Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising: assigning a unique batch number to a batch of food processed in a processing facility; obtaining a first sample and a second sample from the batch of food and storing at least the second sample; testing the first sample with a safety test to obtain a first test result; making the first test result available in association with the unique batch number to a downstream user who receives from the processing facility food from the batch of food in association with the unique batch number; upon receipt of a request to verify the first test result in the event that the first test result indicates an unsafe risk to a final consumer of the food, testing the second sample with the safety test to obtain a second test result, and making the second test result available in association with the unique batch number to the downstream user; and disposing of the food if the second test result also indicates an unsafe risk to the final consumer.

Abstract: A flexible sensor is disposed in a power tool. The flexible sensor has an electrical resistance that varies based on a radius of curvature of the flexible sensor. A trigger partially disposed in the power tool, operates to apply a bending force at an engagement point on the flexible sensor to bend the flexible sensor and alter the radius of curvature. A controller outputs an electrical signal to the power tool based on the electrical resistance to control a function of the power tool.

Abstract: A decision feedback equalizer (DFE) architecture uses feedback samples that are over-sampled with respect to the symbol rate. On-baud feedback samples are quantized with a slicer, while off-baud samples are linear, IIR samples. Both forward and feedback filters are fractionally-spaced, but adapted only at the baud instances.

Abstract: A method for improving the growth characteristics of a nematode tolerant or resistant plant by treating a plant propagation material thereof with a pesticide having nematicide properties.

Abstract: An inductive coupler provides an interface between a power line and a communication device which communicates via the power line. The power line operates at a potential between four and 140 kilovolts while accommodating a current having a frequency between 45 and 65 hertz, and the communication device operates substantially at ground potential. The inductive coupler includes a split ferrite core having material selected to provide a substantially flat frequency response between one and 50 megahertz. The coupler also includes a clamping mechanism allowing the inductive coupler to clamp around the power line or around a utility line connected to the power line. Further, the coupler includes at least one lead for communicatively connecting the inductive coupler to the communication device. The inductive coupler forms an air gap when the inductive coupler is clamped. If the coupler is insulated, the insulation is also used for the air gap.

Abstract: A method of making a NiPt alloy having an ultra-high purity of at least about 4N5 and suitable for use as a sputtering target, comprises steps of: heating predetermined amounts of lesser purity Ni and Pt at an elevated temperature in a crucible to form a NiPt alloy melt, the crucible being composed of a material which is inert to the melt at the elevated temperature; and transferring the melt to a mold having a cavity with a surface coated with a release agent which does not contaminate the melt with impurity elements. The resultant NiPt alloy has a very low concentration of impurity elements and is subjected to cross-directional hot rolling for reducing thickness and grain size.

Abstract: A decision feedback equalizer (DFE) architecture uses feedback samples that are over-sampled with respect to the symbol rate. On-baud feedback samples are quantized with a slicer, while off-baud samples are linear, IIR samples. Both forward and feedback filters are fractionally-spaced, but adapted only at the baud instances.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods of reducing nitrogen oxides from an air stream by introducing cyanide into the air stream and reacting the cyanide with the nitrogen oxides. In some embodiments, the reacting takes place at a temperature between 1200 and 1640° F.

Abstract: A film based image capture and processing system for producing preferred film based image looks that includes a scan-only film having reproduction contrast that increases scanning signal-to-noise ratio subject to digitization bit-depth limitations to obtain additional scene exposure differentiation. In addition, a chemical processing subsystem for developing latent images, as a result of image capture, on the scan-only film is includes as are a scanner for providing a wide gamut digital image record; and an image processor for modifying film image attributes to digitized images from the scanner.

Abstract: A device having a substrate, a pair of ferromagnetic leads on a surface of the substrate, laterally separated by a gap, and one or more ferromagnetic microparticles comprising a conductive coating at least partially within the gap. The conductive coating forms at least part of an electrical connection between the leads. A molecular junction may connect the leads to the microparticle.

Abstract: A decision feedback equalizer (DFE) architecture uses feedback samples that are over-sampled with respect to the symbol rate. On-baud feedback samples are quantized with a slicer, while off-baud samples are linear, IIR samples. Both forward and feedback filters are fractionally-spaced, but adapted only at the baud instances.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a flowable conductive paste onto a greensheet from a dispensing apparatus comprising an orifice member having first and second surfaces and a bore therethrough between the surfaces, a pressurized chamber adjacent the orifice member first surface containing the paste, and a punch having a face movable through the orifice member bore. The method comprises positioning the punch outside the orifice member bore such that the punch face is spaced from the orifice member first surface, flowing a desired amount of paste onto the punch face, moving the paste on the punch face through the orifice member bore until the punch face extends beyond the orifice member second surface, and contacting the workpiece with the paste while still on the punch face to deposit the paste on the greensheet.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a flowable conductive paste onto a greensheet from a dispensing apparatus comprising an orifice member having first and second surfaces and a bore therethrough between the surfaces, a pressurized chamber adjacent the orifice member first surface containing the paste, and a punch having a face movable through the orifice member bore. The method comprises positioning the punch outside the orifice member bore such that the punch face is spaced from the orifice member first surface, flowing a desired amount of paste onto the punch face, moving the paste on the punch face through the orifice member bore until the punch face extends beyond the orifice member second surface, and contacting the workpiece with the paste while still on the punch face to deposit the paste on the greensheet.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a flowable conductive paste onto a greensheet from a dispensing apparatus comprising an orifice member having first and second surfaces and a bore therethrough between the surfaces, a pressurized chamber adjacent the orifice member first surface containing the paste, and a punch having a face movable through the orifice member bore. The method comprises positioning the punch outside the orifice member bore such that the punch face is spaced from the orifice member first surface, flowing a desired amount of paste onto the punch face, moving the paste on the punch face through the orifice member bore until the punch face extends beyond the orifice member second surface, and contacting the workpiece with the paste while still on the punch face to deposit the paste on the greensheet.

Abstract: A motorized cleaning/polishing device includes a housing and a carrier with a detachable cleaning/polishing attachment. The housing contains a rechargeable battery, motor and flex mount having flexible pillars to which the carrier is mounted. The carrier is also coupled to the motor drive shaft via an eccentric element and bearing. The carrier may have a foam layer with hook fasteners adhered to its underside for removably attaching any one of various attachments to the carrier. Cleanser is impregnated in the attachment. The device is particularly suited to orbit in the 3000 to 10,000 OPM range.

Abstract: A method for converting a sequence of electronically captured images into a sequence of modified images for providing the appearance of images captured by a film reproduction system. The film reproduction system being includes motion picture negative film printed onto a motion picture print film that is displayed, or a reversal motion picture system in which the reversal film is displayed, or a motion picture film electro-optically scanned to standard format video by a telecine and further displayed, or a motion picture film electro-optically scanned by a scanner suitable for producing digital data intended for additional digital image manipulation. A digital master is prepared from the aforementioned film formats for electronic distribution or recording out to another film to be used as a printing master for producing distribution optical prints for theatrical projection.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for shelled almond pasteurization includes counter flowing raw shelled almonds in saturated steam for a four second interval to elevate the exterior surface of the shelled almond to a temperature exceeding 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Thereafter, the pasteurized almonds are counter flowed for a two second interval in dry air before discharge to further processing or to containers for shipment. Almond taste, texture, and appearance are unchanged during the pasteurization process. The apparatus includes a steam ladder (1) defining downward paths which alternately vary the major surfaces of the shelled almonds to exposure to upwardly counter flowing steam, and an underlying drying ladder (2) for drying the raw shelled almonds upon exit from the steam ladder.

Abstract: A tamper resistant, integrated circuit (IC) module includes a ceramic-based chip carrier, one or more integrated circuit chips attached to the chip carrier, and a cap structure attached to the chip carrier, covering the one or more integrated circuit chips. A conductive grid structure is formed in the chip carrier and cap structure, the conductive structure having a plurality of meandering lines disposed in an x-direction, a y-direction, and a z-direction. The conductive grid structure is configured so as to detect an attempt to penetrate the IC module.

Abstract: A method for mounting a film, used to fabricate a mask for use in screening an electronic device, to a common carrier frame. The common carrier frame has an outer edge along an outer periphery and an opening in a central portion of the frame. The method includes applying external pressure to the frame outer edge to compress the frame inward and reduce the opening, securing a film to the frame, the film covering the frame opening, and releasing the pressure on the frame to expand the opening and place the film in tension.