Abstract: A method for securely identifying whether an end user owns a particular device from a manufacturer and is a valid participant in a promotion with a partner of the manufacturer. The method allows an end user to verify ownership of a particular device via a computer network and securely obtain promotion related information which enables the end user to participate in a given sales promotion with a retail partner of the manufacturer of the device.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds, compositions and uses of compounds of general formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which are 3-aminocaprolactam derivatives, for the preparation of a medicament intended to treat an inflammatory disorder: wherein X is —CO—Y—(R1)n or SO2—Y—(R1)n; and Y is a cycloalkyl or polycyloalkyl group (such as an adamantyl, adamantanemethyl, bicyclooctyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopropyl group); or is a cycloalkenyl or polycycloalkenyl group.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to increase data integrity in a redundant storage system. The receive module receives a read request to read data from a logical page spanning an array of N+P number of storage elements. The array of storage elements includes N number of the storage elements each storing a portion of an ECC chunk and P number of the storage elements storing parity data. The data read module reads data from at least a portion of a physical page on each of X number of storage elements of the N+P number of storage elements where X equals N. The regeneration module regenerates missing data. The ECC module determines if the read data and any regenerated missing data includes an error. The read data combined with any regenerated missing data includes the ECC chunk.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece is provided. In one form, the apparatus is configured such that the clamping jaws of the apparatus lie flush against the workpiece and the pressure from the pressure application mechanism is distributed substantially equally over the surface of the workpiece in contact with the jaws of the apparatus. Additionally, the apparatus is provided with a brake mechanism which allows at least one of the clamping jaw members to be secured in a desired position on the elongated member without having to tilt the jaw member connected thereto. In another form, the apparatus may have two brake release mechanisms to account for the various positions the apparatus may be placed in with respect to a workpiece. The apparatus may also have mating structures which allow the apparatus to be connected to a work surface. In addition, the apparatus may also include a pivoting pressure application member handle to assist the user in applying or removing pressure to the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel salts of (R)-1-{2-[4?-(3-methoxy-propane-1-sulfonyl)-biphenyl-4-yl]-ethyl}-2-methyl-pyrrolidine, and crystalline forms, and compositions thereof that modulate the activity of the histamine H3-receptor and are useful in the treatment of histamine H3-receptor associated disorders, such as, cognitive disorders, epilepsy, brain trauma, depression, obesity, disorders of sleep and wakefulness such as narcolepsy, shift-work syndrome, drowsiness as a side effect from a medication, maintenance of vigilance to aid in completion of tasks and the like, cataplexy, hypersomnia, somnolence syndrome, jet lag, sleep apnea and the like, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, allergies, allergic responses in the upper airway, allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, pain, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are spinal fusion assemblies for use in skeletal systems. The assembly includes a coupling element that can be coupled to a fixation element, such as, for example, a screw with a head that removably mates with the coupling element. The coupling element and fixation element are configured to be coupled to an elongate stabilizer, such as a rod, that is positioned between a top and a bottom saddle. A compression member, such as a compression nut, is configured to mate with the coupling element and provides a compressive force to the top and bottom saddles to secure the elongate stabilizer therebetween. The top and bottom saddles are movably positioned within the coupling element such that they can gradually reposition and self-align into a secure engagement with the stabilizer as the compression member provides the compressive force.

Abstract: A stacked crystal array includes a plurality of crystal slices and a plurality of interconnects. The interconnects have electrically conductive, spaced-apart and generally parallel elements joined by electrically conductive spacers extending generally orthogonally therebetween, the spacers being rotationally offset from each other by a predetermined angle. The array further includes a plurality of electrical insulators and an electrically insulative housing having a plurality of slots. The crystal slices, insulators and interconnects are arranged in the housing to form an assembly wherein the crystal slices are coupled together in a parallel electrical circuit. The assembly provides photon absorption comparable to a monolithic crystal having a thickness generally equivalent to the sum of the thicknesses of the crystal slices, but at a lower bias voltage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multiple a-lipoic acid-containing hydrophobic compounds (mALAs) capable of acting as scavengers of free radicals, metals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Methods of synthesizing novel antioxidant mALAs, spontaneous emulsification or nanoprecipitaion thereof to produce antioxidant nanospheres and their use in preventing or treating diseases or conditions caused by oxidative stress and other free radical mediated conditions are also described. Another aspect of this invention is the use of these antioxidant nanospheres for the preparation of antioxidant particulate delivery system of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A fibrillated blend of lyocell and cellulosic pulp having a degree of polymerization of 200 to 1000 as measured by ASTM Test 1975-96, a method of making the blend and materials which incorporate the blend.

Abstract: Disclosed is an animal monitoring system that collects data regarding an animal and/or an animal's environment and enables access to the collected animal monitoring data. The system comprises a data-logger unit attached to an animal, that logs data regarding the animal or its environment; a data-relay for relaying the data to a data-storage means that collects the data; and a website that provides access to the collected data.

Abstract: A magnetic fastener clip includes a base and an umbrella positioned on the base. A boss is attached to the umbrella and extends outwardly from the umbrella and away from the base. The magnetic fastener has a hole with a diameter to receive the boss. The boss is welded to hold the magnetic fastener against the umbrella. An optional carrier is attached to the base to provide additional height for suitable applications. The umbrella is positioned on the base or is attached to the carrier and positioned opposite the base. The boss is attached to the magnetic fastener such that the umbrella flexes to permit the magnetic fastener to pivot about the boss. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis i.e. roof.

Abstract: The present application relates to method and apparatus for reducing migration and rotation of implantable devices including an expandable element and an elongate portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that expand environmental support for an HVAC system with an HVAC fluid circulating throughout by vaporizing a cryogen; and sparging the vaporized cryogen to dispense sparge bubbles to the HVAC fluid to cool the HVAC fluid.

Abstract: A method for controlling combustion in a multi-cylinder engine includes injecting fuel into at least one cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine and, for each cylinder, separately controlling at least one fuel injection parameter to produce a desired exhaust composition for that cylinder. A multi-cylinder engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a sulphate compound to improve the handling properties of a flour-based dough containing a reduced level of sodium. The use of the sulphate compound in accordance with the invention reduces dough stickiness and/or improves dough strength. Examples of suitable sulphate compounds include calcium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, sodiumsulphate, potassium sulphate, ammonium sulphate and sulphuric acid.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly includes a distal plate having a port, which is adapted to be positioned in operable communication with an artificial airway of a patient. The assembly includes a distal plate having a port and a proximal plate which has a first port and a second port. The distal plate is positioned against the proximal plate in a stacked configuration, and each plate is configured to move relative to the other. The assembly has an actuator which is positioned adjacent to at least one plate. The actuator cooperates with both plates to substantially prevent movement of the plates when the port of the distal plate is positioned in an alignment with at least one port of the proximal plate and an object, such as a suction catheter, is positioned through the aligned ports of the plates. The actuator cooperates with at least one plate to permit movement of at least one plate when (a) no object is positioned through aligned ports, and (b) when no ports are aligned.

Abstract: A pillbox comprising a plurality of compartments, each compartment having two side walls, two end walls, and a bottom and each compartment having a top, each top comprising a hinged lid for accessing the compartment, the hinged lid being hinged pivotally at a hinge area; a slot at one of the walls of each compartment disposed parallel to the one wall, further wherein the hinged lid for each compartment is separable from the compartment, each hinged lid having a tab depending from the hinged lid and being pivotable from the lid at the hinge area, the tab being insertable into the slot to secure the hinged lid to the compartment for access to the compartment, the tab being releasably and frictionally held in place in the slot and being removable from the slot integral with the lid when the lid is removed.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate that defines, at least in part, a microfluidic network including an inlet in communication with a first detection zone and with a second detection zone. A cobalt reagent and a nickel reagent are disposed within the microfluidic network. First electrodes are in communication with the first detection zone and second electrodes arc in communication with the second detection zone. The device is configured to receive a blood derived sample introduced to the inlet, partition the blood sample into first and second blood sample portions, form a first mixture including at least some of the first blood sample portion and at least some of the cobalt reagent, and form a second mixture including at least some of the second blood sample portion, at least some of the cobalt reagent and at least some of the nickel reagent.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program produce for handling and minimizing miscommunication and transformation of tokens that are processed by humans, either verbally or in writing, during some part of a usage scenario. This is accomplished by filtering out confusing tokens, as determined by calculating a distance metric for each token. A distance metric may be calculated along a print modality, a visual modality or a verbal modality.

Abstract: The present invention combines the principles of a gas turbine engine with an electric transmission system. A method and apparatus are disclosed for utilizing metallic and ceramic elements to store heat energy derived from a regenerative braking system. The subject invention uses this regenerated electrical energy to provide additional energy storage over conventional electrical storage methods suitable for a gas turbine engine. The subject invention provides engine braking for a gas turbine engine as well as reducing fuel consumption.