Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to using surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors mounted on a disc coupling component in a powertrain to measure the torque generated by an automobile engine. The sensor may be positioned and oriented on the disc coupling component so that the phase velocities of SAWs propagating through active elements of the SAW sensors are aligned with principal strain components due to torque in the disc coupling component. The torque may be calculated by determining the difference between resonant frequencies of the active elements to suppress common-mode interference factors. In addition, SAW resonant frequencies may be communicated in a non-contacting manner by utilizing rotary and stationary couplers employing radio frequency (RF) signals. Moreover, SAW sensors may be activated and interrogated by employing targeted RF pulses having different carrier frequencies at or near respective resonant frequencies of each resonator in a SAW sensor.

Abstract: A variable pressure water delivery device having an inlet valve fluidly connected to a reservoir, and connectable to a water supply, the inlet valve is at least operable between an open and closed position. The reservoir has a volume that increases elastically with increasing pressure. At least one outlet valve is fluidly connected to the reservoir and a pressure sensor is actuated by the fluid pressure in the reservoir. A controller receives an output of said pressure sensor and provides control signals to operate said inlet valve according to the output of said pressure sensor, and a desired reservoir pressure parameter.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of the DNA sequence of a Lactobacillus johnsonii strain, in particular to its genomic sequence for elucidating interactions of micro-organism with hosts they colonize, and moreover for elucidating the basis of probiotic properties exhibited by such strain. In addition, the present invention also relates to methods of detecting nucleic acids or polypeptides of Lactobacilli and related species, respectively. A data carrier is provided comprising nucleotide sequences and/or polypeptide sequences of La1.

Abstract: A voltage regulation system is provided including detecting a feedback voltage less than a reference voltage; asserting a current source gate output by the feedback voltage less than the reference voltage; activating a gated current source by the current source gate output; and waiting a delay interval before negating the current source gate output for turning off the gated current source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods and immunogenic and/or vaccine compositions for providing an immune response to feline calicivirus, including hypervirulent strains of feline calicivirus.

Abstract: It has been discovered that enhancer signatures distinguish enhancer elements from other regulatory elements and that the characteristic enhancer signatures vary in a cell-type specific manner. These discoveries provide the basis for novel methods of predicting, diagnosing and monitoring of diseases, particularly cancer.

Abstract: A project management system is enabled to handle multiple currencies within managed projects. An exchange series includes currency definition parameters such as currency pairing, frequency of rate change, and effective date of exchange rate. Using the exchange series and a strong definition of cost for tasks and resources (i.e. indicating currency type along with value of cost), the project management system allows costs to be entered in local currency. Project level roll-ups are calculated employing time-phased currency conversion based on whether the cost is variable or fixed. For scheduling, speculative conversions are facilitated based on latest actual exchange rate information. Local and project currency costs are provided to a project server for enterprise level roll-ups and multi-project management.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring torque in a shaft of a drive line including a disc coupling component such as a flexplate 1 or a flanged coupling 13, as well as a drive coupling system for carrying out the method. The disc coupling component 1, 13 is connected between a drive input 4 and a drive output so that all torque transmitted between the input and output passes through said component. The disc coupling component 1, 13 has a radially extending portion, which may include a plurality of spokes 7, to which is attached a SAW based strain sensor which communicates with a stationary coupler 3 fastened to an engine block 5 for wireless transmission of data from the sensor, the strain sensor measuring the strain in the disc coupling component 1, 13 from which the torque carried in the input shaft 4 may be calculated.

Abstract: A DNA fragment derived from coffee encoding at least one enzyme involved in the hydrolysis of polysaccharides comprising pure or branched mannan molecules linked to each other via a ? (1?4) linkage, and which has the the nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO.:1 or which is homologous to or hybridizes to a fragment of DNA having the nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO.:1.

Abstract: A circular shaft having a platform formed on it by machining a circular flat into the surface of the shaft. A channel extends around the periphery of the circular flat with a depth in the range of 10 to 15% of the diameter of the shaft and in the range of 30 to 50% of the width/diameter of the platform. The width of the platform is 4 to 7% of the diameter of the shaft. A sensor is mounted on the platform, whereby the formation of the platform and surrounding channel reduces the strain arising in the device which is transferred to the sensor.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to using surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors mounted on a disc coupling component in a powertrain to measure the torque generated by an automobile engine. The sensor may be positioned and oriented on the disc coupling component so that the phase velocities of SAWs propagating through active elements of the SAW sensors are aligned with principal strain components due to torque in the disc coupling component. The torque may be calculated by determining the difference between resonant frequencies of the active elements to suppress common-mode interference factors. In addition, SAW resonant frequencies may be communicated in a non-contacting manner by utilizing rotary and stationary couplers employing radio frequency (RF) signals. Moreover, SAW sensors may be activated and interrogated by employing targeted RF pulses having different carrier frequencies at or near respective resonant frequencies of each resonator in a SAW sensor.

Abstract: A server auditing process that stores only a single up-to-date data record along with the differences relative to previous changes in the record that allow the user to move “backward in time” to recreate previous values. The auditing feature introduces a baseline database table and a difference database table for each existing database table. The baseline table stores the most recent auditing data and the differences table complements the baseline table by storing pairs in the form of attribute name and previous value. By applying difference rows to baseline data, the user is able to recreate the data as it existed at any given timestamp and at a minimal storage cost. The architecture minimizes the impact of auditing on system performance by employing an asynchronous priority queue so that task processing is deferred until the system has adequate resources and other work is not affected.

Abstract: An apparatus 1 for packaging a sensor device comprises a main body 2 having an internal chamber 4 with a base 2b on which, in use, is mounted the sensor so as to couple the sensor to the strain field in an article to which the packaging is attached by means of said base. A lid 3 is separately formed from and is formed of a different material to said base 2b and is sealable to the main body 2 in order to seal close said internal aperture 4. The lid 3 includes contact pins 8, 9 which extend therethrough from one side to the other. A first end 8a, 8b of each said pin 8, 9 extends into said chamber 4 when the lid 3 is positioned on the body 2 for connection to said sensor and a second end 8b, 9b of each said pin 8, 9 extends away from the package when the lid 3 is positioned on the body 2 for connection to a rotary coupler.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of the DNA sequence of a Lactobacillus johnsonii strain, in particular to its genomic sequence for elucidating interactions of micro-organism with hosts they colonize, and moreover for elucidating the basis of probiotic properties exhibited by such strain. In addition, the present invention also relates to methods of detecting nucleic acids or polypeptides of Lactobacilli and related species, respectively. A data carrier is provided comprising nucleotide sequences and/or polypeptide sequences of La1.

Abstract: A sensor has a body having a tapered locking surface, and engages in a component with a mounting surface having a complementary taper to the tapered locking surface of the body. The body is positioned on the component with the tapered locking surface aligned with the mounting surface, and an axial force is applied to the body to drive the tapered locking surface into engagement with the complementary taper of the mounting surface. The body is then fixed relative to the component by swaging outwards a skirt on the body into engagement with a lower surface of the component.

Abstract: A load balancing pneumatic manipulator comprising an inflatable reservoir for establishing via an amplifier a pressure within a lift cylinder that is sufficient to balance the weight of an object being lifted. The reservoir is inflated and deflated by inflation and deflation valves, respectively, that may be operated from an operator control center proximal an end effector of the manipulator. The valves may be actuated via pushbuttons or actuated in a mutually exclusively fashion via a neutrally biased reciprocating actuator. The manipulator advantageously allows loads of different weights to be lifted in a semi-automatic fashion with operator involvement to select the load balancing pressure. The manipulator further comprises an air release system that closes a blocking valve in the event of release of the object being lifted and optionally in the event of a loss of air supply pressure.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring torque in a shaft of a drive line including a disc coupling component such as a flexplate 1 or a flanged coupling 13, as well as a drive coupling system for carrying out the method. The disc coupling component 1, 13 is connected between a drive input 4 and a drive output so that all torque transmitted between the input and output passes through said component. The disc coupling component 1, 13 has a radially extending portion, which may include a plurality of spokes 7, to which is attached a SAW based strain sensor which communicates with a stationary coupler 3 fastened to an engine block 5 for wireless transmission of data from the sensor, the strain sensor measuring the strain in the disc coupling component 1, 13 from which the torque carried in the input shaft 4 may be calculated.

Abstract: A SAW based sensor having a base and a lid engageable with the base to form an internal cavity therewith. A substrate is supported in the cavity on either tile base or the lid 13 and a dimple 16 is formed on the other which extends towards the substrate so as to engage against the substrate and apply a preload thereto. The base and lid include complementary threads by means of which they are attachable to each other. The preload applied to the substrate by the dimple 16 is adjustable by varying the rotational position of the lid relative to the base.

Abstract: A combined pressure and temperature sensor comprising a tubular member 3 of circular cross section having a closed end and an open end, the open end, in use, connecting to a pressurised environment such that the interior of the tubular member is exposed to the pressure, a flat or preferably a symmetrical distribution of flats 1 being formed on the outer cylindrical surface of the tubular member 3, and a sensor element 2 mounted on at least one said flat 1, which sensor element 2 is sensitive to the strains in the tubular wall of the tubular member 3 resulting the pressure in the interior thereof and the temperature of said tubular member.