Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener assembly (1) for attaching a carrier (2) to a conveyor chain (3). The fastener assembly (1) comprises a first and a second link plate (4, 5), connected by means of link pins (9) such that they define between them an interspace (6). The first link plate (4) has an outer side (8). The fastener assembly (1) further comprises a fastener (10) for a carrier (2), which fastener (10) is attached to the first link plate (4) at the outer side (8) thereof by means of a retainer (11), which retainer (11) at least partially encompasses the first link plate (4) and extends into the interspace (6). The present invention also relates to a carrier (2) for use with the fastener assembly (1), a conveyor chain (3) comprising at least one fastener assembly (1) and a method for modifying a conveyor chain (3).

Abstract: A method of etching a semiconductor wafer is provided. The method comprises the steps of: jetting a mixed gas including hydrogen fluoride and ozone onto a surface of a semiconductor wafer; monitoring the surface of the semiconductor wafer; analyzing the surface of the semiconductor wafer; and adjusting at least one of the hydrogen fluoride concentration and the ozone concentration in the mixed gas based on a result of the analysis.

Abstract: The processes of the present invention provides for the automated, singulated dispensing of articles, particularly solid oral medication in predetermined quantities. The dispensing of an article is effected by at least activating a driver-coupling connected to a screw having a channel of a predetermined width and depth corresponding to the dimensions of said article; rotating said screw until detection of an article drop; removing a second article from said channel; and stopping the rotation of said screw upon detection of an article drop. The methods of the present invention further include embodiments in which the rotation of the screw is subsequently reversed. Furthermore, the present invention permits for the dispensing of articles to be stopped upon having a predetermined number of articles dispensed or a detection of increased torque applied to the screw. The present invention provides for accurate pill dispensing.

Abstract: The present invention provide a composition of non-toxic low-cost ingredients that effectively kill pathologic bacteria and methods for use of the composition. The present invention comprises novel compositions and methods for controlling enteric pathogens and spoilage organisms such as Salmonella, Escherichia, Campylobacter, Listeria, Pseudomonas and Enterobacteracae on the surface of meat products and food preparation surfaces.

Abstract: An optical adapter that is arranged to connect two or more optical devices that have different connector layouts, the optical adapter comprising a material through which a plurality of waveguides is formed, the waveguides defining a first connector configuration at one end or face of the material and a second connector configuration at another, or same end or face of the material.

Abstract: The use of a photocurable perfluoropolyether (PFPE) material for fabricating a solvent-resistant PFPE-based microfluidic device, methods of flowing a material and performing a chemical reaction in a solvent-resistant PFPE-based microfluidic device, and the solvent-resistant PFPE-based microfluidic devices themselves are described. In an embodiment, a method is described for preparing a patterned layer of a photocured perfluoropolyether, the method comprising: (a) providing a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a patterned surface; (b) contacting a perfluoropolvether precursor with the patterned surface of the substrate; and (c) photocuring the perfluoropolyether precursor to form a patterned layer of a photocured perfluoropolyether.

Abstract: Computer systems that, in various embodiments, are configured for: (A) storing policy information within the system's memory, the policy information indicating that a particular individual holds a policy that provides the individual with the option to, upon the occurrence of a qualifying event, receive a loan at a below-market rate (e.g., 0%); (B) receiving data indicating that the qualifying event has occurred; and (C) at least partially in response to receiving the data indicating that the qualifying event has occurred, facilitating the provision of the loan to the particular individual at the below-market rate. The qualifying event may be, for example: (A) the death of a specified individual (e.g., the policy holder); (B) the disability of the specified individual; (C) the involuntary unemployment of the specified individual; (D) the birth of the specified individual's child; or (E) the adoption of a child by the specified individual.

Abstract: A memory device includes a memory sector including a memory sector, a row of select transistors and a number of drivers. The memory sector includes a plurality of word lines each couples to a plurality of memory cells. The row of select transistors select the memory sector and separate the memory sector from an immediately adjacent memory sector in the memory device. Each of the number of drivers is coupled to one of the plurality of word lines. A first one of the drivers is coupled to a first one of the word lines to receive a first control signal to conduct the first word line and a voltage source, and a second one of the drivers is coupled to a second one of the word lines to receive a second control signal to disconnect the second word line from the voltage source.

Abstract: A method, device, and system including a digital rights management (DRM) license manager to protect software applications from unauthorized use. The DRM license manager system binds essential application data to a software license. This binding is achieved by adding an encryption key to a software license and encrypting the application data with that key. The essential application data is any kind of data which is required for proper operation of the program, such as media files, game levels or state tables. The DRM license manager system performs a check and decrypt operation of the essential application data during program run time. It requires that the license is available on the system. It also ensures that the decryption operation can only take place if the conditions defined in the license are met.

Abstract: Novel gene sequences from microalgae are disclosed, as well as novel gene sequences useful in the manufacture of triglyceride oils. Also disclosed are sequences and vectors that allow microalgae to be cultivated on sugar cane and sugar beets as a feedstock. In some embodiments, the vectors are useful for the purpose of performing targeted modifications to the nuclear genome of heterotrophic microalgae.

Abstract: A device capable of equalizing optical powers of optical signals in a passive optical network, the device comprising a first optical coupler for receiving optical signals having different optical power levels, an optical circulator capable of directing the optical signals from the first optical circulator, a laser diode capable of generating equalized optical signals having a predetermined range of optical power levels in response to the optical signals directed from the optical circulator, and a second optical coupler for receiving the equalized optical signals.

Abstract: A memory includes a local word line driver for a memory array having a first word line and a second word line. The local word line driver includes a first selection transistor, a second selection transistor, and a middle transistor disposed between the first and second selection transistors. The first word line couples to the first selection transistor and the middle transistor, and the second word line couples to the middle transistor and the second selection transistor.

Abstract: A communications system, such as part of a real-time location system, includes a transmitter that can be part of a location processor, tag emission reader or tag interrogator that generates a frequency shift key (FSK) modulated wireless communication signal representative of digital data and transmits the communications signal over a wireless communications channel. A receiver such as incorporated within a tag transceiver used in the real-time location system receives the FSK modulated communication signal. The receiver includes a circuit for calculating the magnitude of low and high tones of the FSK modulated communication signal and a threshold for amplitude shift keyed (ASK) channel data and FSK channel data to derive the digital data even in the presence of on-tone jammers in the communications channel.

Abstract: A method for generating image information from an object to be scanned by means of a scanning device, wherein the object to be scanned can comprise one or a plurality of surfaces, one or a plurality of bodies and/or a space, wherein the scanning device or at least parts of the scanning device or the object itself is moved during the scanning operation, and wherein the object to be scanned is scanned by the scanning device in the region of a scanning layer, is configured with regard to a simplest possible scanning operation in such a way that the beam path that scans the object is set in a manner oriented at any desired angle with respect to the scanning layer, and/or that the scanning layer is chosen in any desired position with respect to the object to be scanned.

Abstract: A method of constructing a frame structure for data transmission, the method comprising generating a first section comprising data configured in a first format compatible with a first communication system, generating a second section following the first section, the second section comprising data configured in a second format compatible with a second communication system, wherein the second format is different from the first format, generating at least one non-data section containing information describing an aspect of data in at least one of the first section and the second section, and combining the first section, the second section and the at least one non-data section to form the frame structure.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated XB50K10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB50K10, cells from soybean variety XB50K10, plants of soybean XB50K10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB50K10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB50K10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB50K10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB50K10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB50K10 are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an efficient method of removing nitrogen and producing struvite from nitrogen-rich wastewater. Additionally, the present invention provides an economical method of removing nitrogen while producing a large quantity of struvite from nitrogen-rich wastewater with an appropriate usage of a solution containing phosphorus ion and a solution containing magnesium ion and/or calcium ion.

Abstract: A system for updating communication services includes user equipment configured to communicate using a first communication service standard and a second communication service standard, a subscriber database, an application server, and a network device. The network device detects an update trigger corresponding to a user equipment, requests that the user equipment discontinue using the first communication service standard, and flags the user equipment as updated by communicating with the application server and the subscriber database. The network device also receives a communication from the user equipment and determines whether the communication corresponds to the first communication service standard or the second communication service standard. If the communication corresponds to the first communication service standard the network device communicates an error message to the user equipment.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software product for implementing algorithms for improving a frame rate by reducing a size and resolution of selected versus unselected image frames captured by a sensor in an image processing pipeline before displaying (or before encoding) in electronic devices (e.g., cameras, wireless camera phones, etc.), according to various embodiments of the present invention.