Abstract: An apparatus and method for the real-time, in-line testing of semiconductor wafers during the manufacturing process. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a probe assembly within a semiconductor wafer processing line. As each wafer passes adjacent the probe assembly, a source of modulated light, within the probe assembly, having a predetermined wavelength and frequency of modulation, impinges upon the wafer. A sensor in the probe assembly measures the surface photovoltage induced by the modulated light. A computer then uses the induced surface photovoltage to determine various electrical characteristics of the wafer.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a fluid storage and dispensing system having a measurement apparatus for measuring a volume of fluid associated with the system and a plurality of temperature sensing devices disposed at a plurality of locations within the system. The method includes collecting a plurality of measurement data from the measurement apparatus and the plurality of temperature sensing devices in a form readable by a computer; storing the plurality of measurement data in a compressed matrix format in a computer memory; and statistically analyzing the compressed matrix format to determine operational monitoring information and to calculate the volume of fluid based on the measurement data collected from the measurement apparatus and the plurality of temperature sensing devices.

Abstract: A device comprising a circuit, a lead having a first end connected to the circuit and having a second end, and a deformable structure connected to the second end of the lead. The invention may be embodied on a circuit board, so that the circuit board includes a substrate and a deformable structure connected to said substrate.

Abstract: A display panel, for example an advertising panel, for use on an external surface of a vehicle is described. The display panel comprises a substantially non-permeable flexible sheet and is removably fastened to the vehicle around the around the majority of the perimeter of the flexible sheet. An adapted vehicle, a vehicle and panel assembly, and a method of application are also described. In one embodiment, the fastening material is provided with strategically placed gaps to act as fluid outlets.

Abstract: A Halloween costume particularly adapted to accommodate changes in weather and climate is disclosed. The Halloween costume may be sold in varied geography and be worn regardless of seasonal and whether variation. The inventive Halloween costume comprises several garment member portions which completely define the appearance of the Halloween character. The insulative material is disposed over at least a portion of the first garment base member portion. Another portion of the costume comprises a venting material which functions as a ventilator for the Halloween costume. At least one decorative member is secured to the Halloween costume. The decorative member further outlines the appearance of the Halloween character.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of an organic acid from a fermentation broth which comprises drying the fermentation broth to obtain a dried product, adding the dried product to a lower alcohol in the presence of an acid, and then removing the insoluble material to obtain an organic acid. In accordance with the recovery process of the present invention, organic acids of a high purity can be recovered in high yields from the whole fermentation solution containing various impurities with fewer steps as compared with conventional methods.

Abstract: A tractor having a front end and a rear end adaptable for a variety of different environments. Methods related to the conversion of the tractor are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention includes a front wheel assembly that is removably attached to the front end of the tractor to facilitate adaptation of the tractor a various environments. Also, a steering actuator is removably attached to the front wheel assembly and fixedly attached to the chassis of the tractor.

Abstract: A customer data capture system integrated with a dealership data management system allows customer and vehicle maintenance data to be exchanged between a kiosk on the floor of the dealership and the data management system. The customer inserts a customized card into a kiosk, and interacts with the pre-programmed software on the kiosk. The software recommends scheduled maintenance services and suggests potential coupon savings, based on the information received from the customer's card and the information stored in the data management system. A service order is generated and routed to the service department. As a result, the accuracy and speed of entering customer data are enhanced, while the dealership is able to offer value-added services at the point of sale, thus enhancing the dealership's business relationship with the customer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a durable and reliable miniature liquid junction reference electrode for use with at least one electrode (e.g., an electrochemical sensor cartridge) for measuring certain characteristics of a fluid sample such as blood or other body fluid.

Abstract: An page marking device is disclosed. The marking device is part of a book. The book has a tab assembly carrier. The carrier has a plurality of removable tabs disposed on the carrier. Printed indicia is located on the tabs. The tabs are secured to the carrier by a non-aggressive adhesive allowing the tabs to be removed from the carrier relocated and/or removed again as required by the user of the device. Printed indicia may also be located on or beneath said carrier.

Abstract: A lithography method for fabricating structures of etch-resistant metal-semiconductor compound on a substrate with sub-micrometer scale resolutions is described. Superposed layers of metal and semiconductor capable of reacting with each other to form etch-resistant metal/semiconductor compound are deposited on the substrate. Radiation from a X-ray/EUV source propagates through a patterned X-ray transparent/EUV reflective mask and is projected on the superposed metal and semiconductor layers. The X-ray transparent mask includes X-ray absorbing patterns imparted to the X-ray radiation while the EUV reflective mask includes EUV absorbing patterns also imparted to the EUV radiation. The energy of X-ray/EUV photons is absorbed locally by the metal and semiconductor layers. Absorption of this energy induces a reaction between the two layers responsible for the formation of etch-resistant metal/semiconductor compound with structures corresponding to the patterns imparted to the radiation by the X-ray/EUV mask.

Abstract: Optical probes having a diameter less than substantially 500 ?m for use in scanning light from a long, highly flexible fiber to a sample. In one embodiment the probe includes a viscous damping fluid suitable to prevent non-uniform rotational distortion (NURD).

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting slow and small changes of electrical signals including the sign of the changes, which has: a controlled switch (2) connected in the path of the signal to be detected; a capacitor (3) connected with a first terminal to the switch and charged to the voltage of the signal; an amplifier (5) with an input connected to second terminal of the capacitor (3) and generating a pulse signal corresponding to the charge or discharge current of the capacitor having corresponding proper sign; a window comparator (7) having first and second reference voltages (+UK, ?UK) determining a window, and a signal input connected to output of the amplifier (5) for indicating whether the output signal of the amplifier lies in the range defined by the window or it has been crossed in negative or positive directions; storage and logical units each having first and second storage means (8, 11); and a pulse generator (9) connected to control input of the controlled switch (2) to make it closed for periodically re

Abstract: A method for displaying large amounts of information. The method includes the steps of forming a spatial layout of tiles each corresponding to a representative reference element; mapping observed elements onto the spatial layout of tiles of representative reference elements; assigning a respective value to each respective tile of the spatial layout of the representative elements; and displaying an image of the spatial layout of tiles of representative elements. Each tile includes atomic attributes of representative elements. The invention also relates to an apparatus for displaying large amounts of information.

Abstract: Improved processes for atom (or group) transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and novel polymers have been developed and are described. In certain embodiments, novel copolymers comprising a least one polymeric branch or polymeric block with a predominantly alternating monomer sequence are described. Novel copolymers comprising a least one polymeric branch or polymeric block with a gradient monomer structure are described. Additionally, novel copolymers comprising a least one polymeric branch or polymeric block with a predominantly periodic monomer sequence are also described. Novel copolymers having a water soluble backbone and at least two hydrophobic polymeric branches grafted to the water soluble backbone are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for input/output virtual address translation and validation assigns a range of memory to a device driver for its exclusive use. The device driver invokes system functionality for receiving a logical address and outputting a physical address having a length greater than the logical address. Another feature of the invention is a computer system providing input/output virtual address translation and validation for at least one peripheral device. In one embodiment, the computer system includes a scatter-gather table, an input/output virtual address cache memory associated with at least one peripheral device, and at least one device driver. In a further embodiment, the input/output virtual address cache memory includes an address validation cache and an address translation cache.

Abstract: A unique packaging method is disclosed. The method advertises products related to a product shipped in a box and comprises obtaining a box, placing a product in the box, and identifying a particular product category associated with the product being shipped in the box. This may be followed by obtaining an elongated flexible planar member having a width and a length substantially greater than the width, the planar member having an upper surface and a lower surface. The flexible planar member is provided with a layer of adhesive material deposited on and covering a substantial portion of the lower surface to form a packaging tape. The tape is imprinted with indicia comprising visually perceivable information to provide a purchaser with information relating to various products within the particular product category by disposing the information on the upper surface of the tape. The box is sealed with the tape.