Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling an apparatus configured to perform a plurality of actions. The method comprises the step of establishing a communication channel between the apparatus and a smart card embedding a biometric sensor, the step of retrieving, through the communication channel, a value reflecting a non-biometric data captured by the biometric sensor, and the step of identifying and performing, by the apparatus, one action of said plurality of actions depending on said value. Other embodiments disclosed.

Abstract: The present teachings generally include improvements to gas turbines for increasing performance and/or efficiency thereof. In an aspect, a gas turbine system featuring a free turbine includes an injector structurally configured to supply liquid water between a last stage turbine rotor of the gas turbine and a last stage turbine rotor of the free turbine. In this manner, heat transferred from combustion gases to the liquid water may cause vaporization of the water. In turn, one or more of (i) a pressure increase from the vaporization of the water and (ii) an increase in mass flow rate across a free turbine rotor from the addition of the water into the system may increase power output of the free turbine. Thus, in some aspects, power output can be increased without the need for an increase in fuel consumption.

Abstract: Described herein are neuroactive steroids of the Formula (II): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein A, R1, R2a, R2b, R3a, R3b, R4a, R4b, R5, R6 and are as defined herein. Such compounds are envisioned, in certain embodiments, to behave as GABA modulators. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the present invention and methods of use and treatment, e.g., such for inducing sedation and/or anesthesia.

Abstract: Apparatus for x-ray CT scanning of an object includes an x-ray generator 1 mounted on a first support 3 on an outer ring 4 and an x-ray detector 2 mounted on a second support 10 on an inner ring 11, and a drive mechanism arranged to rotate the outer and inner rings 4, 11. The outer and inner rings have a first common axis of rotation and the diameter of the outer ring 4 is greater than the diameter of the inner ring 11 The drive mechanism includes a gearing arrangement connecting the outer and inner rings 4,11. The gearing arrangement comprises first and second toothed rotary gears 14,16.

Abstract: Provided herein are 19-nor C3, 3-disubstituted steroids of Formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as defined herein, and A is a heteroaryl ring system comprising 3 or 4 nitrogens as defined herein. Such compounds are contemplated useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of CNS-related conditions, for example, treatment of sleep disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, convulsive disorders, disorders of memory and/or cognition, movement disorders, personality disorders, autism spectrum disorders, pain, traumatic brain injury, vascular diseases, substance abuse disorders and/or withdrawal syndromes, and tinnitus.

Abstract: Provided herein are 3,3-disubstituted 19-nor-steroidal compounds according to Formula (I): and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Such compounds are contemplated useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of CNS-related conditions, for example, treatment of sleep disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, disorders of memory and/or cognition, movement disorders, personality disorders, autism spectrum disorders, pain, traumatic brain injury, vascular diseases, substance abuse disorders and/or withdrawal syndromes, tinnitus, status epilepticus.

Abstract: Improvements in scaffold for providing an elevated structure for working or support. The scaffolding system includes an adjustable stabilizer that uses telescoping tubing with locking pins that fix the length of the stabilizer. An access gate provides both access to inside the elevated structure and safety to prevent a person from falling out of a scaffold opening that is secured to the frame of the scaffold. A variety of toe board brackets are configured to be installed on any standard, mid-rail or end frame of the scaffolding depending on the side or corner that is required. A double toe board that allows for a nearly infinite length of scaffolding to provide a protective barrier that is placed near the ground or walking surface of the scaffold working platform. The scaffolding system can be quickly and universally installed and with minimal or no tools in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein assist users in determining when to retire from a first career and how to allocate retirement funds from the first career. The user may set retirement goals and select a retirement date for the first career. The system may estimate a retirement income for the first career. The user may indicate the payment schedule in which the user will receive the first career retirement funds. The user may provide, or the system may collect from other sources, information regarding other assets and debts associated with the user. Thereafter, the user may be provided information regarding the second career needed to meet the retirement goals and advice regarding the retirement from the first career, including the retirement payout.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paint guard and installation tool for use in protecting sprinkler heads of an automatic sprinkler system when painting ceilings. The paint guard includes a magnet for releasably engaging with an annular metal rim of the sprinkler head to provide a tight seal and prevent paint from coming into contact with the sprinkler head. The installation tool provides a quick and easy hands-free method of installing and removing the paint guard.

Abstract: A cover for a stethoscope, and in particular the bell or diaphragm of a stethoscope, has a semi rigid center portion with a flexible skirt extending therefrom. The skirt and the semi rigid center portion terminates in an expandable binding ring, thereby permitting the cove to be applied thereto. The cover may a unitary or a multiple piece.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for managing resources in which a local processor sends remote operation requests to be executed by a remote processor having multiple resources. In the illustrated embodiment, the local processor and the remote processor each have a resource manager, each of which maintains a control set for each resource of the remote processor. Each control set of the remote processor resource manager includes a queue for queuing remote operation requests awaiting execution in connection with the resource associated with the control set. Each control set of the local processor resource manager includes a credit counter which keeps track of permissible outstanding remote operation requests. Each local processor control set credit counter is decremented for each remote operation request for the associated resource sent to the remote processor and is incremented for each acknowledgment received from the remote processor.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system and article of manufacture, wherein a plurality of broadcast messages are sent from at least one node of a plurality of nodes of a network. A node is discovered based on a received message. An entry is stored, wherein the entry corresponds to the node and a timestamp that indicates a time at which the node was last discovered. A notification is made that the node is offline, in response to determining that a predetermined time has elapsed since the timestamp was last updated.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture containing instructions for the management of data in a point-in-time logical copy relationship between a source and multiple target storage devices. The method consists of establishing first and second point-in-time logical copy relationships between a source storage device and at least two target storage devices concerning an extent of data. Upon establishment of the point-in-time copy relationships, a first cache scan request is received relating to the first point-in-time logical copy relationship to remove a first extent of data from cache; a similar cache scan request is received related to the second point-in-time logical copy relationship. The first cache scan request is processed, and the successful completion of both the first cache scan request and the second cache scan request is returned to the storage controller upon the processing of only the first cache scan request.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided. The locking mechanism includes a mounting plate that carries a locking hook. The locking hook is pivotal with respect to the mounting plate and may be pivoted from an unlocked position to a locked position. A motor is in communication with a locking hook, and is capable of causing the locking hook to be pivoted to the locked position. The locking mechanism may be opened by use of an electronic key, and may contain electronics capable of recording the date and time a particular key was used to open the locking mechanism. Also, the locking mechanism may be capable of being locked without the use of the motor when the motor is disabled due to power disruption or other circumstances.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided. The locking mechanism includes a mounting plate that carries a locking hook. The locking hook is pivotal with respect to the mounting plate and may be pivoted from an unlocked position to a locked position. A motor is in communication with a locking hook, and is capable of causing the locking hook to be pivoted to the locked position. The locking mechanism may be opened by use of an electronic key, and may contain electronics capable of recording the date and time a particular key was used to open the locking mechanism. Also, the locking mechanism may be capable of being locked without the use of the motor when the motor is disabled due to power disruption or other circumstances.

Abstract: A lock for attaching a cover to a platform includes first and second pivotally mounted latch bars which spread to engage side walls of a strike opening in response to actuation of a key actuated rotatable plug mounted in the housing of the lock. The latch bars are mechanically spread to engage the strike in a positive manner and do not rely upon biasing means to maintain the lock in the locked position.

Abstract: A lock for attaching a cover to a platform includes first and second pivotally mounted latch bars which spread to engage side walls of a strike opening in response to actuation of a key actuated rotatable plug mounted in the housing of the lock. The latch bars are mechanically spread to engage the strike in a positive manner and do not rely upon biasing means to maintain the lock in the locked position.

Abstract: A carrierless granular slow release fertilizer composition is prepared by spraying a urea-formaldehyde resin composition having a U/F molar ratio ranging from 2.4 to 13.3 onto finely divided solid particulate raw materials and cooling the resulting sprayed product to solidify the resin composition providing a matrix within which the solid particulate raw materials are bound. The fertilizer composition is characterized by having desired physical and chemical properties in regard to chain length of nitrogen polymers in the product, nitrogen release patterns, hardness and dust free nature of the product and the dispersibility characteristics of the product. The product has an abrasion index of about 0.800-1.000.

Abstract: Encoded keyboard switch comprises a single sheet of flexible film which has switch electrodes and circuit conductors applied to one surface. The sheet of film is folded to form four sections. After folding, the switch electrodes of the two upper sections are opposed to each other and the electrodes of the remaining two sections are opposed to each other so that when the folded film is pressed at a switch site, the two switches formed by the opposed electrodes are sequentially closed. The switch electrodes are interconnected in accordance with an improved encoding scheme which results in a reduced requirement in the number of circuit conductors, the elimination of some switch electrodes, and other advantages.