Abstract: A transfer key system for a vehicle may include a key receptacle configured to detect the presence of a transfer key, and a controller configured to receive key status signals from the key receptacle, and activate the transfer key as an active transfer key in response to the status signal indicating a removal of the transfer key from the key receptacle and receiving an authentication signal from a user.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing nanoparticles, nanoparticle complexes, and their biomolecular interactions are provided. Concurrent excitation and emission wavelength scans are performed and the optimal fluorescence intensity for the intersect of these wavelengths is determined. The intersect is dependent upon the physical characteristics of the particle and can be used to verify, for example, attachment of biomolecules, amount of biomolecules present, and structure of the attached biomolecule.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing nanoparticles, nanoparticle complexes, and their biomolecular interactions are provided. Concurrent excitation and emission wavelength scans are performed and the optimal fluorescence intensity for the intersect of these wavelengths is determined. The intersect is dependent upon the physical characteristics of the particle and can be used to verify, for example, attachment of biomolecules, amount of biomolecules present, and structure of the attached biomolecule.

Abstract: Particles are provided which are suitable for delivery from a particle-mediated delivery device. The particles are obtained by precipitating a nucleic acid on inert metal carrier particles in the presence of a nucleic acid condensing agent and a metal ion chelating agent. Also described are processes for preparing the particles, and therapeutic methods using the particles including methods of nucleic acid immunization and gene therapy.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting and quantitating one or more compounds or molecules in a sample. An aptamer-based point-of-care device (such as a strip) is described for rapid detection of target molecules such as the cancer marker p-glycoprotein (Pgp). Fluorescent molecules or gold nanoparticles may be used to detect the binding between a target molecule and the aptamer. By way of example, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) or Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) may be used for detecting the physical and/or chemical changes caused by the binding of the aptamers to the target molecules.

Abstract: Third stage turbine buckets have airfoil profiles substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z? set forth Table I wherein X and Y values are in inches and the Z? values are non-dimensional values from 0 to 1 convertible to Z distances in inches by multiplying the Z? values by the height of the airfoil in inches and adding the radius of the airfoil base. The X and Y values are distances which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z. The profile sections at each distance Z are joined smoothly to one another to form a complete airfoil shape. The X, Y and Z distances may be scalable as a function of the same constant or number to provide a scaled up or scaled down airfoil section for the bucket. The nominal airfoil given by the X, Y and Z distances lies within an envelope of +/?0.0.060 inches in directions normal to the surface of the airfoil.

Abstract: A damping system for a turbine bucket. The damping system includes a damper pocket with a variable tangential depth and a damper pin positional within the damper pocket.

Abstract: Third stage turbine buckets have airfoil profiles substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z? set forth Table I wherein X and Y values are in inches and the Z? values are non-dimensional values from 0 to 1 convertible to Z distances in inches by multiplying the Z? values by the height of the airfoil in inches and adding the radius of the airfoil base. The X and Y values are distances which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z. The profile sections at each distance Z are joined smoothly to one another to form a complete airfoil shape. The X, Y and Z distances may be scalable as a function of the same constant or number to provide a scaled up or scaled down airfoil section for the bucket. The nominal airfoil given by the X, Y and Z distances lies within an envelope of ±0.0.060 inches in directions normal to the surface of the airfoil.

Abstract: A damping system for a turbin bucket. The damping system includes a damper pocket with a variable tangential depth and a damper pin positional within the damper pocket.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump has a stationary diffuser with a bore. A thrust bearing has a tubular portion that inserts into the bore. The thrust bearing has an external shoulder that contacts a support surface in the bore of the diffuser for transmitting downward thrust from an upstream impeller to the diffuser. The thrust bearing has an internal shoulder for transmitting upward thrust from a downstream impeller to the diffuser.

Abstract: Particles are provided which are suitable for delivery from a particle-mediated delivery device. The particles are obtained by precipitating a nucleic acid on inert metal carrier particles in the presence of a nucleic acid condensing agent and a metal ion chelating agent. Also described are processes for preparing the particles, and therapeutic methods using the particles including methods of nucleic acid immunisation and gene therapy.

Abstract: A well has a downhole flow meter that is installed in a sub in a string of tubing. The flow meter has a body having an external profile that lands on a landing profile in the sub. The body has a passage with a throat area of reduced diameter. Upstream and downstream body ports in a side wall of the body are in fluid communication with the throat area and a downstream portion of the passage downstream of the throat area. Seals are located between the body and the sub, defining an upstream annular chamber and a downstream annular chamber surrounding the body, the chambers being in communication with the upstream and downstream body ports. Upstream and downstream sub ports in a side wall of the sub are in fluid communication with the upstream and downstream chambers. A sensor circuit is in operative engagement with the sub ports for determining a flow rate based on a pressure difference sensed between the throat area and the downstream portion of the passage in the body.

Abstract: A surface pump assembly having a pressure vessel containing a submersible pump and an industrial motor located at least partially external to the pressure vessel having a shaft or seal thrust chamber extending at least partially into the pressure vessel to connect to pump. The pressure vessel has an inlet connected to a fluid source and one or more bleed off or pressure relief valves. The pump has an intake to receive the fluid and a discharge connected to a discharge conduit.

Abstract: A surface pump assembly having a pressure vessel containing a submersible pump and an industrial motor located at least partially external to the pressure vessel having a shaft or seal thrust chamber extending at least partially into the pressure vessel to connect to pump. The pressure vessel has an inlet connected to a fluid source and one or more bleed off or pressure relief valves. The pump has an intake to receive the fluid and a discharge connected to a discharge conduit.

Abstract: A collet and tool assembly for rotatable tools such as drills and taps in which the collet and tool each include mating:a) stops for limiting entrance of the tool into the holder;b) matching detents for producing an audible click when the tool is properly placed in the collet; andc) matching eccentric sections which provide positive torque transfer between the collet and the tool.

Abstract: A drill bit and chuck for interconnection with the end of a flexible drive shaft which axially and rotationally restrains the drill bit against becoming separated from the chuck during an operation requiring bone drilling, for example. The drill bit drive end has an eccentrically mounted boss with an enlarged head. A collet has an internal wall with an eccentric opening for receiving and locking with the drill bit boss head. The opposite end of the collet is staked onto the flexible shaft.