Abstract: A file storage system may be implemented by coordinating non-exhaustible and exhaustible storage devices. The exhaustible storage devices may be lower grade flash based storage devices. The non-exhaustible storage devices may be storage devices based on magnetic recording mechanisms or higher grade flash storage. The file storage system may store received content items on the exhaustible storage devices. The file storage system may additionally store metadata for the content items and/or the file storage system on the non-exhaustible storage devices. During operation, the file storage system may globally optimize the content items on the exhaustible storage devices such that more heavily accessed items are moved to exhaustible storage devices that have experienced relatively few data operations. The file storage system can move less frequently accessed content items to exhaustible storage devices that have experienced a relatively large number of data operations.

Abstract: A separator (10) comprises a housing (12) and a separator chamber (24) contained within the housing, an inlet (26) and outlet (28) to the separator chamber and a dividing member (34) for substantially dividing the separator chamber into a first chamber (30) and a second chamber (32). A flow path (38) is provided between the first and second chambers for allowing flow to circulate between the first and second chambers, and guide means (56) for creating opposing flow paths in the second chamber (32) for slowing flow through the second chamber (32).

Abstract: A separator comprises a housing and a separator chamber contained within the housing, an inlet and outlet to the separator chamber and a dividing member for substantially dividing the separator chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. A flow path is provided between the first and second chambers for allowing flow to circulate between the first and second chambers, and guide means for creating opposing flow paths in the second chamber for slowing flow through the second chamber.

Abstract: Chronic activation of the ?-Adrenergic Receptor (?-AR) can have deleterious effects on the heart, and animal models over-expressing the ?-AR develop heart failure. In the classical ?-AR pathway, activation of the receptor results in increased cyclic AMP(cAMP) levels. However, ?-ARs are desensitized in the failing heart and cAMP levels are decreased. Phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A) hydrolyzes cAMP in certain subcellular compartments in cardiac myocytes, regulating cAMP levels and subsequent protein kinase A mediated cell signaling. By virtue of being freely diffusable intracellularly and being reduced in failing myocardial tissue, cAMP is reduced in certain important cardiac myocyte subcellular compartments such as the microdomain occupied by phospholamban.

Abstract: Silicon containing polyamine scale inhibitors derived from poly(primary amine)s are disclosed. The scale inhibitors can be used to reduce siliceous scale formation in industrial process streams such as alumina recovery process streams, nuclear waste streams and kraft paper mill effluent streams.

Abstract: A method for sign-on and sign-out for a computer system. The method includes receiving a first sign-on request for the computer system and obtaining, from the first sign-on request, a first user identifier where the first user identifier corresponds to a first user for the computer system. The method then includes obtaining, from the first sign-on request, a first uniform resource locator (URL) and determining whether the first URL includes a first root name for the computer system. When a determination is made that the first URL includes the first root name for the computer system a first cookie associated with the first user is issued and a first sub-domain name is obtained from the first URL. Also, a second cookie may be issued associated with the first sub-domain name and, when the first cookie and the second cookie are issued, the first user may sign-on to the computer system. In one or more embodiments, the method may include receiving a sign-out request.

Abstract: A magnetic separator for a central heating system comprises a housing, a separation chamber within the housing, and inlet and outlet ports extending from the housing. The inlet and outlet ports include push-fit connectors having collets surrounding the mouth of each of the inlet and outlet for releasing the connectors. The magnetic separator also has a release tool. The release tool has first and second bearing areas for bearing against the collets of the inlet and outlet connectors, and a handle region for enabling force to be applied, via the bearing areas, to both connectors simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods for reducing aluminosilicate containing scale in a Bayer process involving treating a Bayer process equipment surface with a scale inhibiting composition having high ionic strength prior to exposure to a Bayer process stream.

Abstract: A separator device for removing particles from suspension in a fluid includes a housing having first and second apertures for ingress and egress of fluid into and out of the housing. A first separator chamber is disposed at one end of the housing. A second separator chamber is disposed at the other end of the housing. A central chamber is disposed between the first and second separator chambers. The first and second separator chambers are apertured for ingress and egress of fluid from the central chamber, and each contains obstruction means to slow the flow of fluid within the chamber.

Abstract: A separator device for removing particles from suspension in a liquid includes a housing having first and second chambers with apertures for ingress and egress of liquid into the first chamber. Means are provided for setting up a swirl of liquid within the first chamber. Apertures enable flow of liquid between the first chamber and the second chamber. Means are also provided for setting up a swirl of liquid within the second chamber. The swirl in the second chamber is in substantially the opposite direction to the swirl in the first chamber, and there is no substantial flow in the second chamber which is in the same direction as the swirl in the first chamber.

Abstract: An autonomous controller for a vehicle. The controller has a processor configured to receive position signals from position sensors and to generate operation control signals defining an updated travel path for the vehicle. The controller has a programmable interface providing communication among the position sensors, the operation control mechanisms, and the processor. The controller is configured to normalize inputs to the processor from the position sensors and to generate compatible operation control signals applied as the inputs to the operation control mechanisms. The processor and the programmable interface define a self-contained unit configurable for operation with a variety of different remote sensors and different remote operation control mechanisms.

Abstract: A file storage system may be implemented by coordinating non-exhaustible and exhaustible storage devices. The exhaustible storage devices may be lower grade flash based storage devices. The non-exhaustible storage devices may be storage devices based on magnetic recording mechanisms or higher grade flash storage. The file storage system may store received content items on the exhaustible storage devices. The file storage system may additionally store metadata for the content items and/or the file storage system on the non-exhaustible storage devices. During operation, the file storage system may globally optimize the content items on the exhaustible storage devices such that more heavily accessed items are moved to exhaustible storage devices that have experienced relatively few data operations. The file storage system can move less frequently accessed content items to exhaustible storage devices that have experienced a relatively large number of data operations.

Abstract: A file storage system is implemented by coordinating non-exhaustible and exhaustible storage devices. The exhaustible storage devices include lower grade flash based storage devices. The non-exhaustible storage devices are based on magnetic recording mechanisms or higher grade flash storage. The file storage system stores received content items on the exhaustible storage devices, and stores metadata for the content items and/or the file storage system on the non-exhaustible storage devices. During operation, the file storage system globally optimizes the content items on the exhaustible storage devices such that more heavily accessed items are moved to exhaustible storage devices that have experienced relatively few data operations. The file storage system moves less frequently accessed content items to exhaustible storage devices that have experienced a relatively large number of data operations. As such, the operation lifetime of the exhaustible storage devices as a whole can be prolonged.

Abstract: An autonomous controller for a vehicle. The controller has a processor configured to receive position signals from position sensors and to generate operation control signals defining an updated travel path for the vehicle. The controller has a programmable interface providing communication among the position sensors, the operation control mechanisms, and the processor. The controller is configured to normalize inputs to the processor from the position sensors and to generate compatible operation control signals applied as the inputs to the operation control mechanisms. The processor and the programmable interface define a self-contained unit configurable for operation with a variety of different remote sensors and different remote operation control mechanisms.

Abstract: Provided are devices for collecting an aerosol sample from a subject. The devices comprise a conduit that defines an inner space for the passage of exhaled air. An example conduit has a long axis and a first opening for receiving exhaled air from the subject. The devices further comprise a filter for collecting a sample from the exhaled air. Also provided are methods for collecting samples aerosols exhaled from a subject.

Abstract: Fault-tolerant storage is provided using a distributed data storage system that receives input data from clients and divides that data into data blocks for storage. The data blocks are processed using a coding scheme that generates redundant level one error correction blocks (L1EC Blocks). The L1EC blocks enable the reconstruction of one or more damaged or inaccessible data blocks, and the L1EC blocks and the data blocks are divided into distribution sets and stored at a plurality of data storage locations. At each data storage location additional level two error correction blocks (L2EC blocks) are generated that provide local data redundancy. Upon detecting a data disruption event, an inaccessible data storage location is identified and the elements that were stored at the inaccessible data storage location are reconstructed.

Abstract: The invention is a sleeve and cover for small glass bottles of the kind used to distribute and store nail polish and similar cosmetic products. A thin silicone sleeve is fitted to a particular size of nail polish bottle. The sleeve features a hole that may be positioned over the product label and through which the product label may be read. The sleeve further features a widened portion at the base of the bottle neck where the cap is inserted. The sleeve further features a concave tab that may be pulled up over the container cap. The result is that a shock-absorbing sleeve covers the whole bottle, including the fragile neck and cap, reducing the risk of breakage if the bottle is dropped.

Abstract: A gooseneck assembly having a body disposed circumferentially about a portion of a riser string. A stab member is inwardly radially extendable relative to the body and engages a receptacle disposed on the riser string. A cartridge assembly engages the stab member and has a flexible hose coupling that is rotatable relative to a central axis of the stab member. The coupling is in fluid communication with the receptacle via the stab member. The assembly includes an actuator that is operable to rotate the flexible hose coupling relative to the central axis of the stab member.

Abstract: A separator (10) comprises a housing (12) and a separator chamber (24) contained within the housing, an inlet (26) and outlet (28) to the separator chamber and a dividing member (34) for substantially dividing the separator chamber into a first chamber (30) and a second chamber (32). A flow path (38) is provided between the first and second chambers for allowing flow to circulate between the first and second chambers, and guide means (56) for creating opposing flow paths in the second chamber (32) for slowing flow through the second chamber (32).

Abstract: A file storage system may be implemented by coordinating non-exhaustible and exhaustible storage devices. The exhaustible storage devices may be lower grade flash based storage devices. The non-exhaustible storage devices may be storage devices based on magnetic recording mechanisms or higher grade flash storage. The file storage system may store received content items on the exhaustible storage devices. The file storage system may additionally store metadata for the content items and/or the file storage system on the non-exhaustible storage devices. During operation, the file storage system may globally optimize the content items on the exhaustible storage devices such that more heavily accessed items are moved to exhaustible storage devices that have experienced relatively few data operations. The file storage system can move less frequently accessed content items to exhaustible storage devices that have experienced a relatively large number of data operations.