Abstract: A process and system for separating a fuel stream containing a low concentration of sulfur compounds from a primary fuel stream is disclosed. The process includes isolating a stage-one permeate stream and a stage-one retentate stream from the primary fuel stream, evaporating the stage-one permeate stream at a vacuum, and isolating a stage-two permeate stream and a stage-two retentate stream from the stage-one permeate stream. The stage-two retentate stream is a fuel stream containing low concentrations of sulfur compounds. The system includes a fuel supply, a stage-one separator for separating a fuel stream into a stage-one permeate stream and a stage-one retentate stream, a stage-two separator, a first supply line connecting a portion of the fuel supply to the stage-one separator, and a second supply line connecting the stage-one separator permeate stream to the stage-two separator.

Abstract: A rotational moulding machine includes three mould manipulator arrangements and a rotatable carrousel on which the manipulators are mounted for indexed rotation between heating, cooling and mould loading stations. Each manipulator includes a rectangular frame, stub axles on the frame which are rotatable in supports on the carousel on a first axis, mould locating element in the frame which is rotatable on a second axis normal to the first and devices for manipulating a mould in the frame on both axes. The machine includes a crane beam over the carrousel which overlies the heating and cooling station positions on the carrousel, a heating chamber, a wall enclosure, and a crane for lowering the heating chamber and wall enclosure over manipulators on the carrousel at the heating and cooling stations and for lifting them clear of the manipulators to enable them to be indexed to the next station.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an insulating material between adjacent metal layers of a soft magnetic core, and a process for forming this insulating material. The insulating material is composed of the native metal oxides of the metallic core material.

Abstract: A scan-based state save and restore method and system for inactive state power reduction. An integrated circuit that has an inactive state has normal circuitry and scan circuitry. Upon receipt of a sleep signal, the state of the normal circuitry is accessed by employing scan circuitry. The state is then stored in a memory. The power is disconnected from the normal circuitry. Upon wake-up, the normal circuitry is re-connected to the power. The state of the circuit is accessed from the memory and restored to the normal circuitry by employing scan circuitry.

Abstract: Methods for controlling access to a facility and access to funds from authorizing providers are disclosed. The methods assign an environmental risk profile to the facility and risk factors to the authorizing provider, wherein both include point of entry systems. A person is pre-registered for access to the facility or funds or registered using an authentication server from public or private entities or authorizing providers. The person is issued an individual identification code on a smart card that is read and compared to the person's biometric data at the point of entry system, which contacts the authentication server to verify the person's eligibility. Personal data on the person is compiled using sets of rules to create an individual risk profile or an access level for receiving funds. Second and third transmissions communicate information for updating the individual risk profile for accessing the facility or updating the access level to funds.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides an electroluminescent device that incorporates a partially-absorbing layer which is disposed in front of an emitting electroluminescent layer and reflective rear electrode. The thickness and material of the partially-absorbing layer cooperates with the thickness of the electroluminescent layer to cause at least some reduction in ambient incident of the display.

Abstract: A seismic cable coupling comprising connector body, a coupling ring is rotatably mounted on the connector body. The coupling ring includes a ring body having a first longitudinal projection and a second longitudinal projection, the first longitudinal projection having an interior surface including a first angled groove, the second longitudinal projection having an exterior surface including a first raised stud. The coupling ring is a hermaphrodite coupling ring that mates with a coupling ring having a substantially identical ring body.

Abstract: A diagnostic and maintenance support system and process to that performs tests on systems, collects Built-In-Test (BIT) log data, analyzes fault data, and recommends Shop Replaceable Units (SRUs). The system hardware may include a computer, an interface test adapter, and a cable set. A process performs a Discrete Fault Mask (DFM) algorithm to determine whether a single faulty SRU can be identified; a Combinational Fault Mask (CFM) algorithm to identify a list of potentially problematic SRU's if a matching bit is not found after the DFM algorithm is performed; and a source code segment stored within memory of the computer for performing a Reserved Fault Mask (RFM) algorithm to identify a list of potentially problematic SRU's if matching bits are not found between the retrieved fault signature and the list of CFM serial words representing ambiguous tests. The system further includes a Diagnostic Database stored within memory of the computer which includes a DFM Table, a CFM Table and a RSM Table.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a novel design for active matrix displays, utilizing both organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and thin-film electroluminescent technologies. In a first aspect there is provided a top-emitting OLED, including an optical interference contrast-enhancing stack that is placed on the top of the driving thin-film transistor, and which extendes to the entire pixel area to cover the reflecting parts of the pixel. In a second aspect, there is provided a bottom-emitting OIED wherein an optical interference contrast-enhancing stack is placed right under the driving thin-film transistor and, separately between the organic stack and the top electrode, typically a cathode. The optical interference contrast-enhancing stack suppresses light reflection from the thin-film transistor and the upper electrode.

Abstract: A system and method for repairing fractured long bones. A guide wire is inserted through an opening drilled in a proximal bone segment and pushed through the intramedullary cavity of the proximal bone segment, across the fracture site and into the intramedullary cavity of a distal bone segment. A dilator is inserted over the guide wire and pushed through the intramedullary cavity into the distal bone segment to a stop at the distal end of the guide wire. A flexible tube having a radially expandable distal portion is then pushed over the guide wire into the distal bone segment and against the dilator. A compression nut is threaded over the proximal end of the guide wire to engage the proximal bone segment and compress the flexible tube. Compression of the flexible tube deploys the radially expandable distal portion to anchor the device in the distal bone segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming compounds of Formula HO—C(?O)R1—X—R2—X—R1—C(?O)—O—H wherein compound (I) can be polymerized to provide a polymer that contains therapeutically active compounds. In the compounds of the invention, each R1 is group that will provide the therapeutically active compound upon hydrolysis of the polymer; each X is independently an ester linkage or an amide linkage; and R2 is a linking group.

Abstract: A plasma concentrator for producing plasma concentrate from a plasma from which erythrocytes have been substantially removed. The device comprises a concentrating chamber having an inlet port and an concentrate outlet, the concentrating chamber containing hydrogel beads and at least one inert agitator; and a concentrate chamber having an inlet communicating with the concentrator outlet through a filter, and having an plasma concentrate outlet port. A process for producing plasma concentrate from plasma from which erythrocytes have been substantially removed, comprising the steps of a) moving the plasma into a concentrating chamber containing hydrogel beads and an agitator to form a hydrogel bead-plasma mixture; b) causing the agitator to stir the hydrogel bead-plasma mixture, facilitating absorption of water by the beads from the plasma, until a hydrogel bead-plasma concentrate is formed; and c) separating the plasma concentrate from the hydrogel beads by passing the plasma concentrate through a filter.

Abstract: A method for providing access and tracking the access of registered and non-registered individuals at a secure point of entry to a secure environment entails an establishing the secure environment by an with an assigned environment Risk Factor; an individual requesting entry into the secured environment at the secure point of entry; sending the individual identifier to an authentication database; receiving a response from the authentication database verifying the individual is non-registered; asking the individual questions to create a profile, assigning a Risk Factor is based upon the profile; registering the individual and Risk Factor on the authentication database; making a comparison between the individual and environment Risk Factor; making a determination whether the individual is allowed entry into the secured environment; and adding the determination to the record of the individual in the authentication database.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systematically assessing an enterprise's security risks in view of a set of security patterns. Each pattern that is applicable to the enterprise's operation is then considered against the backdrop of a set of common attributes that are used, in turn, to further distinguish each pattern from a risk and security solution perspective. Using the disclosed techniques, specific security risks can be identified and appropriate security products can be selected to address those risks in a systematic manner, thereby assisting information technology decision makers across a wide variety of enterprises in deriving security solutions. These security solutions will typically be more effective and efficient from a functional perspective, as well as being more cost-effective, than security solutions created using prior art ad hoc approaches. The disclosed techniques may also be leveraged to create a requirements list for function to be included in a security product.

Abstract: A novel surgical apparatus for use in orthopedic surgery procedures and a method for use is provided. The present invention includes a protective sheath which prevents fouling of the moving parts of the device by unwanted contact with surround tissue and bone. The device relates primarily to the treatment of traumatic, pathogenic, or osteoporotic bone conditions of human and other animal body systems and, more particularly, to a novel apparatus and method for manipulating the vertebral body through a less invasive, percutaneous, surgical approach.

Abstract: An improved method and device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of ground vehicles by increasing the pressure on the base area of a bluff-base ground vehicle or vehicle component by conditioning the undercarriage flow and controlling the discharge of the undercarriage flow into the trailing wake of a ground vehicle. The subject invention provides an improved method and device for generating a reduction in the drag force on a bluff-base object moving through air. The apparatus consists of aerodynamically shaped surfaces that are attached to the undercarriage of a vehicle between the base area and the aft most set of wheels. The surfaces are shaped and positioned such that they may be combined with the vehicle lower surface and the ground to form a nozzle with the smallest opening located at the aft end of the vehicle and the largest opening located forward of the smallest opening.

Abstract: An improved method and device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of multiple component vehicles by reducing the pressure on the front face of the trailing vehicle or vehicle component by controlling the flow in the gap between the leading vehicle component and the trailing vehicle component. An improved method and device for generating a reduction in the drag force on a bluff face object moving through air. The apparatus consist of a plurality of forward extending surfaces that are positioned adjacent to one another on the forward facing surface of a bluff face object and are aligned parallel to the object center line and perpendicular to the local flow direction. The reduction in drag force results from the summation of a plurality of local reductions in drag force generated by the interaction of vortex structures emanating from the leading edges of the plurality of forward extending surfaces with the forward facing surface of a blunt face object.

Abstract: An improved method and device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of vehicles by increasing the pressure on the rear surface of the vehicle by generating a plurality of vortices along the top and side surfaces that flow in to the base wake region of the vehicle. An improved method and device for generating a reduction in the drag force on a moving object. The present invention is a simple device comprised of a minimum number of thin and slender small surfaces that are attached to or fabricated as part of the side and top exterior surfaces of a vehicle or vehicle component. The spacing and orientation of the small surfaces, comprising the device, are dependent upon the vehicle geometry and vehicle operating conditions. The plurality of adjacent small surfaces are located forward of the base area on the vehicle. The plurality of adjacent small surfaces and are distributed circumferentially over the side and top surfaces of the subject vehicle or vehicle component.

Abstract: A wireline valve/blowout preventor is capable of resisting the flow of fluids through a bore. At least one actuator assembly has a first and second end moveable between a first configuration in which fluids can flow through the bore, and a second configuration in which fluids flow through the bore is prevented. The first and second ends are each exposed to the pressure in the bore. A biasing arrangement may bias the actuator assembly toward one of the first and second configurations. A locking member may also be provided to abut with the actuator assembly when it is in the second configuration in order to prevent movement of the actuator assembly from the second configuration to the first configuration. Also, the actuator assembly may have at least one rod assembly which extends from the actuator assembly to a position where it is visible from an outside of the apparatus.

Abstract: An integrated reactor for producing fuel gas for a fuel cell, the integrated reactor comprises an waste gas oxidizer (WGO) assembly having an associated WGO chamber, an inlet, an outlet and a flow path for exothermic gases produced in the WGO chamber. The integrated reactor has an autothermal reactor (ATR) assembly located within the WGO chamber. The ATR assembly has an inlet means and an outlet means for process gases flowing therethrough and a catalyst bed which is intermediate the inlet and outlet means. At least a part of the inlet means of the ATR assembly is located in the flow path of the WGO chamber to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy.