Abstract: Bioelectronic components are formed using nanoparticles surrounded by attached shells of at least one biological material. The nanoparticles are deposited (e.g., using a printing process) onto a surface, and by associating the deposited nanoparticles with one or more electrical contacts, electrical measurement across the nanoparticles (and, consequently, across the biological material) may be made. A finished component may include multiple layers formed by nanoparticle deposition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for analyzing fluid flow while considering heat transfer effects and, in particular, a phase change from a molten state to a solid state. In particular, the method and apparatus may be applied to the analysis of an injection molding process for producing a molded polymer component from a thermoplastic or a thermosetting polymer. In one embodiment, the method may be used to determine pressure required to fill a mold cavity and pressure gradients introduced during filling and packing of the cavity of an injection mold. The results of these analyses may be used to determine the number and location of gates, to determine the best material for the component, and to optimize the process conditions used in the molding process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining clock phase alignment among system modules of a fault-tolerant computing system. In one embodiment, a low-frequency system reference clock signal is distributed to all system modules where it is multiplied to generate higher-frequency local clock signals. All local clock signals are then synchronized to the rising edge of the reference clock signal and the first rising edge in relation to a timing event is also identified.

Abstract: The invention is directed to cushioning systems for athletic shoes that can be adjusted by a wearer. The systems include one or more cushioning inserts having anisotropic properties and are lockable in place in the shoe sole. The systems may also include structural support elements that provide additional stability and support to the wearer's foot. The wearer can adjust the degree of cushioning by rotating the insert within the shoe. The wearer can also remove the insert and replace the insert with a new and/or different insert.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for complex process optimization utilizing metrics, operational variables, or both, of one or more process steps and optimization of one or more of these process step parameters with respect to a cost function for the parameter. In one embodiment, the invention provides a scalable, hierarchical optimization method utilizing optimizations at one process level as inputs to an optimization of a higher or lower process level.

Abstract: A laser-diode structure whose output is largely single-mode utilizes a ridged top layer that defines an amplification region within an underlying emission layer, and which is provided with grooves that suppress the higher modes.

Abstract: An optical fiber has a core with a diameter dc and a reflective index nc; a primary cladding concentrically surrounding the core and having an outer diameter dpc and a refractive index npc less than the core refractive index nc; and a secondary cladding concentrically surrounding the primary cladding and having an outer diameter dsc and a refractive index nsc less than the primary cladding refractive index npc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of adaptively enhancing a digital image based on image content. An accurate determination of image type permits implementation of an image enhancement technique that is matched to the image type. The method is advantageous when the image type of the received images can vary. In one embodiment the method distinguishes between line art images and continuous tone images. The method includes application of a window to a pixels in a source array. The number of colors in each of the resulting windowed arrays is determined. Each color can optionally be defined as a range of colors. A color range total is calculated from the sum of the number of windowed arrays in one or more subsets of the plurality of possible numbers of colors. Image type is determined in response to the color range total and an enhancement process matched to the image type is applied to the digital image data.

Abstract: The invention provides a wide range of methods and compositions for detecting and treating cervical cancer in an individual. Specifically, the invention provides target cervical cancer-associated proteins, which permit a rapid detection, preferably before metastases occur, of cervical cancer. The target cervical cancer-associated protein, may be detected, for example, by reacting the sample with a labeled binding moiety, for example, a labeled antibody capable of binding specifically to the protein. The invention also provides kits useful in the detection of cervical cancer in an individual. In addition, the invention provides methods utilizing the cervical cancer-associated proteins either as targets for treating cervical cancer or as indicators for monitoring of the efficacy of such a treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for surface treating a semiconductor wafer includes a surface treatment chamber and a source of radiation. The semiconductor wafer disposed inside the chamber is illuminated with radiation sufficient to create a plurality of electron-hole pairs near the surface of the wafer and to desorb ions and molecules adsorbed on the surface of the wafer.

Abstract: A method of lossless data compression is provided which uses a grammar transform to sequentially construct a sequence of greedy context-dependent grammars from which an original data sequence can be recovered incrementally. The data sequence is encoded using any one of a sequential context-dependent method, an improved sequential context-dependent method, and a hierarchical context-dependent method.

Abstract: In vitro methods for qualitative screening and/or quantitative determination of the functional activity of components of the Protein C anticoagulant pathway of blood coagulation are described. The methods entail measuring the conversion rate of a substrate by an enzyme, the activity of which is related to the Protein C anticoagulant activity, in a blood sample of a human comprising coagulation factors and said substrate, after at least partial activation of coagulation through the intrinsic, extrinsic or common pathway and triggering coagulation by adding calcium ions; and comparing said conversion rate with the conversion rate of a normal human blood sample determined in the same way. The methods include the addition of additional metal ions to the sample to enhance activity, sensitivity and resolution. Kits and reagents for use in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A computerized system is provided for scheduling a plurality of work orders in a manufacturing process. Each work order to be scheduled specifies a set of operations to be performed using a plurality of resources and materials. Data including resource availability information for each resource used in the manufacturing process, material availability information for each material used in the manufacturing process, and work order information is received and stored in a computer. The work order information includes a release date for the work order, a want date for the work order, operations information, and material requirements information. The operations information includes the identity and sequence of operations to be performed for the work order, the identity of the resources needed to perform each operation, a minimum resource capacity needed to perform each operation, and the time needed to perform the operation.

Abstract: A catalyst system for the polymerization of ethylene, comprising a particulate inorganic oxide supporting a chromium oxide being in a reduced oxidation state and a metallocene compound having the formula Cp2ZrR′R″, wherein each Cp, being equal or different, is an unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl compound, and R′ and R′, independent of each other, are selected from the group comprising alkyls having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, unsubstituted or substituted benzyl, and phenoxy substituted with alkyls having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; or R′ or R″ may be a halide.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods for screening a sample to select a ligand to a target of interest and for obtaining information about the ligand and its binding characteristics. Specifically, the claimed multi-dimensional methods involve combining a solution of heterogeneous ligands with the target of interest to screen the ligands on the basis of one or more binding characteristics. Ligands having the first binding characteristic bind to the target of interest thereby to form a target/ligand complex. The complex then optionally is separated from the unbound components using any of a variety of separation techniques, e.g., size exclusion. At least one of the complex or unbound components then is introduced to a second “dimension”. The second dimension is capable of separating components based upon a second binding characteristic. One then elutes the ligand having the desired binding characteristics.

Abstract: A wall-climbing robot or mobility platform able to ascend and descend various horizontal and vertical surfaces having a chassis, a rotor rotatable with respect to the chassis, one or more prominences on the rotor, and means for adhering to a surface attached to the prominences. The robot is able to make a transition from horizontal travel to vertical travel. In certain embodiments, the means for adhering to a wall is a pressure sensitive adhesive. In addition, multiple rotor configurations and radio-control are used for remote operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sole for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe with a support plate, at least one damping element arranged below the support plate and at least one spring element mounted to the support plate, where the spring element is essentially L-shaped and thereby encompasses the damping element from the side and from below.

Abstract: A delivery system for placement of a stent within a body of a patient includes a stent, a retaining structure, and an elongated member. The stent includes a coil which defines a lumen and has an initial length when in an expanded rest state. Adjacent turns of the coil are positioned to substantially prevent tissue ingrowth through the turns and into the lumen when the stent is placed within the body. The retaining structure is sized for insertion into the body and includes one or more pins. The pins collapse and deform the stent while the stent maintains substantially its initial length. The elongated member is coupled to the retaining structure and enables insertion of the retaining structure with the stent into the body such that the stent can be deployed from the retaining structure and placed into the body while maintaining substantially its initial length.

Abstract: A user of a modeling application modifies an initial virtual object using a sketch drawn on one or more construction planes. Typically, construction planes are connected by an axis that intersects the virtual object. The user can draw a sketch on each construction plane, and the modeling application interpolates a shape along the axis between the sketches to determine what material in the virtual object is to be removed from it. In this manner, material may be removed to create a recess or hole in the virtual object or otherwise to slice away material from the object. A user can use two or more axes and construction planes to produce complex shapes from the initial virtual object. A user can also select a portion of a virtual object and mirror the selected portion. Modifications that the user makes in the selected portion are made correspondingly in the mirrored portion.

Abstract: The response of an object to a single time-varying magnetic field is sensed to determine object position and/or manipulation on a horizontal or vertical surface. A time-varying interrogation signal, which interacts with tags disposed on the surface, is read by an array of sensing coils. Control circuitry receives signals from the sensing coils representing this interaction and, based thereon, determines the identity, position, and manipulation of each of the objects based on the sensed signals and the known positions of the sensing coils. Feedback to the user can be provided in the form of a localized output (e.g. light, sound, heat, etc.) physically coincident with the object.