Abstract: A method of analyzing film on a substrate may comprise receiving three-dimensional data obtained from measurements of a plurality of pixels on a substrate, the plurality of pixels comprising one or more film layers; extracting a plurality of parameters based on the received three-dimensional data, the plurality of parameters comprising at least an average thickness for the film layers of the pixels, one or more area aperture ratios for the film layers of the pixels, and a pitch between pixels, wherein the extraction is based on a predetermined pattern for the pixels on the substrate; displaying a user interface comprising a graphical representation of one or more of the parameters for the one or more film layers of the one or more of the pixels; and dynamically modifying the graphical representation of the one or more parameters in response to user input of the displayed user interface, the dynamically modifying causing the displayed graphical images to appear as continuously changing.

Abstract: The present invention features novel, diverse, hybrid and engineered recombinase enzymes, and the utility of such proteins with associated recombination factors for carrying out DNA amplification assays. The present invention also features different recombinase ‘systems’ having distinct biochemical activities in DNA amplification assays, and differing requirements for loading factors, single-stranded DNA binding proteins (SSBs), and the quantity of crowding agent employed.

Abstract: A device and a method for communicating data link information associated with a machine is provided. The device includes a light source comprising a Light Emitting Diode (LED). The device includes a controller configured to transmit a query, to the machine, for different types of information related to the machine, the different types of information including a first type of information, a second type of information, and a third type of information. Upon receiving a response indicating the availability of one or more types of information among the different types of information, the controller is configured to provide a first indication, a second indication, a third indication, a fourth indication, or a fifth indication. The controller is further configured to transmit data regarding the one or more types of information that are available.

Abstract: Mobile POS techniques are presented. A POS interface is configured and distributed to a mobile device over a network connection. The POS interface is a self-contained retail transaction system for a retailer. The mobile device is configured to execute the retail transaction system providing remote network or cloud-based services for data retrieval, and data storage to the retail transaction system on the mobile device. One or more retail transactions are processed on the mobile device via the POS interface.

Abstract: A fluid sensor comprises a fluid conduit having a wall defining a fluid flow path and an acoustic transducer located externally of the fluid flow path. The wall of the fluid conduit comprises a composite region between the acoustic transducer and the fluid flow path, the composite region comprising a composite material including a polymer matrix material and one or more reinforcing elements embedded within the polymer matrix material. Such a fluid sensor may be used for sensing a property of a fluid and, in particular though not exclusively for sensing a property of a fluid produced from or injected into an oil or gas well.

Abstract: A fluid conduit comprises a wall defining a fluid flow path and a confinement feature within the wall and being configured to confine energy within a cavity, wherein at least a portion of the fluid flow path extends through the cavity. The confinement feature may be configured to confine electromagnetic energy. The fluid conduit may comprise an oscillator defined by the cavity and a positive feedback arrangement. The fluid conduit may be configured for sensing a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit or for use in sensing a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to complexing agents of formula (I): in which A, chrom1, chrom2 and chrom3 are as defined in the description. The invention also relates to the lanthanide complexes obtained from these complexing agents.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a musical instrument having buttons, where the buttons determine the magnitude of the interval by which the melody will jump from the last note played. With a small number of interval buttons and an up/down strum bar, embodiments can play almost any melody and more notes than a piano. One embodiment is directed to an interval-based guitar including fret buttons whose input signals are used to calculate the interval by which to change the pitch of the prior note. Providing input via a strum bar or a sensor, a new note is generated by adding or subtracting the interval to/from the prior note to generate a new note.

Abstract: A tape measure may include a housing including an interior space and a brake opening in communication with the interior space, a reel rotatably supported within the interior space, a tape blade at least partially wound on the reel, and a finger brake positioned adjacent the brake opening. The finger brake may include a support frame attached to the housing and including a frame opening, and a flexible member attached to the support frame and extending over the frame opening. The flexible member may be configured to deflect or elastically deform from a released position in which the flexible member is spaced apart from the tape blade to an engaged position in which at least a portion of the flexible member contacts a portion of the tape blade.

Abstract: A chalk line is disclosed herein. The chalk line may include a housing, a track, and a door. The housing may define a chalk chamber and an opening in communication with the chalk chamber. The track may be disposed adjacent the opening and may include a curved section. The door may be movable between a closed position preventing access to the chalk chamber through the opening and an open position allowing access to the chalk chamber through the opening, and the door may include one or more door segments pivotably connected to one another by one or more hinges.

Abstract: A fluid conduit (2) comprises a wall (4) defining a fluid flow path (6) and a confinement feature (24) within the wall (4) and being configured to confine energy within a cavity (26), wherein at least a portion of the fluid flow path (6) extends through the cavity (26). The confinement feature (24) may be configured to confine electromagnetic energy. The fluid conduit (2) may comprise an oscillator defined by the cavity (26) and a positive feedback arrangement (34). The fluid conduit (2) may be configured for sensing a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit (2) or for use in sensing a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit (2). More specifically, the present invention deals with a microwave cavity sensor wherein the cavity member (24) is embedded in the wall (4) of the fluid conduit (2), the wall (4) including a composite region (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to increasing longevity of the nitrogen content of soil through improved liquid delivery formulations of nitrification inhibitors. The liquid formulation can also be comprised of nitrification inhibitors and optionally urease inhibitors that are blended solutions of each. The nitrification inhibitors are present in a mixture that comprises both a protic and an aprotic solvent system. The novel formulations are designed to be applied to fertilizers, especially urea and manure based fertilizers. The delivery formulations provide an environmentally sound and inherently safe solvating system that improves the storage stability of the urease inhibitors by utilizing liquid organic non-water containing solvents, maintains the nitrification inhibitors in solution to storage temperatures of at least 10° C., and provides improved application to fertilizer of nitrification inhibitors.

Abstract: A device and method of use for a versatile fitness bar is disclosed herein. The bar generally is comprised of a main first part member and a main second part member. In other embodiments, the versatile fitness bar is also comprised of releasably attachable weight members. In embodiments, the distal ends of the main first part member and the main second part member are configured to receive and releasably attach weight members. In yet other embodiments, the main first part member and the main second part member are configured at the proximal ends to releasably attach and lock both main first and second part members together. In embodiments, the weight members are configured to also function as dumbbells.

Abstract: A chalk reel has a housing defining a chalk chamber and an opening for accessing the chamber. A door is movable between an open position for allowing access through the opening to the chalk chamber and a closed position preventing access to the chamber. A lock assembly is provided on the door and is movable with the door. The lock assembly rotates relative to the door between a locked position and an unlocked position and reciprocates to secure and release a lock member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to increasing longevity of the nitrogen content of soil through improved liquid delivery formulations of nitrification inhibitors. The liquid formulation can also be comprised of nitrification inhibitors and optionally urease inhibitors that are blended solutions of each. The nitrification inhibitors are present in a mixture that comprises both a protic and an aprotic solvent system. The novel formulations are designed to be applied to fertilizers, especially urea and manure based fertilizers. The delivery formulations provide an environmentally sound and inherently safe solvating system that improves the storage stability of the urease inhibitors by utilizing liquid organic non-water containing solvents, maintains the nitrification inhibitors in solution to storage temperatures of at least 10° C., and provides improved application to fertilizer of nitrification inhibitors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for increasing protein yield and cellular productivity. Chemical agents facilitate host cell production of biological molecules to increase product yield.

Abstract: A fluid sensor comprises a fluid conduit having a wall defining a fluid flow path and an acoustic transducer located externally of the fluid flow path. The wall of the fluid conduit comprises a composite region between the acoustic transducer and the fluid flow path, the composite region comprising a composite material including a polymer matrix material and one or more reinforcing elements embedded within the polymer matrix material. Such a fluid sensor may be used for sensing a property of a fluid and, in particular though not exclusively for sensing a property of a fluid produced from or injected into an oil or gas well.

Abstract: A weld with a stepped configuration is provided. The stepped configuration may be machined from a substrate to form a weld preparation which may accommodate a stepped weld. The weld with a stepped configuration and a controlled procedure exhibits improved service life and improved damage tolerance. A welded joint with a stepped configuration, a joined component with a stepped configuration, and method of welding a stepped configuration are also provided.

Abstract: A process for preserving fresh ground meat comprises the steps of a) packaging fresh ground meat in a sealed package; b) placing the packaged fresh ground meat in a pressurization vessel and closing the vessel; c) pressurizing the pressurization vessel containing the packaged fresh ground meat to an elevated pressure of at least about 50,000 psi pressure so that the packaged fresh ground meat is placed under the elevated pressure; d) maintaining the elevated pressure on the packaged fresh ground meat for a time of from about 1 to about 300 seconds and at a temperature of from about 30 to about 45 F; e) then reducing the pressure on the packaged fresh ground meat to ambient pressure; and f) removing the ground meat from the pressurization vessel. Pathogens are effectively killed using this process, providing manufacturing efficiencies and longer product shelf life as compared to other ground meat handling procedures.

Abstract: A multi-driver tool may include a handle, a shaft removably attached to the handle, and a plurality of heads removably attached to the shaft. The handle may include an internal cavity, and the shaft may be positioned partially within the internal cavity when the shaft is attached to the handle. One of the heads may be attached to the shaft and positioned entirely outside of the handle when the shaft is attached to the handle, and one or more of the heads may be attached to the shaft and positioned entirely within the internal cavity when the shaft is attached to the handle.