Abstract: An adjustable conveyor bed that is adjustable in length to span a gap between two devices of a conveyor system includes a primary section and a secondary section that is extendable and retractable relative to the primary section. The primary section has opposite primary sidewalls and a plurality of primary rollers mounted thereto. The primary rollers include a primary motorized roller and a plurality of primary idler rollers interconnected with one another via a plurality of drive members. The secondary section has opposite secondary sidewalls, with the secondary section sidewalls being nestedly received within the primary sidewalls and being adjustably mounted to the primary sidewalls and extendable and retractable relative to the primary sidewalls to adjust a length of the adjustable conveyor bed. The secondary section is configured to support at least one secondary roller when extended a sufficient amount from the primary section.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of an oral composition, said oral composition comprising from 5 to 60% by weight calcium carbonate as abrasive, said method characterised by the preparation of a slurry which comprises substantially all of the ingredients present in said oral composition followed by the addition of a thickening mixture to form said oral composition.

Abstract: A method and system for performing quality control checks upon weather data are provided. The weather data includes information pertaining to a plurality of weather parameters. The quality control checks may identify inaccurate weather parameters or be used to rank weather data sets. The quality control checks include hourly, daily, and forecast quality control checks performed upon hourly, daily, and forecast weather parameter data. The method and system may exclude the inaccurate weather parameters identified from a reasonable weather database. The method and system may determine reasonable or approximate weather parameters that approximate the actual weather parameters. The system may rank a plurality of weather data sets based upon the accuracy determination. The reasonable weather data or the weather data ranked as the most accurate may be used to calculate energy or cost savings for building energy conservation measures.

Abstract: A safety interlock system for a flow control apparatus is disclosed that permits operation when a magnet-less administration feeding set is properly mounted to recess formed along the housing of the flow control apparatus. The administration feeding set comprises flexible patient tubing having a support member at one end and a mounting member including a magnetically-susceptible metallic component at the other end thereof. A sensing arrangement is provided by the flow control apparatus for sensing the proper engagement of the metallic component to the recess of the flow control apparatus. A control means permits operation of the flow control apparatus when the metallic member is properly engaged to recess, while terminating operation when the metallic member is improperly engaged to recess.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus adapted to load a re-certification feeding set is disclosed. The flow control apparatus comprises a sensor for sensing the loading of the re-certification feeding set to the flow control apparatus, and a software subsystem in operative association with the sensor that includes a re-certification procedure for verifying that at least one component of the flow control apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range. Also disclosed is a method for verifying that at least one component of a flow control apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range.

Abstract: A safety interlock system for a flow control apparatus is disclosed that permits operation when a magnet-less administration feeding set is properly mounted to recess formed along the housing of the flow control apparatus. The administration feeding set comprises flexible patient tubing having a support member at one end and a mounting member including a magnetically-susceptible metallic component at the other end thereof. A sensing arrangement is provided by the flow control apparatus for sensing the proper engagement of the metallic component to the recess of the flow control apparatus. A control means permits operation of the flow control apparatus when the metallic member is properly engaged to recess, while terminating operation when the metallic member is improperly engaged to recess.

Abstract: A system and method of assembling an application for processing image or image-derived data is disclosed. The system includes a base operator configured to interface with one or more derivative operator classes, each operator class including an operator object for executing a processing function on the image or image-derived data. A base multiport node class is provided, which is configured to provide a multiport node for each operator object. The multiport nodes instantiates a pluggable operator for connecting the multiport nodes together at runtime according to user-defined parameters. The connection of multiport nodes implements the processing functions of the operator objects to execute the application.

Abstract: This cord locking system is designed to fasten two plug ends together preventing the plugs to come apart. The product is made with nylon straps for strength, and hook and loop material to fasten. New concepts for this invention would include, but are not limited to, flexable materials, non-breakable by blunt force, self adjusting to fit any two sizes of electrical cords at once, and a locking strength that exceeds 100 lbs of stress. The concept of this product, along with the materials used are unique to the industry.

Abstract: Methods and processes are disclosed for calibrating optoelectronic devices, such as optoelectronic transceivers and optoelectronic receivers, based upon an avalanche photodiode breakdown voltage. In general, the method involves adjusting a reverse-bias voltage of the avalanche photodiode until avalanche breakdown of the avalanche photodiode occurs. An optimized APD reverse-bias voltage is then determined by reducing the reverse-bias voltage at which avalanche breakdown occurs by a predetermined offset voltage. This process is performed at a variety of different temperatures. Information concerning each temperature and the corresponding optimized APD reverse-bias voltage is stored in a memory of the optoelectronic device.

Abstract: Methods and processes are disclosed for calibrating optoelectronic devices, such as optoelectronic transceivers and optoelectronic receivers, based upon a measured avalanche photodiode bit error rate. In general, the method involves measuring a bit error rate for the avalanche photodiode and adjusting the reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiode until the bit error rate is minimized. This process is repeated for each of a variety of different thermal conditions. Information concerning each thermal condition and the corresponding reverse bias voltage is stored in a memory of the optoelectronic device.

Abstract: A data storage system includes a plurality of nodes for providing access to a data storage facility. Each node has a computer-memory complex to provide general purpose computing for the node, a node controller to control data transfers through the respective node, and a cluster memory to buffer data for the data transfers. A plurality of communication paths interconnect the nodes, with a separate communication path provided for each two nodes of the data storage system.

Abstract: A node controller for a data storage system having at least one node provides access to a data storage facility. The node controller is distinct from a computer-memory complex of the node. The node controller provides overall control for transferring data through the node.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the identity of the first enzyme that has been demonstrated to be involved in maintaining circadian rhythms. This enzyme, the Drosophila DOUBLETIME protein is also shown to be an ortholog of human casein kinase-1&egr;. In addition, a variant of this enzyme is shown to be cause of the hamster tau mutant phenotype. Thus the present invention also relates to variants of DOUBLETIME, and their nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. The present invention further provides methods of using these variants in drug assays and diagnostics.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acids and/or recombinant DNA molecules that encode the clock protein DOUBLETIME. The present invention further provides both isolated and/or recombinant DOUBLETIME. In addition, the present invention provides antibodies to DOUBLETIME. Methods of using the nucleic acids, proteins and antibodies of the present invention, including as therapeutics are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acids and/or recombinant DNA molecules that encode the clock protein DOUBLETIME. The present invention further provides both isolated and/or recombinant DOUBLETIME. In addition, the present invention provides antibodies to DOUBLETIME. Methods of using the nucleic acids, proteins and antibodies of the present invention, including as therapeutics are also provided.

Abstract: A cargo shade attachment for retaining a cargo shade having a non-compressible roller tube with end caps thereon. The cargo shade attachment includes a pocket connected to an interior panel in a cargo area of a vehicle, a slidable plunger having a surface for engaging the end cap being mounted within the pocket, and a biasing device for urging the plunger toward a center line of the vehicle such that the plunger exerts a compressive force on the end cap of the cargo shade thereby retaining the cargo shade.

Abstract: An apparatus to permit or stop the flow of water through a conduit is described as having a microprocessor which contains a real time clock, day of the week indication, and an elapsed time clock. Data relating to the quantity of water flowing at any given moment is supplied by a flowmeter to the microprocessor. Primary and subsetting information is supplied to the microprocessor to determine the maximum allowable quantity of water that may flow over a specified period of time. The subsetting parameters override the primary information if so enabled and supply replacement information for certain periods of time. The elapsed time clock is reset whenever the flow rate becomes zero (no water flowing) or when the predetermined period of time is exceeded prior to exceeding the predetermined quantity of water that is allowed to flow within that period of time. If the flow of the predetermined quantity of water is exceeded within the predetermined (allowable) time frame, a solenoid is energized.

Abstract: A vehicle security shade adapted for use within the interior compartment of a motor vehicle and having a shade which can be extended to enclose the vehicle compartment area. The shade assembly is removably attached to the motor vehicle interior by using one or more end piece assemblies having a telescoping end piece. The end piece is biased to an outer position through the use of a compression spring. The end piece engages with a socket or other mounting feature of the motor vehicle interior trim. The axially moveable end piece includes a blocking means which allows the end piece to move under the influence of the compression spring to its outer position but is blocked from returning from its inner position until an actuator is manually operated. The positive mechanical blocking of inward movement of the end piece is provided at a plurality of relative extended positions of the end piece.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions comprising an emulsion, preferably an aqueous emulsion, including at least one cosmetic resin material, e.g. a hydrocarbon resin such as polyisobutylene, are made by direct emulsification of the resin without a solvent or carrier therefor. The direct emulsification may be achieved by a special mixing regime, with particular emulsifiers. The absence of solvent or carrier for the resin material avoids product thinning and gives several manufacturing and processing advantages.