Abstract: A system and method to modify avatar characteristics and, in particular, to modify avatar characteristics based on inferred conditions. The system comprises a collection engine configured to collect one or more inputs and at least one rule set. The system also comprises an emotion engine configured to accept the one or more inputs and operate on the at least one rule set by comparing the one or more inputs to the at least one rule set, the emotion engine configured to modify at least one characteristic of a user participating in a virtual universe when the comparing produces a match.

Abstract: A system for selecting, managing, sharing and displaying content data files in a manner that takes into the account the contextual significance of said content data files to a narrative, an author(s) and an audience. A system that is able to place an absolute and relative value upon the significance of a media object is able to assist in stimulating the recollection of the author and audience, thus making every aspect more memorable and enhancing by improving the ease of use and the quality of the final result of the use of the system of this invention.

Abstract: Icing coated shelf stable high fiber toaster pastry product or packaged consumer food articles are provided as well as their methods of preparation comprising high levels of a soluble fiber ingredient partitioned between the shell, filling and the icing. The present articles comprise an homogeneous baked chemically leavened soluble fiber fortified pastry dough planar shell forming an interior. The fiber fortified dough includes whole grain wheat flour; salt, chemical leavening, shortening, and ?1-15% added solid powdered polydextrose and in amounts sufficient to provide a total fiber content of the dough of at least 5%. At least a portion of the chemical leavening is provided by ammonium carbonate and in amounts sufficient to provide the dough with a specific baked volume of 1.5 cc/g or greater. The filling includes a liquid soluble fiber ingredient such as polydextrose. The articles are equivalent to conventional toaster pastries in eating qualities notwithstanding their high levels of total fiber.

Abstract: A squeegee blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5 and 42 weight percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than about 25 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a squeegee blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides process for the production of opiate alkaloids. In particular, the present invention provides processes for the production of buprenorphine or a derivative of buprenorphine that minimizes the formation of impurities.

Abstract: A system for selecting, managing, sharing and displaying content data files in a manner that takes into account the contextual significance of said content data files to a narrative, an author(s) and an audience. A system that is able to place an absolute and relative value upon the significance of a media object is able to assist in stimulating the recollection of the author and audience, thus making every aspect more memorable and enhancing by improving the ease of use and the quality of the final result of the use of the system of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for the production of opiate alkaloids. In particular, the present invention provides processes for recycling impurities into useful intermediates during the synthesis of opiate alkaloids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing information during content breakpoints in a virtual universe. The system comprises a placement engine configured to detect a content breakpoint within a virtual universe, which is defined as at least one of a login process, a logoff process, a teleportation, a wait state, and during any point where a user changes information streams in the virtual universe. The system also comprises an insertion resolution engine configured to create a list of prioritized information to present to a user within the virtual universe and an information definition engine configured to present the prioritized information to the user of the virtual universe during the content breakpoint.

Abstract: Trench isolation structures and methods to form same for use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices are described. The trench isolation structures are formed using several processing schemes that utilize disclosed dry etching processes to form a significant depth ? between an array trench depth and a periphery trench depth. One etching method creates a trench delta depth utilizing a single dry etch step, while two other etching methods create a trench ? depth by utilizing three dry etch steps.

Abstract: A system for of aligning a mask to a substrate comprising: a fixture for holding the mask and the substrate in fixed positions relative to each other; means for holding the substrate, the means for holding the substrate protruding through openings in a table and the fixture, the means for holding fixedly mounted on a stage, the stage moveable in first and second directions and rotatable about an axis relative to the table; means for affixing the fixture containing the mask and the substrate to the table; means for controlling the means for temporarily affixing so as to generate a uniform force around a perimeter of the fixture to effectuate the temporarily affixing; means for aligning the mask to the substrate, the means for aligning controlling movement of the stage in the first and second directions and rotation about the axis; and means for fastening the fixture together.

Abstract: A motor includes a first layer including a first circular conductive winding having a first center portion and mounted to a first plurality of dowel rods connected to the first center portion of the first winding, a second layer including a center-piece element, a spindle, and an outside drive element, the outside drive element including at least one magnet, and a third layer including a second circular conductive winding having a second center portion and mounted to a second plurality of dowel rods connected to the second center portion of the second winding.

Abstract: A method of providing an image on a media having a image-receiving layer and a protective overlayer, comprising the steps of providing an image on the image-receiving and providing machine-readable indicia on said protective overlayer by varying the temperature of a thermal head used to apply the protective overlayer.

Abstract: Inhibiting formation of optical artifacts in a multi-layer film polarizer of an optical imaging assembly that includes a polarizing beam splitter. The beam splitter may include a multilayer reflective polarizing film having at least two materials, one of which may exhibit birefringence after uniaxial orientation; an adhesive disposed on the multilayer reflective polarizing film; and at least a first prism disposed on the adhesive. The adhesive may include a plasticizer for inhibiting formation of optical artifacts in the polarizing film.

Abstract: A buy order is received with a limit price that is above a published best offer, and represented in the auction market. If the buy order is not immediately executed, it is quoted at a minimum variation better than a published best bid, and the price of the quoted buy order becomes the published best bid. Alternatively, a sell order is received with a limit price that is below a published best bid, and represented in the auction market. If the sell order is not immediately executed, it is quoted at a minimum variation better than a published best offer, and the price of the quoted sell order becomes the published best offer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stacked module is disclosed and in particular a micro solid state device (MSSD).

Abstract: The lowest trade price for a security within a predetermined period of time is determined, and a momentum liquidity replenishment price is determined by adding the greater of a predetermined price or a predetermined percentage of the last trade price to the lowest trade price for the security for the security within the predetermined period of time. In a similar fashion, another momentum liquidity replenishment price is determined from the highest trading price of the security within predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A pump for use in a filtration process for a deep fryer is disclosed. The pump includes a drive shaft linked to a motor or motor drive shaft. The drive shaft passes through a seal assembly before passing into the pump chamber. The seal includes an outer seal housing that accommodates a lip seal. The lip seal is fabricated from PTFE. A combination oil filtration and supply system for a deep fryer is also disclosed that includes a motor linked to the drive shaft. The drive shaft passes through a supply pump and a filter/return pump. The supply pump includes an inlet in communication with a fresh oil reservoir and an outlet in communication with the filter/return pump. The filter/return pump includes an inlet in each communication with an oil filtration system and an outlet in communication with the outlet of the supply pump and an inlet to an oil distribution network. The oil distribution network includes a plurality of outlets, each in communication with an inlet of a vat.

Abstract: This present invention provides users with secure transparent electronic communication, allowing them to send and receive encrypted and/or signed messages with little or no user involvement. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a user with e-mail security via automated hierarchical techniques for transparently sending and receiving secure messages, and lowers the burden on administrators. Such a system can also manage cryptographic keys and certificates for the users, and creates such keys and certificates for the users when necessary. A server according to the present invention can intercept unsecured messages from a user, automatically transform those messages into secured messages, and transmit those secure messages to the intended recipients. The server can also automatically transform messages after the recipient sends a digital identity to the server and downloads the software necessary for transforming the secured messages back into readable messages (i.e.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for increasing the effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for digital light valve image projectors using a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM), associated with the projector optics, for modifying the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module (ALCM) for receiving signals from the video input board, the adaptive luminance control module producing a signal on a VLCM bus connecting the variable luminance control mechanism and the adaptive luminance control module, the signal causing the variable luminance control mechanism to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal for the projector.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation that is effective in adversely affecting the viability of microorganisms or in inhibiting their growth and that provides better safety and/or comfort to the users comprises a polysaccharide, a source of hydrogen peroxide, and an anti-oxidant. The formulation can further comprise a chelating agent and/or an ophthalmically active agent for treating or controlling a disease or disorder of the eye. The formulation may be used to treat, clean, disinfect, store, wet, or rewet contact lenses.