Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus and method in which a first laser source, for example, a CO2 emitting at 10.6 ?m is focused onto a silicon wafer as a line beam and a second laser source, for example, a GaAs laser bar emitting at 808 nm is focused onto the wafer as a larger beam surrounding the line beam. The two beams are scanned in synchronism in the direction of the narrow dimension of the line beam to create a narrow heating pulse from the line beam when activated by the larger beam. The energy of GaAs radiation is greater than the silicon bandgap energy and creates free carriers. The energy of the CO2 radiation is less than the silicon bandgap energy so silicon is otherwise transparent to it, but the long wavelength radiation is absorbed by the free carriers.

Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus and method in which a first laser source, for example, a CO2 emitting at 10.6 ?m is focused onto a silicon wafer as a line beam and a second laser source, for example, a GaAs laser bar emitting at 808 nm is focused onto the wafer as a larger beam surrounding the line beam. The two beams are scanned in synchronism in the direction of the narrow dimension of the line beam to create a narrow heating pulse from the line beam when activated by the larger beam. The energy of GaAs radiation is greater than the silicon bandgap energy and creates free carriers. The energy of the CO2 radiation is less than the silicon bandgap energy so silicon is otherwise transparent to it, but the long wavelength radiation is absorbed by the free carriers.

Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus and method in which a first laser source, for example, a CO2 emitting at 10.6 ?m is focused onto a silicon wafer as a line beam and a second laser source, for example, a GaAs laser bar emitting at 808 nm is focused onto the wafer as a larger beam surrounding the line beam. The two beams are scanned in synchronism in the direction of the narrow dimension of the line beam to create a narrow heating pulse from the line beam when activated by the larger beam. The energy of GaAs radiation is greater than the silicon bandgap energy and creates free carriers. The energy of the CO2 radiation is less than the silicon bandgap energy so silicon is otherwise transparent to it, but the long wavelength radiation is absorbed by the free carriers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for achieving uniform heating or cooling of a substrate during a rapid thermal process are disclosed. More particularly, apparatus and methods for controlling the temperature of an edge ring supporting a substrate and/or a reflector plate during a rapid thermal process to improve temperature uniformity across the substrate are disclosed, which include a thermal mass or plate adjacent the edge ring to heat or cool the edge ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circulating gas oven incorporating a cooking surface wherein the cooking surface and air above are heated by a circulating gas system involving ducting and gas diffusers. The oven is portable and the cooking surface is made of ceramic or glass material. The ducting means and diffusers are adapted to create a laminar air flow. Foodstuff such as pizza can be cooked in a uniform manner.

Abstract: A method for generating individual glyphs, and a system and method for inspecting individual glyphs are disclosed. The system includes a true resolution imaging device configured to capture an image of a printed glyph. A registry service has a database for storing other glyphs and/or parameters of other glyphs. An analysis system, in selective communication with the registry service, includes computer software configured to receive the captured image; an image analysis program configured to perform forensic analysis on the received image to determine parameter(s) associated with the glyph; and an image comparison program configured to i) compare the glyph parameter(s) with parameters stored in the registry for other glyphs or with parameters determined, by image analysis program, for the other glyphs stored in the registry, and ii) generate a probability that the glyph and object are authentic based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A digital pen of the kind having means to sense and create a digital record of the use made of the pen and a memory in which the digitised record is stored also includes a reader for communication with memory tags by inductive coupling. The means to sense and create a digital record of the use made of the pen may include a camera. Preferably the reader for communication with memory tags is located at the opposite end of the pen from a nib for convention writing, and the pen includes a battery power supply.

Abstract: An audio photograph data storage system stores a printed image and a plurality of audio segments associated with the printed image. The audio segments are arranged in a plurality of audio layers.

Abstract: A thermal processing chamber with a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) lamp assembly and a method for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, a thermal processing chamber includes a chamber body and a dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly. The dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly further comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and a dielectric barrier. The dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. The dielectric barrier defines a discharge space between the dielectric barrier and the second electrode. A circuit arrangement is coupled to the first and second electrodes, and is adapted to operate the dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly.

Abstract: A representational object contains a visual representation of a character and a memory tag comprising a digital memory adapted to be read from when inductively powered. The digital memory contains digital content relating to the character represented visually on the representational object. At least a part of the digital content relates to function of the character in a game carried out by a gaming application and comprises executable code for execution in connection with operation of the gaming application.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid identification and tracking of individuals in an emergency situation is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a spring loaded band that includes a spring element movable between a first stable position and a second stable position. The spring element may be configured to coil lengthwise around an individual's wrist, arm, ankle or leg while transitioning from the second stable position to the first stable position. A hygienic coating may be configured to cover the spring element. Finally, a unique patient identifier number may be disposed on the spring loaded band.

Abstract: A thermal processing chamber with a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) lamp assembly and a method for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, a thermal processing chamber includes a chamber body and a dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly. The dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly further comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and a dielectric barrier. The dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. The dielectric barrier defines a discharge space between the dielectric barrier and the second electrode. A circuit arrangement is coupled to the first and second electrodes, and is adapted to operate the dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a method of processing audio data comprising: characterising an audio data representative of a recorded sound scene into a set of sound sources occupying positions within a time and space reference frame; analysing the sound sources; and generating a modified audio data representing sound captured from at least one virtual microphone configured for moving about the recorded sound scene, wherein the virtual microphone is controlled in accordance with a result of the analysis of said audio data, to conduct a virtual tour of the recorded sound scene.

Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus and method in which a first laser source, for example, a CO2 emitting at 10.6 ?m is focused onto a silicon wafer as a line beam and a second laser source, for example, a GaAs laser bar emitting at 808 nm is focused onto the wafer as a larger beam surrounding the line beam. The two beams are scanned in synchronism in the direction of the narrow dimension of the line beam to create a narrow heating pulse from the line beam when activated by the larger beam. The energy of GaAs radiation is greater than the silicon bandgap energy and creates free carriers. The energy of the CO2 radiation is less than the silicon bandgap energy so silicon is otherwise transparent to it, but the long wavelength radiation is absorbed by the free carriers.

Abstract: A cassette includes a shell having a front and a rear. The shell has a plurality of plug cavities open at the front for receiving plugs therein. A contact subassembly is received within the shell. The contact subassembly has a circuit board with front and rear sides, and the contact subassembly has a plurality of contacts electrically connected to the circuit board and extending from the front side. The contacts are arranged in contact sets that are configured to mate with corresponding plugs. The contact subassembly has an electrical connector extending from the rear side, where the electrical connector is electrically connected to corresponding contacts. The cassette also includes an interface connector received within the shell that is mated with the electrical connector. The interface connector has a rear mating connector extending from the rear of the shell and is configured to mate with a mating connector.

Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus and method in which a first laser source, for example, a CO2 emitting at 10.6 ?m is focused onto a silicon wafer as a line beam and a second laser source, for example, a GaAs laser bar emitting at 808 nm is focused onto the wafer as a larger beam surrounding the line beam. The two beams are scanned in synchronism in the direction of the narrow dimension of the line beam to create a narrow heating pulse from the line beam when activated by the larger beam. The energy of GaAs radiation is greater than the silicon bandgap energy and creates free carriers. The energy of the CO2 radiation is less than the silicon bandgap energy so silicon is otherwise transparent to it, but the long wavelength radiation is absorbed by the free carriers.

Abstract: A bin washer device disposed along a conveyor that moves bins, includes a support and at least two bin holders, preferably three bin holders, rotatably supported on the support above the conveyor. Two left sprays are provided outside the path of the bin holders and at angles that are perpendicular to one another. Similarly, two right sprays are provided outside the path and at angles perpendicular to one another. The right sprays minor the left sprays whereby that all sides of a bin are washed. A method includes stopping rotation of the support, discharging a bin from a first bin holder and receiving a bin into the first bin holder. The support is then rotated and the bins in the bin holders are washed. The support is again stopped and a bin a discharged from a second bin holder, and a next bin is received in the second bin holder. The support is then rotated and the bins in the bin holders are washed. These steps are repeated for each bin holder and/or until all of the bins have been washed.

Abstract: A dual-side cleaning traversing screen filtration system which generally comprises a main trough water containment housing, a traversing manifold having a multitude of top and bottom disposed spray heads, flexible plumbing, a substantially planar, rectangular supported screen which is disposed over, and spans the opening of, the main trough water containment housing which, in the preferred embodiment, has a rectangular box like shape, with the combined assemblage functioning as a filter to separate unwanted debris from the water that passes through the screen into the slightly inclined main trough water containment housing where it can be continually removed and re-used.

Abstract: A method of generating an audio signal comprises receiving a plurality of input audio signals from a plurality of microphones forming a microphone array, the plurality of input audio signals being representative of a set of sound sources within the auditory field of view of the microphone array at a given instant in time; receiving a motion input signal from a motion sensor, the motion input signal being representative of the motion of the microphone array; and manipulating the received plurality of input audio signals in response to the received motion input signal to generate an audio output signal that is representative of a set of sound sources within the auditory field of view of a virtual microphone, the apparent motion of the virtual microphone being independent of the motion of the microphone array.

Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus and method in which a first laser source, for example, a CO2 emitting at 10.6 ?m is focused onto a silicon wafer as a line beam and a second laser source, for example, a GaAs laser bar emitting at 808 nm is focused onto the wafer as a larger beam surrounding the line beam. The two beams are scanned in synchronism in the direction of the narrow dimension of the line beam to create a narrow heating pulse from the line beam when activated by the larger beam. The energy of GaAs radiation is greater than the silicon bandgap energy and creates free carriers. The energy of the CO2 radiation is less than the silicon bandgap energy so silicon is otherwise transparent to it, but the long wavelength radiation is absorbed by the free carriers.