Abstract: The present invention provides methods for assessing and optimizing lyophilization cycle robustness. In particular, the present invention provides rapid assessment of cycle robustness with respect to a variety of lyophilization process deviations by varying a relatively small number of parameters.

Abstract: An interactive multimedia apparatus (1) usable in combination with a software suite of authoring programs (2) installed in a computing means of a mobile data processing apparatus (3) of the type having a display means (4) and one or more input means (4) is disclosed. The interactive multimedia apparatus (1) provides a bundle of tools which together enable a multimedia composition to be generated in real time on the mobile data processing apparatus (3). The present invention utilizes individual channels (11, 40) to ensure users can interact directly with individual files (10) and set various composition authoring parameters (14) both before and during a mixing cycle to dynamically create a multimedia composition.

Abstract: A biomedical return electrode for electrosurgery or radiofrequency (RF), a biomedical electrode pad (100), a system (300), and a method of treating tissue using a biomedical return electrode are disclosed. The biomedical return electrode comprises an electrode conductor (114) for receiving electrical energy from tissue via a return path, and a thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) layer (116) coupled to the conductor (114). The TLC layer (116) changes colour at one or more sites dependent upon the conductor temperature at each site. The TLC layer (116) changes colour in a predetermined range of temperatures from about 40° C. to about 50° C. to alert an operator about the risk of a burn occurring. The biomedical electrode pad (100) comprises at least one such biomedical return electrode and a conductive body (112) to form a contact with tissue. The system (300) comprises an apparatus for delivering electrical energy to tissue and such a biomedical electrode pad (100).

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of Ig fusion proteins, especially compositions including an Ig fusion protein, a bulking agent, a disaccharide, a surfactant, and a buffer. In one aspect, these compositions are stable under long-term storage or at least one freeze/thaw cycle. The invention also provides methods of preparation of the Ig fusion protein compositions. In one aspect, compositions of the invention are lyophilized. In a further aspect, the compositions are lyophilized by a process that includes an annealing step.

Abstract: The apparatus (1) comprises a guitar (3) having strings (42) operable by a user to generate electric signals, a control unit (2), storage means for a simulation backing track in any desired multi-media file format and audio/audio-visual equipment for playing a main track. The control unit (2) has software for receiving and analyzing the electrical signals from the guitar (41) and for synchronizing the backing track with the main track during playback. The software of the control unit (2) opens the backing track multi-media file and streams the file in mute mode in synchronisation with the main track. In response to the electrical signals from the guitar (41), the control unit generates an output from the multi-media file to the audio/audio-visual equipment. Alternatively, the apparatus opens and plays extracts from the multi-media file and generates an output from the multi-media files to the audio equipment (4) together with the background track.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive multimedia apparatus (1, 11, 21) comprising a digital musical instrument (3, 14, 24, 41) and having a plurality of control members (42, 44, 45, 46) including at least one limited state (on/off) control member (44) and one or more dynamic range state control members (42, 45, 46). A central control unit (2, 12, 22) is also provided having a store of digital media stored thereon and a suite of software for interpreting the state of the control members (42, 44, 45, 46) in order to select, open and render the digital media. A control unit is associated with the digital musical instrument (3, 14, 24, 41) and has a CPU and a sensing means for identifying the state of the control members (42, 44, 45, 46).

Abstract: A flowpath wall is provided for bounding hot combustion gases in a gas turbine engine. The wall includes opposite outer and inner surfaces and a plurality of cooling holes extending therebetween. A thermal barrier coating is bonded to the outer surface and covers blind the holes thereat.

Abstract: A flowpath wall is provided for bounding hot combustion gases in a gas turbine engine. The wall includes opposite outer and inner surfaces and a plurality of cooling holes extending therebetween. A thermal barrier coating is bonded to the outer surface and covers blind the holes thereat.

Abstract: The apparatus (1) comprises a guitar (3) having strings (42) operable by a user to generate electric signals, a control unit (2), storage means for a simulation backing track in any desired multi-media file format and audio/audio-visual equipment for playing a main track. The control unit (2) has software for receiving and analyzing the electrical signals from the guitar (41) and for synchronizing the backing track with the main track during playback. The software of the control unit (2) opens the backing track multi-media file and streams the file in mute mode in synchronisation with the main track. In response to the electrical signals from the guitar (41), the control unit generates an output from the multi-media file to the audio/audio-visual equipment. Alternatively, the apparatus opens and plays extracts from the multi-media file and generates an output from the multi-media files to the audio equipment (4) together with the background track.

Abstract: An interface circuit for interfacing a relegendable liquid crystal display (LCD) keyswitch to a controlling processor. The interface circuit is adaptable for use with data input devices and point-of-sale devices.

Abstract: A first-stage turbine blade includes an airfoil having a profile according to Table I. The airfoil has a plurality of cooling air passages extending linearly from the root portion to the tip portion of the airfoil. The blade includes a shank having a pair of cavities in communication through the blade dovetail with a plenum in the wheel space for supplying cooling air to the passages in the airfoil. The cooling passages in the airfoil terminate in a recess at the tip portion which has an opening adjacent the trailing edge of the airfoil and along the suction side to enable egress of cooling air into the hot gas stream on the low pressure side of the airfoil. The majority of the cooling passages are turbulated. Certain of those passages are arranged in rows lying adjacent to the pressure and suction sides of the airfoil.