Abstract: A driver circuit (18) generates a circuit output signal (VDO) which is provided to an electrical conductor (12) that furnishes a conductor output signal (VBO) to a load (14). The circuit and conductor output signals make corresponding circuit and conductor output transitions approximately between a pair of output voltage levels (VSS and VDD) between which there is an intermediate voltage level (VHH). Inductance (LB) and capacitance (CB and CL) of the conductor and load produce resonance that enables the conductor output signal to largely complete each conductor output transition while the circuit output signal is being held at or close to the intermediate voltage level for a short period. The circuit output signal rapidly completes each circuit output transition after the intermediate-level holding period is over. By operating in this manner, energy is re-used in a resonant manner, thereby substantially reducing power consumption.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making reticles for charged-particle-beam (CPB) microlithography and for using such reticle for making CPB microlithographic exposures using divided-pattern exposure. The reticles are made using data, generated from corresponding LSI design data by a “data generator” (e.g., computer), and stored as a reticle-pattern data file in a memory. Corresponding data for controlling a CPB microlithographic exposure apparatus (using the reticle) are stored in an exposure data file. Of the data stored in these files, the reticle-pattern data is routed to a host computer for a reticle-writing device. The reticle writing device produces a pattern on a segmented reticle according to the data. Exposure data corresponding to the reticle-pattern data are routed to a host computer of a CPB microlithographic exposure apparatus.

Abstract: A seat suspension system controller is described for controlling both the latching and unlatching of a seat and seat height adjustment when the seat is unlatched. In one embodiment, the seat suspension controller is a valve actuated by a common lever to control a latch to unlatch and latch the seat and also to control seat height adjustment when the seat is unlatched. The lever may be oriented to unlatch the seat and raise the seat height when the lever is raised and to unlatch the seat and lower the seat height when the lever is lowered.

Abstract: A method is described comprising stunning a ruminant at a packing plant, and thereafter measuring tissue characteristics of the ruminant using a tissue imaging and analysis device prior to processing the ruminant to a carcass. Working embodiments of the method have used an ultrasound tissue imaging and analysis device, although other analyses also can be performed. The ultrasound analysis can be performed by one operator, or plural operators. For example, if the device is an ultrasound tissue analysis device, the step of conveying may first comprise conveying the ruminant to a position adjacent a first operator. The first operator applies an ultrasound image enhancing fluid to the ruminant's hide, and a second operator places the ultrasound tissue analysis device adjacent the enhancing fluid and performs ultrasound tissue imaging and analysis on the ruminant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously forming composites comprising filler materials and thermoactive materials, particularly waste cellulosic materials and waste thermoplastics, are described. One embodiment of the apparatus includes either a batchwise or continuous mixer, such as a cyclone, for forming mixtures comprising filler and thermoactive material. The mixtures are conveyed to a continuous consolidation apparatus. Alternatively, the mixtures may be densified in a densifying apparatus before entering the consolidation apparatus. The consolidation apparatus includes a hot-gas distribution system having plural paired gas cells, such as rollers or hoods, for applying hot air to the charge. A first cell of each pair applies gas to the mixture. The second cell of each pair operates at a pressure less than that of the first cell, thereby creating a pressure differential across the charge.

Abstract: A steamer assembly includes a steamer insert and an adapter. The steamer insert has a perforated base and a peripheral portion extending outwardly from the base. The adapter has an opening dimensioned to receive the steamer insert and support the perforated surface above the bottom of a cooking pan. The peripheral portion of the steamer insert rests upon a rim of the adapter when the steamer assembly is assembled.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a processor and bit-mapped earth surface map image data in a first data storage device accessed by the processor/, the processor displaying an image essentially filling a display area of a display screen and centered on any latitude and longitude supplied to the processor, the image having no discontinuities. The processor may receive latitude and longitude inputs from a user via a user input device, or from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver incorporated in the navigation system. The displayed map image may thus be centered at a desired longitude and latitude or at the longitude and latitude of the navigation system itself. The system may include a second data storage device for storing data from and providing data to the processor. Route information such as flight plan data may then be stored in the second data storage device.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a first hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic circuit and a connection between the first hydraulic and the second hydraulic circuit. The first hydraulic circuit is operatively coupled to a first side of the vehicle, and is selectively controllable to move the first side of the vehicle. The second hydraulic circuit is operatively coupled to a second side of the vehicle, and is selectively controllable to move the second side of the vehicle. The first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit operate together in a first mode when the connection between the first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit is opened to move the first and second sides of the vehicle in a same direction. The first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit operate independently of each other in a second mode when the connection is closed.

Abstract: A computer software program simulates a communication network using network characteristic information provided by communication network designers. When a network designer selects a particular location within the network, the software consults the network characteristic information to predict a signal attribute of a simulated signal received at the selected location. The predicted attribute is used to modify a template signal to produce a simulated output signal, and the simulated output signal is presented for consideration by the network designers.

Abstract: Recombinant expression of fat-1 gene of Caenorhabditis elegans in a wide variety of cells, including cells of Arabidopsis thaliana and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, produces a polypeptide having &ohgr;-3 desaturase activity.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for transferring a pattern from a mask to a sensitive substrate. The mask is illuminated substantially orthogonally with a charged particle beam propagating along an optical axis. An image of the charged particle beam that has passed through the mask is projection-exposed onto the substrate. At multiple locations displaced from each other in the optical-axis direction, a size measurement is obtained on a transverse profile of the beam as incident on at least one of the mask and substrate. From the size measurements, a respective parallelism of the beam incident to the mask and/or substrate is determined. From these determinations, the parallelism of the beam relative to the mask and/or substrate is adjusted as required.

Abstract: A pattern to be transferred to a wafer or other substrate is defined by a mask and divided into a plurality of sub-fields. The sub-fields include pattern lines having interconnection patterns for interconnecting patterns from the sub-fields on the wafer The interconnection patterns comprise one or more sections that transmit an incident charged-particle beam or light flux. The widths of the transmitting sections are selected to be less than or equal to the resolution limit of the optical system (CPB or light optical system) that images the sub-fields onto the wafer. In one embodiment, the widths of the transmitting sections monotonically increase or decrease at the ends towards the edges of the sub-fields. In another embodiment, the interconnection pattern is a square-spiral pattern formed of transmitting and absorbing segments. These interconnection patterns allow lines from connecting sub-field patterns to be connected with a reduced area of double-exposure even if the patterns are projected with an offset.

Abstract: Constructs for the delivery of sequences of interest to cells include a herpes virus latency active promoter (LAP) of the latency associated transcript (LAT) region. An internal ribosome entry site (IRES) is located downstream of the LAP, with a nucleotide sequence of interest downstream of the IRES. Stable, long-term expression including export of mRNA to the cytoplasm and translation of the encoded polypeptide, is found in neuronal and non-neuronal cells.

Abstract: Microorganisms capable of co-metabolizing methyl tert-butyl ether are disclosed, along with methods for selecting microorganisms possessing such activity. Methods for bioremediation of MTBE-contaminated media and biofilter systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Alarms for testing sensors, particularly those used in fire-suppression systems, are described. In one aspect of the invention, the alarm includes an audio and/or a visual indicator operably coupled to the housing of a sensor. The audio indicator may be a speaker that beeps when the sensor is activated. The visual indicator may be one or more LEDs that are illuminated when the sensor is activated. The alarm also can be used to determine whether power and ground conductors extending to the sensor are properly connected. Additionally the alarm can be used to determine whether one or more conductors extending from the sensor to the control panel are properly connected. Certain applications of the invention are intended primarily for use with existing fire-suppression-systems. The invention also can be employed in new fire-suppression system installations using a dry-contact circuit embodiment of the invention (FIG. 5).

Abstract: Trans-esophageal cardiac compression is performed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation by introducing into the esophagus a tube (12) having a distal inflatable member, such as a balloon (20). The balloon (20) is positioned in the esophagus (48) at the level of the ventricles of the heart (50). A rapidly cycling pump (16) (such as a compressible bag) is attached to the tube (12), and used to inflate and deflate the balloon (20) on the tube (12). As the balloon (20) inflates, it compresses the ventricles against the sternum (54), increases the transmural pressure across the ventricular wall, and propels blood out of the heart (50) into the aorta and pulmonary arteries. The balloon (20) is inflated and deflated at a rate of approximately 60 cycles to 80 cycles per minute to maintain perfusion of the heart, brain and other vital organs until more definitive therapy can reestablish the contractile activity of the heart.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-sensitive warning device and a related method for visually detecting an increase in the temperature of the outer surface of an electrical insulator, which may indicate the unsafe flow of leakage electrical current through the electrical insulator, prior to a fire, an explosion or some other unsafe event. When the temperature of the outer surface of the electrical insulator increases to a preselected temperature, a visual indication of this rise in temperature will be provided by the ejection of a spool from a heat-sensitive warning device which has been attached to the outside of the electrical insulator.

Abstract: A method for activating a mammalian immune system entails a series of IL-2 administrations that are effected intermittently over an extended period. Each administration of IL-2 is sufficient to allow spontaneous DNA synthesis in peripheral blood or lymph node cells of the patient to increase and peak, and each subsequent administration follows the preceding administration in the series by a period of time that is sufficient to allow IL-2 receptor expression in peripheral or lymph node blood of the patient to increase, peak and then decrease to 50% of peak value. This intermittent IL-2 therapy can be combined with another therapy which targets a specific disease state, such as an anti-retroviral therapy comprising, for example, the administration of AZT, ddI or interferon alpha. In addition, IL-2 administration can be employed to facilitate in situ transduction of T cells in the context of gene therapy.

Abstract: A composite laminated, generally cylindrical container for over-the-road transportation of liquids by truck is fabricated using a core of cellular thermoplastic expanded foam material, with an encapsulating layer adhered to each of the interior and exterior surfaces. The encapsulating layers of the cylindrical portion each utilize at least one layer of resin-impregnated unidirectional filament material, with the primary filaments extending in the longitudinal direction to provide bending strength, and a plurality of layers of spirally wound, resin-impregnated filaments to resist shear, torsion and external and internal pressure. The core and the encapsulating layers define a bonded sandwich type of construction. The container can be supported only at its forward and rearward ends during over-the-road transportation of liquids, like presently available stainless steel containers.

Abstract: A new and distinct Mandevilla variety characterized by red to red-purple double flowers having five parted outer corolla and inner five parted ring of petaloids.