Abstract: A variable orifice torch for use in a solid free form fabrication system for manufacturing a component from successive layers of metal feedstock material. The variable orifice torch includes a torch structure defining a torch nozzle formed of a highly conductive bulk material. The variable orifice torch further includes a gas flow channel and a variable orifice defined therein. An arc electrode is disposed within the gas flow channel. The variable orifice is defined in the torch nozzle and in alignment with the arc electrode. The variable orifice is coupled to the torch structure in a manner operable to control a flow gas therethrough by varying the size of an aperture defined by the variable orifice.

Abstract: Dry cross-linked gelatin compositions are prepared that rapidly re-hydrate to produce gelatin hydrogels suitable as hemostatic sealants. Gelatin is cross-linked in the presence of certain re-hydration aids, such as polyethylene glycol, polyvinylprovidone, and dextran, in order to produce a dry cross-linked gelatin powder. The use of the re-hydration aids has been found to substantially increase the re-hydration rate in the presence of an aqueous re-hydration medium, typically thrombin-containing saline.

Abstract: A microwave direction of travel detector and method of detecting the direction of an intruder in a protected region. The microwave direction of travel detector transmits and receives, by a microwave transceiver a microwave signal directed toward a protected area. The microwave return signal is modulated by a moving target to produce a Doppler signal. The microcontroller monitors the output of the amplifier chain and stores the signal and compares it with previously stored signals. If the amplitude is increasing or decreasing over a preset time period, this would indicate that the target it approaching or receding respectively and an alarm would be generated by the microcontroller.

Abstract: Displays and methods are used to direct light. A display panel (150) includes an array of light deflectors (220) having multiple operable states for deflecting light to different observing positions. A control unit (145) controls the light deflectors to switch between the different operable states. The display panel displays different images when the light deflectors are in the different operable states. The timing of the light deflectors may be designed such that the different images are displayed substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A novel inbred maize variety designated PHHNJ and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing inbred maize variety PHHNJ with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHHNJ through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the inbred variety PHHNJ or a trait conversion of PHHNJ with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from inbred maize variety PHHNJ, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from inbred maize variety PHHNJ and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: Embodiments of modular powerline adapters and their methods of use are generally described herein. An article to transmit and receive signals through an electrical power distribution network comprises: a first module and a second module, wherein the first module comprises an electrical plug to electrically couple to an electrical power outlet receptacle of the electrical power distribution network. The first module and second module further comprise signal connectors, and each module further comprises a housing and a plurality of electrical components located within each housing. The plurality of electrical components transmit and/or receive digital information through the electrical power distribution network. The first and second module's housing comprise mechanical attachment mechanisms to rigidly couple one module to another. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for impeding locomotion by a human or animal target conducts a current through the target. The apparatus includes a trigger, a circuit, and a display. The trigger provides a signal. The circuit, responsive to the signal, provides the current for an interval as a series of pulses, and that tracks a remaining time of the interval. The display provides a presentation in accordance with the remaining time. The presentation may include a decreasing digital count.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB30Y08. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB30Y08, to the plants of soybean XB30Y08 to plant parts of soybean variety XB30Y08 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB30Y08 with another soybean plant, using XB30Y08 as either the male or the female parent.

Abstract: An electrolyte with an indicator, such as a dye, for detecting leakage from an electrochemical energy storage device is provided. Also provided is a method of making such an electrolyte with indicator; a device that incorporates such an electrolyte with indicator; a method of manufacturing an electronic or electrical system that incorporates such a device; and a method of detecting the leakage of electrolyte from a battery or capacitor.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a consumable used in an imaging device includes the steps of providing the consumable with a memory; monitoring usage of the consumable; determining whether the consumable has reached a usage threshold; and, if the consumable has reached the usage threshold, then performing the further steps of: renewing the consumable; generating an authentication code signifying the renewing of the consumable; and storing the authentication code in the memory.

Abstract: A device, method and computer program product for locating aircraft with respect to airport runways and taxiways, determining if a conflict exists between an aircraft having operating the invention and another aircraft, and generating and annunciating conflict awareness advisories as a function of determining that a conflict exists.

Abstract: The present application is directed to second transfer areas and methods of transfer toner images from an intermediate member to a media sheet. The second transfer area comprises a second transfer nip formed between a second transfer roller and a back-up roller. The media path moves through this nip with the toner images on the intermediate member being transferred to the media sheets. The amount of force applied by the second transfer roller affects the transferability of the toner images to the media sheet. Further, the intermediate member may contact the second transfer roller at soft nip and hard nip locations. The lengths of these nips may also affect the transferability of the toner images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a field emission device comprising an anode and a cathode, wherein said cathode includes carbon nanotubes which have been treated with an ion beam. The ion beam may be any ions, including gallium, hydrogen, helium, argon, carbon, oxygen, and xenon ions. The present invention also relates to a field emission cathode comprising carbon nanotubes, wherein the nanotubes have been treated with an ion beam. A method for treating the carbon nanotubes and for creating a field emission cathode is also disclosed. A field emission display device containing carbon nanotube which have been treated with an ion beam is further disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PHHMD and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHHMD with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHHMD through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHHMD or a trait conversion of PHHMD with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHHMD, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHHMD and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A carrier for large objects includes a bag made of a sheet of plastic film material. The bag is sized to receive a large object and has an opening for placing the object into the bag. An extension on at least one side of the bag has a plurality of layers of the plastic film material formed with a gusset. Handles are formed as openings in the extension. The bag has a seal for bonding the layers of film together along at least a portion of the length of the side having the extension. The seal is formed along a line between an outer edge of the gusset and an inner edge of the gusset.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying a plurality of profit and risk related indicators are described. A graphical interface displays and dynamically updates a plurality of profit/loss (P/L) indicators including a realized, net, and open indicator. The net and open indicators are based on a trader's net position and a current market level, while the realized indicator is based on trader's buys and sells associated with a tradeable objects. In one embodiment, the plurality of indicators are displayed in relation to a plurality of money management regions defining a maximum order quantity and a maximum net position controlling the trader's trades, so that a trader can quickly determine his current as well as potential money management parameters.

Abstract: A motor includes a ferromagnetic member with first and second portions, a conductive wire wrapped around the first portions of the ferromagnetic member, and at least one magnet rotatably coupled to the ferromagnetic member having first and second poles and generating magnetic flux. The ferromagnetic member and the at least one magnet are configured such that at least a portion of the magnetic flux passes from the first pole of the at least one magnet, into the first portions of the ferromagnetic member, to the second portions of the ferromagnetic member, from the second portions of the ferromagnetic member, and into the second pole of the at least one magnet.

Abstract: A control circuit and methods for controlling gas valves via a relay are provided. In one illustrative embodiment, a control circuit includes or is connected to a relay that controls the opening and/or closing of a gas valve. The control circuit may also include a failsafe circuit that has at least one input that can be connected to a control device and at least one output that can be connected to the relay. In some cases, the fail-safe circuit may only supply an output voltage and/or current to the replay for opening the gas valve if the input signal received from the control device includes at least two different successively applied frequency signals. Other methods and embodiments are also contemplated.

Abstract: A method for determining a rate of change of longitudinal direction of a subterranean borehole includes positioning a downhole tool in a borehole, the tool including first and second longitudinally spaced surveying devices disposed thereon. The method further includes causing the surveying devices to measure longitudinal directions of the borehole at first and second longitudinal positions and processing the longitudinal directions of the borehole to determine the rate of change of longitudinal direction of the borehole between the first and second positions. The method may further include processing the measured rate of change of longitudinal direction of the borehole and a predetermined rate of change of longitudinal direction to control the direction of drilling of the subterranean borehole. Exemplary embodiments of this invention tend to minimize the need for communication between a drilling operator and the bottom hole assembly, thereby advantageously preserving downhole communication bandwidth.

Abstract: The present invention provides an overload protection circuit having a first switch connected at a first side to a source of electrical power and at a second side to a load, the switch having on and off modes and a second switch connected between the first switch second side and ground, the second switch having on and off modes. A control module generates at least one signal controlling the first switch mode and the second switch mode wherein the signal turns the second switch to the off mode when turning the first switch to the on mode and the signal turning the second switch to an on mode when turning the first switch to the off mode. Both over current and leakage protection are thereby achieved.