Abstract: A system is provided for generating a polarization interference pattern. The system includes a light source configured to output a first beam having a predetermined wavelength. The system includes a transmissive polarization volume hologram (“PVH”) mask configured to provide a predetermined diffraction efficiency to a second beam having the predetermined wavelength, a circular polarization, and a non-zero incident angle at the transmissive PVH mask. The system includes a light deflecting element disposed between the light source and the transmissive PVH mask, and configured to deflect the first beam as the second beam toward the transmissive PVH mask. The transmissive PVH mask is configured to forwardly diffract the second beam incident thereon as a third beam and a fourth beam having orthogonal circular polarizations, a substantially same light intensity, and symmetric propagation directions. The third beam and the fourth beam interfere with one another to generate the polarization interference pattern.

Abstract: A sanitary valve including a body including at least two body openings; a plug disposed within the body, rotatable around a vertical axis, moveable along the vertical axis within the body, and including a plug top surface, a lateral plug surface, and at least two plug openings; a stem including a first stem end attached to the top plug surface and a second stem end; and an actuator attached to the second stem end and operable to rotate the stem and the plug around the vertical axis and to move the stem and the plug along the vertical axis.

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to methods for evaluating injury mitigation performance of helmets that are used for sports (e.g., equestrian sports) are described. In one embodiment, a method for evaluating injury mitigation performance of an equestrian helmet includes applying a first impact configuration to a first and a second helmet of the same model and applying a second impact configuration to a third and a fourth helmet that are both of the same model as the first and the second helmet. The method further includes generating acceleration data based on impacts that occur as part of the first impact configuration and the second impact configuration. The method further includes determining concussion risk values based on the generated acceleration data. The method also includes determining a concussion risk metric based on the concussion risk values and exposure values.

Abstract: The revolutionary concept can be used on any caravan design or motorhome with slight alterations to the internal layout. The storage or other purpose unit serves as a windbreaker in the caravan design. Storage under the caravan or motorhome with the raised floor. The internal layout ideally will have a kitchen with island bench on the side that is opening FIG. 1. Where the opening is beside a bedroom ideally there will be a space at the end of the bed where a person can access the decking FIG. 3. All the wall materials are standard caravan materials which could be an aluminium or fibreglass sandwich and the decking material, internal wall when upright, will be a light Malibu or similar to give strength and durability. The two side walls are similar to gates with pin hinges. The decking wall will have stands that will support the deck to the ground being height adjustable. The caravan is fully operational without expanding the living areas or only expanding some of the area.

Abstract: A table and bench assembly that is configurable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the table and bench assembly is configured to provide a seating arrangement for a user. In the second position the table and bench assembly is configured to provide a combined seating and table arrangement for the user. A seating support member and tabletop support member are provided. A frame is further included wherein the frame further includes a pair of first leg members and a pair of second leg members. A seat brace member is provided and provides support for the seating support member. A seat member leg assembly includes a first portion and a second portion and is pivotally coupled to the seat brace member. The tabletop support member includes a plurality of longitudinal support members that further include at least one notch operable to engage a clamping member.

Abstract: A system and method for ensuring an electronic communication sent by a user to one or more recipients is not sent to one or more inappropriate recipients. The system and method controls, monitors, detects and prevents sending of electronic communications to an unintended recipient or recipients. The system and method also controls, monitors, detects and ensures electronic communications are sent to all intended recipients. Based on parameters that identify conditions for an inappropriate recipient, the system and method compares each recipient of an electronic communication with the parameters and stops the sending if an inappropriate recipient exists. A notification is then provided identifying each inappropriate recipient and the parameters that were triggered. Mechanism to override the stopping of the electronic communication may be provided.

Abstract: A system and method for ensuring an electronic communication sent by a user to one or more recipients is not sent to one or more inappropriate recipients. The system and method controls, monitors, detects and prevents sending of electronic communications to an unintended recipient or recipients. The system and method also controls, monitors, detects and ensures electronic communications are sent to all intended recipients. Based on parameters that identify conditions for an inappropriate recipient, the system and method compares each recipient of an electronic communication with the parameters and stops the sending if an inappropriate recipient exists. A notification is then provided identifying each inappropriate recipient and the parameters that were triggered. Mechanism to override the stopping of the electronic communication may be provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control voltage output of a write assist circuit are disclosed. An example method includes regulating pull down voltage from a write assist circuit having a write assist capacitor coupled to a discharge node coupled to a bit line. The write assist circuit further includes a transistor to receive an enable signal to couple the bit line to a low voltage rail. A voltage source is provided to charge the capacitor. The voltage produced by the voltage source is limited to limit the pull down voltage at the discharge node from the write assist capacitor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control voltage output of a write assist circuit are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein includes regulating pull down voltage from a write assist circuit having a write assist capacitor coupled to a discharge node coupled to a bit line. The write assist circuit further includes a transistor to receive an enable signal to couple the bit line to a low voltage rail. A voltage source is provided to charge the capacitor. The voltage produced by the voltage source is limited to limit the pull down voltage at the discharge node from the write assist capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cutting devices and specifically relates to cutting tools comprising a locking means in the form of an integral screw. In particular, the invention relates to a cutting device comprising an integral spring, capable of facilitating opening of the blades. According to one embodiment of this invention, the device comprises a locking screw and spring in scissors and nippers. According to an embodiment of this invention, the blades are self-sharpening.

Abstract: A high power multi-frequency laser includes a laser cavity defined by reflective elements, a frequency routing device in the cavity comprising a plurality of frequency selective pathways, a first set of optical amplifiers optically coupled to a first end of the frequency routing device, and a second set of optical amplifiers optically coupling a second end of the frequency routing device and a first one of the reflective elements. The high power multi-frequency laser further includes a power combiner. The power combiner is optically coupled to the first set of optical amplifiers and a second one of the reflective elements and combines the outputs of the first set of optical amplifiers such that a common output for the multi-frequency laser is provided. The common output of the present invention provides a single output from the multi-frequency laser having a high output coupling efficiency.

Abstract: An electrode (22) formed from a layer (24) of tetrahedral carbon doped with nitrogen (taC:N) has both electroanalytical and electrosynthetic applications. The electrode includes a substrate material (26), such as a silicon wafer, for supporting the taC:N layer. The electrode has good durability under a high anodic potential and high selectivity for conversion of chloride ions to chlorine, and for other electron transfer reactions. The electrode is readily formed at ambient temperatures by vacuum deposition of carbon and nitrogen ions on to the substrate. Masking of the substrate during deposition allows the formation of microelectrode arrays.

Abstract: The linewidth in patterns produced by etching copper layers is more easily maintained using a specific etching medium. In particular, this medium includes aqueous hydrofluoric acid, copper chloride, and an additional chloride salt. The etching medium is also particularly useful for bilayer metal constructions such as the copper/titanium structure found in many multichip modules.

Abstract: We have found that etching of a body that comprises exposed Si as well as a Ti-comprising metal layer (e.g., a patterned Ti/Pt layer) in an amine-based anisotropic etchant for Si (e.g., 100.degree. C. EDP) frequently results in undesirable changes in the Ti-comprising metal layer. We have also found that the changes can be substantially reduced or eliminated by electrolytic means, namely, by making the metal layer the anode in an electrolytic cell that contains the etchant.

Abstract: A graphite path is formed along the surface of a diamond plate, preferably a CVD diamond plate, by means of a laser or ion-implantation induced conductivity. The path advantageously can be the surface of a sidewall of a via hole drilled by the laser through the plate or a path running along a side surface of the plate from top to bottom opposed major surfaces of the plate. The graphite path is metallized, as by electroplating or electroless plating. In this way, for example, an electrically conducting connection can be made between a metallized backplane located on the bottom surface of the plate and a wire-bonding pad located on the top surface of the plate.

Abstract: It has been found that selective metallization in integrated circuits is expeditiously achieved through a copper plating procedure. In this process, palladium silicide is used as a catalytic surface and an electroless plating bath is employed to introduce copper plating only in regions where the silicide is present. Use of this procedure yields superior filling of vias and windows with excellent conductivity.

Abstract: The linewidth in patterns produced by etching copper layers is more easily maintained using a specific etching medium. In particular, this medium includes aqueous hydrofluoric acid, copper chloride, and an additional chloride salt. The etching medium is also particularly useful for bilayer metal constructions such as the copper/titanium structure found in many multichip modules.

Abstract: It has been found that fullerenes exhibit photoelectronic behavior such as photoconductivity or photovoltaic properties. Such behavior allows the fabrication of a variety of devices, such as solar cells and the use of various light-induced processes, such as the generation of a current by illumination of appropriate fullerene interfaces.

Abstract: Processes are described for electroplating metal or alloy on superconducting oxides using either a nonaqueous bath or aqueous bath with suitably applied potential. Articles made in accordance with the electroplating process are also described.

Abstract: A method for revision arthroplasty for the removal of a loosened or defective prosthesis component anchored in a polymer cement set in a bone cavity. The method comprises exposing and disconnecting, if necessary, a connecting free end portion of the prosthesis component at an extremity of the bone cavity. The loosened or defective prosthesis is then removed out of the bone cavity from the extremity thereof. The cement is then removed from the cavity by the use of an instrument having a heated working end which is heated to a temperature exceeding the melting point of the cement whereby cement can be removed without perforating or damaging the bone.