Abstract: A system and method for a patent search and analytics software tool that finds prior art for each claim limitation/element by breaking up claims into individual claim limitations. Once the claims are separated, the system finds the best prior art for each of the individual separate, different claim limitations/elements. Additionally, the software finds the best prior art for entire claims, including non-patent literature (NPL) searching. The system takes into account the limitations of the claim under consideration (query claim of query patent), the text of the art, the link structure of the citation network, and the patent classification and then constructs a network that consists of two types of nodes: (i) the art (patents and non-patent literature) and the (ii) classes of the patent classification. Each art node is linked to all the art nodes that it cites and is linked to all the classification nodes that it belongs to.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a new functional protein S assay and kit that is based on the ability of endogenous protein S to prolong clotting time. In the assay procedure, a test plasma sample is diluted with protein S deficient plasma, followed by the addition of purified or recombinant tissue factor (pTF or rTF), purified natural or synthetic phospholipid (pPL or sPL) and activated protein C (APC) or protein C activator (PCA). The clotting time is then measured and compared to a standard curve or a normal control.

Abstract: A protective pad configuration is provided that includes a corrugated energy dispersing plate disposed between an upper and a lower foam member. The corrugated energy dispersing plate provides stiffness along a first direction and flexibility in a second direction to enable pad design that maximizes both athlete protection and mobility.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a new functional protein S assay and kit that is based on the ability of endogenous protein S to prolong clotting time. In the assay procedure, a test plasma sample is diluted with protein S deficient plasma, followed by the addition of purified or recombinant tissue factor (pTF or rTF), purified natural or synthetic phospholipid (pPL or sPL) and activated protein C (APC) or protein C activator (PCA). The clotting time is then measured and compared to a standard curve or a normal control.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ensuring the proper handling of reticles in the manufacturing of microdevices are disclosed. The methods and apparatus employ one or more reticle stop blocks fixed to a reticle handling arm. The one or more reticle stop blocks are designed and arranged to engage an edge of the reticle in order to place the reticle in a desired position on the reticle handling arm should the reticle be improperly arranged in a cassette in which the reticle is stored. By ensuring proper placement of the reticle on the reticle handling arm when the reticle is removed from the cassette, the likelihood of a subsequent fault in handling the reticle is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ensuring the proper handling of reticles in the manufacturing of microdevices are disclosed. The methods and apparatus employ one or more reticle stop blocks fixed to a reticle handling arm. The one or more reticle stop blocks are designed and arranged to engage an edge of the reticle in order to place the reticle in a desired position on the reticle handling arm should the reticle be improperly arranged in a cassette in which the reticle is stored. By ensuring proper placement of the reticle on the reticle handling arm when the reticle is removed from the cassette, the likelihood of a subsequent fault in handling the reticle is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ensuring the proper handling of reticles in the manufacturing of microdevices are disclosed. The methods and apparatus employ one or more reticle stop blocks fixed to a reticle handling arm. The one or more reticle stop blocks are designed and arranged to engage an edge of the reticle in order to place the reticle in a desired position on the reticle handling arm should the reticle be improperly arranged in a cassette in which the reticle is stored. By ensuring proper placement of the reticle on the reticle handling arm when the reticle is removed from the cassette, the likelihood of a subsequent fault in handling the reticle is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ensuring the proper handling of reticles in the manufacturing of microdevices are disclosed. The methods and apparatus employ one or more reticle stop blocks fixed to a reticle handling arm. The one or more reticle stop blocks are designed and arranged to engage an edge of the reticle in order to place the reticle in a desired position on the reticle handling arm should the reticle be improperly arranged in a cassette in which the reticle is stored. By ensuring proper placement of the reticle on the reticle handling arm when the reticle is removed from the cassette, the likelihood of a subsequent fault in handling the reticle is greatly reduced.