Abstract: A brazing process, a braze assembly, and a brazed article are disclosed. The brazing process includes applying a braze material to an article within a vacuum chamber while the vacuum chamber is substantially evacuated. The braze assembly is capable of applying a braze material to an article within a vacuum chamber while the vacuum chamber is substantially evacuated. The brazed article is devoid of re-formed oxides.

Abstract: A method of determining a thread from a plurality of threads to execute a task in a multi-processor computer system. The plurality of threads is grouped into at least one subset associated with a cache memory of the computer system. The task has a type determined by a set of instructions. The method obtains an execution history of the subset of plurality of threads and determines a weighting for each of the set of instructions and the set of data, the weightings depending on the type of the task. A suitability of the subset of the threads to execute the task based on the execution history and the determined weightings, is then determined. Subject to the determined suitability of the subset of threads, the method determining a thread from the subset of threads to execute the task using content of the cache memory associated with the subset of threads.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of rendering a plurality of graphical objects. The method generates a region graph using at least a plurality of intersection points of the graphical objects. The intersection points identify disjoint regions each representing a particular combination of the graphical objects, in which the region graph has at least one region graph link, and defines a relationship between the regions. A contributing level and an activating direction are assigned to at least one of the region graph links, the level and the activation direction defining an appearance of the region associated with said region graph link. The method then renders the plurality of graphical objects using the assigned contributing level and activating direction of the region graph links by traversing the region graph to determine at least one contributing level for each region in the region graph using the assigned contributing level and the activating direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a bias-corrected value of at least one component of a gravity gradient tensor using a gravity gradiometer and a measurement bias of the gravity gradiometer wherein the measurement bias varies with time, by taking at least three measurements with the gravity gradiometer positioned in at least two orientations. Any gravity gradiometer can be used, including a Cross-Component Gravity Gradiometer (CCGG), an Orthogonal Quadrupole Responder (OQR), an In-Line Responder (ILR), a Diagonal-Component Gravity Gradiometer, or a Multi-Component Gravity Gradiometer (MCGG).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method (2500) of determining, for a rendering job (2402) comprising one or more page building jobs, a start time for a print engine (195) to print the rendering job (2402), the method including determining (2502) for the rendering job a current start time for printing based on at least a predicted finishing time of a page building job, determining (2503) a difference between the predicted finishing time and an actual finishing time of the page building job, determining (2504) if, based on the difference, a predetermined condition is satisfied, and if the predetermined criterion is satisfied, determining (2505) an updated start time for printing the rendering job based on information relating to the actual finishing time of the page building job, and starting (2509) the print engine to print the rendering job at the updated start time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of rasterizing a page comprising a plurality of graphic objects. The method obtains a plurality of pixel-aligned object edges (302,303) of the graphic objects (203), and determining a pixel generation path (402) for the plurality of graphic objects. The method determines a plurality of crossing locations (420-424) based on the pixel aligned object edges and the pixel generation path, at least one of the crossing locations being a vertical crossing location and at least one other crossing location being a horizontal crossing location, rasterizes the page according to the pixel generation path by updating a fill sequence (620-623) upon encountering said determined crossing locations.

Abstract: Concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution is utilized for biomass, biofilm and pathogen remediation and/or sterilization, disinfection, sanitizing, cleaning and/or removing soils from spaces or surfaces. Instead of utilizing diluted low concentration and pH slightly acidic to alkaline hydrogen peroxide, the applicant proposes the use of a formulated and concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution with preferably with an acidic pH such as about 3.5 along with low levels of inhibitors and/or the addition of activators such as ozone, iron, etc. Foaming occurs in many instances identifying treatment in progress and an anti-microbial solution can provide long term protection against re-growth.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method for reducing the chemical activity and photo activity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles comprising adding an amorphous alumina-stabilizing agent, specifically an anion, such as citric acid, to an aqueous slurry of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles; treating the aqueous slurry with a source of alumina, such as a solution of sodium aluminate, to form alumina-treated titanium dioxide nanoparticles; recovering the alumina-treated inorganic nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles have a particle size of about 50 to about 300 nm; and milling the nanoparticles to form nanoparticles having a particle size about 15% smaller than silica-treated inorganic nanoparticles milled under similar conditions. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles described herein are useful in cosmetic, coating and thermoplastic compositions.

Abstract: A satellite positioning system comprises a plurality of mobile clients that can move in and out of a wireless service area. Such area is more or less fixed and supported by a base station, e.g., a mobile telephone cell. The service area and/or the base station is associated with an identity code that can be queried. Each mobile client includes an autonomous GPS receiver that does not require aiding information to produce a position fix, but will produce such fix quicker and at higher sensitivity if aiding information is supplied. A local memory is used to store a limited number of cell-ID identity codes associated with previously determined positions for those sites. The mobile clients further include a cellular telephone that can support Internet access to a mobile aiding server. An ID-registration database is used to collect aiding information collected and contributed in the past by other mobile clients.

Abstract: A medication dispensing apparatus that can be actuated with a small force to deliver a precise dose. The apparatus includes a fluid container having an injection chamber and a storage chamber in fluid flow communication. A first plunger is movable to alter the volume of the injection chamber, and a second plunger is movable to alter the volume of the storage chamber. The injection chamber has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a cross-section area of the storage chamber. During dose setting, a drive assembly drivingly connected to the plungers shifts the plungers different distances so as to reduce the volume of the storage chamber while simultaneously increasing the volume of the injection chamber a similar amount. After dose setting, an actuator is movable with a small force to shift the first plunger to reduce the volume of the injection chamber to force medicine through an outlet of the fluid container.

Abstract: A tire fill nozzle having an integrated dryer for drying compressed air or gas delivered to a tire. According to exemplary disclosed embodiments, the tire fill nozzle comprises a main body, an inlet connector on the main body adapted to engage an air/gas line, an outlet connector on the main body adapted to engage a tire valve stem, and a dryer in the main body adapted to dry air/gas passing through the nozzle. The dryer may comprise a drying composition, such as a desiccant, that can be permanently disposed within the main body or optionally disposed within a replaceable cartridge.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method for reducing the chemical activity and photo activity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles comprising adding an amorphous alumina-stabilizing agent, specifically an anion, such as citric acid, to an aqueous slurry of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles; treating the aqueous slurry with a source of alumina, such as a solution of sodium aluminate, to form alumina-treated titanium dioxide nanoparticles; recovering the alumina-treated inorganic nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles have a particle size of about 50 to about 300 nm; and milling the nanoparticles to form nanoparticles having a particle size about 15% smaller than silica-treated inorganic nanoparticles milled under similar conditions. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles described herein are useful in cosmetic, coating and thermoplastic compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved composition for generating at least one gas comprising an energy-activated catalyst capable of being activated by electromagnetic energy, heat and/or moisture and anions capable of being oxidized or reacted to generate at least one gas, the composition, when exposed to electromagnetic energy, heat and/or moisture being capable of generating and releasing the gas after activation of the catalyst and oxidation or reaction of the anions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for silica-treating semiconductors, particularly photoactive semiconductors such as BaTiO3, ZnO, and ZnS. The process comprises adding a densifying agent, such as citric acid, to an aqueous slurry of the semiconductor particles; treating the aqueous slurry with a source of silica, such as a solution of sodium silicate, to form silica-treated semiconductor particles; treating the silica-treated semiconductor particles with a source of alumina, such as a solution of sodium aluminate, to form silica- and alumina-treated photoactive semiconductor particles. The treated particles of this invention can be used in high dielectric constant compositions for use in thick films and castable tape for making multilayer circuits. The treated semiconductor particles are stable in dispersions and resist dopant leaching during high temperature processing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article comprising a substrate; and a columnar structure, wherein the columnar structure comprises a semi-conductor and is disposed upon the substrate in a manner wherein the longitudinal axis of the columnar structures is substantially perpendicular to the substrate. Disclosed herein is an electrode that comprises a substrate upon which is disposed an electron transport coating, wherein the electron transport coating comprises a columnar structure.

Abstract: A system and method of allocating a conditional purchase offer for a product or service to one of a plurality of entities in a buyer-driven system. The conditional purchase offer for the product or service in a specified relevant market area is received and at least one of the plurality of entities capable of satisfying the conditional purchase offer are identified. A first-look opportunity to accept the conditional purchase offer is allocated to one of the identified entities and, if it is determined that that entity cannot accept the conditional purchase offer, then a second-look opportunity to accept the conditional purchase offer is provided to one of the remaining entities. The opportunity to accept the offer is provided to each entity according to the allocation until an entity accepts the conditional purchase offer or no eligible entities remain.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assembly for plasma generation comprising a cathode plate comprising a fixed cathode tip, the cathode tip being integral part of the cathode plate. The assembly further comprises at least one cascade plate, at least one separator plate disposed between the cathode plate and the cascade plate, an anode plate, and an inlet for a gas. The cathode plate, separator plate, cascade plate and anode plate are “electrically isolated” from one another, and the electrically isolated cathode plate, separator plate, and cascade plate define a plasma generation chamber. The cathode tip is disposed within the plasma generation chamber.

Abstract: A support anchor for fastening to a vertical mullion of a curtain wall system is disclosed. The support anchor fastens to a hollow tongue web portion of the vertical mullion. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A valve assembly including a valve and a valve actuator assembly is provided. The valve actuator assembly is configured to open and close the valve in response to a command signal from a controller. The actuator assembly can include a gear assembly that is configured to engage the valve, a motor that is configured to engage the gear assembly and drive the gear assembly in a first direction, and a biasing structure that is configured to engage the gear assembly and drive the gear assembly in a second direction. The motor, actuator assembly, and/or valve may include a brake that reduces or limits the return speed of the valve.