Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of collagenase production and collagenase products, and particularly to improving the reproducibility, purity, and stability of collagenase I and collagenase II compositions, where the compositions are pure to at least 95% by area as measured by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and essentially free of neutral protease.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for automatically providing a lending offer for loyalty points based on a customer account analysis. One example method includes initiating an offer analysis for a customer account associated with a particular customer and storing an account balance and a point deficit balance. The offer analysis determines whether to provide an offer for a point loan, and is based on profile information of the customer, a current point balance, and a reward identified from the loyalty account. If an offer is to be provided, an offer for a loan of points equal to the difference between the current point balance of a loyalty account and the point value cost of the reward is transmitted to a client device of the customer. If accepted, the current point balance and the point deficit are both incremented by the amount of the offer.

Abstract: There are described systems and methods for annunciating engine lubricating fluid level. The system comprises a first fluid level sensor for a first engine; a first low-level detector coupled to the first fluid level sensor; a first low-level indicator coupled to the first low-level detector for annunciating a fluid level of the first engine below a minimum operating level; and an annunciation and display system coupled to the first low-level detector and configured for performing non-critical lubricant-related functions. The first fluid level sensor, the first low-level detector, and the first low-level indicator are composed of first components having a critical level of reliability, the annunciation and display system is composed of second components having a non-critical level of reliability.

Abstract: A coin funnel spinning well device includes upper and lower sections connected by a midsection suspension system configured for accommodating oscillating movement in three dimensions between the sections. The upper section includes an observation dome mounted on a funnel with a lower funnel discharge. A coin launch assembly is mounted in the observation dome and receives coins through a coin insert opening in the observation dome. A pair of handles are mounted on opposite sides of the upper section and enable an operator to manipulate movement of the upper section to maintain a coin on a spiral trajectory. The coin funnel spinning well device can be automated with a computerized control system for controlling Internet access, lighting, coin sensing, timer, and input and output device functions.

Abstract: There are described systems and methods for annunciating engine lubricating fluid level. The system comprises a first fluid level sensor for a first engine; a first low-level detector coupled to the first fluid level sensor; a first low-level indicator coupled to the first low-level detector for annunciating a fluid level of the first engine below a minimum operating level; and an annunciation and display system coupled to the first low-level detector and configured for performing non-critical lubricant-related functions. The first fluid level sensor, the first low-level detector, and the first low-level indicator are composed of first components having a critical level of reliability, the annunciation and display system is composed of second components having a non-critical level of reliability.

Abstract: A coin funnel spinning well device includes upper and lower sections connected by a midsection suspension system configured for accommodating oscillating movement in three dimensions between the sections. The upper section includes an observation dome mounted on a funnel with a lower funnel discharge. A coin launch assembly is mounted in the observation dome and receives coins through a coin insert opening in the observation dome. A pair of handles are mounted on opposite sides of the upper section and enable an operator to manipulate movement of the upper section to maintain a coin on a spiral trajectory. The coin funnel spinning well device can be automated with a computerized control system for controlling Internet access, lighting, coin sensing, timer, and input and output device functions.

Abstract: A field-programmable operation array includes an interconnect network and a plurality of operation blocks, including a first operation block and a second operation block, electrically connected to the interconnect network. Each operation block includes an arithmetic logic unit and a plurality of logic gates. A pass signal output by the arithmetic logic unit of the first operation is received by the arithmetic logic unit of the second operation block.

Abstract: A generic template node for developing and deploying model software packages made up of interconnected working nodes derived from modifying copies of a generic template node. In one embodiment, a generic template node comprises: a plurality of definable input and output channels; at least one modifiable process routine capable of executing instructions for integrating into the generic template node at least one of, (i) a custom process, (ii) a canned common function, e.g., Sum and/or Average, and (iii) a third-party software package; a setup routine; and a plurality of definable output channels. The setup routine is operably linked to a host process to perform setup initialization of the generic template node. The generic template node is executable using at least one processor in communication with at least one memory having instructions to modify the generic template node in response to user requests.

Abstract: A generic template node for developing and deploying model software packages made up of interconnected working nodes derived from modifying copies of a generic template node. In one embodiment, a generic template node comprises: a plurality of definable input and output channels; at least one modifiable process routine capable of executing instructions for integrating into the generic template node at least one of, (i) a custom process, (ii) a canned common function, e.g., Sum and/or Average, and (iii) a third-party software package; a setup routine; and a plurality of definable output channels. The setup routine is operably linked to a host process to perform setup initialization of the generic template node. The generic template node is executable using at least one processor in communication with at least one memory having instructions to modify the generic template node in response to user requests.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling variation in dimensions of patterned features across a wafer are provided. One method includes measuring a characteristic of a latent image formed in a resist at more than one location across a wafer during a lithography process. The method also includes altering a parameter of the lithography process in response to the characteristic to reduce variation in dimensions of patterned features formed across the wafer by the lithography process. Altering the parameter compensates for non-time varying spatial variation in a temperature to which the wafer is exposed during a post exposure bake step of the lithography process and an additional variation in the post exposure bake step.

Abstract: A system and method for providing visibility to dynamic webpages may include a static content database and a processor configured to, responsive to a request from a terminal for a dynamic webpage: generate the dynamic webpage; provide a static copy of the dynamic webpage for storage in the static content database; and transmit the dynamic webpage to the terminal. The processor is further configured to provide the static copy of the dynamic webpage to a webcrawler.

Abstract: A method for adding user defined metadata to digital files (eg images, video music, etc) is disclosed. The input method for the user-defined metadata consists of using speech to text conversion technology where the user speaks a description of the content, which is then included as metadata with the digital file that was intended. Through the invention described, the metadata is added to the appropriate metadata field(s) of the intended digital content file(s). The addition and editing of metadata can happen before, during or after the digital content capture and/or during the content review process. This functionality allows for a quick, intuitive and user friendly way for users to add specific self-generated metadata content to digital content files (eg digital images). Results include more efficient and enhanced sorting, storing and searching of digital content as well as attaching notes to better describe an image, akin to writing on the back of printed photos.

Abstract: A method of joining or repairing metal surface structures. Joinder and/or repair of metal or metal-polymer laminate panels may be carried out using so-called “cold metal transfer” gas metal arc welding techniques. Moreover, suitable zinc-copper-aluminum alloys may improve weldability, durability and strength. The reduced thermal input permits effective weld formation at the metal sheet layers without giving rise to temperature gradient sufficient to significantly damage the interior elements.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a brake rotor assembly. The brake rotor assembly includes a generally annular rotor having a frictional surface and a radially inner rotor flange defining a plurality of rotor teeth. The brake rotor assembly also includes a hub section integrally formed onto the rotor. The hub section has a peripheral hub flange configured to engage the plurality of rotor teeth and thereby prevent rotation of the hub section relative to the rotor. The rotor is preferably composed of a first material such as steel or cast iron, and the hub section is preferably composed of a second material such as aluminum or magnesium that is lighter by volume than the first material. Accordingly, the overall weight of the rotor assembly is less than that of a comparable rotor assembly composed entirely of steel or cast iron.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a powertrain component enclosure member, including the steps of: (A) positioning at least one insert into a mold, wherein the insert is provided with a coating to prevent bonding between the insert and the casting material; and (B) casting a wall of the powertrain component enclosure member in the mold around the insert such that a major portion of the insert is substantially non-bonded with the casting material to provide a proper interfacial boundary with the casting material for damping.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a friction damped disc brake rotor, including the steps of: (A) providing a ceramic coating on an insert, wherein the insert has a body with tabs extending therefrom to hold the insert in a desired position within a mold; (B) washing the ceramic coating off of the tabs; (C) positioning the insert into the mold; and (D) casting a rotor cheek of the disc brake rotor in the mold around the insert such that a portion of each tab is bonded with the rotor cheek, and such that the coating is substantially non-bonded with the rotor cheek so that the coating provides a proper interfacial boundary between the body and the cheek for damping, and the at least partial bonding of each tab with the rotor cheek prevents corrosion-causing exterior elements from reaching the interfacial boundary when the friction damped disc brake rotor is in use.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a friction damped disc brake rotor, including the steps of: (A) positioning at least one insert into a mold, wherein the insert has a body with tabs extending therefrom to hold the insert in a desired position within the mold; and (B) casting a rotor cheek of the disc brake rotor in the mold around the insert such that a portion of each tab is bonded with the rotor cheek and the body is substantially non-bonded with the rotor cheek so that the body provides a proper interfacial boundary with the cheek for damping while the bonding of the tabs with the rotor cheek prevents corrosion-causing exterior elements from reaching the interfacial boundary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel GABAA receptor ? subunit (GABRE) and an alternative transcript thereof (ET2). More specifically, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding human GABRE and ET2 receptor subunits. ET2 and GABRE polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of ET2 and GABRE activities. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting aberrant GABRE and ET2 expression, as well as therapeutic methods for treating disorders involving ET2 and GABRE.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling variation in dimensions of patterned features across a wafer are provided. One method includes measuring a characteristic of a latent image formed in a resist at more than one location across a wafer during a lithography process. The method also includes altering a parameter of the lithography process in response to the characteristic to reduce variation in dimensions of patterned features formed across the wafer by the lithography process. Altering the parameter compensates for non-time varying spatial variation in a temperature to which the wafer is exposed during a post exposure bake step of the lithography process and an additional variation in the post exposure bake step.

Abstract: A Coulomb friction damped disc brake rotor, wherein damping is provided Coulomb friction in generally coextensive relation with the braking surfaces of the one or more rotor cheeks. The Coulomb friction damped disc brake rotor has at least one interfacial boundary formed in at least one rotor cheek disposed in generally coextensive relation to the braking surface thereof. The interfacial boundary provides a mechanically distinguishable surface boundary between two surfaces which are in mutual contact such that a state of Coulomb friction exists therebetween.