Abstract: A method of testing semiconductor devices, the method includes the steps of making a first set of electrical connections to a first set of devices to allow a first set of tests to be performed on that set of devices and concurrently making a second set of electrical connections to a second set of devices to allow a second set of tests to be performed on the second set of devices, wherein the first and second sets of tests are different, and concurrently performing the first set of tests on the first set of devices and the second set of tests on the second set of devices.

Abstract: A phase lock loop pre-charging system and method are described. In one embodiment, a phase lock loop pre-charge system includes a bias component for generating a pre-charge voltage, and an activation component for activating the bias component. In one exemplary implementation the pre-charge voltage is utilized to facilitate pre-charging of a phase lock loop voltage controlled oscillator. In one embodiment, the bias component includes replica bias components that track the voltage controlled oscillation control voltage over varying process, voltage and temperature characteristics. The phase lock loop pre-charging systems and methods can be utilized to reduce lock time for a circuit.

Abstract: An air bag on a surface is gathered by opposing faces of first and second gathering elements that are moved together from opposing edges of the air bag, and which are adapted so as to limit a height of at least one associated edge portion of the air bag to be less than a height proximate to a center of the resulting gathered air bag. In one aspect, a surface is extended from at least one face, or at least one face is shaped so as to limit the edge portion height upon gathering. In another aspect, at least one gathering element incorporates a holder adapted to hold an edge of the air bag during gathering.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking system central host comprises a memory cache processor for managing a plurality of memory caches and a storage device linked with the memory cache processor, for receiving messages from the memory caches and writing them to a database. There are n receiver ports each for receiving message packets of an associated protocol from remote vehicle on-board tracker units. There are also n receiver processors, each associated with a port and each receiver processor being for: reading message packets received at the associated port, performing initial processing of the message packets including adding headers to provide processed messages, and writing the processed messages to a log dedicated to the receiver processor.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking system central host comprises a memory cache processor for managing a plurality of memory caches and a storage device linked with the memory cache processor, for receiving messages from the memory caches and writing them to a database. There are n receiver ports each for receiving message packets of an associated protocol from remote vehicle on-board tracker units. There are also n receiver processors, each associated with a port and each receiver processor being for: reading message packets received at the associated port, performing initial processing of the message packets including adding headers to provide processed messages, and writing the processed messages to a log dedicated to the receiver processor.

Abstract: Composite sandwich panels that include a core having a permeable body that is sandwiched between two skins. An internal barrier is located between the skins and the core to provide an impermeable chamber surrounding the permeable core. The chamber is pressurized during formation of the panel to provide an interior counter pressure against the mold/press used to form the panel. The counter pressure applied by the chamber reduces the amount of voids in the skins and improves the surface finish of the skins. In addition, the impermeable material remains within the finished panel to provide an internal barrier surrounding the core.

Abstract: Systems and methods to generate business recommendations for specific business actions based on weather element forecasts and known relationships between a business activity and weather elements are provided. The system includes a confidence level filter, an opportunity matrix filter, a weather decision point generator, a business rule recommendation engine and a business rule knowledge database. Methods to generate a business recommendation for a business activity are also provided. The methods include receiving weather driven demand data, assigning opportunity measures to each of the data points, identifying weather decision points based on opportunity measures, and applying business weather rules to the weather decision points to generate business recommendations. In a further feature, a weather element relationship and/or a weather element forecast confidence level is assigned to each data point within the weather driven demand data.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a novel restriction endonuclease obtainable from Bacillus thermoglucosidasius 36A (NEB#1384), hereinafter referred to as “BtgZI”, which endonuclease: (1) recognizes the nucleotide sequence 5?-GCGATG-3? in a double-stranded DNA molecule as shown below, 5?-GCGATGNNNNNNNNNN?-3? (SEQ ID NO:9) 3?-CGCTACNNNNNNNNNNNNNN?-5? ?(wherein G represents guanine, C represents cytosine, A represents adenine, T represents thymine and N represents either G, C, A, or T); (2) cleaves said sequence in the phosphodiester bonds between the 10th and the 11th nucleotides 3? to the recognition sequence in the 5?-GCGATG-3 strand of the DNA, and between the 14th and 15th nucleotides 5? to the recognition sequence in the complement stand, 5?-CATCGC-3?, to produce a 4 base 5? extension; and (3) cleaves double-stranded pBR322 DNA to produce 3 fragments of 2892, 1181 and 288 base pairs.

Abstract: A television system is provided which includes a video cassette recorder (VCR) and a broadcast data receiver (BDR) for receiving digital data from a remote broadcaster and processing and decoding said data to provide video, audio and/or auxiliary data for display on a television (TV) and/or for sounding via one or more speakers. The video, audio and/or auxiliary data relate to a plurality of television channels. The VCR communicates with the television via the BDR. The BDR is provided with detection means for detecting which of the plurality of channels the VCR and/or television is tuned to.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a novel restriction endonuclease obtainable from Bacillus thermoglucosidasius 36A (NEB#1384), hereinafter referred to as “BtgZI”, which endonuclease: (1) recognizes the nucleotide sequence 5?-GCGATG-3? in a double-stranded DNA molecule as shown below, 5?-GCGATGNNNNNNNNNN?-3? (SEQ ID NO:9) 3?-CGCTACNNNNNNNNNNNNNN?-5? ?(wherein G represents guanine, C represents cytosine, A represents adenine, T represents thymine and N represents either G, C, A, or T); (2) cleaves said sequence in the phosphodiester bonds between the 10th and the 11th nucleotides 3? to the recognition sequence in the 5?-GCGATG-3 strand of the DNA, and between the 14th and 15th nucleotides 5? to the recognition sequence in the complement stand, 5?-CATCGC-3?, to produce a 4 base 5? extension; and (3) cleaves double-stranded pBR322 DNA to produce 3 fragments of 2892, 1181 and 288 base pairs.

Abstract: Systems and methods to generate business recommendations for specific business actions based on weather element forecasts and known relationships between a business activity and weather elements are provided. The system includes a confidence level filter, an opportunity matrix filter, a weather decision point generator, a business rule recommendation engine and a business rule knowledge database. Methods to generate a business recommendation for a business activity are also provided. The methods include receiving weather driven demand data, assigning opportunity measures to each of the data points, identifying weather decision points based on opportunity measures, and applying business weather rules to the weather decision points to generate business recommendations. In a further feature, a weather element relationship and/or a weather element forecast confidence level is assigned to each data point within the weather driven demand data.

Abstract: An apparatus for maximum work comprising central equipment comprising a refrigeration machine, a water heater, an evaporative cooler and hot and cold storage tanks. Airside equipment for providing supply air to a room or zone. A hot supply/return pipe, a cold supply pipe, and a cold return pipe. A water blending circuit comprising a hot supply runout pipe extending from the hot supply/return pipe and a cold supply runout pipe extending from the cold supply pipe, wherein the water blending circuit further comprises an upstream two position three way changeover valve comprising a first port, a second port, and a third port. The hot supply runout pipe connects to first port and the cold supply runout pipe connects to the second port. A modulating three way zone blending valve connected to the third port of the upstream two position three way valve, and a blending pump for pumping water through a roomside coil, so that return water exits the coil through a return pipe.

Abstract: Composite sandwich panels that include a core having a permeable body that is sandwiched between two skins. An internal barrier is located between the skins and the core to provide an impermeable chamber surrounding the permeable core. The chamber is pressurized during formation of the panel to provide an interior counter pressure against the mold/press used to form the panel. The counter pressure applied by the chamber reduces the amount of voids in the skins and improves the surface finish of the skins. In addition, the impermeable material remains within the finished panel to provide an internal barrier surrounding the core.

Abstract: A metal building has panelled walls and roof, being based upon a frame incorporating a water barrier, to guide any water leakage outwardly of the building. The panelling for a major area such as the roof consists of roll-up prefabricated panels in permanently connected relation by way of knuckle joints, each panel portion having a plurality of corrugations to facilitate ready rolling and unrolling of the predetermined length of panel. This type of panelling may also serve as wall panelling, as well as for the roll-up door of the building. Where planar type (non-corrugated) wall panels are used, the panel end or ends may have a flange portion, to preclude bowing of the panel. The wall panels, in combination with corner piers of the building, are load bearing, to support the roof and applied snow loads. The corner piers may consist of two planar panels for easy shipping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using an aqueous composition or dispersion containing a water-soluble or water-dispersible synthetic polymer, and compositions formed thereof. The aqueous composition or dispersion is added to agricultural spray compositions, ink compositions, deicing or anti-icing compositions, latex paint and coating compositions, cleaner compositions, adhesives, fire-extinguishing chemical compositions, hydro-metallurgy/electro-winning compositions, compositions having organosilanes, personal care compositions, water-based hydraulic compositions, dust control compositions, and textile finish compositions, to impart properties including aerosol control, spatter control, shear stability, rheology control, transfer efficiency, oil/water reduction, sling control, emollient performance, film forming capability, surface activity, encapsulent ability, lubricity, thickening, and anti-wear capability, to the resultant composition formed thereof.

Abstract: A baseball pitching target having a base with a pair of vertical channels integrated thereon for insertion therein of a foldable simulated batter figure. To maintain the batter figure in an upright position there is behind the figure, also integral with the base, a vertical hollow main frame for receiving therein a tube adjustable in height with a back support/hook assembly at its upper end for attachment to the extended batter figure. This main frame also has an upper shoulder having a pivot thereon for insertion of a hole thereabout at one end of a swingable spring-loaded arm further having a glove target at its other end. Thus, all the player sees is the batter figure without distracting elements, adjustable in height to define a strike zone, and a glove target attached to an arm swingable when hit and automatically returnable to its original position.

Abstract: A method of making a circuitized substrate wherein a chip-accommodating cavity is formed along with a plurality of conductive elements (e.g., pads, lines, etc.) which form part of the substrate's circuitry. Metallization is facilitated by the use of a photoimageable member that allows for initial removal (peeling) of its sacrificial layer, followed by eventual removal of the photoimaging layer which also forms part of this member. Exposure of the photoimaging layer may occur either through the protective sacrificial layer or subsequent removal thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a towing device for a golf trolley comprising longitudinal resilient linkage means. The linkage comprises a spring, a damper for the resilient portion, the remainder of the linkage being rigid, and means at one end of the linkage for pivotal attachment of the linkage to the bag-carrying part of the trolley. The towing device may be incorporated in the handle of a trolley or may be an accessory attachable to the trolley. The damper may comprise a piston-and-cylinder type damper which may contain air or other gas or oil or other hydraulic fluid. Embodiments using telescopic cylinders are also described. The extent of pivotal movement of the towing device relative to the bag-carrying part of the trolley is restricted by a flexible link or spring. The device may be attached to a belt or other item of clothing on the trunk of a user, and the trolley may have an auxiliary wheel fitted to the bottom of the bag-carrying part.

Abstract: A method of making a circuitized substrate wherein a chip-accommodating cavity is formed along with a plurality of conductive elements (e.g., pads, lines, etc.) which form part of the substrate's circuitry. Metallization is facilitated by the use of a photoimageable member that allows for initial removal (peeling) of its sacrificial layer, followed by eventual removal of the photoimaging layer which also forms part of this member. Exposure of the photoimaging layer may occur either through the protective sacrificial layer or subsequent removal thereof.

Abstract: An improved method of making a circuitized substrate which may be utilized as a chip carrier structure. The method involves the steps of providing a dielectric member and partially routing this member to define a temporary support portion therein. Metallization and circuitization may then occur, following which the temporary support portion is removed, and at least one added layer of metallization is then applied to assure an entirely conductive opening between the member's opposing surfaces. The temporary support assures effective support for the dry film photoresist used as part of the circuitization process. Thus, the photoresist is capable of being applied in sheetlike form for spanning the relatively small openings of the dielectric without sagging, bowing, etc., which may adversely impact subsequent processing steps.