Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may be used to both train and test instructor proficiency with a group exercise training routine. In a training mode, the graphical user interface may display visual cues indicating upcoming transitions from one activity to another. In response, the user may perform an action (e.g., clicking a button with a mouse cursor) to select the transition at the appropriate time. In a testing mode, the graphical user interface may display an indication of whether the correct selections are made, as well as made at the right time. This approach allows the user to rapidly develop substantial proficiency with the exercise routine.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selectively releasing a first wellbore component to a second wellbore component using a disconnect device. The method includes coupling a disconnect device to a workstring and a downhole tool; performing a downhole operation using the downhole tool, and selectively releasing an upper portion of the disconnect device from a lower portion of the disconnect device, thereby releasing the downhole tool from the workstring. The method may also include reconnecting the upper portion of the disconnect device to the lower portion of the disconnect device. The disconnect device is capable of transferring torque to the wellbore component.

Abstract: There is provided a print state detection device for a printed sheet surface including a sheet conveying path on which a sheet printed with an image is conveyed, a contact member that contacts with the surface of the sheet moving on the sheet conveying path, a contact state detecting part that detects a physical phenomenon occurring when the contact member contacts with the sheet, a separating part that separates the difference in the physical phenomenon occurring when the contact member comes into contact with the ground of the sheet surface and when the contact member comes into contact with an image, based on detection information obtained by the detection of the contact state detecting part, and a print state determining part that determines the print state of an image on one sheet based on separation information obtained by the separation by the separating part.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for matching an inbound identity record to existing entities. Entity resolution (ER) candidate-building keys are determined for a received identity record. A query is generated from the ER candidate-building keys. When executing the query, a generic key is identified. Execution of the query is aborted upon a condition involving the generic key being satisfied.

Abstract: An image erasing apparatus includes: a supply unit that supplies a recording medium; a recovery unit that recovers the recording medium supplied by the supply unit; a plurality of pairs of carrying rollers that carry the recording medium supplied by the supply unit toward the recovery unit; a detecting unit that acquires information regarding foreign matter made of metal attached to the recording medium; a heating unit that heats the recording medium to a temperature equal to or higher than a color-erasing temperature of a developer; and a carriage control unit that reduces a rotation speed of the plurality of pairs of rollers from a first speed to a second speed when the detecting unit acquires the information regarding the foreign matter made of metal.

Abstract: A printer includes an upper unit which opens and closes about a fulcrum lying at a rear position of a lower unit, and a paper path which is opened by opening the upper unit. A sensor unit is attached to the lower unit and includes a lower sensor holder and an upper sensor holder which are disposed in opposition to each other via the paper path. The paper path can be opened by pivoting the upper sensor holder relative to the lower sensor holder. When the upper unit is closed, the upper sensor holder is also closed in accordance with a closing pivoting motion of the upper unit.

Abstract: Methods for improving electromigration of copper interconnection structures are provided. In one embodiment, a method of annealing a microelectronic device including forming microelectronic features on a substrate, forming a contact structure over the microelectronic features, and forming a copper interconnection structure over the contact structure. A passivation layer is deposited over the copper interconnection structure and the substrate is subjected to a first anneal at a temperature of about 350° C. to 400° C. for a time duration between about 30 minutes to about 1 hour. The substrate is subjected to a second anneal at a temperature of about 150° C. to 300° C. for a time duration between about 24 to about 400 hours.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for etching a substrate using a spatially modified plasma is provided herein. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a process chamber having a plasma stabilizer disposed above a substrate support pedestal. A substrate is placed upon the pedestal. A process gas is introduced into the process chamber and a plasma is formed from the process gas. The substrate is etched with a plasma having an ion density to radical density ratio defined by the plasma stabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention is a shim or shim assembly that clips onto a brake caliper piston. It is generally a rimmed round (disc or annular) shape to cap the edges of the caliper piston and includes surface features for lubrication, and improved fitting. Reduced noise from frictional fretting is provided along with protection of piston's outer rim. Reduced thermal transfer into the piston is also provided.

Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough assembly includes a glass plug disposed in a recess of a feedthrough housing. The glass plug may define a large-diameter, cane-based, waveguide sealed within the recess in the housing and providing optical communication through the housing. Sealing occurs with respect to the housing at or around the glass plug of an optical waveguide element passing through the housing by braze sealing to the glass plug and/or embedding the glass plug in a polymer bonded with the plug to form a molded body that is sealed in the housing by, for example, compression mounting of the molded body or providing a sealing element around the molded body.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a first semiconductor layer; a first electrode provided on a first surface side of the first semiconductor layer; a first insulating layer; and a second semiconductor layer. The first insulating layer is provided between the first semiconductor layer and the first electrode and configured to constrict current flowing between the first semiconductor layer and the first electrode. The second semiconductor layer has a first conductivity type and is provided at least on a path of the current constricted by the first insulating layer. The second semiconductor layer is in contact with the first electrode. The second semiconductor layer contains first impurities at a concentration higher than a concentration of impurities contained in the first semiconductor layer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first and a second semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a third semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type, a source region of the first conductivity type, a first and a second main electrode, trench gates, a first and a second contact region. The third semiconductor layer is provided on the second semiconductor layer provided on the first semiconductor layer. The first main electrode is electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer. The second main electrode is electrically connected to the source region provided on the third semiconductor layer. The trench gates are provided from the third semiconductor layer to the second semiconductor layer. The first and second contact regions electrically connect the second main electrode and the third semiconductor layer. An opening area of the second contact hole is smaller than that of the first contact hole.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to TFTs and methods of fabricating the TFTs. In TFTs, the active channel carries the current between the source and drain electrodes. By tailoring the composition of the active channel, the current can be controlled. The active channel may be divided into three layers, a gate control layer, a bulk layer, and an interface control layer. The separate layers may have different compositions. Each of the gate control, bulk and interface control layers may additionally comprise multiple layers that may have different compositions. The composition of the various layers of the active channel comprise oxygen, nitrogen, and one or more elements selected from the group consisting of zinc, indium, cadmium, tin, gallium and combinations thereof. By varying the composition among the layers, the mobility, carrier concentration and conductivity of the various layers may be controlled to produce a TFT having desired properties.

Abstract: A method of generating a customized image includes forming a first design including a first pattern having a first color and a second color. The method also includes receiving input from a user using a design modification element. The method further includes forming a second design including a second pattern including a third color and a fourth color. A change from the first design to the second design is proportional to the input received from the user using the design modification element.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes, an image forming unit configured to fix a developer image on a sheet medium and to output the sheet medium, and an output-image storing unit configured to store, on the inner side of a door involving a lock mechanism, the sheet medium on which the developer image is fixed by the image forming unit.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus and a method for controlling an environment in a location. In one aspect, an apparatus for controlling an environmental condition in a location is provided. The apparatus includes a flow control device, wherein the flow control device is connectable to an environmental control unit via a conduit. The flow control device comprising a flow restriction member configured to selectively control an airflow into the location and a controller member configured to autonomously actuate the flow restriction member based upon the environmental condition in the location. In another aspect, a method for controlling an environmental condition in a first location and a second location is provided. In a further aspect, a system for controlling an environmental condition in a first location and a second location is provided. In yet a further aspect, a method for controlling an environmental condition in a location is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to materials and processes for patterning and etching features in a semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, a method of forming a composite amorphous carbon layer is provided. The method comprises positioning a substrate in a process chamber, introducing a hydrocarbon source gas into the process chamber, introducing a diluent source gas into the process chamber, introducing a plasma-initiating gas into the process chamber, generating a plasma in the process chamber, forming an amorphous carbon initiation layer on the substrate, wherein the hydrocarbon source gas has a volumetric flow rate to diluent source gas flow rate ratio of 1:12 or less, and forming a bulk amorphous carbon layer on the amorphous carbon initiation layer, wherein a hydrocarbon source gas used to form the bulk amorphous carbon layer has a volumetric flow rate to a diluent source gas flow rate of 1:6 or greater.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for control of power charge/discharge from energy storage system. The invention also provides for power monitoring and management, including power management for a variable generator. An intelligent charge system may include a premise sensor, a variable generator sensor, one or more energy storage units, and a controller, which may receive information about the power demand, power provided by an electricity provider, and charge/discharge information from an energy storage unit. The information received may all be time synchronized in relation to a time based reference. The controller may provide instructions to an energy storage unit at a rapid rate.

Abstract: A method for real-time, goal-directed performed motion alignment for computer animated characters. A sequence of periodic locomotion may be seamlessly aligned with an arbitrarily placed and rotated non-periodic performed motion. A rendering application generates a sampling of transition locations for transition from a locomotion motion space to a performed motion space. The sampling is parameterized by control parameters of the locomotion motion space. Based on the location and rotation of a goal location at which the performed motion is executed, a particular transition location may be selected to define a motion plan to which a performed motion sequence may then appended. Advantageously, by utilizing a look-up of pre-computed values for the control parameters of the motion plan, the rendering application may minimize the computational cost of finding the motion plan to move the character to a location to transition to a performed motion.