Abstract: A current fed bipolar junction transistor (BJT) based inverter ballast includes base drive circuits configured to drive respective BJT switches, and high-speed drive reverse peak current limiting circuits, configured to operate in conjunction with the respective base drive circuits.

Abstract: A filter assembly having a filter head having inlet and outlet ports and a top cap having a substantially curved, non-planar flange portion, the non-planar flange sealingly received within the filter head such that the filter head is divided into inlet and outlet partitions. In some embodiments, the flange portion has a generally s-shaped cross-sectional profile. The flange portion incorporating a modified venturi for improved flow of both inlet and outlet streams through the filter assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding a set of integers is described. The largest power of two integer is determined based on a size of the set of integers with an integer encoder. A code table is constructed using the largest power of two integer. A uniform coding is constructed with values from the code table. A string “1” is prepended to each code from the code table. The string “1” is appended to a string “0” from the code table.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for cutting a pork leg to create a meat cut which includes an exposed bone feature and a squared face. The method for making the exposed bone feature involves trimming shank meat bare from a fibula bone and removing a tibia bone above a knee cap joint leaving a stifle joint intact. The method for making the squared face involves removing light and dark butt trim and a rump point to form a generally flat surface. When oriented downward, the flat surface aligns with any flat support surface and holds the meat cut in a standing position. The standing position directs the exposed bone feature generally upward in a unique and attractive presentation. Additionally, the present invention relates to the resultant product formed by the same method where the meat cut allows for improved roasting, braising, slow-cooking, and carving of a ham roast.

Abstract: A bird feeder that includes a bird feed holder having open top and bottom ends, a plurality of feeding ports disposed in a sidewall defining the holder, a plurality of perches each associated with an inlet of an associated feeding port and a removable base for engaging with the bottom end of the holder, the removable base having a closed position for sealing the bottom end of the holder so as to retain the bird feed therein and an open position in which the base is removed from the holder to enable access to the bottom end of the holder. One embodiment has a manually operated latch member supported by the base and supported for radial engagement so as to enable releasable securing of the removable base to the holder. In another embodiment a manually operated latch couples to a main body portion, the latch being supported for rotation with respect to the main body portion to releasably secure the base assembly to the housing. Also disclosed is a feeder support apparatus.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine may be operated in an automated play mode in which the need for player input is reduced or eliminated. Termination of and/or changes in the automated play mode may be related to player input, other types of information about a player (or the player's body), and/or whether a player is directing attention to play of the gaming device.

Abstract: A centralized diagnostics management tool is disclosed that facilitates centralized monitoring of distributed components of a supervisory process control and manufacturing information application. The centralized diagnostics management tool includes a diagnostics management console shell that is customized according to a set of software modules that interface to data sources to populate views supported by the console shell. The console shell includes a set of view templates including controls for manipulating graphically displayed representations of data rendered by the distributed components. The console shell also includes an interface for exchanging requests and data with an extensible set of software modules that provide data links to ones of the set of distributed components. The software modules also define the customizable portions of the view rendered by the console shell.

Abstract: A method of monitoring electrical activity non-invasively (such as uterine activity) which includes applying a localized group of electrodes to a patient's skin and monitoring signals thereon. The electrodes are localized sufficiently such that their muscular signal contributions simulate a single source despite source non-stationarity. The signals are amplified, filtered and digitized. They are then digitally filtered and processed by independent component analysis (ICA) to separate a muscular activity source from other sources. The method may be used to monitor maternal uterine activity, fetal activity and maternal and fetal cardiac activity simultaneously with the aid of additional electrodes and associated circuitry.

Abstract: A gobo wheel with automatic detection system that automatically detects a rotational position of the gobo. The rotational position can be detected by a magnetic marking system. Each of the gobos can be randomly placed within the holder. the position of the gobos can be automatically determined during a start up routine for example, and then those positions can be stored and used for later determination of a position.

Abstract: By coordinating a process regime of a process module for sample substrates used in a previously performed metrology process, an increased degree of measurement information may be obtained. For this purpose, the coordination may be based on a sampling ruleset related to the process module, wherein the previously selected sample substrates may be appropriately sequenced through the process module to increase the probability for complying with the associated sampling ruleset. Furthermore, the enhanced process coordination may be advantageously combined with randomization steps, thereby providing a “pseudo randomization,” in which sample substrates are intentionally positioned, while the remaining substrates may be randomized for decoupling related process steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a family of peptides based upon the M2GlyR sequence. These peptides are derivatives of the M2GlyR sequence and can be modified at their ends to include a plurality of polar amino acid residues to enhance their solubility. Particularly preferred derivatives include portions of the M2GlyR sequence which are palindromic to another portion of the peptide or to the M2GlyR sequence itself. Preferably these portions are at least 7 amino acid residues in length. Peptides embraced by the present invention are characterized by having greater effects on the transepithelial electrical resistance of cells at lower concentrations. Peptides of the present invention have been shown to increase Isc in MDCK epithelial cell monolayers with half maximal effects observed at or below 30 ?M, a nearly 10-fold improvement over any peptide previously characterized in the M2GlyR family.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to membranes utilized with implantable devices, such as devices for the detection of analyte concentrations in a biological sample. More particularly, the invention relates to novel silicone-hydrophilic polymer blend membranes, and to devices and implantable devices including these membranes.

Abstract: An instrument for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes, and that is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples. The instrument includes a microwave-transparent reaction vessel with an open mouth, a pressure-resistant seal on the mouth of the vessel, and a needle, portions of which penetrate the seal with a first end of the needle and provide fluid communication into the vessel. A pressure transducer is at the opposite end of the needle and in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel through the needle. The instrument defines a pressure control flow path from a portion of the needle outside of the vessel to a fluid port, the flow path being in communication with the needle, the interior of the vessel and the transducer. A controllable pressure release valve for the flow path is associated with the port.

Abstract: A weld testing assembly for testing the integrity of weld used to secure a nozzle to a vessel and the like comprises a pair of plates or discs positioned on either end of the nozzle and a generally coaxially extending annular body having a diameter smaller than the nozzle stem. The assembly creates a sealed area with a small volume whereby a weld test can be efficiently conducted.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and at least one brake.

Abstract: A unit dosage form, such as a capsule or the like, for delivering a skeletal muscle relaxant, such as cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, into the body in an extended or sustained release fashion comprising one or more populations of drug-containing particles (beads, pellets, granules, etc.) is disclosed. At least one bead population exhibits a pre-designed sustained release profile. Such a drug delivery system is designed for once-daily oral administration to maintain an adequate plasma concentration—time profile, thereby providing relief of muscle spasm associated with painful musculoskeletal conditions over a 24 hour period.