Abstract: A centrifugal separator of the present invention comprises an upper inlet chamber and separation barrel connected thereto. The upper inlet chamber comprises an inlet through which a solids-laden fluid is introduced. An upper portion of the separation barrel extends into the upper inlet chamber below the inlet, such that the interior wall of the upper inlet chamber and the upper portion of the separation volume define a space, called the vestibular chamber. The vestibular chamber is defined at its upper end by a horizontally disposed plate larger in diameter than the separation barrel, but smaller in diameter than the internal diameter of the upper inlet chamber. The upper portion of the separation barrel comprises a plurality of generally axially-oriented slots which may penetrate through the wall of the separation barrel tangentially, so as to generally induce a tangential flow pattern to fluid entering the separation barrel from the vestibular chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a biological sample for PCR analysis has an inlet (4) for receiving the sample (15) and a sieve (13) through which the sample is forced by screwing down an inlet cap (16). A lysis solution between two rupturable seals (11 and 12) is effective to disrupt the cells of the sample and release nucleic acid. The apparatus is mounted releasably on a PCR machine (2) having a motor (2?) releasably coupled with a drive mechanism (3, 36,40) in the apparatus to effect a rotary and a vertical up and down movement of its components (30, 31, 32, 42). The apparatus has a transparent cuvette (5) and a needle (71) extending to the lower end of the cuvette, by which the prepared sample is dispensed to the cuvette for PCR analysis.

Abstract: A diagnostic method using biomarkers to predict future adverse coronary events is provided. More particularly, the present invention is directed to diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having cardiovascular disease. In certain embodiments, the method of the present invention quantitates the presence of elevated levels of chlorinated lipids derived from myeloperoxidase as a prognostic indicator of future adverse coronary events.

Abstract: A diagnostic method using biomarkers to predict future adverse coronary events is provided. More particularly, the present invention is directed to diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having cardiovascular disease. In certain embodiments, the method of the present invention quantitates the presence of elevated levels of chlorinated lipids derived from myeloperoxidase as a prognostic indicator of future adverse coronary events.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, system, and method of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes at least a modular brewing mechanism. Also, the system includes a reservoir for retaining a volume of beverage produced by the brewing mechanism. The system includes controls for dispensing a single cup of beverage while producing multiple cycles of beverage for transfer to the reservoir. The system also includes controls for monitoring freshness of beverage, controllably disposing of beverage, and controlling production of single cup or batch production of beverage. The method and apparatus includes controllable pressurized brewing in a column or chamber using a controllable piston moving in the chamber and which may include controlling steep time, pressurization, extraction time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics.

Abstract: The application provides sample preparation devices and analyses. The devices and analyzes allow for the rapid preparation and analysis of samples using a variety of techniques, including PCR, by even unskilled users.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a biological sample for PCR analysis has an inlet (4) for receiving the sample (15) and a sieve (13) through which the sample is forced by screwing down an inlet cap (16). A lysis solution between two rupturable seals (11 and 12) is effective to disrupt the cells of the sample and release nucleic acid. The apparatus is mounted releasably on a PCR machine (2) having a motor (2?) releasably coupled with a drive mechanism (3, 36,40) in the apparatus to effect a rotary and a vertical up and down movement of its components (30, 31, 32, 42). The apparatus has a transparent cuvette (5) and a needle (71) extending to the lower end of the cuvette, by which the prepared sample is dispensed to the cuvette for PCR analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving performance and life of a material adapted to contract when heated to a critical temperature such as shape memory alloy wire (SMA). The method includes the steps of measuring ambient temperature before activation, measuring voltage applied to the SMA wire and/or current flowing in the SMA wire, calculating power and energy required to heat the material from the ambient to the critical temperature and providing the calculated power and energy.

Abstract: The invention provides a lock assembly (10) which has a support base (80) and a bolt (14) movable between an unlocked position, in which the bolt (14) is substantially within the support base in (80) and a locked position in which the bolt (14) extends from the support base (80). The lock assembly (10) also includes locking means (32) to block movement of the bolt (14) in the locked position and actuating means (46) for moving the blocking means (32) to release the bolt (14) from the locked position. The actuating means (46) can comprise electromechanical means, an electro restrictive polymer, piezoelectric material or a material adapted to contract when activated, such as shape memory alloy wire (36).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to for detecting movement of an object. In one embodiment, a system (10) is disclosed to detect movement of an object (12) (e.g., a tire). The system includes a sensor (14) that is operative to sense at least a pressure condition within an enclosed space of the object (12) based on an operating mode of the system. A control system (16) controls the operating mode of the system based at least in part on whether movement of the object (12) is detected. The movement of the object (12) is detected based on a variation in the at least a pressure condition over time. The system (10) can be implemented as part of a tire pressure monitoring system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a helical drill configuration that allows substantially flat bottomed holes to be machined. At the cutting end of the body member, there are at least two cutting edges that are symmetrically oriented on opposing sides of the rotational axis of the drill. In an embodiment of the invention, first and second cutting edge portions form a continuous surface which provides strength and tool stability. The height of the second portions of each of the cutting edges remains relatively consistent along the horizontal for formation of a generally flat bottom hole. In the embodiment, a center point is defined by two sloped peak surfaces. A central straight chisel edge is formed by the intersection of the two sloped peak surfaces. The first cutting edge section extends from the chisel edge to the second cutting edge section. The first cutting edge section for both cutting edges is formed by symmetrically thinning the two peak surface.

Abstract: A grinding machine (20) for use in grinding materials, the grinding machine (20) comprising: a grinder assembly (22) for receiving material therein; at least one removable hopper (24) attachable proximate to the grinding assembly (22) for dispensing material to the grinder assembly (22); a passage (22) defined in the hopper being cooperatively placed in communication with the grinding assembly (22) for dispensing material from the hopper (24) to the grinder assembly (22); a displaceable shutter (70) being positionnable in an open position when the hopper (24) is placed on the grinder assembly (22) and being positionnable in a closed position when the hopper (24) is removed from the grinder assembly (22); and a slide gate mechanism (42) including a slide gate (42) and a mover linked to the slide gate for controllably opening and closing passage of material from the hopper (24) to the grinder assembly (22) for grinfind material therein.

Abstract: A computer implemented system for performing a method of preparing and presenting marketing data in a customized format to users of marketing data. The system includes an extractor module that provides for the identification, selective extraction and storing of marketing data, an analysis module for the processing of the user identified marketing data and a presentation module.

Abstract: A wellhead housing has a bore with a support shoulder, a ramp surface extending upward and outward from the support shoulder, and a recess extending upward from the ramp. A split, resilient load ring is carried in an initial position in the recess. A retractable and axially movable latch ring is carried in the recess above the load ring. A casing hanger has a profile that engages the latch ring as the casing hanger moves downwardly in the bore, causing the latch ring to move downward and pushing the load ring to the set position.

Abstract: A low part count, light weight, low-rise air leaf suspension system is provided. One end of the leaf spring has a formed eye pivotally mounted by a pin to a lightweight bracket mounted to the vehicle frame. The leaf spring is tapered toward the ends to reduce weight. Light weight clamping blocks attach an axle to a central portion of the leaf spring. The other end of the leaf spring is curved down and laterally inward so that the end of the leaf spring is positioned directly underneath the vehicle frame and the air spring may be connected directly between the leaf spring and frame.

Abstract: A wellhead housing has a bore with a support shoulder, a ramp surface extending upward and outward from the support shoulder, and a recess extending upward from the ramp. A split, resilient load ring is carried in an initial position in the recess. A retractable and axially movable latch ring is carried in the recess above the load ring. A casing hanger has a profile that engages the latch ring as the casing hanger moves downwardly in the bore, causing the latch ring to move downward and pushing the load ring to the set position.

Abstract: An in-tank fuel module for a fuel tank having a conductive lead for connection to an electrical ground plane and at least a first electrically conductive component, and a conductive polymeric strand electrically connecting the component to the lead. A jet aspiration pump is made of conductive polymeric material. A conductive component is connected to the ground plane through the fuel level sensing assembly circuit.

Abstract: An in-tank fuel module for a fuel tank having a conductive lead for connection to an electrical ground plane and at least a first electrically conductive component, and a conductive polymeric strand electrically connecting the component to the lead. A jet aspiration pump is made of conductive polymeric material. A conductive component is connected to the ground plane through the fuel level sensing assembly circuit.

Abstract: A method is provided for ensuring increased accuracy and stability in analysis of seismic trace data. The present method more accurately determines the location, as well as the saturation level, of possible hydrocarbon reservoirs. The method includes use of more accurate, non-linear equations for the AVO inversion and application of a geologically reasonable set of statistical constraints.

Abstract: A user program directly accesses a storage device for I/O operations, bypassing the operating system. The user registers a virtual memory region and an “extent”, or region, of the storage device with a host bus adapter. A virtual interface is created between the user and the storage device including a queue for transmitting commands from the user to the storage device. To perform I/O, the user creates a descriptor including command information identifying the type of I/O operation, a buffer handle identifying the registered virtual memory region, virtual memory address information identifying the locations of data buffers in the registered virtual memory region to be used for the I/O operation, an extent handle identifying the registered extent, and disk address information identifying an area within the registered extent to or from which data is to be written or read. The user posts this descriptor to the virtual interface by placed it on the associated queue.