Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing production of a composite part. A three dimensional digital part definition is received for the composite part. A plurality of layers for the composite part is generated using the digital part definition with respect to a set of performance variables for an automated material placement system. A time needed to form the plurality of layers for the composite part to form a result and a cost ratio of production rate are identified. Production of the composite part is managed using the result.

Abstract: An extendable edge reference tool is disclosed. A first segment having a extending end and a receptacle end is provided. The receptacle end includes a coupling mechanism for joining a second segment using an over-center locking force to secure said second segment to said first segment. This tool provides for a useful continuous reference edge over extended distances through adjoining segments. Each segment is suitably compact to be easy stowed. The segments are useful individually. The segments can be joined to extend tool to lengths useful in common construction tasks.

Abstract: Disclosed are cyanine dyes that are useful for labelling and detecting biological and other materials. The dyes are of formula (I): in which at least one of groups R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10 R11, R12, R13 and R14 is -L-M or -L-P, where L is a linking group, M is a target bonding group and P is a conjugated component, and at least one of groups R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R19 comprises fluorine. The use of cyanine dyes substituted by fluorine and having additional substitution with three or more sulphonic acid groups for labelling biological target molecules results in a labelled product in which there is reduced dye-dye aggregation and improved photostability, compared with cyanine dyes having no such substitutions.

Abstract: Disclosed are cyanine dyes that are useful for labelling and detecting biological and other materials. The dyes are of formula (I): in which at least one of groups R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10 R11, R12, R13 and R14 is -L-M or -L-P, where L is a linking group, M is a target bonding group and P is a conjugated component, and at least one of groups R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 comprises fluorine. The use of cyanine dyes substituted by fluorine and having additional substitution with three or more sulphonic acid groups for labelling biological target molecules results in a labelled product in which there is reduced dye-dye aggregation and improved photostability, compared with cyanine dyes having no such substitutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved conjugates of biological molecules with an improved class of water-soluble, green to near infra-red (NIR) cyanine labelling dyes. The dyes are asymmetric fluoro-substituted polymethines, and exhibit a high degree of photostability and reduced dye-dye quenching, as well as a high fluorescence quantum yield. The conjugates are useful for in vivo optical imaging, as well as fluorescence detection methods. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the conjugates, kits for the preparation of such compositions, and methods of in vivo imaging using the conjugates.

Abstract: A steam turbine rotor is provided. The rotor includes at least one bearing section coupled axially to a steampath section comprising at least one end, said at least one end further comprising a flange and a bore, said flange and said bore configured to be coupled to the at least bearing section.

Abstract: A medical safety device is provided and includes a needle hub having a needle supported thereon; and a safety shield operatively mounted on the needle hub. The safety shield includes a pair of spaced legs and a foot member. Each proximal segment includes a camming surface. The safety shield further includes a trigger supported on the foot member. The trigger includes a camming member and is movable to move the camming member into engagement with the camming surfaces of the proximal segments to effect movement of the legs from a first position in which the distal ends of the distal segments shield a distal end of the needle to a second position in which the distal end of the needle is at least partially exposed. The trigger is removably secured to the foot member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing production of a composite part. A three dimensional digital part definition is received for the composite part. A plurality of layers for the composite part is generated using the digital part definition with respect to a set of performance variables for an automated material placement system. A time needed to form the plurality of layers for the composite part to form a result and a cost ratio of production rate are identified. Production of the composite part is managed using the result.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of operating an engine and, particularly to a method of determining the pressure of a working gas within a Stirling engine of a domestic combined heat and power unit relative to a pre-defined pressure. The present invention provides a method of determining the pressure of a gas within an engine relative to a pre-defined pressure of the gas, comprising measuring the power factor of electricity generated by the engine, comparing the measured power factor with a power factor determined to correspond to the power factor of electricity generated by the engine when operating at the pre-defined pressure and determining whether the measured power factor is less than the determined power factor. Variations in measured power factors may also be used to indicate faults in the engine.

Abstract: A method for copying objects smaller than a background defined by a scanner of an apparatus includes scanning a plurality of objects to acquire image data associated with the plurality of objects and the background; cropping the image data to remove object data for each object of the plurality of objects from the background; determining a size associated with each object of the plurality of objects, based on the object data; and formatting a page to produce a compact arrangement of multiple objects of the plurality of objects on the page, the page receiving the multiple objects in accordance with the size.

Abstract: A method for detecting rubbing between components in a steam turbine, the method includes: sensing a temperature at a plurality of locations on a casing of the steam turbine; comparing the sensed temperatures of the plurality of locations; detecting the rubbing between the components if one of the plurality of locations has a higher sensed temperature than the sensed temperature at the other plurality of locations, and reporting the rub as being at a location near the one of the plurality of locations having the higher sensed temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound of formula (1): in which R1 and R2 each independently represent a C1-6alkyl, C3-6alkenyl, C3-6cycloalkylC1-3alkyl or C3-6cycloalkyl; each of which is optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms; R3 is isoxazolidin-2-ylcarbonyl or tetrahydroisoxazin-2-ylcarbonyl wherein each ring is optionally substituted by one hydroxy group; Q is —CO— or —C(R4)(R5)— in which R4 is a hydrogen atom or C1-4alkyl and R5 is a hydrogen atom or hydroxy group; and Ar is a 5- to 10-membered aromatic ring system in which up to 4 ring atoms may be heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, the ring system being optionally substituted by one or more substituents as defined in the specification. It also relates to methods of preparing, pharmaceutical compositions containing and methods of using the compound of the formula (1), particularly in the modulation of autoimmune disease.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite profile based on a thermoplastic organic material reinforced by reinforcing fibres includes making a multiplicity of continuous reinforcing yarns come into contact with a thermoplastic organic material and shaping the composite profile. Continuous yarns based on continuous glass fibres and on a first thermoplastic are brought together to be parallel and at least one consolidated tape is formed by heating them, in which tape the reinforcing fibres are impregnated with the first thermoplastic. The at least one tape is introduced into a die sized to the cross-section of the profile and at least one second molten thermoplastic organic material is simultaneously introduced into the die in contact with the tape, to obtain a profile of at least one second thermoplastic organic material reinforced by the at least one tape.

Abstract: A hand-held, low-flow dispenser comprises an enclosure holding a gas cartridge. A spring-biased needle is advanced to puncture a septum on the gas cartridge, and a separate spring-biased ball valve is used to turn the resulting gas flow off and on as well as to control the flow rate.

Abstract: A computer system for a rebate processing tool is provided. The computer system has a platform, at least one input device, and a central processing unit in communication with the platform and the at least one input device. The central processing unit is configured to receive, at a computer, a claim for one or more rebate programs and determine, by the computer, whether the claim satisfies one or more predetermined conditions. The central processing unit is also configured to approve the claim upon satisfaction of the predetermined conditions. The central processing unit is further configured to review the claim when at least one of the predetermined conditions is not satisfied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound of formula (1); wherein: R1 and R2 each independently represent a C1-6alkyl, C3-6 alkenyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl C1-3 alkyl or C3-6 cycloalkyl; each of which may be optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogen atoms; R3 is isoxyzolidin-2-ylcarbonyl or tetrahydroisoxazin-2-ylcarbonyl wherein each ring is optionally substituted by one hydroxy group; Q is CO— or C(R4)(R5)-(wherein R4 is a hydrogen atom or C1-4alkyl and R5 is a hydrogen atom or hydroxy group); Ar is a 5- to 10-membered aromatic ring system wherein up to 4 ring atoms may be heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, the ring system being optionally substituted by one or more substituents as defined in the specification.

Abstract: A multi-line chalk reel is disclosed that may be comprised of three or more line reels disposed in a polar arrangement of parallel but distinct rotation axes that has a single method for engaging and disengaging a single drive arrangement to any one spool. This arrangement provides a variety of advantages, including a package solution of useful dimensions and a low part count to minimize parts in assembly. The single drive arrangement reduces cost, and provides for convenient access to individual spools.

Abstract: A printer that stores a minimal number of unadjusted stochastic threshold arrays in non-volatile memory, in which the unadjusted threshold arrays are used to generate adjusted threshold arrays at run time by use of special parameterized transfer functions. The unadjusted array for a particular color is stored in the printer's ROM and preferably is stored in a packed configuration to save memory space. The parameterized transfer functions are used to convert the unadjusted threshold data into adjusted threshold data for each color and type of print media. These parameterized transfer functions are stored in the printer's non-volatile memory, and take up very little memory space. In a preferred embodiment, the unadjusted threshold array comprises a 128 row by 128 column sized array, and each element of this array comprises a 10-bit number. When a parameterized transfer function is applied to this unadjusted array, the resulting numeric values for the adjusted array elements are produced as 8-bit numeric values.

Abstract: A base station for mobile telecommunications comprises a main body and an antenna assembly mounted in a position at a distance from the main body. The antenna assembly comprises at least one antenna for transmission to and reception of signals from mobile user terminals. The antenna assembly further comprises a receiver for determining position from satellite signals so as to determine the location of the antenna assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to thienopyridazinones of formula (I): wherein: R1 is C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl or C3-6 cycloalkyl which is optionally substituted by C1-6 alkyl, each of the above being optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms; R2 is C1-6 alkyl; R3 is a group CO—G or SO2—G where G is a 5- or 6-membered ring containing a nitrogen atom and a second heteroatom selected from oxygen and sulphur adjacent to the nitrogen, and optionally substituted by up to 3 groups selected from hydroxyl and C1-4 alkyl; Q is CR5R6 where R5 and R6 are as defined in the specification; and R4 is a 5- to 10-membered mono- or bi-cyclic aromatic ring system, containing 0 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, the ring system being optionally substituted as described in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof.