Abstract: An apparatus and method for communicating information within a network having one or more communication buses (5, 6, 7, 8), consisting of one or more elements (20, 30, 40) to maximise throughput and minimise CPU involvement by executing the following. Compare incoming message identifiers (14) against a set of predetermined identifiers (22). Transpose data sets (12) within the incoming message data frame and where necessary, save and/or transmit new frames as defined by operations dependent upon the incoming identifier. By utilising an optimal set of operands the memory requirement is satisfied by a minimal size of standard type.

Abstract: A domestic appliance, particularly a cooking appliance, having a metallic surface, is provided with a coating based on silicon oxide. Such coating is deposited on the metallic surface by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The coating protects the metallic surface from scratching, staining and thermal yellowing.

Abstract: A frameless switched reluctance motor (SRM) has a stator sandwiched between two housings. Axial load on the rotor shaft is directed through a first bearing, through the first housing to the stator and through the second housing to a motor support. Heat is dissipated using low-loss electrical steel, one or more air movers and air passages through the motor. Preferably a stator profile enables the air passages to be formed through the stator's lamination stack. Optionally air is routed through passages between the coils and through air passages along the air gap and radially through passages between an upper and a lower stator. A first self aligning bearing adapts to misalignment between the first housing and the shaft and a second bearing is provided with transverse movement. Preferably, the frameless motor is adapted for support to a wellhead for driving a downhole rotary pump and a rotary rod string.

Abstract: A tensioning tool for connection with a tubing hanger and tubing string suspended from the tubing hanger retained in a dognut by a hanger retainer. Preferably the hanger retainer is temporarily engaged to the top of the tensioning pup for release therefrom once a lower end of the tubing has been fixed by a tubing anchor and the tubing has been lifted a tensioning distance. The hanger retainer is then engaged with the tubing hanger for suspending the tensioned tubing from the dognut locked in the wellhead. The dognut and the hanger retainer have co-operating locking faces which prevent rotation of the hanger retainer in the dognut once the locking faces are mated which assists in maintaining torque applied to the tubing string which may have been applied to rotationally set the tubing anchor. More preferably, the tensioning pup has a series of gradations marked on the pup for measuring the amount of tension applied to the tubing string.

Abstract: A system and method for testing signals in digital-network packets includes generation of reference clips and associated reference key values and comparison of the reference key values with current key values associated with incoming current-digital-network packets under test In this way the incoming current-digital-network packets can be tested for either a correct audio and/or video signal or a signal with sufficiently high signal integrity to allow it to be understood by a user at a destination point.

Abstract: A technique for fabricating an MEA for a fuel cell that is prepared as a CCDM. The MEA includes a diffusion media layer having a microporous layer. A catalyst layer is deposited on the microporous layer so that it covers its entire surface. An ionomer layer is sprayed on the catalyst layer. A perfluorinated membrane is sandwiched between one CCDM at the anode side of the MEA and another CCDM at the cathode side of the MEA where the ionomer spray layers face the membrane.

Abstract: A technique for fabricating an MEA. The technique includes providing a polymer electrolyte proton conducting membrane, and then spraying a catalyst ink directly on the membrane to form a catalyst layer. In one embodiment, the catalyst ink includes the proper ionomer to carbon ratio, such as 0.8/1, for the desired fuel cell performance. In another embodiment, the catalyst ink includes too little ionomer for the proper ionomer to carbon ratio for the desired fuel cell performance. An ionomer layer is sprayed on the membrane before the catalyst layer to provide the proper final ionomer to carbon ratio.

Abstract: A self-retaining cementing wiper plug with a packer element has two or more steel or carbide tipped holddown fingers or slips extending radially outward from the plug for engaging the inner surface of the casing and preventing the plug from moving uphole over time and potentially interfering with other downhole apparatus such as a pump. The packer element in the wiper plug is actuated when the plug is supported by an obstruction under the plug and then compressed, the packer being maintained in compression by the holddown fingers.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pump pumps liquid downhole to a lower formation past a packer set in a casing of a wellbore. The rotor of the pump is axially restrained by a bearing assembly spaced below the pump for controlling uphole reactive loading on the rotor. Preferably the rotor is releasably coupled to the bearing assembly for release and recovery of the rotor from the bearing assembly. Such a releasable coupling is a latch comprising a plunger telescopically and releasably coupled with a housing using a dog and track arrangement, the dog and track utilizing the telescoping action to actuate the coupling and releasing of the latch.

Abstract: The invention provides an offset and low frequency noise insensitive magnetic sensor which incorporates a magnetic field effect transistors (MagFETs). Methods of improving the signal to noise ratio and reducing errors from offsets when measuring magnetic fields using MagFETs are also described. The invention also provides for the use of such methods and sensor in circuitry adapted to provide for residual current detection.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring an animal includes a light source and an optical source. The light source, which is preferably an array of monochromatic light emitting diodes, at least partially backlights one or more of the animal's legs. The optical sensor or device, which is preferably a single dimension camera or charged-coupled device, opposes the light source and obtains an image that includes silhouettes of one or more legs of the animal. A processor, such as a computer with software and data storage, determines measurements, such as the approximate skeletal trunk length of the animal, from the silhouetted legs in the image. One or more first ultrasound transducers can be arranged to determine an approximate height of the pelvic region, and one or more second ultrasound transducers can be arranged to determine an approximate width of the pelvic region.

Abstract: A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a manifold wherein the position of the plate is not a function of gasket compression or vacuum rate applied. In one embodiment, the device has a modular design, wherein one or more removable inserts, preferably with different functionalities can be positioned between a base component and a collar component. The particular insert(s) chosen depend on the desired sample preparation or assay to be carried out. The insert(s) are stacked and are positioned between the base and collar as a unit, so that the stack within the manifold does not move during evacuation of the vacuum chamber. The consistent position of the insert(s) facilitates using vacuum sample processing with automated liquid handlers.

Abstract: A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a manifold wherein the position of the plate is not a function of gasket compression or vacuum rate applied. In one embodiment, the device has a modular design, wherein removable inserts with different functionalities can be positioned between a base component and a collar component. The particular inserts chosen depend on the desired sample preparation or assay to be carried out. The inserts are stacked and are positioned between the base and collar as a unit, so that the stack within the manifold does not move during evacuation of the vacuum chamber. The consistent position of the multiplate facilitates using vacuum sample processing with automated liquid handlers.

Abstract: A modular and adjustable backplane assembly for providing a fiber-optics backplane interface to a plurality of router cards functioning as a data router is provided. The assembly includes a first portion having a first array of connectors for interfacing with a compatible array of second connectors engaging specific ones of the router cards, and a second portion having a second array of connectors for interfacing with a compatible array of second connectors engaging specific others of the router cards. The mechanics of the assembly enable a moveable attachment with respect to the first and second portions such that they may be positionally adjusted during mounting, and wherein external data paths are provided from individual ones of the connectors to individual others of the connectors by fiber-optic conductors.

Abstract: A modular and adjustable backplane assembly for providing a fiber-optics backplane interface to a plurality of router cards functioning as a data router is provided. The assembly includes a first portion having a first array of connectors for interfacing with a compatible array of second connectors engaging specific ones of the router cards, and a second portion having a second array of connectors for interfacing with a compatible array of second connectors engaging specific others of the router cards. The mechanics of the assembly enable a moveable attachment with respect to the first and second portions such that they may be positionally adjusted during mounting, and wherein external data paths are provided from individual ones of the connectors to individual others of the connectors by fiber-optic conductors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the growth of cells in culture under conditions that promote cell survival, proliferation, and/or cellular differentiation. The present inventors have found that proliferation was promoted and apoptosis reduced when cells were grown in lowered oxygen as compared to environmental oxygen conditions traditionally employed in cell culture techniques. Further, the inventors found that differentiation of precursor cells to specific fates also was enhanced in lowered oxygen where a much greater number and fraction of dopaminergic neurons were obtained when mesencephalic precursors were expanded and differentiated in lowered oxygen conditions. Thus at more physiological oxygen levels the proliferation and differentiation of CNS precursors is enhanced, and lowered oxygen is a useful adjunct for ex vivo generation of specific neuron types. Methods and compositions exploiting these findings are described.

Abstract: The invention provides an offset and low frequency noise insensitive magnetic sensor which incorporates a magnetic field effect transistors (MagFETs). Methods of improving the signal to noise ratio and reducing errors from offsets when measuring magnetic fields using MagFETs are also described.

Abstract: An access node has a portal which performs interfacing between a wireless network domain and content/service providers in the Internet. On the wireless side the portal is linked with an SMSC, a CBC, and a USSD server for interfacing with and management of bearer stacks. Service functionality includes modular systems including a Push server, a Pre-paid calling server, and a location server in addition to internal portal functions. The latter provide for subscriber self-provisioning, customer care provisioning, subscriber device provisioning, and service provisioning. Thus, the node caters for both particular subscriber service and mobile device requirements.

Abstract: A modular and adjustable backplane assembly for providing a fiber-optics backplane interface to a plurality of router cards functioning as a data router is provided. The assembly includes a first portion having a first array of connectors for interfacing with a compatible array of second connectors engaging specific ones of the router cards, and a second portion having a second array of connectors for interfacing with a compatible array of second connectors engaging specific others of the router cards. The mechanics of the assembly enable a moveable attachment with respect to the first and second portions such that they may be positionally adjusted during mounting, and wherein external data paths are provided from individual ones of the connectors to individual others of the connectors by fiber-optic conductors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the growth of cells in culture under conditions that promote cell survival, proliferation, and/or cellular differentiation. The present inventors have found that proliferation was promoted and apoptosis reduced when cells were grown in lowered oxygen as compared to environmental oxygen conditions traditionally employed in cell culture techniques. Further, the inventors found that differentiation of precursor cells to specific fates also was enhanced in lowered oxygen where a much greater number and fraction of dopaminergic neurons were obtained when mesencephalic precursors were expanded and differentiated in lowered oxygen conditions. Thus at more physiological oxygen levels the proliferation and differentiation of CNS precursors is enhanced, and lowered oxygen is a useful adjunct for ex vivo generation of specific neuron types. Methods and compositions exploiting these findings are described.