Abstract: A target substance (8) is subject to a freeze drying process in which the substance is first passed into a freeze chamber (31) to reduce the temperature of the substance, and then passed into a separate vacuum chamber (32) in which a vacuum is applied to promote drying of the target substance. Because the carrier (10) and target substance (8) is moved from a freeze chamber (31) to a separate vacuum chamber (32) the environment can be more closely controlled and the cycling of freezing to drying can be more rapid. In this way the carrier (10) and target substance (8) is subject to the full temperature cycling without the surrounding chamber and apparatus being subject to the full cycle. This reduces time and energy costs. The technique is particularly suited to manufacturing biosensors using freeze dried reagents.

Abstract: A method for embedding behavior tags in a source code so that a computer can choose the appropriate implementation technology to execute the source code comprising a Configuration Program (CP) and a Deployment Program (DP). The CP allows a user to define and modify a plurality of behavior tags in the behavior tag definitions. The CP also allows the user to define and modify the preferences as to the implementation technologies in an implementation technology preference list. The user then creates the source code with embedded behavior tags. The DP reads the source code and automatically selects the appropriate implementation technology based on the behavior tags. The DP gives preference to implementation technologies according to the implementation technology preference list. The result is that the user does not have to specify the implementation technology for the source code or configure the behavior tags to a specific implementation technology.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating dynamic feedback control systems that include establishing a connection via a common access to a shared memory between the control system logic of a controller to be emulated and a simulation model. State data from a previous simulation associated with the control system logic and the simulation model is retrieved from memory to initialize another simulation run. The state data associated with the simulation model and the control system logic are then synchronized with a timing and control mechanism and a simulation of the controller is executed. A graphical user interface may also be provided to allow a user to adjust the simulation settings and establish new connections with input/output components to be utilized in simulation.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the amount of cholesterol in high density lipoproteins in a high density lipoprotein containing sample, the method comprising reacting the sample with a PEG-ylated protein to selectively complex non-HDL lipoproteins in the sample with the PEG-ylated protein, or with a PEG-ylated enzyme capable of selective reaction with high density lipoproteins, and subsequently measuring the amount of cholesterol in the high density lipoproteins, for example using an electrochemical technique.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention may include a method for searching electronic information to produce search results based on a taxonomy item, a user-controllable threshold, and a user-controllable weighting factor. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention may include a method for searching data files using different search engines, each of which produces different search results. The different search results may then be combined to produce additional search results that represent the relevance of the data files. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: One embodiment may include a method for searching electronic information to produce search results based on a taxonomy item of a faceted taxonomy system. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A wireless communications apparatus that it is useable as a spectrum analyzer and as a wireless receiver. The wireless communications apparatus has a radio circuit that is configured to receive EM radiation. Signal processing logic receives signals from the radio circuit based on the EM radiation. The signal processing logic has a receiver operational mode that processes the signals in accordance with a communication protocol and outputs data encoded in the signals to a host processor. The signal processing logic has a spectrum analyzer operational mode that generates frequency domain data and passes the frequency domain data to the host processor. The frequency domain data describe strength versus frequency of the EM radiation. The host processes the data in accordance with the configuration currently in use. Therefore, the wireless communications apparatus operates as a receiver in one operational mode and as a real-time spectrum analyzer in another operational mode.

Abstract: A multiple access wireless communications architecture provides selective, simultaneous communications with wireless devices located in different sections of a spatial area around a communications apparatus referred to as “sectors”. This includes communications between wireless devices in a single sector, between wireless devices in different sectors and between wireless devices and a wired network or wireless backhaul network. The wireless communications architecture generally includes two or more wireless antenna arrangements that are each configured to provide communications with wireless devices located in a particular sector. Each wireless antenna arrangement is further configured to determine whether signals are being communicated on a communications channel before transmitting on the communications channel. This may be implemented, for example, using a carrier sense or energy detection mechanism.

Abstract: The dilating device of the preferred embodiments includes a three dimensional dilating surface that functions to dilate an orifice, an alignment surface that functions to align and center the dilating device to the orifice, a coupling element that functions to couple the dilating device to the surgical instrument, a removal element that functions to facilitate the removal of the dilating device from the surgical site such as a hole and/or a grasping surface. The dilating device is preferably designed to dilate an orifice to the size of a surgical instrument, thereby facilitating the use of a surgical instrument during surgery and, more specifically, facilitating the use of a circular stapler in laparoscopic surgery. The dilating device, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.

Abstract: A multiple access wireless communications architecture provides selective, simultaneous communications with wireless devices located in different sections of a spatial area around a communications apparatus referred to as “sectors”. In one embodiment, channel allocation techniques for increasing one or more of throughput and coverage in a wireless communications environment.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of components and an automation module coupled to the plurality of components. The automation module is adapted to automatically initialize a software test environment for at least one of the plurality of components, where the software test environment prepares the at least one of the plurality of components to be tested. The automation module also is adapted to, without transferring a testing agent to the at least one of the plurality of components, automatically test the at least one of the plurality of components.

Abstract: Systems and methods to integrate processing of information from a plurality of data systems. In an embodiment, a system includes a network connection, which can receive information sent to and from a terminal. The network connection is coupled to a first network, and the first network is coupled to the terminal. The system can also include a plurality of data system connections, where each data system connection of the plurality of data system connections can receive information sent to and from a respective data system of a plurality of data systems. A server is coupled to the network connection and the plurality of data system connections. In an embodiment, the server includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory can include a plurality of data system instructions objects, where each data system instructions object of the plurality of data system instructions objects corresponds to a respective data system of the plurality of data systems.

Abstract: The instant application relates to a collection kit for obtaining specimens from urine. The collection kit, according to instant invention, includes a collection receptacle, a denaturizing agent, an acid, a delivery device, a first cartridge, a resin cartridge including a resin, and a sterile packaging device. The first cartridge is adapted to filter out organic compounds, while the resin possesses an affinity to bind a nuclide. The sterile packaging device contains the collection receptacle, the denaturizing agent, the acid, the delivery device, the first cartridge, and the resin cartridge.

Abstract: A blind join apparatus, method and system for use with an instant messaging client. The blind join apparatus can include at least one set of pre-configured blind join options specifying a level of participation permitted by an invitee invited to anonymously join an instant messaging session in progress. Blind join invitation generation logic can be configured to extend a blind join invitation to a specified instant messaging contact. Specifically, the blind join invitation can include a specified invitee and a selected one of the at least one set of pre-configured blind join options. Finally, blind join invitation acceptance logic can be configured to accept a blind join invitation at a level of participation limited by blind join options specified in the blind join invitation.

Abstract: A smart bookmark article of manufacture can include both a network address pointing to the network location of content specifying a form; and, one or more field references, each field reference corresponding to fields specified in the form. The smart bookmark article of manufacture also can include at least one field attribute corresponding to at least one of the field references.

Abstract: A system and method capture data from an SS7 network and pair each invoke message with its corresponding response message. Each message is stored in a daily file as well as in a table dedicated for that particular message type. A separate file is also maintained on each MIN and holds the most current registration information for each MIN. The system and method support four different types of queries: a MIN/ESN query, an active roamer query, a switch-to-switch query, and a transaction statistics query. The MIN/ESN query provides roaming activity on a specific MIN or ESN while the active roamer query provides information on all roamers in a serving market. The switch-to-switch query reveals messaging at one switch or between two switches. The statistics query provides data to a provider on all of its subscribers roaming in foreign networks or on all phones within its own network. The system has a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for displaying information on each message in an easy and convenient manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of preparing and coating a large structure such as a ship's hull while in a dry dock wherein a plurality of spray guns disposed in an array are positioned by a robotic arm in a spaced relationship along the surface to be treated so that their spray patterns overlap. The array of spray guns is traversed downwardly a thus painting a strip whereupon the spray guns are secured, move horizontally and then activated to be moved upwardly until another strip adjacent to and overlapping the first strip is painted. These steps are repeated until the surface area is substantially entirely painted. A shroud is provided for collecting paint oversprays and other excess paint is mounted in the array assemblage. An auxiliary spray gun may be positioned and its spray pattern adjusted to apply paint to areas which were missed by the original spray pattern emanating from the array of spray guns.

Abstract: A smart bookmark article of manufacture can include both a network address pointing to the network location of content specifying a form; and, one or more field references, each field reference corresponding to fields specified in the form. The smart bookmark article of manufacture also can include at least one field attribute corresponding to at least one of the field references.

Abstract: A blind join apparatus, method and system for use with an instant messaging client. The blind join apparatus can include at least one set of pre-configured blind join options specifying a level of participation permitted by an invitee invited to anonymously join an instant messaging session in progress. Blind join invitation generation logic can be configured to extend a blind join invitation to a specified instant messaging contact. Specifically, the blind join invitation can include a specified invitee and a selected one of the at least one set of pre-configured blind join options. Finally, blind join invitation acceptance logic can be configured to accept a blind join invitation at a level of participation limited by blind join options specified in the blind join invitation.