Abstract: A heat exchanger evaluation system (84) includes a refrigeration subsystem (126) and a platform (94) in communication with the subsystem (126) for attachment of a heat exchanger (32). The system (84) further includes a thermal imaging camera (168) and a monitor (100). A method (180) entails routing a fluid (38) through the heat exchanger (32) via the refrigeration subsystem (126). The camera (168) detects the temperature variation across the heat exchanger (32) as the fluid (38) flows through the heat exchanger, and provides successive thermal images representing the temperature variation responsive to the flow of the fluid (38). The thermal images are utilized to determine an efficacy of the flow through the heat exchanger (32). In particular, a determination can be made as to whether the flow deviates from a pre-determined flow path (79) of the fluid (38) through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A series of optical spectral sensors is based on a combination of solid-state sources (illumination) and detectors housed within an integrated package that includes the interfacing optics and acquisition and processing electronics. The focus is on low cost and the fabrication of the sensor is based on techniques that favor mass production. Materials and components are selected to support low-cost, high volume manufacturing of the sensors. Spectral selectivity is provided by the solid-state source(s) thereby eliminating the need for expensive spectral selection components. The spectral response covers the range from the visible (400 nm) to the mid-infrared (25,000 nm/25.0 ?m), as defined by the availability of suitable low-cost solid-state source devices. A refractive optical system is employed, primarily in an internal reflection mode, allowing a selection of sample handling tools, including, but not restricted to internal reflectance and transmittance.

Abstract: A computer facilitated method of requesting a spectral analysis of a sample having an unknown concentration or purity, performing an energy absorption analysis of the sample to obtain spectral data regarding the analysis and comparing the spectral data to a stored spectral data regarding the analyses of the samples having a predetermined concentration and purity to determine the concentration or purity of the sample having an unknown concentration or purity. The spectral analysis is performed on site where the sample is prepared or administered using a portable analytical apparatus and provides a real time report of the concentration or purity of the sample. The apparatus requires only a small sample size.

Abstract: An integrated spectral sensing engine featuring energy sources and detectors within a single package that includes sample interfacing optics and acquisition and processing electronics. The miniaturized sensor is optimized for specific laboratory and field-based measurements by integration into a handheld format. Design and fabrication components support high volume manufacturing. Spectral selectivity is provided by either continuous variable optical filters or filter matrix devices. The sensor's response covers the range from 200 nm to 25 ?m based on various solid-state detectors. The wavelength range can be extended by the use of filter-matrix devices. Measurement modes include transmittance/absorbance, turbidity (light scattering) and fluorescence (emission). On board data processing includes raw data acquisition, data massaging and the output of computed results. Sensor applications include water and environmental, food and beverage, chemical and petroleum, and medical analyses.

Abstract: This invention is directed generally to methods of controlling the odor of a biological material, and more particularly to methods comprising providing the biological material with an Fe(III)-reducing bacteria and a source of Fe(III). This invention also is directed generally to compositions and kits for controlling the odor of a biological material.

Abstract: A financial product. The financial product includes an underlying portfolio component, a fixed income component, and a scale-in component. The underlying portfolio component includes an initial investment allocation into an alpha-generating portfolio. The fixed income component is structured and arranged to generate a predictable rate of return and includes an initial investment allocation into a fixed income portfolio. The scale-in component is structured and arranged to increase the investment allocation into the underlying portfolio component when a cumulative return of the alpha-generating portfolio exceeds a threshold amount.

Abstract: An integrated spectral sensing engine is based on a combination of energy sources (illumination) and detectors housed within an integrated package that includes the sample interfacing optics and acquisition and processing electronics. The focus is on a miniaturized sensor system that can be optimized for specific measurements and can be integrated into a manifold-based sample handling system. Design and fabrication components are selected to support high volume manufacturing of the sensors. Spectral selectivity is provided by either continuous variable optical filters or fabricated filter matrix components. The spectral response of the primary sensors covers the range from the visible (400 nm) to the near-infrared (1100 nm), as defined by the availability of suitable low-cost solid-state detector devices. Provision is made to extend the range into longer wavelengths, and to shorter wavelengths for filter-matrix devices.

Abstract: A financial product. The financial product includes a cash component, an alpha engine component, a private equity component and a beta component. The cash component includes an investment in a liquid portfolio. The alpha engine component includes an investment in an alpha-generating portfolio. The private equity component includes an investment in the private equity portfolio. The beta component is structured to track a total return of one or more indices.

Abstract: An integrated spectral sensing system includes a spectral engine comprising an optical filter assembly bonded to an energy sensitive array. The optical filter assembly and energy sensitive array collectively configured to sense energy transmitted through the optical filter assembly and to generate data based on the sensed energy. An energy source generates energy for impingement upon the spectral engine. A sample interface has a chamber for containing a sample, sized and configured to match the size and configuration of the spectral engine and the energy source. The sample interface is disposed between the spectral engine and the energy source, and configured so that energy from the energy source passes through the sample and impinges upon the spectral engine. Data generated by the energy sensitive array is collected, manipulated, and stored. The collected data is communicated.

Abstract: A heat exchanger evaluation system (84) includes a refrigeration subsystem (126) and a platform (94) in communication with the subsystem (126) for attachment of a heat exchanger (32). The system, (84) further includes a thermal imaging camera (168) and a monitor (100). A method (180) entails routing a fluid (38) through the heat exchanger (32) via the refrigeration subsystem (126). The camera (168) detects the temperature variation across the heat exchanger (32) as the fluid (38) flows through the heat exchanger, and provides successive thermal images representing the temperature variation responsive to the flow of the fluid (38). The thermal images are utilized to determine an efficacy of the flow through the heat exchanger (32). In particular, a determination can be made as to whether the flow deviates from a pre-determined flow path (79) of the fluid (38) through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A financial product. The financial product includes a fixed income component and an alpha engine component. The fixed income component is structured to provide asset-liability matching and/or spending rule benefits. The alpha engine component includes an investment in an alpha-generating portfolio. The investment includes a cash investment and/or a derivative investment in the alpha-generating portfolio.

Abstract: A composition that can be used as a component in auto clear coat and primer is disclosed. The composition comprises or is an alkoxylated amine having the formula of (A)[N(R1H)2]p including an isomer or mixture of isomers thereof. Also disclosed is a process, which comprises contacting an amine with an epoxide under a condition sufficient to produce an alkoxylated amine. Further disclosed is a composition that can be used as coating composition and primer, which comprises an alkoxylated amine and an organic polyisocyanate.

Abstract: A composition that can be used as a component in auto clear coat and primer is disclosed. The composition comprises or is an alkoxylated amine having the formula of (A)[N(R1H)2]p including an isomer or mixture of isomers thereof. Also disclosed is a process, which comprises contacting an amine with an epoxide under a condition sufficient to produce an alkoxylated amine. Further disclosed is a composition that can be used as coating composition and primer, which comprises an alkoxylated amine and an organic polyisocyanate.

Abstract: An integrated spectral sensing engine is based on a combination of energy sources (illumination) and detectors housed within an integrated package that includes the sample interfacing optics and acquisition and processing electronics. The focus is on a miniaturized sensor system that can be optimized for specific measurements and can be integrated into a manifold-based sample handling system. Design and fabrication components are selected to support high volume manufacturing of the sensors. Spectral selectivity is provided by either continuous variable optical filters or fabricated filter matrix components. The spectral response of the primary sensors covers the range from the visible (400 nm) to the near-infrared (1100 nm), as defined by the availability of suitable low-cost solid-state detector devices. Provision is made to extend the range into longer wavelengths, and to shorter wavelengths for filter-matrix devices.

Abstract: A series of optical spectral sensors is based on a combination of solid-state sources (illumination) and detectors housed within an integrated package that includes the interfacing optics and acquisition and processing electronics. The focus is on low cost and the fabrication of the sensor is based on techniques that favor mass production. Materials and components are selected to support low-cost, high volume manufacturing of the sensors. Spectral selectivity is provided by the solid-state source(s) thereby eliminating the need for expensive spectral selection components. The spectral response covers the range from the visible (400 nm) to the mid-infrared (25,000 nm/25.0 &mgr;m), as defined by the avalability of suitable low-cost solid-state source devices. A refractive optical system is employed, primarily in an internal reflection mode, allowing a selection of sample handling tools, including, but not restricted to internal reflectance and transmittance.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques, including a system and method, for document collaboration between a managing author using a document management system (DMS), and one or more contributing authors. In one embodiment the managing author selects an original document from the DMS. Next, a replica of the original document is made and securely sent by the managing author to the one or more contributing authors. A contributing author may make proposed changes and comments to the replica. The edited replica with the proposed changes is converted into a response that is sent back to the managing author. The proposed changes for the contributing author are determined using the response and displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI) for viewing by the managing author. The managing author accepts or rejects the proposed changes to the original document from the contributing author.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for analyzing lubricant oils and functional fluids includes an optical emission spectrometer (OES) (26) having a substantially continuously valued wavelength versus intensity output (140). The OES (26) analyzes light captured from a spark emission stand (58) through which the fluid sample is flowed. An expert system (160-172) operates according to a set of Rules, and generates diagnostic text (174) for an operator based on the information about the fluid sample provided by the OES (26) and other measurement devices. The apparatus (10) is reduce in size, weight and cost.

Abstract: The present invention is a vessel floatation aid for vessels of the type including a water line and laterally spaced gunwales. The floatation aid includes an inflatable bladder including an outer membrane attached to a backer strap and the space there between defining said inflatable portion, such that said backer strap and outer membrane together oriented along said longitudinal direction for temporarily providing increased buoyancy; and including upper tabs and lower tabs connected to a backer strap, said tabs adapted for receiving cords for temporarily lashing said floatation aid to a vessel for releasably and temporarily attaching said buoyancy means below and adjacent a gunwale of a vessel, and proximate a waterline.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for document collaboration between a managing author using a document management system (DMS), and one or more contributing authors. The system includes: a common storage area coupled to a plurality of user computer systems via a communications network; manager software stored on a first user computer system, where the manager software exclusively controls change to a document stored in the common storage area; and contributor software stored on a second user computer system, where the contributor software provides a proposed change to a replica of the document stored in the common storage area.

Abstract: The present invention is a vessel floatation aid for vessels of the type including a water line and laterally spaced gunwales. The floatation aid includes an inflatable bladder including an outer membrane attached to a backer strap and the space there between defining said inflatable portion, such that said backer strap and outer membrane together oriented along said longitudinal direction for temporarily providing increased buoyancy; and including upper tabs and lower tabs connected to a backer strap, said tabs adapted for receiving cords for temporarily lashing said floatation aid to a vessel for releasably and temporarily attaching said buoyancy means below and adjacent a gunwale of a vessel, and proximate a waterline.