Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a bore defined by and disposed in the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the bore. The insert and/or the bore of the electrode are configured to improve retention of the insert in the electrode, thereby extending electrode life. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode. The method includes a step of positioning an insert into a bore of an electrode such that an exterior gap is established that is greater than a second gap.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a customized animal feed is disclosed. The method and system include having ingredient data from more than one location, animal data, evaluation data, and optimization weighting data. The specifications for a customized feed are generated using ingredient data representative of the mix of ingredients available at one or more locations. A customized feed is generated which is designed to fulfill the nutritional requirements for the animal's diet. The nutritional requirements are derived from the animal data. Furthermore, the feed is optimized based upon the profile data, the feed data, the evaluation data, and the optimization weighting data.

Abstract: A substance analyzer utilizing Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis for identifying characteristics of a substance and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The analyzer is small enough to be portable and to allow its use in many applications where current analyzers cannot be utilized. The analyzer uses a neutron radiation source and a gamma-ray detector to activate the sample material and detect the prompt gamma rays emitted by the sample material. A novel housing for such an analyzer and method for making the housing are also described. Novel methods of operating such an analyzer including via a communications network are also disclosed. Also disclosed are data analysis methods that improve the accuracy and sensitivity of the results of such material analysis.

Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulic system of a loader arm carrying a working implement, the system having a ride improvement system and a selection valve connected to first and second chambers of a ram which operates the loader arm. A check valve assembly is provided, with the check valve assembly being responsive to pressure changes in the second chamber. The check valve assembly, when closed, prevents fluid from passing between the first chamber to the selection valve. Means are provided communicating the fluid pressure in the second chamber to the check valve, with the means responsive to pressure changes in the second chamber to open the check valve. The selection valve is operable to raise the loader arm with the system arranged to permit passage of fluid between the first chamber and the accumulator while permitting fluid to pass from the second chamber to a low pressure region.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for steering an aircraft while taxiing selectively applies pressurized fluid to different ports of a hydraulic motor to turn a landing gear wheel either left or right. Shimmy of the landing gear attached to the wheel is dampened by a device that is coupled across the hydraulic lines that are connected to the motor. That device has a piston in a bore with one hydraulic line connected via an orifice to a first chamber on one side of the piston and the other hydraulic line connected via a different orifice to a second chamber on the other side of the piston. The piston stroke is limited to control the effective oscillation damping amplitude. The shimmy produces an oscillating pressure differential in the two hydraulic lines which is dampened by the device.

Abstract: A variety of modified Bacillus anthracis bacteria useful in vaccines are provided. For instance, asporogenic strains of Bacillus anthracis are provided. In addition, Bacillus anthracis strains attenuated in their ability to repair their nucleic acid, such as in their nucleic acid excision repair ability or recombination repair ability, are provided. Strains expressing an antigen, such as protective antigen, under the control of a heterologous promoter and/or an inducible promoter are also provided. Bacillus anthracis bacteria comprising mutations in toxin genes are further provided. Vaccine compositions comprising the bacteria, methods of making the modified strains, and methods of using the vaccines are also provided.

Abstract: A system for generating optimized values for variable inputs to an animal production system. The system includes a simulator engine configured to receive a plurality of animal information inputs and generate a performance projection. At least one of the animal information inputs is designated as a variable input and at least one of the animal information inputs includes animal genotype information. The system further includes an enterprise supervisor engine configured to generate an optimized value for the at least one variable input wherein the optimized value is configured to optimize animal production based on the animal genotype information.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch that includes a torch body having a nozzle mounted relative to a composite electrode in the body to define a plasma chamber. The torch body includes a plasma flow path for directing a plasma gas to the plasma chamber in which a plasma arc is formed. The nozzle includes a hollow, body portion and a substantially solid, head portion defining an exit orifice. The composite electrode can be made of a metallic material (e.g., silver) with high thermal conductivity in the forward portion electrode body adjacent the emitting surface, and the aft portion of the electrode body is made of a second low cost, metallic material with good thermal and electrical conductivity. This composite electrode configuration produces an electrode with reduced electrode wear or pitting comparable to a silver electrode, for a price comparable to that of a copper electrode.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a nozzle for a plasma torch, the nozzle having a rear portion that defines at least a portion of a plasma chamber and a front portion that includes a first end and a second end. The first end is adjacent the rear portion, and the second end defines a plasma exit portion. One or more fluid passageways are disposed within the front portion and extend from the first end to the second end. The fluid passageways have passageway exit portions that provide one or more discrete jets of a secondary fluid to surround a plasma jet that is ejected from the plasma exit portion. Features of the invention include faster cutting, thicker workpiece piercing capability, reduced noise, improved arc stability, and increased consumable life, all of which improve productivity associated with plasma arc torch workpiece processing.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a customized animal feed is disclosed. The method and system include having ingredient data from more than one location, animal data, evaluation data, and optimization weighting data. The specifications for a customized feed are generated using ingredient data representative of the mix of ingredients available at one or more locations. A customized feed is generated which is designed to fulfill the nutritional requirements for the animal's diet. The nutritional requirements are derived from the animal data. Furthermore, the feed is optimized based upon the profile data, the feed data, the evaluation data, and the optimization weighting data.

Abstract: An AC to DC converter comprises a bi-directional switch array converter which converts a three phase AC supply at 50/60 Hz to a high frequency single phase drive for a series resonant parallel loaded tank. The tank is transformer coupled to a rectifier and filter to give a high voltage isolated DC supply to drive a load. The switching of the converter is based on control of the resonant tank to operate as close to a desired tank reference voltage as possible.

Abstract: A method for operating a laser system for a medical procedure, or a similar system, comprises detecting presence of a portable memory device like a smart card coupled to the laser system, and reading data on the portable memory device usable to identify an associated delivery device. An identifier is read from the associated delivery device after it is coupled to the laser. A process is executed to verify the configuration including matching the identifier read from delivery device with the delivery device associated with the portable memory device, verifying that the portable memory device includes a data structure adapted for storage of an event log, and enabling delivery of laser energy if said authenticating and said verifying are successful. A kit comprising a delivery device and a portable memory device supporting the process is provided to users of the laser system.

Abstract: A system and method for authorizing certain aspects of network based transactions between a customer and a merchant is disclosed. At a credit card authorization system, merchant information, transaction information, and a credit card number of a customer is received from an e-commerce merchant. An authorization form at the credit card authorization system that contains the transaction information is created. An internet browser associated with the customer is caused to display the authorization form. A signature phrase is received from the customer via the authorization form. The received signature phrase is verified that it corresponds to a signature phrase stored in a credit card account associated with the credit card number. The internet browser associated with the customer is caused to be transferred to a web site associated with the e-commerce merchant.

Abstract: A method and system are described for providing a streamlined method for using, for example, streaming media samples to promote and sell music, videos and related merchandise on the Internet in response to searches for entertainment related information. When a consumer enters an Internet search query that includes a Media Keyword, a corresponding media sample or sample set is identified for the consumer to select to receive as a stream or download onto the Consumer Device, along with search results pertaining to the requested information and purchasing options. The media sample or sample set is provided as a link in a web page containing search results generated for the consumer. The media sample link may be indicated on the web page as a preferred, personalized or sponsored search result.

Abstract: A method and system are described for providing a streamlined method for using, for example, streaming media samples to promote and sell music, videos and related merchandise on the Internet in response to searches for entertainment related information. When a consumer enters an Internet search query that includes a Media Keyword, a corresponding media sample or sample set is identified for the consumer to select to receive as a stream or download onto the Consumer Device, along with search results pertaining to the requested information and purchasing options. The media sample or sample set is provided as a link in a web page containing search results generated for the consumer. The media sample link may be indicated on the web page as a preferred, personalized or sponsored search result.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling auto-ignition timing in an internal combustion engine cylinder in which the timing of auto-ignition in prechambers that are coupled to the cylinder is precisely controlled. The auto-ignition in the prechambers produces hot gas jets that are introduced into the charge space of the cylinder and rapidly induce a second auto-ignition of the mixture in the cylinder. By precisely controlling the timing of the auto-ignitions within the prechambers, the timing of the auto-ignition within the cylinders can, in turn, be precisely controlled.

Abstract: A mineral supplement is described herein that has a high mineral/nitrogen content and is capable of being formed as a pellet. The mineral supplement may comprise a hydrophobic component that includes a lubricant and a high melting point substance which may facilitate forming the mineral supplement as a pellet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented supporting shortest path first (SPF) routing of data packets over a network by establishing link-state data at an router. Link-state data indicates direct links between the router and a different router and establishes an adjacency relationship with the different node. Initial link-state data is stored at a first router. After the initial link-state data is stored, a hello message is received at the first router. The hello message indicates a direct connection with a different second router on one network segment. Based on the initial link-state data, it is determined whether establishing an adjacency relationship with the second router is sufficiently valuable. If not, then an adjacency relationship is not established with the second router in response to the hello message. A shortest path first routing for a data packet traversing the network is determined based on one or more adjacency relationships indicated in link-state data stored at the first router.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for determining network nodes for aggregating addresses in routing information used for routing data packets over a network. Link data and reachability data are received. Link data indicates direct links between each of multiple candidate routers of a network and a different router or a network segment. Reachability data indicates a set of one or more contiguous network addresses that can be reached on each link described in the link data. A measure of possible aggregation of contiguous network addresses is determined at the candidate routers based on the link data and the reachability data. A preferred router to aggregate addresses in routing information sent between routers in the network is determined among the candidate routers based on the measure of possible aggregation at each candidate router.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing metallic components consisting of at least two different materials, one of them being an iron-based alloy and the other an aluminum-based alloy, and involving the steps of: depositing a metallic layer onto the body made from the iron-based alloy, said layer being an aluminum-based alloy, preferably based on Al—Si or Fe, placing the coated body in a casting mold and casting an aluminum-based alloy about the coated body. Prior to placing the body in the casting mold, the metallic layer of the body is sprayed and/or blasted with silicon powder and/or Borax (Na2B4O7—10H2O, hydrated sodium borate).