Abstract: The time between shut downs of a gas phase reactor for the polymerization of polyethylene may be significantly increased if the catalyst used is not prepared by impregnating the support with a solution of catalyst in an electron donor; the reaction is controlled using the addition of activator based on polymer production rate and the recycle stream contains a condensed liquid phase in an amount greater than 13 weight %. Operating the reactor in this manner increase the time between cleaning the cooler (heat exchanger) the bed plate, or both from about 4 to 6 months to not less than about 24 months.

Abstract: A single-use lancet cartridge for inserting into a multi-use lancet driver assembly includes an elongated lancet housing with an open end, a lancet within the lancet housing and movable between a retracted and resting orientation to a piercing orientation through the open end, and a re-use prevention component incorporated within the lancet cartridge and oriented to cooperatively engage with a driver piston of the multi-use lancet driver assembly only one time thereby preventing the lancet from being moved into a piercing orientation a second time. The single-use lancet cartridge is used that contains the multi-use lancet driver assembly.

Abstract: Alignment of layers during manufacture of a multi-layer sample is controlled by applying optical measurements to a measurement site in the sample. The measurement site includes two diffractive structures located one above the other in two different layers, respectively. The optical measurements include at least two measurements with different polarization states of incident light, each measurement including illuminating the measurement site so as to illuminate one of the diffractive structures through the other. The diffraction properties of the measurement site are indicative of a lateral shift between the diffractive structures. The diffraction properties detected are analyzed for the different polarization states of the incident light to determine an existing lateral shift between the layers.

Abstract: A device includes a neutron-sensitive composition. The composition includes, in weight percent, a non-zero amount of aluminum oxide (e.g., approximately 1% to approximately 3.5% aluminum oxide), greater than 12% (e.g., approximately 12% to approximately 17%) boron oxide, greater than approximately 60% silicon oxide (e.g., approximately 62% to approximately 68% silicon oxide), and a non-zero amount of sodium oxide (e.g., approximately 10% to approximately 14% sodium oxide). The device is capable of interacting with neutrons to form an electron cascade.

Abstract: Neutrons can be detected using first information derived from a first charge induced on an input electrode of a microchannel plate and second information derived from a second charge induced on an output electrode of the microchannel plate. For example, a ratio between the first charge and the second charge is calculated, a sum of the first and second charges is calculated, and whether a neutron has been detected can be determined based on the ratio and the sum.

Abstract: A unit cell for a Read-In Integrated Circuit employs a signal sampling circuit with a voltage input controlled by a first switch, a capacitor charged by the voltage input and a linear amplifier connected to the capacitor. An output through a second switch samples the capacitor as the input signal for a transistor cascade for emitter current supply incorporating a first transistor receiving the input signal and a second transistor serially connected to the first transistor with a parallel resistor. The second transistor is maintained in saturation for a first portion of the input signal range with the first transistor acting as a source follower for that range. Linear current flow through the resistor results allowing high resolution control in the low current range.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for use in measurement of at least one parameter of a patterned structure. The method comprises: providing input data comprising: measured data including multiple measured signals corresponding to measurements on different sites of the structure; and data indicative of theoretical signals, a relation between the theoretical and measured signals being indicative of at least one parameter of the structure; providing a penalty function based on at least one selected global parameter characterizing at least one property of the structure; and performing a fitting procedure between the theoretical and measured signals, said performing of the fitting procedure comprising using said penalty function for determining an optimized relation between the theoretical and measured signals, and using the optimized relation to determine said at least one parameter of the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a plurality of containers through a plurality of work stations including at least two conveyor assemblies, each conveyor assembly being adapted to sequentially convey at least one group of containers therealong in a row from one work station to another. The apparatus further includes a plurality of holder assemblies for holding the containers, some of the holder assemblies being associated with one of the conveyor assemblies and some of the holder assemblies being associated with the other conveyor assembly. The holder assemblies are located on the respective conveyor assemblies such that the plurality of containers are positioned adjacent to each other as they move through the plurality of work stations. A computer control system is programmable to control the coordinated operation of the conveyor assemblies so as to move such conveyor assemblies at different cycles of movement as the containers move through the work stations.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method of improving the efficiency of one or more heat exchangers used in cooperation with a high temperature solution polymerization process. Addition of surface active agents, such as C6 to C22 carboxylic acids, to a two phase liquid-liquid polymer solution downstream of a reactor system and upstream of a heat exchanger system can increase the efficiency of heat exchange by more than 10 %.

Abstract: Catalysts are activated in a dual reactor solution process by adding substoichiometric and superstoichiometric amounts of an ionic activator to an organometallic polymerization catalyst in a first and second reactor respectively. The new activation method allows one to alter process conditions in a favorably way with minimum impact to process economics. The new activation method also provides polymers which give films having improved optical properties.

Abstract: A disposable biosensor having improved long term storage stability including a working electrode and a reference electrode formed on an insulating substrate and a dissolvable reagent layer composition disposed directly on the working electrode where the reagent layer composition contains a glucose-based enzyme, a reagent component selected from a phosphate buffer and a tris reagent, and a redox mediator.

Abstract: A new and distinct Heuchera plant substantially as shown and described, characterized by very ruffled green leaves with a white veil, compact plant size, and short flowering stalks with small white flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct Rudbeckia subtomentosa plant named ‘Little Henry’ characterized by inflorescences with quilled, yellow ray florets, a medium, upright habit, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Tiarella plant characterized by glossy leaves, large, palmately-lobed leaves with the terminal lobe the longest, an excellent trailing habit, dark brown markings following the veins filling up to ¾ of the leaf, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct form of Agastache plant characterized by orange flowers, a bushy, upright, well-branching habit, a long bloom time, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Echinacea plant named ‘Secret Joy’ characterized by large inflorescences with light cream colored ray florets, dark cream colored enlarged disc florets forming an anemone-type inflorescence, and good vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Tiarella plant characterized by glossy leaves, large, ovate leaves with prominent dark markings along the veins and in splatters away from the veins, an excellent trailing habit, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Gaillardia plant named ‘Sun Devil’ characterized by a very compact habit, tubular ray florets of dark red tipped with yellow orange, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Heucherella plant substantially as shown and described, characterized by large red to brown leaves with a yellow to lime margin, leaves which are palmately lobed, scalloped, and slightly ruffled, a high crown count, a tight, mounding plant habit, and excellent vigor. It grows equally well in full sun or filtered shade in the Pacific Northwest.

Abstract: A new and distinct Heucherella plant substantially as shown and described, characterized by a vigorous, trailing habit, large, deeply lobed leaves, leaves yellow to lime green in spring and summer with red tones in fall and winter, a dark splatter pattern on the veins, and excellent vigor.