Abstract: The invention provides a system of generation of multi-channel analog output signals, from a single analog input signal, and the controlled activation of peripheral devices responsive to the multi-channel analog output signals. A single-channel to multi-channel analog-to-analog converter is provided to convert the single analog input signal to multiple output channels. Uni-directional coupling is used for coupling and mixing the multi-channel outputs and transferring the mixed outputs to a data bus. Signals on the data bus are used to drive the multiple peripheral devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composite metal oxide catalyst, a method of making the catalyst, and a process for producing synthesis gas using the catalyst. The catalyst may be a nickel and cobalt based dual-active component composite metal oxide catalyst. The catalyst may be used to produce synthesis gas by the carbon dioxide reforming reaction of methane. The catalyst on an anhydrous basis after calcinations has the empirical formula: M a m + ? N b n + ? Al c 3 + ? Mg d 2 + ? O ( am 2 + bn 2 + 3 2 ? c + d ) Mm+ and Nn+ are two transition metals serving as dual-active components and selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Mo, Cu, Zn or mixtures thereof, a+b+c+d=1, and 0.001?a?0.8, 0.001?b?0.8, 0.1?c?0.99, 0.01?d?0.99.

Abstract: This application relates to a circular clarifier for separating and removing separable matter, such as suspended solids, from a liquid. The invention may be used, for example, for separating return activated sludge from clarified liquor using a gas flotation process. The clarifier includes a plurality of fluid feed ports for introducing influent into selected treatment cells of the clarifier in a timed sequence, thereby achieving batch flotation of solids or other separable matter in a continuous infeed process. A plurality of spaced-apart, rotating flocculent handling assemblies traverse the treatment cells for sequentially conveying flocculent into spaced-apart, radially extending collection troughs. All of the flocculent handling assemblies may be driven by a single drive means. Each flocculent handling assembly includes a submerged beach and a scraper assembly including a scraper blade which extends upwardly from the beach. The beaches provide a shear plane underneath the surface layer of flocculent.

Abstract: To reduce X-ray exposure, an area of interest is selected in the image. The image of the selected area is updated frequently, comparable to rate of updates used today for the whole image. The rest of the image is updated at a significantly lower rate. Since the area of interest normally is a small part of the overall area, the total exposure is reduced significantly. A movable X-ray shield placed near the X-ray source blocks the radiation from areas outside the area of interest. The shield automatically retracts when the complete image is updated. The area of interest can be selected by the user or automatically selected based on activity in the image.

Abstract: A transferable modified leading edge for a wing is detachably mountable to a parent wing. The parent wing may use a NACA 23000-series airfoil. A modified wing tip may be used in conjunction with the modified leading edge. The modified leading edge can be mounted to a parent wing in a way that does not damage the parent wing. The modified leading edge and wing tip can provide increased lift.

Abstract: This application relates to rear suspension system for bicycles, such as freeride, downhill and trail-style mountain bikes. The suspension system includes a rear suspension for coupling the rear wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle frame, a rear shock absorber disposed entirely in front of the seat tube of the frame and a linkage for operatively coupling the rear suspension to the rear shock absorber. The linkage intersects the longitudinal axis of the seat tube for transmitting rear suspension forces around the seat tube to the rear shock absorber. The seat tube is preferably continuous and is disposed so that the bicycle seat is adjustable over a full range of seat positions. The seat tube orientation ensures that the seat is movable between optimum biomechanical positions for both uphill pedaling and aggressive downhill freeriding.

Abstract: A clip is provided for affixing a construction unit to a building structure. The clip comprises: a generally planar middle portion, an exterior portion located on an exterior side of the middle portion and an interior portion located on an interior side of the middle portion; the exterior portion comprising a groove at an exterior end of the clip for receiving a construction unit flange, the groove having a generally U-shaped cross-section, the groove defined at least in part by a pair of generally parallel groove portions and a base portion connecting the groove portions at a base of the groove, the base of the groove spaced apart from an opening of the groove; the middle portion extending from an interior side of groove toward the interior portion; and the interior portion at an interior end of the clip, the interior portion extending from the middle portion at an obtuse angle to define a fulcrum at a junction between the middle portion and the interior portion.

Abstract: Methods are provided for encoding watermark information into media data containing a series of digital samples in a sample domain. The method involves: dividing the series of digital samples into a plurality of sections in the sample domain, each section comprising a corresponding plurality of samples; processing the corresponding plurality of samples in each section to obtain a single energy value associated with each section; grouping the sections into groups, each group containing three or more sections; assigning a nominal bit value to each group according to a bit assignment rule, the bit assignment rule based on the energy values of the sections in the group; and assigning a watermark bit value to each group.

Abstract: A recombinant fusion protein comprising a human erythropoietin peptide portion linked to an immunoglobulin peptide portion is described. The fusion protein has a prolonged half-life in vivo in comparison to naturally occurring or recombinant native human erythropoietin. In one embodiment of the invention, the protein has a half-life in vivo at least three fold higher than native human erythropoietin. The fusion protein also exhibits enhanced erythropoietic bioactivity in comparison to native human erythropoietin. In one embodiment, the fusion protein comprises the complete peptide sequence of a human erythropoietin (EPO) molecule and the peptide sequence of an Fc fragment of human immunoglobulin IgG1. The Fc fragment in the fusion protein includes the hinge region, CH2 and CH3 domains of human immunoglobulin IgG1. The EPO molecule may be linked directly to the Fc fragment to avoid extraneous peptide linkers and lessen the risk of an immunogenic response when administered in vivo.

Abstract: A plumbing tool permits a drain body to be held in a drain opening of a bathtub from behind a drain end of the bathtub. The plumbing too has a head that can be engaged to the drain body and a handle that can be positioned so that an end of the handle projects through an overflow opening of the bathtub. The tool can prevent rotation and lifting of the drain body.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing droplets of reagent onto samples includes a probe tip to which droplets of reagent can adhere. The apparatus advances the probe tip toward a sample until a droplet of reagent touches the sample and is pulled off from the probe tip. A sensor detects that the droplet has been pulled off from the probe tip and halts the advance of the probe tip before the probe tip touches the sample. Such apparatus may be used to automatically dispense small volumes of reagent onto fragile samples.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrogen generator system for generating hydrogen from a water split reaction. The generator comprises a pressure container having a reactant water inlet, and a product hydrogen outlet. Pluralities of cells are vertically stacked inside the container; each cell contains a reactant compound comprising a mechanical mixture of metal and an anti-passivation material. The reactant compound produces hydrogen gas upon contact with water, and the cells are stacked such that water entering from the inlet can rise inside the container and sequentially activate each immersed cell to produce hydrogen gas.

Abstract: An underwater suspended tunnel (6) has a shaft (10) with generally convex upper and lower outer surfaces (12, 13) meeting at longitudinally extending, transversely streamlined and opposed sides (14, 15). One or more apertures (20a, 20b) for carrying traffic extend longitudinally through the shaft (10). The shaft (10) has positive net buoyancy and is tethered at a generally uniform depth below sea level (5) by ties (32) anchored to the sea bed (4).

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaning device which can handle conveyor belts with damaged areas, mechanical joints, and/or head pulleys with profile spaces causing the conveyor belt to run unevenly, is provided. The scraper blade is attached to a plurality of T-shaped elements each of which has pressure applied by an air bladder held within a housing. The T-shaped elements move freely within the housing to permit movement of the scraper blade in a direction tangential to as well as perpendicular to the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Lithographically fabricated apparatus are provided. The apparatus are capable of self-assembly to extend at least in part in an out-of-plane direction. A cantilever arm is anchored to a substrate at one of its ends and fabricated to provide a cantilever portion that extends from the anchor in a longitudinal direction generally parallel to the substrate, One or more posts are fabricated atop the cantilever portion. The posts shrink from a first volume to a second volume, less than the first volume, during fabrication thereof. The change in volume of the post from the first volume to the second volume causes stress between the post and the cantilever arm resulting in the cantilever portion bending from an in-plane orientation extending in the longitudinal direction to a self-assembled orientation extending at least in part in an out-of-plane direction away from the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping from a well. A pump includes a piston assembly reciprocably engaged in a cylinder assembly. Pressure applied to a column of fluid above the pump causes a pump chamber to fill with fluid. A spring mechanism coupled to an anchor point above the piston assembly provides upward force on the piston assembly. Alternate cycles of the application and release of pressure result in the pumping of a fluid.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor for removing phosphorus and nitrogen from wastewater has a column comprising a number of sections. The diameter of the column changes stepwise between the sections. A flow velocity in excess of 100 cm/min is maintained in a lowermost one of the sections and lower flow velocities are maintained in subsequent sections. A struvite supersaturation ratio is controlled in part by recycling wastewater from an outlet of the column. Struvite pellets are removed periodically from the bottom of the column.