Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of identifying the dominant orientations of a scene comprises representing a scene as a plurality of directional vectors. The scene may comprise a three-dimensional representation of a scene, and the plurality of directional vectors may comprise a plurality of surface normals. The method further comprises determining, based on the plurality of directional vectors, a plurality of orientations describing the scene. The determined plurality of orientations explains the directionality of the plurality of directional vectors. In certain embodiments, the plurality of orientations may have independent axes of rotation. The plurality of orientations may be determined by representing the plurality of directional vectors as lying on a mathematical representation of a sphere, and inferring the parameters of a statistical model to adapt the plurality of orientations to explain the positioning of the plurality of directional vectors lying on the mathematical representation of the sphere.

Abstract: Compositions may include a pharmaceutical active agent, a high viscosity liquid carrier material (HVLCM), a lactic acid-based polymer, and an organic solvent. Related compositions and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions may include a pharmaceutical active agent, a high viscosity liquid carrier material (HVLCM), a lactic acid-based polymer, and an organic solvent. Related compositions and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions may include a pharmaceutical active agent, a high viscosity liquid carrier material (HVLCM), a lactic acid-based polymer, and an organic solvent. Related compositions and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions may include a pharmaceutical active agent, a high viscosity liquid carrier material (HVLCM), a lactic acid-based polymer, and an organic solvent. Related compositions and methods are also disclosed. For instance, a carrier formulation for controlled release of injectable drugs is disclosed. The formulation may include a non-water soluble high viscosity liquid which may be sucrose acetate isobutyrate, a lactic-acid based polymer which may be a poly(lactic acid)(glycolic acid), and an organic solvent which maintains the composition in a monophasic form at 25° C. in one atmosphere. Drug in the formulation may be released upon administration such that less than 10% (e.g. 2-8%) of drug is released in the first 5 hours; 10% to 80% of the drug is released during a period of 5 hours to 7 days after administration; and 10% to 40% of the drug is released gradually over a period of 7 days to 28 days from initial administration. The drug may be an anti-schizophrenia agent delivered by injection.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of identifying the dominant orientations of a scene comprises representing a scene as a plurality of directional vectors. The scene may comprise a three-dimensional representation of a scene, and the plurality of directional vectors may comprise a plurality of surface normals. The method further comprises determining, based on the plurality of directional vectors, a plurality of orientations describing the scene. The determined plurality of orientations explains the directionality of the plurality of directional vectors. In certain embodiments, the plurality of orientations may have independent axes of rotation. The plurality of orientations may be determined by representing the plurality of directional vectors as lying on a mathematical representation of a sphere, and inferring the parameters of a statistical model to adapt the plurality of orientations to explain the positioning of the plurality of directional vectors lying on the mathematical representation of the sphere.

Abstract: Compositions may include a pharmaceutical active agent, a high viscosity liquid carrier material (HVLCM), a lactic acid-based polymer, and an organic solvent. Related compositions and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for evaluating the integrity of a seal on liquid-filled container. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a tank for containing a liquid solution and a clamp with a first and second member between which the container is engaged. The clamp is positioned with respect to the tank such that a portion of the container properly situated in the clamp will extend into the tank and contact the liquid solution. A ram and cylinder are operatively connected to the clamp to engage the container. A seat is provided to support a portion of the container such that at least a portion of the container supported by the seat will extend into the tank. A drill is provided to pierce a surface of the container to make an opening. The drill is positioned such that the opening can be made while the container is in the clamp and/or the seat such that at least a portion of the container extends into the tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cordless wax applicator/buffer that comprises an electric orbital wax applicator/buffer, which has a rotatable, eccentrically moving head for buffing external surfaces and a casing housing an electric motor for turning the rotatable head. The cordless wax applicator/buffer also comprises a battery compartment on the top of the casing for housing for a rechargeable battery source of power. A rim means extends outwardly from the casing for gripping the cordless wax applicator/buffer to operate it and comprises a rounded finger engaging outer edge and a recessed palm receiving inner portion. The cordless wax applicator/buffer further comprises a plug receptacle for receiving a plug means connectable to an electric power source for recharging the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for evaluating the integrity of a seal on liquid-filled container. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a tank for containing a liquid solution and a clamp with a first and second member between which the container is engaged. The clamp is positioned with respect to the tank such that a portion of the container properly situated in the clamp will extend into the tank and contact the liquid solution. A ram and cylinder are operatively connected to the clamp to engage the container. A seat is provided to support a portion of the container such that at least a portion of the container supported by the seat will extend into the tank. A drill is provided to pierce a surface of the container to make an opening. The drill is positioned such that the opening can be made while the container is in the clamp and/or the seat such that at least a portion of the container extends into the tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for evaluating the integrity of a seal on liquid-filled container. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a tank for containing a liquid solution and a clamp with a first and second member between which the container is engaged. The clamp is positioned with respect to the tank such that a portion of the container properly situated in the clamp will extend into the tank and contact the liquid solution. A ram and cylinder are operatively connected to the clamp to engage the container. A seat is provided to support a portion of the container such that at least a portion of the container supported by the seat will extend into the tank. A drill is provided to pierce a surface of the container to make an opening. The drill is positioned such that the opening can be made while the container is in the clamp and/or the seat such that at least a portion of the container extends into the tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for evaluating the integrity of a seal on liquid-filled container. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a tank for containing a liquid solution and a clamp with a first and second member between which the container is engaged. The clamp is positioned with respect to the tank such that a portion of the container properly situated in the clamp will extend into the tank and contact the liquid solution. A ram and cylinder are operatively connected to the clamp to engage the container. A seat is provided to support a portion of the container such that at least a portion of the container supported by the seat will extend into the tank. A drill is provided to pierce a surface of the container to make an opening. The drill is positioned such that the opening can be made while the container is in the clamp and/or the seat such that at least a portion of the container extends into the tank.

Abstract: This invention relates to stable liquid aqueous formulations of peptide compounds at high concentrations. These stable formulations comprise at least about 10% peptide in water. They may be stored at elevated temperatures for long periods of time and are especially useful in implantable delivery devices for long term delivery of drug.

Abstract: This invention relates to stable non-aqueous protic formulations of peptide compounds. These stable formulations comprise peptide in non-aqueous protic solvent. They may be stored at elevated temperatures for long periods of time and are especially useful in implantable delivery devices for long term delivery of drug.

Abstract: This invention relates to stable non-aqueous protic formulations of peptide compounds. These stable formulations comprise peptide in non-aqueous protic solvent. They may be stored at elevated temperatures for long periods of time and are especially useful in implantable delivery devices for long term delivery of drug.

Abstract: This invention relates to stable liquid aqueous formulations of peptide compounds at high concentrations. These stable formulations comprise at least about 10% peptide in water. They may be stored at elevated temperatures for long periods of time and are especially useful in implantable delivery devices for long term delivery of drug.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel integration of an existing MTBE process unit with new propylene oxide producing facilities whereby through this integration new propylene oxide production is achieved without significant increase in MTBE production.

Abstract: A navigation system for a mobile autonomous robot that includes apparatus for creating and maintaining a map of an environment the mobile autonomous robot is to traverse including provision for storing in a map at an assigned location features representative of geometric beacons located in the environment. Because of the uncertainty in its sensor's operating conditions and changes in the environment, a credibility measure is associated with each map feature stored. This credibility measure is increased or decreased whenever the map feature assigned to a location matches or does not match, respectively, a geometric beacon corresponding to such location. Whenever a geometric beacon is observed for a location that does into match a previously stored map features, an appropriate map feature is added for such location.

Abstract: A method for dehydrogenating dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons which comprises contacting said hydrocarbons with a solid comprising at least one reducible oxide of at least one metal which oxides when contacted with hydrocarbons at the temperature are reduced and produce dehydrogenated hydrocarbon products and water, the solid being associated with a silica support. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 100.degree. C. The reducible metal oxides are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with oxygen.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a hydrocarbon gas comprising methane, an oxygen-containing gas and a reducible metal oxide under conditions effective to produce higher hydrocarbon products and water, the improvement which comprises conducting the contacting in the presence of at least one stabilizer selected from the group consisting of chalcogens and compounds thereof.