Abstract: Systems and methods for scanning an object in an inspection space are disclosed. The systems and methods generally incorporate spatially separated and sequenced Compton x-ray backscatter imaging techniques in a plurality of perspective planes. Such processes as time-gating detectors, weighting scintillation detections, and preferentially accepting signals that originate from a point that is substantially orthogonal to a radiation detector and at least partially shielding out signals that do not originate from a point substantially orthogonal to the detector may be used to enhance the data acquisition process.

Abstract: A method for determining a corrected weight of a mixed volume, by gravimetrically measuring a total weight of the mixed volume, creating an image of the mixed volume, detecting at least one selected component within the image of the mixed volume, estimating a component weight of the at least one selected component from the image of the mixed volume, and subtracting the component weight from the total weight to yield the corrected weight.

Abstract: A fuel additive and method for reducing emissions from an engine combusting a middle distillate fuel. The fuel additive contains a synergistic combination of (a) a cetane improver and (b) a mineral oil co-additive.

Abstract: A system for remotely diagnosing and repairing a computer controlled asset, includes an access point connected to a computer controlled asset thereby allowing electronic access to the computer system of the computer controlled asset. A service center remotely connected to the access point provides diagnostic review and repair of the computer controlled asset. An interface linking the access point to the service center allows the service center to communicate with the computer controlled asset via the access point.

Abstract: A six-stroke engine cycle having improved efficiency. Heat is recovered from the engine combustion gases by using a 6-stroke engine cycle in which combustion gases are partially vented proximate the bottom-dead-center position of the fourth stroke cycle, and water is injected proximate the top-dead-center position of the fourth stroke cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided having a cylindrical stator and a rotor that is spaced from a stator to define an annular primary air gap that receives AC flux from the stator. The rotor has a plurality of longitudinal pole portions disposed parallel to the axis of rotation and alternating in polarity around a circumference of the rotor. Each longitudinal pole portion includes portions of permanent magnet (PM) material and at least one of the longitudinal pole portions has a first end and an opposing second end and a side magnet is disposed adjacent the first end and a side pole is disposed adjacent the second end.

Abstract: A project management system having executable program modules, including a first module to create a requirement by a requestor. A second module receives an identity of a first receiver and sends the requirement to the first receiver. A third module sends an acceptance of the requirement to the requestor, and a fourth module sends a rejection to the requestor as specified by the first receiver. A fifth module sends a notification of completion of the requirement from the first receiver to the requester. A sixth module partitions the requirement into sub requirements as specified by the first receiver. The first receiver uses the second module to send the selectable number of sub requirements to at least one second receiver. The second receivers use the third, fourth, and fifth modules to respond to the first receiver, and also use the sixth module to further partition the sub requirements.

Abstract: A transport system for substrates, the transport system having at least one belt for receiving the substrates thereon, retainers disposed at spaced distances on the belt, the spaced distances being at least as wide as a width of the substrates, the retainers rising to an elevation above the belt that is sufficient to stop the substrates from sliding when the substrates bump against the retainers, a motor for moving the belt, and a motion controller for providing asymmetric acceleration and deceleration of the belt, such that the belt decelerates faster than the belt accelerates, thereby aligning the substrates against the retainers through successive acceleration and deceleration cycles.

Abstract: A method for analyzing defect information on a substrate, including logically dividing the substrate into zones, and detecting defects on the substrate to produce the defect information. The defect information from the substrate is analyzed on a zone by zone basis to produce defect level classifications for the defects within each zone. The zonal defect level classifications are analyzed according to at least one analysis method. The defect level classifications are preferably selected from a group of defect level classifications that is specified by a recipe. Preferably, the at least one analysis method includes at least one of zonal defect distribution, automatic defect classification, spatial signature analysis, and excursion detection. The defect level classifications preferably include at least one of individual defect, defect cluster, and spatial signature analysis signature.

Abstract: A user programmable hearing aid allows a user to select acoustical configuration programs that provide optimum performance for the user. The user may cycle through and evaluate various available programs by momentarily pressing a push button on the hearing aid housing. When a preferred program is active, the user can press the push button for an extended time to designate that program as a selected program. The acoustical configuration programs include initial-tuning programs that are operable in an initial-tuning mode and fine-tuning programs that are operable in a fine-tuning mode. The hearing aid may also operate in a Configuration Mode wherein configuration settings may be changed using the push button and a volume control. In the Configuration Mode, a clinician or patient may easily change configuration settings manually, with no need to connect the apparatus to a computer or other programming interface.

Abstract: A profilometer having a guide beam for providing translational movement of substrates in a Y axis relative to a stylus. A first stage receives a first substrate, where the first stage is slidably mounted to the guide beam. The first stage is associated with a first motor for providing independent translational movement for the first stage in an X axis relative to the stylus. A second stage receives a second substrate, where the second stage is slidably mounted to the guide beam. The second stage is associated with a second motor for providing independent translational movement for the second stage in the X axis relative to the stylus, where the first stage and the second stage move together in the Y axis as the guide beam moves in the Y axis, and move independently of one another in the X axis. A robot loads the substrates onto and unloads the substrates off of the first stage and the second stage.

Abstract: A spectrometer having an electron beam generator for generating an electron beam that is directed at a sample. An electron beam positioner directs the electron beam onto a position of the sample, and thereby produces a secondary emitted stream from the sample, where the secondary emitted stream includes at least one of electrons and x-rays. An secondary emitted stream positioner positions the secondary emitted stream onto a detector array, which receives the secondary emitted stream and detects both the amounts and the received positions of the secondary emitted stream. A modulator modulates the electron beam that is directed onto the sample, and thereby sweeps the electron beam between a first position and a second position on the sample. An extractor is in signal communication with both the modulator and the detector array, and extracts a differential signal that represents a difference between the signals that are received from the first position and the signals that are received from the second position.

Abstract: Lubricated surfaces, lubricant compositions for lubricating a surface, and methods for increasing antiwear properties in lubricants. The lubricated surface is provided by a lubricant composition including a base oil of lubricating viscosity, at least one metal salt of phosphorothioic acid, and an amount of at least one hydrocarbon soluble titanium compound effective to provide an increase in antiwear properties of the lubricant composition. A ratio of titanium metal to phosphorus in the antiwear agent ranges from about 0.3:1 to about 1.5:1.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a closure such as door or a window that opens and closes by movement relative to a fixed structure such as a wall or a floor. Many embodiments provide a device for relocating a padlock from its normal location where it secures a fastener (such as a hasp) to a location for the padlock that is more accessible for locking and unlocking the padlock. Typically an extender is provided, where the extender has a hook at a first end that is disposed through the eye of the staple of the hasp, and at an opposing second end the extender has an annulus, such as a hole in the extender or a loop or ring affixed to the extender. The shackle of the padlock may be disposed through the annulus and may be disposed through the eye of a second staple to secure the door or window in a closed or open position. Some embodiments employ a rigid sheath to enclose at least a portion of the extender.

Abstract: A utility box having a housing, and a ring that forms a hole that receives an attachment from a cover. A fastener retention piece has a first recess in a first surface, a second recess within the first recess, and a third recess in a second surface. The first and second recesses retain fasteners when the first surface is adjacent a lower surface of the ring. The third retaining recess retains a fastener when the second surface is adjacent the lower surface of the ring. The fasteners secure the attachment depending from the cover, and the recesses prohibit complete rotation of the fasteners.

Abstract: A novel synthesis of statins uses Wittig reaction of a heterocyclic core of statin with a lactonized side chain already possessing needed stereochemistry. Any separation of diastereoisomers is performed early in the course of synthesis.

Abstract: A programmable hearing aid apparatus includes a processor, digital-to-analog converter, audio output section, memory and a counter. The processor executes one or more available programs, which are stored in the memory, for processing digital audio signals. The digital-to -analog converter generates output analog audio signals based on the digital audio signals. The audio output section receives and amplifies the output analog audio signals, generates audible sound based thereon and provides the audible sound to a person using the hearing aid. The counter generates a counter value based on a count of events that are indicative of the application of power to or the removal of power from the apparatus. After a predetermined elapsed time, the processor determines which of the available programs has been used most in processing the digital audio signals, where the determination of elapsed time is based at least in part on the counter value.

Abstract: A system for providing an adjustable blend of fluids to an application process is disclosed. The system uses a source of a first fluid flowing through at least one tube that is permeable to a second fluid and that is disposed in a source of the second fluid to provide the adjustable blend. The temperature of the second fluid is not regulated, and at least one calibration curve is used to predict the volumetric mixture ratio of the second fluid with the first fluid from the permeable tube. The system typically includes a differential pressure valve and a backpressure control valve to set the flow rate through the system.

Abstract: A method and system for inspecting a surface of a semiconductor workpiece comprises providing a surface inspection system and using the surface inspection apparatus to cause laser light to impinge upon a test location on the workpiece surface and thereby cause the laser light to emerge from the surface as returned light comprising at least one of reflected light and scatter light; collecting the returned light and generating a signal from the returned and collected light, the signal comprising a signal value representative of a characteristic of the workpiece surface at the test location; providing a plurality of threshold candidates and causing the surface inspection system to select a threshold from among the plurality of threshold candidates; comparing the threshold to the signal value to obtain a difference value; using the difference value to assess the characteristic of the workpiece surface at the test location; and using the surface inspection system to automatically cause the method to be repeated fo

Abstract: A laser-sustained plasma light source with a bulb for enclosing a relatively cool gas environment, and an electrode disposed at least partially within the gas environment. A power supply applies a potential to the electrode, where the power supply is sufficient to create a corona discharge at the electrode within the gas environment, and the power supply is not sufficient to produce an arc discharge within the gas environment. The corona discharge thereby produces a relatively heated gas environment. A pump laser source focuses a laser beam within the gas environment, where the laser beam is sufficient to ignite a plasma in the relatively heated gas environment, but is not sufficient to ignite a plasma in the relatively cool gas environment.