Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate automatic convergence and geometry alignment in projection systems. Preferably, an optical element such as a lens array is coupled to all areas of the projection system's screen and to a detector element such as a photocell array. In operation, each lens of the lens array is adapted to map an individual portion or region of the screen onto the photocell array. A microprocessor, controller or the like uses the data output from the photocells to instruct an alignment controller to center or steer the beams to compensate for convergence error at a particular location. In a center alignment mode, four (4) or more beacon dots located about the periphery of the screen are detected to determine screen size and position, which is used to center the video image and the centers of the mapped regions on the screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate automatic convergence and geometry alignment in projection systems such as a PTV. The automatic convergence system (ACS) preferably includes a CCD camera mounted inside the PTV and focused on the entire inside of a projection screen Fresnel lens. Alternatively, the ACS may include a deployable reflective sheet, preferably in the form of a roll up screen. In operation, signals from the CCD camera corresponding to test patterns projected onto the Fresnel lens or reflective sheet are analyzed and used to align, center or steer raster patterns to compensate for convergence error at a particular location. In a convergence mode, the video is blanked and then successive monochrome video test patterns are projected on the screen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compound which is [b]-fused bicyclic proline derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound or the salt thereof, and methods of treating diseases, including, but not limited to, methods of preventing or inhibiting joint cartilage damage and preventing or treating diseases characterized by joint cartilage damage, joint inflammation, or joint pain. The [b]-fused bicyclic proline derivatives are compounds of Formula I as described above. Diseases characterized by joint cartilage damage or joint pain include, for example, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is also characterized by joint inflammation. This invention also relates to methods of synthesizing and preparing the [b]-fused bicyclic proline derivatives, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A head gasket assembly comprising a gasket body comprising a plurality of layers of gasket material a combustion aperture extending through said gasket body, the aperture defined by an inner periphery of the gasket, said periphery adapted to be fitted with a resilient seal element, and a resilient seal element disposed about the inner periphery of the aperture in the gasket body, said seal element being formed of a helically-wound metal wire or metal tube seal at least partially surrounded by a jacket having a flange protruding therefrom and engaging the gasket body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus keeps track of ingestible objects (such as pills or food items) ingested by humans or animals. The objects are supplied with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags encoding data describing the objects. The humans or animals ingesting the objects are equipped with RFID sensors for detecting, decoding, and archiving the data encoded in the tags. A user may scan the body of the human or animal subject with a sensor to determine if a tagged object has been ingested. The tags may be covered with substances or contain elements that dissolve upon entering a digestive system. This allows detection of ingestion and also allows the RFID tag encoding to change in the course of digestion.

Abstract: cis-Jasmone has been discovered to be useful as a semiochemical that changes the behaviour of insects and/or the physiology of plants. It has direct signalling roles with plant-feeding aphids, in attraction of aphid predators and parasitoids, and may act as an airborne signal inducing production of volatile plant semiochemicals, including the monoterpene (E)-?-ocimene, that stimulate foraging by parasitoids. It is an extremely benign compound having, to human beings, a pleasant aroma and gives a long-lasting effect after removal of the stimulus.

Abstract: An oil lubrication and control system, for an engine having cylinder deactivation switching lifters operated at the pressure of the full oil system, is provided with an auxiliary pressure relief valve which opens to control maximum oil pressure in the system whenever the engine speed and temperature conditions lie beyond the ability of the oil pump pressure control unit to maintain the maximum pressure limit. Addition of the auxiliary pressure relief valve allows extended operation of the switching lifters, which are limited by their construction to operation below a prescribed pressure limit. In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary pressure relief valve is mounted in the engine crankcase in a bore connected directly with the main oil gallery to provide mounting and actuation of the auxiliary pressure relief valve with a minimum of modifications to the engine oil system design.

Abstract: A child barrier for installation in a passage or the like comprises a frame with two side portions (4) which, in use, are positioned adjacent the walls of the passage, each side portion (4) carrying one or more vertically spaced abutment members (20) for engagement with an adjacent wall. The abutment members on at least one of the side portions is connected thereto by an adjustment mechanism, each adjustment mechanism comprising an elongate threaded member (18), one end of which is connected to the associated abutment member (20) and the other end of which is longitudinally slidably received in the associated side portion. Each adjustment mechanism also includes an adjustment member (24) in screw threaded engagement with the threaded member (18).

Abstract: A multipressure plenum system for supporting a conveyor belt of a gas supported belt conveyor and method of operation. The multipressure plenum system includes a multipressure plenum having a support surface including a plurality of apertures and a chamber in fluid communication with the apertures. The chamber of the plenum is in selective fluid communication with a first source of gas at a first pressure, and is in selective fluid communication with a second source of gas at a second pressure. Gas from the first source of gas at the first pressure flows through the apertures in the plenum to form a gas cushion which supports the conveyor belt above the plenum. Gas from the second source of gas at the second pressure selectively flows through the apertures in the plenum to provide additional support to the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A safety gate assembly includes a generally U-shaped frame (3), which may be secured across a door opening, stairway or the like, and a gate (8), one side of which is connected by one or more pivotal connections (4, 7) to one side of the frame (3) to permit pivotal movement of the gate with respect to the frame about a pivotal axis and the other side of which carries a projecting latch member (9), which cooperates with a latch (1) connected to the other side of the frame. The latch (1) defines an entry (32) for the latch member and a locking position (36), in which pivotal movement of the gate (8) is prevented. The pivotal connections (4, 7) are constructed to permit linear movement of the gate relative to the frame (3) in the direction parallel to the pivotal axis.

Abstract: The invention provides a polishing disk comprising (a) a body comprising a front surface, a back surface, and a peripheral surface, (b) a polishing surface, (c) an end-point detection port extending through the body from the front surface to the back surface, and (d) a drainage channel in fluid communication with the end-point detection port. The invention further provides a method of preparing such a polishing disk and a method of polishing a substrate with such a polishing disk.

Abstract: cis-Jasmone has been discovered to be useful as a semiochemical that changes the behaviour of insects and/or the physiology of plants. It has direct signalling roles with plant-feeding aphids, in attraction of aphid predators and parasitoids, and may act as an airborne signal inducing production of volatile plant semiochemicals, including the monoterpene (E)-&bgr;-ocimene, that stimulate foraging by parasitoids. It is an extremely benign compound having, to human beings, a pleasant aroma and gives a long-lasting effect after removal of the stimulus.

Abstract: The invention provides a polishing disk comprising (a) a body comprising a front surface, a back surface, and a peripheral surface, (b) a polishing surface, (c) an end-point detection port extending through the body from the front surface to the back surface, and (d) a drainage channel in fluid communication with the end-point detection port. The invention further provides a method of preparing such a polishing disk and a method of polishing a substrate with such a polishing disk.

Abstract: A portable, sequential air sampler having an easily transportable housing containing therein a plurality of interrelated components which allow the air sampler to operate by either battery or "line" power as well as maintain the flow rate through the sampling media substantially constant. The components include a vacuum pump and rotary valve which are capable of sequentially drawing air through the sampling media. In addition, a flow rate control system is operably connected to the vacuum pump in order to maintain the substantially constant flow rate through the sampling media. The air sampler can vary initiation of the sampling operation from 1-999 minutes while varying the sequence of sampling from 1-99 minutes, and, yet, maintai substantially constant air flow throughout the air sampling procedure.