Abstract: Disclosed are arrangements which seek to update schemas in a controlled manner so that a device (3710) or service can accurately parse documents conforming to a new version of a schema (3724, 3734) without the need for translation services or extra information within the document to provide guides for translation. One embodiment provides a “best-effort” attempt to process documents of an unknown schema, based on a defined similarity threshold, instead of rejecting such documents as being invalid. The arrangements disclosed seek to provide a satisfactory output from an input document that conforms with an unexpected schema. A method for constraining evolution of a schema associated with a markup language includes the steps of defining the schema and defining a metaschema associated with the schema. The metaschema provides rules for valid changes to the schema.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying a draught beverage, comprising beverage cooling heat exchange means, a beverage outlet for cold beverage from said heat exchange means to issue from the outlet, openable and closable valve means for controlling supply of beverage to said outlet, and a beverage circulation loop for beverage to circulate in said loop.

Abstract: A rotary rheometer having a magnetic thrust bearing. The thrust disk of the magnetic thrust bearing being situated between a pair of magnetic actuator assemblies and extending beyond the circumference of the actuator assemblies so as to encompass the magnetic flux lines generated by the actuator assemblies, thus minimizing likelihood of an undesirable preferential position or side load.

Abstract: Prion infectivity adsorbed onto substrates (for example, chromatographic columns used to fractionate blood plasma) is removed by treatment with 2M sodium chloride. Optionally, the substrate is further washed with 0.1M sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A rotary rheometer having a magnetic thrust bearing. The thrust disk of the magnetic thrust bearing being situated between a pair of magnetic actuator assemblies and extending beyond the circumference of the actuator assemblies so as to encompass the magnetic flux lines generated by the actuator assemblies, thus minimizing likelihood of an undesirable preferential position or side load.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for providing a synchronized multichannel universal serial bus, the method in one aspect comprising supplementing the signal channels in the USB specification to provide synchronization information from an external source, and in another aspect comprising observing USB traffic and locking a local clock signal of a USB device to a periodic signal contained in USB data traffic, wherein the locking is in respect of phase and/or frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic identification of a detachable component of an instrument is disclosed. The detachable component includes a machine-readable device that contains information associated with the detachable component. The machine-readable device can be a bar code, a variable depth pattern, a magnetic stripe, or the like. The information contained within the machine-readable device can include one or more of serial number, type, material, dimensions, and calibration data of the detachable component. The instrument includes a reader that is configured to obtain the information from the machine-readable device.

Abstract: A rotary rheometer having a magnetic thrust bearing. The thrust disk of the magnetic thrust bearing being situated between a pair of magnetic actuator assemblies and extending beyond the circumference of the actuator assemblies so as to encompass the magnetic flux lines generated by the actuator assemblies, thus minimizing likelihood of an undesirable preferential position or side load.

Abstract: A rotary rheometer having a an upper heating/cooling assembly and a lower heating/cooling assembly located opposite one another opposite a sample gap. The lower heating/cooling assembly may comprise a Peltier heater and the upper heating/cooling assembly preferably comprises a heating element that mates with a heat spreader for heating and cooling the area above the sample and providing more uniform heating and cooling across the sample gap while also minimizing any chimney effect within the rheometer and/or providing heating/cooling capability that is insensitive to changes in the gap between an upper geometry and the lower heating/cooling assembly. The upper heating/cooling assembly may further comprise a cooling channel for cooling the upper heating/cooling assembly.

Abstract: A method of keeping an alcoholic beverage in an open topped vessel cool, said beverage comprising a water content and a dissolved gas content, and said method comprising forming ice in the beverage in the open-topped vessel said ice having a cooling effect on the beverage, said ice being formed in the beverage from water of said water content.

Abstract: A method of keeping an alcoholic beverage in an open topped vessel cool, said beverage comprising a water content and a dissolved gas content, and said method comprising forming ice in the beverage in the open-topped vessel said ice having a cooling effect on the beverage, said ice being formed in the beverage from water of said water content.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic identification of a detachable component of an instrument is disclosed. The detachable component includes a machine-readable device that contains information associated with the detachable component. The machine-readable device can be a bar code, a variable depth pattern, a magnetic stripe, or the like. The information contained within the machine-readable device can include one or more of serial number, type, material, dimensions, and calibration data of the detachable component. The instrument includes a reader that is configured to obtain the information from the machine-readable device.

Abstract: A rotary rheometer having a concentric cylinder control jacket and a sample cup. The sample cup fits snugly inside the control jacket, such that the sample cup is in substantial thermal contact with the control jacket along at least the greater part of the length of the sample cup. A heating/cooling assembly such as a Peltier plate, positioned, for example, beneath the control jacket, is used to heat and/or cool the control jacket, thus heating and cooling the sample cup. The sample cup includes a generally annular chamber, which ensures that the sample experiences a uniform temperature. The rheometer reaches steady-state sample temperature more quickly, and the steady-state temperature reached is closer to the actual desired sample temperature than with prior art rheometers, due to the much greater thermal contact between the sample cup and the control jacket.

Abstract: A method for thermally processing a textile thread in which the thread is run through a treatment zone. In this treatment zone, the thread temperature is changed by heat exchange, particularly by contact with a flowing liquid. The thread is rotating about its axis while in contact with the liquid.

Abstract: A computer network communication system collects messages from multiple electronic sources comprising network service providers and presents them to a system user in a common format that is selectable by the user. The system receives charge account information from the user and thereby recoups costs associated with providing the computer network communication access. Charge account and associated identification information for a user are stored at a central control site, along with a user's preferred display settings. The central control site is connected to an interconnected computer network and to multiple remote sites comprising computer terminals that communicate with the central control site over the computer network. The remote user sites also are capable of direct communication with network service providers independently of the central control site over conventional telephone line connections.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for thermally processing a textile structure in which the structure is run through a treatment zone in which the structure temperature is changed by heat exchange by contact with a flowing liquid.