Abstract: A blended composition of unsaturated block copolymer with improved thermal stability and processing behavior includes at least one unsaturated block copolymer; and a compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of (1) high melt flow rate homopolymers or copolymers; (2) styrene-ethylenepropylene-styrene (SEPS); (3) ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); (4) styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), or styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) block copolymers; (5) single site catalyzed polyolefins, such as metallocene catalyzed and constrained geometry polyolefins; (6) amorphous poly alpha olefin homopolymer and copolymers; and (7) a combination of such.

Abstract: Coextruded films provide cross directional zoned multiple components side-by-side to one another. Systems and methods relate to coextruding such films. During coextrusion, a first polymer conjoins with a second polymer while a temperature differential is maintained between the first and second polymers. This temperature differential is selected to reduce a difference between the viscosities of the first and second polymers making the viscosity of the first polymer close enough to the viscosity of the second polymer to avoid separation upon coextrusion. Further, the films may form a layer in subsequent lamination to other material layers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioned blown film including a first blown film layer, a second blown film layer, and a plurality of cushioning cells defined between the first blown film layer and the second film layer. The cushioned blown films may be bonded to a fibrous web to make film nonwoven laminates. Processes for making the cushioned blown film and the film nonwoven laminates are also disclosed. Such laminates are highly useful for use in personal care products, protective wear garments, medical care products, mortuary and veterinary products and the like.

Abstract: A process for improving recovery of metal values in a smelting operation of the type wherein sulfidic ores are pyrometallurgically reduced. The process includes adding an anionic or non-ionic surfactant and blends thereof to the ore.

Abstract: Aluminum titanate precursor batch compositions comprising a recycled aluminum titanate component, at least a portion of the recycled aluminum titanate component being comprised of a recycled pre-reacted aluminum titanate composition or alternatively of an un-reacted green aluminum titanate precursor composition, and methods for producing aluminum titanate ceramic articles utilizing the inventive batch compositions.

Abstract: A database query optimizer for a computer system having dynamically configurable logical partitions generates an optimized query strategy which is dependent on a logical partition configuration. When the query is executed, the configuration of the logical partition in which the query is executed is compared to the logical partition configuration for which the query was optimized. If the configurations are different, a new query can be automatically generated. Optimizing database queries to the current system configuration of a dynamic, logically partitioned system potentially offers greater efficiency in the execution of database queries for complex, logically partitioned systems.

Abstract: A valve actuator comprises a housing, a lever, a collet and a biasing device. The lever is disposed within the housing and is adapted to be operatively coupled to rotate the valve shaft. The collet is carried by the lever and adapted to couple the lever to the valve shaft. The biasing device comprising a spring operatively coupled to the collet to bias the lever into a predetermined position.

Abstract: A database engine and a system running a database engine utilize a dynamic join reordering feature to change the order of two or more join operations while a query is executing. The database engine starts execution of the query with an initial join order setting but monitors the execution of the query to determine whether the initial join order or some other join order would provide better runtime performance. If another join order would provide better performance, then the database engine can change the join order during query execution and complete the query using the new join order.

Abstract: A rotary valve includes a valve body with an inlet, an outlet, a flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a rotating control element disposed within the valve body for selectively opening and closing the flow passage. The valve also includes a retainer ring mountable to the valve body which holds in place a seal carrier ring having an annular mounting flange mounted between the valve body and the retainer ring. The seal carrier ring also includes a seal carrier cartridge and a flexible portion coupling the seal carrier cartridge to the mounting flange to provide an improved seal and greater ease of assembly.

Abstract: A database query optimizer for a computer system having dynamically configurable logical partitions generates an optimized query strategy which is dependent on a logical partition configuration. When the query is executed, the configuration of the logical partition in which the query is executed is compared to the logical partition configuration for which the query was optimized. If the configurations are different, a new query can be automatically generated. Optimizing database queries to the current system configuration of a dynamic, logically partitioned system potentially offers greater efficiency in the execution of database queries for complex, logically partitioned systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for group billing purchasers of transmitted programming events is provided. In one embodiment, a subscriber group includes two or more individual subscribers who receive programming from a programming provider. The individual subscribers periodically elect to view a program provided via the program provider. The program is provided on a pay-per-view basis, meaning that the program provider requires a sum of money to be paid in order to view the program. The sum of money is determined according to the number of viewers in a single subscriber group. In one embodiment, the subscribers interact during a program via a network connection.

Abstract: A method, meeting scheduler and computer program product are provided for automated meeting scheduling using delegates, representatives, quorums, and teams. Meeting settings and invitees data are stored for a meeting. The meeting settings and invitees data includes invitee attendance type, delegates, representatives, quorums, and teams data. A solution time block for automated meeting scheduling including at least a subset of a plurality of selected invitees is identified utilizing the invitee attendance type, delegates, representatives, quorums, and teams data. A selection score is calculated for each potential time block for automated meeting scheduling utilizing the stored meeting settings and invitees data including the invitee attendance type, delegates, representatives, quorums, and teams data. The solution time block for automated meeting scheduling including a subset of a plurality of selected invitees is identified utilizing the calculated selection score.

Abstract: Stretchable film laminates including a layer of elastomeric openwork, such as a plurality of elastic strands or an elastomeric mesh structure. The stretchable film laminates may include a film layer bonded to the layer of elastomeric openwork, with the film layer having cross-directional stretch and the laminate having a multi-phase stretchability profile. The stretchable film laminates may be made by extruding a film from a die, stretching the film, forming and stretching a layer of elastomeric openwork, conveying the stretched elastomeric openwork onto the film while the film is stretched, and passing the film and the elastomeric openwork through a nip. The invention also includes a machine capable of producing machine-direction, cross-direction, and biaxial stretch materials. The machine includes at least one extruder, at least one filament die and at least one film die both attached to the extruder(s), and at least one nip downstream of the extruder(s).

Abstract: A compiler has the capability to selectively compile individual portions of a compilable code module for optimum execution performance or for serviceability. In one aspect, individual portions, such as procedures (being less than the entire module) are selectively optimized. In another aspect, debug activity data is used for determining whether or not to optimize compiled code. It is optionally possible to support one or more levels of partial selective optimization.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method utilize automated analysis techniques to assist in the determination of acceptable usages of linguistic terms (e.g., words, phrases, acronyms, etc.). In particular, an acceptable usage of a linguistic term in a document on the Internet may be determined by detecting a spell definition tag in the document. In response to detecting the spell definition tag, automatically adding the acceptable variant of the linguistic term to an electronic dictionary.

Abstract: A wafer-style valve assembly adapted to be coupled between opposing pipeline components having a common centerline secured together by a plurality of longitudinal fasteners includes a substantially cylindrical valve body, a seat retaining plate, and at least one clip. The valve body has a peripheral edge portion and an axial end surface. The seat retaining plate is disposed on the axial end surface. The at least one clip is also disposed on the axial end surface and extends radially outward of the peripheral edge portion. The clip has a radially inward portion and a radially outward portion. The radially inward portion secures the seat retaining plate to the to valve body. The radially outward portion has an edge defining a first recess and a second recess. The first and second recesses are each adapted to accommodate a longitudinal fastener to locate the valve assembly relative to the centerline of the pipeline.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for dynamically classifying web pages associated with a search engine is provided. The method includes calculating a composite respect value for messaging accounts. The calculating includes generating a local respect list for each of the messaging accounts. The local respect list includes a respect quotient assigned to each message sender in the local respect list that indicates a level of deference and esteem afforded to the message sender. The respect quotient is calculated based upon activities conducted by a receiver of at least one message transmitted by the message sender. The calculating also includes periodically querying local respect lists, compiling respect quotients for each message sender, and averaging the compilation. The method also includes calculating a rank for a web page transmitted via a messaging account using a corresponding composite respect value, the page and the rank indexed for searching via a search engine.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are disclosed for debugging a computer program by operating a debugger step function, detecting a governor point by the debugger step function, and, responsive to detecting a governor point, disabling the debugger step function. Debugging a computer program also includes clearing a debugger input buffer of any pending step commands. Debugging a computer program also includes detecting control flow entry into a program control flow structure, recording a return point for each control flow entry into a program control flow structure, and, responsive to a user instruction to do so, continuing program execution to a recorded return point.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an automatic transmission is disclosed. The method and system include obtaining positioning data using a global positioning satellite (GPS) and monitoring the automatic transmission to obtain transmission data. The method and system also include learning whether performance of the automatic transmission can be improved utilizing the positioning data and the transmission data. Moreover, the method and system include adjusting a shift threshold for the positioning data for the automatic transmission if it is determined that the performance of the automatic transmission can be improved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method helps a user to determine parts of an electronic document that are of interest by allowing the user to define preferences for processing an electronic document, and by automatically highlighting one or more portions of the document according to the user preferences. Highlighting includes any way to enhance or alter the appearance of text, including bold, italics, underlining, change in font style, change in font size, change in color, change in background color, etc. The automatic highlighting of portions of the document attract the user's eyes to that portion of the document, which helps the user to discern whether or not the highlighted portion is relevant or interesting. The preferred embodiments also include a document generator that takes an input document and generates therefrom an output document that has one or more highlighted portions that are hard-coded into the document according to the user preferences.