Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to mechanical devices for augmenting dexterous reach and sensing of a user. The devices can include a proximal portion configured to receive an appendage of a user; a distal portion configured to detect sensory information; an articulation positioned between the proximal and distal portion to provide for motion of the distal portion via manipulation of the proximal portion; wherein the distal portion comprising a sensing element and the proximal portion comprises a feedback element, the feedback element being connected to the sensing element providing for physical extension of sensory capabilities of the appendage.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to mechanical devices for augmenting dexterous reach and sensing of a user. The devices can include a proximal portion configured to receive an appendage of a user; a distal portion configured detect sensory information; an articulation positioned between the proximal and distal portion to provide for motion of the distal portion via manipulation of the proximal portion; wherein the distal portion comprising a sensing element and the proximal portion comprises a feedback element, the feedback element being connected to the sensing element providing for physical extension of sensory capabilities of the appendage.

Abstract: An inventory tracking system and method for use in semiconductor manufacturing provide for generating a priority score that determines the order in which lots of substrates should be run. The priority score is generated using an algorithm that takes into account external lot priority considerations, inventory factors in the manufacturing facility, and processing tool capability factors. The processing tool capability factors include factors related to tool status and tool restrictions and the inventory factors include factors related to line balance, WIP (work-in-progress) forecasts and various downstream considerations. The priority score is generated dynamically and displayed at each processing operation for each lot that is queued for processing at the indicated operation. Various algorithms are used and different weights are assigned to many factors in calculating numerical values for several factors that combine to produce the priority score.

Abstract: An inventory tracking system and method for use in semiconductor manufacturing provide for generating a priority score that determines the order in which lots of substrates should be run. The priority score is generated using an algorithm that takes into account external lot priority considerations, inventory factors in the manufacturing facility, and processing tool capability factors. The processing tool capability factors include factors related to tool status and tool restrictions and the inventory factors include factors related to line balance, WIP (work-in-progress) forecasts and various downstream considerations. The priority score is generated dynamically and displayed at each processing operation for each lot that is queued for processing at the indicated operation. Various algorithms are used and different weights are assigned to many factors in calculating numerical values for several factors that combine to produce the priority score.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are described for a route server that connects network users to network providers. The route server may connect to network elements, including routers, from a plurality of Internet network service providers (ISP) to the network elements of a plurality of users through the route server. The route server also may make routing decisions for the plurality of users and the plurality of ISPs and is programmed to maintain multiple views of the routing table as well as implement multiple BGP instances, each instance representing different autonomous systems, in a single instance of the route server. The route server also may match a first user to one or more of the ISPs based on criteria including not only the best possible routes of each ISP but a full listing of all possible routes to a destination address from each ISP matching the user's criteria in order to construct a route table to get IP packets of a user to a destination address.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are described for a route server that connects network users to network providers. The route server may connect to network elements, including routers, from a plurality of Internet network service providers (ISP) to the network elements of a plurality of users through the route server. The route server also may make routing decisions for the plurality of users and the plurality of ISPs and is programmed to maintain multiple views of the routing table as well as implement multiple BGP instances, each instance representing different autonomous systems, in a single instance of the route server. The route server also may match a first user to one or more of the ISPs based on criteria including not only the best possible routes of each ISP but a full listing of all possible routes to a destination address from each ISP matching the user's criteria in order to construct a route table to get IP packets of a user to a destination address.

Abstract: An improved thermal phase separation unit separates contaminants from a contaminated substrate. The improved thermal phase separation unit includes an enclosure arranged to withstand temperatures created by a combustion system, an essentially air-tight processing chamber supported within the enclosure by support columns connected between the processing chamber and a bottom of the enclosure, a heat shield disposed between the processing chamber and the bottom of the enclosure, and a vapor handling system arranged to remove vapor from the processing chamber. The combustion system heats the processing chamber, and, in turn, indirectly heats contaminated substrate being processed in the processing chamber so as to volatize contaminants in the contaminated substrate to vapor that is subsequently removed by the vapor handling system.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert (2) for a conduit (4) adapted to effect helical flow in the conduit (4) comprising a longitudinally extending member having a helical formation.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a signal bearing medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions that are executable by a digital processing apparatus to perform operations to determine a maintenance fee for a data storage system. The operations include monitoring at least one data storage device during operation of the data storage system to determine a duty cycle and determining a current value of the maintenance fee based at least in part on the determined duty cycle. In a further disk drive-based embodiment the operations may include, or be instead, determining a disk drive redundancy configuration of disk drives of a data storage system. The operations then compare the determined duty cycle to a threshold value and assert a redundancy configuration change signal based on the result of the comparison. For a RAID configuration embodiment having a RAID level, the asserting operation asserts a RAID level change signal based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A drug delivery device (1) is disclosed. The device comprises a vascular implant having a helical formation (4) that is capable of inducing helical flow of blood passing it. A drug is releasably associated with the helical formation.

Abstract: A detachable suction-based holder in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. Such a suction-based holder can include a lever-actuated suction portion having a substantially cup-like suction housing and a substantially circular suction interface. The suction interface can be made from an elastomeric material and further can have an inner face and an outer face. The suction holder can also include a substantially tubular receptacle portion having a substantially tubular receiving channel defined therein. The receptacle portion can have a hold actuator as an appendage from the top portion thereof where the hold actuator can be substantially tab-like and can be split. Moreover, the hold-actuating lever can be coupled to the hold actuator via, for example, a pin. Moreover, a connector member such as a bridging member can connect the suction portion and the receptacle portion.

Abstract: A tubular conduit (1) is disclosed. The tubular conduit comprises a tubular portion made from a flexible material and an axially extending external helical formation (16) located around the outside of the tubular portion. The external helical formation (16) is for supporting the tubular portion. Optionally the tubular portion also comprises an axially extending internal helical protrusion (15), which imparts a helical flow to a fluid passing through the tubular portion. It is preferred that the tubular conduit (1) is a vascular graft.

Abstract: A tubular graft comprising an internal helical formation which imparts helical flow on fluid passing through the tubular graft. One end of the tubular graft is tapered from an inner base to an outer tip.

Abstract: An improved thermal phase separation unit separates contaminants from a contaminated substrate. The improved thermal phase separation unit includes an enclosure arranged to withstand temperatures created by a combustion system, an essentially air-tight processing chamber supported within the enclosure by support columns connected between the processing chamber and a bottom of the enclosure, a heat shield disposed between the processing chamber and the bottom of the enclosure, and a vapor handling system arranged to remove vapor from the processing chamber. The combustion system heats the processing chamber, and, in turn, indirectly heats contaminated substrate being processed in the processing chamber so as to volatize contaminants in the contaminated substrate to vapor that is subsequently removed by the vapor handling system.

Abstract: A helical formation for a conduit (1). The helical formation includes an elongate member (4) defining at least a portion of a helix, the elongate member (4) comprising an inwardly extending portion (6, 7). The inwardly extending portion (6, 7) extends along the length of the elongate member (4) and extends inwardly from the internal side walls of the conduit (1) for a distance equal to between 10% and 80% of the distance (r) from the longitudinal axis (3) of the conduit (1) to an internal side wall (2).

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a signal bearing medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions that are executable by a digital processing apparatus to perform operations to determine a maintenance fee for a data storage system. The operations include monitoring at least one data storage device during operation of the data storage system to determine a duty cycle and determining a current value of the maintenance fee based at least in part on the determined duty cycle. In a further disk drive-based embodiment the operations may include, or be instead, determining a disk drive redundancy configuration of disk drives of a data storage system. The operations then compare the determined duty cycle to a threshold value and assert a redundancy configuration change signal based on the result of the comparison. For a RAID configuration embodiment having a RAID level, the asserting operation asserts a RAID level change signal based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A Method of Determining the Helix Angle of a Helical Formation for a Conduit. A method of determing the helix angle of a helical formation (4) within a conduit (1). The method includes specifying the internal dimensions of the conduit (1) and an intended fluid mass flow through the conduit (1). The helix angle is determined from the pressure drop and the turbulent kinetic energy for a conduit (1) having the specified internal dimensions and intended fluid mass flow.

Abstract: A method of assessing the effect of a conduit section (11) on flow characteristics of a first fluid in a first conduit system (1). A first fluid is caused to flow through the first conduit system (1). A transverse flow parameter of the first fluid in the first conduit system (1) downstream of the conduit section (11) is detected. At least one transverse flow characteristic of the first fluid is determined from the detected transverse flow parameter. The effect of the conduit section (11) is then assessed from the determined flow characteristics.

Abstract: A helical formation (2) for a conduit (1). The helical formation (2) comprises an elongate member defining at least a portion of a helix, the elongate member comprising two inwardly extending portions (6, 7). The inwardly extending portions (6, 7) are spaced from each other and extend along the length of the elongate member in side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: An improved thermal phase separation unit separates contaminants from a contaminated substrate. The improved thermal phase separation unit includes an enclosure arranged to withstand temperatures created by a combustion system, an essentially air-tight processing chamber supported within the enclosure by support columns connected between the processing chamber and a bottom of the enclosure, a heat shield disposed between the processing chamber and the bottom of the enclosure, and a vapor handling system arranged to remove vapor from the processing chamber. The combustion system heats the processing chamber, and, in turn, indirectly heats contaminated substrate being processed in the processing chamber so as to volatize contaminants in the contaminated substrate to vapor that is subsequently removed by the vapor handling system.