Abstract: A robot with improved cleanliness for use in a clean environment is disclosed, having a uniform flow through the open interface between the clean environment and the interior of the robot housing, passing the particle generation area to an exhaust port, keeping the particles from the clean environment. The uniform flow reduces or eliminates the back flow, and further allows the scalability of the open interface to prevent particles generated from moving mechanisms within the robot housing to contaminate the clean environment. The uniform flow can be established by designing the flow dynamic, centering the exhaust port, or by restricting the flow along the elongated slot, for example, by uniformly restricting the flow along the elongated slot, or by implementing a restrictor along the elongated slot.

Abstract: As part of a system for processing workpieces, a workpiece support arrangement, separate from a process chamber arrangement supports at least two workpieces at least generally in a stacked relationship to form a workpiece column. A transfer arrangement transports at least two of the workpieces between the workpiece column and the process chamber arrangement by simultaneously moving the two workpieces at least generally along first and second transfer paths, respectively, that are defined between the workpiece column and the first and second process stations. The transfer arrangement can simultaneously move untreated and treated workpieces. Vertical motion swing arms and coaxial swing arms are described. A pair of spaced apart swing arms, the workpiece column and the processing stations can cooperatively define a pentagonal shape. Timing belt backlash elimination, a dual degree of freedom slot valve and low point chamber pumping, for removing chamber contaminants, are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making and using sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning devices are described. In such systems and methods, each C-arm positioning device includes a C-arm X-ray device, a linear bearing rail, a linear bearing block, and a counterbalance mechanism. Generally, the C-arm is connected to the linear bearing block, which, in turn, is slidably coupled to the bearing rail to allow the bearing block and C-arm to slide up and down on the rail. The counterbalance mechanism can apply a force to the bearing block to counterbalance the weight of the C-arm and the bearing block. Thus, the described C-arm positioning device can allow a user to easily raise or lower the C-arm with relatively little effort. While some implementations of the C-arm positioning device are connected to mobile support structure, other implementations of the C-arm positioning device are mounted to a fixed support structure. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I): or a salt thereof; which is an inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and therefore potentially of use in treating diseases resulting from inappropriate activation of mast and/or basophil cells, macrophages, and B-cells and related inflammatory responses and tissue damage, for instance inflammatory disease and/or allergic disorders, and in cancer therapy, specifically heme malignancies, chronic spontaneous urticaria and autoimmune conditions.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I): or a salt thereof; which is an inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and therefore potentially of use in treating diseases resulting from inappropriate activation of mast cells, macrophages, and B-cells and related inflammatory responses and tissue damage, for instance inflammatory disease and/or allergic disorders, and in cancer therapy, specifically heme malignancies, and autoimmune conditions.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I): or a salt thereof; which is an inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) and therefore potentially of use in treating diseases resulting from inappropriate activation of mast cells, macrophages, and B-cells and related inflammatory responses and tissue damage, for instance inflammatory diseases and/or allergic conditions, in cancer therapy, specifically heme malignancies, and autoimmune conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an X-ray imaging system are described. The systems and methods typically include a support arm with a first end and a second end. The first end of the support arm connects to an articulating arm assembly and the second end of the support arm pivotally attaches to an X-ray imaging arm at a pivot joint so that the pivot joint functions as an axis of orbital rotation for the X-ray imaging arm. One or more controls for the X-ray imaging system are disposed on the support arm for the X-ray imaging arm. The controls can therefore remain stationary while the X-ray imaging arm rotates orbitally. The support arm can include a single member or a double member and one or more controls can be disposed on each member of the support arm. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining and displaying a collimated X-ray image are described. The methods can include providing an X-ray device having an X-ray source, a square or rectangular X-ray detector, and a collimator. The collimator can be sized and shaped to collimate an X-ray beam from the X-ray source that exposes a receptor region on the detector. The collimator can allow the X-ray image received by the X-ray detector to have any suitable shape that allows a relatively large view of the image to be displayed and rotated on the display device without changing the shape or size of the image as it rotated. In some instances, the collimator provides the image with superellipse shapes or cornerless shapes having four substantially straight edges with a 90 degree corner missing between at least two edges that run substantially perpendicular to each other. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for optimising the production of ethanol by microbial fermentation, particularly microbial fermentation of substrates comprising CO. The process involves monitoring the hydrogen production by the microorganism, determining an optimum hydrogen production and adjusting the substrate supply rate in response to a change in the hydrogen production thereby keeping the hydrogen production within a desired range.

Abstract: A power electronic converter for use in high voltage direct current power transmission and reactive power compensation which comprises at least one converter limb including first and second DC terminals for connection in use to a DC network, the or each converter limb including at least one first converter block, and at least one second converter block connected between the first and second DC terminals; the or each first converter block including a plurality of line-commutated thyristors and at least one first AC terminal for connection in use to an AC network, the or each second converter block including, at least one auxiliary converter including a plurality of self-commutated switching elements; wherein the self-commutated switching elements are controllable in use to inject a voltage to modify a DC voltage presented to the DC side of the converter limb and/or modify an AC voltage and an AC current on the AC side of the power electronic converter.

Abstract: The invention provides a drive train for a hedge trimmer, the drive train being arranged, in use, to provide power to a downstream mechanism, the drive train comprising: a motor having an output shaft; a pinion coupled to the output shaft; a reduction gear arranged to be driven by the pinion, the reduction gear contained within a gear housing; a flywheel engageable to the output shaft, wherein the flywheel is arranged within the gear housing.

Abstract: A method for masking data in communications comprising: assigning a user identifier and a tag to private data associated with a user, wherein the user identifier and the tag is associated with the private data in a data structure associated with a second data processing node; receiving a request for a first list from a first data processing node; sending to a second request for a second list of user identifiers associated with a corresponding one or more users and sending a third request for one or more tags assigned to private data of the one or more users. The second list is merged with the one or more tags in order to generate the first list which is sent to the first data processing node. The first list can be used to initiate a communication request without requiring private data to be stored on the first data processing node.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a brake system to selectively lock and release the vertical motion of a C-arm X-ray device that is part of a sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning device are described. In such systems and methods, the C-arm positioning device typically includes a C-arm X-ray device, a linear bearing rail assembly, a linear bearing block, a counterbalance mechanism, and brake system. Generally, the C-arm is connected to the linear bearing block, which is slidably coupled to the bearing rail assembly to allow the bearing block and C-arm to slide up and down on the rail assembly. The counterbalance mechanism applies a force to the bearing block to substantially counterbalance the weight of the components, such as the C-arm, that are suspended from the bearing block. The brake system can be actuated to engage the linear bearing rail assembly and lock the vertical movement of the linear bearing block. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making and using sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning devices are described. In such systems and methods, each C-arm positioning device includes a C-arm X-ray device, a linear bearing rail, a linear bearing block, and a counterbalance mechanism. Generally, the C-arm is connected to the linear bearing block, which, in turn, is slidably coupled to the bearing rail to allow the bearing block and C-arm to slide up and down on the rail. The counterbalance mechanism can apply a force to the bearing block to counterbalance the weight of the C-arm and the bearing block. Thus, the described C-arm positioning device can allow a user to easily raise or lower the C-arm with relatively little effort. While some implementations of the C-arm positioning device are connected to mobile support structure, other implementations of the C-arm positioning device are mounted to a fixed support structure. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making and using a multi-blade collimator device are described herein. The collimator device can include a base member, a rotational member, and multiple X-ray-attenuating blades that fit together to define an aperture. The blades are typically disposed between the base member and rotational member. Additionally, the blades can be mechanically connected to or interfaced with the base member and the rotational member so that when the rotational member is rotated with respect to the base member, the blades move and cause the aperture to change in size. The aperture can be any shape, including polygonal, square, or rectangular. While the aperture's size can be increased and decreased, the shape and orientation of the aperture can remain substantially constant. The collimator can contain a single layer of blades or multiple layers of blades. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for improving the efficiency of carbon capture in microbial fermentation of a gaseous substrate comprising CO and/or H2. In certain aspects the invention relates to improving the efficiency of carbon capture in the microbial fermentation of gaseous substrate comprising CO and/or H2 to produce alcohol(s) and/or acid(s). In particular the invention relates to methods for improving the efficiency of carbon capture in carboxydotrophic fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I): or a salt thereof; which is an inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and therefore potentially of use in treating diseases resulting from inappropriate activation of mast and/or basophil cells, macrophages, and B-cells and related inflammatory responses and tissue damage, for instance inflammatory disease and/or allergic disorders, and in cancer therapy, specifically heme malignancies, chronic spontaneous urticaria and autoimmune conditions.

Abstract: An integrated robotic mechanism is disclosed for improving transport equipment, integrating an object movement with other functionalities such as alignment or identification. The disclosed integrated robot assembly can comprise a multiple end effector for moving a plurality of workpieces, a single end effector for moving a single workpiece, a rotation chuck incorporated on the robot body to provide alignment capability, and an optional identification subsystem for identify the object during transport. The present invention robot assembly can be used in a sorter or stocker equipment, in processing equipment, and a transfer system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatuses and methods for simultaneous viewing and reading top and bottom images from a workpiece. The present ID reader can comprise an enclosure covering a top and bottom section of the workpiece with optical elements to guide the light from the workpiece images to a camera. The optical element can be disposed to receive images from a high angle with respect to the surface of the workpiece. The present ID reader can further comprise a light source assembly to illuminate the image. The light source assembly can utilize a coaxial light path with the images, preferably for bright field illumination. The light source assembly can also utilize a non-coaxial light path, preferably for dark field illumination.

Abstract: An apparatus for initiating a communication across a telecommunications network, the communication being between members of a social network, comprising means for retrieving data associated with a first subscriber from a social network server, the first subscriber being a member of the social network, the data including contact information for members of the social network associated with the subscriber, means for storing the contact information on a network server, means for providing the contact information to the subscriber, means for receiving selection of contacts with whom the subscriber wishes to initiate a communication, means for receiving selection of the type of communication with which the subscriber wishes to initiate communication with the selected contacts, and means for initiating a communication with the selected contacts across a telecommunication network.