Abstract: The present invention relates to electrolytic cathode assemblies typically used in the refining or winning of metals and to methods of manufacturing and using same. The cathode assembly comprises an electrically conductive hanger bar and a deposition plate attached along an upper end to the hanger bar to define a joint. The cathode assembly further comprises a protective covering having lateral edges and surrounding the hanger bar and a portion of the upper end of the deposition plate so as to substantially enclose the joint and to leave end portions of the hanger bar exposed outside of the lateral edges of the protective covering. Each end of the protective covering includes a corrosion resistant material positioned to form a substantially continuous seal between the protective covering and the hanger bar, thereby to at least hinder fluid flow into the protective covering. Methods of manufacturing and using the electrolytic cathode assemblies are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to allosteric modulation of A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) and provides for the use of an A3 adenosine receptor modulator (A3RM), for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for modulating the A3AR in a subject, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and therapeutic methods comprising administering to a subject an amount of an A3RM, the amount being effective to modulate A3AR activity. The A3RM according to the invention are 1H-Imidazo-[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine derivatives. The invention also provides some of such novel 1H-Imidazo-[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine derivatives.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a jam detection and safety system for machines prone to jamming, such as a baler. In particular embodiments, the system is implemented in a horizontal baler having a shear bar and a hydraulic ram that advances material being baled past the shear bar into a compression chamber. The system includes a strain gage mounted on the shear bar and a controller that is electrically connected to the strain gage. The controller receives strain signals from the stage gage and compares the strain of the shear bar to a predetermined strain threshold corresponding to a jamming condition. If the strain exceeds the predetermined threshold, the controller automatically deactivates the ram, such as by disconnecting line power from the baler and/or by turning off the control power of the baler.

Abstract: Metal-containing transaction cards, useful for the purchase of goods and/or services, and methods of making the same are provided. The metal-containing transaction cards may be standard-sized (i.e., about 3? inches by about 2¼ inches) or any other size yet still usable as a transaction card. Moreover, the metal-containing transaction card may have a magnetic stripe, an embedded microchip, a signature panel, a holographic image, or any other feature typically contained on or within a transaction card. The transaction cards have at least one layer of metal with, optionally, other layers of substrates, such as thermoplastic polymers, other metals or adhesives. In addition, the metal-containing transaction card may be anodized, coated, or laser-engraved. Preferably, the metal is titanium or stainless steel.

Abstract: A control system for mixing at least two materials in a physical system having two or more tanks comprises at least two actuators, each actuator being operable to introduce a material into a first tank to form a first mixture, the first mixture flowing into a second tank to form a second mixture and a controller operable, based on a commanded input, to control the at least two actuators to obtain a density of either the first mixture or the second mixture and a volume flow rate of the second mixture out of the second tank, wherein the density is controlled independently from the volume flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid conduit (1) suitable for use in the transportation of working fluids to a wellhead or the like from a topside location or the like. The fluid conduit (1) is suitable for use in a multi-conduit umbilical. The conduit comprises an inner flexible collapse resistant hose (2) surrounded by a hose liner (4), and at least one pair of helically contra-wound high tensile wires (6a, 6b). Each turn of each wire (6a, 6b) is in substantially close contact with adjacent turns thereof. A multi-conduit umbilical comprising a plurality of the fluid conduits bundled together and provided with an outer sheath is also described.

Abstract: A variable configuration articulated tracked vehicle comprises a chassis, a pair of right and left drive pulleys, a right and left planetary wheel, a right and left track, a right and left arm mechanism, and a right and left drive motor. The drive pulleys are rotatably attached to the chassis and each pair of drive pulleys is in the same plane. The planetary wheels are movable relative to the chassis such that each planetary wheel is in the same plane as its respective drive pulleys. The tracks extend around the pair of drive pulleys and the planetary wheel on the respective sides. The arm mechanisms connect the respective planetary wheel to the chassis. Each arm mechanism is rotatably attached to the chassis with a cam. The cam defines a motion path of one end of the arm whereby the motion of the planetary wheel provides a path for the planetary wheel such that the track path defined by the respective drive pulleys and the planetary wheel is a constant track length.

Abstract: Indenoisoquinolines and dihydroindenoisoquinolines are described. In particular, such compounds possessing one or more electron withdrawing substituents are described. The in vitro anticancer activities of these molecules tested in the National Cancer Institute's screen of 55 cell lines is described. The compounds tested for topoisomerase I (top1) inhibition is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for implementing a loyalty program on a network-wide level. The system associates UPC and SKU data on a network level to reward consumers and/or to analyze the data for a variety of business purposes, such as market segmentation analyses and/or analyses relating to consumer spending behaviors or patterns for example. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the association of UPC and SKU data by the system facilitates implementation of an incentive or loyalty program by providing a universal rewards currency. This universal rewards currency may be “spent” by participants who have earned rewards and accepted by the other participants in the multi-tiered network created by the system. The network may comprise any number of participants, including consumers, retailers (and any of their employees), manufacturers, third-party providers, and the like.

Abstract: Device for a tool string (2) for insertion in a well, the tool string (2) being provided with a brake nose (1).

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing unconsolidated or weakly consolidated portions of a subterranean formation and controlling the production of water in those portions include introducing a consolidating agent into the subterranean formation so as to transform a portion of the subterranean formation surrounding the well bore into a consolidated region; and introducing a relative permeability modifier fluid into the subterranean formation so as to penetrate at least a portion of the consolidated region. Fracturing steps may be used to reconnect the well bore to portions of the formation (e.g., formation reservoirs) in certain embodiments. Optionally, preflush fluids, after-flush fluids, and shutting-in periods may be used as desired.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a controlled blend of two or more fluids. Thermally-induced permeation through a permeable tube is used to mix a first fluid from outside the tube with a second fluid flowing through the tube. Mixture ratios may be controlled by adjusting the temperature of the first fluid or by adjusting the pressure drop through the permeable tube. The combination of a back pressure control valve and a differential regulator is used to control the output pressure of the blended fluid. The combination of the back pressure control valve and differential regulator provides superior flow control of the second dry gas. A valve manifold system may be used to mix multiple fluids, and to adjust the volume of blended fluid produced, and to further modify the mixture ratio.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host. The transaction host provides transaction identifying data to the ATM. The ATM sends the transaction identifying data and check images to an image and transaction data server for processing.

Abstract: A cash dispensing automated banking machine is provided that is capable of dispensing cash to users operating the machine. The machine includes a plurality of output devices including a display screen and a speaker output device and/or a headphone port. The machine also includes at least one input device capable of receiving inputs which cause the machine to dispense cash. The machine also includes features which facilitate operation of the machine by visually impaired users, such as proximity sensors adjacent the input and output devices. The machine is responsive to the detection of a portion of a user adjacent to a device of the machine to cause an audible output associated with the device.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating the purchase of goods and services anonymously from an e-commerce website is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of transaction account numbers, each of which is associated with a monetary load value. The transaction account numbers are stored in a database having a plurality of records. Each of the records corresponds to one of the transaction account numbers. None of the records are configured to store identifying information of a purchaser of one of the transaction numbers. A request for an authorization of a purchase transaction having a purchase value is received from a remote computer terminal. The request is associated with a transaction account number. If the purchase value does not exceed the monetary value associated with the transaction account number, an authorization message is sent to the remote computer terminal granting the request.

Abstract: The wing (10) having a negative dihedron for towing a load comprises a flexible canopy (12) which is defined between two lateral ends (14A, 14B) which are connected to each other, at the front, by a leading edge and, at the rear, by a trailing. The wing (10) includes rear lines (40A, 40B) which are connected to the suspension members (30A, 30B) which are arranged at the lateral ends (14A, 14B) of the wing, and in that the auxiliary maintenance means of the propulsive central region (16) comprise at least a front line which is connected by one end to the propulsive central region adjacent to the leading edge and which is capable of being connected to the load at the other end.

Abstract: Plastic beads, including polyamides and polystyrene beads crosslinked with divinylbenzene, having a curable resin coating are highly useful for sand control and/or hydraulic fracturing of subterranean. The curable resin coated plastic beads preferably have an apparent specific gravity less than about 1.5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a VAC-BAC shuttle vector system for creation of recombinant poxviruses from DNA cloned in a bacterial artificial chromosome.

Abstract: Cement compositions containing an expandable material are disclosed. The compositions are suitable for use in oil and gas wells. An example of such an expandable material is a polymer encapsulated chemical that expands upon heating. Examples of cement compositions containing polymer encapsulated isobutane or isopentane are disclosed. The use of cement compositions containing an expandable material can reduce the formation of micro-annulus or other deleterious physical properties in the set cement.

Abstract: Fragaria×ananassa Duchense ‘Galletta’ is a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. 1. Early ripening and large fruit size. 2. Yields equal to standard cultivars that are main season ripening. 3. Very attractive symmetrical fruit with deep red skin color and medium red flesh. 4. Good fruit quality, flesh firmness and skin toughness. 5. Broad plant adaptation in the southeastern US.