Abstract: An “Eventually Consistent Sharing Model” provides various techniques for using “revision diagrams” to determine both arbitration and visibility of changes or updates to shared data (e.g., data, databases, lists, etc.) without requiring a causally consistent partial order for visibility, and without requiring change or update timestamps for arbitration. In particular, the Eventually Consistent Sharing Model provides fork-join automata based on revision diagrams to track the forking and joining of data versions, thereby tracking updates made to replicas of that data by one or more sources. “Cloud types” are used to define a structure of the shared data that enables fully automatic conflict resolution when updating the shared data.

Abstract: The actuator (see FIG. 2) comprises a barrel 16 and a plunger 22 received within the barrel. A clutch mechanism 54 is operable between the plunger and the barrel. In the engaged condition of the clutch, the plunger is advanced by rotation relative to the barrel. An axial load on the plunger disengages the clutch mechanism, allowing the plunger to be advanced axially while rotating the driven member 60. Two-handed or one-handed operation is therefore possible. A freely rotatable collar 27 on the plunger allows the plunger to be returned to its retracted position with a linear rearward movement while allowing rotation of the plunger. A resilient ring 35 mounted in a cross-passage 32 in a bush 28 at the forward end of the plunger provides a measured degree of frictional resistance to the plunger returning under its own weight to the retracted position. The ring may be replaced by a C-shaped resilient element (see FIG. 13). The actuator can be used in combination with a lens delivery device (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

Abstract: A purge plug containing a refractory material is configured to be inserted in the bottom of a ladle for introducing purging gas through a heat of molten metal in the ladle. The purge plug houses a retention chamber for holding the lead content of lead-containing molten steel alloys that leaches into, or infiltrates into, the purge plug. The purging gas supply tube is provided with a portion that protrudes into the retention chamber, thereby preventing the lead content of lead-containing molten steel alloys from entering and blocking the purging gas supply tube.

Abstract: The actuator comprises a barrel and a plunger received within the barrel. A clutch mechanism is operable between the plunger and the barrel. The clutch mechanism includes a driven member and a fixed member having respective castellations. The driven member carries pins which engage a three-start thread on the plunger. The castellations are urged into engagement by three annular springs. In the engaged condition of the clutch, the plunger is advanced by rotation relative to the barrel. An axial load on the plunger disengages the clutch mechanism, allowing the plunger to be advanced axially while rotating the driven member. Two-handed or one-handed operation according to a user's choice is therefore possible. The actuator can be used in combination with a lens delivery device.

Abstract: The actuator (see FIG. 2) comprises a barrel 16 and a plunger 22 received within the barrel. A clutch mechanism 54 is operable between the plunger and the barrel. In the engaged condition of the clutch, the plunger is advanced by rotation relative to the barrel. An axial load on the plunger disengages the clutch mechanism, allowing the plunger to be advanced axially whilst rotating the driven member 60. Two-handed or one-handed operation is therefore possible. A freely rotatable collar 27 on the plunger allows the plunger to be returned to its retracted position with a linear rearward movement whilst allowing rotation of the plunger. A resilient ring 35 mounted in a cross-passage 32 in a bush 28 at the forward end of the plunger provides a measured degree of frictional resistance to the plunger returning under its own weight to the retracted position. The ring may be replaced by a C-shaped resilient element (see FIG. 13). The actuator can be used in combination with a lens delivery device (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

Abstract: Photobioreactors having a vertically-oriented enclosure with a thin panel shape, systems, and methods for using the same to culture productive organisms to accumulate biomass and/or make biofuels or other chemical products.

Abstract: The actuator (see FIG. 2) comprises a barrel 16 and a plunger 22 received within the barrel. A clutch mechanism 54 is operable between the plunger and the barrel. In the engaged condition of the clutch, the plunger is advanced by rotation relative to the barrel. An axial load on the plunger disengages the clutch mechanism, allowing the plunger to be advanced axially while rotating the driven member 60. Two-handed or one-handed operation is therefore possible. A freely rotatable collar 27 on the plunger allows the plunger to be returned to its retracted position with a linear rearward movement while allowing rotation of the plunger. A resilient ring 35 mounted in a cross-passage 32 in a bush 28 at the forward end of the plunger provides a measured degree of frictional resistance to the plunger returning under its own weight to the retracted position. The ring may be replaced by a C-shaped resilient element (see FIG. 13). The actuator can be used in combination with a lens delivery device (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds having enhanced potency in the modulation of NMDA receptor activity. Such compounds are contemplated for use in the treatment of diseases and disorder such as learning, cognitive activities, and analgesia, particularly in alleviating and/or reducing neuropathic pain. Orally available formulations and other pharmaceutically acceptable delivery forms of the compounds, including intravenous formulations, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact display apparatus providing similarly sized but much brighter virtual 3D images to a viewer, the apparatus comprising an enclosure; LED illumination based electronic display device; partially transparent and partially reflective viewing surface; and contrast/interference filter screen. The enclosure houses the LED illumination based electronic display device, filter screen and the partially transparent and partially reflective viewing surface. The filter screen is positioned close to the surface of the LED illumination based electronic display device. The LED illumination based electronic display device projects a primary real image onto the filter screen and is optically transmitted onto the partially transparent and partially reflective viewing surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixing system comprising a magnetically coupled drive system and a foil for cultivating algae, or cyanobacteria, in an open or enclosed vessel. The invention provides effective mixing, low energy usage, low capital expenditure, and ease of drive system component maintenance while maintaining the integrity of a sealed mixing vessel.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display method or system includes an image display panel, object tracking sensors, and a means to create first or left, and second or right stereoscopic images based upon viewpoint location. This allows the user to perceive the viewed 3D stereoscopic image as approximately fixed in space. A first embodiment employs differently filtered colored, stereoscopic images. The first and second differently filtered colored images may be perceived as a 3D stereoscopic image by applying anaglyph glasses. In a second embodiment the method of passively polarized glasses may be applied with the result being a stereoscopic image whose location is approximately fixed in space. A third embodiment employs passively polarized anaglyph glasses. This provides the advantage of allowing two different viewers to see different virtual 3D stereoscopic images whose location remains approximately fixed in space.

Abstract: A refractory device, such as a replacement purge plug containing a refractory material, is configured to be inserted in the bottom of a ladle for introducing purging gas through a heat of molten metal in a ladle. One or more geometrical features on the lateral surface of the purge plug facilitate the installation of the purge plug into a housing block that has been subjected to erosion.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds having enhanced potency in the modulation of NMDA receptor activity. Such compounds are contemplated for use in the treatment of diseases and disorder such as learning, cognitive activities, and analgesia, particularly in alleviating and/or reducing neuropathic pain. Orally available formulations and other pharmaceutically acceptable delivery forms of the compounds, including intravenous formulations, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The actuator (see FIG. 2) comprises a barrel 16 and a plunger 22 received within the barrel. A clutch mechanism 54 is operable between the plunger and the barrel. In the engaged condition of the clutch, the plunger is advanced by rotation relative to the barrel. An axial load on the plunger disengages the clutch mechanism, allowing the plunger to be advanced axially whilst rotating the driven member 60. Two-handed or one-handed operation is therefore possible. A freely rotatable collar 27 on the plunger allows the plunger to be returned to its retracted position with a linear rearward movement whilst allowing rotation of the plunger. A resilient ring 35 mounted in a cross-passage 32 in a bush 28 at the forward end of the plunger provides a measured degree of frictional resistance to the plunger returning under its own weight to the retracted position. The ring may be replaced by a C-shaped resilient element (see FIG. 13). The actuator can be used in combination with a lens delivery device (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with clustering using tri-point arbitration are described. In one embodiment, a method includes selecting a data point pair and a set of arbiter points. A tri-point arbitration similarity is calculated for data point pairs based, at least in part, on a distance between the first and second data points and the arbiter points. In one embodiment, similar data points are clustered.

Abstract: An instrument (110) for rolling a thin ophthalmic lens and inserting the rolled lens into the eye comprises a body (112) in which a plunger (124) is slidable. A thin lens (156) is placed on a lens roller (130) which is slidable transversely of the instrument. The lens is rolled during the sliding movement into a tubular configuration. The rolled lens is then positioned in the instrument in a cylindrical cavity and ready for contact by a push-rod of the plunger (124) so that it is delivered from the instrument through a box in a tip portion (114) of the instrument.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display system includes an image display panel, a means to polarize light so as to present two patterns of images whose polarization direction differ by approximately 90 degrees, and a means to change the relationship of image to polarization direction pattern. The images may be perceived as a stereoscopic image by viewing them through glasses having polarizing directions which differ by approximately 90 degrees. The display device may be rotated approximately 90 degrees from a first orientation into a second orientation, and the device is able to change left and right image patterns, polarization patterns, or any combination of the two so it may be viewed as a stereoscopic image using glasses whose left and right lenses are of same polarization direction as the glasses needed for the first orientation.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixing system comprising a magnetically coupled drive system and a foil for cultivating algae, or cyanobacteria, in an open or enclosed vessel. The invention provides effective mixing, low energy usage, low capital expenditure, and ease of drive system component maintenance while maintaining the integrity of a sealed mixing vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified photoautotrophic ethanol producing host cells. Ethanol production is controlled by an inducible promoter. Promoters utilized may be endogenous or heterologous, and genetic modification may be obtained by extrachromosomal means or chromosomal insertion.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing the organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.