Abstract: A rotating inner member is used to drive operation of a retrieval tool connected to a dual-member drill string. The retrieval tool preferably has a gripping assembly adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member. In a preferred embodiment, an electric actuator assembly operates the gripping assembly of the retrieval tool. In another preferred embodiment, the gripping assembly of the retrieval tool is mechanically operated by a screw driven cam assembly. In yet another embodiment, the retrieval tool is adapted to grip both the inside and outside of the object to be retrieved.

Abstract: A high availability, high reliability storage system that leverages rapid advances in commodity computing devices and the robust nature of internetwork technology such as the Internet. A system of parity distribution in accordance with the present invention allows for greater fault tolerance and levels of storage efficiency than possible with conventional RAID (levels 0-5) paradigms. Data can be recovered or made available even in the case of loss of N, N+1, or more devices or storage elements over which stripes of the data set have been distributed or partitioned.

Abstract: A passage structure for PEM fuel cells is configured locally differently in order to adapt the flow of gas on the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Starting from the cathode entry port, the active gas volumetric flow per unit area on the MEA is locally varied by changing the number and/or cross section of the gas-carrying passages, so that the flow decreases toward the cathode exit port. Suitable configuration of the passage structure according to the invention allows the steam partial pressure to be optimally matched to the local conditions. The mass conversion is improved in these regions as a result without the electrolyte's drying out. At locations in the flowfield with a low gas humidity, the measures according to the invention (increased number of passages or passage width) significantly reduce the flow velocity. As a result, the transfer of water from the MEA to the gas flow is reduced and drying of the MEA is diminished.

Abstract: A framework for connectivity verification is provided. The framework includes a connectivity verification server performing unattended connectivity verification, and a connectivity verification application, both the connectivity verification server and connectivity verification application operating in a network management context. Connectivity verification jobs are defined via the connectivity verification application and the connectivity verification server is configured accordingly. Connectivity verification jobs can also be scheduled. The connectivity verification application also provides a display of connectivity verification results. The results of each connectivity verification job may be compared against a desired connectivity profile and deviations from the connectivity profile being used to raise alarms.

Abstract: A ground shield structure is suitable for use in a circuit structure. The ground shield structure has a plurality of ground cells that are arranged on a ground plane periodically, compactly and complementarily. The slots between the ground cells are used to reduce the eddy current generated on the ground shield structure. The ground shield structure increases the slow-wave factor to slow the waves so that the area of the circuit layout can be decreased. Besides, the ground shield structure can reduce the energy loss of the inner circuit of the circuit structure and can increase the quantities of inductance and capacitance in per unit area thereon.

Abstract: A system transfers data via a communication session between a client application and a server application, where the client application runs on a first network and the server application runs on a second network. The system includes a proxy having a socket to the client application. The proxy converts data between a local protocol run on the first network to a non-local protocol. An agent creates a socket to the server application. The agent converts data between a local protocol run on the second network and the non-local protocol. A server is in communication with the proxy and the agent. The server contains a message queue dedicated to the communication session. The message queue stores data transmitted during the communication session.

Abstract: The manufacturing method for an electroceramic component (1), for example a varistor (1), comprises a laser irradiation of a part (5; 6) of the surface of an electroceramic body (2) before a metallization (3; 4) is applied to the part (5; 6) of the surface. By means of the laser irradiation it is possible to produce a micro-roughness and/or a chemical modification of the surface which permits good adhesion of the metallization, and it is possible to reduce or eliminate areas of unevenness or waviness of that part (5; 6) of the surface of the electroceramic body (2) which is to be metallized. In addition, improved transverse conductivity can be produced, by virtue of which a low contact resistance and a very homogeneous current distribution is achieved, in particular near to the metallization (3; 4). In addition it is possible to remove residues which originate in particular from a sinter support or from the application of a passivation layer.

Abstract: The selection of the dead time in the case of a half-bridge inverter influences the efficiency thereof. The optimal dead time, and thus the optimal switching-on time of a lower half-bridge transistor (T2) is accomplished according to the invention by virtue of the fact that switching on is delayed until the current in a level shift transistor (T3) has dropped below a given threshold. A further aspect of the invention consists in that the delay in switching on the lower half-bridge transistor (T2) is immediately suppressed whenever a charging current flows in a trapezoidal capacitor, and this is accompanied by the rise of the half-bridge output voltage (UHB) after the traversal of a minimum.

Abstract: A bonded monostrand post-tension system including an anchor having a tubular extension extending therefrom, a duct having an interior passageway formed therein, a coupler having a one end affixed to the tubular extension of the anchor and another end affixed to the duct, and a single tendon secured to the anchor and extending through the duct and the coupler. The coupler has a first internal thread at one end thereof and a second internal thread at an opposite end thereof. The internal threads are in interference-fit relationship with unthreaded surfaces of the duct and the tubular extension of the anchor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the inventor provides a method, comprising automatically capturing a first screen shot of an active application; saving the first screen shot in a directory from which a server attempts to retrieve downloadable files for a network; automatically generating a code to create a web page, wherein the code contains a reference to the first screen shot; and publishing the web page.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laser-assisted fault mapping which synchronizes the laser control with the tester unit. The inventive method provides for laser-assisted pseudo-static fault mapping to localize defects in a device whose inputs are being stimulated dynamically by a tester. It further provides for laser-assisted dynamic soft error mapping, to localize in terms of location and to correlate with respect to a specific test vector, sensitive areas in a device by utilizing device performance criteria such as pass-fail status outputs. The apparatus includes a fully controllable dynamic laser stimulation apparatus connected to a control unit that provides complete synchronization with a tester unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for the mounting of semiconductor chips comprises a bondhead with a pick-up tool with a longitudinal drill hole to which vacuum can be applied for the gripping and transport of a semiconductor chip. To detect whether the pick-up tool has gripped the semiconductor chip, a body with a reflecting surface is arranged in the longitudinal drill hole of the pick-up tool which, when passing over the light source on absence of the semiconductor chip deflects light shining from underneath into the longitudinal drill hole of the pick-up tool into a horizontal plane. The pick-up tool has locations which are pervious to the deflected light of the light source. At least one optical element is arranged on the bondhead which concentrates at least part of the deflected light emerging laterally from the pick-up tool onto a photosensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powdery dye composition consisting essentially of C.I. Pigment Red 170 (C.I. No. 12475) and barium sulfate, said barium sulfate being added before or during the production process of the C.I. Pigment Red 170. The inventive addition of barium sulfate enables non-homogeneities and caking to be avoided in the mixer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for introducing an alkane to a plant in order to stimulate the plant's growth. Any type of plant may be treated, including potted plants, shrubs, trees, lawns, agricultural crops and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the alkane comprises butane, but other compounds can be used, including methane, ethane and propane. The alkane may be combined with water or another liquid carrier, or plant growth-enhancing additives such as nutrients, insecticides and alkane-utilizing bacteria. To induce aerobic conditions, oxygen-containing gas such as air may be introduced along with the alkane or separately from the alkane. The introduction of alkane may enhance plant growth by increasing the indigenous microbial populations in soil, e.g. bacteria, fungi, protists, and prokaryotes, which may provide benefits such as increased nutrient uptake, faster root development, and reduced heat, drought and cold stress, resulting in enhanced plant growth.

Abstract: A semiconductor package is provided with an internal package formed in the cavity of the external leadless leadframe package (LLP). The internal package is a leadless leadframe package and provides a substrate for mounting one or more die and passive devices to form the external LLP. By arranging the die and passive components on the internal package, higher chip density and a smaller form factor may be achieved.

Abstract: An imaging device, including a reader adapted to receive a removable memory device, the reader having an opening through which to receive the removable memory device; and a static discharge device disposed proximate the opening such that the removable memory contacts the static discharge device prior to being received through the opening, the static discharge device being electrically grounded.

Abstract: A spray apparatus for coating material, in particular for coating powders, contains a spray outlet (4) spraying the coating material, a shaping air outlet (10) in the form of a plurality of holes (14) shaping the spray jet (8) and an ambient-air passage (50) radially configured between the spray outlet (4) and the holes (14) to aspirate ambient air by means of the flow suction effect of the spray jet (8) and/or of the shaping air flow (11).

Abstract: A process for making a freezably stable emulsion based food salad. A freezing point depression agent, such as propylene glycol, is added to a water component of the emulsion to prevent the formation of ice crystals during freezing of the non-aqueous salad components and to prevent oil separation upon thawing. A hardenable oil such as partially hydrogenated soybean oil, provides an elevated emulsion melt point. Microbial control is maintained during processing by oxygenating the water component. The frozen food salad may be-containerized for shipping or used as a frozen sandwich filling.

Abstract: A method for acquiring customers for meter licenses for PC postage. The method includes the steps of a meter vendor obtaining a first meter license from the Post for a first meter; loaning the use of a first meter licensed in the customer's zip code to a customer; requesting a second meter license for the customer; initializing the first meter for use by the customer; and transferring the first meter to the Customer's meter license when the second meter license is received. Alternatively, when the second meter license is received a second meter is assigned to the customer and the first meter is reassigned to the meter vendor.