Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for preparing multiple vertebra levels for spinal fusion are disclosed herein. An example method can include inserting a delivery sheath through a first incision formed proximate to a first pedicle screw, as well as advancing the delivery sheath toward one or more additional pedicle screws disposed in bone. The method can further include inserting an instrument with a cutting surface into the delivery sheath and passing the instrument over the bone in which the one or more additional pedicle screws are disposed to decorticate the bone with the cutting surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an irradiation system, devices, and methods.

Abstract: An irradiation apparatus comprises a plurality of ionising radiation source points (122) configured to output ionising radiation. The plurality of ionising radiation source points (122) is an array distributed around an irradiation volume (140). The array of ionising radiation source points (122) is configured to direct ionising radiation inwardly to the irradiation volume (140). A transport apparatus (130) is configured to support at least one sample (138) to be irradiated. The transport apparatus (130) is configured to transport samples along a linear path through the irradiation volume (140).

Abstract: An irradiation apparatus comprises a plurality of ionising radiation source points (122) configured to output ionising radiation. The plurality of ionising radiation source points (122) is an array distributed around an irradiation volume (140). The array of ionising radiation source points (122) is configured to direct ionising radiation inwardly to the irradiation volume (140). A transport apparatus (130) is configured to support at least one sample (138) to be irradiated within the irradiation volume (140). The transport apparatus (130) is configured to rotate about a first rotational axis (131) lying within the irradiation volume (140).

Abstract: The invention provides an irradiation system, devices, and methods.

Abstract: Content is automatically removed from closed-caption data embedded in a video signal. A closed-caption compliance system decodes a first portion of a first video frame that includes a closed-caption data packet. The system extracts a first character string that includes at least a portion of the closed-caption data packet. The system determines whether the first character string is suitable for distribution to viewers. If the first character string is suitable for distribution to viewers, then the system encodes at least a first portion of the first character string as a second closed-caption data packet to include in a second video frame. Otherwise, the system modifies the first character string to generate a second character string that is suitable for distribution to viewers; and encodes at least a first portion of the second character string as a third closed-caption data packet to include in the second video frame.

Abstract: Content is automatically removed from closed-caption data embedded in a video signal. A closed-caption compliance system decodes a first portion of a first video frame that includes a closed-caption data packet. The system extracts a first character string that includes at least a portion of the closed-caption data packet. The system determines whether the first character string is suitable for distribution to viewers. If the first character string is suitable for distribution to viewers, then the system encodes at least a first portion of the first character string as a second closed-caption data packet to include in a second video frame. Otherwise, the system modifies the first character string to generate a second character string that is suitable for distribution to viewers; and encodes at least a first portion of the second character string as a third closed-caption data packet to include in the second video frame.

Abstract: A versatile subject bed for use with one or more test subjects that is configured to keep the subjects sedated throughout either a surgical procedure or imaging process. In embodiments, the subject bed can include interchangeable manifolds allowing the platform to hold up to four subjects at the same time. The interchangeable manifolds can include configurations designed to provide for a single subject, two subjects or four subjects. The four-subject manifold can include an elevated platform that holds two subject side by side and allows the subjects to be stacked during imaging or other procedures. The subject bed can also incorporate an integrated anesthesia channel. Various embodiments include a docking mechanism for easy connection of anesthesia to the platform, as well as an adapter for fitting smaller or multiple subjects simultaneously within the subject bed.

Abstract: Method of forming a protective hard mask layer on a substrate in a semiconductor etch process, comprising the step of applying by solution deposition on the substrate a solution or colloidal dispersion of an alumina polymer, said solution or dispersion being obtained by hydrolysis and condensation of monomers of at least one aluminium oxide precursor in a solvent or a solvent mixture in the presence of water and a catalyst. The invention can be used for making a hard mask in a TSV process to form a high aspect ratio via a structure on a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Method of forming a protective hard mask layer on a substrate in a semiconductor etch process, comprising the step of applying by solution deposition on the substrate a solution or colloidal dispersion of an alumina polymer, said solution or dispersion being obtained by hydrolysis and condensation of monomers of at least one aluminium oxide precursor in a solvent or a solvent mixture in the presence of water and a catalyst. The invention can be used for making a hard mask in a TSV process to form a high aspect ratio via a structure on a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Method of forming a protective hard mask layer on a substrate in a semiconductor etch process, comprising the step of applying by solution deposition on the substrate a solution or colloidal dispersion of an alumina polymer, said solution or dispersion being obtained by hydrolysis and condensation of monomers of at least one aluminum oxide precursor in a solvent or a solvent mixture in the presence of water and a catalyst. The invention can be used for making a hard mask in a TSV process to form a high aspect ratio via a structure on a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Method of forming a protective hard mask layer on a substrate in a semiconductor etch process, comprising the step of applying by solution deposition on the substrate a solution or colloidal dispersion of an alumina polymer, said solution or dispersion being obtained by hydrolysis and condensation of monomers of at least one aluminium oxide precursor in a solvent or a solvent mixture in the presence of water and a catalyst. The invention can be used for making a hard mask in a TSV process to form a high aspect ratio via a structure on a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A top access leveler assembly for leveling a table by use of a pedestal guide barrel, a leveling adjustment screw, and an adjustment driver. The leveling adjustment screw has a lower end with a foot pad and an upper end that can be rotated by the use of an adjustment driver. The adjustment driver is positioned within a cavity of the pedestal guide barrel and is further operated by a knob guide barrel that employs the use of alignment channels to allow the knob guide barrel to be twisted into a position where a spring biases the knob upward to allow ease of rotation. Once the knob is raised, the leveling adjustment screw is accessed from the top wherein the alignment channels allow rotation of the adjustment driver in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction for use in extending the foot pad beneath the base of the table. The alignment guides further allow for the depressing of the guide barrel into the cavity and with a slight rotation places the guide barrel in a recessed position when not in use.

Abstract: A top access leveler assembly for leveling a table by use of a pedestal guide barrel, a leveling adjustment screw, and an adjustment driver. The leveling adjustment screw has a lower end with a foot pad and an upper end that can be rotated by the use of an adjustment driver. The adjustment driver is positioned within a cavity of the pedestal guide barrel and is further operated by a knob guide barrel that employs the use of alignment channels to allow the knob guide barrel to be twisted into a position where a spring biases the knob upward to allow ease of rotation. Once the knob is raised, the leveling adjustment screw is accessed from the top wherein the alignment channels allow rotation of the adjustment driver in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction for use in extending the foot pad beneath the base of the table. The alignment guides further allow for the depressing of the guide barrel into the cavity and with a slight rotation places the guide barrel in a recessed position when not in use.

Abstract: A method of forming a low dielectric constant structure. The method comprises providing at a first temperature a dielectric material having a first dielectric constant and a first elastic modulus, and curing the dielectric material by a thermal curing process, in which the material is heated to a second temperature by increasing the temperature at an average rate of at least 1° C. per second. As a result a densified, dielectric material is obtained which has a low dielectric constant.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device is provided having a substrate and areas of electrically insulating and electrically conductive material, where the electrically insulating material is a hybrid organic-inorganic material that requires no or minimal CMP and which can withstand subsequent processing steps at temperatures of 450° C. or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-catalytic process for reducing NOx concentrations in the regenerator off-gas stream of a fluid catalytic cracking unit. More particularly, the present invention relates to the injection of a reducing agent in combination with a readily-oxidizable gas into a regenerator off-gas stream to reduce at least a portion of the NO in the regenerator off-gas stream, then contacting the regenerator off-gas stream with an effective amount of a treating solution under conditions such that at least a fraction of the oxidizable NOx species present in the regenerator off-gas stream is oxidized to higher oxides, and subsequently removing at least a fraction of these higher oxides from the off-gas stream. One embodiment of this invention also relates to the use of a reacted caustic solution from a wet gas scrubber for the removal of at least a fraction of the higher oxides.

Abstract: A non-catalytic process for NOx concentrations in process streams wherein a reducing agent and a readily-oxidizable gas are injected into a NOx-containing process stream to reduce the concentration of the NOx-containing process stream while minimizing the carryover of the unreacted reducing agent.

Abstract: An imaging system for imaging an object. The imaging system includes a support member adapted to receive the object in an immobilized state. The system also includes first means for imaging the immobilized object in a first imaging mode to capture a first image, and second means for imaging the immobilized object in a second imaging mode, different from the first imaging mode, to capture a second image. The first imaging mode is selected from the group: x-ray mode and radio isotopic mode. The second imaging mode is selected from the group: bright-field mode and dark-field mode. A removable phosphor screen is employed when the first image is captured and not employed when the second image is captured. The phosphor screen is adapted to transduce ionizing radiation to visible light. The phosphor screen is adapted to be removable without moving the immobilized object. The system can further include means for generating a third image comprised of the first and second image.

Abstract: A method of forming a low dielectric constant structure. The method comprises providing at a first temperature a dielectric material having a first dielectric constant and a first elastic modulus, and curing the dielectric material by a thermal curing process, in which the material is heated to a second temperature by increasing the temperature at an average rate of at least 1° C. per second. As a result a densified, dielectric material is obtained which has a low dielectric constant.