Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a first layer of dielectric material disposed upon an upper surface of a substrate of a semiconductor device and a first non-conductive layer of metal disposed upon an upper surface of the dielectric material. The first layer of dielectric material and the first non-conductive layer of metal act as an optical trap for electromagnetic radiation received by the first non-conductive layer of metal. In particular embodiments, the semiconductor device may further comprise a second layer of dielectric material disposed upon an upper surface of the first non-conductive layer of metal and a second non-conductive layer of metal disposed upon an upper surface of the second layer of dielectric material.

Abstract: The invention proposes a valve train (1) of an internal combustion engine comprising a tappet (7) and a tappet pushrod (1) that is actuated by said tappet (7), said tappet pushrod (1) being at least partly hollow and comprising on one end (3), a first support (4) for a pressure piston (5) of a hydraulic lash adjuster (6) of said tappet (7).that follows a periodic driving element such as a cam. A second support (9) for a follower member (2) such as a rocker arm is arranged on a further end (8) of the tappet pushrod (1). The first support (4) comprises a passage (10) for hydraulic medium that can be routed out of the pressure piston (5) during operation of the internal combustion engine into an interior (11) of the tappet pushrod (1), a one-way valve means (12) being installed in the tappet pushrod (1) for retaining a hydraulic medium column during a standstill of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention proposes a valve train of an internal combustion engine comprising a tappet (7) and a tappet pushrod (1) that is actuated by said tappet (7), said tappet pushrod (1) being at least partly hollow and comprising on one end (3), a first support (4) for an at least indirectly contacting pressure piston (5) of a hydraulic lash adjuster (6) of said tappet (7) that follows a periodic driving element, typically a cam. A second support (9) for a follower member (2), typically a rocker arm, is arranged on a further end (8) of the tappet pushrod (1). The first support (4) comprises a passage (10) for hydraulic medium that can be routed out of the pressure piston (5) during operation of the internal combustion engine into an interior (11) of the tappet pushrod (1), wherein a pipette means (12) is installed in the tappet pushrod (1) for retaining a hydraulic medium column during a standstill of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention in its preferred archetype is an automotive dent guard comprising of a vehicle molds of a front quarter and door panel (1) a rear door and quarter panel (2), a conjoined foldout front quarter and door panel and a rear door and quarter panel (3) and slip clip (4). The translucent vinyl protective devices have a generally flat surface on one side and translucent vinyl shock absorbing stem protrusions on the opposite side (1), (2) and (3) that fit the left and right side of the vehicle. The dent guard panels provide effective and lightweight protection, preventing dings and unwarranted scratches to the exterior of a parked vehicle. The slip clip device (4) and suction cups secure the door and quarter panel dent guards. The dent guards will be essential to vehicle owners, easily manufactured, and circulated through automotive part distribution companies.

Abstract: Severe acute respiratory syndrome is treated with a natural human alpha interferon, a dsRNA or both natural human alpha interferon and a dsRNA. Avian influenza is treated with natural human alpha interferon, neuraminidase inhibitor(s) and ribavirin. Effects of influenza virus are mitigated with a dsRNA in combination with a neuraminidase influenza virus inhibitor. These two products, dsRNA, and alpha interferon, have therapeutic utility either given preventively (prophylactically) or in treatment of active disease. These unique immunological/antiviral actions, operating through immunological “cascades” ameliorates the lethal effects of viral mutation which, by causing resistance to commonly available drugs, greatly accelerates the death rate. For example, in 1918-1920, Avian Influenza caused the death of approximately 40 million people worldwide (ref. National Geographic, September 2005).

Abstract: A wheel arrangement (10) having a first support arrangement, a second support arrangement a fixed framework member and a moveable support member having a substrate contacting wheel, the first and second support arrangements are moveable with respect to the fixed framework member, the first support arrangement and the second support arrangement are located substantially transversely to each other and cooperatively interact with the fixed framework member whilst permitting the moveable support member to move with respect to the fixed framework member, so that movement of the first and second support arrangements permits the substrate contacting wheel to move with respect to the fixed framework member.

Abstract: A display module for an illuminated display device is provided having a flexible, non-self-supporting, at least substantially translucent sheet and a plurality of spaced apart, horizontally disposed divider members positioned on one side of the sheet. Each of the divider members may include a retaining structure for retaining portions of display members in a predetermined position. A plurality of display members having translucent portions are positioned between spaced apart sets of divider members. An illuminated display device is also provided which includes a housing having an opening, at least one lighting source inside the housing for projecting light through the opening, and a display module. A method of assembling a display module in accordance with the invention is further provided.

Abstract: An electroslag-cold hearth (ESCH) system for refining or producing a desired metal or metal alloy is described. The system includes at least one cold hearth vessel capable of holding a pool of molten liquid metal and an overlying slag layer, and an ingot mold laterally off-set from the cold hearth. A source of raw material, e.g., a feed electrode, is positioned above the cold hearth, and fed into the molten slag in a refining operation. A flow-over dam separates the ingot mold from the cold hearth, preventing the flow of inclusions and other foreign bodies into the ingot mold. In some instances, a non-consumable electrode provides additional thermal energy to the slag. In the production operation, the metal source can be a salt from which the desired metal can be electrochemically extracted. Related methods for refining or producing metals such as titanium alloys are also described.

Abstract: Severe acute respiratory syndrome is treated with a natural human alpha interferon, a dsRNA or both natural human alpha interferon and a dsRNA.

Abstract: Tube-type animal trap systems for the humane non-injurious, non-invasive trapping of animals, and to methods and systems for electronic remote trap monitoring and management. The invention includes mechanical and electric/electronic, tube-type traps, and to electronic data communications systems that enable remote monitoring of the status of any type of trap (e.g., is the trap tripped or not). Computer systems at a remote home base permit simultaneous management of multiple traps in the field, including enabling management via the Internet.

Abstract: In the treatment of HIV administration of dsRNA at an appropriate stage in highly active antiretroviral (HAART) therapy of HIV allows for the discontinuation of HAART by increasing the time to HIV rebound after stopping HAART.

Abstract: A method in a user computing device for presenting dialogs in a set of computing devices including the user computing device. Responsive to a request to present a dialog, computing devices within the set of computing devices in a selected proximity of the user computing device are identified to form a set of proximate computing devices. The dialog is presented on only one of the user computer device and the set of proximate computing devices based on a policy.

Abstract: The trenchless water pipe replacement device includes a cable pulling device, a pipe splitter, a length of cable and a cable end piece. The cable is fished through a pipe that is to be replaced, and a length of replacement pipe is attached to the end piece. The pipe splitter is disposed at the front end of the pipe and the cable pulling device is disposed behind the pipe splitter. When the cable pulling device is activated, the end piece makes contact with the rear end of the pipe and sufficient pulling force is applied to the cable to dislodge the pipe and pull it onto the pipe splitter, which splits the pipe as it is pulled from the ground. The replacement pipe is pulled behind the end piece, such that when the end piece is entirely pulled through the ground, the replacement pipe is disposed in its place.

Abstract: The basic features of the invention include a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement means that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device engagement means generally includes a reaction plate and a structure for removably engaging the cable pulling device therewithin. A cable pulling frame may be advantageously used to facilitate the removal of the cable from a relatively small hole that is created at the pulling end of the pipe.

Abstract: A system for collecting and aggregating data from network entities for a data consuming application is described. The system includes a data collector layer to receive network flow information from the network entities and to produce records based on the information. The system also includes a flow aggregation layer fed from the data collection layer and coupled to a storage device. The flow aggregation layer receiving records produced by the data collector layer and aggregates received records. The system can also include an equipment interface layer coupled to the data collector layer and a distribution layer to obtain selected information stored in the storage device and to distribute the select information to a requesting, data consuming application.

Abstract: The basic features of the invention include a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement means that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device engagement means generally includes a reaction plate and a structure for removably engaging the cable pulling device therewithin. A cable pulling frame may be advantageously used to facilitate the removal of the cable from a relatively small hole that is created at the pulling end of the pipe.

Abstract: An end support system is applied to each end of a container for shipping nuclear fuel assemblies in an inner box within the container. The end support system includes a rectilinear metal end frame, a crosspiece with a reinforcing channel along an inside surface of the crosspiece and four arms projecting in a perpendicular direction from the metal end frame for straddling the sides of the container end. By screwing the metal end support system into the wooden framing elements of the container, the integrity of the container ends is maintained during hypothetical accident conditions specified in licensing regulations.

Abstract: The trenchless water pipe replacement device includes a cable pulling device, a pipe splitter, a length of cable and a cable end piece. The cable is fished through a pipe that is to be replaced, and a length of replacement pipe is attached to the end piece. The pipe splitter is disposed at the front end of the pipe and the cable pulling device is disposed behind the pipe splitter. When the cable pulling device is activated, the end piece makes contact with the rear end of the pipe and sufficient pulling force is applied to the cable to dislodge the pipe and pull it onto the pipe splitter, which splits the pipe as it is pulled from the ground. The replacement pipe is pulled behind the end piece, such that when the end piece is entirely pulled through the ground, the replacement pipe is disposed in its place.

Abstract: A trenchless pipe replacement device including a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement device that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device includes a reciprocating cable engagement mechanism that grips the cable on a pulling stroke and holds the cable on a recovery stroke. The cable pulling device engagement device generally includes a reaction plate and a structure for removably engaging the cable pulling device therewithin. A cable pulling frame may be used to facilitate the removal of the cable from a relatively small hole that is created at the pulling end of the pipe.

Abstract: The shipping container includes an outer container body, an inner containment vessel housing a pair of superposed product pails and a self-extinguishing fire-retardant foam insulation layer between the outer container and inner vessel. The inner vessel includes a gusseted upper flange and a lid bolted to the flange with a sealing gasket therebetween. Upper and lower dunnages are provided at the upper and lower ends of the outer container. The upper dunnage includes ceramic fiberboard panels and foam material straddled by steel sheets and additional ceramic fiberboard panel to separate the lid of the vessel and the top of the container. The top is secured to the outer container body by bolts passing through the top and internally into tapped bolt brackets along an interior wall of the outer container body. A retaining ring secures the arcuate overlying rolled edge of the top about the beaded rim of the outer container body.