Abstract: A controlled release nitrogeneous fertilizer composition system, comprising (a) a tannin selected from the group consisting of purified tannins, purified modified tannins, condensate tannins, and mixtures thereof; (b) a nitrogeneous fertilizer component selected from the group consisting of an ammonia fertilizer, an ammonium fertilizer, a urea fertilizer, a nitrogen containing fertilizer, a natural nitrogen containing organic fertilizer, a nitrogen containing waste product fertilizer, a slow and control release fertilizer, and mixtures thereof; and optionally (c) a carrier. Also disclosed is a method for making such fertilizer composition systems.

Abstract: A spin column device, which contains a rigid porous filter that retains its shape during centrifugation, chromatography methods using the device to isolate a desired substance, e.g., a biological molecule, from other substances in a mixture, and kits containing the device with one or more reagents for use in the method.

Abstract: IR reflective cementitious systems comprising one or more IR reflective pigments are provided. The cementitious systems of the invention may be in the form of mixtures which increase the total solar reflectivity (TSR or albedo) and the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of concrete are provided. The cementitious systems are infrared reflective and may be toppings mixed with water for application to existing concrete surfaces, or dry-shake hardeners for application to freshly-placed plastic concrete. The formulations of the invention utilize one or more of cementitious binder(s), graded aggregates, super-plasticizers, one or more pigments selected for improving infrared reflectivity and color composition, and/or optionally other additives, such as dry redispersible polymers or fillers to provide decorative and LEED compliant, highly durable (sustainable) concrete hardscapes and other decorative concrete.

Abstract: An improved filter assembly (1) is disclosed, particularly for electric cabinets, comprising a filter cloth (5), a conveying sump (7) and a fan (9), equipped with at least one thermal-resistive sensor (11) placed next to at least one hole (13) obtained in the conveying sump (7).

Abstract: A process for automatically controlling the flight of at least one power wing airfoil, through a system for automatically controlling a flight of at least one power wing airfoil, the at least one power wing airfoil being controlled by a driving unit equipped with two winches to which the power wing airfoil is connected by two respective driving cables.

Abstract: A computer system and method providing for viewing and switching of audio-video data. The system comprises: a plurality of audio/video sources containing information referring to an event; a streaming server, streaming the contents of a first audio signal and a first video signal from the audio and video sources to a user; a feed distributor controllably feeding the first audio signal and first video signal to the streaming server; and a user-operated control unit communicating with the feed distributor and controlling operation of the feed distributor, so as to instruct the feed distributor to switch between audio or video. Switching between audio signals occurs without altering the video signals and switching between video signals occurs without altering the audio signals.

Abstract: A system for real-time monitoring of synchrophasors from an electrical power system serving multiple geographic areas can control system instability, without preset parameters or thresholds, detects power flow between the generation sources. If a change in power flow of at least 5% over at time period of 1 second or less occurs and the response to the change in power flow is greater than the change in power flow a signal is generated for corrective action.

Abstract: A container for a disk having a central opening includes a base having a pedestal for holding the disk, a hingedly connected lid, and a laterally spaced pair of latches for locking the container closed. Also disclosed are interior partitions of the base and lid that have edgewise proximal engagement, a disk presser structure for holding edge extremities of the disk in place during mishandling of the container, and rib members that block entry of a destructive blade in an endwise path through regions of facing contact adjacent to living hinges of the container.

Abstract: A method for playing a casino poker game, including providing a chance device such as a roulette wheel or a six-sided die, a poker deck of playing cards, and a wagering surface for betting options that include options regarding a subset of a dealt poker hand as well as the full hand; receiving bets in a first playing interval; dealing a plurality of poker hands in a second playing interval; operating the chance device for determining one of the poker hands to play; exposing one card of the determined playing hand; paying winners and collecting from losers regarding the subset betting options; exposing the remaining cards of the determined hand; and paying winners and collecting from losers regarding the full hand betting options.

Abstract: A spark plug has a central electrode and a plurality of peripheral electrodes. The central electrode has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the central electrode has a circular cross-section with a longitudinal axis and terminates in a distal end. Each peripheral electrode has a lower portion and an upper portion. Each upper portion has a distal-most point. Each distal-most point is disposed in a central plane within which the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the central electrode is wholly disposed. The cross-section of each upper portion taken along its central plane defines a convex outer side and a non-convex inner side. Each convex outer side has a curved surface which is tangent to a plurality of tangent planes, all of which intersect the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the central electrode at points at or above the distal end of the distal point of the central electrode.

Abstract: A refractory includes a cement, a binder and a matrix. The matrix comprises both stainless steel fibers and organic fibers. The refractory can be easily cast, without additional steel reinforcement, into large fire wall 16 panels 10 capable of meeting the requirements of testing conducted in accordance with ASTM E-119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials in support of IEEE Std. 979-1994, Guide for Substation Fire Protection. The fire wall 16 assembly withstood the fire endurance test without passage of flame and gases hot enough to ignite cotton waste during a four-hour fire exposure. The assembly also withstood a 45? water stream for five minutes immediately following the four-hour fire exposure period. This is a stringent mechanical requirement, as all fire walls 16 must maintain their integrity before, during and after a fire, per the Universal Building Code=s definition of a true fire wall 16.

Abstract: A method of displaying a high dynamic range image, comprising receiving the high dynamic range image, calculating a first set of tone mapping parameters as a function of the high dynamic range image, sub-sampling the first set of tone mapping parameters at a first resolution to create a first sub-sampled parameter set, creating a first tone-mapped image by processing the high dynamic range image as a function of the first sub-sampled parameter set, and displaying the first tone-mapped image. A method of composting a plurality of versions of an image to create the high dynamic range image is also disclosed such that the compositing may be modified as a function of received user input.

Abstract: A spin column device, which contains a rigid porous filter that retains its shape during centrifugation, chromatography methods using the device to isolate a desired substance, e.g., a biological molecule, from other substances in a mixture, and kits containing the device with one or more reagents for use in the method.

Abstract: A fabrication sheet is appropriately dimensioned and otherwise suitable for use with a printer. A symmetrical, removable and foldable identification band is included in the fabrication sheet. The fabrication sheet includes a rectangular backing sheet, covered by a working sheet, which may be made of imprintable woven polyester. The backing and working sheets are secured to each other by a releasable adhesive and have a combined thickness and flexibility that permits them to pass through a printer without difficulty. The working sheet is die-cut to define the outline of the band configured in such a way that it includes a strap portion and a tag portion. The tag portion is positioned at one end of and extends from the strap portion. The tag portion of the unfolded band includes wing sections extending outwardly, one from each side of the strap portion. The tag portion of the working sheet may include a generally rectangular patch of a different material that better accepts and holds a printed image.

Abstract: A method for distortion of a digital image comprising determining one or more sets of pixel characteristics, receiving for each pixel characteristic set, a spatial offset, providing a mixing function algorithm embodied on a computer-readable medium for distorting the digital image, calculating an offset matrix by applying the mixing function algorithm based on the one or more sets of pixel characteristics and the received spatial offsets, and distorting the digital image by application of the offset matrix. The method is applicable to regions of interest in the digital image, where the calculating step further comprises applying the mixing function algorithm based on the received coordinates of a region of interest. Abstract image reference points may be used to limit distortion.

Abstract: A junction is made between a first microfluidic substrate (12) having an elongate component (303) protruding from it and a second microfluidic substrate (22) having a corresponding conduit (261). Each of the substrates has a pair of alignment features, for example planar orthogonal surfaces (13, 15; 23, 25) or grooves (141, 151; 241, 251) in opposite sides of the substrate. The substrates are placed on an alignment jig 6 having location features (63, 65) corresponding to the alignment features. The elongate component can be surrounded by a compressible gasket 40). The substrates are pushed towards each other so that the elongate component enters the conduit and the gasket, if any, is compressed. A fluid-tight junction results so long as the substrates are maintained in the necessary position, either by permanent means, or, if a junction which can be disassembled is needed, by maintaining pressure between the substrates.

Abstract: Apparatus and Method for Handling Fluids at Nano-Scale Rates. A linear displacement pump produces non-pulsatile liquid flow rates as low as the nl/mm range. The pump includes a servo motor, a gear reduction, a lead screw, a linear stage, a barrel, and a plunger extending into the barrel and coupled to the stage. A microfluidic interconnect device can be coupled to the barrel. One or more of these pumps can be disposed in a thermally controlled pump assembly that includes a pump housing, a thermally conductive body disposed in the housing and including first and second opposing sides, and a temperature regulating element such as a thermoelectric device disposed in thermal contact with the thermally conductive body on a side thereof opposite to the barrel or barrels of the pumps.

Abstract: An aural device to be worn over the ear of a user during sleeping hours which generates white noise.

Abstract: The invention offers technology for suppressing damage to semiconductor devices due to temperature changes. When flip-chip mounting a silicon chip on a buildup type multilayer substrate having a structure with a thinned core, a core having a small coefficient of thermal expansion is used in the multilayer substrate, and the coefficient of thermal expansion and glass transition point of the underfill are appropriately designed in accordance with the thickness and coefficient of thermal expansion of the core. By doing so, it is possible to relieve stresses inside the semiconductor package caused by deformation of the multilayer substrate due to temperature changes, and thereby to suppress damage to the semiconductor package due to temperature changes.