Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering precursors to a chemical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a temperature-controlled vessel containing a precursor. An energy source is used to vaporize the precursor at its surface such that substantially no thermal decomposition of the remaining precursor occurs. The energy source may include a carrier gas, a radio frequency coupling device, or an infrared irradiation source. After the precursor is exposed to the energy source, the vaporized portion of the precursor is transported via a temperature-controlled conduit to a chemical vapor deposition or atomic deposition chamber for further processing.

Abstract: An optical switch is provided for selectively coupling outputs of one or more fibers of a first array to one or more inputs of fibers of a second array. The first array includes a first groove disposed within a front face of the first array. The second array optionally includes a second groove disposed within a front face of the second array. The first and second fiber arrays are oriented so that their respective front faces are disposed in a facing relationship. A roller element is located within at least the first groove, permitting the first array to translate relative to the second array upon the roller element along the direction of the first groove. In addition, detents may be formed within the grooves of each array to create areas in which the roller element may at least temporarily seat. The location and number of detents are arranged to correspond to the location and number of rows of fibers in the respective arrays.

Abstract: Trace impurities such as organic compounds and carbon monoxide are reduced to sub-ppb levels in gases such as nitrogen, helium and argon, by gas purifying systems that contain an ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon material. Ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon materials is capable of removing impurities from a gas stream down to parts-per-billion (ppb) and sub-ppb levels without concurrently emitting other impurities such as moisture or carbon dioxide to the purified gas stream. The carbon material is superactivated by heating the carbon to temperatures between 300-800° C. in an ultra-dry, inert gas stream. The ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon material is handled and stored in an environment that minimizes contamination from moisture and other oxygenated species in order to maintain its ppb and sub-ppb impurity removal and low emission properties.

Abstract: A method for desalting nutritional supplements with animal protein, and a method for regenerating the ion exchange resin used in the desalting process are provided. The desalting method includes: (1) setting up a first, and a second columns containing strongly acidic cation exchange resin, and strongly basic anion exchange resin respectively; (2) passing the nutritional supplement, predetermined temperature and volume, through the first column to exchange sodium ions in the supplement for the cations, and thruogh the second column to exchange the anions; and (3) concentrating the nutritional supplement.

Abstract: Techniques for establishing contact between a first node and a second node in a communication system having a plurality of nodes. Upon a failure of an attempt by the first node to contact the second node, the first node contacts a 3rd party node, which in turn attempts to contact the second node on behalf of the first node. The first node's initial attempt to contact the second node can be verified by the 3rd party node, thereby avoiding an unjust detriment to the first node. Multiple retries or 3rd party nodes can be used to attempt contact on behalf of the first node. Responsiveness of nodes can be measured, and subsequent penalties can be assessed, as a result of their unresponsiveness.

Abstract: A method for two-way communication for controlling production from a formation having at least one producing well and a plurality of producing zones. In one embodiment, the method comprises installing a flow control device with a controller proximate each of the producing zones, where each controller has a predetermined communication address, and each controller is adapted to act as a repeater on command from a surface controller; connecting each controller to a transmission bus where the transmission bus is connected to the surface controller; transmitting a command message from the surface controller to a predetermined downhole controller, where the command message determines a predetermined path along the transmission bus according to a predetermined protocol; receiving the command message by the predetermined controller; and executing the command message to control the flow control device. Transmitting a response message back along the predetermined path.

Abstract: A secure method and system for administering to software on a plurality of client computers is disclosed. One or more pre-set policies for one or more client computers may be stored on and transmitted in a secure manner from a central server that is under the control of a system administrator to the client computers over a public network or e-mail systems. The central server is preferably an HTTP server containing software for creating packages of information and for protecting the integrity of the packages during transmission over a virtual secured pipe. The packages may contain policy for the various clients that are to be maintained. The policy may comprise software configurations for software that resides on the clients, software to be installed on one or more clients, or any other information and data that is needed to maintain and manage the clients.

Abstract: A self contained air purification pyramid shaped system and apparatus that can form up to approximately 300 cfm of air flow at high speed, that can remove allergy causing particulates, microorganisms, and odors/chemicals from the air so as to create a healthier environment. The system and apparatus can use a carbon prefilter for removal of larger particulate and odors/chemicals and gases, a UV(ultra violet) lamp for destruction of bacteria, viruses, and molds, and a hospital grade HEPA filter (approximately 99.97% efficient at approximately 0.3 microns) for removal of smaller particulate and bacteria. Air can first enter the peak of the pyramid shaped apparatus, pass through a carbon prefilter, past the UV lamp(s), through filter, such as a HEPA filter, and through a motorized impeller which pushes the air out lower sides of the apparatus.

Abstract: This crane control system with swing control and variable impedance is intended for use with overhead cranes where a line suspended from a moveable hoist suspends a load. It is responsive to operator force applied to the load and uses a control strategy based on estimating the force applied by the operator to the load and, subject to a variable desired load impedance, reacting in response to this estimate. The human pushing force on the load is not measured directly, but is estimated from measurement of the angle of deflection of the line suspending the load and measurement of hoist position.

Abstract: A disposable scalpel has a blade attached to a handle. The scalpel is weighted, so that although it is disposable, it has a weight similar to the weight of a conventional, nondisposable metal scalpel. The scalpel may be weighted by one or more solid metal slugs within the handle, by particles of weight material within the handle, or by manufacturing the handle including weight materials, such as molded plastics including weighted filler, such as a metal powder. A shield assembly is slidable within the handle from an extended position, where the shield blocks access to the blade, to a retracted position, where the shield is substantially within the handle, and the blade is fully exposed. A locking mechanism locks the shield into the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: An agricultural grain wagon includes a one-piece floor auger which may be removed as a unit from the rear of the wagon for servicing. A clean-out pan is slidably mounted beneath the floor auger and a lower tough forming the bottom of the hopper. The clean-out pan may be reciprocated beneath the floor auger to clean out any residual grain beneath the hopper. The wagon also includes a forward two-piece unload auger having an upper section which may be positioned to a field fold position using an auger stand, thus reducing the time to place the unload auger in the discharge position and providing an extended reach of the unloaded auger to facilitate unloading.

Abstract: A device for ion charging airborne toner particles for the development of electrophotographic images is proposed. The ion toner-charging device subjects an airborne stream of toner particles to unipolar gas ions in the presence of an applied alternating electric field. The alternating electric field prevents the charged particles from depositing on the electrodes in the charging zone. The device uniformly charges irregular or spherical shaped toner particles to the Pauthenier charging limit. The device is an interface between various methods for supplying toner to the unit and developing an electrostatic image with ion charged toner.

Abstract: An eyeglasses temple bar clasp for maintaining eyeglasses on a material such as clothing. Clasp comprises temple bars comprising magnetic material such that the temple bars magnetically attract each other through the material when the temple bars are closed. The clasp is used by pivoting one of the temple bars into the closed position. The frame body and closed temple bar are then positioned on one side of the material. The second temple bar is then pivoted into the closed position such that it is on the other side of the material. With the temple bars closed, the temple bars impart a gripping force on the material, thus clasping the eyeglasses to the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for collating a plurality of separate groups or bundles of similar flats mailpieces arranged in a predetermined delivery point sequence, each mailpiece imprinted with a distinct delivery point or address indicia, to produce a single stream of mailpieces in new groups, where each new group comprises a plurality of mailpieces all addressed to a distinct delivery point. The apparatus comprises a plurality of feed units, each unit configured to process a quantity of similar mailpieces, each with a distinct delivery point indicia on the face of the mailpiece, and to deposit each mailpiece in a distinct pocket on a collation conveyor which traverses all of the plurality of feed units. Each pocket will ultimately contain different mail pieces, all addressed to the same delivery point Multiple new groups of mailpieces are then automatically placed in containers in a sequence corresponding to a predetermined delivery route.

Abstract: Systems and methods of insuring payment of a proper amount of postage, comprise receiving payment for an amount of postage, affixing a postage indicia to a piece of mail, wherein the postage indicia includes the postage amount in a format readable only by machine, and adjusting the postage amount at a time subsequent to receipt of payment.

Abstract: An assembly includes a platform for supporting and moving a tire along therealong. A light emitter of a first detection assembly transmits a first signal from emitter around the tire in to determine the height of the tire. A light receiver of the first detection assembly receives the transmitted first signal passed around the tire and forwards the first signal to a controller for evaluating the first signal and for determining a first configuration of the tire. A light emitter of a second detection assembly transmits a second signal around the tire in the direction transverse to the direction of the first signal. A light receiver of the second detection assembly receives the transmitted second signal. The second detection assembly is operably connected to the controller. The controller integrates the first and second signals for determining a third configuration of the part thereby identifying the part being evaluated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oral delivery system for the treatment of periodontal disease, being in a solid unit dosage form for administration to a patient and comprising: (i) a biodegradable or bioerodible pharmaceutically acceptable polymer; (ii) a therapeutically effective amount of at least one antibacterial agent; and (iii) a therapeutically effective amount of at least one anti-inflammatory agent, the relative weight ratio between the antibacterial agent and the anti-inflammatory agent ranging from about 7:1 to about 1:5. The system may further comprise at least one of a cross-linking agent, a plasticizing agent, a wetting agent, a suspending agent, a surfactant and a dispersing agent.