Abstract: This invention is an ultra-low frequency electromagnetic telemetry receiver which fuses multiple input receive sources to synthesize a decodable message packet from a noise corrupted telemetry message string. Each block of telemetry data to be sent to the surface receiver from a borehole tool is digitally encoded into a data packet prior to transmission. The data packet is modulated onto the ULF EM carrier wave and transmitted from the borehole to the surface and then are simultaneously detected by multiple receive sensors disbursed within the rig environment. The receive sensors include, but are not limited to, electric field and magnetic field sensors. The spacing of the surface receive elements is such that noise generators are unequally coupled to each receive element due to proximity and/or noise generator type (i.e. electric or magnetic field generators).

Abstract: A system for determining a reagent solution quality indicator includes a reagent solution source for supplying the reagent solution to an emissions catalyst configured to receive a NOx-containing gas therethrough, means for determining a flow rate of NOx reduced from the gas by the catalyst, means for determining a flow rate of the reagent solution into the catalyst, and a control circuit determining the reagent solution quality indicator as a function of the NOx flow rate and the reagent solution flow rate. The system may additionally be configured to diagnose reagent solution quality by configuring the control circuit to monitor the reagent solution quality indicator over time and produce a fault value if the reagent solution quality indicator crosses a reagent quality indicator threshold, and to diagnose the catalyst by producing another fault value if the catalyst capacity point falls outside of a catalyst capacity point threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides an echo reduction apparatus, system, and method that advantageously reduces echo when communicating over packet-switched networks. An echo reduction apparatus, including echo reduction circuit, operably couples a headset or handset device to an audio source that is capable of transmitting a sound signal. The echo reduction circuit receives the sound signal from the audio source and a transmit signal from the headset or handset device and provides an adjusted sound signal to the audio source. Advantageously, a variety of headsets and handsets may be used in accordance with the present invention with reduced caller echo and without the need to purchase new headsets or handsets.

Abstract: A space occupying device for deployment within a patient's stomach and methods of deploying and removing the device. The device includes an expandable member and fasteners, such as sutures, that extend to least partially through the patient's stomach wall, and that anchor the device with the patient's stomach. The device can be deployed and/or removed through transesophageal approaches and/or through a combination of transesophageal and transabdominal approaches.

Abstract: An improved drive circuit is provided for a DC motor. The drive circuit includes: a DC power source; a relay having a normally open contact and a normally closed contact; a DC motor electrically connected through the normally open contact of the relay to the power source; and a discharge circuit connected in parallel to the DC motor. More specifically, the discharge circuit is coupled to the normally closed contact of the relay and operable to inhibit current flow from the DC motor until the relay has settled in a closed position.

Abstract: Novel genetic variants of the Fc Fragment Of Ige, High Affinity I, Receptor For; Alpha Polypeptide (FCER1A) gene are described. Various genotypes, haplotypes, and haplotype pairs that exist in the general United States population are disclosed for the FCER1A gene. Compositions and methods for haplotyping and/or genotyping the FCER1A gene in an individual are also disclosed. Polynucleotides defined by the haplotypes disclosed herein are also described.

Abstract: Methods, computer program(s) and database(s) to analyze and make use of gene haplotype information. These include methods, program, and database to find and measure the frequency of haplotypes in the general population; methods, program, and database to find correlation's between an individual's haplotypes or genotypes and a clinical outcome; methods, program, and database to predict an individual's haplotypes from the individual's gen type for a gene; and methods, program, and database to predict an individual's clinical response to a treatment based on the individual's genotype or haplotype.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is an amplifier (10), comprising an input stage amplifier (20) coupled to an output node (81). The amplifier (10) further comprises a class D output stage (50), which comprises at least two switching elements (P1, N1) and coupled to the output node (81). The amplifier (10) also comprises a control circuit (40) coupled to the output stage (50). The control circuit (40) is operable to produce a tri-state output of the output stage (50) in response to a sensed value proportional to an amount of current that flows to the output node (81).

Abstract: Packaging apparatus is provided for packaging a flexible photoconductive belt loop to prevent light from shocking the flexible photoconductive belt loop during shipping and during loading into an image reproduction machine. The packaging apparatus includes (a) a cut sheet of light occluding and protective flexible member for wrapping over the flexible photoconductive belt loop. The cut sheet has a length L2 including a first end, a second end, and (iv) at least one loop tacking aperture formed through a second end portion thereof. The packaging apparatus also includes a first adhesive tape member applied over the second end portion, through the at least one loop tacking aperture, and onto a first end portion. The packaging apparatus further includes a plurality of packaging cores, and a second adhesive tape member applied over the second end and over a portion of the main body portion.

Abstract: A method for grouting a decommissioned nuclear reactor containing residual water. A first, water-absorbent grout is used to grout the bottom portion of the reactor vessel. The water-absorbent grout is formed of cement and a water-absorbent particulate material, such as expanded perlite, exfoliated vermiculite or granulated bentonite. Excess water is absorbed by the particulate material, so that the residual water is incorporated in the fill material when it sets. A set retarder may be included to extend the time for uptake of residual water by the particulate material. Foam may also be included to reduce density and increase pumpability. The remaining, upper portion of the reactor vessel is grouted using lightweight cellular cement grout, lacking the water-absorbent particulate material, so that total weight of the fill remains low enough that the grouted vessel can be removed using the facility's installed crane system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated active fragments of a hypersensitive response elicitor protein or polypeptide which fragment does not elicit a hypersensitive response in plants. Also disclosed are isolated DNA molecules which encode such fragments. Isolated fragments of hypersensitive response elicitor proteins or polypeptides in accordance with the present invention and the isolated DNA molecules that encode them have the following activities: imparting disease resistance to plants, enhancing plant growth, and/or controlling insects on plants. This can be achieved by applying the fragments of a hypersensitive response elicitor in a non-infectious form to plants or plant seeds under conditions effective to impart disease resistance, to enhance plant growth, and/or to control insects on plants or plants grown from the plant seeds.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a percutaneous vasectomy comprises first and second members pivotably connected to one another and movable between a closed condition and an open condition. Each of the first and second members has oppositely disposed first and second ends. Each of the first ends includes a handle portion. Each of the second ends includes an arcuate first portion and a second portion that has a semi-annular section. Each of the arcuate first portions terminates at a pointed tip for piercing through skin. The first portion of the first member and the first portion of the second member abut one another in the closed condition to form a unified tip. The semi-annular section of the second portion of the first member and the semi-annular section of the second portion of the second member abut one another in the closed condition to form a ring for encircling and isolating a structure.

Abstract: A packaging machine and method are provided for wrapping, folding and taping a flexible photoconductive belt loop to prevent light from shocking such photoconductive belt loop during shipping and during loading into a machine.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is an amplifier (10), comprising an input stage amplifier (20) coupled to an output node (81). The amplifier (10) further comprises a class D output stage (50), which comprises at least two switching elements (P1, N1) and coupled to the output node (81). The amplifier (10) also comprises a control circuit (40) coupled to the output stage (50). The control circuit (40) is operable to produce a tri-state output of the output stage (50) in response to a sensed value proportional to an amount of current that flows to the output node (81).

Abstract: An improved drive circuit is provided for a DC motor. The drive circuit includes: a DC power source; a relay having a normally open contact and a normally closed contact; a DC motor electrically connected through the normally open contact of the relay to the power source; and a discharge circuit connected in parallel to the DC motor. More specifically, the discharge circuit is coupled to the normally closed contact of the relay and operable to inhibit current flow from the DC motor until the relay has settled in a closed position.