Abstract: A process for the production of a ketone having a carbon number between about 20 and about 40 comprising contacting fatty acids containing from about 10 to about 21 carbons atoms with a hydrotalcite catalyst under conditions effective to decarboxylate said acids. More particularly said decarboxylation conditions comprise: a temperature in the range between about 300° C. and about 400° C.; a pressure in the range between about 0.01 and about 5 bar; and a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of from about 0.1 to about 10 hr?1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a system for automatically manufacturing thermal batteries. In the present invention, thermal batteries are manufactured using a press system, a stacking system and an enclosing system. The present invention uses a tracking, storage, and/or retrieval system to track various components used in the manufacturing process to improve manufacturing quality and to track the various components throughout the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing thermal batteries is disclosed. In the method according to the present invention, pellets used in the manufacture of thermal batteries are grouped together based on certain material characteristics such as weight, thickness, and density. Pellets with different material characteristics can be grouped together in a single thermal battery to produce a thermal battery with characteristics that are the average of the characteristics of the pellets used to manufacture the thermal battery.

Abstract: An automated system and method for manufacturing a thermal battery is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a press system, a stacking system, and an enclosing system to automate the manufacturing process of thermal batteries. A method of manufacturing a thermal battery using the system is also disclosed. An automated tracking, storage, and retrieval system for pellets used in the manufacturing process and a pellet pairing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for medical diagnostic imaging using visible light comprises an emitting source for emitting light. The light is directed through a body structure and the light is viewed after it has passed through the body structure.

Abstract: A method of forming an image. The method includes: a transfer layer on a substrate; forming on the transfer layer, an etch barrier layer; pressing a template having a relief pattern into the etch barrier layer; exposing the etch barrier layer to actinic radiation forming a cured etch barrier layer having thick and thin regions corresponding to the relief pattern; removing the template; removing the thin regions of the cured etch barrier layer; removing regions of the transfer layer not protected by the etch barrier layer; removing regions of the substrate not protected by the transfer layer and any remaining etch barrier layer; and removing remaining transfer layer. The transfer layer may be removed using a solvent, the etch barrier layer may include a release agent and an adhesion layer may be formed between the transfer layer and the etch barrier layer. A reverse tone process is also described.

Abstract: A method for fabrication and a structure of a self-aligned (crosspoint) memory device comprises lines (wires) in a first direction and in a second direction. The wires in the first direction are formed using a hard mask material that is resistant to the pre-selected etch processes used for creation of the lines in both the first and the second direction. Consequently, the hard mask material for the lines in the first direction form part of the memory stack.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a thermal battery testing apparatus and a method for testing a thermal battery. The method includes one or more of the following steps: connecting the thermal battery in series with a resistance; connecting the thermal battery and resistance in series with a sinusoidal voltage source; applying a sinusoidal voltage to the thermal battery, measuring an impedance, reactance and/or capacitance across two terminals of the thermal battery, comparing the measured impedance, reactance and/or capacitance to a reference impedance, reactance and/or capacitance; and indicating whether the tested thermal battery is “in family” or “out of family.” The battery testing apparatus may include a testing device configured to apply a sinusoidal voltage to the thermal battery and to measure the impedance, reactance and/or capacitance across two terminals of the thermal battery. The testing apparatus may further be configured to report “out of family” batteries.

Abstract: A method and structure for a memory cell comprising a phase change material; a heating element in thermal contact with the phase change material, wherein the heating element is adapted to induce a phase change in the phase change material; and electrical lines configured to pass current through the heating element, wherein the phase change material and the heating element are arranged in a configuration other than being electrically connected in series. The memory cell further comprises a sensing element in thermal contact with the phase change material, wherein the sensing element is adapted to detect a change in at least one physical property of the phase change material, wherein the sensing element is adapted to detect a change in a thermal conductivity of the phase change material.

Abstract: A biomolecular array includes a substrate across which is distributed an array of discrete regions of a porous substance formed from a porogen-containing organosilicate material. The porous substance is designed to bind chemical targets useful in biotechnology applications, such as gene expression, protein, antibody, and antigen experiments. The regions are preferably optically isolated from each other and may be shaped to enhance detection of optical radiation emanating from the porous substance, e.g., as a result of irradiation of the regions with ultraviolet light. The discrete regions may be configured as microscopic wells within the substrate, or they may reside on top of the substrate in the form of microscopic mesas.

Abstract: A method for fabrication and a structure of a self-aligned (crosspoint) memory device comprises lines (wires) in a first direction and in a second direction. The wires in the first direction are formed using a hard mask material that is resistant to the pre-selected etch processes used for creation of the lines in both the first and the second direction. Consequently, the hard mask material for the lines in the first direction form part of the memory stack.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining compressive stress in an in-situ roof support pillar may comprise a convergence meter positioned in one of the two entries for measuring the total entry convergence, i.e., roof sag and floor heave, and for generating an output signal related thereto. A computer system connected to the convergence meter is responsive to the output signal and calculates the compressive stress in the pillar based on the total entry convergence and based on whether the pillar is being subjected to at least one of a number of load types including a first front abutment load, a second front abutment load, and a side abutment load.

Abstract: A continuous mining linear advance system comprises a dual action drum cutter for removing coal from a face of the entry. The dual action drum cutter removes the coal from the face by shearing across the face in a direction transverse to the direction of advance and by cutting directly into the face in the direction of the advance. A conveyor system operatively associated with the dual action drum cutter carries away coal removed from the face of the entry in a continuous, non-interrupted manner. A number of self advancing roof supports positioned adjacent the dual action drum cutter support the roof in the immediate vicinity of the face. Roof bolting devices positioned behind the self advancing roof supports install roof bolts, and a pillar casting system positioned behind the roof bolting devices constructs a series of pillars which provide long term roof support.