Abstract: A system for generating a requisition comprises a client computer system and a server computer system connected via a network. The client computer is configured to allow a plurality of users to access the server computer system. The system further includes a server application comprising a user interface running on the server computer system and having a multi-tier architecture. The multi-tier architecture includes a first tier of client application code for initiating processing by the server application in response to input by a user of the client computer system, a middle tier of object-oriented server application code, and a third tier of shared access and data code. An application programming interface is configured to allow a user, such as a system administrator or the like, to customize the user interface. In a further aspect, a method of customizing a server application is also provided.

Abstract: A control arrangement for apparatuses (1) with several functional actuators operated with a low voltage and supplied by a mains-operated transformer (2) provided with a mains activation device. A manually actuated switching unit (3) consolidated into a switching panel (12) and serves to control the actuators and the mains activation device by switching contacts such as pushbuttons. Transmission paths are provided to transmit control commands to the mains activation device and to the actuators. The switching unit (3) is simplified by separate switching contacts (4, 4?) and (5, 5?) and separate transmission paths (4A) and (5A) respectively provided in the switching unit (3) for the main activation device and for the functional actuators respectively, while the control circuits of the mains activation device and of the functional actuators are permanently separated from one another.

Abstract: An automated device monitors moisture content in exterior sheathing of a building for detecting moisture intrusion into the sheathing walls. A plurality of moisture sensors are embedded in selected exterior walls of the building behind the cladding and are adapted to provide signals representative of the moisture content in the walls at each of the selected locations. A control unit is operatively connected with each of the plurality of moisture sensors for generating an alarm signal when at least one of the signals representative of the moisture content in the plurality of walls is indicative of a moisture content in excess of a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A sample manipulator that utilizes electrostatic traveling waves to selectively displace one or more samples deposited on its face is disclosed. The sample manipulator enables an operator to perform a wide variety of processes upon the deposited samples. Also disclosed are strategies for separating two or more samples, focusing a sample, and passing a reagent through a sample, all conducted on the face of the sample manipulator.

Abstract: A print head reservoir for use in an ink jet printer includes a body, an ink bucket, and a filter. The body defines an ink cavity. The cavity includes a cavity inlet, a cavity outlet and a vent positioned above the cavity inlet for bleeding air from the ink cavity. The ink bucket attaches to the body. The ink bucket communicates with the cavity via the cavity inlet. The filter is disposed in the cavity dividing the cavity into an upstream filter cavity and a downstream filter cavity.

Abstract: Parallel printing systems and methods incorporate inverter assemblies for not only inverting media during transport through the system but also to register the media or provide a velocity buffer transports with different drive velocities. The inverter assemblies can include the capability to optionally deskew the media and provide lateral registration corrections. The inverter assembly nip rollers are sufficiently spaced from process drive nip rollers to decouple a document in the inverter assembly from the highway paths. The method comprises combining the inverting function selectively with either the registering or the velocity buffering functions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compact, non-contacting device for collecting samples, and particularly minute quantities of bio-agents or particulates, from a surface. The device vibrates a region of a target surface containing the sample and collects the sample on an electrically charged pin array. The sample can be later released to a detector or other instrumentation for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A system for conducting a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay upon a collection of samples is disclosed. The PCR assay is performed by absorption detection. The system includes a multi-well plate which is adapted to retain a collection of sample wells. This system includes a thermal cycler for the multi-well plate. The system additionally includes a collection of photodetectors, and a corresponding number of light sources. The light sources are positioned such that light emitted from each of the respective light sources passes through a corresponding well retained in the multi-well plate and to a corresponding photodetector. The system also includes a processor or other means for analyzing the output signals from the photodetectors. In certain versions of the system, ultra-violet light is used.

Abstract: A method for inducing movement of an object in contact with a fluid, includes providing a flexible object, and exposing the object to an energy source. The energy source induces a change in the shape of the object, and movement occurs as a result of the change in shape of the object. The flexible object may be a liquid crystal elastomer object. An apparatus for producing work, including a liquid crystalline elastomer capable of changing shape upon exposure to an energy source is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the lost pattern casting of metals is disclosed. In the method, a pattern is formed from a material and a mold is formed around at least a portion of the pattern. The mold includes a particulate material and a binder. The pattern is removed from the mold and molten metal is delivered into the mold. The mold is contacted with the solvent and the molten metal is cooled such that it at least partially solidifies to form a casting. The step of cooling includes contacting a shell of solidifying metal around the molten metal with the solvent. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for securing the chronological integrity of files prior to archiving of the files, involving an exchange between a client and a Time Source Provider, the method comprising the steps of: the client generating a Public and a Private Key pair; the client generating attributes of the to be archived files; encrypting the client's files utilizing the client's Public Key; transmitting the encrypted data attributes and key signature to said Time Source Provider; the Time Source Provider creating a TimeMap containing the current time, time calibration data, file attributes and client encryption key signature; and the Time Source Provider providing the client data and time map back to the client.

Abstract: An apparatus in which an electrostatic latent image is developed with toner. A donor belt is adapted to provide toner to develop the image. The donor belt includes a lower layer and a thermoplastic layer. The lower layer can include materials to regulate conductive properties. The thermoplastic layer joins the ends of the donor belt together using an overlapping butt seam. A layer of electrodes is spaced across the width of the donor belt.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the chamber (54). A main filter element (K) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping groups (1) of products (2) with film (3), comprises: a second surface (6) for forming the product groups (1) and wrapping them with a length of film (3) using suitable means (7) having a first drive axis (AE1); a unit (8) for feeding the film (3) and defining the length of it by cutting, located under and close to a slot (9) for accessing the second surface (6), the feed unit (8) having a second, electric drive axis (AE2) for unwinding the film (3) in the direction of the second surface (6); a unit (10) for pre-unwinding the film (3) and comprising a roll (11) of film (3) located upstream of the feed unit (8) in a film (3) unwinding direction (B), a third electric drive axis (AE3) being located and operative on the pre-unwinding unit (10) to move the film (3) towards the feed unit (8) according to the film (3) requirement or feed speed of the second electric axis (AE2); and a unit (12) which controls the second and third electric axes (AE2, AE3) and which is located and operative bet

Abstract: A process for color graphics image processing, related to detection and segmentation of sweeps, is provided. An input graphics image is transformed into a three-dimensional histogram in an appropriate color space 104 (e.g., CIELUV). Two-dimensional histograms are estimated from the three-dimensional histogram 106. The two-dimensional histograms are processed to detect and segment sweeps 108. Sweep segment information from the processing of the two-dimensional histograms is combined 110. The combined sweep segment information is used to process the input graphics image to identify and segment sweeps 112. Post-processing may be optionally and selectively used to reject false alarms (i.e., areas falsely identified as sweeps) 114.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly adapted to be mounted along an open edge of a vehicle's load-carrying bed includes a stamped sheet metal frame having a reinforced cross-sectional shape with an inner side facing an associated vehicle's load-carrying bed and an outer side opposite the inner side. The tailgate assembly further includes a skin attached to the outer side of the frame.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp including a phosphor layer comprising a phosphor blend including four or more optimized phosphors emitting within a specific spectral range to optimize luminosity for a given color rendering index (CRI) and color coordinated temperature (CCT). The blend will include at least four phosphors selected from the following: a blue phosphor having an emission peak at 440–490 nm, a blue-green phosphor having an emission peak at 475–525 nm, a green phosphor having an emission peak at 515–550 nm, an orange phosphor having an emission peak from 550–600 nm, a deep red phosphor having an emission peak at 615–665 nm, and a red phosphor having an emission peak at 600–670 nm.

Abstract: A method for producing a detection/test tape includes depositing a material onto a surface of at least one first substrate to form a plurality of element structures. Electrodes are deposited on a surface of each of the plurality of element structures, and the element structures are bonded to a second substrate, where the second substrate is conductive or has a conductive layer, and the second substrate is carried on a carrier plate. The at least one first substrate is removed from the element structures and second side electrodes are deposited on a second surface of each of the plurality of element structures. An insulative material is inserted around the element structures to electrically isolate the two substrates used to bond the element structures. A second side of the element structures is then bonded to another substrate, where the other substrate is conductive or has a conductive layer. Thereafter, the carrier plate carrying the second substrate is removed.

Abstract: A device for detection and adjustment of the tension of a scraper chain of a chain conveyor, in particular of a face conveyor, having a tensionable return station, on which a spoked chainwheel to reverse the scraper chain, having chain links and scrapers attached thereto, is supported between the bottom race and the top race. The devices including a sensor which determines the tension of the scraper chain at the return station and the sensor having a swivellable sensor body coupled with a shaft encoder. The sensor body being in the top race and in contact with the upper face of the scraper chain in a measurement zone with provision being made in the measuring zone for vertical play for the run of the scrapers and/or the chain links.