Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for dynamically determining a primary adapter in a heterogeneous N-way adapter configuration. Each of the adapters generates information about itself and exchanges the information with all other adapters. First a decision-making adapter is identified. Then the decision-making adapter compares the adapter-generated information of all the adapters and makes a decision determining the primary adapter. The decision-making adapter communicates the decision to all other adapters. The determined primary adapter assumes a role as the primary adapter and the other adapters assume a role as a secondary adapter.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane is formed by an acidic polymer and a low-volatility acid that is fluorinated, substantially free of basic groups, and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric.

Abstract: Methods for producing plasma-treated, functionalized carbon-containing surfaces are provided. The methods include the steps of subjecting a carbon-containing substrate to a plasma to create surface active sites on the surface of the substrate and reacting the surface active sites with stable spacer molecules in the absence of plasma. Biomolecules may be immobilized on the resulting functionalized surfaces. The methods may be used to treat a variety of carbon-containing substrates, including polymeric surfaces, diamond-like carbon films and carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles.

Abstract: A device and method for the detection of the interaction between two or more objects is disclosed. The device utilizes electrical impedance spectra measured from a piezoelectric element attached to one such object. Comparison of such spectra along a range of traverse allows precise estimates of distance to be made. One useful application is the topographical mapping of a surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a searchable data service are described. The searchable data service may be implemented as a Web service with a Web service interface that allows the storage of locators and other attributes associated with entities stored in a data store in a searchable index. The attributes may be expressed as {name, value} pairs. The interface may allow client applications to query the searchable index to retrieve locators for entities in the backend data store according to the attributes associated with each locator. Search speed may be automatically optimized using, for example, indexes, query planning, and parallelism. The searchable data service provides a searchable index and is not a data store per se. The searchable data service separates searching and indexing of data from the actual storage of the data.

Abstract: A process transfers an image from an intermediate imaging member onto a sheet of recording media while preserving the ability to duplex print on the sheet. The process includes generating an image on an intermediate imaging member as the intermediate imaging member rotates in a first direction, synchronizing a sheet of recording media with the image on the intermediate member as the intermediate imaging member continues to rotate in the first direction, transferring the image from the intermediate imaging member onto the sheet of recording media as the intermediate imaging member continues to rotate in the first direction, and limiting release agent on the intermediate imaging member to a level that preserves duplex printing capability on the sheet of recording media.

Abstract: Methods for facilitating commercial exploitation of IPR and IPR-related opportunities by a law firm on behalf of law firm clients are described, including posting on a law firm website IPR and IPR-related opportunities that clients of the law firm are interested in soliciting offers for possible commercial exploitation, and posting on a law firm website IPR, IPR-related opportunities, technology information, etc. sought by law firm clients.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.

Abstract: A tunneling magnetoresistive stack includes a first ferromagnetic layer, a tunnel barrier layer on the first ferromagnetic layer, and a second ferromagnetic layer on the tunnel barrier layer. The tunneling magnetoresistive stack exhibits a negative exchange coupling between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer indicating that the tunneling magnetoresistive stack has a high quality tunnel barrier layer.

Abstract: A drive system includes a planetary gear system includes a sun gear secured to an input shaft. One or more planetary gears rotatably mounted to a cage engage the sun gear. The planetary gears likewise engage a ring gear encircling the planetary and sun gears. A coupler is selectively engageable between an output shaft of the planetary gear system and either the cage or the ring gear. A brake is movable between engagement with whichever of the cage and ring gear to which the coupler is not engaged. In some embodiments the coupler rotatably mounts to a brake embodied as a cylindrical slider such that the coupler is restrained from moving along an axis of rotation of the coupler. A detent mechanism engages the coupler and brake to retain them in positions corresponding to forward and reverse.

Abstract: A power distribution module for a personal recreational vehicle includes a housing and a cover. The housing defines an interior and includes a wall having an array of receptacle openings. The receptacle openings are adapted to receive and secure electrical components inside the housing. A distribution harness includes a plurality of electrical conductors and is coupled to the housing wherein the electrical conductors are in electrical communication with the electrical components inside the housing. The power distribution module can optionally include a decal to assist quick and accurate placement of the electrical components during the manufacturing process. A method for producing a personal recreational vehicle having a standardized housing over a range of models. The housing includes a component arrangement guide for locating and installing electrical components.

Abstract: A walkway having a series of fixed height corridor units and an inclined gangway unit at its forward end. The units are articulatingly connected and selectively collapsible. The gangway is selectively variable in height, being provided with elevating means at its front end, to permit docking at the raised door sill of the commuter aircraft.

Abstract: A linking element for use in conjunction with silk screening. The linking element, which includes apparatus enabling securement to the screening fabric, is attached to a strip of fabric to be secured to the stretching frame, enabling the use of a smaller screening fabric and more control over the tension. The element may be used in tandem.

Abstract: A linking element for use in conjunction with silk screening. The linking element, which includes apparatus enabling securement to the screening fabric, is attached to a strip of fabric to be secured to the stretching frame, enabling the use of a smaller screening fabric and more control over the tension. The element may be used in tandem.

Abstract: A semiconductor package comprising a semiconductor wafer having an active surface comprising at least one integrated circuit, wherein each integrated circuit has a plurality of bond pads; and at least one cured silicone member covering at least a portion of the active surface, wherein at least a portion of each bond pad is not covered by the silicone member, the silicone member has a coefficient of linear thermal expansion of from 60 to 280 ?m/m° C. between ?40 and 150° C. and a modulus of from 1 to 300 MPa at 25° C., and the silicone member is prepared by the method of the invention.

Abstract: A system for testing an integrated circuit device under test (DUT) communicating though synchronous digital signals and through a high speed serialization/de-serialization (serdes) bus includes a serdes interface circuit for communicating with the DUT via the serdes bus and an integrated circuit (IC) tester for communicating with the DUT and with the serdes interface circuit via digital signals. State changes in the digital signals are synchronized to a clock signal within the IC tester. The serdes interface circuit receives instructions from the IC tester via at least one of the digital signals and responds to the instructions by transmitting data to the DUT via the serdes bus using appropriate serdes protocol, by receiving and storing data transmitted by the DUT via the serdes bus, and by thereafter forwarding the stored data to the IC tester via at least one of the digital signals.

Abstract: A transducing head has a magnetoresistive sensor, a first bias element, and a second bias element. The magnetoresistive sensor is positioned between the first and second bias elements, and has a sensor width. The first bias element has a first length and the second bias element has a second length. The direction of the first and second lengths are substantially similar to the direction of the sensor width. The first and second lengths in the range of about one-tenth to about twenty times the sensor width.

Abstract: Devices and methods for depositing fluids on substrates in patterns of spots, lines, or other features use a nozzle, which is preferably configured similarly to a micropipette, having a piezoelectric crystal or other ultrasonic actuator coupled to one of its sides. The nozzle may be charged via capillary action by dipping it into a well containing the fluid to be deposited, and may then be positioned over a desired area of a substrate, at which point activation of the ultrasonic actuator at ultrasonic frequencies will eject the fluid onto the substrate. The needle may subsequently be dipped into a well of rinsing fluid for cleaning. Spots or lines on the order of 5 micrometers width may be generated, making the invention particularly suitable for use in biological applications such as microarray production and in microelectronics applications such as the printing of organic circuitry.

Abstract: A walkway having a series of fixed height corridor units and an inclined gangway unit at its forward end. The units are articulatingly connected and selectively collapsible. The gangway is selectively variable in height, being provided with elevating means at its front end, to permit docking at the raised door sill of the commuter aircraft.

Abstract: Devices and methods for depositing fluids on substrates in patterns of spots, lines, or other features use a nozzle, which is preferably configured similarly to a micropipette, having a piezoelectric crystal or other ultrasonic actuator coupled to one of its sides. The nozzle may be charged via capillary action by dipping it into a well containing the fluid to be deposited, and may then be positioned over a desired area of a substrate, at which point activation of the ultrasonic actuator at ultrasonic frequencies will eject the fluid onto the substrate. The needle may subsequently be dipped into a well of rinsing fluid for cleaning. Spots or lines on the order of 5 micrometers width may be generated, making the invention particularly suitable for use in biological applications such as microarray production and in microelectronics applications such as the printing of organic circuitry.