Abstract: Poultry processing methods and systems are disclosed that provide for the processing of poultry at a plurality of processing stations, with the poultry being transferred between stations using an automated conveying system. Each individual poultry is retained in a poultry carrier designed to be conveyed by the automated conveying system. Each of the poultry carriers is preferably designed to retain only one individual poultry at a time. The systems and methods may also include identification tags that may be used to direct the poultry through the processing system with the automated conveying system. The identification tags may be associated with the poultry themselves or they may be associated with the poultry carriers.

Abstract: The present invention provides chemokine-like factor (CKLF) polypeptides with chemotactic and hematopoietic stimulating activities and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides. Additionally, a method for producing such CKLF polypeptides by recombinant techniques is provided. Also provided are the antibodies and antagonists against such polypeptides. The present invention further disclose a drug compound comprising a therapeutically effective amount of such CKLF polypeptides as well as pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and carriers. Also disclosed are the uses of such CKLF polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostics or therapeutics to treat immunodeficiency, hematopoietic diseases and primary tumors.

Abstract: A thin-film slicer is disclosed that comprises a base; a sample holder; a cutting blade; and a feeder, wherein the sample holder and the cutting blade are placed at predetermined angles with respect to the base; the sample holder sandwiches the sample surfaces of the thin film at a portion other than a portion to be cut; the cutting blade is provided movably in a straight line in a direction that forms the predetermined angle with respect to the direction of the sample surfaces of the thin film, and cuts the thin film held by the sample holder from a sample-surface side; and the feeder feeds the cutting blade in a straight line in the direction that forms the predetermined angle with respect to the sample surfaces of the thin film held by the sample holder.

Abstract: In response to requests for I/O processing sent from a computer, I/O which should be processed at a priority is enabled to be processed without being affected by other processing, by classifying I/O into those to be processed at a priority and those not to be processed at a priority. The storage control apparatus comprises an I/O processing controller with a memory that is common for the whole controller. The storage control apparatus manages information for dividing and controlling a plurality of I/O processes as priority and non-priority in that memory and operates while suppressing non-priority I/O processing on the basis of information in the memory.

Abstract: A card package production system (100) for producing card packages (115) composed of cards (128) attached to carriers (113) has an adhesive label attachment station (358, FIG. 34) with a heating platen (361) having a width for heating at least two labels (148) simultaneously that are passed over the platen (361) and a labeler downstream from the heating platen (361) with a pressing member (372) for pressing the heated adhesive label (128) against a card (128) at an attachment position. The heating platen (361) heats only an intermediate section of the adhesive to activate the adhesive and leaves end portions of the label relatively unheated and unactivated to facilitate subsequent removal of the label (148) from the card (128).

Abstract: A method and system of processing castings is provided in which one or more castings are deposited into a mobile furnace and moved from one station to another of a multi-station casting processing system. The interior of the mobile furnace is heated so as to maintain the temperature of the casting within a desired range of temperatures. The multi-station casting processing system may include a casting machine, a fluidized bed and a quench tank. The method may include transferring a casting into the mobile furnace and moving the furnace from one station to another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical particle irradiation apparatus comprising a rotating gantry 1 including an irradiation unit 4 emitting particle beams; an annular frame 16 located within and supported by the rotating gantry 1 such that it can rotate relative to the rotating gantry 1; an annular frame 15 fixedly located opposite the annular frame 16; an anti-corotation mechanism 34 being in contact with both the annular frames 16 and 15 to prevent the annular frame 16 from rotating together with the rotating gantry 1 during rotation of the rotating gantry 1; and a flexible moving floor 17 interposed between the annular frames 15 and 16, the flexible moving floor 17 being engaged with the annular frames 15 and 16 in such a manner as to move freely such that its bottom is substantially level and that it moves as the rotating gantry rotates.

Abstract: A rotatable plug and socket for establishing electrical communication in a hazardous environment, each of said plug and socket having biased slidable protective members covering electrical contacts on each of said plug and socket, which are each slidably displaced during mating engagement of the plug with the socket. The slidable protective members ensure protection of the electrical contacts on each of the plug and socket members when such plug and socket connectors are not engaged, or not fully engaged.

Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell, formed in a well in a substrate and having a source, a drain, a first gate and a second gate. A word line control circuit drives a word line connected to the second gate, a program data holding circuit holds program data, a programming voltage generator circuit applies a programming voltage onto a bit line connected to the drain, and a discrimination circuit verifies the program data. Programming is conducted by applying positive voltages to the second gate and drain, while injecting hot electrons generated in a channel portion in a vicinity of the drain when 0V is applied to the well and source to increase a threshold voltage. Verification is conducted by applying a verify voltage to the second gate, while applying a positive voltage to the drain and 0V to the well and source, thereby verifying whether the positive voltage applied is maintained or comes down to 0V, depending upon the threshold voltage, by means of the discrimination circuit.

Abstract: A thermal type air flowmeter arranges a temperature-dependent heating resistance element in an air flow path and measures the air flow rate from the output of a gauge circuit containing the heating resistance element. A calculation circuit in the flowmeter is provided for correcting the output characteristic by a polynomial expression higher than a quadratic expression. Thereby, high flowmeter measuring accuracy is achieved in lieu of laser trimming and with small-scale circuit composition.

Abstract: An integrated air filtration unit includes a support structure for mounting a V-shaped filter bank to an air passage of an air handling system. The V-shaped filter bank may be moved from a working position in which the air is filtered to a service position in which a pair of filter pads in the filter bank can be accessed for service or replacement. The integrated air filter unit may include an ultraviolet irradiation system for destroying airborne micro-organisms trapped by the pair of filter pads.

Abstract: A refrigerant filter/dryer assembly isolates, removes, and replaces a filter/dryer core, and allows the vapor-compression heat pump system to continue to operate while the filter/dryer is being replaced. The refrigerant flow is automatically by-passed and the filter/dryer core is isolated for removal. The filter/dryer easily connects back into the refrigerant flow path. An indicator can be provided for indicating the remaining useful life of the filter/dryer while it is being used in the system.

Abstract: Auxiliary end heating devices on an elongated, heated hot melt distribution manifold body assist in maintaining uniform temperatures throughout all portions and passageways of the manifold body. The heating devices preferably take the form of thick film electrical resistive heaters of plate-like construction. The end heaters are on their own control circuit separate and apart from the circuit for other heaters for remaining portions of the manifold body. Special isolating slots are formed in lower corners of the manifold body between supporting standoffs and overhead melt passageways in the manifold body.

Abstract: A train control system requires a train operator to enter signal aspect information at each wayside signal position on a railroad and stops the train if the operator fails to enter aspect information without communicating with the wayside signal device to verify that the information entered by the operator is correct, In some embodiments, the signal aspect information is entered by pressing a button corresponding to the signal aspect information, and the location and/or arrangement of the buttons changes. Alternatively, the operator must repeat a varying sequence (such as a series of button pushes) in conjunction with and/or in addition to entering signal aspect information.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for atomizing a fluid is disclosed herein. The fluid is mixed with an atomizing fluid in a plurality of locations and passed through a nozzle.

Abstract: A fuel pressure pulse damper includes metallic damper body defining a chamber in which a flexible diaphragm is received in a manner to dampen fuel pressure pulses between a fuel pump and fuel injectors of a vehicle fuel system. The damper body includes a barbed fitting to receive fuel form the fuel pump and quick connect fitting for connection to a fuel rail for supplying pressurized fuel to fuel injectors of the vehicle engine.

Abstract: A die module is constructed for an extrusion die which provides for the adjustment of the concentricity of the exit configuration by allowing relative movement of the die within the extrusion die assembly. The die is mounted on a die holder through a pair of mounting rings which fit into a recess in the die body. The rings are constructed with interface surfaces having a curvature with a center upstream. The interface surfaces form a seat within which the die holder is contained with mating surfaces engaging the interface surfaces to allow pivot motion about the center of curvature of the interface surfaces. The engaging surfaces are in the shape of a partial hemisphere to simulate a universal motion. Adjustment bolts are located in the extrusion die assembly downstream of the interface. Bolts, which secure the rings to the die holder, are constructed to provide a fixed spatial relation of the engaging surfaces.

Abstract: A cutting tool insert having a controlled contact clearance behind the cutting edge which limits flank wear and allows more coolant near the cutting edge further allowing an increase in surface speed, feed rates, and tool life. The controlled contact clearance surface provides a first wear zone and a second wear zone, the first wear zone generated during operation of the drill insert allows the flank wear distance to grow from zero to the distance from the cutting edge to the controlled contact clearance surface, the second wear zone keeps the flank wear distance substantially constant until the controlled contact clearance surface is substantially worn away.

Abstract: A cold-storage appliance includes an open-topped insulating container defining an external surface; an insulating lid adapted to close the open top of the container; a cooling means adapted to cool the interior of the container; and a structure supporting the container, the lid and the cooling means; wherein the container is mounted to the structure for movement relative to the structure and the lid to open the container and afford access to its interior or to close the container. A circulating fan or a heater creates air currents to warm the external surfaces of the bin or heating elements can be used to warm the external surfaces of the bin.

Abstract: A structural sandwich plate member, comprising first and second face plates and a plastics or polymer core bonding said face plates together with sufficient strength to transfer shear forces therebetween, said face plates being formed of a non-metal reinforced composite material.