Abstract: The present invention relates to replication competent variants of mammalian immunodeficiency virus comprising mutations and/or deletions of the V3 hypervariable loop and compensatory mutations, as well as methods for producing such variants. The invention also relates to V3-loop deletion mammalian immunodeficiency virus mutants that have compensatory mutations, deletions of the V1/V2 loops, or both. The invention further relates to isolated Env, gp120 polypeptides, and gp41 polypeptides comprising novel mutations useful in conjunction with, or separate from, a virus of the invention, as well as nucleic acids encoding the same.

Abstract: A sign structure having a display, movable member and computer means creates a unique vehicle for displaying content. In one version, the movable member is adjacent to the display and substantially shields a portion of the display as it traverses thereover. Coordinated content transmitted to the display gives the appearance that the movable member is influencing the displayed content. For example, as the member moves upward an image below the member stretches in size while an image above the member compresses in size until the upper image disappears and the lower image occupies the entire visible portion of the display. This continues as the member traverses up and down over the display. The member may appear to manipulate the images by stretching, compressing, pushing, pulling and/or erasing them.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member.

Abstract: A delivery notification system for operation with a repository. The system includes at least one node module that may have a sensor for detecting the presence of a delivered item, as well as an interface for receiving a selection input representative of a predefined condition. The system also includes a notification server for transmitting to the recipient a delivery notice in response to the detection of the delivered item or the receipt of the selection input. The delivery notice may be transmitted to the recipient over a variety of transmission modalities.

Abstract: The invention relates to various aspects for modeling software, preferably for use in wireless communication devices. One aspect relates to targeting a software model to a plurality of different operating systems/operating system combinations. Another aspect relates to porting the software model to an operating environment common to all operating systems. Another aspect relates to abstracting the operating environment to an operating system/operating system combination. Another aspect relates to handling inter-processor communication. Another aspect relates to a common time manager. Another aspect relates to porting code developed using a single thread modeling tool to a multiple threaded environment. Another aspect relates to synchronizing groups of threads.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having an adjustable length deck and a mattress positionable on the deck. The mattress includes a foot portion having an adjustable length.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D4253681. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D4253681. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D4253681 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D4253681 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for trimerisation olefins, which process includes the step of contacting an olefinic feedstream with a catalyst system which includes a transition metal compound and a heteroatomic ligand and wherein the trimer is an olefin and wherein the heteroatomic ligand is described by the following general formula (R)nA-B-C(R)m.

Abstract: A memory card connector assembly for use within a chassis includes a conductive shell that has a forward perimeter. A connector including a dielectric housing holding contacts is positioned within the shell. An EMI shielding member is disposed on the forward perimeter of the shell. The EMI shielding member is configured to engage a panel of the chassis to suppress the escape of EMI energy from the chassis.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing hexafluoroisopropanol is provided which comprises contacting hexafluoroacetone with hexafluoroisopropanol and hydrogen to produce a liquid feed stream; introducing the liquid feed stream to a reactor containing an immobilized hydrogenation catalyst to convert the hexafluoroacetone to hexafluoroisopropanol and provide a product stream; and recovering at least a portion of the hexafluoroisopropanol from the product stream. Preferably a portion of the product stream is recycled. The reactor can be a packed bed or stirred tank reactor.

Abstract: Stick, clamshell, jackknife and slider configurations are provided for handheld wireless communicators with reduced free-space, near-field emissions that can be hearing aid compatible using two ground planes and a reactive matching element along with predefined placement of an antenna, speaker and/or microphone in the communicator housing.

Abstract: Means and methods for producing surface-activated semiconductor nanoparticles suitable for in vitro and in vivo applications that can fluoresce in response to light excitation. Semiconductor nanostructures can be produced by generating a porous layer in semiconductor substrate comprising a network of nanostructures. Prior or subsequent to cleavage from the substrate, the nanostructures can be activated by an activation means such as exposing their surfaces to a plasma, oxidation or ion implantation. In some embodiments, the surface activation renders the nanostructures more hydrophilic, thereby facilitating functionalization of the nanoparticles for either in vitro or in vivo use.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning a hard and/or brittle material includes a precision workpiece spindle, a workpiece support, a hard and/or brittle workpiece rigidly coupled to the workpiece support, and a diamond tool blade rigidly coupled to a spin-turner mechanism. The diamond tool blade is formed to include a cutting edge arranged to confront the hard and/or brittle workpiece to remove material from the workpiece to form precision-turned components such as optical lenses, mirrors, and optical molds.

Abstract: A diagnostic interface architecture for a memory device supports in one aspect one or more dynamically reconfigurable functional interconnects normally utilized in connection with reading data from the memory device and/or writing data to the memory device. The dynamically reconfigurable functional interconnects are capable of being configured to operate in either functional or diagnostic modes, whereby in the diagnostic mode, such interconnects may be used to communicate diagnostic information to support one or more diagnostic operations. The diagnostic interface architecture may also support multiple diagnostic interfaces in a given memory device, with at least one such diagnostic interface being capable of being selectively enabled in response to a failure in another diagnostic interface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine consisting of a fixed base and a reciprocating platform which imparts that reciprocating motion to a person lying, kneeling, or sitting upon it. A gear motor mounted in the base of the machine drives an eccentrically mounted cam roller. As the cam roller rotates, it is retained in a channel on the underside of the reciprocating platform. The eccentric rotation of the cam roller is converted to linear motion, causing the platform to move back and forth on rollers. The reciprocating motion has a stroke of about one to six inches and a frequency of about 10 to 200 cycles per minute. A detachable appliance mounting holder allows the user to mount a dildo of their choosing to the fixed base in genital proximity. The reciprocating motion of the platform is an aid to sex for both healthy and physically challenged individuals when used with another person for partner sex or used with a dildo for solo sex.