Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a user with increased flexibility and control over the appearance and behavior of objects on a user interface are described. Sets of objects can be grouped into themes to provide a user with a distinct overall impression of the interface. These themes can be switched dynamically by switching pointers to drawing procedures or switching data being supplied to these procedures. To buffer applications from the switchable nature of graphical user interfaces according to the present invention, colors and patterns used to implement the interface objects are abstracted from the interface by, for example, pattern look-up tables.

Abstract: Highly oil-filled ethylene/alpha-olefin/diene (EAODM) polymers in a free flowing powder or pellet form, processes for preparing these polymers, and the use of these polymers to prepare thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) are provided. Thermoplastic vulcanizate premixes can be prepared with the EAODM polymers and thermoplastic polymers, the premixes being easily converted into TPVs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising a population of alphavirus replicon particles comprising two or more isolated nucleic acids selected from 1) an isolated nucleic acid encoding an env gene product or an immunogenic fragment thereof of a human immunodeficiency virus, 2) an isolated nucleic acid encoding a gag gene product or an immunogenic fragment thereof of a human immunodeficiency virus, wherein the gag gene product or immunogenic fragment thereof is modified to inhibit formation of virus-like particles containing the gag gene product or the immunogenic fragment thereof and their release from a cell, and 3) an isolated nucleic acid encoding a pol gene product or an immunogenic fragment thereof of a human immunodeficiency virus, wherein the pol gene product or immunogenic fragment thereof is modified to inhibit protease, integrase, RNase H and/or reverse transcriptase activity, and wherein the nucleic acids are each contained within a separate alphavirus replicon particle.

Abstract: A new kinetic spray process is disclosed that enables one to secure a plurality of ceramic elements together quickly without the need for glues or other adhesives. The process finds special utilization in the formation of non-thermal plasma reactors wherein the kinetic spray process can be used to simultaneously secure the ceramic elements together and to form electrical connections between like electrodes in the non-thermal plasma reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing actions while selecting objects on a user interface display. A user may select a first item in an area of a display controlled by a first process and drag that item to a second area on a display controlled by a second process. The second process may negotiate with the first process to provide certain data types, and based upon those data types, the second process will determine a list of actions in hierarchical fashion which may be performed upon the data. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, printing, sending electronic mail, and performing other actions in the computer system. Alternative and primary actions may also be specified by a user, such as by selecting various keys on a keyboard or other input device. Further, a user may specify that the second process display a list of actions which may be performed upon the selected item and allow the user to select an action from a list.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon fuel such as a gasoline exhibiting substantially improved laminar burning velocity and method of making. The hydrocarbon fuel may comprise a paraffinic fraction, an olefinic fraction, and an aromatics fraction. The aromatics fraction may comprise methyl aromatics and non-methyl alkyl aromatics wherein the percentage of non-methyl alkyl aromatics in the aromatics fraction is at least 30% by volume. The fuel may comprise a methyl aromatics fraction comprising xylenes wherein the percentage of ortho- and para-xylene in the xylene fraction is at least 60% by volume.

Abstract: An automobile roof top carrier for securing equipment to an automobile rooftop includes a body made from a resilient material having a plurality of protrusions disposed about a top surface. The protrusions define a support surface for holding the equipment and also define a first and second support channel disposed substantially transverse to the support surface. Optionally, the sides of the body include a third and fourth support channel. One fastener is disposed around part of the carrier through the support channels and over the equipment and secures the equipment to the carrier block. A second fastener is disposed through the first and second support channels and secures the carrier to the vehicle roof. The protrusions prevent the fasteners from sliding relative to the carrier block.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising a population of alphavirus replicon particles comprising two or more isolated nucleic acids selected from 1) an isolated nucleic acid encoding an env gene product or an immunogenic fragment thereof of a human immunodeficiency virus, 2) an isolated nucleic acid encoding a g&agr;g gene product or an immunogenic fragment thereof of a human immunodeficiency virus, wherein the g&agr;g gene product or immunogenic fragment thereof is modified to inhibit formation of virus-like particles containing the g&agr;g gene product or the immunogenic fragment thereof and their release from a cell, and 3) an isolated nucleic acid encoding a pol gene product or an immunogenic fragment thereof of a human immunodeficiency virus, wherein the pol gene product or immunogenic fragment thereof is modified to inhibit protease, integrase, RNase H and/or reverse transcriptase activity, and wherein the nucleic acids are each contained within a separate alphavirus replicon

Abstract: Apparatus (19) for holding information storage media, such as a CD or DVD, in combination with a releasable security member (8) insertable into the apparatus for inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus, e.g. by inhibiting access to the storage media by locking the apparatus in a closed configuration and/or by locking the storage media to the apparatus. The apparatus is adapted, e.g. by knowing one or more slots (12, 24) therein, to receive part of the security member therein and the security has at least one projection (9A, 10A) for inserting into the apparatus, e.g. through the slot (12, 24). Modification t the apparatus to enable it to receive a security member are described as well as different types of security members. Apparatus for releasing the security member from the apparatus holding the storage media is also described.

Abstract: A gas barbecue grill including a firebox assembly containing a gas burner element, a cooking grate supported thereabove, a top casting rotatably affixed thereto, the firebox assembly defining a receiving slot in a sidewall thereof, and a tray carrier assembly configured to be slidably received within the receiving slot of the firebox assembly, the tray carrier assembly being configured to support a charcoal tray. The gas barbecue grill further includes a grate frame configured to support the cooking grate, and a grate lift assembly configured to raise and lower the grate frame relative to the firebox assembly.

Abstract: A gas grill assembly comprises a cooker adapted to operate on fuel supplied at a first fuel pressure. A grill is disposed substantially adjacent the cooker. The grill comprises a firebox and at least one burner disposed within the firebox. The burner is adapted to operate on fuel supplied at a second fuel pressure. A fuel supply is adapted to supply fuel to the cooker and to the burner. The fuel supply supplies fuel at a fuel supply pressure. The fuel supply pressure is converted to the first fuel pressure and the second fuel pressure for operation of the cooker and the grill.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for automatically processing mortgage insurance claims. In one described system, a central server computer receives inputs from, and provides outputs to, a servicer terminal connected into a network. The servicer terminal captures data from a servicer submitting a mortgage insurance claim. A claims database is connected into the network, containing data relating to the mortgage insurance claim. A claim audit rulebase is connected into the network, for automatically performing an audit and adjustment of the submitted mortgage insurance claim. The system automatically provides results of the audit and adjustment to the servicer at the servicer terminal, and presents the servicer with an option to interact with a claim representative to resolve any issues.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to permit the use of charcoal for cooking in a gas barbecue grill, the gas grill having a bottom casting containing a gas burner element, a cooking rack supported thereabove, and a top casting rotatably affixed thereto. The apparatus includes a tray configured to be received within the bottom casting and the tray includes a pair of handles. Each of the handles includes a proximal end and a distal end, and the handles are rotatably connected to the tray at the proximal ends and the distal ends are configured to support the cooking rack.

Abstract: An apparatus and mechanism providing a plurality of individual gas burners for use in a grill, each individual gas burner with its own gas supply line, and the individual gas burners connected such that by igniting one individual gas burner, the remaining individual gas burners may be ignited if desired. In the preferred embodiment, the individual gas burners may also include removable covers, wherein the covers may serve to protect the individual gas burners. In the preferred embodiment, the removable covers may be used to hold wood chips or other material that may be used to smoke or add flavor to items cooking in the grill, or may be removed and not used with the individual gas burner if desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising a population of alphavirus replicon particles comprising two or more isolated nucleic acids selected from 1) an isolated nucleic acid encoding an env gene product or an immunogenic fragment thereof of a human immunodeficiency virus, 2) an isolated nucleic acid encoding a gag gene product or an immunogenic fragment thereof of a human immunodeficiency virus, wherein the gag gene product or immunogenic fragment thereof is modified to inhibit formation of virus-like particles containing the gag gene product or the immunogenic fragment thereof and their release from a cell, and 3) an isolated nucleic acid encoding a pol gene product or an immunogenic fragment thereof of a human immunodeficiency virus, wherein the pol gene product or immunogenic fragment thereof is modified to inhibit protease, integrase, RNase H and/or reverse transcriptase activity, and wherein the nucleic acids are each contained within a separate alphavirus replicon particle.

Abstract: A portable topical heat transfer device for topically cooling an animal or human when required such as to relieve pain and swelling from injured joints or muscles or the like. The device comprises a thermoelectric unit having a cold side and a warm side, a DC source which is connected to the thermoelectric unit, a heat sink which is mounted in a heat conductive relationship with the warm side of the thermoelectric unit, a fan for removing heat from the heat sink, and a strap or the like for securing the device to the body of a person.