Abstract: A method controls mass and heat loading of sludge feed into a fluidized bed combustor (FBC) controlled via regulation of a polymer dosage or a sludge feed rate including: continuously monitoring at least one performance characteristic of the FBC; producing an input signal characteristic; analyzing the input signal and determining a first rate of change of the characteristic; generating an output signal based on the first rate of change to control addition of polymer to the FBC; generating a second output signal to control addition of sludge feed to the FBC; and determining a transition point between the addition of polymer and addition of sludge, which transition point is an upper limit of a first rate change to maintain flow so that the value of the characteristic is maintained proximate at the upper limit.

Abstract: The present invention provides substituted 4-{3-[6-amino-9-(3,4-dihydroxy-tetrahydro-furan-2-yl)-9H-purin-2-yl]-prop-2-ynyl}-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid esters and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same that are selective agonists of A2A adenosine receptors (ARs). These compounds and compositions are useful as pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting Frame Relay based communication over an ATM based network that includes a DSL link are disclosed. The Frame Relay based communication is mapped into ATM cells at a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM). The mapping of the Frame Relay frames into ATM cells is carried in accordance with transparent mode or translation mode functionality provided in the DSLAM. The Frame Relay data may be mapped into the ATM cells pursuant to FRF.5, FRF.8, FRF.8.1, or other similar standards. The system and method may enable transparent propagation of the Frame Relay data across the DSL/ATM network, for receipt on the other end of the network by a Frame Relay compatible switch, or an ATM compatible switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a candidate compound that is suitable for use in methods of treating animals (preferably mammals) and in the preparation of a medicament, wherein the candidate compound down regulates Cathepsin K activity.

Abstract: A retention assembly is for retaining a panel in a window or a door. The assembly includes a surround, a frame, and a locking latch. The surround includes a first and a second pair of spaced segments which extend to define an opening. The frame includes a pair of first spaced sides and the panel is supported between the sides. The pair of first spaced sides are disposed between the first and second pair of segments. One of the first sides includes a floor and a catch which extends from the floor. The locking latch is movably supported by the surround and defines a retention recess for permitting locking engagement between the locking latch and the catch as the locking latch is moved relative to one of the first segments.

Abstract: A blender control apparatus and method includes monitoring the operation of a blender motor as a measure of monitoring the quality and results of blending. By connecting a feedback sensor to the motor, it is possible to determine whether a blend process is complete. It is also possible to identify when cavitation is occurring or about to occur. In another aspect, the blender controls are directed to an improved method for portion blending. The method includes a two-step query to the user to determine both a predetermined blender cycle and the number of portions to be blended.

Abstract: A generalized high performance navigation system is provided using low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. In one embodiment, a method of performing navigation includes receiving a LEO signal from a LEO satellite. The method also includes decoding a navigation signal from the LEO signal. The method further includes receiving first and second ranging signals from first and second ranging sources, respectively. In addition, the method includes determining calibration information associated with the first and second ranging sources. The method also includes calculating a position using the navigation signal, the first and second ranging signals, and the calibration information.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for performing an internal operations test to a set top terminal (STT). At least one embodiment of a method includes creating a test pattern for testing video functionality of the STT, sending the created test pattern to a digital encoder, and converting the test pattern to an analog signal.

Abstract: A method of generating an image of a volume ahead of an aerial vehicle is provided. The method comprises determining a position of the aerial vehicle and generating a terrain image corresponding to ground features correlated to the position of the aerial vehicle. Obstacle data pertaining to a set of obstacles ahead of the aerial vehicle is determined with a forward looking sensor. An obstacle overlay image is generated and overlain onto the terrain image to generate a composite image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a net radiometer that measures the net difference between incoming solar and outgoing terrestrial radiant flux energy in the combined short-wave and long-wave far infrared spectral range. In accordance with principles of the invention, a balanced net radiometer can be constructed where each thermal absorber is formed from two separate pieces joined together to form a single thermal mass. Within each thermal absorber, each piece is coated with a separate surface coating of different spectral sensitivity. By constructing an absorber from two separate pieces, it is possible to apply spectral coatings with different curing characteristics, to thermal absorber that acts as a single thermal mass. The pieces within each thermal absorber are sized in a proportion that thermally balances the absorber's thermal sensitivity between short-wave and long-wave far infrared radiant energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for integrating an application into a network of computing resources. Applications using this integration have a virtualized access to one or more computing resources associated with the network. Virtualization is generally assured through at least one network connection between the virtual layer and the native network. Together, the virtual access is used to generate a virtual application network capable of providing the application access to the network of computing resources. The application is created into an orchestration of operations to manipulate the one or more computing resources according to a business process. As needed, the application and orchestration can be further partitioning into components to be distributed and executed over the virtual application network using the virtualized access.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes first, second and third electrical conductors, a planar conductive member having first, second and third contacts, and an operating mechanism structured to move the planar conductive member toward the electrical conductors to electrically connect the first, second and third electrical conductors to the respective first, second and third contacts, and to move the planar conductive member away from the electrical conductors to electrically disconnect the electrical conductors from the contacts upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such that the electrical conductors are electrically isolated from each other. When one of the electrical conductors is welded to one of the contacts, the operating mechanism and the planar conductive member cooperate to electrically disconnect the other two of the electrical conductors from the other two of the contacts upon the occurrence of the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for network-based sales force automation are provided that meet objectives of increasing sales and marketing efficiency and efficiency of technical and customer support by providing multi-dimensional displays of transactional information to users. Transactional information of deals, contacts, accounts, and leads is provided over the Internet using a Web browser. The information of related transactions is electronically linked, and the transactional information is electronically searchable using custom profiles. The transactional information is accessed and shared among host organization members according to a hierarchy and predefined territories. A Radar Screen Opportunity Display (RSOD) may be selected on which deal objects are displayed that represent the stages in a sales pipeline of corresponding deals.

Abstract: An apparatus for the inspection a vehicle component to detect the presence of a part defect and a method for performing the inspection. According to one embodiment, the apparatus for inspecting the vehicle component comprises: a camera having a lens; a borescope having a first end and a second end, the first end operatively disposed adjacent the camera and the second end having a mirror disposed therein; and a light source for supplying light to the borescope whereby the mirror is operative to reflect an image of an area of the vehicle component to be inspected to the camera.

Abstract: In a method for localizing a fault location within a fuel injection system, when a critical fault is detected by the diagnostic function, a pulse or a series of pulses to the injectors is triggered by a control unit. By observing the voltage value and/or charge value at the injector, it is possible to localize the fault location within the fuel injection system.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the operation of accessories in a home energy management system which manages a plurality of communication networks. The schedules are generated by using a central controller and interacting with a user interface found on a device separate from the central controller. The plurality of schedules are stored in the storage of the central controller, and a current schedule is selected from the stored schedules. The selected schedule is loaded onto an accessory through one of the communication channels for controlling the associate accessory.

Abstract: An elongate carrying strap reinforced by longitudinally extending multi-strand wire cables (41) is engaged with a fitting (1) for forming a loop (64) at an end of the strap (2) so as to avoid inelastic deformation of the cable. A pair of multi-strand wire cables are received in parallel envelopes (43) disposed on opposite longitudinal edges of the strap, each envelope is tubular and formed in a flexible polymer strip (40) extruded over the cable. The fitting has a transverse bar portion (71) having a convex face abutting the inner side of the loop and a pair of transverse arm portions (9, 10) defining an opening therebetween, the opening receiving a neck (63) of the loop and having opposing strap-engaging surfaces abutting the outer side of the strap and cooperating to hold the inner side against the convex face (4) of the bar portion (71).

Abstract: A manifold gasket assembly includes a steel carrier fabricated with a plurality of air intake openings. Rubber material is molded to the carrier body to provide a seal about the openings when the gasket assembly is clamped between a cylinder head and intake manifold. Pushrod guides are provided on the carrier body and are fabricated of a material different than that of the carrier body, namely the same material as that used to form the elastomeric sealing beads.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable spinal distraction/fusion rod with varied thread pitch and diameters along different portions of its length that it is capable of distracting two or more vertebral bodies relative to each other and/or facilitating the procedure of fusing the vertebral bodies together from within the spine. The present invention also provides for methods of using the rod to distract and/or fuse two or more vertebral bodies from within the spine.