Abstract: The present invention provides a method of authenticating the provenance of an article marked with a transparent polymer film comprising measuring the thickness of the film or of a layer within in the film by white light interferometry and/or by birefringence.

Abstract: An electrical terminal is operable to facilitate electrical connectivity between the terminal and an electrical connector. The electrical terminal may include a cap to facilitate positioning a conducting element, such as but not limited to a coil spring, within a receptacle used to connect to an electrically conducting connector. The conducting element may facilitate electrical connectivity between the inserted connector and the terminal.

Abstract: There is provided a compound which is (a) a pyrimidine sulfonamide of formula (I) or (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, crystalline forms of the compound, processes for obtaining the compound, pharmaceutical intermediates used in the manufacture of the compound, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound. The compound is useful in the treatment of a disease/condition in which modulation of chemokine receptor activity is beneficial.

Abstract: An electrical terminal is operable to facilitate electrical connectivity between the terminal and an electrical connector. The electrical terminal may include a cap to facilitate positioning a conducting element, such as but not limited to a coil spring, within a receptacle used to connect to an electrically conducting connector. The conducting element may facilitate electrical connectivity between the inserted connector and the terminal.

Abstract: In an implementation, a set of files are stored into a collection of blocks. The collection of blocks are stored within a storage subsystem that includes a premium storage area and a low-end storage area, wherein the premium storage area has a performance metric that is better than a performance metric of the low-end storage area. The collection of blocks define the set of files at multiple different times within the predefined time window, the collection of blocks include a first baseline of blocks which defines the set of files at a first baseline time within a predefined time window, older blocks which were formed before the first baseline time, and newer blocks which were formed after the first baseline time. The first baseline of blocks and the newer blocks are stored in the premium storage area and the older blocks are stored in the low-end storage area.

Abstract: An electrical terminal operable to facilitate electrical connectivity between the terminal and an electrical connector. The electrical terminal may include a cap to facilitate positioning a conducting element, such as but not limited to a coil spring, within a receptacle used to connect to an electrically conducting connector. The conducting element may facilitate electrical connectivity between the inserted connector and the terminal.

Abstract: A restoration technique includes storing a collection of blocks having (i) a first baseline of blocks defining a file at a first time within a predefined window, (ii) older blocks, and (iii) newer blocks. The technique further includes providing a direction signal to restore the file at a particular time from the collection of blocks. The direction signal has an older direction value when the particular time is older than the first time and (ii) a newer direction value when the particular time is newer than the first time. The technique further includes forming, from the collection of blocks, a second baseline of blocks from the first baseline of blocks and additional blocks. The additional blocks are either (i) the older blocks or (ii) the newer blocks depending on the direction value. The second baseline defines the file at the particular time.

Abstract: A data processing system stores data in a data file by first identifying the data file as a large file type known to require an amount of storage space substantially greater than a system allocation unit size. As data is to be written to the data file beginning at a location identified by a file pointer, the system determines whether it is necessary to allocate storage space of the data processing system to store the data to be written, and if so then commands are issued to the file system including (i) one or more first commands to set an end of file marker for the data file to a new value greater than a current value of the end of file marker by at least an application allocation unit size which is at least twice the system allocation unit size, and (ii) one or more second commands to mark a region of the data file extending between the current and new values of the end of file marker as holding valid data. Subsequently the data is written to the data file at the location identified by the file pointer.

Abstract: A load indicating fastener comprising a load indicator, a fastener body, and a securing mechanism retaining the load indicator on the fastener body. The load indicator has integral protuberances struck and partially sheared from the load indicator to project from a face and leave corresponding indentations in an opposite face. The securing mechanism may be a member extending radially outward from the shank of the fastener body, such as a plurality of spaced apart tabs; at least one thread; at least one flare, stake, or form; a step ring; a series of bumps; a knurl; and one or more lobes. Alternative embodiments of the securing mechanism include a key-and-keyhole combination; an interference fit facilitated by a chamfer or by one or more lobes or by shaped surfaces of the fastener body and of the load indicator; one or more tack welded interconnections; and an adhesive patch.

Abstract: This invention provides treatment compositions as well as systems and methods of determining and administering an effective amount of treatment for a neurological disorder. The treatment composition can contain a labeled interfering RNA (iRNA) agent capable of decreasing expression of a target RNA associated with the neurological disorder. The methods of the invention include determining an effective amount of a therapeutic composition by introducing a solution containing a tracer into the brain of a mammal. The tracing solution is monitored until a target volume of distribution at steady state distribution is substantially achieved, and the rate of delivery of the therapeutic composition is determined. The therapeutic composition can then be administered at the rate determined by use of the tracing solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a fluid conditioning apparatus for conditioning a fluid disposed within, wherein the fluid conditioning apparatus is in fluid communication with a self contained system. The fluid conditioning apparatus includes a housing having a surrounding sidewall positioned about a longitudinal axis, the surrounding sidewall having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the sidewall, inlet portion, and outlet portion all defining a housing interior. Further included in the fluid conditioning apparatus is structure for disbursing a selected component within the housing interior and structure for controlling the selected component disbursing to a achieve a selected fluid condition.

Abstract: A conveyor drive shaft for use in agricultural combines including an integral torque limiting device is disclosed herein. More particularly, a co-axial integrated torque limiter, such as an radial pin clutch, is provided in such a conveyor drive shaft to minimize additional space claim required to protect the conveyor drive shaft, and attached components from damage in the event of an unexpected jam or other stoppage. A conveyor system employing such an integrated conveyor drive shaft and a combine employing such a conveyor system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical terminal operable to facilitate electrical connectivity between the terminal and an electrical connector. The electrical terminal may include a cap to facilitate positioning a conducting element, such as but not limited to a coil spring, within a receptacle used to connect to an electrically conducting connector. The conducting element may facilitate electrical connectivity between the inserted connector and the terminal.

Abstract: In an inductively coupled radio frequency identification (RFID) system deployed in animal and livestock applications, reading system efficacy can be compromised by animal movement on, around, or near metal structures prone to producing sonic frequencies. Such is the case, for example, when a walk-by antenna is mounted at the entry door of a livestock transport trader, and animals transit on a metallic ramp and metallic trader floor. Associated with the observable acoustic noise are subtle disturbances in the magnetic field surrounding the antenna due to vibrating metal altering the reluctance of the antenna's magnetic field. This acoustic noise manifests itself as an electrical noise phenomenon that interferes with the signals of certain types of identification tags which rely on amplitude modulation.

Abstract: A restoration technique includes storing a collection of blocks having (i) a first baseline of blocks defining a file at a first time within a predefined window, (ii) older blocks, and (iii) newer blocks. The technique further includes providing a direction signal to restore the file at a particular time from the collection of blocks. The direction signal has an older direction value when the particular time is older than the first time and (ii) a newer direction value when the particular time is newer than the first time. The technique further includes forming, from the collection of blocks, a second baseline of blocks from the first baseline of blocks and additional blocks. The additional blocks are either (i) the older blocks or (ii) the newer blocks depending on the direction value. The second baseline defines the file at the particular time.

Abstract: A method of collecting, detecting and enumerating microorganisms in a fluid comprising subjecting a sample of the fluid to dielectrophoresis and collecting the microorganisms onto a microelectrode, scanning the microelectrode using a scanning laser and determining the number of microorganisms present on the microelectrode. Alternatively, the microorganisms may be spun onto a substrate which has been pre-treated with a polycationic electrolyte.

Abstract: A data processing system stores data in a data file by first identifying the data file as a large file type known to require an amount of storage space substantially greater than a system allocation unit size. As data is to be written to the data file beginning at a location identified by a file pointer, the system determines whether it is necessary to allocate storage space of the data processing system to store the data to be written, and if so then commands are issued to the file system including (i) one or more first commands to set an end of file marker for the data file to a new value greater than a current value of the end of file marker by at least an application allocation unit size which is at least twice the system allocation unit size, and (ii) one or more second commands to mark a region of the data file extending between the current and new values of the end of file marker as holding valid data. Subsequently the data is written to the data file at the location identified by the file pointer.

Abstract: A resonant antenna circuit for a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader generates an electrical signal for activating a passive identification tag. The identification tag in turn generates a coded electrical signal that is detected by the reader. The electrical characteristics of the resonant circuit are actively and dynamically altered so that the antenna performs more optimally during the transmit and receive intervals.

Abstract: A method of producing a security document or article including a substrate (100), which is transparent at least to visible light, and a diffractive optical microstructure (112). The method includes applying an opacifying layer (102) to at least one surface of the transparent substrate (100). An area of the opacifying layer (102) is exposed to laser radiation (108) to ablate apertures (110) in selected portions of the opacifying layer (102), thereby forming a diffractive optical microstructure (112) on the surface of the substrate (100). The laser radiation may be patterned prior to exposing the opacifying layer (102), for example by passing the radiation through a mask (104). Alternatively, a focussed or collimated laser beam (206) may be directed onto the selected portions of the opacifying layer (102). Laser radiation may be directed onto the opacifying layer (102) either directly, or through the transparent substrate (100).