Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the conversion of thebaine to a morphine derivative, such as hydrocodone. Novel ketal intermediates of the conversion are provided. A one-pot procedure for the conversion comprises treating thebaine with an acid in the presence of a metal catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water gun system comprising: a water reservoir, where the water reservoir includes pressurized air; a rechargeable battery, where the rechargeable battery supplies power to the pressurizing mechanism for the reservoir; an air intake valve, where the air intake that pulls air into the reservoir; a fill cap, where the fill cap for inserting water into the reservoir; and a water tube, where the water tube extends from the reservoir and includes a connector that attaches to a water gun. The reservoir further includes a power switch. An air pressure hose transmits pressurized into air within the reservoir. The water gun system may be assembled in a backpack form and includes at least one strap to enable a user to strap the backpack onto the user's back.

Abstract: A method and system for in-place sorting S sequences of binary bits stored contiguously in an array within a memory device of a computer system prior to the sorting. Each sequence includes contiguous fields of bits. Program code is executed at each node of a linked execution structure in a hierarchical sequence. Each node includes a segment of the array. Executing program code at each node includes: identifying R sequences of the S sequences at each node; ascertaining a mask width W that is specific to each node and is a function of R; dividing the R sequences of the node into G groups of sequences based on a mask field having the mask width W, wherein G=2W; and in-place rearranging the R sequences, wherein the rearranging results in each group including only those sequences having the unique mask value of the group.

Abstract: Signal converter system embodiments are provided to substantially reduce symmetrical and asymmetrical conversion errors. Signal-processing stages of these embodiments may include a signal sampler in addition to successively-arranged signal converters. In system embodiments, injected analog dither signals are initiated in response to a random digital code. They combine with a system's analog input signal and the combined signal is processed down randomly-selected signal-processing paths of the converter system to thereby realize significant improvements in system linearity. Because these linearity improvements are realized by simultaneous processing of the input signal and the injected dither signal, a combined digital code is realized at the system's output. A first portion of this combined digital code corresponds to the analog input signal and a second portion corresponds to the injected analog dither signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a laser marking additive comprising mixed oxides of tin and a transition metal. Methods of making and using the additive are also provided.

Abstract: There are disclosed systems, computer program products, and methods for self-tuning memory. In an embodiment, a method for self-tuning memory comprises setting a tuning interval and a target range for free memory for a memory pool. If memory consumption falls outside of the set target range for free memory during a tuning interval, a new target size for the memory pool is set based on the target range for free memory. Memory allocation for the memory pool is increased or decreased for the next tuning interval, such that the new target size for the memory pool is reached. A decrement rate may be used to provide a controlled decrease of the memory pool over a plurality of tuning intervals if necessary, until the new target size for the memory pool is reached.

Abstract: Signal converter system embodiments are provided to substantially reduce symmetrical and asymmetrical conversion errors. Signal-processing stages of these embodiments may include a signal sampler in addition to successively-arranged signal converters. In system embodiments, injected analog dither signals are initiated in response to a random digital code. They combine with a system's analog input signal and the combined signal is processed down randomly-selected signal-processing paths of the converter system to thereby realize significant improvements in system linearity. Because these linearity improvements are realized by simultaneous processing of the input signal and the injected dither signal, a combined digital code is realized at the system's output. A first portion of this combined digital code corresponds to the analog input signal and a second portion corresponds to the injected analog dither signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods that enhance the security various processes are provided, as well as machines, computer-readable media and processes that employ or allow employment of such systems.

Abstract: A network connection system for connecting computer and telephone network components, including a twisted pair cable termination connector for use with twisted pair cable, the twisted pairs being arranged within an outer cable jacket such that each twisted pair substantially occupies a cross sectional quadrant of the cable. The connector includes a pair separator having four passages arranged to substantially keep the four twisted pairs in a quadrant relationship relative to one another and in which the twisted relationship of each twisted pair is maintained substantially until the conductors are electrically terminated to their respective conductive contact member; and a mating component adapted to couple with the twisted pair cable termination connector.

Abstract: An electrical enclosure is made of a thermoplastic material such as a polycarbonate material. The enclosure includes a box and a lid hinged to the box along its back edge. A top edge of the box and a bottom edge of the lid are shaped to engage and hold a resilient seal when the lid is closed. The lid may be moved between an open position and a closed position. The lid is held in the closed position by a tongue and dog fastener arrangement. One of the lid and box has a dog that projects from the front edge of the box while a resilient tongue projects from the other of the box and lid. The tongue has an opening that receives the dog when the lid is closed in order to hold the lid closed. An extension of the tongue projects past the opening and at an angle to create a space for manual engagement to pry the tongue away from the dog when it is required to open the box.

Abstract: A method and system for in-place sorting S sequences of binary bits stored contiguously in an array within a memory device of a computer system prior to the sorting. Each sequence includes contiguous fields of bits. Program code is executed at each node of a linked execution structure in a hierarchical sequence. Each node includes a segment of the array. Executing program code at each node includes: identifying R sequences of the S sequences at each node; ascertaining a mask width W that is specific to each node and is a function of R; dividing the R sequences of the node into G groups of sequences based on a mask field having the mask width W, wherein G=2W; and in-place rearranging the R sequences, wherein the rearranging results in each group including only those sequences having the unique mask value of the group.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions of anti-M-CSF antibodies comprising a chelating agent and/or histidine. Also provided are methods of treating M-CSF-mediated disorders with pharmaceutical formulations of anti-M-CSF anti-bodies, including inflammatory diseases and neoplasia disorders.

Abstract: Providing cost model data for tuning query cache memory size in database systems. In one aspect, a query is received, and a query cache is checked for a stored query matching the received query. In response to a cache miss occurring, a token representing the received query is generated and checked for matching a token stored in a simulation area, each stored token representing a query object previously evicted from the query cache. A processing time saved by an avoidance of the cache miss is determined, and a cache size needed to avoid the cache miss is determined only when the generated token matches a stored token, by summing sizes of all query objects represented by the stored tokens. Each stored token is included in a stub that also includes the size of the represented query object and an identification number indicating a stored order.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the conversion of thebaine to a morphine derivative, such as hydrocodone. Novel ketal intermediates of the conversion are provided. A one-pot procedure for the conversion comprises treating thebaine with an acid in the presence of a metal catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the N-demethylation of an N-methylated heterocycle, particularly a morphine or tropane alkaloid or derivative thereof. The method comprises reacting the heterocycle with a metal catalyst and a solvent in the presence of an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the N-demethylation and/or N-acylation of an N-methylated heterocycle such as morphine alkaloids or tropane alkaloids. The method comprises reacting the heterocycle with an acylating agent in the presence of a metal catalyst.

Abstract: A network connection system for connecting computer and telephone network components, including a twisted pair cable termination connector for use with twisted pair cable, the twisted pairs being arranged within an outer cable jacket such that each twisted pair substantially occupies a cross sectional quadrant of the cable. The connector includes a pair separator having four passages arranged to substantially keep the four twisted pairs in a quadrant relationship relative to one another and in which the twisted relationship of each twisted pair is maintained substantially until the conductors are electrically terminated to their respective conductive contact member; and a mating component adapted to couple with the twisted pair cable termination connector.

Abstract: A golf tee has a stake made of a rigid material such as a rigid polymer, combined with a flexible crown with flexible projections and possibly also a flexible pivot point. This reduces resistance at impact, producing less friction and low ball spin. As a result, distance and accuracy are improved. The fusion of the rigid and flexible materials provides a tee that can tolerate repeated hits and be used over and over.

Abstract: A control for pressurizing a load lock. The control initiates pressurization of the loadlock interior by coupling a source of gas to the loadlock interior. A representative load lock includes a pressure sensor and multiple valves to atmosphere where at least one such valves is a passthrough valve for removal of and insertion of workpieces from and into a load lock interior. A second fast acting valve also opens to atmosphere. A pressure rise inside the loadlock interior is monitored and when the pressure reaches a threshold pressure above atmosphere the fast acting valve is opened to atmosphere. This second fast acting valve is configured to relieve overpressure from the passthrough valve prior to opening of said passthrough valve. Workpiece movement is accomplished with the aid of a robot which reaches into the loadlock interior as it is either depositing workpieces or retrieving them.