Abstract: A method of preparing a low-density material and precursor for forming a low-density material is provided. An aqueous mixture of inorganic primary component and a blowing agent is formed, the mixture is dried and optionally ground to form an expandable precursor. Such a precursor is then fired with activation of the blowing agent being controlled such that it is activated within a predetermined optimal temperature range. Control of the blowing agent can be accomplished via a variety of means including appropriate distribution throughout the precursor, addition of a control agent into the precursor, or modification of the firing conditions such as oxygen deficient or fuel rich environment, plasma heating etc.

Abstract: Various magnetoresistive memory cells and architectures are described which enable nonvolatile memories having high information density.

Abstract: The invention relates to ÿ-substituted porphyrins, methods for their synthesis, and their use in the preparation of photoelectric materials. In particular, the invention relates to solid state photoelectric devices, including solar cells and photodetectors, incorporating these photoelectric materials, with improved photon-to-current conversion efficiencies.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a kaolin particulate material suitable for use as an improved super-calendered filler. This method includes: (a) preparing an aqueous feed suspension of kaolin; (b) treating the kaolin of the feed suspension by attrition grinding in a vessel using grinding media granules; (c) delivering an aqueous suspension of the kaolin ground in (b) to a particle size classifier and separating the kaolin of the suspension into a coarse fraction and a fine fraction; (d) returning an aqueous suspension of the coarse fraction produced in (c) to the grinding vessel to be further attrition ground; and (e) extracting an aqueous suspension of the fine fraction produced in (c) as a product suspension. Advantageously, the kaolin of the feed suspension in (a) is such that not more than 30% by weight has a particle size less than 2 ?m and not more than 30% by weight has a particle size greater than 10 ?m.

Abstract: An occupant of a vehicle requests locations of interest from a remote provider. Locations of interest are identified based on the current location of the vehicle and a social network of the occupant. The locations of interest are provided to the vehicle via a network.

Abstract: A biomedical return electrode for electrosurgery or radiofrequency (RF), a biomedical electrode pad (100), a system (300), and a method of treating tissue using a biomedical return electrode are disclosed. The biomedical return electrode comprises an electrode conductor (114) for receiving electrical energy from tissue via a return path, and a thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) layer (116) coupled to the conductor (114). The TLC layer (116) changes colour at one or more sites dependent upon the conductor temperature at each site. The TLC layer (116) changes colour in a predetermined range of temperatures from about 40° C. to about 50° C. to alert an operator about the risk of a burn occurring. The biomedical electrode pad (100) comprises at least one such biomedical return electrode and a conductive body (112) to form a contact with tissue. The system (300) comprises an apparatus for delivering electrical energy to tissue and such a biomedical electrode pad (100).

Abstract: A catalyst support is made by coating a metal substrate with a solution containing a precursor for a ceramic and an amphiphilic compound, and treating the coating such that it forms a micelle structure. The coating is then treated to form a mesoporous ceramic coating on the metal substrate. The micelle structure acts as a template, so that the pores are of regular size. The active catalytic material can then be deposited in the pores. The metal substrate may for example be a corrugated foil, which can enable reaction heat to be dissipated from hot spots.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a software architecture encoded on a computer readable medium is disclosed. The software architecture can be utilized for developing in-vehicle software applications for installation and execution on an in-vehicle computer system. The software architecture includes a number of vehicle application program interfaces (APIs) for accessing vehicles systems or data and for developing in-vehicle software applications; and a number of policy restrictions underlying the vehicle APIs for restricting the level of access to vehicle systems and data while the in-vehicle software application is being developed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and programs for computers are provided for automatic allocation of resource occupiers (e.g. data, people) to available resources (e.g. bandwidth, radio frequency spectrum, theatre seats). Allocation of resources to resource occupiers is based on a measure of urgency of allocation derived from the size of the resource occupier, the resource available, and the time remaining in which to allocate resource to the resource occupier. One, two, or more time thresholds may be associated with each resource occupier: in particular a timeliness threshold up to which allocation urgency increases but after which it decreases, and a perishability threshold after which allocation of resource to the resource occupier ceases to be at all useful, and after which no more resource is allocated. Also automated auction methods, systems, and programs for real-time allocation of radio frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A brake pedal feel simulator is provided which reduces the simulation force provided to the brake pedal during emergency or failed conditions. The simulator generally comprises a first spring having a first spring rate and a second spring having a second spring rate. The second spring rate is selected to be lower than the first spring rate. When a predetermined force level is achieved at the brake pedal and simulator, the spring rate provided by the simulator shifts to the second spring rate. In this manner, the rate resistance to translation of the brake pedal is reduced, thereby improving the operator's ability to brake the vehicle.

Abstract: A brake mechanism includes a pedal arm, a beam and a cam. The pedal arm is pivotally connected to the vehicle, while the beam is interposed between the pedal arm and the input rod for transmitting force from the pedal arm to the input rod. The beam is pivotally connected to the pedal arm and rotatable relative thereto. The cam defines a cam profile, and the beam contacts the cam and follows the cam profile as the pedal arm is activated. The cam profile is shaped to adjust the position of the beam relative to the pedal arm as the pedal arm swings relative to the vehicle. In this way, a variable force ratio is provided to maintain brake pedal feel while achieving an acceptable force ratio for failed power situations. The mechanism can be designed such that the force ratio does not drop off further into the pedal travel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a signal processing method and system for routing audio and/or video data. The signal processing system comprises an input device for receiving audio and/or video data over multiple input paths and for combining the data from the plural input paths into serial data of a serialized data block. A user interface for controlling a reordering of the serial data contained within the serialized data block is included within the signal processing system. The signal processing system also comprises an output device for distributing a first portion of the serial data in the serialized data block to a first output path and a second portion of the serial data of the serialized data block to a second output path.

Abstract: The method of providing includes providing an assessment of the maintenance and technical service needs of a plant, as broadly defined, and recommending services for outsourcing selected from a menu of services. The services are modular and may be mixed and matched to a customized fit with the needs of the plant. Categories of services are directed to technical services, motor maintenance, electro-mechanical services, etc. A generic approach to all plant maintenance provides a framework in which to offer the services. Services are offered throughout the life cycle of a plant. Particular industries are targeted for outsourced services.

Abstract: A data storage system in which each of a set of disks has a first portion for either popular data or error correction information (parity or Reed-Solomon code symbols) associated with the popular data, and a second portion used for other data. A disk controller connected to the set of disks maintains a first popular data block in the first portion of a first of the set of disks and a second popular data block in the first portion of a second of the set of disks. The system maintains at least two of the disks in an active state. The active disks are selected to insure that any data in the popular data blocks can be determined from data stored in the active disks. An additional disk is maintained in an active state if write access is permitted or if there is an additional popular data block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer polyurea roofing system. An important aspect of the invention is the use of multilayers of polyurea with the base layer having a minimum thickness of 40 mils, thus forming a waterproofing membrane. The multiple layers of polyurea provide increased structural strength, as well as reduce failures caused by applicator error. Moreover, in applications where the polyurethane is applied to insulation board stock, the polyurea membrane is isolated from movements between the base insulation and the roof deck (i.e., wood, metal, concrete decking).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of low-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) to prevent, treat, inhibit or reduce restenosis in blood vessels. The present invention may be used in combination with any angioplastic procedure to prevent restenosis or to decrease the intima thickness, and thus luminal narrowing.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The improved methods basically comprise the steps of placing a sand control screen (e.g., screens, screened pipes, perforated liners, prepacked screens, etc.) and an outer shroud assembly mounted over the sand screen in the wellbore adjacent the zone to be completed, the shroud having perforated and blank (non-perforated) segments with the blank segments corresponding to selected intervals of the wellbore, for example problem zones such as shale streaks or isolated zones where flows are restricted by mechanical seals or packers, and injecting particulate material into the wellbore, whereby gravel packing takes place in the remaining length of the wellbore/shroud annulus without voids. The inner annulus between the shroud and screen provides an alternate flow path for the slurry to bypass the blocked intervals and continue with its placement.

Abstract: A plasma assisted reactor for the removal of carbonaceous combustion products or for simultaneous removal of carbonaceous products and nitrogen oxides from the exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine, wherein the reactor includes a gas permeable bed made at least primarily of active materials comprising perovskite or vanadate.

Abstract: A reactor chamber forms part of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. Within the chamber are electrodes between which there is disposed a bed of active material through which, in use, the exhaust gases pass. In the presence of an electrical discharge, driven by an electrical voltage applied across the electrodes, the active material has a catalytic action in the reduction of nitrogenous oxides in the exhaust and also acts to remove hydrocarbons from the exhaust gases.

Abstract: A reactor (1) particularly for the plasma treatment of internal combustion engine exhaust gases, in which a power supply (10) and a reactor bed (2) of the dielectric barrier discharge type are connected directly and enclosed in an earthed metal chamber (17) which both isolates the high voltage power supply and acts as a Faraday cage preventing the emission of electromagnetic radiation from the power supply or plasma.