Abstract: Some embodiments are associated with a data center cloud computing environment executing a plurality of virtual machines. A virtual machine data store may contain information about the plurality of virtual machines associated with the cloud computing environment. A virtual machine test platform may access the information in the virtual machine data store and periodically initiate a network test for each of the plurality of virtual machines based on the information in the virtual machine data store. The virtual machine test platform may then receive network test result signals from the virtual machines in response to the executed network tests and apply, for each virtual machine, a digital signal processing noise filter to successive network test result signals from that virtual machine. An output of the digital signal processing noise filters may then be transmitted from the virtual machine test platform.

Abstract: Some embodiments are associated with a data center cloud computing environment executing a plurality of virtual machines. A virtual machine data store may contain information about the plurality of virtual machines associated with the cloud computing environment. A virtual machine test platform may access the information in the virtual machine data store and periodically initiate a network test for each of the plurality of virtual machines based on the information in the virtual machine data store. The virtual machine test platform may then receive network test result signals from the virtual machines in response to the executed network tests and apply, for each virtual machine, a digital signal processing noise filter to successive network test result signals from that virtual machine. An output of the digital signal processing noise filters may then be transmitted from the virtual machine test platform.

Abstract: A kit for non-invasively determining the presence of non-electrically conductive plumbing in a residence includes an electrical resistance measuring device having a main body and a resistance measuring circuit disposed therein and a display for indicating the value of the resistance measured by the resistance measuring circuit. The kit further includes at least two test probes which are in electrical communication with the resistance measuring circuit of the device. In a method for determining the presence of non-electrically conductive plumbing in the residence using the kit, one of the test probes is connected to an exposed portion of electrically conductive piping and the other is connected to a grounded conductor. When a low measured resistance is observed, as indicated by the device, the operator determines that the residence does not have non-electrically conductive plumbing. When a high measured resistance is observed, the operator determines that non-electrically conductive plumbing is present.

Abstract: A kit for non-invasively determining the presence of non-electrically conductive plumbing in a residence includes an electrical resistance measuring device having a main body and a resistance measuring circuit disposed therein and a display for indicating the value of the resistance measured by the resistance measuring circuit. The kit further includes at least two test probes which are in electrical communication with the resistance measuring circuit of the device. In a method for determining the presence of non-electrically conductive plumbing in the residence using the kit, one of the test probes is connected to an exposed portion of electrically conductive piping and the other is connected to a grounded conductor. When a low measured resistance is observed, as indicated by the device, the operator determines that the residence does not have non-electrically conductive plumbing. When a high measured resistance is observed, the operator determines that non-electrically conductive plumbing is present.

Abstract: Multi-purpose food preparation kits for foods which include dough, at least a portion of which is exposed for cooking, browning, and crisping, and optionally rising. The kits include a support base of susceptor material elevated above a support surface by an elevator member either incorporated with a base or separate therefrom. Kits further include a ring component of susceptor material which surrounds the food product, and which is dimensioned larger than the initial dimensions of the food product, so as to be spaced therefrom, at least initially, prior to cooking The space inside the ring component allows the dough to rise during cooking without obstruction by the susceptor ring and without imparting thermal energy from the susceptor ring to the dough surface. In one embodiment the susceptor base it provided in the form of a shipping carton.

Abstract: A method and system for providing heat to a chemical conversion process is advantageously employed in the production of olefin by the catalytic dehydrogenation of a corresponding hydrocarbon. The catalytic dehydrogenation process employs diluent steam operating at a steam to oil ratio which can be 1.0 or below and relatively low steam superheater furnace temperature. The process and system are advantageously employed for the production of styrene by the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene.

Abstract: Multi-purpose food preparation kits for foods which include dough, at least a portion of which is exposed for cooking, browning, and crisping, and optionally rising. The kits include a support base of susceptor material elevated above a support surface by an elevator member either incorporated with a base or separate therefrom. Kits further include a ring component of susceptor material which surrounds the food product, and which is dimensioned larger than the initial dimensions of the food product, so as to be spaced therefrom, at least initially, prior to cooking. The space inside the ring component allows the dough to rise during cooking without obstruction by the susceptor ring and without imparting thermal energy from the susceptor ring to the dough surface. In one embodiment the susceptor base is provided in the form of a shipping carton.

Abstract: Multi-purpose food preparation kits for foods which include dough, at least a portion of which is exposed for cooking, browning, and crisping, and optionally rising. The kits include a support base of susceptor material elevated above a support surface by an elevator member either incorporated with a base or separate therefrom. Kits further include a ring component of susceptor material which surrounds the food product, and which is dimensioned larger than the initial dimensions of the food product, so as to be spaced therefrom, at least initially, prior to cooking The space inside the ring component allows the dough to rise during cooking without obstruction by the susceptor ring and without imparting thermal energy from the susceptor ring to the dough surface. In one embodiment the susceptor base it provided in the form of a shipping carton.

Abstract: A method and system for providing heat to a chemical conversion process is advantageously employed in the production of olefin by the catalytic dehydrogenation of a corresponding hydrocarbon. The catalytic dehydrogenation process employs diluent steam operating at a steam to oil ratio which can be 1.0 or below and relatively low steam superheater furnace temperature. The process and system are advantageously employed for the production of styrene by the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene.

Abstract: A beverage cap for dispensing flavoring material into a liquid container includes a top element adapted and constructed to hold a predetermined quantity of flavoring material. A center element is connected to the top element. A valve mechanism is provided to be actuated to selectively dispense flavoring into the container. A base element is connected to the center element and to an opening of the container. The valve mechanism is actuated by rotation of the center element with respect to the base element.

Abstract: A practice putting cup which teaches a golfer correct putting speed as well as correct putting direction. To overcome imperfections on actual putting greens it is recognized that a putt must be struck with enough speed to not just reach the hole, but be capable of rolling approximately one to two feet past the hole. Further, if a putt is missed, ideally the putt will stop within two to three feet of the hole. Finally, a firmly struck centered putt will fall into the hole even if its speed could carry the ball as much as six to eight feet past the hole. This putting cup recognizes these ball putting speed (or distance) conditions and accordingly accepts or rejects holing putts. Thus the cup uniquely teaches correct speed as well as direction.

Abstract: A rack for displaying and dispensing a plurality of products and accessory products which has an elgongated body having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the body defines at least one vertically oriented interior chute. The chute is adapted to hold the plurality of vertically stacked products. A signage panel is mounted on at least a portion of the body, and an accessory display support is attached to the body. An elongated accessory product display is attached to the accessory display support to display a plurality of accessory product adjacent the body.

Abstract: A three-point passenger restraint system for a passenger seat including a lap belt having a first end connected to a lap belt retractor and a second end. A torso belt having a first end connected to the second end of the lap belt and a second end. The second end of the torso belt is attached to an anchor arm that is pivotally mounted to a passenger seat or vehicle side structure, wherein the anchor arm is rotationally biased to remove slack in the torso belt. The anchor arm rotates and thus functions (i) as the upper height adjusting anchor point for the three-point restraining system and (ii) to adjust belt length to comfortably accommodate passenger sizes in the range of a 5th percentile female to a 95th percentile male.

Abstract: A TAR marker, method for detection and monitoring of HIV latency and activation and an assay for detection of the marker. The assay sensitively detects HIV transcription and monitors HIV transcriptional activity by detecting the presence of TAR fragments and full length transcripts, quantifying both and determining the ratio of short to long transcripts. A low ratio correlates with a latent-type transcriptional activity of HIV whereas the appearance of long transcripts signifies increased efficiency of transcriptional activity of HIV and the transition from latency to activation. The size difference between the TAR fragments appearing predominantly in latency and the full length transcripts appearing predominantly during the HIV activation is detected by RT-PCR assay that utilizes novel primers and probes. The obtained ratio is a sensitive tool in detection of HIV infection, the analysis of load of latent and active virus and monitoring the transition from the latent to active state of HIV replication.

Abstract: A marker and method for detection and monitoring of HIV latency and activation and an assay for detection of the marker. The assay sensitively detects HIV transcription and monitors HIV transcriptional activity by detecting the presence of short and long transcripts, quantifying both and determining the ratio of short to long transcripts. Short transcripts are abundant and a low ratio correlates with a latent-type transcriptional activity of HIV whereas the appearance of long transcripts signifies increased efficiency of transcriptional activity of HIV and the transition from latency to activation. The size difference between the TAR fragments appearing predominantly in latency and the full length transcripts appearing predominantly during the HIV activation is detected by RT-PCR assay that utilizes novel primers and probes. The results are expressed as a ratio of short to long transcripts.

Abstract: Novel processes for incorporating anti-scalant agents having acidic functionalities in zero-P or low phosphate built powder detergents to provide an automatic dishwashing detergent of improved solubility.

Abstract: Compositions suitable for use as detergents comprise a non-silicate-coated alkali metal phosphate salt hydrated to at least about 50% by weight, and an inorganic salt selected from alkali metal carbonates and sulfates. The compositions for use in, e.g. dishwashing, have improved solubility and dispersion characteristics.