Abstract: An equalizer, consisting of a plurality of taps, each tap having a multiplier which is coupled to multiply a respective input sample by a respective coefficient, the taps being arranged in sequence so that the input sample to each of the taps, except to a first tap in the sequence, is delayed relative to a preceding tap in the sequence.

Abstract: A system and method which provides simultaneous display of characters on one or more display monitors in multiple languages. The languages can include icon based languages such as Chinese and Japanese or can be traditional character based languages such as romance and Germanic languages. The system includes a main unit having a first memory in which the first memory includes character data stored in a plurality of languages. A portion of the character data in a first language corresponds to another portion of the character data in a second language, the portion of the character data in the first language and the portion of the character data in the second language are stored in the first memory at memory locations having an offset value from each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to improve the metal yield by adjusting the tilt angle of a tilting vessel having a submerged tap hole. The tilt angle is adjusted in response to parameters inherent in the pouring process, i.e. the proximity of the vessel contents to the vessel lip, the age of the tap hole, the liquid head over the tap hole, etc. Additionally, methods are disclosed to enhance the metal yield by advancing or moving back the furnace without knowledge of the tilt angle. Moreover, such methods and apparatus can be implemented through the use of computer based algorithms. The methods can also be used to archive pouring parameter information for future uses such as training and reviewing.

Abstract: N-[1-oxo-(optionally 2-aza)-2-alkyl-3-(carboxyl or thiol or hydroxyaminocarbonyl or N-hydroxyformamido)-propyl]-(aryl or heteroaryl)-azacyclo4-7alkanes or thiazacyclo4-7alkanes, salts or prodrugs thereof have interesting properties, e.g., in the treatment or prevention of disorders amenable to treatment by PDF inhibitors, such as treatment of bacterial infections.

Abstract: N-[1-oxo-2-alkyl-3-(N-hydroxyformamido)-propyl]-(carbonylamino-aryl or -heteroaryl)-azacyclo4-7alkanes or thiazacyclo4-7alkanes or imidazacyclo4-7alkanes have interesting properties, e.g., in the treatment or prevention of disorders amenable to treatment by peptidyl deformylase inhibitors such as treatment of bacterial infections.

Abstract: A system is provided wherein a plug flow reactor is used to make combinatorial libraries of materials. Examples of plug flow reactors include stirred tube reactors, extruders, and static mixers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to improve the metal yield by adjusting the tilt angle of a tilting vessel having a submerged tap hole. The tilt angle is adjusted in response to parameters inherent in the pouring process, i.e. the proximity of the vessel contents to the vessel lip, the age of the tap hole, the liquid head over the tap hole, etc. Additionally, methods are disclosed to enhance the metal yield by advancing or moving back the furnace without knowledge of the tilt angle. Moreover, such methods and apparatus can be implemented through the use of computer based algorithms. The methods can also be used to archive pouring parameter information for future uses such as training and reviewing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the yield of molten metal discharged from a metal production vessel limits the slag carryover by reducing turbulence of metal pouring through a discharge opening by inhibiting a vortex over the discharge opening, automatically sensing the presence of slag in the discharge opening, and terminating discharge through the opening in response to the detection of changing content through the discharged opening passage. Preferably, the inhibiting function includes inserting a slag reduction device, preferably a refractory body and maintaining the position of the device over the discharge nozzle. Preferably, the sensor is an electromagnetic coil that determines the change in content of the flow through the opening passage without direct contact with the contents of the opening. The combination of the slag vortex inhibitor and the flow content sensor is substantially improved metal pouring yield as demonstrated by actual slag reduction results.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning hauling vehicles to freight loads within a freight transportation system is disclosed herein. The system includes a satellite navigation subsystem for providing vehicle and load position data useable to determine the locations of each hauling vehicle and freight load. The position data may also be utilized to determine a set of deadhead distances required to be traversed by ones of the hauling vehicles unencumbered with freight loads while en route to load pick-up locations. Each unencumbered tractor vehicle is then efficiently matched with an available freight load in accordance with the compiled sets of deadhead distances and a set of potential pick-up times. Objectives such as punctual load pick-up and delivery, full utilization of available tractor vehicles, and maintaining scheduled driver home-base times of arrival may be achieved through "relay" operations.