Abstract: A precision volumetric pump with a bellows hermetic seal provides compliance time performance comparable to a conventional pump having a dynamic seal. However, the precision volumetric pump with a bellows hermetic seal is enabled to operate over a very long service life with minimal or no maintenance without a propensity to develop leaks over the long service life.

Abstract: A capacitive fluid sensor is provided having a substrate having upper and lower ends and conductive members supported by the substrate. The conductive members are provided between the upper and lower ends of the substrate. The conductive members include an upper end conductive member, a lower end conductive member, and at least one included conductive member which is positioned between the upper and lower end conductive members. Each conductive member is separated from every other one of the members, thereby providing that each member has distinct upper and lower ends and acts as an independent sensor. At least one pair of proximally positioned members are positioned relative to each other such that the distinct lower end of one of the pair of conductive members is positioned closer to the lower end of the substrate than is the distinct upper end of the other one of the pair of conductive members.

Abstract: A capacitive fluid sensor is provided having a substrate having upper and lower ends and conductive members supported by the substrate. The conductive members are provided between the upper and lower ends of the substrate. The conductive members include an upper end conductive member, a lower end conductive member, and at least one included conductive member which is positioned between the upper and lower end conductive members. Each conductive member is separated from every other one of the members, thereby providing that each member has distinct upper and lower ends and acts as an independent sensor. At least one pair of proximally positioned members are positioned relative to each other such that the distinct lower end of one of the pair of conductive members is positioned closer to the lower end of the substrate than is the distinct upper end of the other one of the pair of conductive members.

Abstract: A capacitive fluid sensor is provided that utilizes a flexible substrate. It has a plurality of conductive members supported on it which are connected to a connecting end. The conductive members are arranged in an array and are aligned with a longitudinal axis of the substrate and the members are separated by intervening spaces. The intervening spaces are arranged so that they cross the longitudinal axis at an angle such that adjacent conductive members overlap each other when viewed from a side edge of the sensor. Such an arrangement provide more accurate measurement of fluid levels within containers.

Abstract: A syringe system (100) is provided. The syringe system comprises a pump assembly (101) including a movable actuation rod (440) and a plunger contact (445) coupled to an end of the movable actuation rod (440). The syringe system also comprises a cartridge assembly (102). The cartridge assembly (102) includes a manifold (105) removably coupled to the pump assembly (101) and a syringe cartridge (107) positioned within the manifold (105) and including a plunger assembly (330) movable with respect to the manifold (105) upon actuation of the actuation rod (440).

Abstract: A wearable device system includes one or more sensors coupled to a wearable device structure that includes first and second outer surfaces, an interior, a first end and a second end. The wearable device structure has a unique user ID. The sensors acquiring user information selected from of at least one of, a user's activities, behaviors, habit information, health parameters, medical monitoring and user monitoring. The wearable device has a power source coupled to a charging device of the wearable device. A base station is configured to be coupled to the wearable device and has a corresponding charging device for charging or recharging the power source of the wearable device.

Abstract: A capacitive fluid sensor is provided that utilizes a flexible substrate. It has a plurality of conductive members supported on it which are connected to a connecting end. The conductive members are arranged in an array and are aligned with a longitudinal axis of the substrate and the members are separated by intervening spaces. The intervening spaces are arranged so that they cross the longitudinal axis at an angle such that adjacent conductive members overlap each other when viewed from a side edge of the sensor. Such an arrangement provide more accurate measurement of fluid levels within containers.

Abstract: A process to use partial hydration of certain mucilaginous hydrocolloids to produce a starch-free, high-fiber baked food product is disclosed. The method includes blending a fiber component comprising soluble, non-digestible hydrocolloid fibers, a protein component, a fat component and at least one additive to form a dough, and baking the dough to allow the internal network to encapsulate hot gases released during the baking process to inflate the dough into a baked food product. The water addition is controlled in the blending process so that the soluble hydrocolloid fibers are partially hydrated to form an elastic internal network of mucilage, The dough is free from digestible starch and gluten and is baked without the use of yeast.

Abstract: System and methods are disclosed to permit the retroactive application of an interest rate change to a loan. An entity acting as an agent for a loan agreement may allocate a portion of the interest collected on a loan into a margin reserve portion. The reserve amount may be increase or decreased as desired. Furthermore, the agent may hold or distribute the reserve amount according to the compliance, or lack of compliance, of the borrower to certain financial reporting procedures, including the meeting of certain financial goals. A pricing grid or performance grid may be included with the loan agreement to assist in the calculation of interest rate changes and changes to the reserve amount. In addition, traders on the secondary market for loans may minimize the risk of over-payment or under-payment.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for mixing of fluids. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for mixing fluids introduced into near-critical and supercritical fluids forming a fluid stream. In the fluid stream a density gradient is generated that induces a convective velocity resulting in rapid mixing. The invention has application in such commercial applications as semiconductor and wafer fabrication where rapid cycle times or rapid mixing of fluids are required and where low tolerances for residues are permitted.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for processing materials. More particularly, the present invention relates to reactive fluids and uses thereof for removing deposition materials, including, but not limited to, overburden materials, metals, non-metals, layered materials, organics, polymers, and semiconductor materials. The instant invention finds application in such commercial processes as semiconductor chip manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system for cleaning substrates. More particularly, the present invention relates to process(es) for effecting chemical removal of residues from semiconductor substrates, including silicon wafers, using a system of reactive reverse micelle(s) or microemulsions in a densified carbon dioxide matrix. Various reactive chemical agents in the reactive micelle system may be used to effect cleaning and removal of etch and metal residues to levels sufficient for commercial wafer production and processing.

Abstract: In a communications network for accessing an account, conducting a transaction, obtaining services or obtaining information from a remote location, a programmable user interface is adapted to provide a multiplicity of separate choices perceptible to a user on a user operable terminal. The terminal is capable of registering for transmission to a service platform, a user's input to the terminal corresponding to at least one choice from the multiplicity, including banking, bill paying, shopping, travel, flowers and gifts and information. The user interface includes means for communicating the user selected choice to a service platform, means for communicating by voice, TDD or data transmission through the service platform, and means in the terminal for permitting the user to communicate directly by at least one of an interactive voice, TDD or data transmission communication with respect to a provider in the user's selection from the multiplicity.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a heat exchanged membrane reactor for electric power generation. More specifically, the invention comprises a membrane reactor system that employs catalytic or thermal steam reforming and a water gas shift reaction on one side of the membrane, and hydrogen combustion on the other side of the membrane. Heat of combustion is exchanged through the membrane to heat the hydrocarbon fuel and provide heat for the reforming reaction. In one embodiment, the hydrogen is combusted with compressed air to power a turbine to produce electricity. A carbon dioxide product stream is produced in inherently separated form and at pressure to facilitate injection of the CO2 into a well for the purpose of sequestering carbon from the earth's atmosphere.

Abstract: An impeller pump with thermostatically adjustable swirl-vanes, in use as an automotive engine-driven coolant pump. Flow variation is controlled by varying the orientation of the swirl-vanes. A change in orientation is effected by a thermal driver, e.g a wax-type thermostat, which senses coolant temperature. The swirl-vanes boost the flowrate when the coolant is hot, and decrease it when the coolant cools. The swirl-vanes are mounted for pivoting, and are located just upstream from the pump impeller. The traditional engine-thermostat function is provided inside the pumping-chamber, in that the swirl-vanes can be operated to close off a port to the engine radiator. The thermal driver opens the radiator-port as the coolant goes from Cold to Warm; as the coolant goes from Warm to Hot, the thermal driver operates the swirl-vanes from flow-reduce to flow-boost.