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: 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: 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: 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 tree stand having one or two C-shaped platform sections removably and supportably positionable on one or two mounting brackets, with each platform section being foldable in half for ease of transport and storage, and including a hinged portion for enabling access to the stand from below.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel thermophilic ethanol producing yeast strain, a microorganism, Kluyveromyces sp. IIPE453 MTCC 5314, classified as yeast, which exhibits growth and sugar fermentation at higher temperature range between 37° C. to 55° C. The novel yeast strain is capable of utilizing wide range of mono and di-saccharide sugars belongs to hexose and pentose carbohydrate family individually or in a mixture that obtained from hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, such as sugarcane bagasse or starch based biomass such as cassava, potato, corn etc. for its growth and produce ethanol by fermentation process at temperature range 40° C. to 55° C. It also relates to a novel process for the preparation of ethanol by Kluyveromyces species IIPE453. Thus application of thermophilic yeast strain Kluyveromyces sp. IIPE453 MTCC 5314 has wide scope for industrial production of bioethanol from low cost renewable biomass as alternate feedstock to molasses.

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 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 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 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.

Abstract: A chord bar system for stringed musical instruments. The chord bar system enables a single finger movement pattern may be used in pressing the buttons to play each I-IV-V chord progression in each different key.

Abstract: A panel carrying device includes a flexible strap having a first end and a second and a panel receiving mechanism attached adjacent the second end of the flexible strap. The panel receiving mechanism includes a panel receiving platform for supporting a panel, the panel receiving platform having a proximal end and a distal end, and a counterbalancing portion connected to the distal end of the panel receiving platform for assisting in balancing the panel receiving platform during placement and carrying of the panel.

Abstract: A slide bar holder removably secures a slide bar to a stringed musical instrument. The slide bar holder includes an instrument attachment clip and a slide bar clip. The instrument attachment clip has an elongate central portion and a pair of opposing jaws disposed at opposite ends of the central portion which extend from the central portion in a first direction. The jaws of the instrument attachment clip are operable to removably receive the body portion of the musical instrument and thereby secure the slide bar holder to the musical instrument. The slide bar clip has a pair of opposing jaws that extend from the central portion of the instrument attachment clip in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The jaws of the slide bar clip are spaced apart by a distance substantially equivalent to the diameter of the slide bar, such that the jaws of the slide bar clip are operable to removably receive and secure the slide bar in the slide bar holder.

Abstract: A footrest for a foot of a person is provided, where the person is at least partially supported by a seat that is disposed on a stand that has a support post or disposed on a shaft that is part of a pedestal support assembly. Typically the footrest has a plate with a footrest surface and in some embodiments the footrest surface is entirely under the seat. In some embodiments the footrest surface faces away from the support post or shaft. Some embodiments include a mounting bracket and a connecting assembly that operatively secures the footrest plate to the mounting bracket. The connecting assembly generally has two engagement mechanisms and a spring that biases the connecting assembly in selectable angular positions with respect to the mounting bracket and plate.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of pharmaceutical industry and relates to novel crystalline omeprazole sodium ethanol solvate and to the process for its preparation, which acts as intermediary compound to the processes for its conversion into different crystalline forms, first of all to a known omeprazole sodium form A, with low amount of residual solvents, i.e. less than 0.5% by weight of residual solvent. The present invention also relates to novel crystalline omeprazole sodium form E and crystalline omeprazole sodium form F as well to the processes for their preparation as well, both with considerably low levels of residual solvents. Omeprazole sodium form A and both novel crystalline forms omeprazole sodium form E and form F are useful for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: A hold down clip, a metal stud assembly structure, and a method for assembling metal studs for building walls. The hold down clip has a base portion containing an elongate slot therein. A leg portion of the clip is orthogonal to the base portion and contains a plurality of bolt holes therein for attaching the leg portion to a metal stud. A reinforcing flange is attached to the leg portion and base portion. A connecting bolt is disposed in a slotted aperture in the base portion for connecting the clip to a floor or to an adjacent metal stud.

Abstract: A pet collar assembly is removably attached to a pet collar and carries a leash. The assembly allows for extending and retracting the leash and includes a housing, an actuator assembly for actuating retraction of the leash upon receiving force higher than a threshold retraction force, and a spool communicating with the actuator assembly and biased for coiling the leash. The actuator assembly has a button and a button shaft that mechanically communicates with a hook shaft attached to a hook. The hook engages a plurality of teeth disposed on the circumference of a rim of the spool. An elastic band applies force against the hook so that the actuator assembly remains in a locked configuration unless a force higher than the threshold retraction force is received by the button.

Abstract: A family of materials wherein nanostructures and/or nanotubes are incorporated into a multi-component material arrangement, such as a metallic or ceramic alloy or composite/aggregate, producing a new material or metallic/ceramic alloy. The new material has significantly increased strength, up to several thousands of times normal and perhaps substantially more, as well as significantly decreased weight. The new materials may be manufactured into a component where the nanostructure or nanostructure reinforcement is incorporated into the bulk and/or matrix material, or as a coating where the nanostructure or nanostructure reinforcement is incorporated into the coating or surface of a “normal” substrate material. The nanostructures are incorporated into the material structure either randomly or aligned, within grains, or along or across grain boundaries.