Abstract: An apparatus includes a flowline connector having an inboard pipe and an outboard assembly. The outboard assembly includes a frame and an outboard pipe moveable within the frame to allow the outboard pipe to be moved toward the inboard pipe. The outboard assembly also includes a profile pipe in which the outboard pipe is received, and the profile pipe and the outboard pipe are connected to move together. The profile pipe includes at least one guide to change pitch or yaw of the outboard pipe to direct the outboard pipe toward alignment with the inboard pipe as the outboard pipe is moved within the frame toward the inboard pipe. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flowline connector having an inboard pipe and an outboard assembly. The outboard assembly includes a frame and an outboard pipe moveable within the frame to allow the outboard pipe to be moved toward the inboard pipe. The outboard assembly also includes a profile pipe in which the outboard pipe is received, and the profile pipe and the outboard pipe are connected to move together. The profile pipe includes at least one guide to change pitch or yaw of the outboard pipe to direct the outboard pipe toward alignment with the inboard pipe as the outboard pipe is moved within the frame toward the inboard pipe. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for alternatingly adsorbing and desorbing sorbate molecules by changing the adsorption affinity of polarizable molecular sorbent molecules attached to surfaces of conductors, attached to dielectric materials between the conductors, or attached to both. The conductors and optionally a dielectric material can be arranged as a capacitor.

Abstract: Investment methods for use by institutional investors are provided. The method may include the steps of selling a call associated with a first group of securities of the investor to a first broker/dealer; entering into a short swap arrangement with an equity swap entity, the short swap arrangement being associated with the call and the first group of securities; entering into a capped swap arrangement with a second broker/dealer based on a second group of securities; and, entering into a long swap arrangement with the equity swap entity based on the second group of securities. Methods for arranging an investment strategy for an institutional investor are also provided.

Abstract: In one general aspect, the present invention is directed to methods that may comprise the step of a first party entering into at least one derivative contract with a second party. The derivative contract may provide the second party with a short position on a derivative portfolio including one or more securities. Also, the derivative contract may grant a transferable right to substitute individual securities included in the derivative portfolio. This right may be granted to either the first party or the second party, and the right to substitute may transfer between the first party and the second party under certain conditions. In various embodiments, however, only one of the first party and the second party may have the right to substitute at any one time.

Abstract: Silane gas precursor compounds having the formula (I): wherein R1, R2, and R3 each can independently be hydrogen or halogen and wherein the cyclohexadiene ring can have one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of a saturated or unsaturated, straight chain or branched alkyl group, a halogen, NO2, and C?N are disclosed. In one form, the silane gas precursor compound is cyclohexadien-2,4-ylsilane, an air-stable liquid, that can be thermolyzed in a pyrolysis process to efficiently generate high purity silane gas. The compounds of the present invention can thus serve as a “point-of-use” precursor for silane gas.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for generating enhanced images of multiple dimensional data using a depth-buffer segmentation process. The method and system operate in a computer system modify the image by generating a reduced-dimensionality image data set from a multidimensional image by formulating a set of projection paths through image points selected from the multidimensional image, selecting an image point along each projection path, analyzing each image point to determine spatial similarities with at least one other point adjacent to the selected image point in a given dimension, and grouping the image point with the adjacent point or spatial similarities between the points is found thereby defining the data set.

Abstract: An ice dispensing system is provided for a refrigerator having a bottom freezer. The system includes an ice maker in the freezer compartment and an ice bucket in the refrigerator compartment. A shuttle carries ice from the ice maker to the bucket through a tube extending upwardly through the dividing wall between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. The bucket includes an auger in communication with an ice dispensing opening in the refrigerator door for ice on demand by a user. The shuttle is raised and lowered by a motor-driven cable.

Abstract: Embodiments of an investment method for use by institutional investors are provided. The method may include the steps of selling a call associated with a first group of securities of the investor to a first broker/dealer; entering into a short swap arrangement with an equity swap entity, the short swap arrangement being associated with the call and the first group of securities; entering into a capped swap arrangement with a second broker/dealer based on a second group of securities; and, entering into a long swap arrangement with the equity swap entity based on the second group of securities. Embodiments of a method for arranging an investment strategy for an institutional investor are also provided. In addition, the system and computer-readable media embodiments are provided in association with the investment method embodiments described herein.

Abstract: The invention discloses an improved bone conduction sensor capable of use within a voice sound transmitting apparatus. The bone conduction sensor is adapted for placement in the external auditory canal of the user in a nonocclusive fashion. The bone conduction sensor has a contoured surface adapted-to fit against a wall of the external auditory canal increasing the surface area contact between the bone conduction sensor and the wall of the external auditory canal. The bone conduction sensor may also be associated with one or more contact sensors adjacent the bone conduction sensor for determining contact between the bone conduction sensor and the wall of the external auditory canal. In addition, the invention provides for the bone sensing element to be separated from the circuit portion of the bone conduction sensor so that the circuitry may be removed to the behind the ear portion of the earpiece.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for generating enhanced images of multiple dimensional data using a depth-buffer segmentation process. The method and system operate in a computer system modify the image by generating a reduced-dimensionality image data set from a multidimensional image by formulating a set of projection paths through image points selected from the multidimensional image, selecting an image point along each projection path, analyzing each image point to determine spatial similarities with at least one other point adjacent to the selected image point in a given dimension, and grouping the image point with the adjacent point or spatial similarities between the points is found thereby defining the data set.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for generating enhanced images of multiple dimensional data using a depth-buffer segmentation process. The method and system operate in a computer system modify the image by generating a reduced-dimensionality image data set from a multidimensional image by formulating a set of projection paths through image points selected from the multidimensional image, selecting an image point along each projection path, analyzing each image point to determine spatial similarities with at least one other point adjacent to the selected image point in a given dimension, and grouping the image point with the adjacent point or spatial similarities between the points is found thereby defining the data set.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for filtering electrical power to and from an electrical appliance to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). In one embodiment, an electrical outlet strip apparatus is provided for interconnection between an AC power source and an electrical appliance that provides transient voltage surge suppression for the appliance while substantially reducing or eliminating EMI from the AC power source from reaching the appliance. Additionally, the apparatus reduces or eliminates EMI produced by the appliance from propagating into the AC power system. The apparatus and method utilize a multistage EMI filter to filter the electrical power. In particular, the electrical power is filtered in a broadband range associated with digital subscriber line (DSL) systems to provide for improved DSL system performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for filtering electrical power to and from an electrical appliance to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). In one embodiment, an electrical outlet strip apparatus is provided for interconnection between an AC power source and an electrical appliance that provides transient voltage surge suppression for the appliance while substantially reducing or eliminating EMI from the AC power source from reaching the appliance. Additionally, the apparatus reduces or eliminates EMI produced by the appliance from propagating into the AC power system. The apparatus and method utilize a multistage EMI filter to filter the electrical power. In particular, the electrical power is filtered in a broadband range associated with digital subscriber line (DSL) systems to provide for improved DSL system performance.

Abstract: A fluid meter includes a casing, a lever within the casing that oscillates in response to the flow of fluid through the meter and an attachment mechanism that mounts an automatic meter reader to the casing in proximity to the lever. A magnet is attached to the lever so that movement of the lever creates a changing electromagnetic field external to the casing. The changing electromagnetic field is detected by and operates to actuate the automatic meter reader. As a result, the automatic meter reader detects fluid flow in the fluid meter without being directly connected to, or interfering with the operation of, a mechanical meter index associated with the fluid meter.

Abstract: A gas meter, including flexible diaphragms which shift within chambers into which the gas to be metered is alternately admitted and exhausted, is adapted for a variety of different mounting configurations by the selection of appropriate top and bottom covers. In one embodiment, each of the top and bottom covers includes a gas pipe connection with these connections being arranged parallel to each other. In a second embodiment, the top cover is internally divided to provide separate paths for inlet and outlet gases while the bottom cover constitutes a blank plate.

Abstract: A dry gas meter includes a unitary core which functions as the meter casing and defines the inner sides of two gas chambers, a valve gear chamber, an index housing and multiple gasways. A central partition of the core has angled wall portions which provide dished sides for the gas chambers. The gas chambers are further defined by diaphragm carrying pan covers. These pan covers and upper and lower covers complete the body of the meter. Between the angled wall portions, gasways extend from a gas inlet formed in the lower cover to the interior of a valve gear chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention includes a viewer response system comprising a host site and at least one remote site interconnected by a satellite channel for host-to-remote video, an X.25 communications channel for message exchanges establishing a virtual circuit between each remote and the host site, and a dial-up public phone network channel that allows the host site to dial a remote site in response to a person at the remote site wanting to speak on the system to another person at the host site. A touch screen monitor at the host site allows the other person to sequence through electronic notecards that function as presentation cue cards. Questions can be formatted on remote site monitors and keypad terminals for each person at each remote site to allow real-time responses to be entered. A computer supporting the host site computes and displays remote site status and person's responses.

Abstract: A gas monitor for monitoring the concentration of particular atmospheric constituent includes a sensor and a signal processor that provides concentration-indicating output signals in response to successive samples admitted to the sensor. The processor multiplies the sensor signals by a calibration signal. It automatically recalibrates the monitor by periodically causing a sample having a standard concentration to be admitted to the sensor and adjusting the calibration signal to provide a corresponding predetermined output signal level.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for generating enhanced images of multiple dimensional data using a depth-buffer segmentation process. The method and system operate in a computer system modify the image by generating a reduced-dimensionality image data set from a multidimensional image by formulating a set of projection paths through image points selected from the multidimensional image, selecting an image point along each projection path, analyzing each image point to determine spatial similarities with at least one other point adjacent to the selected image point in a given dimension, and grouping the image point with the adjacent point or spatial similarities between the points is found thereby defining the data set.