Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method to allow a user to pre-screen numerous crystallization conditions in the crystallization space to identify those conditions with the highest probability of yielding crystals and high quality diffracting crystals. In one embodiment, the dilute solution thermodynamic virial coefficient, termed B, is used to aid in the determination crystallization conditions that increase the probability of producing crystals for the crystallant of interest. The present disclosure also provide methods for predicting solution conditions that generate beneficial solubility and/or stability conditions for a polypeptide of interest using the B parameter. Devices for use in the described methods are also described.

Abstract: A method for generating design requirements for has been developed. First, a framework is created for decomposing and categorizing organizational information into data elements that are stored in a data repository. A relationship is defined between the data elements and corresponding project information that is stored in the data repository. Next, a guided facilitation process is used to elicit objective information from the end-user regarding objectives for new technology. The requirements for the project are determined from the end-user based upon the specification information. This continues until informational needs have been specified and mapped with the corresponding data elements. Finally, a standards requirement document is generated and periodically updated using the mapped data elements from the data repository.

Abstract: A utility meter reading device with a global positioning system (GPS) functionality has been developed. The device includes a utility meter reading unit that reads usage data from a utility meter and GPS unit. The GPS unit collects locating coordinates of the utility meter while the meter reading unit collects the usage data.

Abstract: An improved power supply and platform for a military radio has been developed. The apparatus includes a base that is adapted and arranged for supporting a HARRIS 117 radio and a power amplifier adapted to amplify radio frequency output of the radio. The connectors include an electrical connector for the radio and a connector for the amplifier. A power supply is housed within the assembly. A power supply for the connector to the amplifier is also housed within the assembly. Also included is a wiring harness for a SINCGARS LS/671 device and a LED indicator to identify which radio is in operation for multiple radio configurations.

Abstract: A protective polymeric coating is applied to the surface of various objects which are to be exposed to a harsh environment. The protective polymeric coating covers the exposed surface, where the polymeric coating includes a polyimide polymer. The polyimide polymer in the polymeric coating has a backbone with at least one non-terminal phenyl group. A linkage is connected to the non-terminal phenyl group, where the linkage can be an amide linkage or an ester linkage. An oligomeric silsesquioxane compound is connected to the linkage through an organic substituent, where the oligomeric silsesquioxane is not incorporated into the polymer backbone. The polymeric coating provides protection to the underlying object.

Abstract: A reflective film includes a polymeric layer and a reflective component. The polymeric layer includes a polyimide polymer, where the polyimide polymer has a backbone with at least one non-terminal phenyl group. A linkage is connected to the non-terminal phenyl group, where the linkage can be an amide linkage or an ester linkage. An oligomeric silsesquioxane compound is connected to the linkage through an organic substituent, where the oligomeric silsesquioxane is not incorporated into the polymer backbone.

Abstract: At least two dumbbells are releasably connected to the axial ends of a barbell. The dumbbells include a dumbbell connector portion positioned axially on a weight of the dumbbell, and the barbell includes a barbell connector portion on the axial ends of the barbell. The dumbbell connector portion engages the barbell connector portion to connect the dumbbell to the barbell. The dumbbell connector portion can be received in a recess of the weight. The user selects two dumbbells of a desired weight and connects the barbell with the dumbbells. The device is then utilized for exercise.

Abstract: A calibration system for the receiver of a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The system includes a radar transmitter that transmits signals in horizontal and vertical polarizations and a radar receiver that receives the horizontal and vertical polarization signals. The system also includes a test signal generator that generates a continuous wave test signal. A calibration circuit for the radar receiver modifies the test signal to simulate weather conditions by adjusting the attenuation and Doppler phase shift of a continuous wave test signal.

Abstract: A lottery system/electronic gaming device interface and gambling game includes at least one detection device operative to detect selected event occurrences of an electronic gaming device and output event occurrence signals upon detection of an event or series of events occurring on an electronic gaming device and an interface device in information transmission connection with the detection device, the interface device operative to detect and receive event occurrence signals from the detection device, analyze and translate the event occurrence signals and output lottery entry dispensing commands. Finally, a lottery entry device is in information transmission connection with the interface device and in information transmission connection with a central lottery system, the lottery entry device operative to receive the lottery entry dispensing commands output by the interface device and output at least one entry ticket into a lottery event via and in connection with the central lottery system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides terminally activated monofunctional POZ derivatives having a range of functional active groups allowing conjugation of the monofunctional POZ derivatives to a variety of target molecules under a wide range of reaction conditions to produce a hydrolytically stable target molecule-POZ conjugate. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides novel methods of synthesis for the disclosed terminally activated monofunctional POZ derivatives and hydrolytically stable target molecule-POZ conjugates created using the disclosed terminally activated monofunctional POZ derivatives.

Abstract: A method is provided of recycling and cleaning up oil-based waste drilling mud and cuttings contaminated with oil-based waste drilling mud. A facility for performing the method is also provided. The method includes removing the coarse solids from the mud, breaking the emulsion, separating the hydrophobic phase from the water phase and the solid phase, vaporizing all residual oil and water from the solids, and burning off the vaporized oil. The method produces a solid “soil” product that is free from oil contamination, an oil product that is fit for reuse, and clean air emissions. A thermal desorber can be used to efficiently vaporize the oil at low temperature. Optionally the water fraction of the mud can be vaporized, solutes and salts can be captured as evaporite and then be mixed with the soil product. The method has the unique advantage of producing no persistent hazardous waste.

Abstract: A printing and dispensing bonusing system for gaming devices has been developed. The system includes a gaming device with a main processor unit containing that generates event signals according to the gaming logic, a signal transmission device that detects the event signals, and a peripheral device processor that receives the event signals from the signal transmission device. The peripheral device processing unit is isolated from the main processor unit and cannot influence the generation of the event signals.

Abstract: A method of providing an undisplayed outcome of an electronic device has been developed. First a wager is received from a player and an electronic outcome is generated. The outcome is not displayed to the player. A cashless payout is generated for the electronic outcome. The outcome is displayed according to the cashless payout.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for treatment and prevention of disease states characterized by a decreased 14-3-3 polypeptide expression or activity. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides methods for the treatment and/or prevention of Parkinson's disease, neurodegeneration and/or diseases characterized, at least in part, by neurodegeneration, by increasing a 14-3-3 polypeptide activity.

Abstract: A variable ratio power divider (VRPD) used for adjusting a calibration signal for a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The VRPD includes an input line that receives a calibration signal and splits the calibration signal into two separate test signals that have a 0° phase shift between them. The VRPD also includes a horizontal polarization output port for a horizontal calibration signal and a vertical polarization output port for a vertical calibration signal. A waveguide switch receives one of the test signals. If the waveguide switch is operating in a first position, it passes the test signal through a variable 0°-180° phase shifter. This evenly divides the power of the test signals between the horizontal and vertical output ports. If the waveguide switch is operating in a second position, it causes the test signal to bypass the phase shifter so that the entire power of the both test signals is directed entirely to either the horizontal phase output port or the vertical phase output port.