Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device programming system and method may be used to provide pre-programmed RFID devices, for example, as a roll of RFID devices that may be later applied to articles or items. The programming system may include a plurality of RFID probes configured to apply programming signals to the RFID devices and a RFID programmer connected to the probes and configured to generate the programming signals. The programming system may also include a web positioning mechanism configured to position a web including the RFID devices such that the group of RFID devices is positioned in within a programming range of the probes. A controller may be configured to control the web positioning mechanism such that sequential groups of the RFID devices are programmed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a combined-cycle power system is provided. The system is coupled to an electric power grid. The system includes at least one electric power generator, at least one steam turbine coupled to the generator, at least one combustion turbine coupled to the generator, and at least one steam source that is in flow communication with the steam turbine. The method includes operating the system at a first power output level with the steam turbine and the combustion turbine being synchronized to an operating frequency of the grid, so that the steam turbine, the combustion turbine, and the grid are operating at a frequency substantially similar to a standardized grid frequency value. The method also includes sensing a grid frequency deviation away from the standardized grid frequency value.

Abstract: The invention relates to an RFID label applicator (100) may include a peeler member (140) having a peel end (142), the peeler member being configured to cause an RFID label (102) to peel away from a web (110) when the web passes around the peel end; and a label tamp assembly (150) having a receiving surface (612) configured to receive the RFID label and to move it into contact with an item (104) on which the RFID label is to be applied, the label tamp assembly having at least one forward opening in a portion of the receiving surface away from the peeler member and a plurality of rearward openings in a portion of the receiving surface proximate the peeler member, wherein at least one of the forward or rearward openings is configured to draw in air such that a leading portion of the RFID label is substantially secured.

Abstract: The invention relates to an RFID label applicator that may include a peeler body portion having a peel end, the body portion being configured to cause an RFID label to peel away from a web when the web passes around the peel end. The body portion may define a cavity having an RFID programming antenna located therein that is configured to transmit programming signals to the RFID label prior to its passing around the peel end. The system may also include an extendable path altering mechanism configured to advance from a retracted position to an extended position to alter a path of the web around said peel end, and wherein the extendable path altering mechanism is positioned and dimensioned to inhibit a RFID label from peeling away from the web when in the extended position.

Abstract: The invention is related to an RFID applicator that may include a peeler member (140) including a peel end (142), the peeler member being configured to cause an RFID label (102) to peel away from a web (110) when the web passes around the peel end; a label tamp assembly (150) configured to receive the RFID label and to move the RFID label into contact with an item (104) on which the RFID label is to be applied; and a label reject assembly having an extendable path altering mechanism (500) located proximate to said peel end, configured to advance from a retracted position to an extended position to alter a path of the web around said peel end, and wherein said extendable path altering mechanism is positioned and dimensioned to inhibit an RFID label from peeling away from said web.

Abstract: A customizable modular magnetic wall system is provided for displaying items while allowing a user to aesthetically configure and tailor the system to the user's needs. The system includes a magnetic backing plate and at least one module. The module includes a base portion and a utility member. The base portion of the module is magnetically securable at a plurality of positions on the backing plate. In addition, the utility member projects outwardly from the base portion and is sized and configured to receive the item. The module may include a shelf, hooks, and other various devices for displaying the item.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I): in which A is a C alkylene group with a chain length between NH and N(O)R?R? of at least 2 carbon atoms and R? and R? are each separately selected from C1-4 alkyl groups and C2-4 hydroxyalkyl and C2-4 dihydroxyalkyl groups, or R? and R? together are a C2-6 alkylene group, is formulated so that upon dissolution in aqueous solution the pH of the solution is in the range of 5 to 9. The compound may be in the form of salt with a physiologically acceptable acid having a pKa in the range of ?3.0 (minus 3.0) to 9.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides improved devices, systems, and methods for measuring materials with NMR and/or MRI. Exemplary embodiments provide a sensor array for NMR mapping of the material. For example tissue can be measured with the sensor array mounted on a probe body having a distal portion which can be inserted through a minimally invasive aperture. While many tissues can be measured and/or diagnosed, one exemplary embodiment includes a probe adapted for insertion into a lumen of a blood vessel. The sensor array can provide improved spatial resolution of tissue and/or tissue structures positioned near the sensor array to diagnose potentially life threatening diseases, for example a fibrous cap covering a vulnerable plaque. In specific embodiments, the sensors are attached to an expandable member, for example a balloon, which can be inflated to urge the probe sensors radially outward to position the sensors near the tissue structures.

Abstract: A modular surgical tray and delivery system is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the surgical tray system comprises a surgical tray having a base portion and a plurality of lower endcaps secured to the base portion. The system also includes a surgical tray cover having a top portion and a plurality of upper endcaps secured to the top portion. According another embodiment, a method of manufacture of a surgical tray system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (1) providing a surgical tray having a base portion; (2) securing at least one lower endcap to the base portion of the surgical tray; (3) providing a surgical tray cover having a top portion; and (4) securing at least one upper endcap to the top portion of the surgical tray cover.

Abstract: Thienopyridine compounds which are potassium channel inhibitors are described. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and their use in the treatment or prevention of cancer, arrhythmias, autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases, including gastric cancer, atrial fibrillation, type-2 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, type-1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disorder and demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid golf club head with an improved weight distribution to maximize the weight behind the golf ball on impact, an improved sole plate for facilitating the proper movement of the golf club through the hitting zone with the ball, and a specialized alignment system to insure that the golfer using the club head is properly aligning the head with respect to the golf ball, and the target.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for forming a bonded web comprised at least in part of a polyester, a first material web and a second material web are arranged in opposed relationship with each other at least along those portions of the first and second material webs to be bonded together. At least one of the first and second material webs is comprised at least in part of the polyester. The opposed webs are transported in a machine direction to the nip of a bonding apparatus comprised of a first bonding member and a second bonding member defining the nip therebetween for passage of the opposed first and second material webs therebetween in the machine direction. A shear force is applied to the webs generally in the machine direction at the nip and the webs are mechanically bonded together at the nip while the shear force is applied to webs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a combined-cycle power system is provided. The system is coupled to an electric power grid. The system includes at least one electric power generator, at least one steam turbine coupled to the generator, at least one combustion turbine coupled to the generator, and at least one steam source that is in flow communication with the steam turbine. The method includes operating the system at a first power output level with the steam turbine and the combustion turbine being synchronized to an operating frequency of the grid, so that the steam turbine, the combustion turbine, and the grid are operating at a frequency substantially similar to a standardized grid frequency value. The method also includes sensing a grid frequency deviation away from the standardized grid frequency value.

Abstract: Disclosed is various embodiments of a self-heating or self-cooling container with a number of improved features in overcoming the problems associated with existing containers, including, but not limited to, an improved breaking device designed to maximize the mixture and reaction between different reactants, an insulating lip to prevent heat loss in the heating process, a simple and efficient design of the container, and enhancements in manufacturing and assembling a self-heating or self-cooling container.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention feature a self-heating or self-cooling container that is simple in design. The container includes an outer container body, an inner container body, a reactant vessel, a breakable barrier, and a breaking device. The outer container body defines a first chamber and includes a first reactant. The inner container body defines a second chamber. The inner container body is disposed within the first chamber and hold a substance to be heated or cooled. The reactant vessel is provided within the first chamber underneath the inner container body. The reactant vessel contains a second reactant capable of reacting with the first reactant to generate an exothermic or endothermic reaction. The breakable barrier covers the reactant vessel. The breaking device is disposed within the first chamber between the inner container body and the reactant vessel.

Abstract: A customizable modular magnetic wall system is provided for displaying items while allowing a user to aesthetically configure and tailor the system to the user's needs. The system includes a magnetic backing plate and at least one module. The module includes a base portion and a utility member. The base portion of the module is magnetically securable at a plurality of positions on the backing plate. In addition, the utility member projects outwardly from the base portion and is sized and configured to receive the item. The module may include a shelf, hooks, and other various devices for displaying the item.

Abstract: Tools and techniques for creating and editing a master block definition for a block, and manipulating a block instantiation of the block are described. User input can be received defining a block and a master block definition can be generated for the block. The block can include one or more graphical entities and receiving a user input defining a block can include receiving one or more user inputs manipulating a graphical representation of the block. The master block definition can include at least one allowable manipulation to a geometry of the block when instantiated. One or more block instantiations of the block can be manipulated differently according to the allowable manipulation.

Abstract: A first block represents a two or three dimensional object in a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model, and has a visual presentation in a presentation of the CAD model based on a first plurality of property values denoted by a first label in a plurality of labels. User input specifying a new value for a first property value in the first plurality of property values is received. A second plurality of property values denoted by a second label is selected. The second plurality of property values differs by at least one value from the first plurality of property values and the second plurality of property values has a second property value that is satisfied by the new value. The visual presentation of the first block is updated based on the second plurality of property values.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various lymphocyte cell proteins from mammalian, including primate, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The invention teaches a system for use at a location, such as a health club, home or school. The system manages all or some of course scheduling, course delivery, instructor scheduling, participant information, course information, registration, and fee payment. Analysis of course selections to demographics and/or survey information can also be provided by the system. The system also provides a mechanism for providing target variable parameter information for participants in either a generic value or a participant specific value.