Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a photomask (1), which has the following steps: provision of a mask blank with a substrate (1a) and a masking layer (1b) applied thereto; whole-area resist-coating of the mask blank with a photoresist; performance of a raster scan exposure of the photoresist in accordance with a predetermined photomask pattern in a pattern region (MB), which is separated from an edge (1c) of the mask blank by a peripheral edge region (RB); performance of the raster scan exposure in at least one peripheral partial region of the edge region (RB), which adjoins the edge (1c) on one side; development of the exposed photoresist; etching of the masking layer (1b); and removal of the photoresist. The present invention also provides a corresponding photomask.

Abstract: Methods of the invention include fluorescence microscopy inspection of an imaged resist layer prior to any type of development processing. Preferred resists for use in the methods of the invention contain a component that facilitates monitoring of a resist coating layer, particularly a component that can function as a proton acceptor and have a change in fluorescence upon exposure to radiation reemployed to pattern an image in the resist coating layer.

Abstract: Methods of correcting for overlay error, wherein the methods account for relative offset across the field of exposures of more than one photolithography projection system, as well as systems to perform the methods and apparatus produced therefrom. The methods include defining at least two zones within a field of a mask having substantially similar overlay error values. The methods further include modifying the coordinates of a feature of the mask in response to a correction for the zone to which the feature is mapped, where the correction corresponds to a nominal overlay error value for that zone.

Abstract: A toner showing a high transferability and suitable for use in cleanerless image forming system is formed of toner particles comprising at least a binder resin and magnetic iron oxide. The toner is characterized by a specific circularity distribution relative to its weight-average particle size and a controlled degree of surface-exposed magnetic iron oxide providing an extract solution with hydrochloric acid showing an absorbance of 1.0-2.5 at a wavelength of 340 nm. The toner is suitably produced by a production system including a rotary mechanical pulverizer and a one-pass surface treatment apparatus for continuously applying a mechanical impact force to pulverized toner particles therein.

Abstract: The present invention is to a method of producing a high resolution image on an electrostatic printer by (a) providing an electrostatic printer having at least five toner fountains; (b) providing a set of at least five liquid toners each having a desired color, the set comprising at least one reduced density toner and at least one dark toner, where the reduced density toner is either white or has the same color, but a lower color density, as at least one other toner in the set, and the dark toner is either black or has the same color but a higher color density as at least one other toner in the set; (c) forming an electrostatic image on a substrate that corresponds to that portion of a final image that is formed from one of the toner colors; (d) developing the electrostatic image with the appropriate color toner; and (e) forming the final image by repeating (b) and (c) for each color toner.

Abstract: A toner for developing a latent electrostatic image to a toner image, including a binder resin, and a magnetic material which is blackened by coating the surface of a magnetic powder with a coloring agent, the magnetic material being in an amount of 10 wt. % to 40 wt. % of the entire weight of the toner, a method of forming an image, using a two-component developer containing the toner, an image formation apparatus using the two-component developer, and a toner container containing therein the toner, and an image formation apparatus equipped with the toner container are proposed.

Abstract: An electrophotographic color toner which can be used in a photofixing system, and is capable of realizing color toner images with good color toner fixability and vivid color tones. In addition to a binder resin, the electrophotographic color toner contains, as a colorant, a pigment having a contrast ratio within a range from 10 to 50%, as measured according to the hiding-chart test method defined in Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K5101, at least 50% of the total volume of the pigment being made up of pigment particles having a ferre equivalent circle diameter of 0.3 &mgr;m or larger.

Abstract: The toner comprises a white color toner particle and an external additive containing a hydrophobic titanium oxide particle. The absolute charge value of the toner is 20 to 50 &mgr;c/g. The developer contains a white color toner particle and a carrier having a surface coated with a resin containing a fluororesin.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming method is disclosed. The method comprises forming a latent image on a static image carrier, developing the static image by a developer containing a toner, transferring the toner image onto another image carrier, transferring the toner image on the image carrier onto an image forming support, and fixing the toner image transferred on the image forming support, and the toner has a variation coefficient of the shape coefficient of not more than 16% and a number variation coefficient of the particle diameter distribution in number of not more than 27%, and the other image carrier is a cylindrical member having an electrode contacting to the interior surface thereof.

Abstract: An electrophotographic transfer sheet having a coating layer on at least one surface of a base material made of pulp fibers as a main body is provided. The elongation of the sheet in the cross direction when the humidity is changed from 25% RH to 90% RH at 20° C. is not higher than about 0.65% and the water content of the sheet at opening its package as measured according to JIS P8127 is approximately in the range from 3.5 to 6.5%. A method of forming a color image using color toners each containing a polyester binder resin having Mn in the range of from about 1,000 to 9,000 and using the above-described electrophotographic transfer sheet is also provided.

Abstract: Novel photoresists containing at least about 0.2 molar ratio of a base with respect to the concentration of a photoacid generator present and their preparation are described. It has been discovered that inclusion of a sufficient amount of base counteracts the detrimental effects of photoacid generators, thus providing resists having submicron linewidth resolution.

Abstract: New photoresists are provides that are suitable for short wavelength imaging, particularly sub-170 nm such as 157 nm. Resists of the invention comprise a fluorine-containing polymer, a photoactive component, and a solvent component. Preferred solvents for use on the resists of the invention can maintain the resist components in solution and include one or more preferably two or more (i.e. blends) of solvents. In particularly preferred solvent blends of the invention, each blend member evaporates at substantially equal rates, whereby the resist composition maintains a substantially constant concentration of each blend member.

Abstract: A photosensitive constituent for a flexographic printing plate comprising a polyester film as support (B) and a photosensitive elastomer composition (C) and having an adhesive layer (A) therebetween, wherein the photosensitive elastomer composition (C) comprises, as essential components, (a) 50% by weight or more of at least one thermoplastic elastomer comprising the reaction product of a mono-vinyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon monomer and a conjugated diene monomer, (b) 5 to 40% by weight of at least one diene-based liquid rubber, (c) 1 to 20% by weight of at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound having 2 unsaturated bonds within its molecule, and (d) 0.1 to 3% by weight of at least one photopolymerization initiator, and wherein (1) the thermoplastic elastomer has an average ratio of vinyl bond units in conjugated diene segments thereof of 10 to 20 mol % and (2) the liquid rubber has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 500 to 5,000 and an average ratio of vinyl bond units of 50 to 70 mol %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation-sensitive resin composition for spacer is a copolymer comprising derivative units, an addition polymerizable monomer having at least one ethylenically unsaturated double bond, radiation-sensitive initiator and solvent, wherein said copolymer comprising (a1) 5 wt %-50 wt % of unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer derivative unit; (a2) 10 wt %-70 wt % of epoxy-containing unsaturated monomer derivative unit; and (a3) 0 wt %-70 wt % of copolymerizable unsaturated monomer derivative unit other than the above monomer derivative units (a1) and (a2). The content of said copolymer [A] which has a molecular weight of 800-7,000 and which has a molecular weight of greater than 70,000 are determined to account for 10 wt %-23 wt % and less than 5 wt %, respectively, based on the total weight of said copolymer[A].

Abstract: This patent describes a lithographic printing plate comprising on a substrate a semisolid radiation-sensitive layer capable of hardening upon exposure to a suitable radiation, and a method of imaging such a plate using laser radiation. The utilization of a semisolid radiation-sensitive layer allows faster photospeed and better curing efficiency as desired for digital laser exposure. Several plate designs can be utilized to overcome the tackiness issue associated with the semisolid layer, such as conformally coating the radiation-sensitive layer on a rough substrate and utilizing an overcoat. Plates having an ink and/or fountain solution soluble or dispersible semisolid radiation-sensitive layer can be directly developed with ink and/or fountain solution while mounted on press, with the imagewise laser exposure being carried out on press or off press.

Abstract: Provided is a photosensitive conductive paste that is unlikely to gel, has superior storage stability and adhesion to a substrate, and can be formed into a fine and thick pattern. In a photosensitive conductive paste containing a powdered base metal, an organic binder having acidic groups and a photosensitive organic component, a powdered base metal processed by surface oxidation treatment and a material such as a polyvalent alcohol having at least four hydroxyls, which forms microgels by reaction with metal hydroxides present on the surface of the powdered base metal, is used.

Abstract: The magnetic tape recording head of the present invention is formed with magnetic poles that are comprised of a laminated NiFeN/FeN structure. The method for fabricating the magnetic poles utilizes an additive photolithographic technique including a bilayer liftoff resist. In this fabrication method magnetic pole trenches are formed in the bilayer liftoff resist such that an undercut exists in the liftoff layer. Thereafter, the laminated NiFeN/FeN structure is sputter deposited into the trench, followed by the wet chemical removal of the bilayer resist.

Abstract: A method for producing a self-supporting electron-optical transparent structure that includes multi-layer strips and recesses located between the multi-layer strips. The method includes applying a first layer to a second layer, presetting a pattern by exposing or irradiating the first layer and etching the pattern out of the first layer so that partial areas of the second layer are uncovered. The method further includes galvanically applying layers to the uncovered partial areas of the second layer so that multi-layer strips are formed thereon and an electron-optical transparent structure is formed and removing the electron-optical transparent structure off the second layer.

Abstract: A process of silylation of object surfaces using a mixture of a silylation agent in admixture with an inert liquified gas, such as carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline developing system for alkaline-developable lithographic printing plates and a method for its use are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of recording different identifiers, each including at least one character, on multiple plate-type members, involves the use of a photomask of a first type and at least two photomasks of a second type. The photomask of the first type has an opaque pattern that defines a blank region to write the identifier thereon. Each of the photomasks of the second type has an opaque pattern defining the at least one character. The method further includes the steps of forming a photoresist layer on the surface of one of the plate-type members, exposing the photoresist layer, except the blank region, to a radiation through the photomask of the first type, and forming a latent image of the at least one character in the blank region through at least one of the photomasks of the second type.

Abstract: The invention provides black and white silver halide material for optical contact copying, comprising: at least one photographic emulsion layer including a silver-halide-containing matrix in which the matrix includes a polymer and a hydrophilic binder, wherein the ratio of the weight of silver in the emulsion layer to the weight of polymer in the emulsion layer per unit area is less than 2.0. The photographic material is suitable for use in optical contact copying providing reduced contact gain compared to that provided by conventional photographic material.

Abstract: Device (10) and method to optimize the combustion of hydrocarbons able to be used as fuel and mixed with air containing oxygen, said device (10) comprising means (20, 23) to generate a magnetic field, advantageously of the pulsating type, in correspondence with a fuel feed pipe (13).

Abstract: A flame-retardant wick holder for a candle is made of a material having a UL-94 vertical burn test rating of at least V-0, including polymers and ceramics. The wick holder supports a wick at the bottom of a candle. The wick holder material causes the flame on the wick to extinguish when it reaches the holder, thereby preventing flashover of the residual candle fuel at the end of the candle useful life. One version of the holder includes a barrier extending upwardly around the holder for catching a drooping wick from causing secondary wicking and possible flashover near the end of the candle useful life.

Abstract: A continuously operating ultra-stable flare pilot for igniting a flammable fluid discharged from the open end of a flare stack and methods are provided. The flare pilot basically comprises a fuel-air mixture inlet conduit, a fuel-air mixture discharge nozzle attached to the fuel-air mixture inlet conduit and a wind shield having a lower end attached to the fuel-air mixture discharge nozzle or the fuel-air mixture inlet conduit. The wind shield has an open upper end which includes an upstanding wall portion facing the open end of the flare stack and the wind shield includes an outwardly extending wind capturing baffle attached to each of the opposite sides of the wind shield positioned substantially around openings in the wind shield through which captured wind can flow into the interior of the wind shield.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an outdoor lamp with an adjustable wick. The fluid fuel is contained within a canister that is positioned within a conventional lamp holder. Within the cover of the lamp holder is a grooved rotating wheel that is in contact with the wick. A support shaft is connected to the rotating wheel and extends outside of the cover. Rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the wheel, whereby the wick is moved up and down to change the amount of the wick that is within the reservoir of the fluid fuel.

Abstract: A light-emitting handpiece for curing light-curable dental resins and similar materials. In general appearance, the handpiece is designed to resemble a conventional dental drill. Preferably, the handpiece comprises a housing defining a tubular handle portion that is adapted to contain a power pack for energizing an LED light source, a head portion for supporting an LED in a position to project radiation outwardly therefrom; and (iii) a neck portion that serves to interconnect the head and handle portions. Preferably, at least the head and neck portions of the housing are integrally formed from a common, thermally conductive material, preferably aluminum. In use, the head and neck portions of the handpiece housing operate to provide a heat sink for the LED. Circuitry within the handpiece housing operates to prevent overheating of the housing and the LED source.

Abstract: An articulator for positioning a pair of dental casts relative to each other, the articulator comprising a pair of members adapted to being connected to each other for pivotal movement relative to each other, each member comprising a central portion having a ball connected to the central portion by a spline, the ball being expandable for securing the ball within a mounting.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the presence and growth of microorganisms and biofilms in water lines is provided. The systems include, for example, a valved, multi-port control manifold for accepting inlet water to be treated and a filter for (1) reducing particulate physical matter, (2) further reducing particulate matter while also reducing the content of absorbable organics, and (3) physically removing microorganisms.

Abstract: A guide sleeve device for use in insertion of a dental injection needle into a perforation in a cortical bone of a dental patient. A holding member includes a finger grip part and a funnel part. The funnel part opening includes a conical portion within the funnel part flared portion and a cylindrical portion within the funnel part cylindrical portion. A guide sleeve includes a flared part and a tubular part and has an opening through it with a conical portion within the guide sleeve flared part and a cylindrical portion within the guide sleeve tubular part. The guide sleeve is within the funnel part opening with the guide sleeve flared part within the conical portion of the funnel part opening and with the guide sleeve tubular part within the cylindrical portion of the funnel part opening. A retainer retains the guide sleeve within the holding member funnel part opening.

Abstract: A removable analog includes an analog pin having a tapered end and a location boss on the other end. A threaded tap is formed in the other end thereof. At least one flat surface is formed on a length of the analog pin to prevent rotation. At least one groove may also be formed on a length of the analog pin to prevent rotation. A second embodiment of the removable analog includes the analog pin and a sleeve. The sleeve has an internal contour which is sized to slidably receive the analog pin. One end of the sleeve has a tapered end and the other end is sized to receive the analog pin. At least one projection is formed on an exterior surface of the sleeve to prevent removal from a dental model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new dental implant that includes a generally cylindrical section and a tapered section. The implant has a thread making a plurality of turns around the exterior surface. The implant is installed into a bore that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered portion. The dimensions of the cylindrical section and the tapered section of the implant are at least the dimensions of the generally cylindrical portion and the tapered portion of the bore, respectively. The bore is preferably shaped by a shaping drill that has a profile that generally mimics the profile of the implant. The female threads are preferably developed through a compression tap or a series of compression taps that cause the bone tissue defining the female threads to have increased density.

Abstract: A teeth whitening system including a thermally conductive mouthpiece that carries a teeth whitening agent and that is connected to a thermally-chargeable heat sink. The system controls the flow of thermal energy from the heat sink in order to provide thermal activation of whitening agent. The system may include a catalytically-enhanced teeth whitening device for receiving the whitening agent and promoting enhanced teeth whitening by the whitening agent. The teeth whitening device may be used with or without the application of supplemental heat or light for further augmenting whitening reactions of the whitening agent. The teeth whitening device may include a substrate that may be fabricated from a catalytic agent useful for enhancing tooth whitening by the teeth whitening agent. Alternatively, the substrate may be covered, coated, impregnated or otherwise contacted by a catalytic agent in an amount effective to enhance tooth whitening by the teeth whitening agent.

Abstract: A dentist advisor system includes signaling apparatus by which a patient can non-verbally advise a dentist to interrupt or terminate a dental procedure being performed by the dentist positioned on one side of the patient, and a selected tactile surface selectively operatively associating the signaling apparatus with the hand of the patient on the side of the patient opposite the dentist. Thus the patient's associated selected hand is opposite the dentist during performance of the procedure, and thus use thereof does not interfere with the dentist.

Abstract: A plate or other utilitarian object for generating conversations is provided comprising a substantially flat central portion for holding on object and a raised side surface positioned coaxially with the substantially flat central portion. A circular perforation is formed coaxially with the substantially flat central portion and the raised side surface and is positioned at a border between the substantially flat central portion and the raised side surface. A plurality of axial perforations are formed in the raised side surface extending along an entire width thereof from the circular perforation to an outer edge of the raised side surface. Each adjacent pair of the plurality of axial perforations and a corresponding portion of the circular perforation defines a selectively removable tab, the selectively removable tab including text material thereon. The text material preferably comprises an open-ended opinion-evoking statement.

Abstract: A method of analyzing an author's work, including reading a text file, generating an analysis model from the text file and storing the analysis model. The text file may be a poem, the poem containing ASCII text. The analysis model is a linked data structure. The linked data structure includes n-gram data structures, the n-gram structures including combinations of 1-gram data structures, bigram data structures, trigram data structures and quadrigram data structures.

Abstract: A portable speech therapy device that enables postoperative cancer patients to practice voice exercises without direct supervision by activating a series of colored indicator lights in predetermined patterns associated with push-button actuation switches. The patient is initially taught to make a certain sound when an associated indicator light is turned on, and then allowed to practice with the device at home. The sequences associated with each actuation switch are made progressively more challenging as the patient masters the sequences associated with each switch (e.g., progressively shorter time periods allowed response, progressively greater number of prompts, or different patterns in which the colored indicators are turned on). The device is field programmable to allow the doctor to tailor sequences to correspond with a patient's recovery progress.

Abstract: A method of teaching an individual to program their mind to follow a voluntary personal behavior plan that helps to achieve a predetermined goal. Provides a set of rules (3) and techniques (7) that the individual uses to select and follow a personal behavior plan. Instructs the individual to make a promise (4, 5) to follow the selected behavior plan. A means of incentive (3, 6) is provided for the individual to keep the promise that helps them withstand considerable temptations to do otherwise. Whereby, when the individual makes the promise to follow the behavior plan, they can reach and maintain a state of mind in which they fully intend to follow the plan, which programs or alters activities of their mind and body to help succeed in following the plan and reach the predetermined goal (18).

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a plurality of color-coded cards and representing four personality styles and a set of two cards representing the Extraversion-Introversion scale of Carl Jung. On each set of two (2) cards, there is one that lists twenty (20) characteristics of the particular style associated with that card on a plurality of removable strips. The other card in the set of two (2) has a blank side to place the removable strips that characterize each participant. On the reverse side of this card is printed the workplace environment that most appeals to a person of this particular style. Each card has a place for a simple score, (i.e. a simple sum of the characteristics chosen). The color-coded cards are ordered numerically. The Extravert-Introvert (E-I) card is also scored. Participants are asked to place color-coded dots representing each participant's particular order of styles on their nametags.

Abstract: A portable, interactive electronic training device for prompting a trainee on the proper sequence of steps for performing CPR, using a defibrillator and performing CPR in conjunction with the use of a defibrillator. The device simulates the obtaining of direct information about a patient's condition, such as ECG data collected directly from the patient. The device receives information pertinent to the treatment of the patient indirectly through an operator of the device. The device prompts a trainee on the medically appropriate action such as a defibrillation shock in response to the indirect and direct information. Indirect information is obtained through information processing means that includes means for prompting the operator of the device and means for receiving the operator's responses thereto. Prompts may include both questions and instructions, and in one embodiment the information processing means obtains the assent of the operator before causing the defibrillation shock.

Abstract: A system and method of remotely accessing an educational course comprised of a plurality of educational modules stored in a database server is provided that allow a user to download an educational module into a handheld device, such as a Palm Pilot™. The educational modules are downloaded at a time when the user can establish a communication link with the database server that contains the educational modules. Because the educational modules are downloaded into memory of the handheld device, the educational modules can be read at a time that is convenient to the user without having to establish a communication link with the database server.

Abstract: A system provides educational instruction to a student over a network. The system includes an education service provider in communication with the computer network and a teacher database containing teacher information relevant to a plurality of teachers. The system may further include a student database containing student information relevant to at least one student. The education service provider is capable of providing a lesson track to the at least one student, the lesson track being produced based upon the teacher information and the student information.

Abstract: A scoring method and a scoring system perform scoring quickly and accurately, and summarize and sort the scores into statistic data readily. The scoring method includes the steps of collecting answer data concerning answers provided by a plurality of examinees in a test, collecting various attribute data of the examinees, determining which answer data corresponds to a correct answer, an incorrect answer, and no answer, and summarizing the various attribute data of the examinees by contents of the answer data.

Abstract: A tracing device having a closed housing including a transparent or translucent upper member with an outer planar surface. Transparent or translucent discs are mounted on the planar surface in spaced planar relationship, each having a different set of symbols. The discs may be rotated to expose selected symbols of each set into selected relationship with each other. A transparent or translucent cover is placed over the discs and supports a sheet of material upon which the selected symbols are traced.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method of cell selection and characterization that is related to a field known as cytometry. Further, the present invention relates to a method for testing human cancer cells sensitivity (or alternatively, cells resistance) to anti-cancer drugs, by using laser-based non-flow cytometry.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production by recombinant technology of enzymes having desired activity. The invention provides methods employing display vehicle technology allowing to select enzymes having desired catalytic activity. The invention provides a method for selecting an enzyme mutant with desired catalytic activity comprising displaying each of a multitude of mutants of said enzyme on the surface of a display vehicle comprising a nucleic acid encoding said mutant and selecting for a display vehicle carrying nucleic acid encoding an enzyme mutant having at least a site other than its catalytic site mutated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to purified and isolated human polypeptides having kinase function, the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, fragmented peptides derived from these polypeptides, the use of such polypeptides and fragmented peptides in phosphorylation reactions and as molecular weight markers, the use of such polypeptides and fragmented peptides as controls for peptide fragmentation, the use of such polypeptides in screening assays, and kits comprising these reagents.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and sensors for assaying components of fluid samples by measuring pressure changes. In particular, the invention provides methods to assay for components in fluids with or without the aid of enzymatic reactions. The invention also provides a modified sensor that has an immersible pressure monitor/gas-containing portion unit and is capable of detecting pressure changes with higher sensitivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for genotyping any HCV isolate present in a biological sample, previously identified as being HCV positive, and for classifying said isolate according to the percentage of homology with other HCV isolates, comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A microscale biosensor for use in the detection of target biological substances including molecules and cells is a microfluidic system with integrated electronics, inlet-outlet ports and interface schemes, high sensitivity detection of pathogen specificity, and processing of biological materials at semiconductor interfaces. A fabrication process includes an all top-side processing for the formation of fluidic channels, planar fluidic interface ports, integrated metal electrodes for impedance measurements, and a glass cover sealing the non-planar topography of the chip using spin-on-glass as an intermediate bonding layer. Detection sensitivity is enhanced by small fluid volumes, use of a low-conductivity buffer, and electrical magnitude or phase measurements over a range of frequencies.