Abstract: A process for removing a contaminant selected from among copper, nickel, and a combination thereof from a silicon wafer having a surface and an interior. The process comprises cooling the silicon wafer in a controlled atmosphere from a temperature at or above an oxidation initiation temperature and initiating a flow of an oxygen-containing atmosphere at said oxidation initiation temperature to create an oxidizing ambient around the silicon wafer surface to form an oxide layer on the silicon wafer surface and a strain layer at an interface between the oxide layer and the silicon wafer interior. The cooling of the wafer is also controlled to permit diffusion of atoms of the contaminant from the silicon wafer interior to the strain layer. Then the silicon wafer is then cleaned to remove the oxide layer and the strain layer, thereby removing said contaminant having diffused to the strain layer.

Abstract: The present application describes novel hydantoin derivatives of formula (I): or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug forms thereof, wherein A, L, and R11 are defined in the present specification, which are useful as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), TNF-? converting enzyme (TACE), aggrecanase, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A wafer boat for use in heat treatment of semiconductor wafers in a vertical furnace comprises support rods extending generally vertically when the wafer boat is placed in the vertical furnace. Fingers are supported by and extend along vertical extent of the support rods. Wafer holder platforms are adapted to be supported by groups of fingers lying in generally different common horizontal planes. The fingers are adapted to underlie the wafer holder platforms and support the platforms at the support locations. The fingers and wafer holder platforms each have a respective first overall maximum thickness. The support location of at least one of the fingers and the wafer holder platforms have a second maximum thickness less than the first overall maximum thickness.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting and processing EMG signals including a substrate having a bottom surface adapted for attachment to skin; a plurality of spaced apart electrode arrays projecting from the bottom surface so as to engage the skin and detect EMG signals in muscles located under the substrate; and four differential amplifiers connected to receive EMG signals from four distinct pairs of electrode arrays. The electrode arrays detect the action potentials of the muscle fibers from various orientations so that the shape of an action potential appears substantially dissimilar in each of the four differential pairs.

Abstract: The present spools are shaped as flared cylinders. In one embodiment, the spools have a minimum circumference at a center, and maximum circumferences at outer portions thereof. In another embodiment, the spools flare from a maximum diameter adjacent a first side wall to a minimum diameter adjacent a second side wall. In another embodiment, the spools taper from large diameters adjacent first and second side walls to a minimum diameter at a point between the side walls, wherein the point is offset from a midpoint between the side walls. In another embodiment, the spools are subdivided by at least one partition.

Abstract: The present application describes novel hydantoin derivatives of formula (I): 1

Abstract: Spools for horizontal blinds are provided. The spools are shaped as flared cylinders, with a minimum circumference at a center, and maximum circumferences at outer portions thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a combination safety glasses and ear protection. A hearing protector attaches to each side of a frame on the safety glasses. The hearing protectors attach to the safety glasses via a rubber stem, string, or other fastening means.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system configured to establish a repository of health related information. The health related information may be used to manage a health care program. The method includes the steps of establishing a population, the population having a plurality of members, and establishing said repository of health related information associated with at least one of said members, the health related information including a health characteristic, a family health characteristic, and a lifestyle characteristic associated with the member.

Abstract: A new seal system for a marine riser telescoping joint is revealed. The sealing face of the seal has tapered upper and/or lower tapered surfaces. The upper and/or lower ends can have a taper of about 1-15 degrees or alternatively the surrounding housing can have the taper with the seal ends either straight cut or tapered so that the combined tapers are in the stated range. The sealing elements are preferably nitrile or polyurethane and preferably without inserts. The upper and/or lower ends of the seal can have projections or depressions to aid in end sealing and eliminate the need for end seal rings. The new seals can be used individually or in stacks in a single housing.

Abstract: In an electronic mail system environment, a system and method for automatically checking recipients' names, providing message flags, providing custom forms, and providing an autoresponse feature. Recipients' names are resolved in the background, while the user of the e-mail system is composing the message. The user easily resolves ambiguous names by using a context menu. The resolved ambiguous names are automatically used to create nicknames, which are used to resolve ambiguous names in the future. Message flags allow a sender or recipient to identify required follow-up action and a deadline. The recipient may use the message flags to quickly determine which messages require follow-up action. The e-mail system notifies a recipient when a due date is approaching or when a follow-up action is past due. A custom forms feature allows a user to create and share custom forms without requiring the form to be published or installed by other user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of imaging amyloid deposits and radiolabeled compounds useful in imaging amyloid deposits. The invention also provides a method of delivering a therapeutic agent to amyloid deposits, a method of inhibiting the aggregation of amyloid proteins to form amyloid deposits, and a method of determining a compound's ability to inhibit aggregation of amyloid proteins.

Abstract: A rope tug-o-war pull toy combining a rubber resistance band (2) that provides pull back action when tugged upon, a quick release keyring (3a, 3b, 3c) that attaches easily to a post or beam by way of a simple screw eye (1), or can be disconnected by releasing the ring and connecting end of keyring (3a, 3b) from receiving end (3b, 3c) to form the hand held section of the toy that has an easily held hand grip (6).

Abstract: A hermetic compressor assembly is disclosed including a motor compressor disposed within a hermetically sealed housing, wherein the housing has an oil sump in the bottom thereof from which oil is drawn to lubricate the compressor mechanism. An electric drive motor includes a vertical rotor having a lower axial end ring with rotor counterweight die cast therein, whereby turbulence and resulting agitation of the oil in the oil sump is prevented during rotation of the rotor. By die casting the counterweight within the end ring additional attachment parts and manufacturing steps are eliminated.

Abstract: A hermetic compressor assembly is disclosed including a motor compressor disposed within a hermetically sealed housing, wherein the housing has an oil sump in the bottom thereof from which oil is drawn to lubricate the compressor mechanism. An electric drive motor includes a vertical rotor having a lower axial end ring with rotor counterweight die cast therein, whereby turbulence and resulting agitation of the oil in the oil sump is prevented during rotation of the rotor. By die casting the counterweight within the end ring additional attachment parts and manufacturing steps are eliminated.

Abstract: A new and improved valve apparatus and method of operating same that moves a flow closure assembly between open and closed positions with a minimum of frictional resistance while effecting a forcible engagement with both upstream and downstream valve seats when in the closed position. The preferred ball-type flow closure assembly is formed of two pivoted sections that are forcibly moved axially or tilted to sealingly engage the longitudinally spaced valve seats to provide upstream and downstream sealing by the valve in moving between an intermediate position and the closed position. The opening to closing movement is effected by rotating the valve actuator stem through an arc slightly greater than a quarter turn to provide a fast response operation. The valve actuator further includes a two part guide means which effects tilting of the ball sections only after or before rotational movement to insure that the ball is released from sealing engagement with both seats by only axial movement.