Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a television converter device, such as a set-top-box (STB), that includes two or more channel selectors and the necessary control electronics to allow each of the multiple channel selectors to operate independently. STB embodiments of the present invention may be connected to and support one or more TVs. The STB embodiments allow each connected TV to receive television programming independent of what any other connected TVs may be receiving, at a significant cost savings over providing separate STBs for each TV.

Abstract: Systems and methods of online presence management are described herein. The online present management systems and methods provide for creating, managing, controlling, and parking accounts on websites such as social networking sites. The embodiments disclosed herein may be used by interested parties and entities to manage their online presence, profiles, and personalities. In other embodiments, the online presence management system may be used to manage ownership of domain names and other online assets.

Abstract: Improved targets suitable for cutting with an edged weapon are disclosed. In an embodiment the target is a prism made of polyethylene foam with a hole for receiving a peg and an external indicia alerting the practitioner of the depth of the hole and, thereby, what portion of the target may be cut without risk of cutting the peg. In an embodiment the target is comprises a polyethylene foam tube or rod with the exterior cylindrical wall covered by a sheath of material, such as paper, that prevents the foam from bending and thereby increases the rigidity of the target. An improved peg for receiving and positively, but removably, engaging a foam target is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motion system includes a first stage that is configured to rotate about a first axis and a second stage coupled to the first stage that includes an object carrier adapted to position an object in at least one other axis. The motion system has a novel arrangement of laser interferometer elements and axes of motion. The arrangement permits accurate and precise measurement of a position of the object carrier in up to three (or more) axes of motion even as the first stage of the motion system is tilted through relatively large angles. The novel arrangement of the axes of motion also enables very precise control of the position of the object carrier even at high tilt angles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are improved targets suitable for cutting with an edged weapon. In an embodiment the target may be a traditional straw mat target held together by a hydraulic binder composition. In yet other embodiments, the target may be made of multiple layers of synthetic materials to give different properties. One embodiment is a target with an inner portion and an outer portion. The outer portion may be selected from a material that gives the appropriate initial cutting properties while the inner portion provides a cutting resistance. In addition, shaped targets having multiple differing cutting surfaces are disclosed, as is a method for creating a target to simulate a predefined sequence of cuts.

Abstract: This invention provides for an integrated electron optical/differential pumping/imaging signal detection system for an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The ESEM includes a substantially cylindrical objective lens magnetic housing containing an axially disposed vacuum liner tube and containing means for magnetically focusing a beam of electrons passing through said liner tube. An annular ring comprised of magnetic materials abuts said magnetic housing at the lower end thereof and contains at least two pumping ports therein located axially with respect to one another. At least two annular nonmagnetic diaphragms and a final magnetic annular diaphragm are attached to the annular ring at different axial locations and extending inwardly therefrom. The diaphragms define at least two interior passages which each communicate with one of the pumping ports formed in the annular ring.

Abstract: This invention provides for an integrated electron optical/differential pumping/imaging signal detection system for an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The ESEM includes a substantially cylindrical objective lens magnetic housing containing an axially disposed vacuum liner tube and containing means for magnetically focusing a beam of electrons passing through said liner tube. An annular ring comprised of magnetic materials abuts said magnetic housing at the lower end thereof and contains at least two pumping ports therein located axially with respect to one another. At least two annular nonmagnetic diaphragms and a final magnetic annular diaphragm are attached to the annular ring at different axial locations and extending inwardly therefrom. The diaphragms define at least two interior passages which each communicate with one of the pumping ports formed in the annular ring.

Abstract: In the electron beam lithographic system disclosed herein, a semiconductor wafer to be exposed is carried on an air bearing puck which is, on both sides, supported or located by balanced annular regions of air pressure. These annular supporting regions surround central evacuated regions which are also balanced so that the puck is not subject to large bending forces. Accordingly, the puck can be constructed to light-weight materials facilitating rapid and precise positioning of the semiconducter wafer with respect to an E-beam generating column.