Abstract: A construction box includes a power connector for connection to a power source and a heater constructed for generating heat within the construction box when connected to the power source. The construction box also functioning as a warmed seat.

Abstract: A system for purchasing geographically distinctive items comprising an Internet accessible database and a plurality of sub-databases. A buyer's terminal is coupled to a system server via a communications network, which also provides communication between the system server and vendors, manufacturers or importers. Each sub-database includes content elements for gift items and related information organized in accordance with both a ‘source’ geographic location and a ‘destination’ geographic location. There is a separate Source/Destination sub-database for each corresponding pair of Source and Destination Geographic Shopping Coordinates. After a buyer initiates a Geographic Shopping session, the system determines the buyer's Geographic Shopping Coordinates. The system then locates and displays content from the corresponding Source/Destination sub-database.

Abstract: Methods and structures are provided for conformal lining of dual damascene structures in semiconductor devices that contain porous or low k dielectrics. Features, such as trenches and contact vias are formed in the dielectrics. The features are subjected to low-power plasma predeposition treatment to irregularities on the porous surfaces and/or reactively form an permeation barrier before a diffusion barrier material is deposited on the feature. The diffusion barrier may, for example, be deposited by CVD using metalorganic vapor reagents. The feature is then filled with copper metal and further processed to complete a dual damascene interconnect. The plasma predeposition treatment advantageously reduces the amount of permeation of the metalorganic reagent into the interlayer dielectric.

Abstract: The present invention provides applicators for performing thermokeratoplasty. One embodiment of such applicators includes two generally tubular electrical conducting elements coaxially disposed relative to one another and separated by an electrically insulating element having a selected thickness. At least a portion of each conducting tube is coated with an electrically insulating and thermally conductive material, e.g., anodized aluminum, so as to electrically insulate the conducting tubes from corneal tissue upon placement of the applicator on a subject's cornea while facilitating extraction of heat from the cornea.

Abstract: An optical system with mechanical adjustment provides for the rotation and/or translation of one or more optical phase filters to variably select an extended depth of field, aberration-tolerance, and/or anti-aliasing properties of an optical imaging system. By adjusting the amount of phase induced on the wavefront, a user may select image quality selectively. The system may further automatically counter change of focus and/or aperture to maintain substantially constant image properties. Typically, two phase filters are used and moved concurrently to achieve desired image properties.

Abstract: A near-field scanning optical microscope system exposes photoresist on a substrate. The system includes an NSOM probe, and translational stages capable of moving one of the probe and the substrate such that the probe traverses, in continuous motion, over the entire substrate. Another near-field scanning optical microscope system exposes photoresist on a substrate using an array of NSOM probes. Methods for exposing photoresist on a substrate include the steps of translating a surface of the substrate across an NSOM probe (or an array of NSOM probes) in continuous motion.

Abstract: A display system for displaying media on a ski-lift chair is provided. A main body portion is disclosed, having clamps to hold it to the restraint of the ski-lift chair. A plurality of frames are provided along a top surface of the body portion for holding printable media sheets, such as maps and advertisements, in place. Printable sheets are disclosed as transparent plastic with reverse printed imagery thereon.

Abstract: System determines integrity of a product through shipment and has: (a) plurality of identical smart sensors for direct attachment to different locations on the product and (b) interrogating device, the identical smart sensors monitoring like environmental condition of the product during shipment and wirelessly communicating data about the environmental condition to the interrogating device during or after shipment, the interrogating device communicating the environmental condition over a network, wherein the identical smart sensors comprise an accelerometer and the environmental condition comprises acceleration.

Abstract: An envelope assembly is provided for improved performance of a mailing envelope in the automated mail handling process. The envelope comprises a front panel having top, bottom and side edges and forming an envelope front surface, side flaps extending front the side edges, a rear panel extending from the bottom edge and combining with the side flaps to form an envelope rear surface, and a closure flap extending from the top edge for securing the envelope in a closed position. The rear panel is sized and configured to have a lesser width than the front panel as to expose the side flaps along the envelope rear surface. In this configuration, an automated mail opening device must only substantially cut through the side flaps and front panel to open the envelope along the side edges, as opposed to having to also cut through a substantial portion of the rear panel and an adhesive holding the rear panel and side flaps together.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive compositions having enhanced resistance to water-whitening comprising an aqueous emulsion polymer are disclosed. The polymer comprises the polymerization reaction product of a polymerizable aqueous emulsion comprising: (i) at least one hydrophobic alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate ester of an alcohol, (ii) at least about 1 wt. % of at least one hydrophilic monomer, (iii) at least about 5 wt. % of at least one partially hydrophilic alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate ester of an alcohol, and (iv) a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymerizable surfactant selected from compounds having a terminal allyl amine moiety, substituted phenyl compounds having at least one alkenyl substituent, polyoxyalkylene-1-(allyloxymethyl) alkyl ether sulfate salts, or mixtures thereof, and the average particle size of the polymer is less than or equal to 200 nm. Also disclosed are processes for preparing same.

Abstract: A heated construction box includes a power connector for connection to a power source and a heater constructed for generating heat within the construction box when connected to the power source. The construction box may function as a warmed seat, heated office, heated workbench, for example, and may attach to a vehicle such as a bed of a pick-up truck. In one embodiment, the power source for the construction box may provide 12V and be removed for remote recharging.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining speed or distance traveled of moving persons by utilizing sensors selectively insertable within shoes. Shoe based systems employing sensors (e.g., accelerometers) are disclosed to determine and report (e.g., via a watch or MP3 player) speed and/or distance traveled.

Abstract: A system and method control an output voltage across a load using current mode control to control current through an output filter connected to the load. The output voltage across the load is compared with a reference voltage to generate a reference current signal indicative of a desired average current through the load. A control signal is generated to indicate when an output current is greater than the desired output current. The output filter is alternately coupled to a first supply rail and to a second supply rail in response to the control signal to generate an average current through the load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semiconductor laser of the surface emitting type. In order to provide a semiconductor laser which can be operated at normal ambient temperatures and has stable long-term characteristics, the semiconductor laser comprises an active zone having a pn transition, a first n-doped semiconductor layer on the n side of the active zone, a structured tunnel contact on the p side of the active zone, which forms a conductive transition to a second n-doped semiconductor layer on the p-side of the active zone, a structured dielectric mirror, which is applied to the second n-doped semiconductor layer, a contact layer, which forms a contact with the second n-doped semiconductor layer at the places where the dielectric mirror is not applied, and a diffusion barrier between the contact layer and the second n-doped semiconductor layer.

Abstract: An autonomous robot, that is for example, suitable for operations such as vacuuming and surface cleaning includes a payload configured for vacuum cleaning, a drive system including a steering system, a navigation system, and a control system for integrating operations of the aforementioned systems.

Abstract: High-frequency AC voltage with a frequency in a range of from 60 to 100 kHz supplied from a power source at 3 to 15 kV is applied to an electrical conductor within about 30 cm of a cableway. The high-frequency AC voltage generates an alternating electric field. Capacitive AC current associated with the alternating electric field flows through the ice on the cableway and on the electrical conductor, causing dielectric loss heat that melts the ice.

Abstract: Non-invasive microwave analysis systems and methods determine scattered phase data for a liquid in a container. A transmitter antenna situated within coupling liquid separated from the container by a flexible membrane transmits microwaves that scatter from the container and the liquid in the container. One or more receiver antennas within the coupling liquid convert the microwaves into microwave electronic signals that are processed to determine the scattered phase data. Non-invasive microwave analysis systems and methods image a portion of a biological subject. A transmitter antenna situated within coupling liquid separated from the subject by a flexible membrane transmits microwaves that scatter from the container and the subject. One or more receiver antennas within the coupling liquid convert the microwaves into microwave electronic signals that are processed to reconstruct a cross-sectional image of the subject.

Abstract: A non-terminated, multi-aperture body form-fitting rainwear is provided. In the rainwear, a first waterproof moisture vapor permeable hydrophobic layer couples to a first fabric layer. The first fabric layer faces the body and couples to a first side of the first waterproof moisture vapor permeable hydrophobic layer. The first waterproof moisture vapor permeable hydrophobic layer and first fabric layer are formable about a human body and are constructed and arranged with multiple apertures to accommodate, without termination, two or more human appendages. The rainwear may for example form a shirt, pant, underwear, long underwear and a one-piece body suit.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and evaluating surface conditions on a road surface and atmospheric conditions simultaneously from a vehicle includes a sensor for detecting the presence of deposited material on a road surface, a detector for determining one or more characteristics of the deposited material such as freezing temperature, process means for converting a detected signal and display means for displaying the condition of the road surface, and a sensor for detecting falling precipitation. An embodiment of the present invention includes a remote sensing apparatus which utilizes electromagnetic radiation to sense actual surface material conditions, temperatures, and composition and local atmospheric conditions at the vehicle as it is moving over a travel surface. This information is then processed through a computer in order to determine those additional steps necessary to apply additional materials to the road surface in order to minimize hazardous driving conditions.