Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for a lighting fixture for providing a lighting source of a first wattage range and a lighting source of a second wattage range, wherein the lighting sources may be activated simultaneously or independently, depending on the desired illumination level.

Abstract: An insulating composite material comprising expanded microcells and fiber media and methods for producing same. Microcells incorporated into the fiber media engage the surface projections and the intra-fiber and inter-fiber voids, resulting in increased microcell retention, thereby improving the characteristics of the composite material.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program for initiating and maintaining a virtual connection between a mobile radio and a ground station, including receiving a plurality of ground station radio signals from a mobile radio; accumulating over a time period signal quality information relative to each of the ground station radio signals; determining a signal quality parameter trend for each of the ground station radio signals as a function of the accumulated signal quality information; deciding to switch a current virtual connection between the mobile radio and a first ground station to a virtual connection between the mobile radio and a different second ground station as a function of comparing the signal quality parameter to a pre-selected minimum acceptable threshold signal quality parameter; and switching the virtual connection of the mobile radio from the first ground station to the second ground station.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of forming an assembly of a physical vapor deposition target and support. A physical vapor deposition target is provided. The physical vapor deposition target has a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 10×10−6K−1. The physical vapor deposition target is joined to a support. The support comprises a thermal coefficient of expansion of less than 11×10−6K−1. The invention also includes an assembly comprising a physical vapor deposition target and a support joined to the physical vapor deposition target. The support comprises carbon fibers and copper.

Abstract: An improved spray delivery system and method for aerosol containers is provided. The system and method provide improved selectable spray pattern characteristics. In addition, the system is provided with multiple automatic features to prevent unintended actuation of the aerosol container as well as an override system to selectively disable these characteristics and automatically return the device to a safety position without requiring the user to see the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical means for defrosting plates used in cold storage. Frost reduces the transfer of heat to the plates and partially or totally obstructs the passage of air. Several methods are used to remove frost from plates: hot water, sprayed steam, hot gas, heating elements. In the present invention, scrapers sweep the surface of the plates to remove the frost. This method allows to remove the frost while the plates are being discharged, which improves the performance of the plates and does not affect the residual charge of the plates. The proposed defrosting system is made up of vertical scrapers located on either side of the plates. The upper and lower extremities of the scrapers are fastened to scraper supports. These supports move along tubular guide bars which are parallel to and located beneath and above the plates.

Abstract: Described is a method and apparatus for producing high purity titanium and high purity titanium so produced. The process contemplates producing titanium sponge in a container and performing titanium fused salt electrolysis in situ in the same container to produce high purity titanium crystal, and where especially low oxygen content is desired, to treat the high purity titanium crystal as produced with iodine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel improved protein mutant which produces low allergenic response in humans compared to the parent of that mutant. Specifically, the present invention comprises neutralizing or reducing the ability of T-cells to recognize epitopes and thus prevent sensitization of an individual to the protein.

Abstract: A method for making decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern which constitutes at least a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. Printed designs or materials and/or embossed materials can also constitute a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. The method includes slitting a material having a three-dimensional pattern on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof and then cutting the slit material into segments of a predetermined length to provide the decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, and a wiper plug assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a sealing element disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tools inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lowered further such that the sealing element sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.

Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a mount assembly for mounting to the vehicle and a hitch mount assembly readily removably coupled to the mount assembly. The mount assembly is shaped to form a trapezoidal wedge to receive and align the hitch. One or more latches can be used to engage a bar mounted on the vehicle to further secure the assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides an ASIC architecture that incorporates an SSCG module therein and that utilizes both a frequency modulated clock signal and a pure clock signal, where both clock signals are substantially synchronized and where the ASIC architecture minimizes the number of pins and silicon area needed to provide the dual clock signals. Additionally, because the clock signals are derived from the same externally generated clock signal and are received into the ASIC through the same clock input buffer, the clock signals on both branch paths will be substantially synchronized, thereby reducing drift, skew or delay errors in the clock I/O buffers, between the various sections of the integrated circuit and/or between the various components coupled to, or part of the electronic device in which the integrated circuit is a part.

Abstract: A composite concrete reinforced corrugated metal arch-type structure comprises: i) a first set of shaped corrugated metal plates interconnected in a manner to define a base arch structure with the corrugations extending transversely of the longitudinal length of the arch; ii) a second series of shaped corrugated metal plates interconnected in a manner to overlay the first set of interconnected plates of the base arch, the second series of plates having at least one corrugation extending transversely of the longitudinal length of the arch with the troughs of the corrugation of the second series of plates secured to the crests of the first set of plates; iii) the interconnected series of second plates and the first set of plates define individual, transversely extending, enclosed continuous cavity filled with concrete to define an interface of the concrete enclosed by the metal interior surfaces of the second series of crests and first set of troughs; iv) the interior surfaces of the cavity for each of the

Abstract: A document retrieval and navigational system and method based on a user's role, scenario, and context in a given context or scenario. A database is provided which has a plurality of documents which are stored therein. Each document having metadata defined by at least one predetermined tag and corresponding value which is assigned thereto. Selection criteria is received and corresponds to a user scenario. The received selection criteria is compared to the metadata of each document to determine if there is a document match. In the case that a document match is found, a retrieval report is generated for presentation on the output device which includes each document match.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for the manufacture improved structural panel with synthetic ingredients, such as vermiculite and fibers. The improved structural panel achieves enhanced lateral and surface integrity by the use of fibers within the core of the structural panel and adhesives and smooth materials (such as foil) as a surface coating. The method is particularly suited for manufacture of the structural panel at low cost and high efficiency.

Abstract: This invention relates to an air-conditioning system for passenger aircraft for conditioning humidity-containing air under excess pressure for air-conditioning a passenger aircraft cabin, comprising at least one compressor and two expansion turbines, where in accordance with the invention a droplet coalescing device with succeeding water separator is disposed between the expansion turbines.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for alerting a flight crew of weather radar return data collected, yet not presently being displayed. The system includes a memory, a processor, and an output device. The memory stores radar return information in a three-dimensional buffer. The processor determines if any radar return information stored in a three-dimensional buffer is within a threshold distance from an aircraft's present position and generates an image based on target data stored in the three-dimensional buffer and selected display parameters. The processor also generates a target alert if any target data is determined to be within a threshold distance from the aircraft's present position and is not included in the generated image. The output device presents the generated target alert.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.