Abstract: A closure for a container, which has a self-closing valve having a cup-shaped valve head (32) with a dispensing aperture defined therein. In response to increased pressure in the container, the head of the self-closing valve to flatten and partially invert, thereby opening the dispensing aperture (6). The closure (1) includes an energizing ring (5) arrange surrounding the valve head (32) and adapted to restrict the radial expansion thereof. The position and design of the energizing ring (5) relative to the valve head (32) may be adjusted to affect the performance of the valve allowing a single valve design to be used for a number of different applications. Alternatively the energizing ring (5) may be used to improve the performance of a particular design of valve.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, method and system for generating a configuration of an adaptive circuit which is inseparable from selected content. Either the adaptive circuit or encrypted, selected content has a unique identifier. In one of the preferred method and system embodiments in which the adaptive circuit has the unique identifier, a request for the selected content is received, along with the unique identifier, such as by a network server. The selected content is then encrypted, based upon the unique identifier, to form encrypted content. Configuration information for the adaptive circuit, corresponding to the unique identifier and the encrypted content, is generated to form corresponding configuration information. A service provider, such as through a network server, transfers the encrypted content and the corresponding configuration information to the adaptive circuit having the unique identifier, which may then be configured for use of the selected content.

Abstract: A combination of therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of obstructive airways and other inflammatory diseases comprising (i) an adenosine A2A receptor agonist; and (ii) an anti-cholinergic agent, preferably comprising a member selected from the group consisting of tiotropium and derivatives thereof; the combination being therapeutically effective in the treatment of the diseases when administered by inhalation; as well as to a method of treating the obstructive airways and other inflammatory diseases comprising administering separately, simultaneously or sequentially to the mammal by inhalation a therapeutically effective amount of the combination of therapeutic agents; as well as to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier together with the combination of therapeutic agents; as well as to a product containing the compounds of the combination for separate, simultaneous or sequential administration by inhalation to a mammal for the treatment of obstructive airways and

Abstract: A locomotive is provided that includes: a receiver operable to receiving a locating signal, the locating signal indicating a current spatial location of a selected locomotive and a processor operable to (a) determine that the selected locomotive has entered, is entering, and/or is about to enter a spatial zone having at least one controlled parameter, the controlled parameter being at least one of a fuel combustion emissions level and a noise level and (b) configure the operation of the selected locomotive to comply with the controlled parameter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to the combined use of slurry mining and hydrocyclones to recover hydrocarbons, such as bitumen, from hydrocarbon-containing materials, such as oil sands, and to selective mining of valuable materials, particularly hydrocarbon-containing materials, using a plurality of excavating devices and corresponding inputs for the excavated material. The excavated material captured by each input can be switched back-and-forth between two or more destinations depending on the value of the stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for ascertaining characteristics relating to porosity and grain size in rock sample. Four illuminators A, B, C and D direct collimated illuminating beams to a point O at the centre of a sample 40 and have projections onto the plane of the surface of the sample 40 at points A1, B1, C1, and D1. Angles <AOA1, <BOB1, <COC1, and <DOD1 have the same value of 45°. A camera (41) located directly above the point (O) acquires four images as the illuminators are individually illuminated. A processing section receives the acquired image data on line (42) and, after filtering, a common point distribution is evaluated based on the common points in the light intensity distribution data of two pairs of images with opposite illumination directions is found (A & C, B & D). At the same time, an edge enhancing distribution is evaluated based on the opposing value points in the light intensity distribution data for the opposing directions.

Abstract: A combination of therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of obstructive airways and other inflammatory diseases comprising (i) an adenosine A2A receptor agonist; and (ii) an anti-cholinergic agent, preferably comprising a member selected from the group consisting of tiotropium and derivatives thereof; the combination being therapeutically effective in the treatment of the diseases when administered by inhalation; as well as to a method of treating the obstructive airways and other inflammatory diseases comprising administering separately, simultaneously or sequentially to the mammal by inhalation a therapeutically effective amount of the combination of therapeutic agents; as well as to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier together with the combination of therapeutic agents; as well as to a product containing the compounds of the combination for separate, simultaneous or sequential administration by inhalation to a mammal for the treatment of obstructive airways and

Abstract: A mixture of a citrus agent which contains, for example, a bioflavenoid, and caprylic acid acts synergistically to treat plants by providing anti-bacterial and anti-fungal protection to plants. In a preferred embodiment, a micro-nutrient is added to the mixture to simulate plant growth, while continuing to provide the stated protection to plants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the termination of the occurrence of wheel slip/skid and prediction and prevention of the onset of wheel slip/skid in a locomotive. In one configuration, a lookup table of adhesion factors is used to predict the occurrence of wheel slip/skid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the termination of the occurrence of wheel slip/skid and prediction and prevention of the onset of wheel slip/skid in a locomotive. In one configuration, a lookup table of adhesion factors is used to predict the occurrence of wheel slip/skid.

Abstract: Pharmacologically active compounds are provided as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating cancer; inflammation; an autoimmune, infectious or ocular disease; or age-related macular degeneration in a mammal.

Abstract: An external data storage device and program are provided to enable computing device users to transfer personalized interface settings from one computing device to another, so that the user will have a desired and familiar computing device interface no matter what computing device is used. Additionally, the external data storage device and software allow for the user to automatically open files and applications which were opened at the end of a prior sessions, so that the user can continue working from where he/she left off at the end of the prior session.

Abstract: An external data storage device and program are provided to enable computing device users to transfer personalized interface settings from one computing device to another, so that the user will have a desired and familiar computing device interface no matter what computing device is used. Additionally, the external data storage device and software allow for the user to automatically open files and applications which were opened at the end of a prior sessions, so that the user can continue working from where he/she left off at the end of the prior session.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of obstructive airways and other inflammatory diseases comprising (I) a PDEIV inhibitor that is therapeutically effective in the treatment of said diseases when administered by inhalation; together with (II) an anti-cholinergic agent comprising a member selected from the group consisting of tiotropium and derivatives thereof that is therapeutically effective in the treatment of said diseases when administered by inhalation; as well as to a method of treating said obstructive airways and other inflammatory diseases comprising administering to said mammal by inhalation a therapeutically effective amount of said combination of therapeutic agents; and a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier together with said combination of therapeutic agents; and a package containing a pharmaceutical composition for insertion into a device capable of simultaneous or sequential delivery of said pharma

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the separation of bitumen, such as by the Clark process or by a countercurrent de-sander, in an underground excavation machine, such as a tunnel boring machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of mapping a property of a three dimensional object. The method comprises the steps of mapping the property for at least a portion of the object, providing a line or region which defines intersections with part of the mapped portion, and displaying the property for the intersections. The present invention also provides another method of mapping a property of an object. The method comprises the steps of mapping the property for a slice within the object, providing a line within the slice, and displaying the property for the line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a locomotive comprising energy storage units, such as batteries, a prime energy source, such as a diesel engine, and an energy conversion device, such as a generator. The locomotive comprises one or more of the following features: a separate chopper circuit for each traction motor; energy storage units that can be switched from parallel to series electrical connections, an fluid-activated anti-lock brake system, a controller operable to control separately and independently each axle/traction motor, and a controller operable to control automatically a speed of the locomotive. The present invention includes an integrated system for monitoring, controlling and optimizing an electrically powered locomotive using a combination of sensors and software to provide feedback that optimizes power train efficiency and individual drive axle performance for a locomotive that utilizes one of several possible electrical energy storage systems to provide the tractive power.

Abstract: A medical device containing an inflatable balloon structure for use in minimally invasive surgery and minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are described herein. The device is delivered by a catheter and expanded using gases, liquids or liquids that solidify in situ. The inflatable balloon may be constructed from a wide variety of materials and may be reinforced by supporting structures, when necessary. The device may form an endoprosthesis in a patient. In the preferred embodiment, the device is used in spinal fusion. Optionally, the device may also be used in combination with bone graft materials and bioactive factors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital imaging apparatus having an optical sensor, an analog-to-digital converter, a plurality of computational elements, and an interconnection network. The optical sensor converts an object image into a detected image, which is then converted to digital image information by the analog-to-digital converter. The plurality of computational elements includes a first computational element having a first fixed architecture and a second computational element having a second, different fixed architecture. The interconnection network is capable of providing a processed digital image from the digital image information by configuring and reconfiguring the plurality of computational elements for performance of a plurality of different imaging functions. The invention may be embodied, for example, as a digital camera, a scanner, a printer, or a dry copier.

Abstract: A particle cassette for a needleless syringe is provided, the manufacture of which avoids the potentially detrimental use of heat when affixing a final membrane to the cassette or otherwise sealing the cassette after a filling procedure has been carried out. The particle cassette is assembled using first and second cassette parts that are attachable together so as to create a chamber for the confinement of particles between two membranes. A third cassette part may be used to provide for a locking attachment of the first and second parts. A kit of parts for use in the manufacture of a particle cassette is also provided, as is a method of assembling a particle cassette. In certain cassette embodiments, one or both of the first and second cassette parts can be annular, tapered and/or have detents or recesses to provide for a snap fit.