Abstract: A system for protecting a chip with an integrated circuit disposed on a first surface, the system including, disposed on the first surface, a first antenna, signal analyzer, chip controller and a signal generator which is operative to supply an outbound signal for transmission by the first antenna, a circuit arrangement, disposed on a second surface of the chip, including a shielding arrangement and a second antenna to receive the outbound signal, the circuit arrangement being operative to transmit a return signal from the second antenna to the first antenna, such that a breach in the shielding arrangement results in a change in, or cessation of, the return signal for detection by the signal analyzer, and a chip controller disposed on the first surface being operative to perform an action on the integrated circuit in response to the detection of the breach. Related apparatus and methods also included.

Abstract: A method of detecting impact damage of a structure having a first surface exposed to potential impacts from an object comprises providing a sensor having a body portion that has a surface provided with an elongated channel. The sensor is fixed to a second surface of the structure such that a conduit is formed by the channel and the surface. The surface is on an opposite side of the structure to the first surface. A pressure differential is established between the conduit and a reference pressure adjacent the conduit. Monitoring is conducted for detecting any change in the differential pressure that may be indicative of a fracture or crack propagating in the second surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sample presentation devices useful in performing analytical measurements. These devices have been configured to enable various aspects of liquid handling such as: retention, storage, transport, concentration, positioning, and transfer. Additionally, these devices can enhance the detection and characterization of analytes. The sample presentation devices of the present invention are comprised of one or more substrates having a plurality of zones of differing wettability. Methods of analyzing samples using the sample presentation device of the invention, as well as methods of making the sample presentation devices are disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a breech lock coupling for coupling riser sections together. The breech lock coupling may be used non-pre-loaded or pre-loaded according to the user's preferences. In addition, the breech lock coupling may be disassembled for inspection and maintenance and reassembled. A locking ring secures two coupling components together. The coupling components may be attached to opposite ends of the riser sections, such as via welding. The locking ring may be pre-attached to the first coupling component for easy storage and fast assembly. Assembly of the riser may be accomplished by inserting the second coupling component into the locking ring and the first coupling component, then rotating the locking ring with respect to the second component. Furthermore, the coupling may be pre-loaded by tightening fasteners on the locking ring to provide a more stable coupling. Unlike with traditional riser couplings, the pre-load fasteners may be tightened via hand-held tools.

Abstract: An insulator including alumina in an amount between about 90 and about 99% by weight and an oxide mixture or glass mixture including Boron Oxide, Phosphorus Oxide, or both Boron and Phosphorus Oxide.

Abstract: Dynamic grounding including monitoring the floating DC outputs of a power amplifier, detecting an imbalance in the floating DC outputs, generating a compensation signal in response to a detected imbalance, and adjusting the power amplifier to re-balance the floating DC outputs and suppress transients.

Abstract: A security chip is disclosed. The security chip includes: a substrate; an integrated circuit disposed on the substrate, the integrated circuit including circuit elements, circuit interconnect layers connecting the circuit elements together, and interlayer contacts supporting the circuit interconnect layers; a shield to at least partially shield the integrated circuit; and at least one lightwell in the shield and the integrated circuit, wherein each lightwell has a closed shape formed from parts of the circuit interconnect layers and interlayer contacts, wherein no exploitable voltage can be measured on the parts of the circuit interconnect layers and interlayer contacts, and wherein each lightwell forms a path for light to penetrate to the substrate preventing the light from reaching the circuit elements. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resurfacing ice surfaces such as ice hockey playing surfaces wherein an ice shaving blade system and an ice scooping system operate over the entire width of (or the entire length of) the playing surface.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (2) for the forming or curing of a fibre-reinforced polymer composite material (10). The apparatus (2) comprises a first layer of material (4) positioned to overly the fibre-reinforced polymer (10); a second layer of material (6) positioned to overly the first layer (4) to define a chamber (8) therebetween. The apparatus (2) further comprises a vapour source (16) and a fluid communication path having; a transfer section (18) in fluid communication with the vapour source (16) and chamber (8), and, a return section (20) in fluid communication with the chamber (8) and the vapour source (16).

Abstract: Phosphorylated peptides are extracted from digests of biological liquids and other peptide mixtures by fractionation on ceramic hydroxyapatite. The ceramic hydroxyapatite is readily usable in a centrifuge, allowing for rapid fractionations of a large number of small volume samples, and accordingly high throughput.

Abstract: A light-emitting ceramic based panel, hereafter termed “electroceramescent” panel, is herein claimed. The electroceramescent panel is formed on a substrate providing mechanical support as well as serving as the base electrode for the device. One or more semiconductive ceramic layers directly overlay the substrate, and electrical conductivity and ionic diffusion are controlled. Light emitting regions overlay the semiconductive ceramic layers, and said regions consist sequentially of a layer of a ceramic insulation layer and an electroluminescent layer, comprised of doped phosphors or the equivalent. One or more conductive top electrode layers having optically transmissive areas overlay the light emitting regions, and a multi-layered top barrier cover comprising one or more optically transmissive non-combustible insulation layers overlay said top electrode regions.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides a graphics plate bearing a graphic and configured for placement on a bottom surface of a sole of a shoe. The graphics plate is removable and interchangeable. In a second embodiment, a shoe is provided having a graphics plate bearing a graphic and configured for placement in a shoe, a sole of the shoe being molded and configured for receipt of the graphics plate. In a third embodiment, a footwear system is provided for imprinting customized messages on a surface below. The footwear system includes a shoe having a molded sole and a graphics plate bearing a graphic and configured for placement on a bottom surface of the molded sole of the shoe. Once inserted into the shoe, the graphics plate leaves an imprint of a surface below the sole of the shoe as a wearer of the shoes walks and runs.

Abstract: A laminated sensor comprises a base stratum and a terminal stratum. The base stratum has a first surface that is affixed to a surface of a structure to be monitored. The terminal stratum is affixed to the opposite second surface of the base stratum. A connector is attached to the terminal stratum. The base stratum is provided with first and second channels and that are cut through the thickness of the base stratum. The terminal stratum is provided with holes that extend through the thickness of the terminal stratum. A first pair of the holes are positioned to register with the first channel, while a second pair of the holes are positioned to register with the second channel. A first conduit is formed by the first channel and the holes; while a second conduit is formed by the second channel and the holes. The connector connects with tubes to provide fluid communication between the conduits and a differential pressure monitoring system.

Abstract: A method of operating chromatography column apparatus comprising a column tube (101) and first and second discrete end cell structures, associated with the respective ends of the column tube and positionable to close off the column tube and define therein a column space for retaining chromatography medium in use of the apparatus. The first end cell portion comprises a piston portion (106) fitting slidably in the column tube. The column tube and the second end cell structure are separated to provide an access spacing between them. The piston portion (106) of the first end cell structure is advanced through the column tube to expose it at the open second end of the column tube, for maintenance of the piston portion thus exposed. Corresponding chromatography apparatus is another aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3/R4, and R5 are defined herein. These compounds are useful for treating diseases and conditions caused or exacerbated by unregulated p38 MAP Kinase and/or TNF activity. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, methods of preparing the compounds and methods of treatment using the compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): wherein: R1 represents substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; Y represents —(CRnaRnb)n—; Rna and Rnb are each independently hydrogen or C1-6alkyl; n is an integer from 0 to 5; R2 represents unsubstituted or substituted aryl or unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl; R3 and R4 each independently represent hydrogen or C1-6-alkyl; R7 represents hydrogen or C1-6alkyl; R8 represents hydrogen or C1-6alkyl; and salts and solvates thereof; are CCR3 antagonists and are thus indicated to be useful in therapy.

Abstract: Liquids in general, and paint in particular, can be evenly distributed by a paint transfer drum having a friction-creating surface that is placed in contact with a friction-receiving surface of an endless belt that is driven (by the drum as it rotates) into and out of a container for the liquid. A scraper removes a portion of the lifted liquid from the endless belt. The scraped liquid falls upon a liquid distribution device that serves to evenly distribute said liquid laterally so that it will be evenly applied along the exterior surface of the paint transfer drum.

Abstract: A method of operating chromatography column apparatus comprising a column tube (101) and first and second discrete end cell structures, associated with the respective ends of the column tube and positionable to close off the column tube and define therein a column space for retaining chromatography medium in use of the apparatus. The first end cell portion comprises a piston portion (106) fitting slidably in the column tube. The column tube and the second end cell structure are separated to provide an access spacing between them. The piston portion (106) of the first end cell structure is advanced through the column tube to expose it at the open second end of the column tube, for maintenance of the piston portion thus exposed. Corresponding chromatography apparatus is another aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: An insulator for a spark ignition device is disclosed which includes an electrically insulating ceramic core tube having a terminal end, a firing end and an inner bore which extends along a longitudinal bore axis from the terminal end to the firing end and an electrically insulating, ceramic core nose tube having a second outer surface and a second bore where the second outer surface of said ceramic core nose tube is in nested engagement with and directly bonded to the bore of the ceramic core tube proximate the firing end. The insulator also may include a similarly nested and directly bonded shoulder tube on an outer surface of the core tube, or a nested and directly bonded mast tube on an outer surface of the core tube. The ceramics may include alumina-based ceramics, as well other suitable ceramic materials, and the tube may be made from the same ceramic compositions or different ceramic compositions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing, processing and manipulating data in an OLAP database. According to one aspect, the present invention comprises a user interface configured for accessing, processing and manipulating data in an OLAP cube. According to another aspect, the present invention comprises a calculation engine for manipulating and managing data in the OLAP cube.