Abstract: A method of making a tantalum sputtering target providing the steps of: a) providing a tantalum ingot; b) forging and annealing the tantalum ingot to provide a grain refined tantalum billet; and c) processing the grain refined tantalum billet to produce a tantalum sputtering target with a reduced grain size and a reduced grain size standard deviation. A tantalum sputtering targeting having a purity of at least 99.9%, a grain size of about 30 ?m or less, and a grain size standard deviation of about 20 ?m or less. A sputtering target manufactured in accordance with this invention will have a more consistent and stable voltage performance throughout target life, compared to prior methods with a larger grain size and grain size deviation. A more consistent and stable voltage performance leads to improved film uniformity.

Abstract: In a client-server game system, or in accordance with a computer-readable program stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, a client participates in a game with other clients by performing an in-game simulation. Based on results of the in-game simulation, the client sends error-checking data to a server. The server analyzes the error-checking data to determine whether a simulation error has been caused by at least one of the clients. Upon determining that the simulation error has been caused, the server causes a reference simulation to be performed. Based on the results of the reference simulation, the server identifies the client(s) that caused the simulation error. The server then sends a patch to the client(s) that caused the simulation error. The client applies the patch to correct and reset the in-game simulation.

Abstract: Data storage method for storing a subblock of a block of data. The block of data is distributed, in a number of subblocks of data, over a set of devices. The set of devices comprises at least two devices, and the method comprises the steps of: collecting a subblock of data using the device, storing the subblock of data on the device; and storing metadata identifying the data comprised in the subblock of data.

Abstract: In a client-server game system, or in accordance with a computer-readable program stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, a client participates in a game with other clients by performing an in-game simulation. Based on results of the in-game simulation, the client sends error-checking data to a server. The server analyzes the error-checking data to determine whether a simulation error has been caused by at least one of the clients. Upon determining that the simulation error has been caused, the server causes a reference simulation to be performed. Based on the results of the reference simulation, the server identifies the client(s) that caused the simulation error. The server then sends a patch to the client(s) that caused the simulation error. The client applies the patch to correct and reset the in-game simulation.

Abstract: A telemonitoring central server 12 supports secure data exchange between a number of users, such as a patient, family and friends, medical personnel, suppliers, and the like. A user authenticator 20 authenticates and authorizes a user to the system. Access control is driven by a number of static or dynamic access profiles that are assigned to each user. These profiles dictate the data to which the user is allowed access, the computations available to the user, and the manner in which data is displayed to the user. The presentation style is based on access role, user, age, background, result of previous interactions, information content, authentication level, and the like. Third-party services such as advertisements and discounts for “get well soon” items can also be provided to the user.

Abstract: A communication system for monitoring the health status of a patient includes a communication device and a sensor device, the communication device comprising a first communication interface for communication with the sensor device and comprising a second communication interface for communication with a health care center, the communication device being able to generate a warning message upon failure of either the first communication interface or the second communication interface, wherein the generation of a warning message is prevented if the failure of the first communication interface begins and ends during a first time interval and/or the generation of a warning message is prevented if the failure of the second communication interface begins and ends during a third time interval and/or the communication device comprises a detection device for detecting a critical or non-critical health status, and the generation of a warning message is prevented if both the duration of failure of the second communication

Abstract: In a telemonitoring system, a number of telemonitoring devices collect patient data. If an abnormality occurs, a monitoring center is sent a signal. Depending on the abnormality, the monitoring center may request more patient data in order to analyze and evaluate the occurred abnormality. To this end, the patient may be requested to send the telemonitoring devices to the monitoring center. In order to minimize overhead costs and increase efficiency, the present invention provides a method and system for transferring the requested data to a minimum number of selected devices, preferably one selected device, so that a minimum number of selected devices needs to be sent to the monitoring center.

Abstract: A telemonitoring central server 12 supports secure data exchange between a number of users, such as a patient, family and friends, medical personnel, suppliers, and the like. A user authenticator 20 authenticates and authorizes a user to the system. Access control is driven by a number of static or dynamic access profiles that are assigned to each user. These profiles dictate the data to which the user is allowed access, the computations available to the user, and the manner in which data is displayed to the user. The presentation style is based on access role, user, age, background, result of previous interactions, information content, authentication level, and the like. Third-party services such as advertisements and discounts for “get well soon” items can also be provided to the user.

Abstract: Data storage method for storing a subblock of a block of data. The block of data is distributed, in a number of subblocks of data, over a set of devices. The set of devices comprises at least two devices, and the method comprises the steps of: collecting a subblock of data using the device, storing the subblock of data on the device; and storing metadata identifying the data comprised in the subblock of data.

Abstract: The method is suitable for the manufacture of flat or shaped titanium aluminide articles and layered metal matrix composites such as lightweight plates and sheets for aircraft and automotive applications, thin cross-section vanes and blades, composite electrodes, heat-sinking lightweight electronic substrates, bulletproof structures for vests, partition walls and doors, as well as for sporting goods such as helmets, golf clubs, sole plates, crown plates, etc.

Abstract: This invention provides a communication system for monitoring the health status of a patient, a communication device and a sensor device for monitoring the health status of a patient and a method of monitoring the health status of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray examination apparatus and a corresponding method for acquiring X-ray image data of a region of interest by use of an imaging unit (1-3) comprising an X-ray source (2) for emitting X-ray radiation and an X-ray detector (3) for detecting X-ray radiation after penetration of said region of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray examination apparatus and a corresponding method for acquiring X-ray image data of a region of interest by use of an imaging unit (1-3) comprising an X-ray source (2) for emitting X-ray radiation and an X-ray detector (3) for detecting X-ray radiation after penetration of said region of interest.

Abstract: A method for producing a high purity tungsten sputtering target. The method includes heat treating of high purity tungsten powder in order to consolidate it into a blank with density providing closed porosity. The consolidation may be achieved by hot pressing, HIP or any other appropriate method. Next, this plate is rolled to produce target blanks of approximate size and further increased density of the material. The method may be applicable to a variety of blanks including round shape target blanks, for example, consisting of tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, hafnium, etc.

Abstract: An interferometric apparatus (10) for producing an output signal characteristic of phase and/or amplitude noise of a device under test (22), an input signal being provided to the interferometric apparatus (10), comprising a signal generation means (18) arranged to produce a third signal having a carrier frequency offset from that of the input signal; a first bridge (12) having first (14) and second (16) arms, the first (14) and second (16) arms having input thereto first and second signals, respectively, produced from one of the input signal or the third signal; the device under test (22) being provided in one of the first (14) or second (16) arms of the first bridge (12); a carrier suppression means (24) connected to the first (14) and second (16) arms of the first bridge (12) to produce a carrier suppressed signal; a first amplifier (32) arranged to amplify the carrier suppressed signal; first mixing means (34) responsive to the third signal and to the carrier suppressed signal to produce a signal character

Abstract: A shield (22) for protecting chamber walls (14) of a sputter reactor (10) comprising foam metal shaped into a desired shield shape. The foam metal inserts (24) are easily configured for mounting within the sputter reactor chamber. The foam metal shield material provides more surface area and better adhesion of the sputter coated particles, thereby reducing particulate emission and allowing longer use before replacement. The shields are also relatively inexpensive to fabricate. Once the shield is coated with sputter particles, the foam metal shield can be removed from the sputter chamber and heated in a thermite reaction, thereby reducing the particles collected on the foam metal shield to an elemental metal and thus facilitating recovery of the deposited sputter material. The apparatus has a target (12), vacuum pump (21), pedestal (18), substrate (16), gas supply system (20), clips (25), insulating ring (26), DC power supply (24), and metal layer (28).

Abstract: A method for making nickel/silicon sputter targets, targets made thereby and sputtering processes using such targets. Molten nickel is blended with sufficient molten silicon and cast to form an alloy containing trace amounts, up to less than 4.39 wt % silicon, and preferably 2.0 wt % silicon. Preferably, the cast ingot is then shaped by rolling it to form a plate having a desired thickness. Sputter targets so formed are capable of use in conventional magnetron sputter processes, such that a target can be positioned near a cathode in the presence of an electric potential difference and a magnetic field in order to induce sputtering of nickel ions from the sputter target onto the substrate.

Abstract: Sputter target assemblies (10) and methods of making the sputter target assemblies in which the HIP processes conventionally used are minimized, or eliminated, while producing higher yields of sputter target assemblies in less time. In one instance the sputter target assemblies include a single, or multiple, layered interlayer (14, 16) between the target and backing plate (18) in order to achieve intermetallic diffusion bonds between adjacent layers during a single HIP process. A mechanical interlock between the target (12) and backing plate is also achieved preferably during a single HIP process. In another instance, the target and backing plate are welded directly together by electron beam welding, and the interlayer and HIP process are omitted. In either case, the process for making the sputter target assembly is shortened, rendering it less expensive and subject to less failures, while achieving assemblies having robust strength.

Abstract: A target (1) and backing plate (10) assembly and method of making the same. The target (1) and backing plate (10) assembly provides a mechanical interlock between the target (1) and backing plate (10) in addition to diffusion bonding between dissimilar materials comprising the target (1) and backing plate (10). An interlayer may also be used between the target (1) and backing plate (10). A plurality of ridges, or other salient surface features (3,4) on one of the target (1) and backing plate (10) are joined to corresponding members or channels (13, 14) on the other of the target and backing plate. The dissimilar materials of the target (1) and backing plate (10) fill negative angled cavities (13, 14) formed by the plurality of ridges (3, 4) and corresponding channels or members (13, 14) of the target (1) and backing plate (10) to accommodate the diffusion bonded dissimilar materials. A target (1) and backing plate (10) assembly with increased strength results.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to low temperature pressure consolidation methods which provide for bonding of target material (10) to the backing plate material (15) capable of withstanding the stresses imposed by high sputtering rates. The sputter target assemblies (5) in accordance with the present invention are preferably comprised of target materials (10) and backing plate materials (15) having dissimilar thermal expansion coefficients and incorporate internal cooling channels (20). In the preferred embodiment, the resulting bond and the formation of the cooling channels (20) are cooperative.