Abstract: A system for evaluating the metrological characteristics of a surface of a substrate, the system including an optical substrate measurement system, a data analyzing system for analyzing data in an evaluation area on the substrate, applying feature-specific filters to characterize the surface of the substrate, and produce surface-specific metrics for characterizing and quantifying a feature of interest, the surface-specific metrics including a range metric for quantifying maximum and minimum deviations in the evaluation area, a deviation metric for quantifying a point deviation having a largest magnitude in a set of point deviations, where the point deviations are an amount of deviation from a reference plane fit to the evaluation area, and a root mean square metric calculated from power spectral density.

Abstract: Processes for forming an enhanced material or structure are disclosed. The structure typically includes a preform that has a first common surface and a recess below the first common surface. A filler is added to the recess and seams are friction stir welded, and materials may be stir mixed.

Abstract: A computer assisted system and related method for interacting with an audience by combining questions from a group of questioners, analyzing the questions, and presenting the questions in summary form for answering by a speaker or interviewee. The answers are then delivered to the questioners. The entire interview may be delivered to the questioners, or portions may be selectively delivered to separate questioners based on questions asked by the respective questioner. In one embodiment, questions may be grouped by similar subject matter; groups may be arranged by the number of associated questions or by other priority criteria. In a further embodiment, a representative question may be generated for each group. The representative question may be selected from the group or may be generated from analysis results. In one embodiment, a subscriber based service is provided. Profiles may be developed for the questioners, and targeted advertising may be delivered based on the profiles.

Abstract: A surface inspection system, as well as related components and methods, are provided. The surface inspection system includes a beam source subsystem, a beam scanning subsystem, a workpiece movement subsystem, an optical collection and detection subsystem, and a processing subsystem. The system features a variable polarization a polarizing relay assembly arranged to selectively permit the scattered light having a selected polarization orientation to pass along a detector optical axis to a light detection unit in the detection subsystem. They system also features a collector output width varying subsystem for varying the width of an output slit in response to changes in the location of the location scanned on the workpiece.

Abstract: A processor-based method for detecting defects in an integrated circuit, by creating an image of at least a portion of the integrated circuit with a sensor, grouping pixels of the image into bins based at least in part on a common characteristic of the pixels that are grouped within a given bin, creating a histogram of the pixels in each of the bins, calculating a mean value of the histogram for each of the bins, comparing the mean value for each of the bins to a threshold value, flagging as defect candidates those bins where the mean value of the bin varies from the threshold value by more than a predetermined amount, and performing signature detection on the bins that are flagged as defect candidates, where the image of the integrated circuit is not directly compared to any other image of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed are structures formed as bulk support media having carbon nanotubes formed therewith. The bulk support media may comprise fibers or particles and the fibers or particles may be formed from such materials as quartz, carbon, or activated carbon. Metal catalyst species are formed adjacent the surfaces of the bulk support material, and carbon nanotubes are grown adjacent the surfaces of the metal catalyst species. Methods employ metal salt solutions that may comprise iron salts such as iron chloride, aluminum salts such as aluminum chloride, or nickel salts such as nickel chloride. Carbon nanotubes may be separated from the carbon-based bulk support media and the metal catalyst species by using concentrated acids to oxidize the carbon-based bulk support media and the metal catalyst species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable pharmaceutical composition that includes sirolimus. The pharmaceutical composition includes sirolimus in the amorphous form, a fatty acid ester, such as glyceryl behenate, and a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer wherein the fatty acid ester is present at a concentration of less than 10% w/w compared to the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine having an injector which functions as a positive displacement pump and dispenses an amount of lubricant fixed for each and every operation of the injector. The fluid dispensed could be a lubricant delivered directly to crankshaft bearings, camshaft bearings, tappets or cylinder sleeve. Alternatively the fluid could be fuel, water or urea delivered to an exhaust system upstream of a catalytic converter. The injector can have a one-way valve with a valve element having a domed or conical surface for directing fluid flow across a sharp edge which induces turbulence in the fluid flow.

Abstract: A method and compositions for lubricating surfaces with lubricating oils exhibiting increased phosphorous retention. The lubricated surface includes a lubricant composition containing a base oil of lubricating viscosity, an amount of a phosphorus-containing compound and an amount of at least one hydrocarbon soluble titanium compound that is effective to provide an aged catalyst temperature that converts at least fifty percent of exhaust gas hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and NOx that is lower than an aged catalyst temperature that converts at least fifty percent of exhaust gas hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and NOx of the lubricant composition devoid of the hydrocarbon soluble titanium compound.

Abstract: Mechanical joints are provided in which the angle between a first coupled member and a second coupled member may be varied by mechanical actuators. In some embodiments the angle may be varied around a pivot axis in one plane and in some embodiments the angle may be varied around two pivot axes in two orthogonal planes. The joints typically utilize a cam assembly having two lobes with an involute surface. Actuators are configured to push against the lobes to vary the rotation angle between the first and second coupled member.

Abstract: A centrifugal bowl separator, including a bowl, a source of pressurized gas in selective flow communication with the bowl and operable to selectively supply pressurized gas to an interior portion of the bowl, and first and second pressure seals selectively established to provide a zone within a portion of the bowl such that when the pressurized gas is introduced, pressure within the portion of the bowl increases for enhanced removal of moisture and drying of solids within the portion of the bowl.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal stabilization system that enables spinal movements throughout a range of motions from a neutral condition of the spine, to a flexion condition, and an extension condition. The system includes metal pedicle screws and at least one metal support rod, wherein the system includes elastomeric members operatively located to substantially eliminate metal-to-metal contact of metal components of the system that are movable relative to one another.

Abstract: A security barrier apparatus which may be used in conjunction with an existing security gate or may be used as a stand-alone security barrier gate. The system uses a passive restraining device comprising a bollard having at least one catch horn extending therefrom which engages a corresponding structure on the gate to restrain the gate when impacted.

Abstract: There is disclosed a lubricating composition comprising a first base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. ranging from about 3.5 cSt to about 6 cSt; and a second high viscosity base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. ranging from about 6 cSt to about 17 cSt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for initiating a process gas plasma. A conductive plate having a plurality of conductive fingers is positioned in a microwave applicator. An arc forms between the conductive fingers to initiate the formation of a plasma. A transport mechanism may convey process materials through the plasma. A spray port may be provided to expel processed materials.