Abstract: A virtual token represents an item, and includes embedded data defining rules and/or capabilities which apply to the use of the item. A virtual token may include graphical image data which is used to generate a display on a computer, whereby selection of the display allows the item represented by the virtual token to be used. A virtual token may contain instructions for sending access requests to a location on a communications network. A system for handling virtual tokens includes a clearing and routing house for routing token access requests, authenticating and generating tokens, and maintaining container structures for tokens. The system also includes connectors installed in a communications network for creating, controlling and managing items represented by tokens, and device clients for executing token components that issue access requests to the clearing and routing house.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to rotor installation systems and, more particularly, to permanent magnet rotor installation systems, including those having an in situ magnetizer or magnet insertion device. In one embodiment, the invention provides a rotor installation system comprising: at least one magnetizer for permanently magnetizing a ferromagnetic material; and an arbor for receiving a rotor having at least one portion including a ferromagnetic material, wherein the at least one magnetizer is positioned relative to the arbor to allow permanent magnetization of the ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel class of sulfonamides which are aspartyl protease inhibitors. In one embodiment, this invention relates to a novel class of HIV aspartyl protease inhibitors characterized by specific structural and physicochemical features. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for inhibiting HIV-1 and HIV-2 protease activity and consequently, may be advantageously used as anti-viral agents against the HIV-1 and HIV-2 viruses. This invention also relates to methods for inhibiting the activity of HIV aspartyl protease using the compounds of this invention and methods for screening compounds for anti-HIV activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base assembly useful in permitting a floating campfire, comprising a base shaped to float in open water, the base having an airtight pontoon portion at its periphery; and a floor defining an opening therethrough to accommodate a fire bowl to house the campfire; wherein the base assembly is constructed to counteract the weight of the campfire in use such that the base assembly floats in open water. The base assembly is preferably square in shape. The floor is preferably made of aluminum checker plate and TIG welded in a stitch pattern to the centre.

Abstract: Method and device for detection of analytes, particularly biohazards. A microarray containing immobilized sensing molecules captures complementary analytes on a redundant patterned substrate. Pattern analysis is performed using a computer algorithm.

Abstract: Reporter fragments, reporter components, and systems adapted to detect analytes in homogeneous in vitro assays are provided, such assays employing these systems, and methods of making and using same. Particular embodiments include isolated and purified reporter fragments displaying enhanced solubility, reduced aggregation, resistance to inhibitors, and enhanced suitability for use in homogeneous in vitro assays.

Abstract: A plate includes a substantially rectilinear posterior tab and an anterior tab. The anterior tab includes a substantially rectilinear rear longitudinal part connected rigidly to the posterior tab such that they form between them a first angle of between about 90° and about 110° and a substantially rectilinear front longitudinal part which is inclined with respect to the substantially rectilinear rear longitudinal part such that they form between them a second angle which is between about 230° and about 250°. The second angle is at the same angular orientation as the first angle. The plate is thus shaped appropriately in relation to the calcaneus and can be placed in position in a minimally invasive manner.

Abstract: Crossbar circuitry, and a method of operation of such crossbar circuitry, are provided. The crossbar circuitry has an array of data input paths and data output paths where the data output paths are transverse to the data input paths. At each intersection between a data input path and a data output path, a crossbar cell is provided that comprises a storage circuit programmable to store a routing value, and a transmission circuit. In a transmission mode of operation the transmission circuit is responsive to the routing value indicating that the data input path should be coupled to the data output path to detect the data input along the data input path, and to output an indication of that data on the data output path at the associated intersection. Control circuitry is used to issue control signals to the crossbar cells, and during a configuration mode of operation the control circuitry re-utilises at least one of the data output paths to program the storage circuitry of one or more of the crossbar cells.

Abstract: A ball valve comprising a housing, a ball seat disposed within the housing, and a ball rotatably movable within the housing, and engageable with the ball seat in order to provide a seal within the ball valve and the ball seat, wherein the ball seat comprises multiple seat surfaces independently capable of engaging the ball, a first seat surface engaging the ball to form a first seal, and being arranged such that pressure acting from above pushes the first seat surface against the ball; a second seat surface being movable relative to the first seat surface and engaging the ball to form a second seal, the second seat surface being arranged such that pressure acting from below causes the second seat surface to move relative to the first seat surface and pushes the second seat surface into contact with the ball.

Abstract: An underreamer for well drilling comprises pivotally extendible roller cutters that extend slightly beyond the diameter of the pilot drill bit but are retained in their retracted position by the casing. Upon encountering an obstruction, the underreamer is pushed out of the casing, allowing the outer edges of the cutters to contact the obstruction. Continued downward pressure of the drill stem causes the roller arms to pivot outward to a fully extended position in which the cutters enlarge the hole to a diameter larger than the casing by rotation of the drilling stem. The advance of the casing relative to the underreamer forces the cutters to retract into the casing.

Abstract: A system for performing molecular biological diagnosis, analysis and multistep and multiplex reactions utilizes a selfaddressable, selfassembling microelectronic system for actively carrying out controlled reactions in microscopic formats. The device includes a power supply and waveform generator adapted to supply a DC bias and superimposed AC signal to the system through an interface to the array of microlocations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel class of sulfonamides which are aspartyl protease inhibitors. In one embodiment, this invention relates to a novel class of HIV aspartyl protease inhibitors characterized by specific structural and physicochemical features. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for inhibiting HIV-1 and HIV-2 protease activity and consequently, may be advantageously used as anti-viral agents against the HIV-1 and HIV-2 viruses. This invention also relates to methods for inhibiting the activity of HIV aspartyl protease using the compounds of this invention and methods for screening compounds for anti-HIV activity.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is provided having a cache memory comprising a data storage array and a tag array and a cache controller coupled to the cache memory responsive to a cache access request from processing circuitry to perform cache look ups. The cache memory is arranged such that it has a first memory cell group configured to operate in a first voltage domain and a second memory cell group configured to operate in a second voltage domain that is different from the first voltage domain. A corresponding data processing method is also provided.

Abstract: A hardware transactional memory 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 is provided within a multiprocessor 4, 6, 8, 10 system with coherency control and hardware transaction memory control circuitry 22 that serves to at least partially manage the scheduling of processing transactions in dependence upon conflict data 26, 28, 30. The conflict data characterises previously encountered conflicts between processing transactions. The scheduling is performed such that a candidate processing transaction will not be scheduled if the conflict data indicates that one of the already running processing transactions has previously conflicted with the candidate processing transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for employing switched phase shifters and a feed network to provide a low cost multiple beam antenna system for wireless communications. The present systems and methods may also facilitate multi-band communications and employ multi-diversity. The present systems and methods allow communication systems to achieve enhanced performance for communication or other services such as location tracking. The present systems and methods may employ switched phase shifters, multiple diversity antennas and/or a feed network having a multi-layer construction to provide an antenna system with low losses, low external component count and/or which is thin and compact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel class of sulfonamides which are aspartyl protease inhibitors. In one embodiment, this invention relates to a novel class of HIV aspartyl protease inhibitors characterized by specific structural and physicochemical features. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for inhibiting HIV-1 and HIV-2 protease activity and consequently, may be advantageously used as anti-viral agents against the HIV-1 and HIV-2 viruses. This invention also relates to methods for inhibiting the activity of HIV aspartyl protease using the compounds of this invention and methods for screening compounds for anti-HIV activity.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, transferring material, which may be hydrocarbon exploration and production industry by-products in the form of drill cuttings, from a first location to a second location. A container is provided containing fluid and the material is transferred from a first location outside of the container to a second location inside the container. Fluid, which is typically air, is at least partially evacuated from within the container in order to facilitate progression of the material into the container.

Abstract: There is provided novel diazepines that function as agonists at the melanocortin 4 receptor and as agonists at the melanocortin 1 receptor, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods for their use in treatment, and processes for their preparation.

Abstract: An underreamer for well drilling comprises pivotally extendible roller cutters that extend slightly beyond the diameter of the pilot drill bit but are retained in their retracted position by the casing. Upon encountering an obstruction, the underreamer is pushed out of the casing, allowing the outer edges of the cutters to contact the obstruction. Continued downward pressure of the drill stem causes the roller arms to pivot outward to a fully extended position in which the cutters enlarge the hole to a diameter larger than the casing by rotation of the drilling stem. The advance of the casing relative to the underreamer forces the cutters to retract into the casing.

Abstract: A method to compensate for blade tip clearance deterioration between rotating blade tips and a surrounding shroud in an aircraft gas turbine engine includes determining one or more variables based on at least one or more moving averages of one or more engine operating parameters respectively averaged over a fixed number of operational engine flight cycles and adjusting a flow rate of thermal control air to counter the blade tip clearance deterioration based on the one or more variables. The engine operating parameters may include running number of engine cycles, takeoff and cruise exhaust gas temperature margins, a cruise turbine efficiency, takeoff and cruise maximum turbine speeds, a cruise fuel flow. Some or all of the variables may be differences between the moving averages and corresponding baselines of the engine operating parameters respectively or the variables may all be moving averages. The flow rate may be adjusted incrementally.