Abstract: An efficient package sorting system in which a stationary matrix of multi-directional conveyor cells sorts packages to a plurality of destination locations. In a preferred embodiment, the matrix delivers sorted packages to a plurality of lift assemblies that further transfer the packages to receiving conveyors or chutes on different levels. According to another preferred aspect of the system, a selectively elevating stop bar is provided to control side transfer between conveyor cells. A controller is operative to plan a path for each of the objects from the input cell to a destination location, to monitor availability of successive conveyor cells along the path, and to cause an object to be moved to the next conveyor cell along its path only when the next conveyor cell is available. The system may include a plurality of sensors positioned to sense the passage of objects from one conveyor cell to another, the sensors being connected to the controller.

Abstract: A semiconductor doping profiler provides a Schottky contact at one surface and an ohmic contact at the other. While the two contacts are coupled to a power source, thereby establishing an electrical bias in the semiconductor, a localized light source illuminates the semiconductor to induce a photocurrent. The photocurrent changes in accordance with the doping characteristics of the semiconductor in the illuminated region. By changing the voltage of the power source the depth of the depletion layer can be varied to provide a three dimensional view of the local properties of the semiconductor.

Abstract: A system for configuring a network adapter of a computer without user intervention. Device information for the devices of the computer, including each network adapter, is collected to uniquely identify the devices and to describe the device characteristics associated with the operation of those devices with the computer. Computer resources, which support the functions of the devices within the computer, are allocated based upon this device information. This allocation process prevents a potential conflicting use of computer resources by the installed devices. A device driver, which enables communications between a corresponding device and the computer, is also identified and loaded for each of the devices in response to the allocation of computer resources. In response to loading the driver for each network adapter, each network configuration routine or layer for a particular interface of the corresponding network adapter is identified.

Abstract: A JAVA-based virtual machine that supports input method editor (IME) functionality in three contexts: (1) using JAVA-based IMEs with a JAVA virtual machine; (2) writing JAVA-based IMEs; and (3) integrating a JAVA virtual machine to system IMEs. The virtual machine includes a windows manager, an input method manager, one or more IMEs and/or keyboard drivers (KBDs), and a component. The virtual machine may also include an IME bridge for integrating the virtual machine with a system IME. The windows manager serves as a gateway between the operating system and the virtual machine. The input method manager (IMM) serves as a router between the windows manager and a plurality of IMEs and keyboards driver (KBDs). The IME includes a look-up table of composed characters that are indexed by Unicode keyboard commands. The component typically renders a user interface that allows the user to manipulate the composed characters returned by the IME.

Abstract: An optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) launches pulses of light into a link or a system of multiplexed links and records the waveform of pulses reflected by the seals in the link(s). If a seal is opened, the link of cables will become a discontinuous transmitter of the light pulses and the OTDR can immediately detect that a seal has been opened. By analyzing the waveform, the OTDR can also quickly determine which seal(s) were opened. In this way the invention functions as a system of active seals. The invention is intended for applications that require long-term surveillance of a large number of closures. It provides immediate tamper detection, allows for periodic access to secured closures, and can be configured for many different distributions of closures. It can monitor closures in indoor and outdoor locations and it can monitor containers or groups of containers located many kilometers apart.

Abstract: An on-line information providing scheme capable of dynamically accounting for user's interest with respect to information and providing appropriate information presentation according to the user's interest. An information provider device updates the information attribute value of the specified information and a user attribute value of the user by reflecting the information attribute value and the user attribute value with each other so as to dynamically update the user's interest and an information characteristic of the specified information, and selects a first set of information according to the user's interest by matching an updated user attribute value with the information attribute value of each information, and a second set of information according to the user's interest by matching an updated information attribute value of the specified information with the information attribute value of each other information.

Abstract: This system and method of operation weighs and characterizes a moving vehicle traveling on a roadway. The moving vehicle travels across a weight transducer and first and second switching devices. The transducer provides a first set of output signals indicative of vehicle tire loading. The switching devices provide second output signals indicative of vehicle speed and characterization. Processor means receive the first and second output signals and characterize the vehicle; calculate the vehicle speed and calculate the vehicle weight by integrating the second output signals and combining with the vehicle speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating an internal combustion engine and to an internal combustion engine respectively. In accordance with the method of operating an internal combustion engine in accordance with the invention fuel is injected into a combustion chamber so that it is reflected by a piston, as a result of which charge stratification occurs in the combustion chamber. Fresh air is inducted slightly throttled or not throttled at all into the combustion chamber irrespective of the loading condition of the internal combustion engine so that the exhaust gases from the previous working stroke are completely swept from the combustion chamber. The output of the internal combustion engine is generated substantially via the injected amount of fuel. Due to the method in accordance with the invention charge stratification is caused in which burning of the fuel/air mixture is ideal. The internal combustion engine in accordance with the invention thus features smooth running for ideal emission values.

Abstract: A steam sterilizable nonwoven material which is subjected to charging, and more particularly electrostatic charging is provided. The nonwoven materials may include laminate nonwovens wherein one or more layers are subjected to charging. The nonwoven material(s) are treated with an antistatic material before charging.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a new destination data structure in memory populated with data from fields of an existing source data structure. A representation of the source is selected, dragged over, and dropped onto an icon representing a program module. The source and the program module are each associated with a type of data structure. If these types of data structures are different, then the destination is created in memory of the type associated with the program module. Once the destination is created, the data within the source is transformed to populate predetermined fields of the destination. One way of populating the destination is by determining which field in the destination corresponds to a given field in the source. Data from a given field of the source is loaded into the corresponding field of the destination.

Abstract: An automated tissue sampling device is disclosed which permits its needles to be cocked either simultaneously or sequentially and can be cocked with only one hand. The cocking mechanism is arranged so as to virtually eliminate the possibility that the needles will be cocked in the wrong sequence. The physician can readily confirm, either visually or tactilely, whether the device is uncocked, half cocked, or fully cocked. The disclosed tissue sampling device also comprises two different trigger buttons, one adjacent the front end of the device and the other at the rear, and manipulating either of the two trigger buttons will actuate the device.

Abstract: A current collector for an electrode with two halves. The current collector has a first layer positioned on the first half of the electrode, a second layer positioned on the second half of said electrode, and a third layer positioned between the first and the second halves of the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibition of angiogenesis and the treatment of diseases mediated by angiogenesis. Particularly, the invention relates to the inhibition of neovascularization and the treatment of cancer. The invention further relates to the use of cytochalasin derivatives for the inhibition of angiogenesis and the treatment of angiogenesis associated diseases. The invention also relates to new isoindolinone compounds, compositions containing them, and methods of inhibiting angiogenesis and treating angiogenesis associated diseases with the isoindolinone derivatives.

Abstract: A method and system for editing the assignments for a task in a project management software environment. The editing can be preformed in a dropdown grid, which is a grid that includes a name column, including a checkbox, and a total hours column. The dropdown grid further includes cells in the name column and the total work column. The user can select a cell in the dropdown grid by using arrow keys on a keyboard or by clicking a mouse button. The user may assign an individual to an assignment or remove an individual from an assignment by checking or unchecking a checkbox in a name column cell. In addition, the user may edit the amount of total work for an assignment by selecting the total work cell corresponding to the assignment and entering a total work value.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly of ground engaging tool components which are attachable to the lip of a bucket of an earth moving machine. The assembly of tool components comprises a nosepiece attachable to the lip of the bucket, an adaptor attachable to the nosepiece and a tip attachable to the adaptor. The components are attachable to one another by spigot and socket arrangements, the relevant spigot in each case defining two opposed tapered faces and a pair of side faces spacing the tapered faces from one another, at least one of the side faces of the spigot defining a groove with opposed side walls which are tapered in an opposite sense to the taper on the opposed tapered faces.

Abstract: A clay tile or other formed item having a simulated appearance and a method and apparatus for providing same includes the use of perceptibly random spray patterns and multiple spray nozzles to dispense a coating liquid upon the item prior to its drying and possible firing. Upon drying, the tiles processed thereby include improved appearance characteristics. Spraying is accomplished by a computer controlled spray system which includes, in one embodiment, multiple banks of spray guns (as an example, three guns per bank) which spray liquid upon clay tiles or other items passing thereunder. The spray guns can oscillate sidewardly relative to the general path of the moving items, to further enhance the perceptibly random spray patterns. Different types of engobe or other coatings may be sprayed by each of the banks of spray guns. The method and apparatus can also be used in association with the coloration of clay brick, concrete roof tiles, concrete brick, and concrete block.

Abstract: Reagents, immunoassay methods, and kits for detecting the presence or amount of trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene in a sample. Reagents include antibodies, immunogens for preparing antibodies, and assay conjugates. The immunogens elicit high affinity antibodies to trichloroethylene. The antibodies have minimal crossreactivity to other halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons. The assay conjugates provide for sufficient binding of the antibody to the conjugate with maximum inhibition of that binding by free trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene in the sample. The reagents are useful in immunoassays to detect trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene, especially in environmental samples. Kits contain antibodies specific for trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene and assay conjugates.

Abstract: An electric motor comprising two separate and coaxially spaced armatures as well as a magnet-equipped rotor arranged between the two armatures. One armature is fixed to a motor housing being a static armature, while the other armature is free to rotate, having the motor output shaft as a central and integral part thereof. The rotor operates as a rotor for both armatures having magnet pole pairs on both sides for interaction with each respective armature. Thus, the motor comprises two part-motors having a common rotor.