Abstract: A inventive feeding mechanism continuously feeds and continuously subjects to shredding, cutting, recycling, sorting, or other processing, a load consisting of a mixture of different-thickness materials, such as a mixture of paper, compact disks (CDs), cassette tapes, videotapes, etc. The auto-adjusting feeding mechanism is useable in high-security destruction, food processing, recycling, sorting, processing, and other applications.

Abstract: For a joint performance of a dialogue between a human partner and a robot, the robot analyzes phrase and action of the partner to detect a recognized behavior of the partner and analyze a state of audience listening to utterances from the partner and the robot to detect a recognized state of the audience. A scenario describing the dialogue is stored in entries of a memory. The memory is successively referenced entry by entry and a check is made for a match between an utterance by the partner or the robot to a reaction from the audience. Responsive to a currently detected audience state, a corresponding robot behavior is determined. Preferably, possible partner's behaviors and expected audience states are mapped in a database to specified robot behaviors. The database is searched for a specified robot behavior corresponding to a currently sensed partner behavior or a currently sensed audience state.

Abstract: An antenna structure capable of determining the direction of a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag includes a wide-angle antenna disposed within an attenuator that has regions of low attenuation. The attenuator may include a metal plate with holes. In this case, the antenna only detects RFID tags that are aligned with a hole, and hence the direction of the RFID tag is detected. Multiple holes of different sizes can be provided. In this case, if the RFID tag is moving, the direction and speed of movement can be determined from the duration of received RFID signals. For example, a long period of RFID tag signal reception indicates that the tag passed in front of a large hole in the attenuator. The present invention is particularly well suited for use with conveyor belts and in applications where RFID tags move along known paths.

Abstract: A system and method automatically maps computer center rooms and locates data center components within computer centers. Radio triangulation is used to determine the locations and, optionally, orientation, of machines within a computer center.

Abstract: Increased protection of areas of a chip are provided by both a mask structure of increased robustness in regard to semiconductor manufacturing processes or which can be removed with increased selectivity and controllability in regard to underlying materials, or both. Mask structures are provided which exhibit an interface of a chemical reaction, grain or material type which can be exploited to enhance either or both types of protection. Structures of such masks include TERA material which can be converted or hydrated and selectively etched using a mixture of hydrogen fluoride and a hygroscopic acid or organic solvent, and two layer structures of similar or dissimilar materials.

Abstract: High throughput methods and kits for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping are provided. The methods involve utilizing nested PCR amplification reactions which produce sequencible and ligatible structures. An outer PCR primer set amplifies the SNP, and an inner PCR primer set amplifies a portion of the DNA amplified by the outer primer set, but does not amplify the SNP itself. The inner and outer primers may reaction include non-target common domain sequences, and the inner primer common domain sequences may comprise digestion restriction endonuclease recognition sites. The design of the inner primer set allows precise tailoring of the sequencible and ligatible structures with respect to length and base composition.

Abstract: A tool, called the Skills Matching Application (SMA), allows a user, such as a hiring manager, to communicate requirements to technical service suppliers in a way that significantly reduces the process time and improves the accuracy of requests sent to suppliers. The SMA is accessed from a Web-based Requisition/Catalog (REQ/CAT) Web application. A user who needs to request a technical contractor accesses the REQ/CAT Web application which brings the user to the SMA Web site. The SMA application, after requiring a password and profile (for first time access) to be entered, takes the user through a series of screens which prompts the user to enter a Statement of Work (SOW) and complete a skills detail checklist for each of the technical skills requested. Once the request is completed, it is submitted to contracted suppliers who are sent an e-mail notification notifying the supplier that a new request has been entered into the SMA application for them to review and submit a candidate against.

Abstract: In a motor case 1, recesses 8 are formed in inner surfaces of upper and bottom surface portions 2 and 3 (which are spaced from each other by a distance smaller than the distance between left and right side surface portions 4 and 5), thus reducing the thickness of these surface portions 2 and 3, thereby increasing a space for receiving a stator coil 10 as much as possible. Unlike a construction in which a stator coil is exposed through openings formed in a motor case, the stator coil is covered with the motor case, and therefore the motor is excellent in shielding performance and impact resistance. The motor case 1 has a square tubular shape, and can be formed by blanking, press-forging (for the purpose of forming the recesses) and bending a metal sheet, and the motor case can be produced at a low cost.

Abstract: A radiometer that incorporates multiple UV bandwidth sensors, defined in nanometers, and includes connectors for inserting a cable that is used to connect to another sensor, or to a data collection module (DCM) in a multidrop, or daisy-chain arrangement. Each sensor can be positioned at any point on a three-dimensional work piece, and will receive UV energy at the aperture having an optical component. The collected energy is directed to a detector in the sensor. A processor in the body of the sensor then computes the amount of UV radiation based on signals from the detector. This information is transferred to and stored in a data collection module to which the sensor string is connected. Data stored in the DCM can then be transferred to a computer for display purposes. The sensors and DCM can be tethered to the computer for real-time measurement readings when adjusting the UV lamps.

Abstract: Converting SQL databases to Enterprise JAVA Beans, when using conventional methods, has become a tedious, error-prone, time-consuming task. The invention, called BeanGrinder, automates the task so that a process hitherto taking days or weeks can be accomplished in matters of minutes. The user selects the databases to be converted, the tables for the resulting data, the target location, and the application server. Then, the user runs the BeanGrinder before running two batch command file programs to complete the task. The user is relieved of the need to write special conversion programs for every database to be converted.

Abstract: A cellular telephone set is capable of allowing release dial lock function by a child even when parent manages an identification number. A control portion of the cellular telephone set is responsive to input of identification number through a key operating portion after dial lock condition is established by dial lock means to make judgment whether the input identification number is a dial lock releasing number in a dial lock releasing number storage region. When the control portion makes judgment that the identification number is the dial lock releasing number, dial lock condition of a predetermined function preliminarily set in an identification number setting information storage region is released.

Abstract: Holey optical fibers (e.g. photonic fibers, random-hole fibers) are fabricated with quantum dots disposed in the holes. The quantum dots can provide light amplification and sensing functions, for example. When used for sensing, the dots will experience altered optical properties (e.g. altered fluorescence or absorption wavelength) in response to certain chemicals, biological elements, radiation, high energy particles, electrical or magnetic fields, or thermal/mechanical deformations. Since the dots are disposed in the holes, the dots interact with the evanescent field of core-confined light. Quantum dots can be damaged by high heat, and so typically cannot be embedded within conventional silica optical fibers. In the present invention, dots can be carried into the holes by a solvent at room temperature. The present invention also includes solid glass fibers made of low melting point materials (e.g. phosphate glass, lead oxide glass) with embedded quantum dots.