An apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting the presence of particles on the surface of an object such as the front side of a patterned semiconductor wafer. A vertically expanded, horizontally scanning, beam of light is directed onto an area on the surface of the object at a grazing angle of incidence. A video camera positioned above the surface detects light scattered from any particles which may be present on the surface, but not specularly reflected light. The surface is angularly prepositioned (rotated) relative to the incident light beam so that the diffracted light from the surface and the pattern of lines on the surface is at a minimum. The object is then moved translationally to expose another area to the incident light beam so that the entire surface of the object or selected portions thereof can be examined, an area at a time.

Particle detection method and apparatus

A system and method for tracking purchases in a location-based services system is disclosed wherein a request for information on a particular product is received from a consumer using a remote terminal. A geographically tailored response to the request is then generated with the location-based services system. At least one offer is then displayed to the consumer based on the geographically tailored response. An acceptance of a respective offer made by the consumer is then processed by the location-based services system and information is stored about the transaction in a usage data file or database.

Location-based services system

Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media in which the reading beam passes through a bonding layer configured with a reactive material that transforms from an optically transparent state to an optically opaque state after exposure to a predefined stimulus, thereby inhibiting access to the data encoded on the optically readable storage media. The method includes steps of synthesizing a blocked dye combining the blocked dye with a carrier material curing the resultant combination deblocking the dye to produce a reduced dye in the resultant bonding layer exposing the optically readable storage media with the reactive material in its bonding layer to a predetermined stimulus. In a further aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media wherein the reading light passes through the bonding layer and the data encoded information is encoded on the L1 substrate. In yet another aspect of the present invention methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable storage media with at least two mechanisms for limiting access to the encoded data of the optically readable storage media.

Limited play optical devices with interstitial reactive layer and methods of making same

Compounds of formula (I) are disclosed. Compounds according to the invention bind to and are agonists, antagonists or inverse agonists of the CB2 receptor, and are useful for treating inflammation. Those compounds which are agonists are additionally useful for treating pain.

Compounds which modulate the CB2 receptor

Disclosed are substituted indoles, pharmaceutical compositions containing such indoles, and their use in treating or preventing PPAR-γ mediated diseases or conditions, such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Substituted indoles, pharmaceutical compounds containing such indoles and their use as PPAR-γ binding agents

Mono and bis substituted (arylsulfonyl)alkanes useful as color formers, particularly in carbonless duplicating and thermal marking systems, are prepared by the interaction of the appropriate aldehyde or dialdehyde with the appropriate aryl or heterocyclic moiety and the appropriate phenylsulfinic acid in the presence of a catalyst.

Novel compounds, processes and marking systems

This invention relates to spiro[isoindole-xanthene]-3- ones, spiro[phthalazine-xanthene]-4-ones, and xanthene-3- ones useful as color-forming substances, particularly in electrochromic recording systems, which are prepared by the interaction of a fluoran with a substituted or unsubstituted hydrazine.

Hydrazine derivatives of fluorans and use thereof in electrochromic recording systems

Dialkylamino-substituted 2-anilino-5'/6'-carboxyfluorans, 2-amino and substituted amino-5'/6'-carboxyfluorans, 1,3-dialkyl-5'/6'-carboxyfluorans, esterified dialkylamino-substituted 2-anilino-5'/6'-carboxyfluorans, 2-amino and substituted amino-5'/6'-carboxyfluorans, 1,3-dialkyl-5'/6'-carboxyfluorans and 3,3-(corresponding-substituted-diaryl)-5/6-carboxyphthalides useful as color formers, particularly in carbonless duplicating and thermal marking systems, are prepared by the interaction of 4/5-carboxy-2-(4-dialkylamino-subsituted-2-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoic acids and substituted diphenylamines to produce the phthalides which are then subjected to ring closure to produce the carboxyfluorans and by the interaction of 4/5-carboxy-2-(4-dialkylamino-substituted-2-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoic acids and substituted 4-hydroxyacetanilides or alkyl phenols which are esterified with alkyl halides or dialkyl sulfates.

Carbonless duplicating and marking systems

Novel 4-aryl- or heteroaryl-2,6-bis(heteroaryl) or [(substituted-amino) phenyl] pyridines which are useful as color formers in pressure-sensitive carbonless duplicating systems and thermal marking systems are prepared by reacting an aryl or heteroaryl methyl ketone with an aryl or heteroaryl aldehyde in the presence of ammonia or an ammonia-releasing agent.

Pyridine compounds, process for their preparation and systems containing them

3-[4-Disubstituted-amino)phenyl] or (9-julolidinyl)-3-(diphenylamino)phthalides useful as color formers in pressure-sensitive and thermal marking systems are prepared by reaction of 2-[4-disubstituted-amino)benzoyl] or (9-julolidinyl-carbonyl)benzoic acids with diphenylamines.

William M. Hung

Papers

Novel compounds, processes and marking systems

Hydrazine derivatives of fluorans and use thereof in electrochromic recording systems

Carbonless duplicating and marking systems

Pyridine compounds, process for their preparation and systems containing them

3-(9-Julolidinyl)-3-(diphenylamino)phthalides