Abstract: An air bag deployment door mechanism for the instrument panel of an automotive vehicle. A deployment door is molded integral with the instrument panel retainer and defined by a plurality of closely spaced holes about its perimeter. The spacing between the holes define the physical connection between the deployment door and the instrument panel retainer. A tear initiator is molded into the deployment door which is activated by the inflating air bag. The tear initiator pierces the foam and decorative layers prior the severing of the physical connection between the deployment door and the instrument panel retainer.

Abstract: A thermally controlled storage space system (10), such as for the dashboard (40) of a vehicle (12). The system (10) has a housing (22), which is configured to couple a portion of the vehicles air control system (48), such as a heating system, a ventilation system, or an air-conditioning system. A heat exchanger (26) is coupled to the housing (22) and to a thermoelectric device (28). A temperature sensor (62) generates a temperature signal indicative of the temperature within the housing (22). A controller (18), which is coupled to the thermoelectric device (28), adjusts the temperature within the housing (22) in response to the temperature signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a plurality of groups of query statements according to identification data associated therewith includes a processor for executing instructions and a memory device having thereon modules of operational data and executable code for execution by the processor. The modules include at least one filtering module configured to receive one or more user-specified filtering criteria directed to a subset of the identification data and apply the filtering criteria to selectively exclude those of the plurality of groups not satisfying the filtering criteria. The modules also include a group listing module configured to display to a user those of the plurality of groups not excluded by the at least one filtering module.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting yield of integrated circuits includes at least one type of characterization vehicle which incorporates at least one feature which is representative of at least one type of feature to be incorporated in the final integrated circuit product. The characterization vehicle is subjected to at least one of the process operations making up the fabrication cycle to be used in fabricating the integrated circuit product in order to produce a yield model. The yield model embodies a layout as defined by the characterization vehicle and preferably includes features which facilitate the gathering of electrical test data and testing of prototype sections at operating speeds. An extraction engine extracts predetermined layout attributes from a proposed product layout. Operating on the yield model, the extraction engine produces yield predictions as a function of layout attributes and broken down by layers or steps in the fabrication process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gelled composition containing a mixture of whey protein and other beneficial constituents, and a method for making the composition in a compact and easy-to-use form. The composition is made by processing a mixture of whey protein and other selected ingredients at an appropriate temperature and pH. The gel composition contains a surprisingly large fraction of whey proteins (and other beneficial constituents) in a readily bioavailable form. The composition can be packaged into conveniently-sized containers that are as easy to store or transport as they are easy to use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gelled composition containing a mixture of whey protein and other beneficial constituents, and a method for making the composition in a compact and easy-to-use form. The composition is made by processing a mixture of whey protein and other selected ingredients at an appropriate temperature and pH. The gel composition contains a surprisingly large fraction of whey proteins (and other beneficial constituents) in a readily bioavailable form. The composition can be packaged into conveniently-sized containers that are as easy to store or transport as they are easy to use.

Abstract: A guitar stand, comprising in combination a generally upright backer having a front side that is inclined rearwardly, structure supporting the backer, and a guitar body support or supports, carried by the backer or said structure to project outwardly relative to said front face, to seat the lower portion or portions of the guitar body, with the guitar and its fingerboard then inclined upwardly and rearwardly proximate said backer front side. The stands enables backer sizing to substantially fit or match to whatever guitar is to be supported, in cradled position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method of attaching a housing unit, particularly an instrument cluster housing, to an IP retainer without the necessity of attaching the bottom edge of said housing with fasteners such as screws and the incumbent requirement for fastener driver and driver operator access. This achieved by providing at least one snap-in attachment member on the bottom edge of the housing. The attachment member terminating in a mounting pin mounted in corresponding pin mounts provided in the receiving IP retainer.

Abstract: The present invention involves a molded seamless vehicle interior panel having a seamless airbag door for concealing an airbag. The panel includes a retainer portion and a door portion circumscribed by the retainer portion. The retainer portion is disposed adjacent the airbag of the vehicle and has an opening to define a void over the airbag. The retainer portion has an appearance finish of an aesthetic look. The door portion disposed within the void integrally circumscribed by the retainer portion to define the seamless airbag door through which the airbag may deploy. The door portion has an appearance finish compatible to the appearance of the retainer portion such that no seam is visible. The door portion is molded together with the retainer portion and formed of a material different than the material of the retainer portion.

Abstract: An investment strategy for high net worth persons whose wealth is concentrated in security holdings is provided. An underwriter accepts deposits of equity securities into an exchange fund from owners. Each owner is provided with a respective ownership position in the exchange fund. The underwriter provides a loan with warrants attached to each of the owners, wherein each loan is based on a percentage of the market value of the equity securities deposited by a respective owner at the time of deposit. At a future date, underwriter determines if current market value of an owner's equity securities in exchange fund is less than the market value at time of deposit. If not, underwriter may allow the owner to repurchase equity securities at the current market value. If so, the underwriter requires the owner to repurchase the equity securities at the market value at the time of deposit.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering an explain table according to at least one user-defined filter includes a memory device having thereon modules of operational data and executable code for execution by the processor. The modules include a filter generation module configured to receive user-specified filtering criteria directed to data within a selected column of the explain table and generate in response a user-defined filter. The modules also include a table filtering module configured to apply the user-defined filter to the explain table to selectively exclude rows of the explain table not satisfying the filtering criteria of the user-defined filter.

Abstract: A frequency hopping spread spectrum cordless telephone system which arranges a swap table. The method and apparatus scans the electromagnetic interference energy content of the frequencies listed in the swap table, for example, when the base unit and hand-held unit are not in use. A controller thereafter arranges the frequencies in the swap table according to their respective electromagnetic interference energy content. During normal operation, upon detection of a degraded active or hop frequency, the controller selects the swap frequency with the lowest electromagnetic interference energy content, which preferably is in the first position in the swap table, to replace the degraded hop frequency.

Abstract: A program installation system comprises an installation planning window displayed for a user prior to the installation of a computer program. The installation planning window may be an adjunct to an installation window and may also be accessible through the program once the program is installed. A series of controls within the installation planning window are linked to installation planning functions. The installation planning functions in given examples provide information regarding product migration, system requirements, and installation program usage. Additionally, a product and tools tour may be provided, as well as a link to product update information at a manufacturer's Internet site. In an illustrated example, the controls are implemented as graphical buttons and each button is accompanied with a brief description of the installation information accessed through the button, as well as a graphic suggesting the nature of the installation information.

Abstract: A method for converting compactin to pravastatin is described. Compactin is provided and contacted with an agent derived from Actinomadura under conditions in which the agent converts compactin to pravastatin. Also described are an Actinomadura strain, an Actinomadura cell free extract, an Actinomadura hydroxylase, and a method for lowering cholesterol levels in mammals.

Abstract: An apparatus for integrally referencing a user-generated copy of a catalog in a database system includes a memory device having thereon modules of code for execution by a processor. The modules include a database system component module configured to refer to a catalog generated by the database system; and a catalog qualifier designation module communicating with the database system component module and configured to receive a user designation of a user-specified name for a user-generated copy of the catalog generated by the database system to be referenced in place of the catalog generated by the database system.

Abstract: The present invention involves a molded seamless vehicle interior panel having a seamless airbag door for concealing an airbag. The panel includes a retainer portion and a door portion circumscribed by the retainer portion. The retainer portion is disposed adjacent the airbag of the vehicle and has an opening to define a void over the airbag. The retainer portion has an appearance finish of an aesthetic look. The door portion disposed within the void integrally circumscribed by the retainer portion to define the seamless airbag door through which the airbag may deploy. The door portion has an appearance finish compatible to the appearance of the retainer portion such that no seam is visible. The door portion is molded together with the retainer portion and formed of a material different than the material of the retainer portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting free-space optical communications system (FSO) equipment to a window. The apparatus includes a substantially rectangular frame member in which a central opening is defined. In one embodiment, the frame member comprises an extrusion that may be cut to a desired length to fit various window widths. The frame member is coupled to a window frame or the window via a plurality of universal mounting brackets. A support that is operatively coupled to the frame member provides a mounting interface to couple to an FSO terminal that is disposed within the central opening. In one embodiment, the support comprises a gimbaled support that enables the FSO terminal to be rotated about a pair of orthogonal spin axes. A valance is provided to prevent undesired access to the gimbaled support and FSO terminal and make the apparatus appear less obtrusive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring convenience feature data (e.g., speed dial numbers, etc.) from one telephone to another local telephone within the same home or small office. In particular, the telephone includes a memory located within a corded or cordless telephone configured for storing data, and a transfer module configured to transfer requested data between the memory and a target device in response to a transfer request. The corded telephone utilizes a DTMF generator/receiver, a demodulation/modulation module, or a Bluetooth module to establish a communication path between the corded telephone and the target device. The cordless telephone utilizes a DTMF generator/receiver, a demodulation/modulation module, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, or a Bluetooth module to establish a communication path between the cordless telephone and the target device.

Abstract: An apparatus for dynamically generating query explain data includes a processor for executing instructions and a memory device having thereon modules of operational data and executable code for execution by the processor. The modules include a query explain program operating on a workstation. The query explain program communicates over a network with a server hosting a database system and is configured to temporarily store the query explain data received across the network from the database system in a data cache. The query explain program may be configured to automatically clear a selected portion of the data cache when the data cache reaches a user-selectable size. The user is thus allowed to determine when to clear the data cache and how much of the data cache to clear.

Abstract: The present invention involves a molded seamless vehicle interior panel having a seamless airbag door for concealing an airbag. The panel includes a retainer portion and a door portion circumscribed by the retainer portion. The retainer portion is disposed adjacent the airbag of the vehicle and has an opening to define a void over the airbag. The retainer portion has an appearance finish of an aesthetic look. The door portion disposed within the void integrally circumscribed by the retainer portion to define the seamless airbag door through which the airbag may deploy. The door portion has an appearance finish compatible to the appearance of the retainer portion such that no seam is visible. The door portion is molded together with the retainer portion and formed of a material different than the material of the retainer portion.