Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a method of depositing a carbon layer on a substrate. In an embodiment, the method comprises flowing a first precursor comprising carbon into a chamber. In an embodiment, the method continues with flowing a second precursor comprising nitrogen into the chamber. In an embodiment, a pulsed RF plasma source is applied to the first precursor and the second precursor. In an embodiment, the first precursor and the second precursor react in response to the pulsed RF plasma source to form a flowable polymerized layer that is deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A guard for a space access device is configured to output air flow through a distal end portion thereof. The guard includes q housing having a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, and a filter portion positioned between the proximal and distal end openings. The filter includes a first plate having a first opening therethrough and a second plate having a second opening therethrough. When the first plate is overlaid in contact with the second plate, this forms an aperture that extends through both the first and second plates.

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing blood samples, e.g., clinical blood samples, for storage or transportation before use.

Abstract: A guard for a space access device is configured to output air flow through a distal end portion thereof. The guard includes q housing having a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, and a filter portion positioned between the proximal and distal end openings. The filter includes a first plate having a first opening therethrough and a second plate having a second opening therethrough. When the first plate is overlaid in contact with the second plate, this forms an aperture that extends through both the first and second plates.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to offering a discounted product requested by a buyer, with offer parameters determined as a function of the discounted product request, in response to detecting a predetermined product demand characteristic, and at a location, time, and discount based on the offer. In an illustrative example, offer parameters may include quantity, location, or time. The product request may be, for example, a request for a discounted product quantity at a requested location and time. In some examples, the product demand characteristic may be demand as a function of time. The discounted product may be provided at a time and location based on a discount code generated for the product. Various examples may advantageously increase revenue limited by off-peak hour and end of day demand characteristics, for example, offering products discounted in response to demand inadequate to consume time-valued inventory and/or to better utilize operation capacity, so that the seller may increase profit.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquefying solid pills includes a grinder configured to grind the solid pills to a powder, a receptacle configured to attach to the grinder and to capture the powder, and a cap configured to attach to the receptacle. The cap includes a port therethrough in fluid connection with the receptacle. The port is configured to mate with a tip of a syringe.

Abstract: A guard for a space access device is configured to output air flow through a distal end portion thereof. The guard includes q housing having a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, and a filter portion positioned between the proximal and distal end openings. The filter includes a first plate having a first opening therethrough and a second plate having a second opening therethrough. When the first plate is overlaid in contact with the second plate, this forms an aperture that extends through both the first and second plates.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a live event video stream service configured to distribute event video streams at diverse price levels, based on configuring video cameras to capture live event video streams from different locations, offering the video streams for purchase at prices based on the camera locations, and automatically maximizing profit by adjusting the quantity and price of the offered camera video streams. In an illustrative example, the cameras may be 360-degree video cameras. The camera locations may be, for example, preferred event viewing positions. In some examples, the cameras may be configured in live event viewing positions ranging from more preferred to less preferred, permitting a range of video stream prices determined based on each camera's position. Some embodiments may determine video stream price based on an auction. Various examples may advantageously maximize event profit based on adjusting the quantity and price of the offered video streams.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to offering a discounted product requested by a buyer, with offer parameters determined as a function of the discounted product request, in response to detecting a predetermined product demand characteristic, and at a location, time, and discount based on the offer. In an illustrative example, offer parameters may include quantity, location, or time. The product request may be, for example, a request for a discounted product quantity at a requested location and time. In some examples, the product demand characteristic may be demand as a function of time. The discounted product may be provided at a time and location based on a discount code generated for the product. Various examples may advantageously increase revenue limited by off-peak hour and end of day demand characteristics, for example, offering products discounted in response to demand inadequate to consume time-valued inventory and/or to better utilize operation capacity, so that the seller may increase profit.

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing blood samples, e.g., clinical blood samples, for storage or transportation before use.

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing blood samples, e.g., clinical blood samples, for storage or transportation before use. Exemplary applications include but are not limited to enrichment of leukocyte subtypes such as T-cells or neutrophils for cytokine and immuno-assays; isolation of progenitor cells from cord blood or peripheral blood for transplantation; isolation of fetal cells from the maternal blood for diagnosis; and sorting of circulating tumor cells for cancer detection and therapy.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a live event video stream service configured to distribute event video streams at diverse price levels, based on configuring video cameras to capture live event video streams from different locations, offering the video streams for purchase at prices based on the camera locations, and automatically maximizing profit by adjusting the quantity and price of the offered camera video streams. In an illustrative example, the cameras may be 360-degree video cameras. The camera locations may be, for example, preferred event viewing positions. In some examples, the cameras may be configured in live event viewing positions ranging from more preferred to less preferred, permitting a range of video stream prices determined based on each camera's position. Some embodiments may determine video stream price based on an auction. Various examples may advantageously maximize event profit based on adjusting the quantity and price of the offered video streams.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a perishable product inventory control system configured to predict a perishable product surplus quantity at a location and time determined as a function of product expiration time, associate the predicted product surplus to a shopper seeking the product at the predicted location and time, and, automatically offer the shopper a portion of the product surplus discounted as a function of the perishable product surplus expiration time. In an illustrative example, the product surplus quantity, location, and time may be calculated based on inventory level and consumption rate. The product surplus location and time may be, for example, a restaurant's closing time, permitting the shopper to receive an offer to purchase a meal discounted as a function of time remaining until closing. Various examples may advantageously reduce cost and waste, based on matching shoppers with perishable products discounted as a function of product expiration time.

Abstract: A guard for a space access device is configured to output air flow through a distal end portion thereof. The guard includes q housing having a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, and a filter portion positioned between the proximal and distal end openings. The filter includes a first plate having a first opening therethrough and a second plate having a second opening therethrough. When the first plate is overlaid in contact with the second plate, this forms an aperture that extends through both the first and second plates.

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing blood samples, e.g., clinical blood samples, for storage or transportation before use. Exemplary applications include but are not limited to enrichment of leukocyte subtypes such as T-cells or neutrophils for cytokine and immuno-assays; isolation of progenitor cells from cord blood or peripheral blood for transplantation; isolation of fetal cells from the maternal blood for diagnosis; and sorting of circulating tumor cells for cancer detection and therapy.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquefying solid pills includes a grinder configured to grind the solid pills to a powder, a receptacle configured to attach to the grinder and to capture the powder, and a cap configured to attach to the receptacle. The cap includes a port therethrough in fluid connection with the receptacle. The port is configured to mate with a tip of a syringe.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating pigment dispersions with desired characteristics. More specifically, methods and systems for evaluating particle size of colorless or light color dispersions using a novel parameter described as particle size related scattering index (PSRSI).

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating pigment dispersions with desired characteristics. More specifically, methods and systems for evaluating particle size of colorless or light color dispersions using a novel parameter described as particle size related scattering index (PSRSI).

Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS switch having a free moving inductive element within in micro-cavity guided by at least one inductive coil. The switch consists of an upper inductive coil at one end of a micro-cavity; optionally, a lower inductive coil; and a free-moving inductive element preferably made of magnetic material. The coils are provided with an inner permalloy core. Switching is achieved by passing a current through the upper coil, inducing a magnetic field unto the inductive element. The magnetic field attracts the free-moving inductive element upwards, shorting two open conductive wires, closing the switch. When the current flow stops or is reversed, the free-moving magnetic element drops back by gravity to the bottom of the micro-cavity and the conductive wires open. When the chip is not mounted with the correct orientation, the lower coil pulls the free-moving inductive element back at its original position.

Abstract: A silicide cap structure and method of fabricating a silicide cap having a low sheet resistance. The method provides a semiconductor substrate and a MOSFET structure comprising a gate insulator on the substrate, an Si-containing gate electrode on the gate insulator layer, and source/drain diffusions. Atop the gate electrode and source/drain diffusions is formed a layer of metal used in forming a silicide region atop the transistor gate electrode and diffusions; an intermediate metal barrier layer formed atop the silicide forming metal layer; and, an oxygen barrier layer formed atop the intermediate metal barrier layer. As a result of annealing the MOSFET structure, resulting formed silicide regions exhibit a lower sheet resistance. As the intermediate metal barrier layer comprises a material exhibiting tensile stress, the oxygen barrier layer may comprise a compressive material for minimizing a total mechanical stress of the cap structure and underlying layers during the applied anneal.