Abstract: A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon or liquid biologically derived fuel by adding to the petroleum hydrocarbon or biologically derived fuel at least one compound having formula (I), wherein G1 represents an organic functional group having from four to forty carbon atoms.

Abstract: An expandable stud bracket for attachment to a 2×4, 2×6, or 4×4 board for construction of a temporary structure of support is disclosed. An embodiment of the bracket includes a receiving portion for securing the bracket to a stud, an adjustable portion opposite the receiving portion and having an extendable rod, an engagement plate attached to an end of the rod and an anchor attached to an end of the rod opposite the engagement plate and for limiting extension of the rod from the bracket, and a locking mechanism attached to the rod for preventing retraction. Optionally, a detachable foot portion may be used as part of the entire disclosed expansion system. Preferably, the extendable rod is threaded and the locking mechanism comprises a nut which can be tightened using a lever. The bracket may also accommodate angled surfaces.

Abstract: A method of imaging a region in a subject includes administering to the subject a complex of a metal chelated to a compound, and obtaining an image of the region in the subject.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a technique that processes captured images derived from selected targeted objects in a field of view. The captured images may be transferred via a communication link to a Storage location for future availability. A possible aspect may provide a cross-reference association between saved multiple exposures having different quality characteristics. In some instances an identifier record is provided to enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices or authorized recipients. In some embodiments the captured data may include both a video data stream and one or more still image frames derived from related fields of view. Stored versions of the captured images may be provided in original or altered form to be incorporated in a composite visual work.

Abstract: Feed-forward equalizer (FFE) circuits and methods are provided which implement time domain analog multiplication for adjusting FFE tap weights. For example, a method includes inputting data signals to FFE taps of a current-integrating summer circuit, wherein the data signals are time-delayed versions of an analog input data signal. A capacitance is charged to a precharge level during a reset period of the current-integrating summer circuit. An output current is generated by each FFE tap during an integration period of the current-integrating summer circuit. The output currents from the FFE taps collectively charge or discharge the capacitance during the integration period.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes component devices (that include primary and alternate devices) and storage elements connected to the component devices. The storage elements store different sets of repair addresses indicating which of the primary devices and alternate devices are to be enabled. Further, a controller is connected to the storage elements, and a temperature sensor is connected to the controller. The temperature sensor senses the temperature. The controller selects one of the different storage elements to select at least one of the sets of repair addresses based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. The sets of repair addresses share use of at least one of the alternate devices and at least one of the primary devices.

Abstract: A micro-spike algae harvesting and biofuel extraction system including a micro-spike board supported at an inclined angle by a rigid framework and forming a planar substrate for support of an array of miniature, upwardly pointed, conically-shaped spikes, and a sprinkling system for dispersing an algal solution of algae cells from above the micro-spike board onto the array of spikes for puncturing the algae cells to release biofuel contained therein.

Abstract: A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source that produces light for color and fluorescence imaging modes. Light from the light source is transmitted through an endoscope to the tissue under observation. The system also includes a compact camera for color and fluorescence imaging. Images obtained through the endoscope are optically divided and projected onto one or more image sensors by a fixed beam splitter in the camera. The fixed beam splitter eliminates the need for inserting a movable mirror into the light path between the endoscope and the image sensors. Image signals from the camera are processed in the system processor/controller where a contrast enhancement function can be applied. The contrast enhancement function increases the color contrast between normal tissue and tissue suspicious for early cancer. Finally, the system also includes a calibration feature whereby the system performance can be maintained when used with different endoscopes.

Abstract: A method and system provides transactions and arrangements in virtual world environments. A user can participate in transactions to acquire virtual property and related virtual rights. In some implementations, real-world and virtual parties can be involved in possible transfers and/or transfer revocations involving various types of virtual objects and virtual rights.

Abstract: An integrated plant that includes a steam explosion process unit and biomass gasifier to generate syngas from biomass. A steam explosion process unit applies a combination of heat, pressure, and moisture to the biomass to make the biomass into a moist fine particle form. The steam explosion process unit applies steam with a high pressure to heat and pressurize any gases and fluids present inside the biomass to internally blow apart the bulk structure of the biomass via a rapid depressurization of the biomass with the increased moisture content. Those produced moist fine particles of biomass are subsequently fed to a feed section of the biomass gasifier, which reacts the biomass particles in a rapid biomass gasification reaction to produce syngas components.

Abstract: Scanners and scanner housings are disclosed. An example scanner includes a housing to carry an optical element, the housing having a first support feature, and a printed circuit board having a second support feature to mate with the first support feature of the housing, the printed circuit board to provide vertical support to the housing when the first and second support features are mated.

Abstract: Provided according to one or more embodiments is a thermostat having a housing, the housing including a forward-facing surface, the thermostat comprising a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor disposed inside the housing for sensing occupancy in the vicinity of the thermostat. The PIR motion sensor has a radiation receiving surface and is able to detect the lateral movement of an occupant in front of the forward-facing surface of the housing. The thermostat further comprises a grille member having one or more openings and included along the forward-facing surface of the housing, the grille member being placed over the radiation receiving surface of the PIR motion sensor. The grille member is configured and dimensioned to visually conceal and protect the PIR motion sensor disposed inside the housing, the visual concealment promoting a visually pleasing quality of the thermostat, while at the same time permitting the PIR motion sensor to effectively detect the lateral movement of the occupant.

Abstract: Road grade is modeled over a region in which a vehicle is driven on roadways having a grade that varies over a plurality of predetermined grade ranges. A succession of grade values are generated while operating the vehicle at a predetermined rate, wherein each grade value identifies a respective grade range then being encountered. A Markov chain road-grade model is updated in response to the succession of grade values, wherein the model represents respective elements of probability in a matrix of transition events from each predetermined grade range to a respective next-in-succession grade range. Each element of the matrix has a value ?i,j representing a weighted frequency of transition events from a first respective grade value to a second respective grade value divided by a weighted frequency of transition events initiating from the first respective grade value, so that the matrix successively approximates the road grade of the region.

Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover; a pump fixedly secured to the cover; an axially displaceable turbine hydraulically coupled to the pump; and an axially displaceable stator at least partially disposed between the pump and the turbine and including a friction clutch with a plurality of clutch plates and respective friction material disposed between the plurality of clutch plates. When the ratio of the rotational speed of the turbine with respect to the rotational speed of the pump is less than a coupling point value, the turbine or the stator is arranged to axially displace to close the friction clutch. When the ratio of the rotational speed of the turbine with respect to the rotational speed of the pump is at least equal to the coupling point value: the stator or the turbine is arranged to axially displace to open the friction clutch; or the stator is arranged to axially displace to close the friction clutch.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device antenna has a feed region of interdigitated fingers. The interdigitated fingers have parallel centerlines and are spaced one from another. A chip having opposing ends overlays opposing interdigitated fingers. A coupling is established between the chip and the antenna at the interdigitated fingers.

Abstract: An article of manufacture having a nominal airfoil profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in scalable Table 1 wherein the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z are non-dimensional values convertible to dimensional distances by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z by a number, and wherein X and Y are coordinates which, when connected by continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each Z height, the airfoil profile sections at each Z height being joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an electrostatic microelectromechanical (MEMS) device comprising a dielectric layer separating a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor is moveable towards the second conductor, when a voltage is applied to the MEMS device. The dielectric layer recovers from dielectric charging failure almost immediately upon removal of the voltage from the MEMS device.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the yield in plant expression of recombinant proteins comprising engineering glycosylation sites into cloned genes or cDNAs for proteins using codons that drive post-translational modifications in plants; and engineering the cloned genes or cDNAs to contain a plant secretory signal sequence that targets the gene products (protein) for secretion. The methods result in increased recombinant glycosylated protein yields. Proteins produced according to these methods are disclosed.