Abstract: A buffer tube and fiber optic cable having an optimized ribbon stack packaging configuration, minimized attenuation problems and a reduced overall cable diameter and weight is provided. Specifically, a packaging configuration utilizing parallel lying and perpendicular lying fiber ribbons is configured into a ribbon stack having a square shape or cross-type configuration. Cushions may be placed between the high-fiber count ribbon stack and buffer tube walls thus enabling the ribbon stack to center itself within the tube thereby decreasing attenuation problems.

Abstract: Semiconductor circuit devices (dies) are incorporated into moisture-impenetrable electronic packages by forming enclosures around the die in three separate parts—base, sidewalls, and lid. The die is first soldered or otherwise bonded to the base, followed by attachment of the sidewalls to the base, and finally the lid to the sidewalls. For procedures involving a heat-conductive base and a high soldering temperature, the die can be secured to the base at the high soldering temperature, followed by application of the sidewalls to the base at a significantly lower temperature, avoiding potential high-temperature damage to the sidewalls. Plastic sidewalls which would otherwise deteriorate or become distorted upon exposure to the high soldering temperature can thus be used.

Abstract: A method of applying a thermal barrier coating system to a metal piece having cooling holes angled in a first direction and cooling holes angled in a second direction. The method includes spraying a bond coat on a first surface of the piece at angles with respect to the first and second directions and to a thickness selected in combination with the angles to prevent the bond coat from entirely filling any of the holes. A thermal barrier coating is sprayed on the bond coat at angles with respect to the first and second directions and to a thickness selected in combination with the angles to prevent the thermal barrier coating from entirely filling any of the holes. The method also includes spraying a high pressure fluid jet from a nozzle assembly through each hole generally parallel to the respective cooling hole.

Abstract: A nucleic acid having a first nucleotide sequence encoding an infectious hepatitis C virus, a second nucleotide sequence encoding a ribozyme, and an inducible promoter operably linked to the first and second nucleotide sequences, the ribozyme being configured to remove a 3′ sequence unnecessary for replication of the infectious hepatitis C virus from a transcript initiated by the inducible, is described. A cell containing the nucleic acid and methods of using the cell are also described.

Abstract: Novel processes and intermediates useful in the preparation of 11-oxa prostaglandin analogs are disclosed.

Abstract: An intervention is performed on a target anatomic structure of a patient body by first altering the configuration of the diaphragm through displacement or puncturing of the latter, in order to create a passageway leading into the thoracic cavity. An implement is introduced into the thoracic cavity through the passageway. The implement is then used while extending through the passageway to alter a biological tissue of the target structure or manipulate the latter. Optionally, a separating component having a peripheral wall encompassing a component channel is introduced into the passageway for receiving the implement and separating the latter from the non-target anatomic structure.

Abstract: A method for measuring the EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) of a satellite downlink carrier signal is performed by or under the control of a processor located, for example, at a technical operations center of a satellite communications company. The processor operates in accordance with a computer program which automatically identifies a carrier frequency corresponding to a customer, measures a level and bandwidth of the downlink signal at the customer carrier frequency, determines a level of a reference carrier signal, compares the level of the downlink signal to the level of the reference carrier signal, and determines EIRP power of the downlink signal based on the comparing step. The measured EIRP value is then compared to an EIRP value contractually assigned to the customer, and the difference determines the manner in which the measured EIRP value deviates from the assigned power.

Abstract: An engine fuel injector includes an internal fuel passage in which pressure waves can develop upon opening and closing of an injection valve. A fuel pressure damper is associated with the fuel passage and operates to vary the internal volume of the fuel passage in a manner to reduce the amplitude of pressure variations and pressure waves in the fuel passage. A variety of fuel pressure damper embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are first and second embodiments of a 3-channel probe-plate structure of the fiber-optic interferometer, wherein low-coherent-length light from a superluminescent light-emitting diode is split by a tree splitter into three light branches which are coupled as separate light inputs to the probe-pate structure by single-mode, polarization-preserving optical fibers. For each of the 3 channels, the first embodiment of the probe-plate structure comprises an integrated polarizing lithium-niobate Y splitter-modulator for deriving separate reference-arm light and probe-arm light.

Abstract: Control circuitry for controlling the output power of an electronic ballast system having a power supply branch circuit having power lines comprising a line voltage line and a common line, and a ballast stage having (i) inputs connected to the power lines for providing power to the lamp, (ii) internal power control feedback circuitry that defines a feedback loop for controlling the amount of power applied to the lamp, and (iii) a control signal input for receiving a control signal that affects operation the internal power control feedback circuitry and the level of power outputted by the ballast stage. The control circuitry comprises a first circuit having an input for connection to one of the power lines. The first circuit generates a control signal for input into the control input of the ballast stage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a subgrid detailed router that performs searches for wire locations at the grid level. Once a solution is found, the wire is placed in a based upon a finer subgrid. Specifically, the present invention includes subgrids that in a preferred embodiment have a resolution that is 16X greater than the resolution of the conventional grids. This increased resolution is useful for improving routing density with variable width and variable spacing designs. In operation, the subgrid detailed router of the present invention searches at the grid level for potential wire paths using a code associated with each grid. This code contains data corresponding to each of the subgrids, such that upon completion of a routing a net, information exists that allows for the placement of the net at locations corresponding to the subgrid that has finer resolution than the grid which was used to implement the routing search.

Abstract: The present invention also provides a general method to whereby mono-, bi-, or tricyclic heterocycles may be modified to obtain potent antagonists at the NPY1 receptor. The present invention provides novel, potent, non-peptidic antagonists of NPY receptors, particularly, the NPY1 receptors, designed from a selection of mono-, bi-, or tri-cyclic heterocyclic cores. This invention relates to novel compounds, compositions, and methods for the treatment of physiological disorders associated with an excess of neuropeptide Y. The novel compounds encompassed by the present invention are those of the formula I-XV.

Abstract: A screw machine (10) has a rotor housing (12) defining overlapping bores (12-1, 12-2). Female rotor (14) is located in bore (12-1) and male rotor (16) is located in bore (12-2). A wear resistant coating is deposited on the tips (14-1, 16-1) of the rotors. A conformable coating is deposited on the valleys (14-2, 16-2) of the rotors. A conformable coating is depsoited on the surface of the bores coacting with the rotors.

Abstract: A weeding tool with a combination of attachments integrated with a fulcrum to remove specific types of weeds based on their root structure. The attachments remove weeds whose roots are characterized as lengthy single-type roots, medium-depth bushy-hair type roots and near-surface vine-type roots. A fulcrum slidably attached to the tool handle ergonomically assists the gardener in extracting weeds by limiting angular rotation of the handle. The fulcrum may be used to apply foot pressure in penetrating hard soil. The fulcrum slides on the tool handle with respect to the end of the lifting blade to vary its penetration depth and is used for extracting single-type weed roots at different depths. The multiple-tine rake rotatably attached to the fulcrum is snapped into position and spring-biased to remain in position for extracting weeds having medium-depth bushy roots. The cultivator bar rotatably attached to the fulcrum is snapped into position for near-surface weed removal or general soil tilling.

Abstract: A process for refining fatty substances in order to selectively and quantitatively separate therefrom the free fatty acids. The process combines the extraction with an alcohol or a polyol and a neutralization is conducted with an alkali at a controlled pH of 9 to 11.

Abstract: A casing design for rotating machinery that includes two semi-cylindrical shaped shell sections. Each of the sections includes a machined flange adapted to receive fasteners. The two sections are attached together through fasteners passing through the machined flanges.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle which has a body which may be configured for land use or as a boat haul, the vehicle also having a pair of non interconnected spaced apart front wheels, an endless track located rearwardly of an intermediate of the spaced apart front wheels, a motor operatively connected to a drive at least the endless track and optionally the front wheels. The vehicle is able to handle most types of snow and land conditions and can be configured to operate in water if so desired.

Abstract: A sterile allograft bone screw comprising a screw shank with a uniform diameter threaded portion, an unthreaded portion with a outwardly tapered conical portion and a rectangularly shaped driving head portion with substantially wedge shaped end which can be engagably seated in a seat of a driver member.

Abstract: NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Facilities and methods of mobile and fixed site scanning.