Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring a corrosion current density to determine a corrosion rate of a corroding system 130 using Electrochemical Frequency Modulation (EFM). In the method two sinusoidal signals 100, 105, having different frequencies are applied to a portion of the system 130 to distort a response current 120 in the system. Analysis of this current 120 generated in response to the applied perturbation signal 110 provides the corrosion rate and Tafel parameters of the system 130 without prior knowledge of the Tafel parameters. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus also provide a mechanism for validating the quality of the measured data used in calculating the corrosion rate and Tafel parameters.

Abstract: A method for providing cache coherency in a RAID system in which multiple RAID controllers provide read/write access to shared storage devices for multiple host computers. Each controller includes read, write and write mirror caches and the controllers and the shared storage devices are coupled to one another via common backend busses. Whenever a controller receives a write command from a host the controller writes the data to the shared devices, its write cache and the write mirror caches of the other controllers. Whenever a controller receives a read command from a host the controller attempts to return the requested data from its write mirror cache, write cache and read cache and the storage devices, in that order.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for a genetic system of detecting protein-protein interactions in a mammalian host cell. Two fusion proteins are made in the host cell. The first fusion protein contains a DNA binding domain which is fused to a so-called bait protein. The second fusion protein consists of a transcriptional activation domain fused to a so-called test protein. The DNA binding domain binds to an operator sequence which controls expression of one or more reporter genes. The transcriptional activation domain is recruited to the promoter through the functional interaction between the bait protein and the test protein. Subsequently the transcriptional activation domain interacts with the basal transcription machinery to activate expression of one or more reporter genes which can be identified and characterized. The individual compositions are useful for analyzing protein-protein interactions between known proteins and to isolate, clone and characterize unknown proteins.

Abstract: Maximized multi-state compaction and more tolerance in memory state behavior is achieved through a flexible, self-consistent and self-adapting mode of detection, covering a wide dynamic range. For high density multi-state encoding, this approach borders on full analog treatment, dictating analog techniques including A to D type conversion to reconstruct and process the data. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the memory array is read with high fidelity, not to provide actual final digital data, but rather to provide raw data accurately reflecting the analog storage state, which information is sent to a memory controller for analysis and detection of the actual final digital data.

Abstract: A system and method for providing battery back-up of SDRAM data upon power failure in which a power-down event is detected early and system hardware configures SDRAM self-refresh circuitry to set the SDRAM to a self refresh mode in which the SDRAM issues a single-refresh command just before system power drops below a safe threshold level and keeps the SDRAM in self-refresh mode after the system power drops by holding low a SDRAM clock enable signal using battery power. One embodiment for use with an external SDRAM controller includes a self-refresh control module (SRCM) and a battery backup module (BBUM). The BBUM includes power-down detection hardware and a battery for backing-up the SDRAM. In response to signals from the external SDRAM controller and the BBUM the self-refresh module generates SDRAM control signals for transitioning the SDRAM smoothly from normal mode to self-refresh mode during power-down events and vice-versa.

Abstract: Maximized multi-state compaction and more tolerance in memory state behavior is achieved through a flexible, self-consistent and self-adapting mode of detection, covering a wide dynamic range. For high density multi-state encoding, this approach borders on full analog treatment, dictating analog techniques including A to D type conversion to reconstruct and process the data. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the memory array is read with high fidelity, not to provide actual final digital data, but rather to provide raw data accurately reflecting the analog storage state, which information is sent to a memory controller for analysis and detection of the actual final digital data.

Abstract: A method for generating high purity acid or base in an aqueous stream for use in analysis. For generating a base for anion chromatography, the aqueous stream is directed through a cation exchange bed having strongly acid first and weakly acidic second portions. An electrical potential is applied to the bed. Cations on the bed electromigrate into the aqueous stream while hydroxide ions are electrolytically generated to form a base-containing eluent. Analytes to be detected and the generated eluent flow through a detector.

Abstract: Portable exercise machine having a base, a capstan rotatively mounted within the base, an elongated cable wrapped about the capstan and trained about guides toward opposite ends of the base with end portions of the cable extending beyond the base, handles attached to the end portions of the cable for drawing the cable back and forth through the base and thereby rotating the capstan, and means for resisting rotation of the capstan. The handles have frames with reels rotatively mounted on the frames and the end portions of the cable being wound about the reels, springs for rotating the reels to wind the end portions of the cable onto the reels, first grips connected to the reels and adapted to be grasped by the hands of an exerciser to prevent rotation of the reels and second grips connected to the frames and adapted to be engaged by the hands of the exerciser for moving thee handles without inhibiting rotation of the reels.

Abstract: Exercise wings which utilize air resistance to intensify aerobic workouts. The wings are worn on the arms of the exerciser and have major surfaces for displacing air and thereby resisting movement of the arms. In the disclosed embodiment, each of the wings is formed in two sections which can be extended for use and folded together for transportation and storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating high purity acid or base in an aqueous stream for use in analysis. For generating a base, the aqueous stream is directed through a cation exchange bed having first strongly acidic and second weakly acidic portions. An electrical potential is applied to the bed. Cations on the bed electromigrate into the aqueous stream while hydroxide ions are electrolytically generated to form a base-containing eluent. Analytes to be detected and the generated eluent flow through a detector.

Abstract: A method for generating high purity acid or base in an aqueous stream for use as an eluent for chromatography and, particularly, ion chromatography. For generating a base for anion chromatography, the aqueous stream is directed through a cation exchange bed having a first strongly acidic and a second weakly acidic portions. An electrical potential is applied to the bed. Cations on the bed electromigrate into the aqueous stream while hydroxide ions are electrolytically generated to form a base-containing eluent. Anions to be detected and the generated eluent flow through a chromatographic separator. The chromatographic effluent flows past a detector.

Abstract: Contact bands for electrically connecting pluggable circuit breakers to ground and to distribution wires in a wiring system are housed in respective housings for protection. The housings are mounted on modular circuit breaker bus bar assemblies adapted to pluggably receive the pluggable circuit breakers, which have posts for pluggably engaging associated contact bands.

Abstract: Described herein are methods that can be used for diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer. Also described herein are methods that can be used to screen candidate bioactive agents for the ability to modulate colorectal cancer. Additionally, molecular targets (genes and their products) for therapeutic intervention in colorectal and other cancers are described.

Abstract: Nonvolatile memory cell and process in which a thin floating gate is formed with a rounded lateral edge and a thickness on the order of 100-1000 Å over a gate oxide in an active area on a silicon substrate. A tunnel oxide is formed adjacent to the rounded edge of the floating gate, and a control gate is formed with a lower portion next to the tunnel oxide and an upper portion overlying the floating gate. In some disclosed embodiments, the upper portion of the control gate completely overlies the floating gate, and in others it only partially overlies it.

Abstract: A two-stage steam peeler for peeling the skins of fruit, such as tomatoes, from the body of the fruit, comprising an infeed conveyor (10), a feed valve (12), a pressurized steam chamber (14), an outlet vacuum valve (16), a flexible cable peeler (20), and a pinch roller assembly (22). A first stage heater is provided by an enclosure (90) and steam introduction device (100) that preheats the tomatoes prior to entry into feed valve (12).

Abstract: A microprocessor with reduced context switching overhead and a corresponding method is disclosed. The microprocessor comprises a working register file that comprises dirty bit registers and working registers. The working registers including one or more corresponding working registers for each of the dirty bit registers. The microprocessor also comprises a decoder unit that is configured to decode an instruction that has a dirty bit register field specifying a selected dirty bit register of the dirty bit registers. The decoder unit is configured to generate decode signals in response. Furthermore, the working register file is configured to cause the selected dirty bit register to store a new dirty bit in response to the decode signals. The new dirty bit indicates that each operand stored by the one or more corresponding working registers is inactive and no longer needs to be saved to memory if a new context switch occurs.

Abstract: A continuous flighted conveyorbelt (18) is fed product (12) from a transverse direction. As the belt moves the product forward, offset water jets (56) cause some of the items not seated in a flight (20) to be rotated and captured in the flights. Further movement brings the product (12) to a zone where water jets (72) force all items to one side against a registration plate (76). Excess product and items not captured are forced off the surface of the belt by water jets (62) and are carried away to be fed again. A cutting blade (84) is set an appropriate distance from the registration plate (76) to trim product captured and registered. The products are then forced across the width of the belt by repositioning water jets 102 and stop against a second registration plate (104). A belt (82) covering the top of the belt flights (22) prevents items from escaping through the top of the conveyor.

Abstract: A director assembly for selectively directing a transport carrier from one conveyor path portion to another. The director assembly having a pair of spaced director rails positioned below and in between drive and support rails of the conveyor. The pair of spaced director rails can be selectively raised and rotated and then lowered to direct the carrier to the new path portion.

Abstract: Direct writing method and apparatus and methods for imaging charged toner particles directly to a print receiving medium. The charged toner particles are imaged directly to a print receiving medium using one electronic writing head for each color. The writing heads employ voltage traveling waves to convey toner in the form of toner packets to toner transport channels. The size of the toner packets is controlled by using additive or subtractive methods to perform imaging.