Abstract: A compact catalytic reactor defines a multiplicity of first and second flow channels arranged alternately in the reactor, for carrying first and second fluids, respectively, wherein at least the first fluids undergo a chemical reaction. Each first flow channel containing a removable gas-permeable catalyst structure (20) incorporating a metal substrate, the catalyst structure defining flow paths therethrough, with catalytic material on at least some surfaces of each such path. The catalyst structure also incorporates a multiplicity of projecting resilient lugs (22) which support the catalyst structure (20) spaced away from at least one adjacent wall of the channel (17).

Abstract: Dynamically Configurable Logic Gate Using a Nonlinear Element A dynamically configurable logic gate includes an input summer for receiving a first input signal and a second input signal to generate a summed input signal. Further the dynamically configurable logic gate includes a nonlinear element that applies a nonlinear function to the summed input signal to produce a nonlinear output signal. The dynamically configurable logic gate output signal corresponds to one of a plurality of different logic gates responsive to adjusting the summed input signal and/or the nonlinear function. In another embodiment, the dynamically configurable logic gate includes feedback to one of the inputs. The dynamically configurable logic gate receives the two inputs and operates as one of a plurality of different logic gate types so as to produce an output signal that corresponds to a memory latch according to a selection of the control signal. An array structure of dynamically configurable logic elements is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for powering up an optical network is provided. The method comprises remotely and safely increasing power to optical links in the optical network while monitoring signal levels in the network to discover installation errors, incorrect equipment configuration, and faulty components. In a modification to the method, attenuations of optical attenuators and gain values of optical amplifiers are set. The methods for powering up the optical network of the embodiments of the invention apply to both new optical networks and to new optical links added to pre-existing optical networks.

Abstract: Display interface embodiments are provided to capture various types of analog video signals and digitize them for presentation on advanced digital displays (e.g., computer displays and television displays). The embodiments include at least an error converter channel and a reference converter channel that can each amplify an analog input signal S with a fixed gain G and a programmed gain g and convert the amplified signal to a corresponding digital code. The embodiments also include a channel controller that is configured to conduct process steps that adjust the transfer function of the error converter channel to conform to (e.g., matches) the transfer function of the reference converter channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition for treating recirculating water systems, comprising: (1) a biocidal effective amount of a first nonoxidizing biocide comprising biguanide; and (2) a biocidal effective amount of a second nonoxidizing biocide comprising dibromonitrilopropionamide (DBNPA); wherein the composition is substantially free from oxidants. The present invention is also directed to a method of controlling the growth of microorganisms in recirculating water systems, comprising the step of treating the recirculating water systems with the above composition.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and methods that allow a data storage device perform an enhanced data recovery procedure (DRP) that includes obtaining a new digital sampling of the voltages for the failing unit of data by re-reading the analog signal and converting it to digital form using an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) using a fixed phase clock signal. The data samples are re-interpolated using a programmable delay line. The digital values representing the voltages are stored a buffer so that the data can be processed repeatedly using varying parameters as part of the data recovery procedure. Optionally the samples stored in the buffer can be processed in the reverse direction (from end of sector to beginning of sector) without requiring modification of the standard Viterbi detector since it inherently works on data processed in either direction.

Abstract: A composition comprising the reaction products of MaMHbMEcDdDHeDEfTgTHhTEiQj where M=R1R2R3SiO1/2; MH=R4R5H SiO1/2; ME=R6R7RESiO1/2; D=R8R9SiO2/2; DH=R10HSiO2/2; DE=R11RESiO2/2; T=R12SiO3/2; TH=HSiO3/2; TE=RESiO3/2; and Q=SiO4/2; where R1, R2, R3, R8, R9 and R12 are independently monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from one to sixty carbon atoms; R4, R5 and R10 are independently monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from one to sixty carbon atoms or hydrogen; R6, R7, R11 are independently monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from one to sixty carbon atoms or RE; each RE is independently a monovalent hydrocarbon radical containing one or more oxirane moieties having from one to sixty carbon atoms; the stoichiometric subscripts a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, and j are either zero or positive subject to the following limitations: a+b+c>1;b+e+h>1;c+f+i>1;b+e+h>c+f+i. In a preferred embodiment the reaction product of the present invention is a polyether siloxane copolymer network.

Abstract: A method of making a cosmetic composition comprising the reaction products of MaMHbMEcDdDHeDEfTgTHhTEiQj where M=R1R2R3SiO1/2; MH=R4R5H SiO1/2; ME=R6R7RESiO1/2; D=R8R9SiO2/2; DH=R10HSiO2/2; DE=R11RESiO2/2; T=R12SiO3/2; T H=HSiO3/2; TE=RESiO3/2; and Q=SiO4/2; where R1, R2, R3, R8, R9 and R12 are independently monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from one to sixty carbon atoms; R4, R5 and R10 are independently monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from one to sixty carbon atoms or hydrogen; R6, R7, R11 are independently monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from one to sixty carbon atoms or RE; each RE is independently a monovalent hydrocarbon radical containing one or more oxirane moieties having from one to sixty carbon atoms; the stoichiometric subscripts a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, and j are either zero or positive subject to the following limitations: a+b+c>1; b+e+h>1; c+f+i>1; b+e+h>c+f+i.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an article adapted to produce heat, the article including an outer surface having a skin-facing surface, the outer surface enclosing a heat generator; and a thermal grill disposed on the skin-facing surface. The present disclosure also provides an article for delivering a heating sensation, the article including a skin-facing surface; a plurality of warm portions disposed on the skin-facing surface; and a plurality of cool portions disposed on the skin-facing surface, wherein the warm portions and cool portions are disposed in an alternating pattern.

Abstract: A system and method that tracks surplus reduction actions is disclosed. Managers and other decision makers take various actions regarding employees. Actions are recorded and tracked in a data store. Included with the action is an identifier, such as a digital signature, of the decision maker that performed the action. Affected (i.e., surplus) employees are notified that they have been selected as surplus. Affected employees acknowledge such identification as well as any confidentiality and non-compete obligations. Affected employees electronically sign non-compete agreements and such digital signatures are also recorded in the data store evidencing the employees' acknowledgment of such confidentiality and non-compete obligations. Electronic keys, such as user IDs and passwords, may also be sent to employees that acknowledge surplus actions and non-compete obligations. These electronic keys enable the affected employees to access materials, such as job databases and other relocation and employment information.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a trapezoid settler having a longitudinal axis, a base, a first side wall oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis, a second side wall opposing the first side wall and oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis, and a coalescence fence connected to the first side wall and the second side wall. The coalescence fence has a first screen, a second screen oriented generally parallel to the first screen, and a media disposed between the first screen and the second screen.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor comprises a plurality of fluid-impermeable plates defining side-by-side flow channels between them. Tight fitting within each flow channel is a sheet of corrugated material whose surfaces are coated with catalytic material. At each end of the flow channels there may be headers for supply gas mixtures to the flow channels, the headers communicating with adjacent channels being separate. The reactor enables different gas mixtures to be supplied to adjacent channels, which may be at different pressures, and the corresponding chemical reactions are also different. Where one of the reactions is endothermic while the other reaction is exothermic, heat is transferred through the wall of the tube separating the adjacent channels, from the exothermic reaction to the endothermic reaction. The provision of side=by-side flow channels provides for structural strength and for enhanced heat transfer.

Abstract: A method for repairing a basecoat/clearcoat finish or coating comprised of a fluorinated organosilane topcoat. A fluorinated urethane additive is added to the fluorinated organosilane topcoat composition to improve recoat adhesion with the repair basecoat.

Abstract: Estimating the financial impact, in terms of savings and costs, is performed for a resource reduction. Financial impact estimates are determined before the surplus action is initiated in order to estimate the savings of a planned surplus action and in order to estimate the costs of paying severance payments to employees. When estimating compensation savings and severance costs, the percentage of surplus employees in various skill groups are multiplied by average employment data to estimate the total savings amount and total severance costs. Management evaluates the employees in the affected skill group areas to determine which individual employees are surplus employees and should be removed. Actual financial impact data is calculated after the surplus employees have been identified. Employment data records corresponding to the surplus employees are used to calculate the total compensation savings and the total severance cost.

Abstract: A system (140) prevents the spread of viruses in a network (100). The system (140) receives a hash value from a remote device (130), compares the hash value to a group of hash values associated with data messages including viruses, and generates a first message when the hash value matches one of the group of hash values. The first message instructs the remote device (130) to discard a received data message. The system (140) also generates a second message when the hash value does not match one of the group of hash values. The second message instructs the remote device (130) to forward the received data message to a user of the remote device (130).

Abstract: A system and method that estimates the financial impact in terms of savings and costs of performing a resource reduction addresses is provided. Financial impact estimates are determined before the surplus action is initiated in order to estimate the savings of a planned surplus action and in order to estimate the costs of paying severance payments to employees. When estimating compensation savings and severance costs, the percentage of surplus employees in various skill groups are multiplied by average employement data to estimate the total savings amount and total severance costs. Management evaluates the employees in the affected skill group areas to determine which individual employees are surplus employees and should be removed. Actual financial impact data is calculated after the surplus employees have been identified. Employment data records corresponding to the surplus employees are used to calculate the total compensation savings and the total severance cost.

Abstract: Mutants of steroid receptor ligand binding domains and synthetic ligands which have specific binding affinities for these receptors are provided. The use of these LBD-ligand combinations for construction of selective “molecular gene switches” is disclosed. Methods of regulating gene function using these switches are provided.

Abstract: A system debugs a computer application that employs rights-managed (RM) content. A first, non-isolated process has the application and a shell version of the trusted component, where such shell version receives each request by the application for RM services. The shell version is unconcerned whether a debugger is monitoring the first process. A second, isolated process is separate from the first process and has a debugging version of the trusted component. The shell version in the first process forwards the received request to the debugging version in the second process, and such debugging version acts upon same. The debugging version ensures that the debugger is not monitoring the second process, but is unconcerned whether the debugger is monitoring the first process.

Abstract: A composition comprising the reaction products of MaMHbMEcDdDHeDEfTgTHhTEiQj where M=R1R2R3SiO1/2; MH=R4R5HSiO1/2; ME=R6R7RESiO1/2; D=R8R9SiO2/2; DH=R10HSiO2/2; DE=R11RESiO2/2; T=R12SiO3/2; TH=HSiO3/2; TE=RESiO3/2; and Q=SiO4/2; where R1, R2, R3, R8, R9 and R12 are independently monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from one to sixty carbon atoms; R4, R5 and R10 are independently monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from one to sixty carbon atoms or hydrogen; R6, R7, R11 are independently monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from one to sixty carbon atoms or RE; each RE is independently a monovalent hydrocarbon radical containing one or more oxirane moieties having from one to sixty carbon atoms; the stoichiometric subscripts a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, and j are either zero or positive subject to the following limitations: a+b+c>1; b+e+h>1; c+f+i>1; b+e+h>c+f+i; and when d+e+f+g+h+i+j=0, a+b+c=2 wherein said reaction product is prepared in the presence of a surfactant.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a list of suggested scheduled television programs wherein television schedule guide data which comprises characteristics of scheduled programs and optionally relevancy of those characteristics is obtained from broadcast information. User profiles comprising characteristics of television programs previously viewed, the cumulative amount of time programs having those characteristics has been previously viewed, and optionally the relevancy of the previously viewed characteristics is stored. The user is allowed to manually adjust the weights assigned to characteristics so as to override the system assigned weight values. The system calculates the suggested program list from the schedules it receives from broadcast or other means, using the characteristic weights in the user profiles.