Abstract: A system and a method are provided for matching the color of a target sample at a remote location. The system has a first computer that is operative to receive and transmit target spectral data at a first location. A second computer in the system is located at a second location remote from the first computer. The second computer is operative to receive the target spectral data or formula identifier from the first computer. The system includes a database including a plurality of data sets. Each data set has at least spectral data corresponding to standard samples. The system also has software capable of searching the database using the target spectral data as search criteria and returning a match with a data set having standard spectral data that matches the target spectral data. The system optionally has a device that can sense the target spectral data of the target sample and input that target spectral data into the first computer, optionally also non-spectral data and QC capability.

Abstract: A software application installable on a personal computer protects the computer's primary data files from being accessed by malicious code (e.g., viruses, worms and trojans) imported from an external data source, such as the Internet. A master file serves as the image from which all other software code and functions are derived. Activation of the master image file establishes a secondary operating environment (isolation bubble) in which a secondary operating system including a browser and any other desired applications are installed and run. Access permissions for communications between the computer at large (primary operating system) and the secondary operating system to prevent any access to the files on the primary operating system from any operations originating from the secondary operation system. Activation of the secondary operating system is required before any connection to the Internet (or other external data source) is enabled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating an appliance in an energy conservation mode is described. The appliance includes a number of peripheral devices and auxiliary components ancillary to main operation of the appliance, and the method includes reducing power to at least some of the peripheral devices and auxiliary components in an energy conservation mode, thereby reducing energy consumption by the peripheral devices and auxiliary components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating an appliance in an energy conservation mode is described. The appliance includes a number of peripheral devices and auxiliary components ancillary to main operation of the appliance, and the method includes reducing power to at least some of the peripheral devices and auxiliary components in an energy conservation mode, thereby reducing energy consumption by the peripheral devices and auxiliary components.

Abstract: A releasable and retrievable vascular filter system comprising a filter, a porous filter membrane attached to the filter, and an anti-migration feature for causing the filter to remain substantially stationary in the lumen of the vessel during the clinical procedure. The releasable and retrievable vascular filter system minimizes or substantially eliminates filter movement during the procedure, which may result in damage to the lumen, and/or the release of embolic particulates captured within the filter. The releasable and retrievable vascular filter system also allows for guidewire exchanges, which may be necessary for successful completion of the clinical procedure.

Abstract: A computerized method for determining a credit line to be issued by a financial service provider to an applicant business entity is provided. The method allows for collection of financial data for the applicant entity. The method further allows for processing the collected financial data to determine a base amount for the credit line. The base credit line is then adjusted based on the output from an evidential reasoning tool to determine the credit line to be issued to the applicant entity.

Abstract: An adjustment screw assembly (10) having an adjustment screw (11) engaged to a rocker arm (14) of a combustion engine (12) is disclosed. The adjustment screw (11) comprises a lower member (26) and a vertical member (28) wherein the vertical member (28) threads to the rocker arm (14) and the lower member (26) secures pivotally and rotatably to the vertical member (28) forming a pivotal connection (31). The pivotal connection (31) has a male connector (38) which snap fits through an engagement lip portion (46) of a female socket (35) and is thereby held together for combustion engine assembly purposes. Once the adjustment screw (11) is assembled and placed within the combustion engine (12), internal springs (24) of the engine (12) resiliently hold and secure the lower member (26) to the vertical member (28).

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a freezer compartment and access door. An icemaker is disposed in the freezer compartment. An upper hopper is disposed inside the freezer door below the icemaker, and includes a rotary auger and first and second ice ports below opposite ends thereof. A receptacle is disposed outside the freezer door below the upper hopper, and a lower hopper is disposed inside the freezer door below the receptacle. A chute joins the second port of the upper hopper to the lower hopper for storing ice cubes therein.

Abstract: An adjustment screw assembly (10) having an adjustment screw (11) engaged to a rocker arm (14) of a combustion engine (12) is disclosed. The adjustment screw (11) comprises a lower member (26) and a vertical member (28) wherein the vertical member (28) threads to the rocker arm (14) and the lower member (26) secures pivotally and rotatably to the vertical member (28) forming a pivotal connection (31). The pivotal connection (31) has a male connector (38) which snap fits through an engagement lip portion (46) of a female socket (35) and is thereby held together for combustion engine assembly purposes. Once the adjustment screw (11) is assembled and placed within the combustion engine (12), internal springs (24) of the engine (12) resiliently hold and secure the lower member (26) to the vertical member (28).

Abstract: A washer with grooves matching the grooves of the dropout of a bicycle frame. The washer can slide a reasonable distance forward or backward in the grooves of the bicycle frame to enable proper chain tension and wheel alignment of the bicycle. When tightened the grooves would lock the wheel in place preventing undesired movment of the wheel.

Abstract: An improved optrode or chemical sensing device has a design and materials for enhanced analytical characteristics for detecting volatile compounds in atmospheres. Cost of manufacture is decreased, the life of the optrode is increased, and improved sensitivity and reproducibility of the results are provided.

Abstract: The invention is a method for forming package blanks incorporating selectively located microwave absorbing areas for crisping and/or browning one or more surfaces of a packaged product. Successive lengths of an extended web of thin, microwave transparent film are transported past means for depositing a thin layer of microwave energy absorbing material on one side of the film which masking selected areas of the film web by masks placed adjacent the film surface on which the microwave absorbing layer is deposited. No microwave absorbing material is deposited in the selected masked areas. Successive lengths of the resulting film are laminated onto an extended web of flexible dielectric packaging material with the microwave absorbing layer sandwiched between the film and the flexible dielectric packaging material. Thereafter, successive lengths of the resulting laminated web are fed through a die cutting machine that cuts one or more package blanks from the laminated web.