Abstract: An access system for use in a vehicle. The access system includes a frame supported on a vehicle and a ramp having a support surface and a leading edge. The ramp is moveable with respect to the frame between a stowed position, in which the leading edge of the ramp is proximate the frame, and a deployed position, in which the leading edge is positioned away from the frame. A first track and a second track are coupled to one of the frame and the ramp, where the contours of the first and second tracks at least partially define the tilt angle of the ramp with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A system and method for generating target area information. The system comprises a first processor effective to receive first information of a first classification level and a second processor effective to receive second information of a second classification level distinct from the first classification level. A cross domain processor is in communication with the first and second processors. The second processor is effective to receive a request from a requesting entity about a region of interest and interrogate a first sensor regarding the request. The second processor is further effective to receive first information from the first sensor and send the request through the cross domain processor to the first processor. The first processor is effective to interrogate a second sensor regarding the request and receive second information from the second sensor.

Abstract: A mechanism for changing the doping profile of semiconductor devices over time using radioisotope dopants is disclosed. This mechanism can be used to activate or deactivate a device based on the change in doping profile over time. The disclosure contains several possible dopants for common semiconductor substrates and discusses several simple devices which could be used to actuate a circuit. The disclosure further discloses a means for determining the optimal doping profile to achieve a transition in bulk electrical properties of a semiconductor at a specific time.

Abstract: In a method for treating a semiconductor substrate, a single substrate is positioned in a single-substrate process chamber and subjected to wet etching, cleaning and/or drying steps. The single substrate may be exposed to etch or clean chemistry in the single-substrate processing chamber as turbulence is induced in the etch or clean chemistry to thin the boundary layer of fluid attached to the substrate. Megasonic energy and/or disturbances in the chamber surfaces may provide the turbulence for boundary layer thinning. According to another aspect of a method according to the present invention, megasonic energy may be directed into a region within the single-substrate process chamber to create a zone of boundary layer thinning across the substrate surface, and a single substrate may be translated through the zone during a rinsing or cleaning process within the chamber to optimize cleaning/rinsing performance within the zone.

Abstract: A novel trifluoroacetylating agent, i.e., N-trifluoroacetylmorpholine, is described. This reagent is useful in the preparation of phenyl and heterocyclic sulfonamide compounds. Methods are therefore described for preparing sulfonamide compounds of the following structure, wherein R1 and R2 are defined herein, using N-trifluoroacetylmorpholine. The sulfonamide compounds that may be prepared as described herein include 5-chloro-thiophene-2-sulfonic acid [(1S,2R)-2-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-hydroxymethyl-propyl]-amide using N-trifluoroacetylmorpholine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intervertebral prosthesis generally defining a first wall, a second wall, sidewalls extending from the first wall to the second wall, and an upper surface and a lower surface. One or more passages may be included providing for an affixation element, to be inserted therethrough. The passages may each include a first portion for receiving a head or tip of an affixation element, and a second portion of a smaller diameter, where a substantial amount of the second portion of the passage located above or below a midline of the prosthesis. One or more openings may also be provided on the spinal prosthesis for coupling the prosthesis to a surgical tool, and the upper and lower surfaces of the prosthesis may include a depression or portion void of any teeth for the insertion of the prosthesis where a distraction tool is situated about the surgical site.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intervertebral prosthesis generally defining a first wall, a second wall, sidewalls extending from the first wall to the second wall, and an upper surface and a lower surface. One or more passages may be included providing for an affixation element, to be inserted therethrough. The passages may each include a first portion for receiving a head or tip of an affixation element, and a second portion of a smaller diameter, where a substantial amount of the second portion of the passage located above or below a midline of the prosthesis. One or more openings may also be provided on the spinal prosthesis for coupling the prosthesis to a surgical tool, and the upper and lower surfaces of the prosthesis may include a depression or portion void of any teeth for the insertion of the prosthesis where a distraction tool is situated about the surgical site.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for balancing a centrifuge having interconnected hydraulic chambers in containers on a rotor, each container being adapted to receive a composite fluid, comprising transferring, by the rotation of the rotor, hydraulic liquid from a source to the interconnected hydraulic chambers to balance the centrifuge.

Abstract: A method of operating a mineral processing kiln includes introducing a quantity of a selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) reducing agent into the kiln. The SNCR reducing agent may be a solid, liquid, or a gas. A mineral processing kiln modified for the implementation of SNCR is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for treating a semiconductor substrate, a single substrate is positioned in a single-substrate process chamber and subjected to wet etching, cleaning and/or drying steps. The single substrate may be exposed to etch or clean chemistry in the single-substrate processing chamber as turbulence is induced in the etch or clean chemistry to thin the boundary layer of fluid attached to the substrate. Megasonic energy and/or disturbances in the chamber surfaces may provide the turbulence for boundary layer thinning. According to another aspect of a method according to the present invention, megasonic energy may be directed into a region within the single-substrate process chamber to create a zone of boundary layer thinning across the substrate surface, and a single substrate may be translated through the zone during a rinsing or cleaning process within the chamber to optimize cleaning/rinsing performance within the zone.

Abstract: A system and method of operation for a distributed media network and meta data server provides a low cost, efficient, reliable and versatile alternative to traditional media network systems. Multiple media data file servers are designated as primary or alternate data file servers for different media data media files. Related or linked media data files may be distributed throughout a media network which results in lower peak bandwidth usage at each media data file server. Each server in the distributed media network responds more quickly and efficiently due to its limited functionality and scope of media data files that it must server. Media data file servers transfer low bandwidth meta data to client devices allowing a significant increase in the number of clients which can simultaneously log in to a dedicated network server.

Abstract: In a method for treating a semiconductor substrate, a single substrate is positioned in a single-substrate process chamber and subjected to wet etching, cleaning and/or drying steps. The single substrate may be exposed to etch or clean chemistry in the single-substrate processing chamber as turbulence is induced in the etch or clean chemistry to thin the boundary layer of fluid attached to the substrate. Megasonic energy and/or disturbances in the chamber surfaces may provide the turbulence for boundary layer thinning. According to another aspect of a method according to the present invention, megasonic energy may be directed into a region within the single-substrate process chamber to create a zone of boundary layer thinning across the substrate surface, and a single substrate may be translated through the zone during a rinsing or cleaning process within the chamber to optimize cleaning/rinsing performance within the zone.

Abstract: A sports shaft protector comprising an elongate flexible sheet member having a design, color or indicia on a surface, a detachable pressure sensitive adhesive applied over the design or indicia, and a release agent covering the pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A method is described for reducing NOx emissions and improving energy efficiency during mineral processing in a rotary kiln. The method comprises injection of air with high velocity/high kinetic energy into the kiln to reduce or eliminate stratification of kiln gases. The method can be applied to mix gases in a rotary kiln vessel or in a preheater/precalciner vessel.

Abstract: In a method for treating a semiconductor substrate, a single substrate is positioned in a single-substrate process chamber and subjected to wet etching, cleaning and/or drying steps. The single substrate may be exposed to etch or clean chemistry in the single-substrate processing chamber as turbulence is induced in the etch or clean chemistry to thin the boundary layer of fluid attached to the substrate. Megasonic energy and/or disturbances in the chamber surfaces may provide the turbulence for boundary layer thinning. According to another aspect of a method according to the present invention, megasonic energy may be directed into a region within the single-substrate process chamber to create a zone of boundary layer thinning across the substrate surface, and a single substrate may be translated through the zone during a rinsing or cleaning process within the chamber to optimize cleaning/rinsing performance within the zone.

Abstract: A skateboard/ski combination wherein the four wheels of a traditional skateboard have been removed, while the skateboard trucks remain in place, and are then replaced with four ski apparatuses. An anchoring plate connects springs from the underside of the skateboard deck to the ski apparatus base that maintains a traditional ski shape, with rails that protrude outward from the front and rear of the ski base, still maintaining a traditional ski shovel shape. The ski base, which has a flat or concave surface perpendicular to the length of the ski, contains a radius positioned longitudinally to the ski length (rocker) that then transitions to a small radius at the front and rear of the skis, thereby providing a traditional ski shovel in the front and rear of the ski base. Metal or plastic rails are mounted to the ski base on opposing sides of the base in a vertical fashion, extending below the surface of the base.

Abstract: An extraction cleaning machine comprising dispensing and recovery systems, the dispensing system including a system for generating heat with an exothermic reaction upon activation for heating the cleaning solution prior to dispensing of the cleaning solution onto a surface. The cleaning solution dispensing system comprises a cleaning solution reservoir to which the heat of the exothermic reaction can be added and a dispenser. The heat of the exothermic reaction can also be added in line to the cleaning solution between the cleaning solution reservoir and the dispenser. The recovery system includes a suction nozzle, a recovery tank and a vacuum source for drawing recovered liquid from the suction nozzle into the recovery tank. A method of cleaning a surface comprises the steps of heating a cleaning solution by an exothermic chemical reaction, applying the cleaning solution to the surface and recovering the cleaning solution from the surface.

Abstract: A method and system for administering an assessment to a student are disclosed. The expected weight of evidence may be calculated for each of one or more tasks based on a student model pertaining to a student. A task may be selected based on the calculated expected weights of evidence. The selected task may be administered to the student, and evidence may be collected regarding the selected task. The student model pertaining to the student may be updated based on the evidence. A determination of whether additional information is required to assess the student may be made. If additional information is required to assess the student, the above steps may be repeated. Otherwise, a proficiency status may be assigned to the student based on the student model.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and system for optimizing web visitor conversion—the science of measuring, testing, and improving the rate at which website visitors respond to website content. The system helps website operators create content variations, and then scientifically test and measure the impact of those variations on conversion rates. The invention includes a method of using a reverse proxy server to introduce page variations on existing website content without needing to modify the existing target server. The invention makes it possible to test any number of variations—in any combination—on a target server's visitors. Website operators learn how content variations impact visitor behavior and conversion rates.