Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a method and apparatus for automatically providing network services in a way that improves upon the prior art. Systems implementing aspects of the invention can, for instance, provide developers with a mechanism for creating Web Services without having to write low-level SOAP, XML, or WSDL code. The system utilizes a rule-based approach to provide a mechanism for dynamically reconfiguring the system with requiring redeployment of the entire system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a storing and dispensing cap is provided and includes a housing movably couplable to a container neck having a lip, a dispensing platform coupled to the housing, and a dispenser opening between an exterior edge of the dispensing platform and the housing. The dispenser opening is configured to be plugged by the lip of the container neck when the housing is coupled to the container neck, and the dispenser opening is configured to be unplugged when the housing is not coupled to the container neck. A storing and mixing system including such a cap, and a method of storing and mixing using such a cap are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a storing and dispensing cap is provided and includes a housing movably couplable to a container neck having a lip, a dispensing platform coupled to the housing, and a dispenser opening between an exterior edge of the dispensing platform and the housing. The dispenser opening is configured to be plugged by the lip of the container neck when the housing is coupled to the container neck, and the dispenser opening is configured to be unplugged when the housing is not coupled to the container neck. A storing and mixing system including such a cap, and a method of storing and mixing using such a cap are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods can reduce washout water use and facilitate removal of waste. A transport vehicle can include a water holding tank, a washout tub, and a means for conveying water. Water can be conveyed from the water holding tank to clean concrete from utensils, chutes, pumps, and other implements through a hose. The water can then be separated from the concrete and conveyed back into the water holding tank using a hose and a strainer.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods can reduce washout water use and facilitate removal of waste. A transport vehicle can include a water holding tank, a washout tub, and a means for conveying water. Water can be conveyed from the water holding tank to clean concrete from utensils, chutes, pumps, and other implements through a hose. The water can then be separated from the concrete and conveyed back into the water holding tank using a hose and a strainer.

Abstract: CoCrPtB is a conventional material used in some of the layers of a thin film magnetic media structure used for recording data in data storage devices such as hard drives. Typically the CoCrPtB layers used for magnetic media have high Cr and low B in bottom magnetic layers and low Cr and high B in top magnetic layers. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention and to improve media electrical performance, fifth elements, such as Ta, Nb and Hf, etc. were added to the CoCrPtB materials, resulting in CoCrPtB-X, to enhance the grain segregation. The five element CoCrPtB-X layers were deposited using a pulsed direct current sputter technique instead of conventional direct current sputtering techniques. The resulting magnetic media structure having CoCrPtB-X alloy layers exhibits an increase in coercivity Hc and improvement in recording performance.

Abstract: A concrete strainer used to separate water from wet concrete can include a volume enclosed by a screen or holes in perforated material, connected to a vacuum hose. An extender pipe can be inside the volume and also connect to the vacuum hose. The screen or holes prevent aggregates in the concrete from entering the vacuum hose and clogging an attached vacuum pump. Advantageously, when the strainer is partially submerged into the wet concrete a portion of the strainer exposed to air allows water to flow by gravity into a bottom of the strainer. The extender pipe, being submersed in said water, prevents a vacuum from being lost due to exposure to air pressure.

Abstract: CoCrPtB is a conventional material used in some of the layers of a thin film magnetic media structure used for recording data in data storage devices such as hard drives. Typically the CoCrPtB layers used for magnetic media have high Cr and low B in bottom magnetic layers and low Cr and high B in top magnetic layers. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention and to improve media electrical performance, fifth elements, such as Ta, Nb and Hf, etc. were added to the CoCrPtB materials, resulting in CoCrPtB—X, to enhance the grain segregation. The five element CoCrPtB—X layers were deposited using a pulsed direct current sputter technique instead of conventional direct current sputtering techniques. The resulting magnetic media structure having CoCrPtB—X alloy layers exhibits an increase in coercivity Hc and improvement in recording performance.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods can reduce washout water use and facilitate removal of waste. A transport vehicle can include a water holding tank, a washout tub, and a means for conveying water. Water can be conveyed from the water holding tank to clean concrete from utensils, chutes, pumps, and other implements through a hose. The water can then be separated from the concrete and conveyed back into the water holding tank using a hose and a strainer.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a method and apparatus for automatically providing network services in a way that improves upon the prior art. Systems implementing aspects of the invention can, for instance, provide developers with a mechanism for creating Web Services without having to write low-level SOAP, XML, or WSDL code. The system utilizes a rule-based approach to provide a mechanism for dynamically reconfiguring the system with requiring redeployment of the entire system.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a method and apparatus for automatically providing network services in a way that improves upon the prior art. Systems implementing aspects of the invention can, for instance, provide developers with a mechanism for creating Web Services without having to write low-level SOAP, XML, or WSDL code. The system utilizes a rule-based approach to provide a mechanism for dynamically reconfiguring the system with requiring redeployment of the entire system.

Abstract: A concrete pump washout system which is mountable to transport vehicle(s); the system provides for the quick safe, and easy removal of all waste water and concrete used in the washout of concrete pumps and concrete truck chutes on a construction site. When applied to concrete pump washout, washout water and waste concrete are deposited into a tub, and a fluid vacuum pump is used to separate the water into a holding tank for later disposal. The waste concrete is left behind to harden in the tub, which may be disposable, for later removal to a disposal site, thereby freeing the concrete pump for the next job. When applied to concrete truck chute washout, water is removed from washout of the chute into the concrete pump hopper and pumped back into the truck hopper or into the washwater holding tank for later disposal, at which point the truck may leave and the pump is ready for the next load.

Abstract: The invention provides an interface assembly for delivering an ionized analyte from an ionization apparatus into an ion mobility spectrometer. This allows analysis of biological and non-biological samples, even non-volatile solids, via differential mobility spectrometry, without fragmentation of molecules. The invention also provides portable sample analysis systems that operate at ambient pressure. Systems of the invention may be used for high molecular weight species detection, for example, drinking water contaminants, pathogenic biological agents, bio-organic substances, non-biological material, peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, polymers, bacteria, and hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing treatments to the surface of disk-shaped workpieces/substrates, as in the manufacture of multi-layer, thin-film recording media. The apparatus includes treatment stations for performing treatments to a surface of each of the disk-shaped workpieces/substrates; a pallet adapted for mounting the disk-shaped workpieces/substrates, a plurality of bias potential sources; and a transporting source to transport the pallet past the treatment stations. The pallet includes electrically conductive segments and each segment is electrically insulated from other segments; is adapted to mount and expose at lest one surface of a disk-shaped workpiece; and includes an electrical contact for providing electrical contact with the bias potential source of the apparatus.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic according medium with enhanced coercivity is provided. The magnetic recording medium comprises a non-magnetic substrate having a surface and a layer stack atop the substrate surface. The layer stack comprises a magnetic recording layer and a dual intermediate layer structure below the magnetic recording layer comprising a base layer and a non-magnetic layer between the base layer and the magnetic recording layer. The non-magnetic layer has a thickness less than that necessary for RKKY coupling between the base layer and the magnetic recording layer, and provides the medium with increased coercivity.

Abstract: CoCrPtB is a conventional material used in some of the layers of a thin film magnetic media structure used for recording data in data storage devices such as hard drives. Typically the CoCrPtB layers used for magnetic media have high Cr and low B in bottom magnetic layers and low Cr and high B in top magnetic layers. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention and to improve media electrical performance, fifth elements, such as Ta, Nb and Hf, etc. were added to the CoCrPtB materials, resulting in CoCrPtB—X, to enhance the grain segregation. The five element CoCrPtB—X layers were deposited using a pulsed direct current sputter technique instead of conventional direct current sputtering techniques. The resulting magnetic media structure having CoCrPtB—X alloy layers exhibits an increase in coercivity Hc and improvement in recording performance.

Abstract: A method of forming a layer of a hard, abrasion, and corrosion-resistant hydrogenated carbon (C:H) material on a substrate surface comprises steps of: (a) providing a vacuum chamber including a carbon sputtering target in the interior space thereof; (b) providing a substrate in the chamber interior space, a surface of the substrate the sputtering target; (c) supplying the vacuum chamber with at least one hydrocarbon gas and at least one inert gas at separately controllable flow rates and applying a sufficient negative potential to the carbon target to generate a plasma in said interior space to deposit a layer of the C:H material on the substrate surface by a process comprising simultaneous sputtering of the carbon sputtering target and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of carbon and hydrogen from the hydrocarbon gas, wherein: step (c) includes separately controlling the flow rates of each of the hydrocarbon and inert gases such that the amount of C atoms in the C:H which are contributed b

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a method and apparatus for automatically providing network services in a way that improves upon the prior art. Systems implementing aspects of the invention can, for instance, provide developers with a mechanism for creating Web Services without having to write low-level SOAP, XML, or WSDL code. The system utilizes a rule-based approach to provide a mechanism for dynamically reconfiguring the system with requiring redeployment of the entire system.

Abstract: A flash chromium capping layer is deposited on a magnetic layer for improved corrosion resistance, reduced poisoning due to the absence of a protective overcoat or presence of discontinuities in a protective overcoat, and for reduced media noise do to inter-granular exchange coupling. Embodiments include depositing a flash chromium layer having a thickness up to about 10 Å on an upper magnetic layer and depositing an overlying lubricant topcoat. An optional protective overcoat, such as a carbon-containing protective overcoat, can also be deposited on the chromium capping layer. The chromium capping layer forms a protective oxide coating where exposed, as due to the absence of or at discontinuities in the protective overcoat.