Abstract: System, method and computer program for maintaining cache coherency amongst a plurality of caching storage controllers operating in unison supplying data in response to requests from one or more host computers. The method comprises the steps of defining a reservation data structure to maintain reserved, partial, and full ownership status of data extents that are part of the logical unit or storage volume, and using the reservation data structure to verify that a new update to the data is allowed.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for individual adjustment of an operating parameter of a plurality of environmental control devices, such as VAV devices (27, 29) in an HVAC system. The process includes the step of connecting at least one of computers (34) for input of a parameter control set point based signal and a unique VA device identifying signal through an Internet website (71) to the plurality of HVAC devices (27, 29). The computer (34) is, for example, connected to the VAV devices (27, 29) such that the computer (34) can be used to adjust the temperature set point of only one of the plurality of VAV devices (27, 29), most typically the device located in the same space (22) as the communicating computer (34). Such computer (34) can be wired or wireless, and use the global computer network website (71) to connect to the VAV devices (27, 29) through a building computer (24) and local area network (32).

Abstract: The instant invention discloses the unexpected result that mutant signal sequences with reduced translational strength provided essentially complete processing and high levels of expression of a polypeptide of interest as compared to wild type signal sequences, and that many mammalian polypeptides require a narrow range of translation levels to achieve maximum secretion. A set of signal sequence vectors provides a range of translational strengths for optimizing expression of a polypeptide of interest.

Abstract: A tracking method for a signal echo system, including generating a plurality of gates for respective propagation modes on the basis of a target state prediction for a dwell time, and generating a target state estimate for the dwell time on the basis of target measurement points which fall within the gates.

Abstract: The neck of a container has a smooth seal surface engaged by the inner skirt or plug of a cap. Such surface is free of trim and parting line flaws which are characteristic of blow-molded jars because the surface is formed in such a way that the seal surface is not in contact with mold parting lines and further the trim (excess plastic) of the neck is located away from the sealing surface. In one form of the disclosure, above the sealing surface the neck wall slants outward and then bends upward-inward in a short, tapered stretch which engages the underside of the cap disk to compress against the disk or a liner or foil. Other forms of seal surfaces are disclosed. The exterior of the neck is formed with screw threads which engage threads on the interior of the outer skirt of the cap. Caps suitable for combination with the neck, methods of forming the neck and mold apparatus for forming the neck are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thin film tin-oxide heater (10) including an annular inner heat region (12), an annular outer heat region (14), a first silver buss bar (16), and a second silver buss bar (18). The radius (r2) between the inner and outer heat regions is selected so that the resistance per unit square and power per unit area for the inner heat region approximates the resistance per unit square and power per unit area for the outer heat region.

Abstract: A medical device for the treatment by radio frequency ablation of a target volume in tissue of a prostate comprising an elongate probe member having proximal and distal extremities and having a passage therein extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. The elongate probe member is sized so that it can be introduced into the urethra. At least one guide tube having proximal and distal extremities is mounted in the passage of the elongate probe member for nonlongitudinal movement therein. The at least one guide tube has a lumen extending therethrough from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. A radio frequency conductive electrode is disposed in the lumen. A handle is coupled to the proximal extremity of the elongate probe member and includes a finger actuatable mechanism secured to the radio frequency electrode for advancing and retracting the radio frequency electrode with respect to the at least one guide tube.

Abstract: A high density electrical connector assembly comprising first and second sheet-like bodies. The first sheet-like body is made from an insulating material and has a surface and a plurality of electrical traces extending to a plurality of first interconnect pads disposed on the surface in a first pattern. The second sheet-like body is also made from an insulating material and has a surface and a plurality of second electrical traces extending to a plurality of second interconnect pads disposed on the surface of the second sheet-like body in a second pattern. The second pattern is substantially a mirror image of the first pattern. The surface of the first sheetlike body faces the surface of the second sheet-like body so that the first interconnect pads face the second interconnect pads. A flexible sheet of an insulating and compliant material is disposed between the first and second interconnect pads and has first and second opposite surfaces.

Abstract: An ultra-thin highly electrically conductive material is prepared by depositing an amorphous material, substantially free of crystal growth-inducing nuclei and sites, onto a substrate. Deposition is preferably with a plasma deposition reactor, with semiconductor dopants introduced during deposition. Deposition time is preferably adjusted to create an amorphous film of a desired thickness, e.g., 200 Å. After deposition, the amorphous film is annealed preferably with a rapid thermal annealing process for four minutes at 700° C. The annealing triggers the creation of nuclei and subsequent large grain growth in the film, releases energy contained within the amorphous material, and helps drive crystallization and dopant activation. After annealing the material is completely crystallized, and contains large grains whose lateral dimensions can exceed the film thickness by a factor of fifty.

Abstract: An automated transport system for use in a material handling system. The automated transport system employs a distributed control system including a top level controller (transport controller), a plurality of second-level controllers (control logic computers) and a plurality of third-level controllers (intelligent drivers). The transport controller (TC) receives material commands from a conventional material control system (MCS). The TC breaks the command into sub-commands directing selected control logic computers (CLCs) to acquire, move to a destination or otherwise interact with a particular container designated by the MCS command. The transport controller selects the CLCs based on the transport system topology, the content of the MCS command and knowledge of which regions of the transport system are controlled by respective CLCs. Each CLC implements the sub-commands by issuing to the intelligent drivers low level control commands to accelerate, elevate, rotate, load or unload the container.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions which modulate the immune response. In one aspect, a composition is described which comprises an antigen covalently linked to a ligand for CD21(CR2) or CD19. This antigen is not associated with a complement C3 fragment through an ester bond derived from the internal thioester of the complement C3 fragment.

Abstract: A footstrap (26) having a first formed piece (50) and a second formed piece (52) that overlay each other and which are secured together by hook and loop fastener members (86, 78, 79, 74, and 48). A neoprene cover 44 enclosed the two pieces (50, 52). Pieces (50, 52) when overlapped, form an asymmetrical shape that better conforms to the shape of a sailboarder's foot.

Abstract: A control circuit for selectively energizing at least one electrical device coupled to the control circuit via a pair of conductive wires with an operating voltage. The control circuit comprises a control circuit for selectively supplying and withholding operating electrical power to at least one electrical device. A first current detector is connected to a control voltage and senses a current flow resulting from closure of a circuit connected to a control voltage in at least one wire of the pair of conductive wires. A second current detector is connected to the operating voltage and senses a current flow resulting from closure of a circuit connected to the operating voltage in at least one wire of the pair of conductive wires. A first switching device responds to the first current detector to disconnect the control voltage from at least one of the wires and to connect the operating voltage to the conductive pair.

Abstract: A crowd control rail assembly includes at least two foldable plastic barricades constructed from two substantially similar integrally molded planar frame units. A planar cross-panel at the upper end of the barricade includes a vertically elongated slot into which the end of an elongated plastic rail unit may be inserted. Notches are provided at each end of the rail. Dimensions of the rail are chosen so that it must be inserted into the slot substantially perpendicular to the planar face of the upper portion of the frame unit and, then when the notch engages the bottom of the slot and the barricade is unfolded, the rail is automatically and securely retained.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the selective covalent modification of nucleic acids with redox active moieties such as transition metal complexes. Electron donor and electron acceptor moieties are covalently bound to the ribose-phosphate backbone of a nucleic acid at predetermined positions. The resulting complexes represent a series of new derivatives that are bimolecular templates capable of transferring electrons over very large distances at extremely fast rates. These complexes possess unique structural features which enable the use of an entirely new class of bioconductors and photoactive probes.

Abstract: A bottle cap (10) having a top panel (12) with an inner skirt (16) and an outer skirt (14) having an exterior bead (24) at the bottom edge thereof. Exterior bead (24) includes an inward projection as well. Outer skirt (14) has a reduced thickness in order to reduce the mass of the cap and exterior bead (24) provides sufficient de-ovalization support to keep skirt 14 cylindrical in shape.

Abstract: A bus bar assembly that includes a plurality of bus bars having substantially planar portions disposed in juxtaposition. Adjacent bus bars are electrically isolated from each other. The portion of each of the bus bars is made from an electrically conductive material and has a region provided with at least one interconnect hole extending through the bus bar and adapted to cooperatively receive a pin member. The regions of the bus bars are disposed substantially in a plane so as to permit pin members of equal lengths to be utilized for making electrical connections with the bus bars.

Abstract: Among other things, the invention provides devices and methods for obtaining electric field-enhanced bioconjugation events. In particular, the invention provides for contactless electrodes for obtaining the electric field, such that transport and bioconjugation of charged molecules is obtained in the absence of current flow through the buffer, sample, and/or porous media.

Abstract: A spindle motor is described having a motor stator, a motor rotor, the motor being energized to cause rotation of the rotor supporting a single disc or a stack of discs which is mounted in such a way that the rotating bottom or top (or both) disc surface is closely adjacent to a stationary disc drive casting surface. The squeeze film action in the remaining air gap provides significant damping of the disc vibration. Typical implementation use air gaps of 0.004″-0.006″ for 2½″ drives and 0.006″-0.10″ for 3½″ drives.