Abstract: A process and method for compensating for a radial non-uniformity on a wafer that includes the steps of: centering a rotational thickness non-uniformity of a film on the wafer about the axis of the spin susceptor following a CMP process; positioning a nozzle in the spin processing unit to direct the etching solution along a radius of the wafer; adjusting the flow of the etching solution from the nozzle; adjusting the rotational speed of the spin susceptor to control the residence time of the etching solution; and coordinating the rotational speed of the spin susceptor, flow of etching solution and positioning of the nozzle to maximize the removal of material. The process may be utilized to compensate for the bowl-shaped non-uniformities of an STI oxide. These non-uniformities are compensated for and addressed after a CMP process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for providing hands-free operation of a device. A hands-free adapter is provided that communicates with a device and a headset. The hands-free adapter allows a user to use voice commands so that the user does not have to handle the device. The hands-free adapter receives voice commands from the headset and translates the voice commands to commands recognized by the device. The hands-free adapter also monitors the device to detect device events and provides notice of the events to the user via the headset.

Abstract: Systems are arranged to provide a user information which relates to objects of interest. A user may point a hand held device toward an object to address it. The device determines which objects are being addressed by making position and attitude measurements and further a reference and search of a database containing preprogrammed information relating to objects. Information relating to objects determined as objects presently being addressed is thereafter presented at a user interface. Devices of these systems include a point reference, a direction reference, a position determining support, attitude determining support, a computer processor and database, and a user interface. Methods of systems include the steps of addressing an object, determining position and attitude, searching a database, and presenting information to a user.

Abstract: Tissue substance measurement systems are arranged with highly specialized optical sources. Quantum cascade lasers are high power semiconductor lasers which are tiny in size and highly tunable with respect to wavelength. When deployed in non-invasive tissue substance measurement systems, quantum cascade lasers offer system advantages such as high accuracy, small size, convenience, efficiency, among others. These specialized semiconductors may be used with systems based upon photoacoustic principles. Systems may be formed of a plurality of quantum cascade laser in an optical source, mechanism to couple light into tissue, an acoustic detector and a signal processor. In some versions, user interfaces provide a reporting and feedback function to a user.

Abstract: Photoacoustic measurement system are configured with a special view towards efficient coupling of optical and acoustic energy between respective transducers and a tissue test site. In particular, a disposable substrate provides support for advanced optical paths including, for example, windows, lenses, and index matching gels or fluids. In addition, substrates may also accommodate arrays of coupling sites corresponding to a plurality of acoustic detectors spatially separated. These substrates may additionally include means to affix and secure the device to a measurement head having optoelectronic and electromechanical transducers therein. Further, these substrates include mechanisms which help to affix the substrates to test sites in stabile and secure fashion.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for recording an event. Audio and/or video data of the event is stored in memory. The audio and/or the video data is also stored in a loop buffer. The contents of the loop buffer are transferred to the memory to provide time-delayed audio data and/or time-delayed video data. The time-delayed audio/video data precedes the event in time. The time-delayed audio/video data may be useful for reconstructing/analyzing the event.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for recording video data of an event. The apparatuses include a processor communicating with memory. The memory stores video data of the event captured by a camera, and the video data includes a series of picture frames of the event. A loop buffer also stores video data of the event captured by the camera. A rule-based engine stored in the memory uses a set of rules to store the contents of the loop buffer in the memory. The apparatus utilizes the loop buffer to provide video data prior to occurrence of the event.

Abstract: A video recorder is disclosed for recording audio and video data of an event. The video recorder includes a processor communicating with memory. The memory stores audio and/or video data of an event. The video data includes a series of picture frames. A set of rules is also stored in the memory. The set of rules specifies either i) multiple regions of interest and/or ii) multiple regions of disinterest within a single picture frame. The set of rules dynamically varies a bitrate of the audio/video data associated with each region of interest and with each region of disinterest. The audio/video data is stored in the memory according to the bitrate specified by the set of rules.

Abstract: Non-invasive wearable systems for continuous measurement of blood glucose concentrations help diabetics maintain best awareness and control. A wearable article such as a wristwatch includes elements integrated therewith to provide for biometric measurements. Specifically, both optical and acoustic transducers are arranged within an article such that they are coupled to tissue in a manner which permits blood analytes measurements to be made. In best versions, a quantum cascade laser is arranged with crystalline acoustic detectors in a photoacoustic effect measurement scheme. Laser pulses stimulate special vibrational states of glucose molecules to produce an acoustic return signal to be received at a piezoelectric detector. A wristwatch case may include a back member which supports arrangements and coupling between the back of the watch, elements contained therein, and tissue in contact with the device.

Abstract: Acoustic detectors having special arrangements and shapes which favor receipt of energy from a particular direction are presented for use in bio chemical concentration measurement. These detectors may include those which aim to receive acoustic energy from a portion of tissue lying slightly below the surface where interstitial fluid containing glucose and glucose indicators may be probed with middle infrared electromagnetic radiation. These devices may be arranged to listen not only to a particular direction in the tissue, but additionally to a particular chosen point. In some versions, acoustic detectors are formed of concentric ring elements having geometries which facility constructive interference between successive wave fronts of a received acoustic wave. Alternatively, spherically shaped reflecting surfaces may be used as a lens to couple the energy emitted from interstitial fluid to a transducer which lies at or near the skin surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for variable-pitch spacing and turning or, reversibly, for turning and variable-pitch spacing of work pieces in production of disposable absorbent articles, such as, feminine hygiene articles, diapers, body wraps, and the like, are disclosed. The work pieces can include any component of a disposable absorbent article, a combination of components forming a semi-finished absorbent article, or a finished absorbent article product.

Abstract: Devices and articles generally configured as double shoulder strap systems for supporting loads to be carried at ones side are presented. Dual shoulder straps are arranged to cooperate with the human body shapes and human body motions for aiding in carrying heavy loads at ones side or hip. A first strap, a proximal strap is arranged with a special shape in view of the loading direction placed upon the strap and the shape of the should onto which the strap lies. A second strap, a distal strap similarly is arranged with consideration for the loading direction and shape of the should upon which it is intended to lie. The straps are coupled together at a sewn joint with particular care for properly transmitting force evenly. The proximal strap is adjustable in length whereby its position in relation to the distal strap may be changed. A second adjustment is made whereby the positions of the two straps together are adjusted at once.

Abstract: Devices for remotely addressing objects via pointing action are provided with graphical user interfaces. In response to an object being addressed, a computer device and software provide graphical user interfaces which relates to objects being addressed. As different types of objects are addressed, user interfaces provided change in form and function to agree with the type of category of object being addressed at that instant. Devices have position and attitude determining facility in communication with a computer having prerecorded data. The data includes information relating to object types and corresponding graphical user interfaces.

Abstract: Systems are arranged to provide a user information which relates to objects of interest. A user may point a hand held device toward an object to address it. The device determines which objects are being addressed by making position and attitude measurements and further a reference and search of a database containing preprogrammed information relating to objects. Information relating to objects determined as objects presently being addressed is thereafter presented at a user interface. Devices of these systems include a point reference, a direction reference, a position determining support, attitude determining support, a computer processor and database, and a user interface. Methods of systems include the steps of addressing an object, determining position and attitude, searching a database, and presenting information to a user.

Abstract: Computer vision systems provide a user a view of a scene whereby an image of the scene may have been augmented with information generated by a computer. Computer vision systems of the present invention include graphical user interfaces which have been discovered to operably interact with geometric constructs of a user environment, objects within a scene, perspective of the scene, image features of a signal which represents the scene, among others. These graphical user interfaces of the invention do not behave as those known because operation of these interfaces depends on properties and features particular to computer vision systems which have position and attitude determining means.

Abstract: A device for addressing objects via pointing is provided. In response to an object being addressed, a computer provides a graphical user interface which relates to the particular object being addressed. As different objects are addressed, the user interface provided changes to agree with the object being addressed at any given time. Devices have position and attitude determining facility in communication with a computer having prerecorded data and a graphical user interface.

Abstract: Computer vision systems provide a user a view of a scene whereby an image of the scene may have been augmented with information generated by a computer. Computer vision systems of the present invention include graphical user interfaces which have been discovered to operably interact with geometric constructs of a user environment, objects within a scene, perspective of the scene, image features of a signal which represents the scene, among others. These graphical user interfaces of the invention do not behave as those known because operation of these interfaces depends on properties and features particular to computer vision systems which have position and attitude determining means.