Abstract: An improved synthetic alfalfa variety called WL-C290, and method for producing same. The present invention provides a hot-weather, i.e., Dormancy Group 10 type, very non-dormant synthetic alfalfa variety, wherein one embodiment is named WL-C290, that provides improved yields under a variety of environmental conditions and, in particular, better resistance to silverleaf whitefly pests. The primary uses of this WL-C290 variety are hay, haylage, greenchop and dehydrated feed for livestock.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for determining stable and labile glycated compound levels in blood. Electromagnetic energy covering a multiplicity of wavelength bands within a wavelength range from 380 nm to 2500 nm is directed into a sample volume containing blood. Portions of the energy representative of both the source energy and energy after interacting with material within the sample volume are collected. The energy portions carry information relating to the source energy and the levels of labile and stable compounds within the sample volume, respectively. The portions are converted into electrical signals representative of the intensities of the respective portions in each of the multiplicity of wavelength bands.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for bore sighting a gun. A hollow shell casing is attached to a single light source and then placed in the breech of a gun. Light is projected from the gun onto a pre-calibrated target. The user is then able to adjust the gun sights accordingly. There are a plurality of shell casings interchangeably mountable to the single light source, enabling the user to sight in a variety of guns using only one system. The shell casings may be the same shape as standard shells for the type of gun being sighted in.

Abstract: A genetic testing system includes a miniaturized thermal cycling device and an integrated, unitary microchip based detection device with microfluidic controls, on chip electronics. The genetic testing system further uses dipped or coated polymeric materials on processed silicon as a means to facilitate amplification chemistry.

Abstract: A terminal server for providing communication between a host computer and a synchronous, asychronous or parallel communications port across a general purpose network is provided utilizing a unique device driver interface and multiplexing communication protocol. The server communicates data and control commands for multiple ports on a single connection, thereby reducing demands on the network. In addition, genuine TTY devices are made available across the general purpose network which have all the characteristics of local communication ports. The present invention also makes possible access to the ports on the server to multiple host computers located on the network, allowing fair access to shared resources such as modems and printers. Finally, the invention can also be implemented in hardware, further increasing compatibility with existing host computer software and further reducing host computer overhead.

Abstract: A folder is provided for holding objects therein having at least one pocket. An expandable bottom bellows adjoins pocket and back panels along their respective bottom edges. A pair of expandable side bellows, along with the bottom bellows, permits expansion of the folder to accept objects within the pocket. An integral order panel is removably coupled with a front closure panel. A cassette holder is coupled with the front closure panel or the order panel, and is adapted to receive a cassette therein. Security panels are coupled with the cassette holder and fold over the cassette to retain the cassette securely within the cassette holder. Corner tabs are provided on the front closure panel for receiving the proof page therein. Flip tabs coupled with the cassette holder also secure proof page to the folder.

Abstract: The present invention provides illudin analogs of the general formula I: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, and R.sub.6 have any of the values defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formula I, intermediates and processes useful for preparing compounds of formula I, and methods comprising inhibiting tumor growth or treating cancer by administering one or more compounds of formula I.

Abstract: A heat sink is disclosed having an elongate, porous metal structure, including multiple sets of thermally conductive members. The members, which are interwoven, direct heat away from a heat producing component. The elongate structure of the matrix structure can be formed in a variety of predetermined forms, including a coiled structure or an elliptically coiled structure. Alternatively, the matrix structure is plated for added thermal conductivity between the sets of members. In addition, air flow is directed over the heat sink for added convection of heat. The heat sink is fabricated using a mesh of thermally conductive material such as copper or aluminum and can be provided with a plurality of protuberances. The heat sink is thermally bonded to the heat producing component. Alternatively, the heat sink has a ledge for sealing with a duct.A method for cooling a heat producing component is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reverting a disk drive to an earlier point in time is disclosed. Changes made to the drive are saved in a circular history buffer which includes the old data, the time it was replaced by new data, and the original location of the data. The circular history buffer may also be implemented by saving new data elements into new locations and leaving the old data elements in their original locations. References to the new data elements are mapped to the new location. The disk drive is reverted to an earlier point in time by replacing the new data elements with the original data elements retrieved from the history buffer, or in the case of the other embodiment, reads to the disk are mapped to the old data elements stilled stored in their original locations. The method and apparatus may be implemented as part of an operating system, or as a separate program, or in the controller for the disk drive. The method and apparatus are applicable to other forms of data storage as well.

Abstract: A ladder has a first frame member and a second frame member. The second frame member folds to a position within the confines of the first frame member to provide a thin, easily stored ladder for use within a household. The step of the is provided with one or more keyhole-shaped openings in which the bottom of the keyhole-shaped opening is open. The first frame member includes at least one cross member for supporting each of the one or more steps of the ladder. The cross members also provide a pivot axis about which the step rotates when folding or unfolding the ladder. The cross member has a circular cross-section at each of the ends where it is attached to the first frame member. Inboard from the circular cross member ends, is a crimped portion or portions. The crimped portion or portions of the cross member are dimensioned so that the crimped portion can pass through the open end of the keyhole openings in the step.

Abstract: An improved RADAR sensor for measuring the level of material utilizes conventional medium- or high-power microwave transmitter and microwave receiver devices, while utilizing only the relatively small amount of current supplied by a conventional low current two-wire process control loop. A transmit/receive unit and a control unit are operated intermittently to generate readings, and are set to a current-saving or even currentless standby mode between these periods of active measurement. During the inactive standby period, circuit components such as capacitors collect and store power to be used for the comparably high-power requirement during the active measurement cycles. The inactive standby periods are preferably long compared to the duration of the measurement periods. This permits operation with power entirely supplied from a common two-wire 4-20 mA process control loop.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling data at two or more ports is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an apparatus for receiving data at multiple ports, each port having a buffer capable of holding B units of received data and being serviced by a processor resource. The apparatus has software causing the processor resource to have a polling session with each port and to read unread units of data from the buffer in each port during its polling session. It also has a counter for determining the number of units of data that have been read from the buffer and circuitry responsive to said counter to assert flow control from said port based on the number of units of data read.

Abstract: A communications device is presented that allows dynamic bandwidth allocation of an unswitched data path based upon the current utilization of one or more switched data channels. The device operates over the local loop of a digital communications carrier, such as a T1 line, that has a variety of time division multiplexed channels. Each data channel can be configured to operate as a channel dedicated to carrying unswitched data on the unswitched data path, or as a switched channel. Switched channels maintain status information about their current status, allowing switched data communication when the channel's status is active, and permitting the unswitched data path to utilize the channel when the channel's status is idle. In one embodiment, channel status information is passed to a remote unit by altering a redundant robbed-bit signaling bit in a multiframe. In a second embodiment, channel status is determined by monitoring switching information that is already transmitted about the channel.

Abstract: An extrusion process is described where a reinforcing element is fed into an extrusion matrix while the reinforcing element is under sufficient tension to elastically elongate the reinforcing element. When the extruded matrix is hardened (e.g., by cooling after extrusion), the reinforcing element remains inserted within the body of the extruded article in a pre-stressed form. A reinforced extruded article according to the present invention includes the extruded material and at least one embedded element under elongated tension. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the embedded element has a higher tensile than that of the extruded material. The reinforcing member is able to elastically stretch or lengthen under a load. A preferred embodiment of the invention uses wire rope (twined, braided, cabled, woven, non-woven, or mixtures thereof) with different, varying or larger angles (as with larger helix angles) to give the extruded material a larger surface area with which to grip the extrusion.

Abstract: A disk drive system includes a base, a disk rotatably attached to the base, and an actuator assembly movably attached to the base. The actuator assembly moves the transducer to selected areas of the disk where information representative of data is to be written or read. The transducer is attached to the suspension. The arm has at least one suspension attached thereto using a wire wound sleeve or wrap. The wire wound sleeve or wrap surrounds the end of the arm and captures one or two suspensions between the arm and the wire wound coil. A transducer is attached to the suspension. The electrical connections between the arm and the suspension can also be made along with the mechanical connection of these two elements.

Abstract: This invention comprises a process and apparatus for producing purified drinking water from surface or ground fresh water sources using no chemical pre-treatment or coagulants, by usage of a positively-charged filtration media to attract the typically negatively-charged suspended solids present in the water source. The process, which can be portable, includes a filtration system having a filtration/recirculation/backwash component and a disinfection step. The process further includes a system controller which receives electrical signals from float controls to control the filtration, recirculation, and backwash steps. This process produces drinking water which meets or exceeds the guidelines set by the World Health Organization for turbidity and microbiological content.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost and practical method for cleaning objects such as wheelchairs on a continuous basis. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is a mobile, self-contained system in which objects are cleaned and sanitized as they travel in a U-shaped path within a wash chamber. As the objects enter the first side of the wash chamber, suitably located water jets spray the objects with a mixture of detergent and water to remove associated foreign materials until shortly after the objects make a U-turn. At this point, the objects are first sprayed with a mixture containing a rinse agent and water, then with a spray containing disinfectant and water. The objects are thereafter dried by suitable drying means such as a high velocity air curtain system. The continuous washing system of the present invention preferably has a self-contained water heater to pre-heat the water prior to its being sprayed onto the objects.

Abstract: A system for applying motion capture data to a character motion hierarchy provides a more accurate motion representation. The position of certain nodes in a motion hierarchy are modified to allow application of motion data to a character having a different physiology than that of the motion capture subject. The present invention provides the ability to modify the angular information of individual motion hierarchy nodes and segments based on translational information associated with the source hierarchy. This provides a continuity of motion in the resulting motion representation that is not available with conventional motion processing methods.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device for increasing distance traversed by a projectile. The device includes a main body comprising a tubular component wherein the tubular component defines an orifice. The main body also comprises a collar component positionable about the tubular component. The collar component enclosed a second orifice for receipt of a screw. A tab is positioned adjacent to the orifice which is defined by the tubular component. The tab includes an oblique section. A screw is positionable in the collar component and extends through the orifice defined by the tubular component. The screw is in moveable contact with the oblique segment of the tab.

Abstract: The precise detection of errors in computer programs using the hardware watchpoint mechanism found in computers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a software detection phase of a method detects the approximate location of an error, generating information regarding this approximate location. In this embodiment, a hardware watchpoint phase of the method detects the precise location of the error based on the information generated by the software detection phase, generating information regarding the precise location. Finally, in this embodiment of the invention, a debugger phase of the method identifies the statement in the computer program causing the error, based on the information generated by the hardware watchpoint phase.