Abstract: A method for processing a mass of solid fine particles including Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (“NORM”) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the material is sampled and classified into fractions based upon one or more selected criteria such as particle size or particle density. The level of radioactivity associated with each fraction is determined, leading to separation of the mass of fines into selected fractions based upon one or more selected criteria and the activity levels of the fractions. Selected fractions are chosen for chemical treatment, thereby reducing the volume of material to be treated. By reducing the volume of solid material to be treated, the amount of chemicals used for treatment is reduced, along with the size and capacity of the processing equipment required to treat the material.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for managing data having a first database for storing system data, a second database for storing client data and at least one database server to control the first database and the second database. In addition, a first set of objects are linked to the first database through the database server, and a second set of objects are linked to the second database through the database server. Moreover, a set of minions is linked to the second set of objects, an agent manger is linked to the first set of objects and the set of minions, and an interactive manager is linked to the first set of objects, the agent manager and a user application via an inter-process communication interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for transmitting a digital message from a source to one or more receiving devices. After the digital message is received from the source, the one or more receiving devices are selected from a list of addressable receiving devices and the digital message is routed through a local area network until the digital message can be transmitted to the one or more receiving devices. The digital message is then transmitted to the one or more receiving devices using a single wireless transmission. Alternatively, the present invention provides a method and system for transmitting a digital message from a source to one or more destinations. After the digital message is received from the source, the digital message is transmitted over a wireless communications link to each of the one or more destinations, if any, that has a device for receiving the digital message over the wireless communications link.

Abstract: A DC electrical power generation system for aircraft having primary and emergency generation systems is disclosed. The system includes a transmission driven power generator, a dedicated generator control unit and a distribution network for providing sufficient capacity to all electrical loads on the aircraft. The emergency power system includes at least one engine driven starter generators, with an associated controller unit and associated distribution network for providing sufficient backup capacity to electrical loads assigned thereto.

Abstract: A Hamming neural network circuit which can be programmed and expanded is disclosed. The Hamming neural network includes an I/O circuit for inputting and outputting a plurality of standard patterns. A bi-directional transmission gate array is connected to the I/O circuit and controlled by a programming signal for transmitting the standard patterns. A plurality of standard pattern memory units is connected to the bi-directional transmission gate array for storing the plurality of standard patterns respectively. An address decoder is connected to the plurality of standard pattern memory units for addressing one of the plurality of standard pattern memory units. A plurality of pattern matching calculation circuit units are respectively connected to the plurality of standard pattern memory units for generating a plurality of matching rates between a to-be-recognized pattern and the plurality of standard patterns.

Abstract: A tractor (20) for unloading a trailer (12) from a railcar (14) is disclosed. The tractor (20) comprises a trigger actuator (34) and a bumper (30). The trigger actuator (34) is fixably mounted to the tractor (20) and remains stationary. The bumper (30) of the tractor (20) may be operated between an extended position and a retracted position. When the bumper (30) is in the extended position and the tractor (20) is adjacent to a stanchion (16), the trigger actuator (34) does not engage the trigger of the stanchion (16). When the bumper (30) is in the retracted position and the tractor (20) is adjacent to the stanchion (16), the trigger actuator (34) engages the trigger (28) of the stanchion (16) to operate the stanchion (16) from the raised position to the lowered position, thereby transferring the trailer (12) from the stanchion (16) to the tractor (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation of gene sequences encoding mammalian cell cycle checkpoints, as well as the expression of the encoded proteins using recombinant DNA technology. The expressed proteins are used to generate specific antibodies and to inhibit the growth of cells. The human checkpoint gene sequences are used as a probe for a portion of the chromosome associated with tumors and other malignancies, as well as growth and/or development deficiencies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively stimulating cortical brain activity of the non-dominant hemisphere using light and/or sound comprising a surface (11) placed in close proximity to a patient's eyes (20,30) and a plurality of lights (12) disposed on the surface (11) wherein the plurality of lights (12) selectively stimulate the non-dominant eye (30) connected to the non-dominant cerebral hemisphere, as disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) is disclosed for automatically controlling the volume level of an audio signal transmitted to or received by a mobile station and/or terminal within a telecommunications network, the apparatus including a noise measuring device (102), a volume controller (104) communicably coupled to the noise measuring device, and a memory module (108) communicably coupled to the noise measuring device. In a wireless telecommunications network, the memory module may comprise a subscriber identity module (SIM) and contain preferred volume levels for given levels of noise for that particular subscriber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for catalyzing a reaction on a substrate (24) comprising, a light source (12), a micromirror (16) positioned to redirect light (14) from the light source (12) toward a substrate (24) wherein the redirected light (14) catalyzes a chemical reaction proximate a substrate (24), is disclosed. A computer (18) is connected to, and controls, the positioning of mirrors within the micromirror (16) to specifically redirect light to specific portions of a substrate. The substrate (24) can be placed in a reaction chamber (50), wherein the light (14) that is redirected by the micromirror (16) catalyzes a chemical reaction proximate a substrate (24).

Abstract: A computer implemented transaction processing system is presented for processing transactions between an application and one or more transaction processors. The system utilizes a first communication link between the application and a transaction processor interoperability component. Then, the system determines which of the one or more transaction processors will process transactions for the application and establishes a communication link between the transaction processor interoperability component and the transaction processor that will process transactions for the application.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a rotating shaft relative to a structure in which a first magnetized member is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith, a support member is connected to the structure and at least one damper member connects the support member to a second magnetized member for supporting the second magnetized member in a portion relative to the first magnetized member. The respective magnetic fields of the first and second magnetized members are such that radial deflective movement of the shaft, and therefore the first magnetic member, causes corresponding radial movement of the second magnetized member which is dampened by the damping member.

Abstract: A magnetic particle damper apparatus is provided for damping motion between two relatively movable members. The damper apparatus comprises first and second conductor members each attachable to one of the relatively movable members. The conductor members are disposed with confronting surfaces having a gap therebetween filled with a quantity of magnetic particles. A magnetic element is attached to one of the conductor members, producing magnetic flux which is substantially confined to a magnetic flux path defined by relatively magnetically permeable regions and relatively magnetically non-permeable regions of the conductor members to flow across the gap and through the magnetic particles. The magnetic field causes the magnetic particles along the flux path to adhere to one another and to the confronting surfaces of the conductor members producing a force opposing relative motion between said movable members and dissipating energy when the conductor members move relative to one another.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of flower pots are disclosed. The pots include a transparent or transluent panel or cylindrical portion which exhibit a pattern when one or more light sources are provided behind the panels or cylindrical portions.