Abstract: A method for making alkylhalosilanes is provided comprising reacting an alkyl halide and silicon in the presence of a copper catalyst comprising copper powder, particulated copper, copper flake, or combinations thereof and at least one co-catalyst.

Abstract: A data processing system includes a memory storing data to be retrieved and an I/O controller configured to request data stored in the memory at a plurality of addresses. The I/O may be responsive to an internal or external device requesting such data. A fetch machine provides or initiates retrieval of data stored at the requested address, while a prefetch machine predicts future requests and keeps track of memory requests already initiated and queued. Thus, the prefetch machine is responsive to the plurality addresses to predict others of the addresses and provide or initiate retrieval of data stored thereat. To avoid prefetching information already requested and in a fetch queue, the prefetch machine includes a memory storing a last one of the addresses subject to prefetching. Finally, to avoid conflicts between currently requested data and prefetch operation, an arbiter resolves memory accesses or data requests initiated by the fetch and prefetch machines.

Abstract: Methods for forming data storage media and the media formed thereby are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method for forming a data storage media, comprises: injection molding a substrate comprising surface features, wherein said surface features have greater than about 90% of a surface feature replication of an original master; and disposing a data layer over at least one surface of said substrate; wherein said data storage media has an axial displacement peak of less than about 500&mgr; under shock or vibration excitation.

Abstract: A liquid emission device includes a chamber having a nozzle orifice. Separately addressable dual electrodes are positioned on opposite sides of a central electrode. The three electrodes are aligned with the nozzle orifice. A rigid electrically insulating coupler connects the two addressable electrodes. To eject a drop, an electrostatic charge is applied to the addressable electrode nearest to the nozzle orifice, which pulls that electrode away from the orifice, drawing liquid into the expanding chamber. The other addressable electrode moves in conjunction, storing potential energy in the system. Subsequently the addressable electrode nearest to the nozzle is de-energized and the other addressable electrode is energized, causing the other electrode to be pulled toward the central electrode in conjunction with the release of the stored elastic potential energy. This action pressurizes the liquid in the chamber behind the nozzle orifice, causing a drop to be ejected from the nozzle orifice.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. After production of the mixture is ended, the portion may be cooled to produce a spent portion of the formation.

Abstract: An igniter tube for a gas turbine engine combustor has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a longitudinal axis therethrough. More specifically, the igniter tube includes: a first portion positioned within a port of a liner for the combustor, the first portion having an inner surface with an inner diameter and an outer surface with an outer diameter; a second portion located adjacent the first portion, the second portion having an inner surface with an inner diameter and an outer surface with an outer diameter, wherein the second portion outer diameter increases from the first portion outer diameter at a first end to a predetermined outer diameter at a second end; and, a third portion located adjacent the second portion, the third portion having an inner surface with an inner diameter and an outer surface with an outer diameter, wherein the third portion outer diameter is substantially the same as the predetermined outer diameter.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a transparent or translucent thermoplastic composition comprising a thermoplastic polycarbonate resin and a phosphorescent phosphor with an aluminate matrix expressed by MAl2O4 in which M is calcium, strontium or barium. Said phosphorescent phosphor is present in a quantity of 0.01 to 2.0% by weight with respect to the quantity of polycarbonate resin and possesses a median particle size of less than 10 micrometer. Forming an object by injection molding using said transparent or translucent thermoplastic composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A deflector of a stalk divider for a harvesting assembly can be pivoted about a pivot axis defined by a joint between an operating position and a transport position. The deflector can be held in the operating position and in the transport position. The joint is provided with a first locking element for holding the divider in the operating position. The joint is provided with a second locking element for holding the divider in the transport position. The first locking element is spaced at a greater distance from the pivot axis than the second locking element.

Abstract: A printhead for a hardcopy apparatus is calibrated by a separate device before being installed in the hardcopy apparatus. The calibration information produced is stored in a memory located in the printhead, in the device, in the hardcopy apparatus or in an external device. A carriage and several printheads may be calibrated simultaneously.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the effect of noise while reading data in series from memory, are provided. One system embodiment comprises a memory cell that stores a first data; a sensing device that receives the first data multiple times and provides a first set of outputs; and a voting system that evaluates the first set of outputs to determine whether one of the outputs of the first set is valid data from the memory cell. One method embodiment comprises reading data in series that is stored in a memory cell to provide outputs; and evaluating the outputs to determine whether one of the outputs is valid data from the memory cell.

Abstract: The raceway system gives the appearance of decorative molding such as used not only baseboard, but also as genuine chair rail molding. Also disclosed are decorative rosette blocks, and plinth blocks, that are coordinated with this decorative molding. At least some of these blocks are hollow and communicate with recesses in the adjacent molding trim pieces so that they can function as hidden electrical switches, outlet devices, and lights. Each such block has a base and a hinged or slidable cover that provides the outward appearance of a decorative rosette or plinth block.

Abstract: The invention is directed to amphipathic polymeric particles that serve as both the dispersant and the binder in water based inks, ink compositions containing these particles, and methods for making the particles. The polymeric particles contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties with a pre-determined structure, and have an average diameter of 50 to 500 nm. The amphipathic polymeric particles may be prepared by a side-chain conversion method or a polymerization process involving an ATRP step, with or without a cross-linking agent. This invention improves the stability of polymer and inks by both ionic and steric stabilization of the suspended polymer particles.

Abstract: The present invention describes the synthesis of ascorbic acid with reduced color. The present invention employs palladium catalysts for the synthesis of ascorbic acid from 2-keto-gulonic acid or derivatives of 2-keto-gulonic acid. The palladium catalyst may include an inert support such as, but not limited to, carbon or barium sulfate. Unlike other palladium catalysts, the catalyst of the present invention is active under aqueous conditions suitable for ascorbic acid synthesis. Also described are systems for the conversion of 2-keto-gulonic acid or derivatives of 2-keto-gulonic acid to ascorbic acid in the presence of a solid palladium catalyst and ascorbic acid of reduced color made by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A tape drive method and apparatus is disclosed wherein payload data is sent from a host computer device to a tape drive data storage device in data block sizes which are specified by the host computer, for example in the case of a tape drive presenting a CD-ROM image, in 2 kbyte blocks, whereas the tape drive writes to tape media in an optimal block size required to keep the tape media streaming across the tape heads, for example 8 kbyte blocks. Conversion between block size is achieved by buffering incoming payload data in a buffer, and by reading or writing to the tape media in the optimum block size.

Abstract: Liquid, particularly leaked oil or other hydrophobic liquid, is detected by a sensor. This preferably has a hydrophobic membrane (G) that takes up the oil selectively, a radiation source (A) that beams radiation at an interface between the membrane (G) and a window (F), and a radiation detector (H) that receives radiation resulting from interaction (such as reflection, scattering or fluorescence) of the input radiation with the liquid-containing membrane (G). The detector may employ a spectrofluorimeter (H) whose output can be used to characterise the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making an electromagnetically conductive textile, having a conductivity gradient through the thickness of the fabric, comprising the steps of (a) forming a knit, woven or nonwoven fabric characterized by (i) a variation in fiber surface area per unit of volume, through the thickness of the fabric; or (ii) a variation in susceptibility of the fibers to coating, through the thickness of the fabric; and (b) applying a conductive coating to fibers in the fabric, to create a conductivity gradient through the thickness of the fabric.

Abstract: A method for preparing a hollow tube of shrinkable polymeric material by providing a hollow tube in an expanded state and partially contracting a portion of the length of the hollow tube. A first length in the expanded state is folded over a second length in the partially contracted state. A body such as a length of electrical cable is inserted into the hollow tube, and the first length is unfolded so that it no longer overlies the second length. The first length and the second length are contracted to the fully contracted state over the body.

Abstract: The formation of leachable mercury upon disposal in a landfill or during TCLP testing of mercury vapor discharge lamps is substantially prevented by incorporation of an amount of gelatin or a degradation product of gelatin which is effective to substantially prevent formation of ferric and cuprous compounds responsible for forming leachable mercury compounds.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to enable the removal of tablet and capsule medication from bottles. The apparatus includes a bottle opener assembly that enables the removal of the medication from the base of the bottle. Removal of the medication from the base of the bottle bypasses the need for removal of the bottle cap, tamper-resistant seals, and any filler material. The present invention further includes an automated unpack/repack system for packing the medication in bulk and individual containers.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the formation to generate synthesis gas. Production wells may be operated at selected temperatures to obtain a desired synthesis gas composition.