Abstract: An improved image analysis method to quantify uniformity of visual appearance of planar objects. The measurements are substantially independent of both the image shading and the overall lightness differences among the objects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of establishing a desired communication between an originating entity (102) and a target entity (106). Each entity is coupled to a communication network (100) and has a corresponding profile (112, 142) related to information handled by the entity. Initially a compatibility is determined between the profile (112) of the originating entity (102) and the profile (140) of the target entity (106). If a direct profile compatibility is determined between the originating entity and the target entity, the desired communication are establishing directly between the originating entity and the target entity. If step a direct profile compatibility between the originating entity and the target entity cannot be determined the network is searched to identify an additional entity (108) coupled to the network (100) and having a direct profile compatibility with one of the target or source entity to thereby form a linked entity pair providing communications (112, 124) with the additional entity.

Abstract: The method is adapted for using multiple smartcards with a single reader. The method initiates (1.3) a session of an application upon an insertion of a first smartcard into the reader. The session is maintained active when the first smartcard is removed from the reader and a second smartcard associated with the first smartcard is to be inserted in the reader (1.4.4.1). The method performs (1.4.4.2.4.2) an action upon an insertion of the second smartcard into the reader.

Abstract: A method is described whereby a user may interact with control indicia (22, 24) of a smartcard (10) to modify data stored in a volatile portion of a memory chip (19). A possible source of data may be from the smartcard 10 itself, whereby an incident where a region on a pressure sensitive membrane (8) of a controller (2) associated with a specific index (22, 24) has been pressed is stored on the memory chip (19). This enables the occurrence of this incident to be extracted later. Another possible source of the data is a software application, running on a computer. A user may save a state of the application, enabling the user to return to that state of the application later by activation of a region on the pressure sensitive membrane (8) associated with the same control index (22, 24).

Abstract: A method of cleaving a semiconductor wafer comprising a deep ion implantation induced selective area of exfoliation. The method includes steps of selectively masking the material with a mask having edges parallel to natural cleavage planes of the semiconductor material, implanting unmasked regions of the material with light ions of hydrogen or helium, and annealing to cause exfoliation of the material from the implanted regions. As a result of exfoliation, the patterned structure remaining on the wafer and pieces of the exfoliated material have high quality sidewall-facets which provides cleaved facets along the cleavage planes of the material. A method of manufacturing optoelectronic devices and semiconductor laser devices is provided.

Abstract: A method of patterning a brittle material, and particularly a semiconductor material, is provided comprising ion implantation induced selective area exfoliation. The method includes steps of masking the material, implanting unmasked regions of the material, with light ions of Hydrogen or Helium, and rapid thermal annealing at the temperature causing exfoliation of the material from the implanted regions. As a result, the material is patterned to a depth determined by the depth of ion implantation. The method allows patterning through crystalline or non-crystalline materials, or several layers of different materials at the same time. When the mask has straight sharp edges aligned parallel to natural cleavage planes of the semiconductor material, the exfoliation results in formation of high quality sidewall-facets of exfoliated material and of the remaining patterned material at the boundaries of exfoliated regions.

Abstract: Transducers are acted upon by milk flowing respectively from each teat of the animal into a milking claw which has an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The transducers respond to a condition of the milk and a processor controls valves. If the transducer indicates normal milk, the valve is set to direct flow into the lower chamber from which it passes via a pipe to a collection tank. If abnormal milk is indicated, the valve is set to direct flow into the upper chamber from which it passes via a discharge pipe to a dump container or drain. The transducers, the control valves and preferably also the processor are housed within the milking claw.

Abstract: This machine provides back-up steering for a tractor-trailer when the conventional steering fails. The steering will fail due to a lack of interface bonding between the front tires and the road during turning and braking. This machine is constructed around a piston-cylinder connected between the tractor and trailer. The cylinder end pivots on the tractor. The piston rod end is connected through a pivot and a link to the trailer. This machine contains a high pressure pump in the fluid circuit. A pneumatically powered machine is shown in the patent specification. The pneumatically powered machine closely resembles the hydraulic machine. The driver controls the anti-jackknife machine through the driver control switch. When the conventional steering fails during turning and braking of the vehicle, the driver will sense the "spin" of the tractor and he will close the driver control switch.

Abstract: A sheet transfer member (17) has at least one outwardly opening slot (20) into which a sheet can be received. The member (17) is rotatably mounted in use so that a sheet in the slot (20) can be transferred to a sheet stacking position. A portion of the rotatable member (17) comprises high friction insert (22) which, during a dispense operation, withdraws sheets from the stacking position.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyolefinic film having ultraviolet stabilizers by extruding a hot molten polymer into a water quench bath for solidification of the film. An active halogen is added to the water quench bath in order to reduce the water carryover when the polyolefinic film is withdrawn from the water quench bath.

Abstract: Transducers 114 are acted upon by milk flowing respectively from each teat of the animal into a milking claw which has an upper chamber 119 and a lower chamber 120. The transducers respond to a condition of the milk and control valves 128. If the transducer indicates normal milk, valve 128 is set to direct flow into the lower chamber 120 from which it passes via pipe 122 to a collection tank. If abnormal milk is indicated, valve 128 is set to direct flow into the upper chamber 119, from which it passes via pipe 124 to a dump bucket or drain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier for soil structures. The barrier is formed by creating a trench in a soil structure extending from the soil surface to an impervious layer in the soil. The trench is lined with a sheet of impervious material, which may be a fabric carrying a substantially dehydrated sodium-bentonite clay. The trench is especially well-suited for installation around the perimeter of a waste site from which contaminated fluids may be emanating. The barrier and the method of forming the barrier allow a toxic waste site to be easily and completely isolated from adjacent groundwater systems.

Abstract: A photographic material exhibiting improved photographic characteristics comprising a photographic material comprising a support having a layer of microcapsules thereon, and an image-forming agent being associated with said microcapsules, said microcapsules including a mixture of a first subset of microcapsules and a second subset of microcapsules, said first and second subsets of microcapsules being associated with an image-forming agent for the same color, and said first subset of microcapsules providing a higher film speed than said second subset of microcapsules when said first and second subsets of microcapsules are exposed to a broad band white light source and developed under identical conditions.

Abstract: The anisotropic nature of a material is determined by measuring the velocity of an ultrasonic longitudinal wave and a pair of perpendicular ultrasonic shear waves through a sample of the material each at a plurality of different angles in three planes orthogonal to each other. The determined anisotropic nature is used as a correction factor in a spectral analyzing system of flaw determination.

Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus for forming individual heat sealed articles, e.g., tubes or bags, from a strip of two superimposed layers of heat sealable material or of a material coated, or impregnated, with a heat sealable material which apparatus comprises means to feed the strip in a zig-zag configuration and means for welding together the layers of the strip at or adjacent the transverse crests of the strip located on one side of the zig-zag. The welding means comprise a single continuous welding device and the feed means includes means for supporting the strip at the transverse crests located on the mentioned one side of the zig-zag and for presenting those crests to the welding device.