
45. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one support layer includes a first and a second support layer, the layers positioned on opposite ends of the packing.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein the second capillary tube is positioned adjacent the first support layer, the method further comprising:
prior to shrinking the shrinkable tubing, placing a third capillary tube adjacent the second support layer on an opposite side from the first capillary tube.
47. The method of claim 42, wherein the microfluidic chromatography device has a fluidic resistance such that a pressure differential across the device of less than about 10 psi produces a flow rate through the device of at least about 0.5 mlmin for a liquid solution.