Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to monitor and evaluate vehicle operator behavior. An example method includes processing, using a particularly programmed processor, image data obtained with respect to a vehicle to identify an object in the image data. The example method includes measuring, using the mobile device, a geographic location of the vehicle. The example method includes determining, using the mobile device, an operating state of the vehicle. The example method includes analyzing the object in the image data, the geographic location, and the operating state of the vehicle to determine a behavior of the vehicle. The example method includes generating a score for a driver associated with the vehicle by comparing the behavior of the vehicle with a reference behavior, the reference behavior quantified by one or more driving metrics. The example method includes outputting the score.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for regenerating metal catalysts used in the purification of inert gases for use in fiber draw furnaces and other applications. The methods described herein can regenerate metal catalysts alone or in combination with molecular sieves. The methods disclosed herein are able to prevent the formation and retention of unwanted byproducts during and after the regeneration process, thereby efficiently converting oxidized catalysts to their reduced or elemental form. Gases purified with catalysts regenerated by the methods disclosed herein, when used in fiber draw furnaces and similar applications, can lead to extended equipment lifetimes and higher-quality products due to the lack of degradation by contaminants in the gas stream.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for regenerating metal catalysts used in the purification of inert gases for use in fiber draw furnaces and other applications. The methods described herein can regenerate metal catalysts alone or in combination with molecular sieves. The methods disclosed herein are able to prevent the formation and retention of unwanted byproducts during and after the regeneration process, thereby efficiently converting oxidized catalysts to their reduced or elemental form. Gases purified with catalysts regenerated by the methods disclosed herein, when used in fiber draw furnaces and similar applications, can lead to extended equipment lifetimes and higher-quality products due to the lack of degradation by contaminants in the gas stream.

Abstract: An electronic game for playing on a portable handheld game unit and on-line includes a dynamic animated virtual character that can be customized and updated both visually and functionally through game play and that can translate from a two dimensional visual presentation on a game unit to a higher order visual presentation in an interactive multi-player virtual world on-line and back while retaining any customization or upgrades is provided. Different versions of the electronic game produce different virtual characters that can interact on-line or through wireless linkage between game units.

Abstract: A method of producing an optical fiber is provided that includes the steps of flowing a first gas into an optical fiber draw furnace. The first gas is passed through a heated section configured to contain and heat a glass source from which the optical fiber is drawn, passing the first gas through a muffle which defines a capture chamber. A portion of the first gas is removed through at least one reclaim port operatively coupled to the capture chamber. A second gas flows into a gas screen at a rate configured to substantially recover a pressure drop associated with removing the portion of the first gas.

Abstract: An electronic game for playing on a portable handheld game unit and on-line includes a dynamic animated virtual character that can be customized and updated both visually and functionally through game play and that can translate from a two dimensional visual presentation on a game unit to a higher order visual presentation in an interactive multi-player virtual world on-line and back while retaining any customization or upgrades is provided. Different versions of the electronic game produce different virtual characters that can interact on-line or through wireless linkage between game units.

Abstract: An adjustable bracket includes a first bracket portion with a first leg and a first bar element, a second bracket portion with a second leg and a second bar element, and a hub assembly supported on at least one of the first and second bracket portions. The hub assembly can be configured to couple a flexible hose to the adjustable bracket. The first bar element can be telescopically received by the second bar element so that a distance between the first and second legs is selectively adjustable. A fastener can fix the first and second bar elements in a desired relationship. The hub assembly can include first and second support members that are pivotably connected to rotate between open and closed positions. The second support member may have a slot that allows the second support member to rotate and move laterally with respect to the first support member.

Abstract: An electronic game for playing on a portable handheld game unit and on-line includes a dynamic animated virtual character that can be customized and updated both visually and functionally through game play and that can translate from a two dimensional visual presentation on a game unit to a higher order visual presentation in an interactive multi-player virtual world on-line and back while retaining any customization or upgrades is provided. Different versions of the electronic game produce different virtual characters that can interact on-line or through wireless linkage between game units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for dispensing a viscous food product such as peanut butter. The container has a spiral groove in which a bottom fits into and can spiral upwards to dispense the product from the top of the container.

Abstract: A panel system includes elongated panels coupled together at a seam portion with respective interlocking portions at corresponding vertical ends to provide a substantially planar surface. In siding panel systems, joined siding panels are provided in vertically arranged rows that further couple together along adjacent horizontal edges of the respective rows of siding panels.

Abstract: An electronic game for playing on a portable handheld game unit and on-line includes a dynamic animated virtual character that can be customized and updated both visually and functionally through game play and that can translate from a two dimensional visual presentation on a game unit to a higher order visual presentation in an interactive multi-player virtual world on-line and back while retaining any customization or upgrades is provided. Different versions of the electronic game produce different virtual characters that can interact on-line or through wireless linkage between game units.

Abstract: A drill hole (350) extends into rock to be blasted. A blasting accessory (310) includes a container portion (312) for holding a predetermined volume of stemming material, and a spacer (330) for spacing the stemming material a predetermined distance from a surface, e.g. a blind bottom of the drill hole. The container portion has a top (320) surrounded by a dilatable, inverted skirt forming a seal (342), and forms a support for a blasting substance like an explosive.

Abstract: A method of extending media cartridge radio frequency identification (RFID) performance physical range includes mounting a plurality of passive antenna couplers in a first sending/receiving device, connecting the couplers to a radio transmitter/receiver in the first sending/receiving device, and communicating wirelessly between the first sending/receiving device and a second radio transmitter/receiver in a second sending/receiving device within a predetermined physical range.

Abstract: A method of making high-density (>7.0 g/ml) sintered iron-based alloy parts by using boron-containing Master Alloys comprises the steps of mixing an atomised, boron-containing master alloy powder, or a plurality of master alloy powders at least one of which is boron-containing, with a conventional iron or iron alloy powder; optionally adding graphite and a lubricant in conventional amounts as used in powder metallurgy technology; and pressing and sintering the mix to an increased density, preferably in a reducing, inert or vacuum atmosphere at 1050 to 1300° C., to produce the part required. The invention also includes parts produced by the above defined method.

Abstract: An actuating device is provided for moving a closure panel between an open position spaced apart from a vehicle body and a closed position abutting the vehicle body to close an access opening thereof. The actuating device includes a telescopic arm having a first member coupled to one of the closure panel and the vehicle body and a second member coupled to the other of the closure panel and the vehicle body. The first and second members are slidable relative to one another to move the actuating device between a retracted position corresponding with the closed position and an extended position corresponding with the open position. A screw is rotatable relative to the first member. The screw includes a cavity formed therewithin. A nut is secured to the second member and threadingly engages the screw such that rotation of the screw moves the second member towards and away from the first member to move the actuating device between the respective retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: The invention is a method, system, and apparatus providing access to media content via an internet-like connection, such as television programming, games. A paired remote control and dongle can connected via an intermediary computer and the internet to a remote director. The dongle contains an access code, which may include an identification code and/or password. In response to receiving the access code from the dongle, the remote director provides the dongle and/or intermediary computer with access to the requested media content. The dongle may provide the access code only in response to an appropriate query. The appropriate query may be provided by the remote director and/or intermediary computer.

Abstract: An electromechanical strut is provided for moving a pivotal lift gate between an open position and a closed position relative to a motor vehicle body. The electromechanical strut includes a housing connected to one of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. An extensible shaft is slidably mounted to the housing. The extensible shaft is connected to the other of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. A drive mechanism includes a rotatable power screw. The drive mechanism converts rotary motion of the power screw into linear motion of the extensible shaft to move the extensible shaft between a retracted position corresponding to the closed position of the lift gate and an extended position corresponding to the open position of the lift gate. A power spring includes one end connected to the extensible shaft and another end connected to the housing for providing a mechanical counterbalance to the weight of the lift gate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turbine engine component includes forming a component to include a first side and an opposite second side, positioning at least one capillary adjacent to an external surface of at least one of the first and second sides, and securing the at least one capillary to the component with at least one composite layer.

Abstract: Described is a novel family of cell surface serpentine transmembrane antigens. Two of the proteins in this family are exclusively or predominantly expressed in the prostate, as well as in prostate cancer, and thus members of this family have been termed “STEAP” (Six Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate). Four particular human STEAPs are described and characterized herein. The human STEAPs exhibit a high degree of structural conservation among them but show no significant structural homology to any known human proteins. The prototype member of the STEAP family, STEAP-1, appears to be a type IIIa membrane protein expressed predominantly in prostate cells in normal human tissues. Structurally, STEAP-1 is a 339 amino acid protein characterized by a molecular topology of six transmembrane domains and intracellular N- and C-termini, suggesting that it folds in a “serpentine” manner into three extracellular and two intracellular loops.

Abstract: Described is a novel family of cell surface serpentine transmembrane antigens. Two of the proteins in this family are exclusively or predominantly expressed in the prostate, as well as in prostate cancer, and thus members of this family have been termed “STEAP” (SIX Transmembrane Epithelial Antigens of the Prostate). Four particular human STEAPs are described and characterized herein. The human STEAPs exhibit a high degree of structural conservation among them but show no significant structural homology to any known human proteins. The prototype member of the STEAP family, STEAP-1, appears to be a type IIIa membrane protein expressed predominantly in prostate cells in normal human tissues. Structurally, STEAP-1 is a 339 amino acid protein characterized by a molecular topology of six transmembrane domains and intracellular N— and C-termini, suggesting that it folds in a “serpentine” manner into three extracellular and two intracellular loops.