Abstract: A method of optimizing attribute information of a product attribute stored in a product database is provided. The product database includes update information comprising a time that the attribute information has last been updated and correction history information including recorded samples of new attribute information. The attribute information is used as a security measure in a self-checkout purchasing system to confirm that a purchased product is the same product identified by the system after identification information of the product is input by a user of the system. The method includes conducting a query of the database for any products having said update information older than a predetermined period of time, having correction history information, and where the history information includes a plurality of recorded samples greater than a predetermined amount. The query establishes a query result, whereby revised attribute information is then calculated using the plurality of the recorded samples as data.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for determining the genotoxicity of a compound based on genomic responses to contact therewith are provided.

Abstract: Methods of treating and preventing bone loss and/or enhancing bone formation are disclosed. The methods utilize 15-lipoxygenase inhibitors. These molecules can be delivered alone or in combination with agents which inhibit bone resorption or additional agents that regulate calcium resorption from bone or enhances bone accumulation. The invention additionally provides methods of diagnosing a predisposition to bone loss.

Abstract: A variable diameter sprocket including a support and at least three radially movable sprocket portions mounted to the support. A diameter changing mechanism is provided to selectively move the sprocket portions.

Abstract: A capacitor dropping power supply is disclosed wherein diode power dissipation is avoided due to the unique combination of the diode with the capacitive dropping power supply coupled with a silicon control rectifier (“SCR”). Thus, internal power dissipation is minimized when power is not needed by the load by shorting out the diode. This is accomplished in the form of a voltage regulator wherein a zener diode is used to turn on the SCR when the output voltage exceeds a predetermined level. The SCR provides a shunt switching operation, shunting input current and providing a sufficient amount of power to supply the load and shorting out voltages above a set amount. As a result, there is a power savings when power is not being supplied to the load.

Abstract: Human aggrecanase and polypeptides related thereto, as well as nucleic acid compositions encoding the same, are provided. The subject polypeptides and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications. Also provided are methods of inhibiting aggrecanase activity in a host and methods of treating disease conditions associated with aggrecanase activity, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis, infectious arthritis, gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondolysis, sports injury, joint trauma, pulmonary disease, fibrosis, and the like.

Abstract: A self-checkout system includes a first conveyor having a security tunnel which measures a characteristic of a product placed on the conveyor. A code identifying the product is first input into the system through UPC scanning or other input means, and then placed on the conveyor. When the characteristic of the product is measured (e.g., weight, height, width, length), it is compared to corresponding information within the system. If the data matches or is within a predetermined tolerance, the product is transported down the conveyor to a second conveyor, which further transports the product to a bagging area. When the customer is finished scanning products, an input device allows the customer to select self-payment through either cash, credit, debit, or other means (e.g., ebt, store credit and the like). Other features include automatic security tag deactivation and coupon redemption.

Abstract: A vehicle telemetry system allows remote access to information and services relating to the operation and performance of one or more vehicles. Information from a telemetry module mounted on a vehicle is received by an application service provider via wireless communication, where it is processed by one or more computer servers. Users then access the computer servers through various means, such as the Worldwide Web, in order to obtain various telemetry data relating to the vehicle(s).

Abstract: A method of optimizing attribute information of a product attribute stored in a product database is provided. The product database includes update information comprising a time that the attribute information has last been updated and correction history information including recorded samples of new attribute information. The attribute information is used as a security measure in a self-checkout purchasing system to confirm that a purchased product is the same product identified by the system after identification information of the product is input by a user of the system. The method includes conducting a query of the database for any products having said update information older than a predetermined period of time, having correction history information, and where the history information includes a plurality of recorded samples greater than a predetermined amount. The query establishes a query result, whereby revised attribute information is then calculated using the plurality of the recorded samples as data.

Abstract: A self-checkout system includes a first conveyor having a security tunnel which measures a characteristic of a product placed on the conveyor. A code identifying the product is first input into the system through UPC scanning or other input means, and then placed on the conveyor. When the characteristic of the product is measured (e.g., weight, height, width, length), it is compared to corresponding information within the system. If the data matches or is within a predetermined tolerance, the product is transported down the conveyor to a second conveyor, which further transports the product to a bagging area. When the customer is finished scanning products, an input device allows the customer to select self-payment through either cash, credit, debit, or other means (e.g., ebt, store credit and the like). Other features include automatic security tag deactivation and coupon redemption.

Abstract: A heating appliance such as an electric heating blanket having a control circuit which controls the application of power to the heating element of the blanket based on the condition of the heating element. The circuit senses the voltage at the end of the heating element in order to determine if the heating element has a short or an open circuit condition therein. Under normal conditions, the sensed voltage will be above a predetermined threshold value. If the sensed voltage falls below the threshold value, the control circuit shuts off power to the heating element. The control circuit will keep power off until the fault condition has been corrected and power has been removed and reapplied to the control circuit.

Abstract: A variable ratio drive system including at least one variable diameter sprocket is described herein. The variable diameter sprocket includes a support and at least three radially movable sprocket portions mounted to the support. A diameter changing mechanism is provided to selectively move the sprocket portions.

Abstract: A heating appliance such as an electric heating blanket having a control circuit which controls the application of power to the heating element of the blanket based on the condition of the heating element. The circuit senses the voltage at the end of the heating element in order to determine if the heating element has a short or an open circuit condition therein. Under normal conditions, the sensed voltage will be above a predetermined threshold value. If the sensed voltage falls below the threshold value, the control circuit shuts off power to the heating element. The control circuit will keep power off until the fault condition has been corrected and power has been removed and reapplied to the control circuit.

Abstract: A control for an electric heating device for adjusting the duration of the device's heating cycle in order to effectively compensate for variations in the operating voltage supplied to the device. The control includes a means for adjusting the duration of the heating cycle, wherein the adjustment means generates a control voltage for controlling the duration of the heating cycle that is a dynamic function of the magnitude of the operating voltage.