Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of an ATP binding cassette transporter and mutated sequences thereof associated with macular degeneration. Methods of detecting agents that modify ATP-binding cassette transporter comprising combining purified ATP binding cassette transporter and at least one agent suspected of modifying the ATP binding cassette transporter an observing a change in at least one characteristic associated with ATP binding cassette transporter. Methods of detecting macular degeneration is also embodied by the present invention.

Abstract: Automated banking machines include a Global Positioning System (GPS). The machines can transmit their GPS location reading to a service center. The service center can receive through a customer's cell phone, a customer request for directions to the nearest cash dispensing machine that does not have a transaction fee. The customer request can include account data and GPS location of the cell phone. The service center can determine from the account data which financial networks would not cause the customer to be assessed a transaction fee for a cash withdrawal. The service center can then determine from the GPS locations of the machines in these financial networks, which machine is geographically closest to the cell phone's GPS location. Directions to this nearest automated banking machine are then sent to the cell phone.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records. The machine operates to carry out financial transactions for authorized users responsive to data corresponding to financial accounts included on user cards. The banking machine includes a housing bounding an interior area, and an opening into the interior area. The machine includes a card reader, a display, and a cash dispenser. The machine further includes at least one module moveable between an operative position within the housing and a service position. A plurality of position sensors is operative to sense disposed portions of the module and at least one indicator is operative to provide a visual output indicative that the module is in the operative position.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, apparatus, and systems for classifying addresses. An address is evaluated based upon a postal code or standardized postal code, such as a U.S. Postal Service ZIP+4 code, serving the address. If the address cannot be classified based on the standardized postal code, the address is classified based on additional information, such as a U.S. Postal Service delivery point code. A mailer may then determine whether the address is a business or residential (or non-business) address. Furthermore, a mailer may predict when surcharges may apply and compare the rates of various carriers.

Abstract: An actuator control system includes a housing assembly having at least one line therein for controlling operation of an actuator, and a modular controller attached externally to the housing assembly and interconnected to the line. A method of constructing an actuator control system includes the steps of: assembling a modular controller, the modular controller including a control valve therein for controlling operation of an actuator via a hydraulic line; testing the modular controller, including functionally testing the control valve; and then attaching the modular controller to a housing assembly having the line formed therein. Another actuator control system includes a housing assembly having at least one line therein for controlling operation of an actuator, and a modular controller attached separately to the housing assembly and interconnected to the line via a manifold of the modular controller, the manifold including a concave interface surface which receives the housing assembly therein.

Abstract: A system and method for separating solids from return fluids in well drill-out, flow back, well-test, and other production operations. Solids are collected in a filter comprising a perforate inner tube inside a solid outer tube with an annulus therebetween. The fluid stream from the well enters the filter through the inner tube so that the solids are captured inside and the filtrate flows out through the annulus. The filtrate is passed though a flow back line to a flow back tank. As needed, the solids are removed from the inner tube into a debris tube without interrupting the fluid flow through the filter. Chokes are included for equalizing the pressure along the flow path as the debris is moved from the filter to the debris tube and from the debris tube into to a debris pit so that dramatic changes in pressure are avoided.

Abstract: A method of sealing an annulus formed between a casing string and a surface in a well may include: positioning a seal element in the annulus with a swellable material of the seal element positioned between the casing string and the surface; and flowing cement through a channel formed between the swellable material and the casing string. A method of sealing in a well may include the steps of: positioning an annular seal element in the well, wherein the element may include a swellable material; and flowing cement into at least one channel formed longitudinally through the seal element. A method of sealing an annulus between two casing strings may include: providing multiple arcuate segments that may include a swellable material; and installing the segments in the annulus, wherein each of the segments may occupy a respective circumferential portion of the annulus.

Abstract: A first information handling system (“IHS”) receives identification information of a first user of a second IHS. The first IHS initiates a network session in response to authenticating the identification information of the first user. Within the network session, the first IHS receives identification information of a second user of the second IHS. The first IHS authenticates the identification information of the second user.

Abstract: A tool, method, and system for use in the development of sentence-based test items are disclosed. The tool may include a user interface that may include a database selection field, a sentence pattern entry field, an option pane, and an output pane. The tool may search a database for one or more sentences and may generate one or more responses to the one or more sentences. The one or more sentences and one or more responses may be used to produce the sentence-based test items. The tool may allow test items to be developed more quickly and easily than manual test item authoring. Accordingly, test item development costs may be lowered and test security may be enhanced.

Abstract: A system has a pipe handling apparatus with an arm moving between a first position and a second position, a derrick having a window through which the pipe handling system delivers a pipe to a well head, and a header mounted in the window of the derrick. The header receives the arm of the pipe handling system when the arm is in the second position. An outside surface of the header suitably fits within the window of the derrick. An inside surface of the derrick suitably receives the arm. The inside surface resists an upward motion and a sideways motion of the arm. The header has a body that has a head and legs.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) type model helps application designers create error free graphical user interface applications (GAPs). The GUI type model provides a reference set of GUI element types. The application designer assigns a selected GUI element type to each GUI element in a GAP design. The GUI element types help ensure consistent and proper treatment of the GUI element types at every stage in the development of the application, from initial planning and design, to compilation and execution.

Abstract: An automated (robotic) floor cleaner (100) is adapted to allow sterile cleaning of sensitive environments, such as hospital room. In particular, the floor-cleaner chassis (124) is redesigned to be mounted on a deck (102) containing cleaning devices that contact the floor. The cleaning devices mounted on the deck (102) include vacuum head (132), brushes (120), cleaning fluid sprays (128), and conceivably sanitizing devices such as UV germicidal light, are provided pre-sterilized. As such, the adapted floor-cleaner chassis (124) allows the deck (102) to be mounted to the bottom of the chassis (124), the floor-cleaner (100) is then used to clean a floor, after which, the deck (102) is removed from the chassis (124) and disposed. The robotic-floor cleaner (100) and sterilization system cleans floor between or even during cases. Further, the robotic floor cleaner (100) reduces the “turnover time” required between cases, as it operates simultaneously while the staff prepares the room for the next case.

Abstract: Gene expression data provides a basis for more accurate identification and diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders. In addition, gene expression data can be used to develop more accurate predictors of survival. The present invention discloses methods for identifying, diagnosing, and predicting survival in a lymphoma or lymphoproliferative disorder on the basis of gene expression patterns. The invention discloses a novel microarray, the Lymph Dx microarray, for obtaining gene expression data from a lymphoma sample. The invention also discloses a variety of methods for utilizing lymphoma gene expression data to determine the identity of a particular lymphoma and to predict survival in a subject diagnosed with a particular lymphoma. This information will be useful in developing the therapeutic approach to be used with a particular subject.

Abstract: Fouling in the fill portion of a cooling tower is monitored by transmitting radiation through a cooling tower, detecting the amount of radiation that has penetrated the cooling tower, and calculating the density of the fill portion of the cooling tower based on the detected radiation. A higher than expected density indicates the presence of fouling on the fill portion of the cooling tower. A rate of fouling may be established by monitoring the density of the fill portion of the cooling tower over time.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a sheet picking mechanism (210). The sheet picking mechanism includes a rotatable picking member (212). With each rotation an end sheet (266) can be picked from a stack (264) of sheets. The picking member (212) has an outer surface section that includes a high friction portion (256) axially adjacent to a low friction portion (258). The low friction portion comprises an arcuate projecting portion that reduces risk of damage to a leading edge area of the end sheet due to opposed picking and stripping forces.

Abstract: The pest control seal for a recreational vehicle (RV) comprises a relatively soft and resilient foam material, which is compressed into the annular opening between the conduit and a passage through the wall or panel of the service compartment of the RV, and a relatively thin, hard retainer, which is attached to the rim or flange of the hose or conduit opening or passage. The foam material and retainer may be attached to each other, or may be installed as separate pieces held in place by compression and suitable fasteners. The retainer may be formed as two semicircular components, or as a single annular piece.

Abstract: A bone anchoring element comprises a tubular implant to be inserted into bone tissue for anchoring a prosthetic component located outside the bone. The implant has a compact, impermeable side wall (2) and is open at one end while the other end is closed by a compact impermeable end wall portion with attachment for prosthetic component on the outside thereof.

Abstract: Commercial size of spending wallet (“CSoSW”) is the total business spend of a business including cash but excluding bartered items. Commercial share of wallet (“CSoW”) is the portion of the spending wallet that is captured by a particular financial company. A modeling approach utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a company's spend capacity. Marketing companies that sell lists compile those lists by searching one or more databases for names and/or businesses that match certain criteria. Those marketing companies can use the CSoW/CSoSW modeling approach to show predicted spend and/or revenues for each company on a list. This makes the list more valuable to list buyers.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that includes a top sheet and a back sheet joined to form side seam regions. An absorbent core is disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; and laterally oriented elastics are disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The elastics include a first elastic region disposed adjacent to the front end and a second elastic region disposed adjacent the first elastic region. The second elastic region includes one or more elastic elements that extend between the side seam regions. The elastic elements have internal cuts adjacent the side seams in a configuration that relieves elastic tension adjacent the side seams regions.

Abstract: An optical multiplexing device includes an optical element having at least one set of diffractive elements, and an optical reflector. The reflector routes, between first and second optical ports, that portion of an optical signal transmitted by the diffractive element set. The diffractive element set routes, between first and multiplexing optical ports, a portion of the optical signal that is diffracted by the diffractive element set. More complex optical multiplexing functionality(ies) may be achieved using additional sets of diffractive elements, in a common optical element (and possibly overlaid) or in separate optical elements with multiple reflectors. Separate multiplexing devices may be assembled with coupled ports for forming more complex devices. The respective portions of an optical signal transmitted by and reflected/diffracted from the diffractive element set typically differ spectrally.