Abstract: A fail-safe electromagnetic linkage has a support device for a valve head, and an actuator component actuable by an actuator. The support device is coupled to the actuator component while power is supplied to the electromagnet and decoupled from the actuator component while power is not supplied to the electromagnet. The assembly further comprises a return mechanism configured to drive the support device relative to the actuator component if power is not supplied to the electromagnet.

Abstract: An integrated plate is provided for use with a combustor including a casing, a fuel plenum extending circumferentially about the casing, and a fuel nozzle extending axially through the casing. The integrated plate includes a plurality of fuel injection pegs that extend radially between the fuel plenum and the fuel nozzle.

Abstract: A method of automating testing of a first computing system comprises identifying a plurality of system interface elements of a second computing system; determining an untested state at the first computing system of one of the identified plurality of system interface elements; determining the existence of any dependency of the one of the identified plurality of system interface elements upon another of the identified plurality of system interface elements; responsive to a finding of no the dependency, seeking in a repository a system interface element test corresponding to the one of the identified plurality of system interface elements and having an expected output according to a structure of the second computing system; and executing the system interlace element test at the first computing system.

Abstract: A roasting oven includes an enclosure coupled to a source of microwave RF energy, an operable door for sealing the enclosure for RF, the operable door having a viewing aperture which prevents the escape of RF from inside the chamber. A rotating support has an axis which is perpendicular to the viewing aperture such that the progress of roasting may be viewed through the viewing aperture and into a food container placed in the rotating support. The applied power of the microwave RF source and the rotational velocity of the rotating support are selected to provide uniform or wide spectrum roasting of the food item. A roasting profile may include a roasting interval during which the microwave RF source and rotating support are both energized, and subsequently a cool-down interval where the microwave RF source is disabled and the rotating support continues to rotate.

Abstract: An adaptive and interactive training system and method is provided. The system provides training content to a user of an application program based upon a variety of factors. The system selects the training content based upon the user's individualized needs vis-à-vis an application program. The system may customize the training sent to the user by evaluating the user's actual interaction with the application program, the user's personal profile and the group profile of groups to which the user belongs.

Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring system and method include multiple communications devices. At least one communications device is coupled to an element of the infrastructure.

Abstract: A combustor includes a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path places a diffuser in indirect fluid communication with a combustor cap assembly by way of an intervening lower combustor annular passageway. The second flow path places the diffuser in direct fluid communication with the combustor cap assembly.

Abstract: A system comprising a fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle includes a mounting base and an inlet flow conditioner extending directly from the mounting base in a downstream direction. Moreover, the inlet flow conditioner structurally supports the fuel nozzle without a central support member extending directly from the mounting base inside the inlet flow conditioner.

Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring system and method that comprises multiple communications devices. At least one communications device is coupled to an element of the infrastructure.

Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring system and method that comprises multiple monitoring devices and/or multiple output devices. Each monitoring device includes at least one sensor for collecting data, a data storage device for storing the data, a processor for analyzing the data, and a communications device for transmitting and receiving data. The system may also include an operations center for controlling and receiving data from the plurality of devices.

Abstract: A fail-safe electromagnetic linkage has a support device for a valve head, and an actuator component actuable by an actuator. The support device is coupled to the actuator component whilst power is supplied to the electromagnet and decoupled from the actuator component whilst power is not supplied to the electromagnet. The assembly further comprises a return mechanism configured to drive the support device relative to the actuator component if power is not supplied to the electromagnet.

Abstract: A trash receptacle is disclosed having a housing defining a cavity and having a lid openable to create an orifice to access the cavity, with a bin disposed in the cavity and removable there-from through the orifice. The bin has a bottom surface and an upstanding peripheral wall, the wall having two pivotably engaged portions that are relatively separable to ease the removal of a filled liner bag. The peripheral wall terminates at its top in an annular rim, and the bin is adapted to receive the liner bag lining the interior of the peripheral wall and draped outwardly over the annular rim. The lid has downwardly extending annular wall adapted to engage the bin's annular rim to secure the draped-over portion of the liner bag to the annular rim when the lid is in its closed state. The receptacle has a seven-day timer and an indicator associated therewith for alerting when it is the day for disposing of trash.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and materials for use in modulating T cell activation, based on the production and secretion of soluble cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (sCTLA-4) by cells of the immune system. The method involves stimulating secretion of endogenous sCTLA-4 by T cells, which have preferably previously been exposed to an antigen, by exposing the said cells to a stimulatory agent, preferably a peptide which comprises at least one antigenic determinant of said antigen. The cells may also be exposed to a CD28 stimulatory binding agent, either alone or in combination with the antigenic peptide. In preferred embodiments, the method may be used for treatment or prophylaxis of a disease characterized by a pathogenic immune or autoimmune response. The invention also provides a system for inhibiting sCTLA-4 secretion by T cells.

Abstract: The present invention is a family of portable humidifiers. Each of the portable humidifiers has a housing, a number of wick assemblies, and a fan. The housing has an air inlet, an air outlet and a reservoir for holding water. The number of wick assemblies are positioned within the housing to contact the water in the reservoir. The wick assemblies are arranged in parallel between the air inlet and the fan. The fan is provided within the housing for creating an airflow. The airflow enters the air inlet, passes through the wick assemblies for adding moisture to the airflow from the water in the reservoir, and exits through the air outlet. The number for at least one of the portable humidifiers is different from the number for another of the portable humidifiers. Preferably each of the portable humidifiers includes a wick frame seated within the reservoir for supporting the wick assemblies. Each of the wick assemblies preferably has a wick element and a button.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a multi-functional cooker having a thermal probe operatively connected to a controller for controlling a heating element in response to a real-time temperature reading from the probe. By controlling the level of heat provided by the heating element in response to real-time temperature readings, optimal comestible flavor may be achieved. The multi-functional cooker also includes a hinged lid for directing fluid on an inner surface of the lid into a cooking vessel of the invention upon opening of the lid.

Abstract: An assembled container for roasting food is placed on its side in a microwave oven so that the turntable of the microwave oven imparts tangential force, which the assembled container translates into motion to the food being roasted. The assembled container includes various shapes, such as a squat cup, a bowl, or an undulated structure. A reusable assembled container is formed from a suitable material so that it can be cleansed after usage for the next roasting.

Abstract: A computing system and method are provided for algorithmic electronic system level design. An exemplary system comprises a plurality of databases for storing a plurality of functional models, a plurality of computational element models, and a plurality of hardware definition representations. An application design processor is adapted to perform a first functional simulation of an algorithm using a plurality of computational element architecture definitions to generate a first selection of a plurality of computational elements and corresponding control code for an implementation of the algorithm. A control and memory modeling processor is adapted to generate a plurality of flow transforms from the algorithm and to convert the plurality of flow transforms into the plurality of plurality of computational element models.

Abstract: A method for providing for the graceful degradation of the performance and functionality of a distributed computer application. A plurality of sensors monitor the performance and availability of various external resources and/or services required by the application, as well as the performance of various components of the application, and report the information to one or more controllers. The controllers make decisions based on rule-based criteria as to how to modify the behavior of the application according to the performance and availability of the various required resources and services. The controllers send messages to one or more actuators which effect the change in behavior of the application. A console displays the status of the system and allows users to modify the rules used to modify the behavior of the application.