Abstract: A radiofrequency calibration system for a direct-drive radiofrequency power supply includes a reference box that includes a reference circuit for converting a non-reference input impedance to a reference output impedance. The reference box has an input connector electrically connected to a radiofrequency output coupling of the direct-drive radiofrequency power supply. A radiofrequency power meter has a radiofrequency power input electrically connected to an output connector of the reference box. The radiofrequency power meter has an input impedance and an output impedance that substantially match the reference output impedance of the reference box. A cable has a first end electrically connected to a radiofrequency power output of the radiofrequency power meter and a second end connected to a test load that has an impedance that substantially matches the reference output impedance of the reference box. A controller is connected in data communication with a data interface of the radiofrequency power meter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fiber connector and to a related method for changing the polarity thereof. The connector comprises a ferrule, housing a plurality of terminations of optical fibers, and an inner housing arranged around the ferrule and comprising a rear portion and a front portion configured to be inserted into an optical fiber adapter.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for manufacture of plasticized homopolymeric polyvinyl alcohol, the method including the steps of introducing a polyvinyl alcohol polymer or a blend thereof having a degree of hydrolysis in the range of 93 wt % to 98 wt % into a mixing reactor; adding a processing agent, a plasticizer and a reactive stabilizer to form a reaction mixture; wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of sugar alcohols, diols, triols, polyols and mixtures thereof; wherein the reactive stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of sodium stearate, potassium oleate, sodium benzoate, calcium stearate, stearic acid, dimethyl propionic acid, and mixtures thereof; —reacting the reaction mixture in a reaction zone to form plasticized polymer; and—allowing the plasticized polymer to pass from the reaction zone.

Abstract: An edge ring arrangement for a processing chamber includes a first ring configured to surround and overlap a radially outer edge of an upper plate of a pedestal arranged in the processing chamber, a second ring arranged below the first moveable ring, wherein a portion of the first ring overlaps the second ring, a first actuator configured to actuate a first pillar to selectively move the first ring to a raised position and a lowered position relative to the pedestal, and a second actuator configured to actuate a second pillar to selectively move the second ring to a raised position and a lowered position relative to the pedestal.

Abstract: Silicon carbide (SiC) wafers and related methods are disclosed that include large diameter SiC wafers with wafer shape characteristics suitable for semiconductor manufacturing. Large diameter SiC wafers are disclosed that have reduced deformation related to stress and strain effects associated with forming such SiC wafers. As described herein, wafer shape and flatness characteristics may be improved by reducing crystallographic stress profiles during growth of SiC crystal boules or ingots. Wafer shape and flatness characteristics may also be improved after individual SiC wafers have been separated from corresponding SiC crystal boules. In this regard, SiC wafers and related methods are disclosed that include large diameter SiC wafers with suitable crystal quality and wafer shape characteristics including low values for wafer bow, warp, and thickness variation.

Abstract: Silicon carbide (SiC) materials including SiC wafers and SiC boules and related methods are disclosed that provide large dimension SiC wafers with reduced crystallographic stress. Growth conditions for SiC materials include maintaining a generally convex growth surface of SiC crystals, adjusting differences in front-side to back-side thermal profiles of growing SiC crystals, supplying sufficient source flux to allow commercially viable growth rates for SiC crystals, and reducing the inclusion of contaminants or non-SiC particles in SiC source materials and corresponding SiC crystals. By forming larger dimension SiC crystals that exhibit lower crystallographic stress, overall dislocation densities that are associated with missing or additional planes of atoms may be reduced, thereby improving crystal quality and usable SiC crystal growth heights.

Abstract: A concentrate composition comprising: (a) at least 0.1 wt % of a surfactant compound; and (b) at least 10 wt % one or more ingredients selected from aldehydes, succinimidyl esters, chelating agents and amine salts of carboxylic acids.

Abstract: A method for subcutaneously treating pain in a patient includes first providing a neurostimulator with an IPG body and at least a primary, a secondary, and a tertiary integral lead with electrodes disposed thereon. A primary incision is opened to expose the subcutaneous region below the dermis in a selected portion of the body. A pocket is then opened for the IPG through the primary incision and the integral leads are inserted through the primary incision and routed subcutaneously to desired nerve regions along desired paths. The IPG is disposed in the pocket through the primary incision. The primary incision is then closed and the IPG and the electrodes activated to provide localized stimulation to the desired nerve regions and at least three of the nerves associated therewith to achieve a desired pain reduction response from the patient.

Abstract: A humidification system can include a heater base, a chamber, and a breathing circuit. The heater base includes a heater plate positioned in a recessed region, and a heat conductive portion of the chamber is configured to contact the heater plate. The heater base includes a guard configured to control movement of the chamber into and out of the recessed region. The guard includes an anti-racking mechanism. The chamber includes an inlet port, an outlet port. A downward extension extends into the chamber from the inlet port, and a baffle is disposed at a lower end of the downward extension. A component of the breathing circuit can include a conduit hanging end cap for shipping and storage. The end cap can include a hanging component to allow the breathing circuit component to be hung from a medical stand. The system can detect when breathing circuits are connected in reverse.

Abstract: Silicon carbide (SiC) wafers and related methods are disclosed that include large diameter SiC wafers with wafer shape characteristics suitable for semiconductor manufacturing. Large diameter SiC wafers are disclosed that have reduced deformation related to stress and strain effects associated with forming such SiC wafers. As described herein, wafer shape and flatness characteristics may be improved by reducing crystallographic stress profiles during growth of SiC crystal boules or ingots. Wafer shape and flatness characteristics may also be improved after individual SiC wafers have been separated from corresponding SiC crystal boules. In this regard, SiC wafers and related methods are disclosed that include large diameter SiC wafers with suitable crystal quality and wafer shape characteristics including low values for wafer bow, warp, and thickness variation.

Abstract: An edge ring arrangement for a processing chamber includes a first ring configured to surround and overlap a radially outer edge of an upper plate of a pedestal arranged in the processing chamber, a second ring arranged below the first moveable ring, wherein a portion of the first ring overlaps the second ring, a first actuator configured to actuate a first pillar to selectively move the first ring to a raised position and a lowered position relative to the pedestal, and a second actuator configured to actuate a second pillar to selectively move the second ring to a raised position and a lowered position relative to the pedestal.

Abstract: A magnetically levitating sterilizing toothbrush holder with associated toothbrush includes a holder generating a magnetic field and a toothbrush including a magnetic or ferromagnetic element. The holder and toothbrush are so configured that, when the toothbrush is placed in the holder, the force of gravity acting on the toothbrush is balanced in opposition to the magnetic force resulting from the interaction of the toothbrush's magnetic element with the holder's magnetic field, resulting in magnetic levitation of the toothbrush within the holder, thereby suspending the brush from all potentially contaminating surfaces. The holder further includes a sterilizing ultraviolet light source, whereby the operational end of the toothbrush with its bristles is bathed in sterilizing radiation when the brush is suspended in the holder.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for preventing or reducing hair frizz. The compositions are anhydrous and comprise at least one polysiloxane fluid component selected from an amodimethicone and a polysiloxane component comprising a plurality of hindered amine side chains. The compositions also comprise a silicone-compatible, volatile liquid carrier component, preferably selected from a low molecular weight, volatile siloxy component; a hydrocarbon; and an alcohol. The compositions are preferably serums or fluids, and are suitable for use in a conditioner, as a “leave-in” hair care product, or as a touch-up hair care product suitable for use during the day.

Abstract: A toilet splash guard collects errant urine from a male urinating in an upright position. The toilet splash guard attaches toward the rear of a toilet bowl between the toilet seat and the bowl. The toilet splash guard has a flat body with a back side, lateral sides, and a curved portion conforming to the curvature of a rear of a toilet bowl. The flat body includes a wall extending along a periphery of the flat body except for along the curved portion, defining a urine collecting portion therein. The urine collecting portion can be sloped to allow urine to flow to the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A toilet splash guard collects errant urine from a male urinating in an upright position. The toilet splash guard attaches toward the rear of a toilet bowl between the toilet seat and the bowl. The toilet splash guard has a flat body with a back side, lateral sides, and a curved portion conforming to the curvature of a rear of a toilet bowl. The flat body includes a wall extending along a periphery of the flat body except for along the curved portion, defining a urine collecting portion therein. The urine collecting portion can be sloped to allow urine to flow to the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A magnetically levitating sterilizing toothbrush holder with associated toothbrush comprises a holder generating a magnetic field and a toothbrush comprising a magnetic or ferromagnetic element. The holder and toothbrush are so configured that, when the toothbrush is placed in the holder, the force of gravity acting on the toothbrush is balanced in opposition to the magnetic force resulting from the interaction of the toothbrush's magnetic element with the holder's magnetic field, resulting in magnetic levitation of the toothbrush within the holder, thereby suspending the brush from all potentially contaminating surfaces. The holder further comprises a sterilizing ultraviolet light source, whereby the operational end of the toothbrush with its bristles is bathed in sterilizing radiation when the brush is suspended in the holder.

Abstract: An edge ring arrangement for a processing chamber includes a first ring configured to surround and overlap a radially outer edge of an upper plate of a pedestal arranged in the processing chamber, a second ring arranged below the first moveable ring, wherein a portion of the first ring overlaps the second ring, a first actuator configured to actuate a first pillar to selectively move the first ring to a raised position and a lowered position relative to the pedestal, and a second actuator configured to actuate a second pillar to selectively move the second ring to a raised position and a lowered position relative to the pedestal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Distinct Author Identification System (“DAIS”) for disambiguating data to discern author entities and link or associate authorships with such author entities. The invention provides powerful disambiguation processes applied across one or more databases to yield a disambiguated authority database of authors. An entire database of publications may be processed by the DAIS to group/link authorships and to identify author entities. The author entities may then be matched or associated with actual authors to establish an authority database of authors. After initial evaluation, the DAIS may be used to reevaluate some or all of the database(s) and/or the authority database established by the DAIS may be used to add or update information. DAIS may use “hierarchical clustering” to link authorships and identify authors based on authorship similarity. DAIS evaluates the likelihood that authorships are from the same author.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for preventing or reducing hair frizz. The compositions are anhydrous and comprise at least one polysiloxane fluid component selected from an amodimethicon e and a polysiloxane component comprising a plurality of hindered amine side chains. The compositions also comprise a silicone-compatible, volatile liquid carrier component, preferably selected from a low molecular weight, volatile siloxy component; a hydrocarbon; and an alcohol. The compositions are preferably serums or fluids, and are suitable for use in a conditioner, as a “leave-in” hair care product, or as a touch-up hair care product suitable for use during the day.

Abstract: A system reproduces aerodynamic boundary layer transition conditions in a wind tunnel test environment under ambient to cryogenic temperature conditions. The system includes a test component disposed in the test environment that defines an exterior surface. A trip dot is mounted on the test component and has a first state, in which a distal surface of the trip dot is at a first elevation relative to the exterior surface of the test component, and a second state, in which the distal surface of the trip dot is at a second elevation relative to the exterior surface of the test component. An actuator is operably coupled to the trip dot and configured to transition the trip dot between first and second states. A controller remotely causes the actuator to transition the trip dot between the first and second states.