Abstract: A composite transition joint is described. The transition joint includes a plurality of metal layers that are metallurgically bonded together. The metal layers include a base layer, an interlayer bonded to the base layer, and a top layer bonded to the interlayer. The top layer includes an aluminum manganese alloy and includes a thickness of at least 15 mm. The composite transition joint may bond a current stem to an anode of an aluminum smelter. The transition joint increases the length of the current stem, without impacting electrical conductivity of the current stem.

Abstract: A method where the spin factor is looked up in a table; the slip factor is measured and the clamping pressure is adjusted to achieve a slip/spin ratio provided in a desired range is described herein. According to another aspect, an active mechanical clamping mechanism using a longitudinally movable contact point is also described.

Abstract: The description relates to smart energy usage. One example can obtain market information relating to power available to a consumer device and can obtain operational information relating to use of the consumer device. The example can also determine when to operate the device based upon the market information and the operational information.

Abstract: A stringed instrument plectrum cover that includes a formed structure having a conformal shape adapted to match the tear-drop shape of an instrument pick. The cover comprises a thickened member having an open interior. The plucking end of the pick is exposed while the body of the pick is retained within the thickened member, whereby the member increases the thickness of the pick and improves purchase thereof. The surface of the cover includes decorative features such as phosphorescent decals and designs thereon for personalization and for identification of the pick in low light. The pick is inserted through the open end of the thickened member, whereby the pick is supported within a channel in the padded member while its plucking end and its body section is exposed.

Abstract: A method where the spin factor is looked up in a table; the slip factor is measured and the clamping pressure is adjusted to achieve a slip/spin ratio provided in a desired range is described herein. According to another aspect, an active mechanical clamping mechanism using a longitudinally movable contact point is also described.

Abstract: A stringed instrument plectrum cover that includes a formed structure having a conformal shape adapted to match the tear-drop shape of an instrument pick. The cover comprises a thickened member having an open interior. The plucking end of the pick is exposed while the body of the pick is retained within the thickened member, whereby the member increases the thickness of the pick and improves purchase thereof. The surface of the cover includes decorative features such as phosphorescent decals and designs thereon for personalization and for identification of the pick in low light. The pick is inserted through the open end of the thickened member, whereby the pick is supported within a channel in the padded member while its plucking end and its body section is exposed.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an insulated flame retardant panel includes the provision of a mixture of rice hulls and adhesive adhered to one or more skins of the panel with pressure in which the adhesive is either a urethane adhesive or a sodium silicate adhesive that is set by applying pressure, with the rice hulls providing an R value comparable to that associated with expanded polystyrene foam or urethane foam but with significantly improved structural properties and without involving environmentally unfriendly processes.

Abstract: A device and apparatus for determining wind conditions around a sailboat. The device includes means for receiving a measured wind angle and wind speed readings from a wind sensor attached to the sailboat and readings of boat heading and boat speed through the water, means for storing wind angle correction data, a computing unit for computing a corrected wind angle reading using the measured wind angle reading, the boat speed reading and the wind angle correction data and for computing a wind direction using the corrected wind angle reading and the boat heading reading, and means for displaying the wind direction. The device additionally includes input means for receiving a wind direction error tack to tack, means for determining the current tack state of the sailboat using the measured wind angle reading, and means for modifying the correction data. Thus, powerful and intuitive correction of wind direction readings is possible.

Abstract: A device and apparatus for determining wind conditions around a sailboat. The device includes means for receiving a measured wind angle and wind speed readings from a wind sensor attached to the sailboat and readings of boat heading and boat speed through the water, means for storing wind angle correction data, a computing unit for computing a corrected wind angle reading using the measured wind angle reading, the boat speed reading and the wind angle correction data and for computing a wind direction using the corrected wind angle reading and the boat heading reading, and means for displaying the wind direction. The device additionally includes input means for receiving a wind direction error tack to tack, means for determining the current tack state of the sailboat using the measured wind angle reading, and means for modifying the correction data. Thus, powerful and intuitive correction of wind direction readings is possible.

Abstract: An exemplary data stream includes value information for use by consumers of global computing resources in making requests for global computing resources. An exemplary method includes receiving information about data center resources from one or more data centers, based at least in part on the information estimating value information for consumption of computing resources of the one or more data centers and streaming the value information via a network. An exemplary medium or media includes instructions to instruct a computing device to receive, from a data stream, value information for computing resources of one or more data centers, to format the value information for display and to issue requests for consumption of at least some of the computing resources. Other methods, devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary data stream includes value information for use by consumers of global computing resources in making requests for global computing resources. An exemplary method includes receiving information about data center resources from one or more data centers, based at least in part on the information estimating value information for consumption of computing resources of the one or more data centers and streaming the value information via a network. An exemplary medium or media includes instructions to instruct a computing device to receive, from a data stream, value information for computing resources of one or more data centers, to format the value information for display and to issue requests for consumption of at least some of the computing resources. Other methods, devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary data stream includes value information for use by consumers of global computing resources in making requests for global computing resources. An exemplary method includes receiving information about data center resources from one or more data centers, based at least in part on the information estimating value information for consumption of computing resources of the one or more data centers and streaming the value information via a network. An exemplary medium or media includes instructions to instruct a computing device to receive, from a data stream, value information for computing resources of one or more data centers, to format the value information for display and to issue requests for consumption of at least some of the computing resources. Other methods, devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary matching module includes instructions for receipt of information about sellable resources for running web-based services; for a solver for minimizing or maximizing a function subject to constraints; and for output of cost information for purchasing or buying sellable resources for running web-based services where the cost information is based at least in part on minimizing or maximizing the function. An exemplary matching module may be configured to receive information in a domain-specific language. Other methods, devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary data stream includes value information for use by consumers of global computing resources in making requests for global computing resources. An exemplary method includes receiving information about data center resources from one or more data centers, based at least in part on the information estimating value information for consumption of computing resources of the one or more data centers and streaming the value information via a network. An exemplary medium or media includes instructions to instruct a computing device to receive, from a data stream, value information for computing resources of one or more data centers, to format the value information for display and to issue requests for consumption of at least some of the computing resources. Other methods, devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for synthesizing heterocyclic pharmaceutical compound which binds to the CXCR4 chemokine receptor.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing a vehicle that is relatively moved through the apparatus includes pivotal side arms with independently pivotal nozzles for the dispensing of cleansing fluids as well as a pivotal overhead boom that also includes independently pivotal nozzles so that the side arms and the boom as well as the nozzles associated therewith can be optimally positioned for directing high pressure liquid at the vehicle. The side arms and boom are also moved from retracted to extended positions with power cylinders and retracted from the extended to retracted positions by counter balancing weights.

Abstract: Rotating turbo nozzles for use in car wash systems have a nozzle body with a hollow interior in which a nozzle member is rotated in unison with a fluid vortex created by pressurized fluid introduced into the interior of the nozzle body through passageways forming an acute angle with the hollow interior. Systems are employed for reducing the speed of rotation of the nozzle member relative to the nozzle body so as to improve the effective range in which the nozzle body can emit cleaning fluids with an acceptable impact force.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for synthesizing heterocyclic pharmaceutical compound which binds to the CXCR4 chemokine receptor.

Abstract: Rotating turbo nozzles for use in car wash systems have a nozzle body with a hollow interior in which a nozzle member is rotated in unison with a fluid vortex created by pressurized fluid introduced into the interior of the nozzle body through passageways forming an acute angle with the hollow interior. Systems are employed for reducing the speed of rotation of the nozzle member relative to the nozzle body so as to improve the effective range in which the nozzle body can emit cleaning fluids with an acceptable impact force.