Abstract: A composition for treating wood, concrete, masonry and related materials to effect sealing the article against water, preventing microbial attack, protecting against UV degradation, and optionally imparting a color for aesthetic purposes and an article treated with the composition. The composition includes a solvent having an elevated flash point, no VOC's or substantially no VOC's, and the composition can be used inside with little or no additional ventilation. The compositions contain no antioxidants, or low and controlled levels of antioxidants to allow the applied composition to properly oxidize and cure upon exposure to air. The compositions can be applied by all conventional methods known for applying sealants and stains.

Abstract: A method includes preparing a bonding surface of a heat dissipating member, applying flux to the bonding surface of the heat dissipating member, and removing excess flux from the bonding surface so that minimal flux is provided. The method also includes preparing a die surface of an electronic device package, applying flux to the die surface, and removing excess flux from the die surface so that minimal flux is provided. The method further includes positioning a preform solder component on the die surface, positioning the heat dissipating member over the die surface and the preform solder component such that the flux layer of the bonding surface is in contact with the preform solder component, and reflowing the solder component using a reflow oven. A heat spreader is also described for use in the process.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a drill motor assembly (100) including a drill motor (102) and a housing guide assembly (104). The housing guide assembly in turn includes a base (106) and a mast (108) pivotally and adjustably attached thereto. A male slide (110) on the mast (108) slidably and precisely engages a female slide (112) on the drill motor (102). To drill a precise hole using the drill motor assembly (100), the operator simply adjusts the mast (108) to the desired angle relative to the base (106), engages the slides (110) and (112), activates the drill motor (102), and moves the drill motor (102) along the mast (108) until the drilling operation is completed.

Abstract: An energy storage system comprising at least one energy storage module adapted to supply electrical energy to a hybrid vehicle. The energy storage module comprises an enclosure, at least one battery array located within the enclosure comprised of one or more battery cells held in place between side rails and secured by end plates and mounting pins. The end plates also include flanges which secure the end plates behind the pins. The pin arrangement provides more secure holding and helps prevent torque loosening during operation. The battery array also includes cell retainers between each cell to reduce thermal transfer between cells, and an insulation liner between the battery cells and the side rails to improve creepage and clearance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a substantially surface independent tagging system are disclosed. A resonant dielectric cavity is defined between upper and lower conducting layers, and closed at one end by a conducting base portion. Incident radiation couples into the cavity and is resonantly enhanced. An electronic device or tag paced at the edge of the cavity experiences a high electric field strength on account of this enhancement and is driven into operation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation decoupler for decoupling radiation in the wavelength range ?min to ?max. The decoupler has a first conductor layer in contact with a dielectric layer which comprises at least one area of absence and the thickness of the decoupler is less than ?min/4n, where n is the refractive index of the dielectric. The dielectric layer may be sandwiched between two conductor layers, one of which has the structure described above. The invention is also directed to methods of using and various articles comprising such a decoupler.

Abstract: A snack chip comprising from about 15% to about 60% of vegetable material; from about 40% to about 65% of starch material made from materials selected from the group consisting of tapioca, rice and mixtures thereof; from about 0.1% to about 3.0% water; and from about 1% to about 20% of optional ingredients. At least about 40% of the starch material is pre-gelatinized. The snack chip can be made by combining the vegetable material and dry ingredients with water to form a dough which is then sheeted, dried without the use of a heated extruder to form a half product, which is cooked to form the snack chip.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a substantially surface independent tagging system are disclosed. A resonant dielectric cavity is defined between upper and lower conducting layers, and closed at one end by a conducting base portion. Incident radiation couples into the cavity and is resonantly enhanced. An electronic device or tag paced at the edge of the cavity experiences a high electric field strength on account of this enhancement and is driven into operation.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for compressing media in a media stack. In various embodiments, a paddle moves between various positions. During the move, the paddle is configured to compress the media stack.

Abstract: A system, method and article are associated with receiving raster operation objects. If a first exclusive OR raster operation object, a copy raster operation object and a second exclusive OR raster operation object are received, shape data associated with either the first or second exclusive OR raster operation object is selected. Additionally, color data associated with either the first or second exclusive OR raster operation object is selected and mask data associated with the copy raster operation object is selected to render a transparent image.

Abstract: A system and method of electronically funding a financial account is disclosed. The method includes the acts of providing an electronic funding application, electronically transmitting the electronic funding application to a customer-operated client, and entering financial data into the funding application of the customer-operated client. The financial data includes a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line, a currency amount, and an account identifier. The method further includes the acts of electronically transmitting the financial data to a server (30), validating that at least a portion of the entered financial data corresponds to the demand deposit account, converting the MICR line to an item compatible with the Automated Clearing House network, submitting the item and the currency to this network and electronically transfering the currency from the demand deposit account to the financial account.

Abstract: Fermentable sugar useful for the production of biofuels can be produced from biomass by contacting the biomass with a solution containing at least one ?-hydroxysulfonic acid. The ?-hydroxysulfonic acid can be easily removed from the product and recycled.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal machine includes a feed conveyor system (600), a fitment indexing module (650) and a fitment indexer (400) constructed and arranged to transfer a fitment to a fitment applicator station.

Abstract: An electronic payment and authentication system that includes features to verify the authenticity of a payer, validate debit data, and facilitate debit (as opposed to credit) payment transactions. The electronic payment system allows a consumer to purchase items and services via a network while utilizing a debit transaction. The invention provides merchants with the ability to verify the identity of the consumer, determine if the consumer is a good debit transaction risk, and retrieve debit data associated with a particular consumer.

Abstract: The inventive composition allows the solubilization of hydrophobic nutraceuticals in water to produce clear and stable solutions. The hydrophobic nutraceutical is combined with a lecithin and optionally other components to form an oil. Sucrose is dissolved in water and combined with hydrophilic cosolvents. Sucrose fatty acid ester emulsifier is dissolved in the sucrose-cosolvent mixture. The nutraceutical oil is homogenized into the sucrose ester emulsifier solution to form a stable homogenate that can be readily dispersed into an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process for making lower olefins from a wide boiling range hydrocarbon feed by use of a combination of one or more vapor/liquid separation devices, and then pyrolytically cracking the vapor phase in separate sets of pyrolysis radiant tubes, thereby producing a higher level of lower olefin product.

Abstract: A ceiling fan cover that can be easily placed onto and removed from a ceiling fan to provide the fan from dust, wind, water, moisture, paint and other potentially harmful element. The cover can be constructed of a flexible or non-flexible material that contains opening and closing means that permit the cover to be placed onto and closed around said fan and then opened to remove the cover from the fan. The cover preferably is made of a material to permit its reuse.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a substantially surface independent tagging system are disclosed. A resonant dielectric cavity is defined between upper and lower conducting layers, and closed at one end by a conducting base portion. Incident radiation couples into the cavity and is resonantly enhanced. An electronic device or tag paced at the edge of the cavity experiences a high electric field strength on account of this enhancement and is driven into operation.

Abstract: An electronic payment and authentication system that includes features to verify the authenticity of a payer, validate debit data, and facilitate debit (as opposed to credit) payment transactions. The electronic payment system allows a consumer to purchase items and services via a network while utilizing a debit transaction. The invention provides merchants with the ability to verify the identity of the consumer, determine if the consumer is a good debit transaction risk, and retrieve debit data associated with a particular consumer.