Abstract: A system and method for processing continual queries includes partitioning an entire monitoring area into regions of different size based upon node and query densities, and deciding an amount of information updates to be received from nodes in the regions based upon load conditions in each region. Information updates are received based on the amount of information updates determined for each region.

Abstract: A plasma source having a plasma chamber with metal chamber walls contains a process gas. A dielectric window passes a RF signal into the plasma chamber. The RF signal excites and ionizes the process gas, thereby forming a plasma in the plasma chamber. A plasma chamber liner that is positioned inside the plasma chamber provides line-of-site shielding of the inside of the plasma chamber from metal sputtered by ions striking the metal walls of the plasma chamber.

Abstract: A communications system and method are provided for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is converted into digital signals and transmitted to the controller. Network device interfaces associated with different data channels can coordinate communications with the other interfaces based on either a transition in a command message sent by the bus controller or a synchronous clock signal.

Abstract: A laser Doppler velocimeter is formed using erbium-doped fiber as the lasing medium. The fiber is diode-pumped. By properly modulating the lasing in the fiber, pulses of radiation may be generated. A telescope acts as the transmission device to focus the radiation at a specified point, and may also act as the receiving system for reflected radiation. The portion of the reflected radiation collected by the receiving system is analyzed to determine the Doppler shift caused by aerosols or objects at the focal point of the telescope.

Abstract: An optical transponder, system, method, and program wherein the transponder monitors for at least one of a failure or an alarm signal. In response to detecting a failure or alarm signal (communication), the transponder performs at least one of a predetermined action and propagating an alarm communication to a network, based on a configuration property. The transponder can have a configuration property specifying a predetermined action for shutting off a laser if an alarm signal indicating a network failure is detected. As an example, some transponders can be configured to either provide an alarm communication, and/or shut off a laser, depending upon which communication interface detects a network failure or receives an alarm signal. Also, other transponders can be configured to propagate existing alarm communications, without generating new alarm communications or shutting off lasers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electronic trading that provide incentives for gathering orders, making markets, and submitting block orders are provided. These systems and methods may first determine if the trader qualifies for an incentive. This determination may be made based upon one or more characteristics, such as price, size, duration, etc., of orders submitted to the trading system by the trader. Once the trader has been determined as being eligible for one or more incentives, the incentives that are provided may include reduced transaction costs, cash payments, priority or exclusivity in trading, self execution of transactions, etc.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible heat sink article comprising a base comprising a polymer and a plurality of polymeric protrusions extending away from the base, each protrusion having a major dimension and a minor dimension. The base comprises thermally conductive particles, and the protrusions comprise non-spherical thermally conductive particles substantially aligned in the direction of the major dimension within the protrusions. A thermal interface material may be provided contiguous with the base. Also provided is a flexible heat sink article comprising a base comprising a polymer and having a first surface and a second surface, a plurality of polymeric protrusions extending away from the first surface of the base, each protrusion having a major and a minor dimension, and a metallic layer contiguous with the second surface of the base, wherein the base and the protrusions comprise thermally conductive particles. Also provided is a method of making a flexible heat sink.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating the quality of a sample of a product, an ingredient, an environment or process by measuring multiple parameters thereof, including light emitted from a reacting sample containing ATP, ADP, alkaline phosphatase or other parameters such as pH, temperature, conductivity, reduction potential, dissolved gases, specific ions, and microbiological count. The apparatus comprises an integrated sample testing device used to collect a sample, mix reagents, react the sample, and collect it in a measurement chamber. The apparatus also comprises an instrument having a photon detection assembly for use with the sample testing device. The instrument can also comprise one or more sensing probes and a communication port to facilitate data collection, transfer and analysis.

Abstract: A system for determining performance characteristics of a combustion heating process. The system uses input parameters that are controllable by an operator or control system to determine a set of controllable loss components. The controllable loss components may be summed to produce an efficiency index value.

Abstract: A table saw such as a chop saw, a miter saw, compound miter saw or a sliding compound miter saw that is provided with a laser arbor alignment system. An opaque shield or transparent shield having an opaque mask blocks the laser beam from being projected into a range of normal operator eye positions. One or more openings in the shield or opaque mask provide a sight line on a workpiece initially. As the saw is moved into engagement with the workpiece, the shield is pivoted away from the workpiece and a solid laser line is projected on the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reconstituted smoking material which comprises a non-polyol aerosol generator, tobacco (optional), binder (optional) and inorganic filler. A further polyol aerosol generator may also be contained in the smoking material. There is also provided a smoking article containing such material in a conventional arrangement or with a core axially disposed within an annulus. A further aspect of the invention is the provision of a polyol or non-polyol aerosol generator disposed in the filter element of a smoking article, which may contain the inventive smoking material. The aerosol material on the filter is eluted into the aerosol of the smoke on burning of the smoking article.

Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.

Abstract: A holder for a hand-held urinal that is for releasable mounting from a bed rail or the like. The holder includes a mounting bracket having at least one plate member that is supported from the bed rail; and a holder for receiving the hand-held urinal. The holder is removably supportable from the plate member and includes a headed stud constructed and arranged facing the plate member and for engagement with an arcuate slot in the plate member to permit pivotal support of the holder from the mounting bracket while providing limited sliding motion between the headed stud and slot so as to enable the holder to stay substantially vertical even as the mounting bracket tilts.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed that can efficiently control congestion, while supporting heterogeneity for streaming data among multiple computers in a network. A plurality of nodes is divided into a plurality of distribution trees within a computer network, wherein the data is divided into a plurality of prioritized layers. When a node experiences packet loss, the location of the congestion is inferred. If the congestion is at or near the outgoing link, outgoing traffic is shed to alleviate the congestion by shedding child node(s) receiving descriptions in the least important layer of data that the child node(s) are receiving. Similarly, if the congestion is at or near the incoming link, incoming traffic is shed by shedding parent nodes that are sending descriptions in the least important layer of data that the node is receiving. Nodes with available bandwidth are further instructed to subscribe to additional descriptions.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing lignocellulosic board panels. The process comprises providing lignocellulosic material and an adhesive system. The adhesive system comprises (a) a base adhesive resin and (b) an extender and/or filler material comprising sugar beet material. The adhesive system (i) retains substantial moisture in the lignocellulosic material, and/or (ii) creates a relatively higher initial viscosity, and/or (iii) maintains a substantially stable viscosity thereof over time. The lignocellulosic material is combined with adhesive system. The combined lignocellulosic material and adhesive is then formed into the lignocellulosic board panels.

Abstract: A novel transformation system in the field of filamentous fungal hosts for expressing and secreting heterologous proteins or polypeptides is described. The invention also covers a process for producing large amounts of polypeptide or protein in an economical manner. The system comprises a transformed or transfected fungal strain of the genus Chrysosporium, more particularly of Chrysosporium lucknowense and mutants or derivatives thereof. It also covers transformants containing Chrysosporium coding sequences, as well expression-regulating sequences of Chrysosporium genes. Also provided are novel fungal enzymes and their encoding sequences and expression-regulating sequences.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring herbicide resistance to plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a polypeptide that confers resistance or tolerance to glyphosate herbicides are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants. Compositions also comprise transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding glyphosate resistance proteins are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2 or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1.

Abstract: In an all-wheel drive train for a motor vehicle wherein the drive torque of the engine of the motor vehicle is transmitted from the transmission output shaft partially to the rear axle and partially to the front axle via an offset transmission structure and a laterally arranged drive shaft extending from the offset transmission structure past the transmission to the front axle of the motor vehicle extends from the offset transmission forwardly at a certain opening angle in close proximity to the transmission structure which narrows down toward the rear so that the rear end of the lateral drive shaft is relatively close to the center axis of the transmission.

Abstract: A method to produce thin-layer lignocellulosic composites, such as wood-based doorskins, that exhibit substantial resistance to moisture is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of forming a mixture including a refined lignocellulosic fiber, wax, and an organic isocyanate resin. The mixture is initially pressed to form a loose mat. Subsequently, the mat is pressed between two dies at an elevated temperature and pressure to further reduce the thickness of the mat and to promote the interaction of the resin with the lignocellulosic fibers. In an embodiment, a release agent is included as part of the fiber mixture, or sprayed onto the surface of the mat. The thin-layer lignocellulosic composites of the present invention exhibit strong surface strength, high adhesiveness, and a 50% reduction in linear expansion and thickness swelling upon exposure to a high moisture environment as compared to thin-layer composites that do not include the isocyanate resin.