Abstract: An expansion tank which comprises a tank having a predetermined volume capacity; an expandable diaphragm in the tank, partitioning tank volume into a liquid-containing portion for holding liquid and a gas-containing portion for holding a gas under a pressure that defines a normal pressurized gas volume when the liquid-containing portion holds a predetermined liquid volume; and a proximity sensor mounted to the tank at the gas-containing portion thereof and adapted to emit an alarm signal when volume of the gas-containing portion is reduced.

Abstract: A performance analysis support system is disclosed that provides one or more recommended solutions of a performance improvement project to management and the expected improvement benefit of each solution. The performance analysis support system guides a user through a detailed, consistent analysis process, helping organizational leaders accurately diagnose critical performance or productivity issues. Then, the performance analysis support system estimates the personnel and equipment requirements, time, costs, and return on investment associated with each solution generated based on the analysis results. In addition, the performance analysis support system provides management immediate access to ongoing and past analyses.

Abstract: Minimal promoter sequences are described. Reagents including a nucleic acid molecule which contains these minimal promoter sequences are also described. Methods for constructing these reagents, and methods for using these reagents are also described.

Abstract: A Model Predictive Control System, particularly useful in controlling gas turbine engines, formulates a problem of controlling the engine to achieve a desired dynamic response as a solution to a quadratic programming problem. The Model Predictive Control System also includes a quadratic programming problem solver solving the quadratic programming problem in real time using an interior point algorithm that searches for an optimal solution.

Abstract: A device that is adapted to be mounted to an interior surface of a polymeric fuel tank includes a body, a weld foot adapted to be inserted into the molten inner surface of the fuel tank and having a support surface adapted to control insertion of the weld foot into the molten inner surface of the fuel tank and to position the device relative to the inner surface, and a break zone positioned between and interconnecting the weld foot and the body and having a structural cross section that is weaker than the weld foot and the body such that under sufficient force, the break zone will fracture and allow the body to separate from the inner surface of the fuel tank, thereby leaving the weld foot embedded within the inner surface of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A beverage cooler adapter secures into the bottom of a portable cooler for facilitating use of the cooler in conjunction with volume beverage containers. The beverage adapter facilitates storing and dispensing cooled beverages in a manner that prevents contaminants from entering the beverage before being dispensed from the cooler.

Abstract: A method of making a circuitized substrate assembly wherein the assembly includes individual circuitized substrates bonded together. The substrates each include at least one opening, and a cover is placed over one of the openings and a quantity of conductive paste is positioned thereon prior to bonding the substrates. At least some of the paste is then forced up into an opening in the other substrate as a result of the bonding.

Abstract: A method of making a circuitized substrate in which a commoning bar, used during the plating of the circuitry on the substrate and coupled to a second set of conductors which in turn are coupled to a first set of conductors, is terminated from the second set of conductors.

Abstract: A method of making a circuitized substrate in which the substrate's commoning bar, used during the plating of the circuitry on the substrate, is terminated from the various conductors using a laser. In a preferred embodiment, the laser acts through a dielectric layer (soldermask) which is applied over the circuitry, including the commoning bar and connected parts. The laser may also be used to expose selected ones of the circuit's other parts, including various pads used to accommodate a wirebond (from a chip) and also solder balls for eventual placement of the substrate on a larger circuit board.

Abstract: An MPC Control system provides a life extending control that includes life-extending goals in the performance index of the MPC controller and limits in the inequality equations. The MPC controller performs the normal functions of a control system for a physical system, but does so in a manner that extends the life or time-to-next maintenance or reduces the number of parts that need to be replaced. If the life extending functions do not degrade other control functions, they can be always enabled, making the system less expensive to maintain. If the life extending functions degrade some other control functions, they can be adjusted in-the-field or on-the-fly to stretch the time-until-maintenance until it is more convenient, but with some impact on performance.

Abstract: Recombinant nucleic acid molecules are described. The molecules have a sequence or sequences encoding an antigen from Bacillus anthracis. Vectors and compositions containing these molecules are also described. Methods for eliciting an immune response using these molecules and compositions are also described.

Abstract: A retractable barrel apparatus includes a stable base to rest upon the ground, an upright support member flexibly connected to the base, a cover support connected to the support member, and a flexible generally cylindrical cover disposed over the cover support with the wall of the cover extending to the ground surrounding the cover support, support member, and base, to replicate the size and shape of a conventional rigid barrel commonly used in barrel racing. The flexible connection between the support member and the base allows the cover support and support member to readily move laterally away from an impact by a horse and rider, substantially reducing the risk of injury to horse and/or rider.

Abstract: A method of making a circuitized substrate in which the substrate's commoning bar, used during the plating of the circuitry on the substrate, is terminated from the various conductors using a laser. In a preferred embodiment, the laser acts through a dielectric layer (soldermask) which is applied over the circuitry, including the commoning bar and connected parts. The laser may also be used to expose selected ones of the circuit's other parts, including various pads used to accommodate a wirebond (from a chip) and also solder balls for eventual placement of the substrate on a larger circuit board.

Abstract: Low permeation fittings and low permeation plastic containers using same are constructed by molding an outer component into the wall of a plastic container while it is being formed. This causes the opening of a passageway in the outer component to be covered with wall forming material. The inner component is then inserted into the outer component through the wall forming material thereby trapping the wall material between the internal and external components. The barrier layer of the container wall is therefore continuous from the container to inside the fitting. A new fuel container, fuel neck fitting, and flange for mounting components on a fuel tank are disclosed.

Abstract: An information handling system (e.g., computer, server, etc.) Utilizing at least one circuitized substrate assembly of robust construction and possessing enhanced operational capabilities. The substrate assemblies include a substrate having at least one opening which is substantially filled with a conductive paste prior to bonding. Once bonded, the paste is also partially located within the other opening to provide an effective electrical connection therewith.

Abstract: A circuitized substrate assembly and method for making same wherein the assembly includes individual circuitized substrates bonded together. The substrates each include at least one opening, only one of which is substantially filled with a conductive paste prior to bonding. Once bonded, the paste is also partially located within the other opening to provide an effective electrical connection therewith.

Abstract: An efficient method for solving a model predictive control problem is described. A large sparse matrix equation is formed based upon the model predictive control problem. The square root of H, Hr, is then formed directly, without first forming H. A square root (LSMroot) of a large sparse matrix of the large sparse matrix equation is then formed using Hr in each of a plurality of iterations of a quadratic programming solver, without first forming the large sparse matrix and without recalculating Hr in each of the plurality of iterations. The solution of the large sparse matrix equation is completed based upon LSMroot.

Abstract: A device that is adapted to be mounted to an interior surface of a polymeric fuel tank includes a body, a weld foot adapted to be inserted into the molten inner surface of the fuel tank and having a support surface adapted to control insertion of the weld foot into the molten inner surface of the fuel tank and to position the device relative to the inner surface, and a break zone positioned between and interconnecting the weld foot and the body and having a structural cross section that is weaker than the weld foot and the body such that under sufficient force, the break zone will fracture and allow the body to separate from the inner surface of the fuel tank, thereby leaving the weld foot embedded within the inner surface of the fuel tank.

Abstract: The present invention involves a low permeation pinchoff connection at a pinchoff region having a pinchoff end between first and second formed sheets of a fluid tank. The low permeation pinchoff connection comprises a continuous inner polymeric layer at a pinchoff region having a pinchoff end between the first and second formed sheets. The connection further comprises an outer polymeric layer in side-by-side relationship with the continuous inner polymeric layer. The outer polymeric layer tapers at the pinchoff region to first and second outer polymeric ends at the pinchoff end separating the first and second outer polymeric ends. The connection further comprises a low permeation barrier layer disposed between the continuous inner polymeric layer and the outer polymeric layer. The low permeation barrier layer tapers with the outer polymeric layer at the pinchoff region to first and second barrier ends separated at the pinchoff end to determine a pinchoff gap.

Abstract: The present invention involves a low permeation pinchoff connection at a pinchoff region having a pinchoff end between first and second formed sheets of a fluid tank. The low permeation pinchoff connection comprises a continuous inner polymeric layer at a pinchoff region having a pinchoff end between the first and second formed sheets. The connection further comprises an outer polymeric layer in side-by-side relationship with the continuous inner polymeric layer. The outer polymeric layer tapers at the pinchoff region to first and second outer polymeric ends at the pinchoff end separating the first and second outer polymeric ends. The connection further comprises a low permeation barrier layer disposed between the continuous inner polymeric layer and the outer polymeric layer. The low permeation barrier layer tapers with the outer polymeric layer at the pinchoff region to first and second barrier ends separated at the pinchoff end to determine a pinchoff gap.