Abstract: A safety device for measuring and indicating the level of a ladder having rungs extending between a pair of elongated ladder rails, the safety device comprising a housing dimensioned to be inserted into one of the rungs of the ladder, an electronic sensor disposed in the housing, a controller disposed in the housing, which is in electronical communication with the sensor, at least one indicator, and a power supply for supplying power to the device. The electronic sensor measures the inclination of the ladder to produce a measured inclination which the controller compares to a stored predetermined level value to produce a comparison signal. The at least one indicator receives the comparison signal and indicates to the user the comparison signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include apparatus and methods for aerosolizing liquid. One embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for generating an aerosol. The apparatus includes an actuator having a first face and a second face and defining an opening therethrough, as well as a vibratory element in mechanical communication with the actuator, and a sealing member configured to isolate the vibratory element from a surrounding environment. In accordance with certain embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an aerosolization element mounted on the actuator and disposed substantially over the opening, wherein the aerosolization element defines at least one aperture therethrough. Hence, the vibratory element may be operated to vibrate to cause movement of the aerosolization element in such a manner that a liquid at the first face of the aerosolization element can be dispensed as an aerosol through the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A nebulized fluid, generated by vibrating an aerosolization element, is introduced into a breathing circuit during a certain interval of a patient's breathing cycle. In some embodiments, the fluid comprises an antibiotic that is selected to treat a pulmonary infection resulting from mechanical ventilation.

Abstract: Apparatus (500) and components for coupling fluid or gas conducting elements, such as apparatus and components for connecting a nebulizer (501) with a gas flow system. In particular, the apparatus (500) and components are useful for connecting, in a gas-tight and quick release manner, a nebulizer (501) to a pressure-assisted breathing system, such as a mechanical ventilator or a continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) system.

Abstract: A metal stud including first and second metal panels defining first and second flat surfaces with longitudinal edges each turned inwardly away from the flat surfaces. The first and second panels are positioned in parallel spaced apart relationship with the first flat surface and the second flat surface being outwardly directed relative to each other. An angular metal coupling element includes a continuous length of metal material periodically bent in opposite directions. The coupling element is positioned between the first and second panels and bent to periodically and alternately contact the first and second panels at contact points. The coupling element is fixed to the first and second panels at the contact points by spot welding or the like.

Abstract: One or more embodiments, relate to a field effect transistor, comprising: a substrate; a gate stack disposed over the substrate, the gate stack comprising a gate electrode overlying a gate dielectric; and a sidewall spacer may be disposed over the substrate and laterally disposed from the gate stack, the spacer comprising a polysilicon material.

Abstract: A method for controlling one or more remote vehicles may comprise manipulating a remote dexterous control device, translating movement of the remote dexterous control device into movement of the one or more remote vehicles, and providing a sliding work window allowing control of the one or more remote vehicles' entire range of motion without sacrificing control resolution.

Abstract: One or more embodiments, relate to a field effect transistor, comprising: a substrate; a gate stack disposed over the substrate, the gate stack comprising a gate electrode overlying a gate dielectric; and a sidewall spacer may be disposed over the substrate and laterally disposed from the gate stack, the spacer comprising a polysilicon material.

Abstract: A system and associated method for gathering data necessary for exchanging a product between at least two partners. Each partner in said at least two partners resides in a different country. The method provides for gathering information regarding the product being exchanged and more specifically a delivery location, a returning date and returning location if the product is being returned to said sending partner, a single valuation for said product being exchanged, a lot number for said product, clean-room requirements for said receiving partners, a product history, and a genealogy of said product being exchanged. After collecting the information, the method formats said information according to the specific receiving partner's requirements. The method further determines the appropriate method of transmission according to each receiving partner's requirements. Finally, the method sends each receiving partner their specifically formatted version of the information regarding the product being exchanged.

Abstract: One or more embodiments relate to a memory device, comprising: a substrate; a gate stack disposed over the substrate, the gate stack comprising a charge storage layer and a high-k dielectric layer; and a cover layer disposed over at least the sidewall surfaces of the high-k dielectric layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for delivery of a medicament to a respiratory system. A reservoir is provided for a liquid medicament with the reservoir having a liquid medicament inlet port and a medicament outlet. An aerosol generator is provided at the medicament outlet of the reservoir for aerosolizing the liquid medicament. A connector entrains the aerosolized medicament from the aerosol generator with a gas.

Abstract: A device associated with a network receives a request to modify a sub-attribute of an attribute associated with a software object that represents one of a representation of a managed resource or a collection of attributes associated with the managed resource. The device also modifies the sub-attribute of the software object based on the request, and sends a notification about the sub-attribute that has been modified.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for delivery of a medicament to a respiratory system. A reservoir is provided for a liquid medicament with the reservoir having a liquid medicament inlet port and a medicament outlet. An aerosol generator is provided at the medicament outlet of the reservoir for aerosolizing the liquid medicament. A connector entrains the aerosolized medicament from the aerosol generator with a gas.

Abstract: A device associated with a network provides a query for specific network management information (NMI) to a registry, and receives, based on the query, metadata associated with the specific network management information (NMI). The device also provides a request for the specific network management information (NMI) to a plurality of producer devices identified from the metadata associated with the specific network management information (NMI), and receives one or more portions of the specific network management information (NMI) from each of the plurality of producer devices. The device further combines the one or more portions of the specific network management information (NMI) to create the specific network management information (NMI).

Abstract: A device associated with a network receives, from a requestor, a request for managed object information filtered based on a managed object attribute, and identifies a managed object based on the request. The device identifies, based on the request, the managed object attribute from the identified managed object, and provides the identified managed object attribute to the requestor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming a semiconductor device is disclosed. A high-k dielectric is deposited of over a semiconductor body, and a portion of the high-k dielectric is wet etched an etchant selected from the group consisting of hot phos, piranha, and SC1.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving reduced-load operation of steam turbines. The apparatus may include a number of low pressure sections and a flow control system operable to limit the flow of steam to at least one of the number of low pressure sections. The method may include providing a number of low pressure sections, providing a flow control system operable to limit the flow of steam to at least one of the number of low pressure sections, and operating the flow control system to limit the flow of steam to the at least one of the number of low pressure sections when the load is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: One or more embodiments are related to a semiconductor device, comprising: a high-K dielectric material; and a nitrogen-doped silicon material disposed over said high-k dielectric material.

Abstract: A therapeutic sandal is provided that includes an upper component having a front strap assembly and a rear strap assembly for securing a foot to the upper component, and a lower component, cooperative with the upper component, having at least one fulcrum object attached to the bottom surface of the lower component. The lower component is replaceable with another lower component with at least one different fulcrum object attached thereto. The lower component has at least one or two compressible fulcrum objects thereto. The lower component can also have at least one substantially non-compressible fulcrum object attached to the bottom surface. The invention provides a means for effectively exercising different muscle groups of the legs. The therapeutic sandals can be advantageously used by young children, in part due to the element of novelty and fun provided by wearing and using them, thereby encouraging a child to continue their use.

Abstract: A distributed processing system delegates the allocation and control of computing work units to agent applications running on computing resources including multi-processor and multi-core systems. The distributed processing system includes at least one agent associated with at least one computing resource. The distributed processing system creates work units corresponding with execution phases of applications. Work units can be associated with concurrency data that specifies how applications are executed on multiple processors and/or processor cores. The agent collects information about its associated computing resources and requests work units from the server using this information and the concurrency data. An agent can monitor the performance of executing work units to better select subsequent work units. The distributed processing system may also be implemented within a single computing resource to improve processor core utilization of applications.