Abstract: A rotating arrangement comprising a rotating assembly mounted on an associated bearing defining a geometric axis of rotation for the rotating assembly, the rotating assembly comprising: i) a first part mounted on the bearing for rotation relative to the bearing about the geometric axis; ii) a second part engaged with the first part for independent relative angular adjustment about a second axis, eccentric to the geometric axis, and iii) a third part engaged with the second part for independent relative angular adjustment about a third axis, eccentric to the second axis; whereby said relative angular adjustment about one or both of the second and third axes can be used to adjust the position of the centre of mass of the rotating assembly to be substantially co-incident with the geometric axis of rotation.

Abstract: A laser safety system providing a system for checking the presence, focus and integrity of a laser beam focusing lens is disclosed. The laser safety system checks the focusing lens properties by capturing an image of a target by viewing the target through the focusing lens from along the laser beam path. An initial, known good, image is compared to an image captured immediately before enablement of the laser beam source to determine if the focusing lens is present, focused and is not damaged. The system may also utilize a mask projected onto the target as well as a low-power visible light laser directed along the path of the processing laser to determine the focusing lens properties. The system can also provide target recognition.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for combusting exhaust gases output from a plurality of process chambers. The apparatus comprises a plurality of exhaust gas combustion nozzles (22) connected to a combustion chamber (24). Each nozzle receives a respective exhaust gas (26), and comprises means for receiving a fuel (40) and an oxidant (30) for use in forming a combustion flame within the chamber. A controller receives data indicative of the chemistry of the exhaust gas supplied to each nozzle, and adjusts the relative amounts of fuel and oxidant supplied to each nozzle in response to the received data. This can enable the nature of each combustion flame to be selectively modified according to the nature of the exhaust gases to be destroyed by that flame, thereby enhancing the destruction rate efficiency of the exhaust gas and optimising fuel consumption.

Abstract: A laser safety system providing a system for checking the presence, focus and integrity of a laser beam focusing lens is disclosed. The laser safety system checks the focusing lens properties by capturing an image of a target by viewing the target through the focusing lens from along the laser beam path. An initial, known good, image is compared to an image captured immediately before enablement of the laser beam source to determine if the focusing lens is present, focused and is not damaged. The system may also utilize a mask projected onto the target as well as a low-power visible light laser directed along the path of the processing laser to determine the focusing lens properties. The system can also provide target recognition.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for manipulating an anatomical feature within the body of the patient. An implant such as an internal jackscrew is implanted at the anatomical and has first and second attachment points that secure to spaced-apart locations on the anatomical feature, an internal rotor coupled to the jackscrew, and is configured to drive motion of the jackscrew to manipulate the anatomical feature. The system further includes an external rotor that is magnetically coupled to the internal rotor such that rotation of the external rotor at an exterior location to the patient's body affects a corresponding internal rotation of the internal rotor to manipulate the anatomical feature.

Abstract: A flexible laser safety curtain is disclosed that utilizes a plurality of columns flexibly attached to one another along their longitudinal edges in such a manner as to create a curtain of columns. The base of each column contains a cavity within which at least one moveable element, columnar in form, may be located and protrude from the cavity. The moveable element, when pressed against a work surface, is forced into the cavity. A biasing element within the cavity provides an opposite force on the moveable elements to both keep the moveable element in contact with the work surface, and to return the moveable element to its original position when the inward force is removed. The curtain's edge follows the contours of an uneven work surface and thereby the curtain provides a complete barrier to laser radiation.

Abstract: A food product comprises an oligosaccharide composition that is digestion resistant or slowly digestible. The oligosaccharide composition can be produced by a process that comprises producing an aqueous composition that comprises at least one oligosaccharide and at least one monosaccharide by saccharification of starch, membrane filtering the aqueous composition to form a monosaccharide-rich stream and an oligosaccharide-rich stream, and recovering the oligosaccharide-rich stream. Alternatively, the oligosaccharide composition can be produced by a process that comprises heating an aqueous feed composition that comprises at least one monosaccharide or linear saccharide oligomer, and that has a solids concentration of at least about 70% by weight, to a temperature of at least about 40° C.

Abstract: A process for preparing saccharide oligomers uses an aqueous feed composition that comprises at least one monosaccharide or linear saccharide oligomer, and has a solids concentration of at least about 70% by weight. The feed composition is heated to a temperature of at least about 40° C., and is contacted with at least one catalyst that accelerates the rate of cleavage or formation of glucosyl bonds, such as enzyme or acid, for a time sufficient to cause formation of non-linear saccharide oligomers. A product composition is produced that contains a higher concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers than linear saccharide oligomers.

Abstract: With interactive voice response services, it can be frustrating for a user to become stuck in a dialogue where the same question is asked repetitively. Here the wording of questions used by the system are varied throughout the dialogue depending upon how many times a user has visited a particular dialogue state during the call history. Furthermore the wording of the question is also varied in dependence upon the way in which the question was asked the last time the user was in a particular dialogue state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for heating an electrically conductive fluid, such as potable water, and to a method of heating the same. The heating apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes in an array, and a controller for selectively energizing the plurality of electrodes, in different combinations, to thereby adjust the electrical resistance observed across the electrode array, in order to maximize the current drawn by the apparatus.

Abstract: A semiconductor fabrication process includes forming a gate electrode (112) overlying a gate dielectric (114) overlying a semiconductor substrate (104) of a wafer (101) and a liner dielectric layer (116) including vertical portions (118) adjacent sidewalls of the gate electrode and horizontal portions (117) overlying an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate (104). A spacer (108) is formed adjacent a vertical portion (118) and overlying a horizontal portion (117) of the liner dielectric layer (116). After forming the spacer (108), exposed portions of the liner dielectric layer (116) are removed to form a liner dielectric structure (126) covered by the extension spacer (108). The extension spacer (108) is then etched back to expose or uncover extremities of the liner dielectric structure (126). Prior to etching back the spacer (108), a metal (130) may be sputtered deposited over the wafer (101) preparatory to forming a silicide (134).

Abstract: A pet collar with an integral, retractable leash mechanism includes a flexible collar portion with a releasable buckle and means for length adjustment. A retractable cable is contained in a housing mounted on the collar. The retractable cable is normally biased to retract into the housing, but can be prevented from retracting by engaging a manual lock, so that the cable may be used as a leash. The cable terminates in a swivel attachment, which is itself connected to a hand strap portion. The hand strap includes means for releasable attachment to itself and to the collar, so that the hand strap may be secured flush against the collar when not in use.

Abstract: Systems and methods for auto-anastomosing a region occupying one or more hollow viscera of the body are disclosed. The system includes a first magnetic member configured to be delivered to a location in the body adjacent the region. A second magnetic member is configured to be located adjacent the region opposite from the first magnetic member such that said region is disposed in between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member. The first and second magnetic members are configured to generate an attractive force to compress tissue in the region between them so that the tissue in the region necroses as a result of the compressive force such that tissue surrounding the necrosed tissue heals together to form an anastomosis. The anstomosis may connect a fistula between two internal viscera or viscera segments, or create a stoma from a viscera to an external surface of the body.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing liquid or solid xenon comprises a duct 12 having an inlet 14 for receiving gaseous xenon and an outlet 16 for outputting gaseous xenon at a reduced temperature to a nozzle located in a vacuum chamber 60. A housing 18 extends about the duct and contains a halocarbon coolant in thermal contact with the duct, and a second duct 24 in thermal contact with the halocarbon coolant for conveying a flow of liquid nitrogen through the housing 18 to control the temperature of the halocarbon. In view of the difference in the pressure of the xenon gas output from the duct and the pressure in the chamber, the thus-cooled gas is caused to liquefy or solidify in the vicinity of the nozzle.

Abstract: A condom having a first lubricating composition containing a male genitalia desensitizing agent on the inside surface thereof and a second lubricating composition on the outside surface thereof. The first lubricating composition has a higher viscosity than the second lubricating composition so that the first lubricating composition remains on the inside surface of the condom during packaging, shipping, storage, and use.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for incrementally manipulating a body member of a patient are disclosed. The apparatus has a magnetic implant adapted to be received on a location of the body member, a form external to the patient, and a magnetic member coupled to the form, wherein the magnetic member generates a magnetic force between the implant and the form to incrementally manipulate the body member. The implant and external magnetic member are preferably rare earth magnets or an array of rare earth magnets, and are configured to generate an attractive or repulsive force between the implant and the platform to reposition, reorient, deform, or lengthen the body member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for incrementally manipulating an internal body member of a patient are disclosed. The apparatus has a magnetic implant adapted to be received on a location of the body member, a platform external to the patient, and a magnetic member coupled to the platform, wherein the magnetic member generates a magnetic force between the implant and the platform to incrementally manipulate the body member. The implant and external magnetic member are preferably rare earth magnets or an array of rare earth magnets, and are configured to generate an attractive or repulsive force between the implant and the platform to reposition, reorient, deform, or lengthen the body member.

Abstract: My invention is a system of small colored lights that will indicate to anyone approaching the front of a vehicle or following from the rear of a vehicle as to whether the occupants are wearing their seatbelts. The system of lights will be clearly visible when approaching the vehicle of following the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for forming an improved fully silicided gate electrode in a semiconductor device in which the fully silicided gate electrode is formed using indirect heating. One embodiment relates to a method of manufacturing at least one semiconductor device. The method includes depositing silicon to a first thickness, depositing metal over the silicon, and indirectly heating the metal and silicon to form a metal silicide having a second thickness not less than the first thickness. Another embodiment relates to a method of manufacturing semiconductor devices, each semiconductor device having a fully silicided control electrode. The method includes providing a substrate, forming a dielectric layer over the substrate, forming a silicon-containing layer over the dielectric layer, depositing a metal-containing layer over the silicon-containing layer, and indirectly heating the metal-containing and silicon-containing layers to form a silicide layer in contact with the dielectric layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods of marking ladders. In one embodiment, a method generally includes contacting a ladder portion with an image reverse printed on a paper sheet with at least one sublimation ink, and applying heat to the paper sheet such that at least a portion of the ink sublimates from the paper sheet into the ladder portion.