Abstract: A speech system includes a Language Component Manager (LCM) [116] that functions as middleware between language and technology components [117] and a high-level application [115]. In aggregate, the LCM, the language and technology component, and the high-level application form a speech system. The components of the speech system may be distributed. All data and messages in the speech system pass through the LCM. A configuration file defines relationships, such as message and data paths, for the speech system.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermal blanketing system used to manage the temperature of individual electrochemical cells within the modules of a single battery system. The present invention uses either a thin walled tube made from either a flexible or rigid material (i.e. plastic, etc.) which is wound in a fashion so at least one side of the tube makes contact with each individual cell, or uses a plurality of individual thermal jackets placed between battery cells such that at least some of the thermal jackets are contacted by at least two of the cells within the battery. In each of the above embodiments, each tube or jacket is filled with a thermal management fluid, chosen for its thermal management characteristics, and which flows throughout the tube or jackets, and acts either as a heat sink absorbing heat from the batteries to cool them, or as a heat source providing heat to the batteries as needed.

Abstract: In a calibration rig for a weighing machine and a method of using the calibration rig, the weighing machine having a load cell including a transducer and headwork connected to the load cell, the calibration rig having a calibration load cell including a low capacity transducer with the excitation voltage and signal connections arranged for connection to the headwork and a potentiometer. The fixed terminations of the potentiometer are connected to respective signal connections and the wiper connection of the potentiometer is connected to one excitation supply terminal via a series resistor.

Abstract: A direct quantitation of RNA contained in a sample is obtained by capillary electrophoresis of the RNA hybridized to a DNA probe of complementary sequence stabilized by the combination of a fluorophore terminally conjugated to the DNA probe and a dye intercalating the RNA-DNA hybrid so formed. The RNA is quantified by measuring the total fluorescence emitted by the electrophoresed hybrid upon excitation by a laser generated light beam.