Abstract: Aspects of the invention include methods and apparatus for processing a batch of substrates. In one embodiment, a compressed substrate boat is configured to reduce pumping volume in a batch processing chamber. The compressed substrate boat comprises a stationary substrate boat and a movable substrate boat, each may be loaded/unloaded independently. The movable substrate boat and the stationary substrate boat may be interleaving with one another such that the distance between the substrates is reduced. In another embodiment, a substrate boat having removable substrate holder is configured to provide susceptors without dramatically increasing pumping volume. The removable substrate holder may be loaded/unloaded away from the substrate boat with susceptors. The removable substrate holder is engaged with the substrate boat such that substrates thereon are interleaving with the susceptors.

Abstract: A system to handle a set of samples for mass spectrometric analysis includes a set of elements that couples to a sample plate containing the set of samples. Each element is integrated with a respective mass analyzer, and includes an ionizer to ionize the respective sample. The set of samples are collected and then ionized simultaneously, and the ionized samples are transferred simultaneously to the respective mass analyzers.

Abstract: A pipeline.

Abstract: A wellbore casing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition and method of providing ionic forms or compounds of any combination of three metals to produce a product that can be used as a antimicrobial as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) such as a hard surface disinfectant and as a foliar spray or water treatment for the control of various diseases in garden row, field and tree crops, on hard surface areas such as equipment from infected fields or in hospitals, homes, etc. as well as against a wide range of human, plant and animal diseases. Additionally, the composition of the present invention is able to be used to coat and otherwise treat and disinfect food products such as but not limited to fish and shellfish, meat, milk, poultry, eggs and irrigated crops (both food and nonfood crops) as well as non food products as defined in the EPA exemption from tolerance for copper and copper products. The composition may include inerts such as surfactants, detergents and buffers to adjust the pH.

Abstract: Frequency translation and spread spectrum applications of same are described herein. Such applications include, but are not limited to, unified down-conversion and de-spreading, unified up-conversion and spreading, RAKE receivers utilizing unified down-conversion and de-spreading, and Early/Late receivers utilizing unified down-conversion and de-spreading, and combinations and applications of same. Additionally, applications are included for limiting spectral growth during unified up-conversion and spreading of a baseband signal.

Abstract: A method for a computer system includes opening a model of an object, wherein the model comprises a plurality of geometric elements, determining a subset of geometric elements from the plurality of geometric elements of the model, modifying properties of one or more of the geometric elements in the subset of geometric elements to form a modified subset of geometric elements, and using the modified subset of geometric elements to represent the model of the object in the computer system.

Abstract: A method for a computer system includes receiving a model of an object, wherein the model of the object comprises a plurality of geometric elements, determining a reverse pruning order for geometric elements in a first plurality of geometric elements from the plurality of geometric elements, and storing a revised model of the object in a memory, wherein the revised model of the object includes an indication of the reverse pruning order for the geometric elements in the first plurality of geometric elements. A set of selected geometric elements can be determined from the first plurality of geometric elements in response to the reverse pruning order, and the set of selected geometric elements can be used to represent the plurality of geometric elements.

Abstract: A method of coupling tubular members.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses, and combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal are described herein. Briefly stated, in embodiments the invention operates by receiving an EM signal and recursively operating on approximate half cycles (½, 1½, 2½, etc.) of the carrier signal. The recursive operations can be performed at a sub-harmonic rate of the carrier signal. The invention accumulates the results of the recursive operations and uses the accumulated results to form a down-converted signal. In an embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to a baseband information signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is a frequency modulated (FM) signal, which is down-converted to a non-FM signal, such as a phase modulated (PM) signal or an amplitude modulated (AM) signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating a plurality of courses of action according to a plurality of decision factors. A system memory contains a decision model comprising a plurality of global influence values and the plurality of courses of action. Each course of action has an associated set of decision parameters corresponding to the plurality of decision factors. An input device is operative to receive input from a user to adjust the values of the global influence values. A computational engine calculates a fitness parameter for each course of action based on the set of decision parameters for the course of action and the global influence values. The computational engine is operative to update the decision model in real time to reflect input from the user interface. A display displays the decision model to the user.

Abstract: Function spaces defined by scaling functions are used to generate bandlimited noise octaves and other attribute data sets. Scaling functions are basis functions that admit multiresolution analysis and include piecewise constant scaling functions, piecewise polynomial scaling functions, bandlimited scaling functions, Daubeschies scaling functions, as well as other multiresolution analysis scaling basis functions known to those of skill in the art. Scaling basis functions can be locally supported or have infinite support. The properties of the scaling basis functions used to construct bandlimited noise octaves may ensure that any bandlimited noise octave at resolution level N is orthogonal to bandlimited noise octaves and their associated scaling basis functions at all resolution levels less than N. Bandlimited noise octaves can be scaled to any resolution level and guaranteed to have no effect on images at any lower resolution level.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve is coupled to and overlaps the threaded connection between a pair of adjacent tubular members.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal by aliasing the EM signal are described herein. Briefly stated, such methods, systems, and apparatuses operate by receiving an EM signal and an aliasing signal having an aliasing rate. The EM signal is aliased according to the aliasing signal to down-convert the EM signal. The term aliasing, as used herein, refers to both down-converting an EM signal by under-sampling the EM signal at an aliasing rate, and down-converting an EM signal by transferring energy from the EM signal at the aliasing rate. In an embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to a demodulated baseband information signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is a frequency modulated (FM) signal, which is down-converted to a non-FM signal, such as a phase modulated (PM) signal or an amplitude modulated (AM) signal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an insulated pipeline.

Abstract: A visual aid for assisting a driver backing a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle. The visual/audible display consists of a ten-segment bar graph, with various colors, an indicator lamp and a beeper. A sensor is placed on the ball hitch of the towing vehicle and an emitter is placed on the hitch of the towed vehicle. The sensor receives a signal from the emitter and processes it to be sent to the display. The display indicates the relative positions of the two vehicles. It also provides visual and audible signals to indicate approach of the devices and the proper alignment for hitching. Attachment is temporary and universal, enabling use with any hitch configuration. Data transmission is wireless eliminating the need for cables between the units. All units have enclosed batteries so no external power connection is required.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve is coupled to and overlaps the threaded connection between a pair of adjacent tubular members.

Abstract: A multiplexed mass spectrometer system includes an array of mass analyzers and a data acquisition system. Each mass analyzer is associated with one or more data channels, and the data acquisition system selectively reduces the number of data channels through combinations of particular channels to define data acquisition modes for the molecular characterization of the samples. The selective reduction in channels can be achieved, for example by software manipulation of the acquired data or by combining the detected signals.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve is coupled to and overlaps the threaded connection between a pair of adjacent tubular members.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing universal frequency translators within gated energy transfer systems for phase detection and/or frequency detection. Phase and/or frequency detection can be utilized for comparing a higher frequency reference signal with a lower frequency local oscillator signal. Phase and/or frequency detection can also be utilized for phase locking and/or frequency locking. The systems and methods can be utilized to simultaneously downconvert a reference signal for phase and/or frequency comparison and/or for locking, at lower Phase and/or frequency detection can be utilized for frequencies, which is easier to design and which requires less expensive electrical components.