Abstract: The present invention provides computer-implementable systems and methods for generating images of crystals. The systems each include (a) a light source; (b) a rotatable first polarizing material; (c) a rotatable second polarizing material; (d) a light-capturing device; and (e) a software program executable on the computer-implementable system for analyzing electrical signals from the light-capturing device.

Abstract: A mixed polymer network made from reacting a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a synthetic water-soluble polymer with a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective formulation that prevents virulent Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection in birds of the order Galliformes. The formulation comprises a protective amount of live MG strain K5054 or derivatives thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A vaccine that prevents virulent Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection in birds of the order Galliformes is also presented. Methods for administering the formulation and vaccine are also presented.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring an integrated information system through a common user interface are provided. A user accesses a graphical user interface and selects client, premises, location, monitoring device, and processing rule information. The graphical user interface transmits the user selection to a processing server, which configures one or more monitoring devices according to the user selections.

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating a motor-driven instrument pointer (8) against a stop (5) without using feedback includes, in a first power state, driving the pointer (8) at full torque against the stop (5), then driving the pointer (8) against the stop at a reduced torque for a predetermined radial distance so at the pointer (8) is caused to be held against the stop (5). A third driving step, at reduced torque for a further predetermined radial distance, may be used in a second power state to move the pointer (8) against the stop (5).

Abstract: This invention employs a novel approach to the copper metallization of a workpiece, such as a semiconductor workpiece. In accordance with the invention, an alkaline electrolytic copper bath is used to electroplate copper onto a seed layer, electroplate copper directly onto a barrier layer material, or enhance an ultra-thin copper seed layer which has been deposited on the barrier layer using a deposition process such as PVD. The resulting copper layer provides an excellent conformal copper coating that fills trenches, vias, and other microstructures in the workpiece. When used for seed layer enhancement, the resulting copper seed layer provide an excellent conformal copper coating that allows the microstructures to be filled with a copper layer having good uniformity using electrochemical deposition techniques. Further, copper layers that are electroplated in the disclosed manner exhibit low sheet resistance and are readily annealed at low temperatures.

Abstract: A gate closure for a wire gate includes at least two gate engaging members in spaced relation. Levers are provided in spaced relation for each of the at least two gate engaging members. Each of the at least two gate engaging member is pivotally secured to one of the levers. A linkage is provided between the levers whereby the levers are operated in unison to move the at least two gate engaging members between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A robot apparatus has a rotatable arm member. A stationary pulley is arranged in the center of the arm member, while a pair of rotatable pulleys are arranged at the respective ends of the arm member. A pair of fingers, used for conveying a work, are attached to the respective rotatable pulleys. A driving force transmission member is engaged with the stationary pulley and the rotatable pulleys. When the arm member is rotated, the driving force transmitting means rotates the rotatable pulleys in accordance with the outer diameter ratio of the stationary pulley to the rotatable pulleys.

Abstract: DNA sequences to mammalian .alpha..sub.1 -antitrypsin are provided which can be used for expression of mammalian .alpha..sub.1 -antitrypsin.This work was supported in part by grants HL16919 and HL27509 from the National Institutes of Health.

Abstract: A mock wordline timing scheme is used in a memory device having a plurality of memory cells arranged in array blocks. The array blocks are further arranged in groups, with each array block being located between a pair of corresponding sense amplifier banks. Each array block has at least one mock wordline, and each sense amplifier bank is shared by the array blocks located on either side of the sense amplifier bank, except the sense amplifier banks located on the ends of the group of array blocks. Each sense amplifier bank has a corresponding sense timing control circuit coupled to receive an enable signal and a timing signal. In response to an address, a row decoder is configured to be selected to drive the addressed word line. In conjunction with the row decoder, the enable and timing signals of the sense amplifier bank adjacent to the array block containing the addressed memory cell are asserted.

Abstract: A screening conveyor (10) for conveying particulate matter, such as comminuted wood fiber, in a forward direction while also screening to separate particles over a predetermined size from small particles under a predetermined size. The screening conveyor includes a frame (17, 50) and first and second conveyor bed sections (16, 30) supported by the frame. Each conveyor bed section defines a longitudinal axis and an upper surface (22) formed from a tiled series of trough shaped trays (20). Each tray defines a step including an ascending surface portion (96). The first and second conveyor bed sections are reciprocated in opposing balanced fashion along the longitudinal axis by a motor (48), cam assembly (54) and connecting rods (64, 66). The received particulate matter is carried on the stepped upper surfaces of the reciprocating conveyor bed and thrown forwardly from tray to tray. The upper surfaces further each define a plurality of apertures of predetermined size.

Abstract: A monitoring system for detecting failures, or impending failures, in subsystems of a fly-by-wire primary flight control system of an aircraft. The system monitor a critical variable of at least two controllers acting in concert, in real time. Differences between the critical variables are calculated and, after filtering to remove insignificant variations, structural fatigue damage is estimated based on significant detected variations. Depending upon the relative severity of the estimated fatigue damage, the aircraft's primary flight control computer is programmed to shut down the malfunctioning subsystem, display a message indicating need for repair, or take other appropriate action.

Abstract: A ventilated in-line skate (10) includes a lower frame portion (12) mounting a plurality of wheels (14) and an upper shoe portion (16). The upper shoe portion is secured to a base (24) that defines an upper surface (26) adapted to receive the upper shoe portion (16), and an exterior, lower surface (28) to which the lower frame portion (12) is secured. The base defines multiple ventilation channels (30) that traverse its upper surface (26) from a corresponding plurality of inlet apertures (32, 39) to an outlet aperture (34) defined within the exterior surface of the base. The upper surface of the base receives a last board (54) and insole (58), each of which includes a plurality of vertical apertures that permit airflow from the interior of the upper shoe portion to the ventilation channel. The base draws air and moisture from the interior of the upper shoe portion during use.

Abstract: A modulator that modulates and encodes data using data symbols, interspersed with pilot symbols, for transmission to another modem, and a demodulator that decodes data symbols of a signal received from another modem. In the demodulator, a received signal is sampled at four times the symbol rate. The sampled signal is converted to quadrature signals and low-pass filtered to produce a complex baseband signal. Data symbols in the complex baseband signal are sampled in synchronization with the start of each symbol based on the pilot symbols that are interspersed in the signal. By processing the pilot symbols, full modem synchronization is maintained down to a very low signal-to-noise ratio, through noise bursts, or even when the data symbols representing data are replaced by predefined sequences of data symbols that convey the dots and dashes of Morse code identifying the station transmitting the modulated signal.

Abstract: The towing strap (18) for a unit of cargo (10) is wrapped around the lower portion of the unit. The towing strap (18) is cinched to the unit (10) with a standard friction buckle (22). The strap contains two forwardly extending loops (24, 26) positioned adjacent the forward edges (28, 30) of the unit of cargo (10). A towing line (36) may be hooked to the loops (24, 26) for towing the unit of cargo (10) over the ground.

Abstract: A retractable step apparatus for providing access to a recreational vehicle (6), or trailer includes a mounting frame (10), a top tread assembly (12) pivotally attached to the mounting frame, a center tread assembly (14) swingably coupled to the top tread assembly, and a bottom tread assembly (16) pivotally attached to the center tread assembly. The mounting frame includes right and left mounting brackets (18) and at least one crossmember (20, 22). The top tread assembly includes right and left top brackets (26) and a top step (28) attached between the right and left top brackets. The center tread assembly includes right and left center brackets (36) and a center step (38) attached between the right and left center brackets. The bottom tread assembly includes right and left bottom brackets (46) and a bottom step (48) attached between the right and left bottom brackets.

Abstract: A training electrode for use in training emergency personnel in electrocardiogram (EKG) defibrillation and monitoring is disclosed. An adhesive pad is fixedly attached to a connector comprising a connecting post and a connecting arm. Attached to the connecting arm is an electrical cable with a female-type adaptor at its distal end for connection to an electrocardiogram simulation signal generator. The connecting post inserts into a female-type adaptor from a defibrillator/monitor cable lead originating from a defibrillator/monitor. A detachable backing covers an adhesive surface of the adhesive pad such that the training electrode may be reused. Further, a training method is disclosed using the training electrode of the present disclosure and incorporating existing CPR mannequins and EKG simulation signal generators.

Abstract: A cable hauling system includes a drive shaft, a haulback shaft with a haulback drum mounted thereon, and a main shaft with a main drum mounted thereon. A first pair of gears operatively associated with the drive shaft and the main shaft includes a positively acting clutch for selectively coupling the drive shaft to the main shaft in driving relationship through the first pair of gears. Second and third pairs of gears are operatively associated with the drive shaft and the haulback shaft. An energy-dissipating, power transfer device is associated with both the second and third pairs of gears to selectively couple one or the other of the second and third pairs of gears in driving relationship with the haulback shaft.