Abstract: A proactive IT infrastructure support system is set forth which provides operations performance benchmarking. The operations performance benchmarking makes use of data that is available from a direct supply model. The operations performance benchmarking collects, analyzes, and formats the data into a single, easy-to-use interface that provides customers an ability quickly evaluate absolute performance of key IT performance metrics and to evaluate relative performance by comparing the results to the customer's choice of a variety of external benchmarks (such as industry peers) and internal benchmarks (site vs. site, and performance to Service Level Agreement).

Abstract: A sabot and shotshell combination includes a bullet, a shotshell hull, propellant, a shotshell primer, wadding, and a sabot comprising a molded member having a base portion and a plurality of petal portions each extending from a proximal base root to a distal tip, the base and petals defining a volume for accommodating a bullet. A reinforcement is at least partially embedded in the base, the reinforcement being more rigid than the molded member and having a plurality of apertures with the base portion extending through at least one of the apertures to retain the reinforcement within the molded member upon firing.

Abstract: Recreations which simulate space travel with space communication simulate the communication delays that would inhere at space distances. Recreation-related communications are passed through a store-and-forward server in which they are stored before forwarding for a time interval which simulates the communication delay that would inhere between points at the simulated spatial locations of the parties. Methods are provided for discouraging the parties from circumventing the simulated delay by communicating through means other than the store-and-forward server.

Abstract: An exposure exchange and method of operation therefore. An offer is received from a first party to assume exposure to at least one type of catastrophic risk in exchange for another party assuming exposure to at least one other type of catastrophic risk. A database is searched for an offer from a second party that is compatible with the first party's offer.

Abstract: A sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge and firing assembly including a barrel or barrel insert for firing the sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge. The shotshell cartridge includes a cylindrical hull, a sub-caliber projectile, a propellant charge, and a sabot. A central pathway or thin membrane is defined within the base of the sabot between the sub-caliber projectile and propellant charge. The barrel or barrel insert for firing the cartridge includes a transitional area between chamber and sub-caliber rifled bore to retain sabot in the cartridge. Upon cartridge firing, propellant gases flow through central portion of sabot base propelling projectile out of the sabot and into sub-caliber rifled bore.

Abstract: A system and a method for leveraging human knowledge held by system administrators to support improved or optimal management of an information technology network. The present invention monitors and records the states and values key management indicators related to actions taken by a human system administrator in improving a perceived sub-optimal state of the information technology network. The present invention predicts the effect of command in situations later occurring, and optionally suggests actions to a system administrator. The method of the present invention optionally enables embodiments of the present invention to automatically select one or more preferred system commands and execute the selected command or commands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous based edge bead remover.

Abstract: The utility of the MLS-HFS hydroxyl filling station, its configuration, design, and operation is the keystone of a new type of automation the production of hydroxyl gases from renewable resources.

Abstract: A plastic, cup-shaped, multi-petal sabot housing a sub-caliber projectile for use such as in shotgun cartridges. The sabot engages the rifling of the shotgun barrel and transfers the spin to the projectile. A reinforcement disk is advantageously at least partially embedded in a sabot base and has a central aperture and a plurality of additional apertures. Sabot base material extends through the additional apertures. Advantageously, in its relaxed condition, each sabot petal includes a protrusion from its inboard surface for engaging a projectile ogive. The protrusion and its contact area with the projectile are fractions of the local petal width.

Abstract: Barrier/sealer compositions impart at least biostatic activity to porous substrates, particularly architectural building materials, such as wood products, providing extended protection against the development of damaging fungi, such as mold, mildew and yeasts, as well as bacterial infestation. The protective sealer compositions comprise at least one antimicrobial agent, such as a fungicide and a film forming combination comprising a continuous film forming polymer and a water repellent compound. The spectrum of activity can also be potentiated to impart expanded biocidal activity to effectively kill and clean infected porous substrates and extend the useful life expectancy of architectural building materials by the introduction of other additives, including peroxide and antibacterial quaternary ammonium compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-sensitive photoresist composition especially useful for imaging thick films, comprising a film-forming alkali-soluble resin, a photoactive compound, and a surfactant at a level ranging from about 2000 ppm to about 14,000 ppm by weight of total photoresist. Preferably the photoresist film has a thickness greater than 20 microns. The invention further provides for a process for coating and imaging the light-sensitive composition of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-sensitive photoresist composition especially useful for imaging thick films, comprising a film-forming alkali-soluble resin, a photoactive compound, and a surfactant at a level ranging from about 2000 ppm to about 14,000 ppm by weight of total photoresist. Preferably the photoresist film has a thickness greater than 20 microns. The invention further provides for a process for coating and imaging the light-sensitive composition of this invention.

Abstract: A low porosity, strong, composite magnetostrictive coating is formed on a substrate by low temperature, high velocity spraying of a particulate mixture of a magnetostrictive REFe2 composition and a strong metallic matrix material. The practice is particularly useful for forming circumferential bands of composite magnetostrictive material on a round shaft such as an automobile steering column. An example of a composite material is the magnetostrictive SmFe2 compound and iron or copper as the strengthening matrix material.

Abstract: Recreations which simulate space travel with space communication simulate the communication delays that would inhere at space distances. Recreation-related communications are passed through a store-and-forward server in which they are stored before forwarding for a time interval which simulates the communication delay that would inhere between points at the simulated spatial locations of the parties. Methods are provided for discouraging the parties from circumventing the simulated delay by communicating through means other than the store-andforward server.

Abstract: A system and method of managing an actuarially credible pool of life insurance policies to generate a consistent cash flow from death benefits paid on the insurance policies. The system and method accessing selected data having terms associated therewith, wherein the data is representative of the pool of life insurance policies. The cash value of the pool of life insurance policies is calculated from the selected data of the pool of life insurance policies for a predetermined point in time. The cash value of the pool of life insurance policies is compared to a predetermined cash value at the predetermined point in time. Then at least one of the terms is modified in accordance with a predetermined criteria, so that the cash value of the life insurance policies is managed and an actuarially definable cash flow may be obtained. This cash flow is then analyzed, so that at least a portion thereof may be sold to a third party.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for equalizing the electrical resistance of two or more magnetoresistor sensor elements positioned on a permanent magnet in a sensor assembly. The method may utilize a laser to reduce the magnetic field of the portion of the permanent magnet underlying the sensor with the higher electrical resistance.

Abstract: This invention provides an improvement to magnetostrictive torque sensors giving an output signal indicative of the torque applied about the axis of a shaft where the shaft includes a magnetostrictive ring, attached to or formed as a part of the shaft so that the torque applied to the shaft is applied proportionally to the ring, and the ring consists essentially of novel composites consisting of magnetically hard and highly magnetostrictive rare earth (iron).sub.2 binary compound particles embedded in Cu, Fe, or other suitable metals.