Abstract: A magnetron assembly for a rotary target cathode comprises an elongated support structure, a magnet bar structure movably positioned below the support structure, and a plurality of drive modules coupled to the support structure. The drive modules each include a motorized actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the magnet bar structure. A controller and battery module is coupled to the support structure and is in operative communication with the drive modules. The controller and battery module includes an electronic controller and at least one rechargeable battery. The battery is configured to energize each motorized actuation mechanism and the electronic controller. One or more power generation modules is coupled to the support structure and in electrical communication with the battery, such that electrical energy output from the power generation modules recharges the battery.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a plasma source comprising a body in which a cavity is formed and at least two self-contained magnetron assemblies disposed within the cavity. The magnetron assemblies are mutually electrically isolated from each other and from the body. In one implementation of such an embodiment, the self-contained magnetron assemblies comprise closed-drift magnetron assemblies. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a magnetron assembly comprises a plurality of magnets and a yoke configured to hold the plurality of magnets in at least four independent linear arrays. The plurality of magnets is arranged in the yoke so as to form a pattern comprising an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion substantially surrounds the perimeter of the inner portion. The magnets used to form the outer portion have a first polarity and the magnets used to form the inner portion having a second polarity. The outer portion of the pattern comprises a pair of elongated sections that are substantially parallel to one another. The outer portion of the pattern comprises a pair of turnaround sections, wherein each turnaround section substantially spans respective ends of the pair of elongated sections and wherein each turnaround section comprises a plurality of magnets having the first polarity. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A business method process of combining a computer assisted display of gifts, choosing a gift, directing the gift to be provided, and then purchasing the gift for future delivery. The method provides a system that takes the selection from the purchaser, receives a payment, schedules a delivery of the gift, and confirms the entire transaction for the purchaser. The method provides a unique and simple way for a purchaser to order a service of providing a product to recognize a special occasion, to order and pay for a said product, to deliver the said product, and to feedback the order and delivery to the purchasing client. The method provides a way to combine various existing systems and websites with simple, new way to accomplish concrete, useful and tangible results in improvement of the gift providing industry.

Abstract: An anti-reflective coating for a substrate which includes an outer metal oxide layer with a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the substrate. The invention also relates to a method for making the anti-reflection coating.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fault-tolerant computing in a parallel processing environment. Intermediate data points are determined from a set of input data by a plurality of processing elements operating in parallel. Preferably, the resolution of the intermediate data points is greater than the resolution required in an output imaging data set. The intermediate data points are spatially re-gridded to the resolution required in the output imaging data set, ignoring any missing data as a result of a processing element failing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual storage volume with a file size independent of a file size limitation of a computer. In one embodiment, a storage area is randomly selected from among a plurality of available storage areas. A determination is made as to whether the selected storage area contains at least a predetermined amount of free space. If so, the predetermined amount of free space is allocated on the selected storage area to create an allocated storage area. A symbolic link to the allocated storage area is written in a directory associated with the virtual storage volume. Data destined for the virtual storage volume is then written in the allocated storage area.

Abstract: There are described methods and apparatus for assessing foams generated from liquids. Existing methods are slow and labour intensive. The new methods involve generating foams from liquids and optically obtaining information to enable parameters relating to the generated foam to be measured. Although single samples of liquids may be processed the methods are particularly suited to processing multiple samples to obtain data relating to foams at a high rate. The apparatus includes automated handling equipment to enable samples to be moved between workstations and relative to associated optical equipment that is used to obtain information relating to the foams.

Abstract: An assembly is presented. The assembly includes a rotatable cylinder including product-holding members positioned on the circumference of the cylinder. Several cylinder passageways are deployed within the cylinder, which provides fluid communication between the product holding members and a vacuum. As such, a suction force may be applied from the vacuum through the cylinder passageway to the product-holding member. A locating pin is deployed on one end of the rotating cylinder. The locating pin enables rotation of the cylinder and a positive stop of the cylinder in an aligned position. The locating pin works in conjunction with an O-ring so that vacuum is only applied to one cylinder and one set of product holding members when the locating pin is locked in the positive stop position.

Abstract: A computer program, and a method and apparatus for creating the computer program. The computer program is stored on a computer readable medium and is executable by a computer system. The computer system can comprise a front-end for interfacing with a user, and a back-end for performing batch functions. The computer program comprises instructions for performing a function, which requires at least one parameter for its operation. The computer program further comprises instructions for reading the parameter from a parameter cache in the computer system. The parameter cache is capable of storing the parameter as an object therein. The computer program also comprises instructions for validating the parameter and aborting the function if the parameter is not valid, and instructions for loading the parameter from the parameter cache and performing the function in accordance with the parameter if the parameter is valid.

Abstract: A substrate coating and method of applying the same in which the coating provides UV blocking and AR properties and in which at least one of the layers is formed of a combination of zinc oxide and a stabilizing secondary metal oxide.

Abstract: An integrated source code file and a method and apparatus for creating a computer program from the integrated source code file. The integrated source code file is stored on a computer readable medium and the computer program created therefrom is executable by a computer system having a front-end for interfacing with a user, and a back-end for performing batch functions. The computer program comprises instructions for performing a function, which requires at least one parameter for its operation. The computer program further comprises instructions for validating the parameter, the instructions adapted to run on both the front-end and the back-end. The computer program also comprises graphical user interface information for creating a graphical user interface, which can be used to receive the parameter. The computer program still further comprises a documentation section for providing information related to the function, which is adapted for display via the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fault-tolerant computing in a parallel processing environment. Intermediate data points are determined from a set of input data by a plurality of processing elements operating in parallel. Preferably, the resolution of the intermediate data points is greater than the resolution required in an output imaging data set. The intermediate data points are spatially re-gridded to the resolution required in the output imaging data set, ignoring any missing data as a result of a processing element failing.

Abstract: Apparatus for radiographically imaging elongated objects comprising: a vertical main frame; a base mounted on said main frame; a first support on said base for supporting a first cassette containing a first storage phosphor imaging plate; a door hingedly mounted on said base for movement between open and closed positions; said door having a light-tight enclosure for supporting a second cassette containing a second storage phosphor imaging plate removably mounted within a cassette shell; and a first mechanism for removing said cassette shell from said second storage phosphor imaging plate which remains supported within said light-tight enclosure; such that, when said door is in said closed position, said second storage phosphor imaging plate overlaps said first storage phosphor imaging plate, whereby an elongated object can be radigraphically imaged onto said overlapping first and second storage phosphor imaging plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the size of a file beyond a file size limitation of a computer. In one embodiment, a storage area is randomly selected from among a plurality of available storage areas. A determination is made as to whether the selected storage area contains at least a predetermined amount of free space. If so, the predetermined amount of free space is allocated on the selected storage area to create an allocated storage area. A symbolic link to the allocated storage area is written in a directory associated with the virtual storage volume. Data destined for the virtual storage volume is then written in the allocated storage area.

Abstract: An apparatus for restructuring data includes a receiving section for receiving a data record having a header and an array, and a compressing section for compressing the header according to a lossless form of compression and for compressing the array according to a lossy form of compression. Also provided is a method for storing the compressed header and the compressed array in a self-defining file. The self-defining file includes a multi-level index, which contains information such as the size and location of compressed headers and compressed arrays contained within the file.

Abstract: A computer program, and a method and apparatus for creating the computer program. The computer program is stored on a computer readable medium and is executable by a computer system. The computer system can comprise a front-end for interfacing with a user, and a back-end for performing batch functions. The computer program comprises instructions for performing a function, which requires at least one parameter for its operation. The computer program further comprises instructions for reading the parameter from a parameter cache in the computer system. The parameter cache is capable of storing the parameter as an object therein. The computer program also comprises instructions for validating the parameter and aborting the function if the parameter is not valid, and instructions for loading the parameter from the parameter cache and performing the function in accordance with the parameter if the parameter is valid.

Abstract: A computer program, and a method and apparatus for creating the computer program. The computer program is stored on a computer readable medium and is executable by a computer system having a front-end for interfacing with a user, and a back-end for performing batch functions. The computer program comprises instructions for performing a function, which requires at least one parameter for its operation. The computer program further comprises instructions for validating the parameter. The computer program also comprises graphical user interface information for creating a graphical user interface, which can be used to receive the parameter. The computer program still further comprises a documentation section for providing information related to the function, which is adapted for display via the graphical user interface.

Abstract: Apparatus for radiographically imaging elongated objects comprising: a vertical main frame; a base mounted on said main frame; a first support on said base for supporting a first cassette containing a first storage phosphor imaging plate; a door hingedly mounted on said base for movement between open and closed positions; said door having a light-tight enclosure for supporting a second cassette containing a second storage phosphor imaging plate removably mounted within a cassette shell; and a first mechanism for removing said cassette shell from said second storage phosphor imaging plate which remains supported within said light-tight enclosure; such that, when said door is in said closed position, said second storage phosphor imaging plate overlaps said first storage phosphor imaging plate, whereby an elongated object can be radigraphically imaged onto said overlapping first and second storage phosphor imaging plates.

Abstract: A multilayer antireflection coating for a temperature sensitive substrate such as plastic. One layer is a DC reactively sputtered metal oxide which may be deposited quickly and without imparting a large amount of heat to the substrate. Another layer has a refractive index lower than the substrate.