Abstract: Solid support assays using non-standard bases are described. A capture oligonucleotide comprising a molecular recognition sequence is attached to a solid support and hybridized with a target oligonucleotide. In some instances, the molecular recognition sequence includes one or more non-standard bases and hybridizes to a complementary tagging sequence of the target oligonucleotide. In other instances, incorporation of a non-standard base (e.g., via PCR or ligation) is used in the assay.

Abstract: A system and method for placing a wager on events is disclosed. The system includes a web server connected to the Internet, a database in communication with the web server storing codes corresponding to at least one criterion associated with an event for an interactive voice response (IVR) system and generating a string of codes corresponding to a wager, and a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface is accessible from a client workstation separate from the web server and communicates with the web server to establish the wager. The graphical user interface initiates a call from the client workstation to transmit the string of code to the IVR system using voice-over internet protocols.

Abstract: A data bus for a printed circuit board is disclosed having a plurality of lines separated by a substrate. A method is also disclosed for creating a bus with a reduced reflection of signal energy at the interface between the bus and a receiving agent connected to the bus. The lines in the bus include data lines and at least two strobe lines that are positioned adjacent each other to take advantage of the known impedance inherent to their dominant coupling. The bus includes separate data-line terminations and strobe-line terminations connected to the data lines and strobe lines, respectively. The separate terminations have values matched to impedances calculated from the separate sets of lines to more effectively reduce the reflected energy by more accurately matching the impedances on the lines.

Abstract: A system and method for updating a library in a design database environment operable to be accessed by at least one design user. In one embodiment, a first engine associates an update file with appropriate design objects to generate an uncompiled update file in a trusted space environment. A second engine associated with the trusted space environment compiles the uncompiled update file into a compiled update file. A third engine transfers the compiled update file from the trusted space environment into the library in the design database environment.

Abstract: A method and system for administering the hedging of an employee deferred compensation plan, e.g., which employs hedging of NQDC plan liabilities using total return swaps and/or put and call options and/or forwards, for tax purposes. A plan coordinator coordinates a transfer of information between an employer/plan sponsor, a plan administrator that communicates with the employees/plan participants, and a balance sheet provider. The plan coordinator receives and reconciles data and then calculates and modifies relevant information for tax purposes and use in reports that are provided to the plan sponsor and balance sheet provider. Calculations and modifications for tax purposes allow the plan sponsor to reap tax benefits from the NQDC plan swap hedge. The reports include an upcoming transactions report, which indicates new compensation deferrals, reallocations of previously deferred compensation among specified indices, and withdrawals.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a fuel cell system includes establishing a path to route an anode exhaust from the fuel cell system back to an anode inlet port of the stack. The technique includes diverting part of a first flow otherwise flowing through the path to produce a diverted flow and combining the diverted flow with a flow that is associated with a cathode of the stack.

Abstract: A circuit for transmitting data from a transmitter to a receiver is disclosed herein. One embodiment of the circuit may comprise an inverter, a first switch, and a second switch. The input of the inverter is connected to the transmitter. The first switch comprises a control node, wherein current conducts between a first node and a second node depending on the state of the voltage at the control node. The first node is connected to the receiver, the second node is connected to a voltage potential, and the control node is connected to the output of the inverter. The second switch comprises a control node, wherein current conducts between a first node and a second node depending on the state of the voltage at the control node. The first node is connected to the receiver, the second node is connected to the transmitter, and the control node is connected to the output of the inverter.

Abstract: A method of mixing viscous fluids is disclosed. The method comprises rotating a mixing apparatus (20) in a container (42) of fluid (44). The mixing apparatus comprises a cage (21) located at the end of the shaft (22). The cage (21) comprises a central circular disc (24) with an outer edge (43) and top (38) and bottom (40) sides. A number of vanes (26) extending from each side of the disc (24), the vanes (26) spacedly located near the outer edge of the plate. The free ends of the vanes (26) are connected by a hoop (38,40) to maintain their spaced relationship.

Abstract: Two reference voltages and two differential receivers are used to detect low-to-high and high-to-low transitions on an input signal and set a received signal output. One reference voltage is set near but under the electrical high voltage level and the other is set near but above the electrical low voltage level. The reference voltage that is closest to the input signal is designated as the active reference voltage. When the input signal crosses the active reference voltage digital value of the received signal output is changed. When the input signal then crosses the inactive reference voltage, the inactive reference voltage is made the active reference voltage. A dead-time is then waited where input signal crossings of the active reference voltage are ignored. After the dead-time, input signal crossings of the active reference voltage will change the received signal output.

Abstract: A circuit is provided to provide instruction streams to a processing device: embodiments of the circuit are appropriate for use with RISC CPUs, whereas other embodiments are useable with other processing devices, such as small processing devices used in a field programmable array. The circuit receives an external instruction stream which provides a first set of instruction values, and has a memory which contains a second set of instruction values. Two or more outputs provide instruction streams to the processing device. The circuit has a control input in the form of a mask which causes a selection means to allocate bits from the first and second sets of instruction values to different instruction streams to the processing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method implemented by a programmed computer system for providing default protection associated with a protection agreement between a protection provider and a participant in a deferred compensation plan, wherein the default protection is on an unsecured general obligation of a party sponsoring the deferred compensation plan arising from the participant's election to defer at least a portion of participant's compensation.

Abstract: A differential assembly having first structure, which is configured to rotate along a differential axis in response to receipt of a rotational input, a second structure, which is supported for rotation on the differential axis, a third structure which is support for rotation on the differential axis and disposed between the first and second structures and operable in an engaged condition that transmits torque between the first and second structures and a disengaged condition that inhibits torque transmission between the first and second structures, a differential gear set, which is coupled to and rotatably supported within the second structure, and a biasing mechanism, which biases the third structure in the disengaged condition. The third structure is placed in the engaged condition if a torsional magnitude of the rotational input exceeds a rotational force exerted through the differential gear set. A vehicle drive train is also provided.

Abstract: A virtual filesystem for allowing a large number of data files to be created, deleted, and rearranged by a peripheral device incorporating the filesystem without requiring the host computer system to delete and rebuild its cache and other file system tables. Since the directory hierarchy of the virtual filesystem is predefined, data blocks in the directory and file allocation table regions of the filesystem's filespace do not need to be prestored in memory, but rather are calculable at the time a data block read request is processed by the virtual filesystem. Since the specific location in the filesystem of a file is determined only at the time that one of a set of lowest-level directories which contains the file is accessed, host caching problems can be avoided by predefining a large number of files in the filesystem and avoiding reuse of any previously-used file.

Abstract: A kit for obtaining an endoarterial biopsy sample from a patient comprising: (i) packaging material enclosing one or more kit components; (ii) wherein the kit components comprise one or more of the following: a) an endoarterial biopsy catheter; b) Percutaneous Access Needle; c) Short Introducer Sheath with Dilator & Guidewire; d) Floppy Guidewire; e) Endhole Catheter with inflation syringe; f) Stiff Guidewire; g) Flushing Syringes; h) Long Introducer Sheath with Dilator; i) Biopsy specimen removal tool; j) Biopsy Cassettes; k) Specimen Containers; l) Connective Tubing; m) Vacuum Gauges & Canisters; and, n) Vacuum pump.

Abstract: A data bus for a printed circuit board is disclosed having a plurality of lines separated by a substrate. A method is also disclosed for creating a bus with a reduced reflection of signal energy at the interface between the bus and a receiving agent connected to the bus. The lines in the bus include data lines and at least two strobe lines that are positioned adjacent each other to take advantage of the known impedance inherent to their dominant coupling. The bus includes separate data-line terminations and strobe-line terminations connected to the data lines and strobe lines, respectively. The separate terminations have values matched to impedances calculated from the separate sets of lines to more effectively reduce the reflected energy by more accurately matching the impedances on the lines.

Abstract: A circuit is provided to provide instruction streams to a processing device: embodiments of the circuit are appropriate for use with RISC CPUs, whereas other embodiments are useable with other processing devices, such as small processing devices used in a field programmable array. The circuit receives an external instruction stream which provides a first set of instruction values, and has a memory which contains a second set of instruction values. Two or more outputs provide instruction streams to the processing device. The circuit has a control input in the form of a mask which causes a selection means to allocate bits from the first and second sets of instruction values to different instruction streams to the processing device.

Abstract: A variant on the ‘One Time Pad’ cipher is used to provide an encrypted link between two or more stations. The main feature of this variant is the use of a unique and easily created Pseudo-Random Number Sequence segment not having any internal repeats. At one station, a mixing function is used to combine a locally created stream of truly random bytes with a portion of this unique PRNS segment, yielding a fresh stream of truly random data. This freshly created stream of truly random data is operated on in such a way as to create a new and unique PRNS element set which is used to control the functioning of a PRNS generator. The PRNS generator is used to create a new and unique PRNS segment which has a repeat period much longer than the length of the PRNS element set used to create it. It is then useful to treat the PRNS element set as a message and transfer it across the encrypted link to other stations.

Abstract: A differential assembly having first structure, which is configured to rotate along a differential axis in response to receipt of a rotational input, a second structure, which is supported for rotation on the differential axis, a third structure which is support for rotation on the differential axis and disposed between the first and second structures and operable in an engaged condition that transmits torque between the first and second structures and a disengaged condition that inhibits torque transmission between the first and second structures, a differential gear set, which is coupled to and rotatably supported within the second structure, and a biasing mechanism, which biases the third structure in the disengaged condition. The third structure is placed in the engaged condition if a torsional magnitude of the rotational input exceeds a rotational force exerted through the differential gear set. A vehicle drive train is also provided.

Abstract: A method of mixing viscous fluids is disclosed. The method comprises rotating a mixing apparatus (20) in a container (42) of fluid (44). The mixing apparatus comprises a cage (21) located at the end of the shaft (22). The cage (21) comprises a central circular disc (24) with an outer edge (43) and top (38) and bottom (40) sides. A number of vanes (26) extending from each side of the disc (24), the vanes (26) spacedly located near the outer edge of the plate. The free ends of the vanes (26) are connected by a hoop (38,40) to maintain their spaced relationship.

Abstract: Emitters for locating an item or person who as in some way become separated from their expected location are provided. The emitters of the present invention comprise a power source, a light emitting means, and a radiowave emitting means, the light emitting means comprising a first and second electrode, a dielectric material and an electroluminescent material being provided between the first and second electrodes, the radiowave emitting means comprising an antenna. The antenna may comprise the first and/or second electrode. The emitter may be a separate unit or may be part of or attached to an item such as a survival suit, a waterproof suit, a wet suit, a dry suit, a diving suit, a coat, a waterproof coat, a harness, a buoyancy item or aid, a life jacket, a life raft, a lifeboat, a floatation aid, a life belt, etc.