Abstract: An insertion instrument is configured to eject at least one anchor body into respective target locations, and subsequently apply a predetermined tensile force at least one actuation member of the at least one anchor member so as to actuate the at least one anchor body from a first configuration to a second expanded configuration. The insertion instrument can include a tension assembly that applies the predetermined tensile force to the at least one actuation member. The predetermined tensile force can be defined by a distance of travel, a predetermined failure force of a fuse, or a combination of distance of travel and a predetermined failure force of a fuse.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to pressure sensors capable of operating at high temperatures. The present invention further relates to a high temperature pressure sensor with an improved gage factor. The present invention still further provides a pressure sensor with a smaller sized diaphragm, which is capable of reading higher pressures. The present invention also provides a method and sensor for detecting strain using shape memory alloys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a high temperature environment. The present invention also relates to a method of determining temperatures about a pressure-sensing element using a bi-functional heater. In addition, the present invention preferably relates to a pressure sensor with the pressure-sensing element and a heating element both integrated into the sensor's packaging, preferably onto the diaphragm of the pressure sensor, and particularly to such a pressure sensor capable of operating at high or elevated temperatures, and even more particularly to such a pressure sensor wherein the heating element is capable of both heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element and monitoring the temperature of the application area. Preferably, the pressure-sensing element is formed from shape memory alloy (SMA) materials that can be used at high or elevated temperatures as a pressure sensor with high sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a high temperature environment. The present invention also relates to a method of determining temperatures about a pressure-sensing element using a bi-functional heater. In addition, the present invention preferably relates to a pressure sensor with the pressure-sensing element and a heating element both integrated into the sensor's packaging, preferably onto the diaphragm of the pressure sensor, and particularly to such a pressure sensor capable of operating at high or elevated temperatures, and even more particularly to such a pressure sensor wherein the heating element is capable of both heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element and monitoring the temperature of the application area. Preferably, the pressure-sensing element is formed from shape memory alloy (SMA) materials that can be used at high or elevated temperatures as a pressure sensor with high sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a high temperature environment. The present invention also relates to a method of determining temperatures about a pressure-sensing element using a bi-functional heater. In addition, the present invention preferably relates to a pressure sensor with the pressure-sensing element and a heating element both integrated into the sensor's packaging, preferably onto the diaphragm of the pressure sensor, and particularly to such a pressure sensor capable of operating at high or elevated temperatures, and even more particularly to such a pressure sensor wherein the heating element is capable of both heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element and monitoring the temperature of the application area. Preferably, the pressure-sensing element is formed from shape memory alloy (SMA) materials that can be used at high or elevated temperatures as a pressure sensor with high sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to pressure sensors capable of operating at high temperatures. The present invention further relates to a high temperature pressure sensor with an improved gage factor. The present invention still further provides a pressure sensor with a smaller sized diaphragm, which is capable of reading higher pressures. The present invention also provides a method and sensor for detecting strain using shape memory alloys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a high temperature environment. The present invention also relates to a method of determining temperatures about a pressure-sensing element using a bi-functional heater. In addition, the present invention preferably relates to a pressure sensor with the pressure-sensing element and a heating element both integrated into the sensor's packaging, preferably onto the diaphragm of the pressure sensor, and particularly to such a pressure sensor capable of operating at high or elevated temperatures, and even more particularly to such a pressure sensor wherein the heating element is capable of both heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element and monitoring the temperature of the application area. Preferably, the pressure-sensing element is formed from shape memory alloy (SMA) materials that can be used at high or elevated temperatures as a pressure sensor with high sensitivity.

Abstract: A resource description framework transcoder repository includes an interface, a resource manager and at least one resource description framework transcoder. The interface receives indicia of a first metadata scheme used to receive digital assets. The resource manager identifies digital assets stored under the same and different metadata schemes. When the first metadata scheme does not match the identified metadata scheme, the resource manager accesses an appropriately configured resource description framework transcoder. The resource description framework transcoder translates metadata associated with digital assets from the identified metadata scheme to the first metadata scheme thus exposing the digital assets.

Abstract: A system and method of preventing theft of the use of goods or services, particularly fuel dispensed from a fuel dispenser, comprised of providing a security system including a controller, a card reader that is operable to read data stored within an identification card and to report the identification data to the controller. A locking mechanism adapted to restrict access to the goods or services, wherein the locking mechanism is operable by the controller. The locking mechanism is engaged to restrict access to the goods or services until either payment is made, an identification card entered into the card reader, or both, by a user desiring access to the goods or services. The identification data on the card is verified in format and/or authenticity, and if verified, the locking mechanism is unlocked to allow access to the goods or services, such as fuel dispensed from a fuel dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying one or more workpieces. The apparatus includes the use of a chemically reactive additive to remove contaminants from the wafer surface during processing. In particular, during processing, a wafer is rinsed in a liquid bath and subsequently exposed to a chemically reactive additive. The chemically reactive additive creates a surface tension gradient that physically and chemically alters the properties of the film of the rinse liquid so that the liquid and any contaminants contained therein are removed from the water surface.

Abstract: Glass is produced in a glassmelting furnace by combusting fuel and oxidant having an oxygen content greater than 80 vol. % oxygen in a melting zone to form molten glass, wherein the surface of the molten glass is exposed to the gaseous atmosphere in the melting zone and the water vapor content of the atmosphere at the surface of the molten glass is greater than 35 vol. %, and oxidant having an oxygen content greater than 80 vol. % is injected into the refining zone of the furnace under conditions to minimize mixing of said oxidant with gases above said oxidant and sweep water vapor at the surface of the molten glass into the melting zone to lower the water vapor content of the atmosphere at the surface of the molten glass.

Abstract: Glass is produced in a glassmelting furnace by combusting fuel and oxidant having an oxygen content greater than 80 vol. % oxygen in a melting zone to form molten glass, wherein the surface of the molten glass is exposed to the gaseous atmosphere in the melting zone and the water vapor content of the atmosphere at the surface of the molten glass is greater than 35 vol. %, and oxidant having an oxygen content greater than 80 vol. % is injected into the refining zone of the furnace under conditions to minimize mixing of said oxidant with gases above said oxidant and sweep water vapor at the surface of the molten glass into the melting zone to lower the water vapor content of the atmosphere at the surface of the molten glass.

Abstract: A method for drying one or more workpieces. The method includes the use of a chemically reactive additive to remove contaminants from the wafer surface during processing. In particular, during processing, a wafer is rinsed in a liquid bath and subsequently exposed to a chemically reactive additive. The chemically reactive additive creates a surface tension gradient that physically and chemically alters the properties of the film of the rise liquid so that the liquid and any contaminants contained therein are removed from the wafer surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying one or more workpieces. The apparatus and method include the use of a chemically reactive additive to remove contaminants from the wafer surface during processing. In particular, during processing, a wafer is rinsed in a liquid bath and subsequently exposed to a chemically reactive additive. The chemically reactive additive creates a surface tension gradient that physically and chemically alters the properties of the film of the rinse liquid so that the liquid and any contaminants contained therein are removed from the wafer surface.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly, a burner and a method for producing a wide combustion flame are provided. The burner has a plurality of refractory nozzles, each having a minimum wall thickness of from about 0.25 to about 0.33 of the minimum nozzle dimension. Each nozzle has a plurality of orifices to enable the gas to be projected in a parallel plane with the gas projected in a plane from the other nozzle.

Abstract: A nozzle which includes a nozzle body, a central tube contained within the nozzle body for a flow of gas at a temperature less than the temperature of the nozzle body, and an annular passage, located between the nozzle body and central tube, for a flow of gas at a velocity less than the flow of gas in the central tube and less than about 100 ft/sec. enabling the nozzle to operate at elevated temperatures and avoid condensation thereon of vapors from the surrounding gas environment.

Abstract: A furnace having a molten material holding tank with sidewall and a tuckstone or other structure above the sidewall upper end leaving a gap, or joint, therebetween. A deflector, or diverter, is provided at the upper end of the sidewall to deflect cooling air directed on the tank sidewall away from the joint and to create a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the tank thereby reducing air infiltration into the tank through the joint.

Abstract: A method for operating a furnace comprising generating NOx at a first NOx generation rate by combustion at a distance from the flue of the furnace and generating NOx at a second NOx generation rate, which is less than the first NOx generation rate, by combustion closer to the flue, and thereafter passing the NOx through the interior of the furnace to and through the flue while both the NOx generated by the first rate and the NOx generated by the second rate dynamically progress toward equilibrium.

Abstract: Pressure relief channels are provided at the neck of beverage bottles of the type having roll-on (twist-off) closures to release gas pressure within the closure promptly as the closure is turned to remove it and before missiling of the closure can occur.