Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising blends of alkenyl aromatic polymers such as styrenic polymers (i.e. PS and HIPS) and bio-based or biodegradable polymers (i.e. PLA, PGA, PHA, PBS, PCL) compatibilized with styrene-based copolymers (i.e. styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymers, maleated SEBS, styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate (SMMA) copolymer) or a mixture of two or more styrene-based copolymers such as SEBS and SMA. These novel compositions can be extruded and thermoformed to produce very low density food service and consumer foam articles such as plates, hinged lid containers, trays, bowls, and egg cartons with good mechanical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are amorphous copolyesters having an inherent viscosity (IV) of about 0.5 to 1.1 dL/g measured at a temperature of 25° C. at 0.5 g/dL concentration in a solvent mixture of symmetric tetrachloroethane and phenol having a weight ratio of symmetric tetrachloroethane to phenol of 2:3 comprising (1) a diacid component comprising about 90 to 100 mole percent terephthalic acid residues and 0 to about 10 mole percent isophthalic acid residues; and (2) a diol component comprising about 10 to 70 mole percent 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues and about 90 to 30 mole percent neopentyl glycol residues; wherein the amorphous copolyesters comprises 100 mole percent diacid component and 100 mole percent diol component. The amorphous copolyesters are useful in the manufacture or fabrication of medical devices which have improved resistance to degradation upon exposure to lipids, as a profile produced by profile extrusion and as an injection molded article.

Abstract: A field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) has an analyte ion source assembly by which an analyte substance is ionized and supplied to the inlet of the spectrometer. The ion source assembly has an upstream source of clean, dry air and two ion sources of opposite polarity arranged at the same distance along the flow path. The ion sources are arranged so that the overall charge of the plasma produced is substantially neutral. The analyte substance is admitted via an inlet downstream of the ion sources and flows into a reaction region of enlarged cross section to slow the flow and increase the time for which the analyte molecules are exposed to the plasma.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer has an inlet for an analyte substance opening into an ionization region that produces ions of the substance. Parallel grid electrodes extend laterally across the ion flow path and apply an electric field to the ions that is switchable between a relatively low magnitude alternating field that varies in magnitude over multiple periods and an asymmetric alternating field of sufficiently high magnitude to cause differential mobility effects. A collector collects the passed ions, and an indication of the nature of the analyte substance is produced from the collected ions passed during both the low and high field intervals. Also disclosed is the application of a substantially alternating field between the electrodes, which field varies between a low value and a higher value over a time exceeding that of the alternating period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising blends of alkenyl aromatic polymers such as styrenic polymers (i.e. PS and HIPS) and bio-based or biodegradable polymers (i.e. PLA, PGA, PHA, PBS, PCL) compatibilized with styrene-based copolymers (i.e. styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymers, maleated SEBS, styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate (SMMA) copolymer) or a mixture of two or more styrene-based copolymers such as SEBS and SMA. These novel compositions can be extruded and thermoformed to produce very low density food service and consumer foam articles such as plates, hinged lid containers, trays, bowls, and egg cartons with good mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising blends of alkenyl aromatic polymers such as styrenic polymers (i.e. PS and HIPS) and bio-based or biodegradable polymers (i.e. PLA, PGA, PHA, PBS, PCL) compatibilized with styrene-based copolymers (i.e. styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymers, maleated SEBS, styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate (SMMA) copolymer) or a mixture of two or more styrene-based copolymers such as SEBS and SMA. These novel compositions can be extruded and thermoformed to produce very low density food service and consumer foam articles such as plates, hinged lid containers, trays, bowls, and egg cartons with good mechanical properties.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a flexible liner 2 including a layer 3 of composite material comprising thermoplastics material and reinforcing fibres, into a structural member within a duct 1, has a front portion 6 for insertion in the liner 2, a central portion 7 for heating one side of the layer 3 and a rear portion 20 which forces the heated layer 3 against the duct 1 for consolidation and cooling under pressure. The central portion 7 has heating means 8 producing hot gas which is forced under pressure through the layer 3 of composite material to heat the layer 3, and provides an air gap 14 on the opposite side of the layer 3 while heating takes place. This ensures uniform heating of the layer 3, to melt the thermoplastics material which then mixes intimately with the reinforcing fibres, and is consolidated and cooled to form the structural member.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymer blends comprising polycarbonate(s) and polyester(s) wherein the polycarbonate is a polycarbonate derived from bisphenol A and the polyester comprises residues of or is derived from one or more aromatic dicarboxylic acids, neopentyl glycol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.

Abstract: A system, a method and computer-readable media for processing raw image data with a graphics processing unit (GPU). Raw image data generated by an imaging sensor is received. A set of instructions for demosaicing the raw image data is communicated to the GPU. The GPU is enabled to demosaic the raw image data by executing the set of instructions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to miscible blends of the polycarbonate of bisphenol A and polyesters from aromatic dicarboxylic acids, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, ethylene glycol, and 2,2?-(sulfonylbis(4,1-phenyleneoxy)-bis(ethanol).

Abstract: Method and system in an event management system is disclosed. The method includes the step of creating an agent on a server in an event management system for monitoring an event. The event is present when a data achieving a predefined status defined by a business rule. The event management system includes a data source for generating the notification. The method further includes the steps of running the agent according to a schedule; generating the notification upon occurring of the event.

Abstract: Described is the adding of padding to a content file (e.g., image and/or audiovisual file) for anticipated subsequent use such that the content file need not be re-encoded to add metadata and other data to it. For example, padding may be added to an image file directly after an image file directory, whereby the directory can grow as needed into the padded space. Metadata can likewise be added to the padding, e.g., from the opposite direction that the directory extends into the padding. The padding may be added on the first re-encoding of the file, reducing or eliminating the need for subsequent re-encoding. The padding also may be used to track dead space in the file, with adjacent regions of dead space coalesced into a single region of dead space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring current, and particularly bi-directional current, in a field-effect transistor (FET) using drain-to-source voltage measurements. The drain-to-source voltage of the FET is measured and amplified. This signal is then compensated for variations in the temperature of the FET, which affects the impedance of the FET when it is switched on. The output is a signal representative of the direction of the flow of current through the field-effect transistor and the level of the current through the field-effect transistor. Preferably, the measurement only occurs when the FET is switched on.

Abstract: A specific illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed here. The disclosed die tool that will assemble dissimilar materials to form a carrier plate of steel material and an insert of bearing grade material. One die used in the tool is carrier plate itself. The carrier plate provides a die opening to blank and pierce the bearing material into the steel material cavity.

Abstract: A method and architecture for reading and updating metadata. A policy component is arranged to receive a request to read or update metadata that may include metadata from a plurality of standards. Each metadata format potentially includes a field corresponding to the request. The policy component determines which fields to read or update in satisfying the request by consulting a repository. The repository includes mappings that map information included in the request (e.g., a path) to locations in the metadata corresponding to the request. The policy component uses the locations to read or update the metadata.

Abstract: A method and architecture for obtaining a desired frame and identifying a selected frame in an image container. A request for a frame of an image is received. The request may include an identifier that identifies a type of frame. In response thereto, a frame is located corresponding to the identifier and a reference to the frame is provided. In another aspect, a request is received to identify a frame of an image. A determination is made as to what identifier identifies the frame. The identified frame is returned to the requesting component.

Abstract: One or more task page dialogs are housed within a frame. Each task page includes a header region and a content region. The header region includes a title serving as a main instruction regarding what input is expected within the content region. The content region includes text and/or user interface controls as defined by an application program requesting creation of the task page. A task page may also contain a footer region having button controls for a user to indicate that he or she has completed the task page and/or to terminate the task (or series of tasks) with which the page is associated. An application program requests creation of a task page by calling a programming interface function. Included in the function call are references to data for each of one or more pages.

Abstract: An artificial saguaro cactus having a cactus trunk indicating section having an annular wall; a multiplicity of apertures extending through the annular wall, the apertures being arranged in a plurality of vertically extending series, the annular wall being alternately inwardly and outwardly creased along the vertically extending series of apertures, the creases vertically pleating the inner and outer surfaces of the annular wall; a domed cap fitted for covering the upper end of the annular wall; and cap attaching means interconnecting the domed cap and the upper end of the annular wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and tracking an object within a defined area, and determining its position, status, movement and identity therein, includes interrogating the defined area to communicate with an information device associated with an object and transmit information received to a master controller unit, which determines the object's presence, position, status, movement and identity within the defined area. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.