Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions are provided by the present invention for a programming framework for easy pattern matching and transformation of intermediate language expression trees. With expression matching and transformation framework (EMTF) of the present invention, pattern matchers may be defined and embedded in a C++ program code in a manner that resembles their intermediate representation. EMTF also provides capabilities for unification, unbinding, transformation, intra-pattern referencing, common operators, creation of pattern objects in a storage pool. With EMTF, less common patterns may be applied against input expressions without repeatedly implementing an algorithm.

Abstract: A ball retrieval device configured to receive one or more balls from a surface. The ball retrieval device comprises a housing including a first end for receiving one or more balls from a surface and a second end for dispensing said one or more balls from said housing. The ball retrieval device further comprises a retention assembly attached to the first end comprising (a) an expanded foot attached to first end of said housing and graduating in diameter from the first end to the base of said expanded foot; and (b) an interchangeable rubber cap fitted and secured over or into the base of said expanded foot.

Abstract: Determining a risk/reward model for a service provided by a service provider to a serviced entity where a value function for the service is dependent on at least value parameter, and comprises provision of a serviced entity base case being characteristic for at least one serviced entity value parameter without provision of a service and provision of a set of projects and their interdependencies being eligible for providing the service, each project having a given impact on a subset of one or both of the at least one serviced entity value parameter and at least one service provider value parameter. The risk/reward model is determined by way of performing a selection of the sets of projects resulting in a selection, further the model provides a risk/reward line, the risk/reward line is characteristic for whether a reward or a penalty is accredited to the service provider depending on achieved results.

Abstract: Determining a risk/reward model for a service provided by a service provider to a serviced entity where a value function for the service is dependent on at least one value parameter, and comprises provision of a serviced entity base case being characteristic for at least one serviced entity value parameter without provision of a service and provision of a set of projects and their interdependencies being eligible for providing the service, each project having and impact on a subset of one or both of the at least one serviced entity value parameter and at least one service provider value service. The risk/reward model is determined by way of performing a selection of the sets of projects resulting in a selection set, further the model provides a risk/reward line, the risk/reward line is characteristic for whether a reward or penalty is accredited to the service provider depending on achieved results.

Abstract: A method is described of treating a gas stream exhausted from an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process chamber to which two or more gaseous precursors are alternately supplied. Between the process chamber and a vacuum pump used to draw the gas stream from the chamber, the gas stream is conveyed to a gas mixing chamber, to which a reactant is supplied for reacting with one of the gaseous precursors to form solid material. The gas stream is then conveyed to a cyclone separator to separate solid material from the gas stream. By deliberately reacting a non-reacted precursor to form solid material upstream from the pump, reaction within the pump of the non-reacted precursor and a second non-reacted precursor subsequently drawn from the chamber by the pump can be inhibited.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present invention, an ammonia borane containing hydrogen storage material is provided to be present with substantially reduced formation of borazine or diborane. In at least one embodiment, the hydrogen storage material includes at least one ammonia borane (NH3BH3); and at least one amide of the formula M(NH2)x, wherein M is a cationic element or a combination of two or more cationic elements from groups 1 to 14 of the periodic table and x represents a total cationic charge to charge balance M.

Abstract: A jar (2) for a cosmetic product is provided which includes a non-circular container body (4) and a cap closure (14). The container body (4) features a closed end (6) defined by a bottom panel (8) and an open end defined by a mouth (12). The bottom panel (8) on an exterior surface is formed with projecting crescent shaped symmetrically disposed feet (66). The cap closure (14) includes a fitment (16) engageable around the mouth (12) and supported on the container body (4). A lid (18) is hingedly connected to the fitment (16) and defined by a roof panel (20) having a domed upper surface. The upper surface includes a pair of crescent shaped indents (24, 26) formed symmetrical to each other along opposite edges of the roof panel (20). The crescent shaped indents (24, 26) allow stacking of one jar upon another with good stability. The domed (curved) roof panel (20) distributes force (from stacked jars) more evenly along the cap closure (14).

Abstract: Fabricating a cross-point memory structure using two lithography steps with a top conductor and connector or memory element and a bottom conductor orthogonal to the top connector. A first lithography step followed by a series of depositions and etching steps patterns a first channel having a bottom conductor. A second lithography step followed by a series of depositions and etching steps patterns a second channel orthogonal to the first channel and having a memory element connecting the an upper conductor and the lower conductor at their overlaid intersections.

Abstract: A method for authentication by biometric data, including receiving a biometric data set; evaluating if the received biometric data set is within a reference region, wherein the reference region represents a region associated with a reference biometric data set; evaluating if the received biometric data set is within a blackout region, wherein the blackout region represents a region associated with at least one previously received and positively authenticated biometric data set; and issuing a positive authentication if the received biometric data set is within the reference region, but outside the blackout region.

Abstract: Laundry or cleaning composition comprising: (a) a catalytically effective amount, preferably from about 1 ppb to about 99.9%, of a transition-metal bleach catalyst which is a complex of a transition-metal and a cross-bridged macropolycyclic ligand; and (b) at least about 0.1% of one or more laundry or cleaning adjunct materials, preferably comprising an oxygen bleaching agent. Preferred compositions are laundry compositions and automatic dishwashing detergents which provide enhanced cleaning/bleaching benefits through the use of such catalysts.

Abstract: A method for producing a foaming agent is provided, the method comprising cultivating a host cell in a fermentation medium wherein the host cell extra-cellularly secretes a foaming agent and wherein the fermentation medium contains an antifoam which has a cloud point; and then removing the antifoam5 while the temperature of the fermentation medium is above the cloud point.

Abstract: A method for automatically linking an anonymous electronic trade order having an order quantity (q) to an identity of a trader by providing an identity marker (s) of the trader; embedding the identity marker (s) by splitting the anonymous trade order into a number (n) of trade orders each having a corresponding order quantity x (i) to generate a trade order set; and placing the generated trade order set in an electronic order book.

Abstract: A climate control system and method for optimizing energy consumption in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is provided. By varying evaporator temperatures based on occupant settings and environmental conditions, electric compressor speed can be optimized to provide the necessary cooling capacities resulting in energy savings. Determining the impact that increasing or decreasing engine cooling fan speed has on the overall energy consumption of the climate control system without affecting target discharge air temperature provides for energy saving opportunities. Optimizing energy consumption according to the provided strategy provides for improved fuel economy without sacrificing passenger comfort.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a shaft of a vacuum pump includes a first bearing for supporting the shaft at one of its end, a second bearing for supporting the shaft at another of its ends and formed as a rolling bearing, a holder for receiving the second bearing and including an oscillating base, a fixation member secured in the vacuum pump housing, metallic connection members for connecting the oscillating base with the fixation member and axial springs arranged between the oscillating base and the fixation member and providing for the axial stiffness of the holder which is greater than its radial stiffness thereof and greater than the axial stiffness of the first bearing.

Abstract: Imprint lithography templates for patterning substrates are described. The templates include a section having a mold a first pattern of alignment forming areas and template alignment marks. The additional sections are generally devoid of a mold. One or more of the additional section may include the first pattern of a second pattern of alignment forming areas and template alignment marks. The second pattern may correspond to the first pattern.

Abstract: A climate control system having a control head including a display providing at least one comfort level indicator and a fuel economy indicator is provided. The comfort level indicator displays a plurality of comfort level settings corresponding to relative thermal comfort in all weather conditions. Each comfort level setting corresponds to a range of temperatures so that once a comfort range is obtained, the climate control system will be reluctant to consume additional energy, thereby maintaining or improving the current fuel economy state. The fuel economy indicator provides for direct communication of the impact of comfort level settings on fuel economy.

Abstract: A fire fighting unit for a vehicle that can be carried attached to the vehicle in a steel cover with a hose attached. During normal transit a tank containing fire retardant is uncharged. When required a manual release is operated charging the tank with compressed air. When fully charged the outlet can be opened providing pressurised fire retardant on demand. The unit can be refilled via an outlet. Preferably a hose is attached to the outlet valve.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a hydrogen storage material is provided. In at least one embodiment, the material comprises a borohydride compound of the formula M(BH4)n, wherein M includes Ca and n is an integer of 2 to 6; and a destabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of Cr, ScH2, and combinations thereof. In at least another embodiment, the material comprises a metal borohydride M(BH4)n, wherein M includes Li and n is an integer of 1 to 5, and a destabilizing agent of Cr.