Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for on-line measurement of polymer properties such as moisture content, ethylene content, Epoxidized Soy Bean Oil (ESBO) content, calcium stearate content and ethylidene norbornene (ENB) content.

Abstract: A manufacturing plant (1) is provided for vehicle body parts (2, 3). The manufacturing plant includes a number of processing stations (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), which are situated one behind the other along a transfer line (22), and of a number of multiaxial robots (18, 19). In at least one processing station (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), one or more handling robots (18) for transporting parts is/are arranged on at least one axis of travel (20, 21). Next to the handling robot (18), one or more processing robots (19) is/are displaceably arranged on the same axis of travel (20). Working locations (11, 12) are arranged on both sides of a common axis of travel (20), whereby another common axis of travel can be provided on the rear side of the working locations.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a digital asset management system with archival and retrieval features. A database is synchronized with an online file system and maintains information related to files in the system. During an archiving operation, a user selects files to be archived, and a plurality of archiving parameters. The archiving parameters can include a media type and a data allocation scheme. Based on the archiving parameters chosen, the files are automatically allocated across one or more subfolders or “virtual media folders.” Each virtual media folder is a virtual representation of a specific removable media object (e.g. CD, DVD, tape, flash memory drive etc.) and is configured for subsequent copying to removable media. When a user wants to retrieve a digital asset that is no longer on the online file system, the system checks the media path and prompts the user to insert the removable media object of the same name.

Abstract: A symmetrical load transfer device for use in insulated concrete wall panels. The symmetrical shape allows for forces induced in manufacturing, transportation, installation and nature to transfer through the device equally to both concrete wythes of the wall panel. The load transfer device is preferably made of a thermoplastic or thermoset resin matrix incorporating continuous filaments, such as glass rovings. The low thermal conductivity of the matrix of filaments and resins greatly reduce thermal bridging of the insulation layer while maintaining structural integrity of the wall panel.

Abstract: A manufacturing plant (1) is provided for vehicle body parts (2, 3). The manufacturing plant includes a number of processing stations (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), which are situated one behind the other along a transfer line (22), and of a number of multiaxial robots (18, 19). In at least one processing station (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), one or more handling robots (18) for transporting parts is/are arranged on at least one axis of travel (20, 21). Next to the handling robot (18), one or more processing robots (19) is/are displaceably arranged on the same axis of travel (20). Working locations (11, 12) are arranged on both sides of a common axis of travel (20), whereby another common axis of travel can be provided on the rear side of the working locations.

Abstract: This disclosure provides the nucleic acid and protein sequences of novel P450 oxygenases that utilize, at least, taxoid substrates, including taxadiene isomers. The disclosed oxygenases, such as a taxoid 5?-hydroxylase, hydroxylate, at least, the C5 position of a taxoid. Also provided are methods of introducing oxygen at the C5 position of a taxoid and methods of producing the anti-cancer drug, paclitaxel (also known as Taxol™), and other taxoids, such as paclitaxel intermediates.

Abstract: This method and system provides for an organization to electronically post an open position and for potential candidates to bid on those positions through the use of a “blind bid” system. In addition, the system allows organizations to query a database for potential candidates and directly invite them to bid on available positions, or directly request them to fill available positions for a specified hourly wage rate. The system is highly automated and efficient, requiring far less human interaction to recruit potential candidates. The system also utilizes modern technology such as e-mail, text messaging and the Internet to lessen the need to place recruitment advertisements in traditional media. Qualified candidates are able to quickly find positions and place a bid to fill that position.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining and controlling polymer properties on-line in a polymerization reactor system, such as a fluidized bed reactor. The methods include obtaining a regression model for determining a polymer property, the regression model including principal component loadings and principal component scores, acquiring a Raman spectrum of a polyolefin sample comprising polyolefin, calculating a new principal component score from at least a portion of the Raman spectrum and the principal component loadings, and calculating the polymer property by applying the new principal component score to the regression model. The property can be controlled by adjusting at least one polymerization parameter based on the calculated polymer property.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of simulating communications between a plurality of devices are provided. A series of commands and data block sizes are recorded as trace data by a recording device and stored in a library of trace data. The system functionally includes a first device and a second device, the second device being the device under test. The first device can be replaced by an apparatus that simulates the communications of the first device with the second device. The simulator recreates the commands of the first device by accessing the prerecorded trace data. An apparatus, system and method for measuring and analyzing the performance of modifications made to the trace data are also provided.

Abstract: A slow-wave transmission line component having a slow-wave structure. The slow-wave structure includes a floating shield employing one of electric and magnetic induction to set a potential on floating strips of said floating shield to about 0, thereby reducing losses caused by electric coupling to a substrate. A spacing between the strips is small to inhibit electric field from passing the metal strips to the substrate material.

Abstract: A manually-operated apparatus is provided for slicing a food product. The apparatus includes a base for supporting the apparatus on an appropriate support surface. An anvil is disposed on top of the base and includes a support surface on which the food product is positioned. A cutting head has a plurality of cutting blades for cutting the food product. A common pivot shaft pivotally mounts both the anvil and the cutting head to the base. The cutting head is mounted for pivotal movement between an elevated position allowing the food product to be positioned on the anvil and a lowered cutting position whereat the cutting blades have sliced through the food product and into slots in the anvil. The anvil is mounted for pivotal movement between a generally horizontal food-supporting position and an elevated cleaning position allowing food products to be cleaned off of the base.

Abstract: A high strength wick is presented that comprises a self-sustaining fibrous element. This element is formed of a multiplicity of fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart points of contact to define a porous matrix. The fibers are melt blown bicomponent fibers comprising a core of nylon 6,6 and a sheath of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate and copolymers of polyethylene terephthalate. The sheath polymer is selected and adapted for solvent resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of inspecting a sample. The sample is scanned in a first direction with at least one particle beam. The sample is scanned in a second direction with at least one particle beam. The second direction is at an angle to the first direction. The number of defects per an area of the sample are found as a result of the first scan, and the position of one or more of the found defects is determined from the second scan. In a specific embodiment, the sample includes a test structure having a plurality of test elements thereon. A first portion of the test elements is exposed to the beam during the first scan to identify test elements having defects, and a second portion of the test elements is exposed during the second scan to isolate and characterize the defect.

Abstract: The present invention is an insulated concrete wall panel consisting of two layers of concrete with and insulating layer in between the concrete layers. A sinusoidal-shaped, fiber-reinforced composite element connects the two concrete layers. The connector is imbedded in the two layers of concrete and passes through the insulation layer. The connector provides the requisite transmission of forces merely by being consolidated in the concrete layers.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for on-line measurement of polymer properties such as moisture content, ethylene content, Epoxidized Soy Bean Oil (ESBO) content, calcium stearate content and ethylidene norbornene (ENB) content are disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber composite connector element for production of concrete cavity walls having a shaft with anchorage ends and one or more locating flanges. The anchorage ends provide bi-directional force transfer between the connector body and surrounding concrete. The connector may include a flange for orientation of the connector shaft perpendicular to a plastic concrete layer and for setting the depth of penetration of the connector into a concrete layer.

Abstract: A slow-wave transmission line component having a slow-wave structure. The slow-wave structure includes a floating shield employing one of electric and magnetic induction to set a potential on floating strips of said floating shield to about 0, thereby reducing losses caused by electric coupling to a substrate. A spacing between the strips is small to inhibit electric field from passing the metal strips to the substrate material.

Abstract: The vehicle rack and pinion steering system has an elongated rack bar. Tie rod connectors are provided on the ends of the bar. A rack gear teeth section is provided on the rack bar in a position parallel to and spaced from the rack axis. A cylindrical bearing surface is on the opposite side of the rack axis from the rack gear teeth section. The bearing surface has a fixed radius and is concentric with the rack axis. The rack section width is at least twice the fixed radius. Secondary bearing contact surfaces join the bearing surface, extend toward the rack gear teeth section and diverge from each other. Contact between the bearing and surface shifts the point of convergence of forces on the rack toward the pitch point.