Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to hydrogel-fibrous web composites that can be used various heat transfer applications. For instance, the thermally conductive hydrogel-fibrous web composite can be used as a skin-contacting layer in a thermal energy transfer pad used to control patient body temperature. The hydrogel polymer is integral to the fibers of the web. Thus, the hydrogel-fibrous web composite provides good thermal conductivity and skin adhesion properties. The present disclosure is also generally directed to methods of preparing the hydrogel-fibrous web composites.

Abstract: Brucellosis is a disease caused by facultative intracellular bacteria of the monospecific genus Brucella melitensis. The invention in one aspect is an immunogenic nucleic acid composition comprising DNA encoding Brucella melitensis Invasion Protein B, a polypeptide with at least 95% identity thereto, or an immunologically active fragment of either of these, and an adjuvant. In another aspect, the invention is a DNA vaccine composition comprising a plasmid vector having DNA encoding a polypeptide as recited above, in which said plasmid vector is adsorbed to a liposome. Other aspects of the invention include methods of inducing an enhanced immune response to Brucella infection in an animal, methods for the differential diagnosis in an animal of brucellosis and vaccination by an immunogenic nucleic acid composition having DNA encoding any of the above-recited polypeptides, and a kit for conducting said differential diagnosis methods.

Abstract: An apparatus in an electronic control system allows two or three wire operation. A power supply can supply power to the enclosed circuitry in both two and three wire installations. Two separate zero cross detectors are used such that timing information can be collected in both two and three wire installations. Both zero cross detectors are monitored and are used to automatically configure the electronic control. Over voltage circuitry senses an over voltage condition across a MOSFET which is in the off state and turns the MOSFET on so that it desirably will not reach the avalanche region. Over current circuitry senses when the current through the MOSFETs has exceeded a predetermined current threshold and then turns the MOSFETs off so they do not exceed the MOSFETs' safe operating area (SOA) curve. Latching circuitry is employed to keep the protection circuitry in effect even after a fault condition has cleared.

Abstract: An apparatus in an electronic control system allows two or three wire operation. A power supply can supply power to the enclosed circuitry in both two and three wire installations. Two separate zero cross detectors are used such that timing information can be collected in both two and three wire installations. Both zero cross detectors are monitored and are used to automatically configure the electronic control. Over voltage circuitry senses an over voltage condition across a MOSFET which is in the off state and turns the MOSFET on so that it desirably will not reach the avalanche region. Over current circuitry senses when the current through the MOSFETs has exceeded a predetermined current threshold and then turns the MOSFETs off so they do not exceed the MOSFETs' safe operating area (SOA) curve. Latching circuitry is employed to keep the protection circuitry in effect even after a fault condition has cleared.

Abstract: An elastic laminate web is disclosed. The elastic laminate web can be non-apertured or apertured, and comprises a first web, and a second web joined to the first web in a face to face relationship at a plurality of discrete bond sites having an aspect ratio of at least 2. The first and second webs form an interior region therebetween. An elastic material is disposed between the first and second webs. The elastic material is apertured in regions coincident the bond sites, such that the first and second webs are joined through the apertures. The laminate so produced can be stretched in a predetermined direction, such as by incremental stretching, to produce an apertured elastic laminate.

Abstract: An apparatus in an electronic control system allows two or three wire operation. A power supply can supply power to the enclosed circuitry in both two and three wire installations. Two separate zero cross detectors are used such that timing information can be collected in both two and three wire installations. Both zero cross detectors are monitored and are used to automatically configure the electronic control. Over voltage circuitry senses an over voltage condition across a MOSFET which is in the off state and turns the MOSFET on so that it desirably will not reach the avalanche region. Over current circuitry senses when the current through the MOSFETs has exceeded a predetermined current threshold and then turns the MOSFETs off so they do not exceed the MOSFETs' safe operating area (SOA) curve. Latching circuitry is employed to keep the protection circuitry in effect even after a fault condition has cleared.

Abstract: A wireless control system for lighting or the like has a central processor that receives commands from keypads and other control devices, and sends commands to dimmers and other controlled devices. The central processor also receives status reports from the dimmers and sends updates to the keypads, in order to ensure that displays on the keypads are up to date.

Abstract: An apparatus in an electronic control system allows two or three wire operation. A power supply can supply power to the enclosed circuitry in both two and three wire installations. Two separate zero cross detectors are used such that timing information can be collected in both two and three wire installations. Both zero cross detectors are monitored and are used to automatically configure the electronic control. Over voltage circuitry senses an over voltage condition across a MOSFET which is in the off state and turns the MOSFET on so that it desirably will not reach the avalanche region. Over current circuitry senses when the current through the MOSFETs has exceeded a predetermined current threshold and then turns the MOSFETs off so they do not exceed the MOSFETs' safe operating area (SOA) curve. Latching circuitry is employed to keep the protection circuitry in effect even after a fault condition has cleared.

Abstract: An apparatus in an electronic control system allows two or three wire operation. A power supply can supply power to the enclosed circuitry in both two and three wire installations. Two separate zero cross detectors are used such that timing information can be collected in both two and three wire installations. Both zero cross detectors are monitored and are used to automatically configure the electronic control. Over voltage circuitry senses an over voltage condition across a MOSFET which is in the off state and turns the MOSFET on so that it desirably will not reach the avalanche region. Over current circuitry senses when the current through the MOSFETs has exceeded a predetermined current threshold and then turns the MOSFETs off so they do not exceed the MOSFETs' safe operating area (SOA) curve. Latching circuitry is employed to keep the protection circuitry in effect even after a fault condition has cleared.

Abstract: An elastic laminate web is disclosed. The elastic laminate web can be nonapertured or apertured, and comprises a first web, and a second web joined to the first web in a face to face relationship at a plurality of discrete bond sites having an aspect ratio of at least 2. The first and second webs form an interior region therebetween. An elastic material is disposed between the first and second webs. The elastic material is apertured in regions coincident the bond sites, such that the first and second webs are joined through the apertures. The laminate so produced can be stretched in a predetermined direction, such as by incremental stretching, to produce an apertured elastic laminate. Also disclosed are mattress covers and other applications in which the elastic laminate web may be used.

Abstract: An elastic laminate web is disclosed. The elastic laminate web can be non-apertured or apertured, and comprises a first web, and a second web joined to the first web in a face to face relationship at a plurality of discrete bond sites having an aspect ratio of at least 2. The first and second webs form an interior region therebetween. An elastic material is disposed between the first and second webs. The elastic material is apertured in regions coincident the bond sites, such that the first and second webs are joined through the apertures. The laminate so produced can be stretched in a predetermined direction, such as by incremental stretching, to produce an apertured elastic laminate.

Abstract: A method and system, for improving programs which access a memory array, which accomplish their objects via data-processing equipment programmed to do the following: detect a requested memory operation; determine if the requested operation relates to a preexisting memory array; and execute a dynamic memory management module in a fashion dependent upon whether the requested operation relates to a preexisting memory array. When the requested memory operation relates to a preexisting memory array, the dynamic memory management module does the following: identifies the array element upon which the requested operation is to be performed; determines whether the array element upon which the requested operation is to be performed is a bona fide array element; and, if it is determined that the array element is bona fide, allocates memory for the bona fide array element if such has not been done previously, and performs the requested operation upon the bona fide element.

Abstract: A method and system, for improving programs which access a memory array, which accomplish their objects via data-processing equipment programmed to do the following: detect a requested memory operation; determine if the requested operation relates to a preexisting memory array; and execute a dynamic memory management module in a fashion dependent upon whether the requested operation relates to a preexisting memory array. When the requested memory operation relates to a preexisting memory array, the dynamic memory management module does the following: identifies the array element upon which the requested operation is to be performed; determines whether the array element upon which the requested operation is to be performed is a bona fide array element; and, if it is determined that the array element is bona fide, allocates memory for the bona fide array element if such has not been done previously, and performs the requested operation upon the bona fide element.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the efficiency of database utilizing programs. The method and system accomplish their objects via the use of data-processing equipment programmed to do at least the following: extract information related to an execution of a database utilizing program from a computer memory; process the extracted information related to the execution of the database utilizing program; and write the processed information into a field of a record associated with the database utilizing program scenario. Additional objects are achieved by further programming the data-processing system to do the following: accept user input; recall the processed information in the field of the record associated with the database utilizing program scenario; modify the recalled information; and execute a scenario of the database utilizing program based upon the recalled processed information.

Abstract: A game data and arena display control apparatus includes a game control keyboard which includes a plurality of keys for generating respective keying signals in accordance with progress of play of a game. A processor is responsive to the keying signals for controlling the starting and stopping of a game clock, and for determining and storing a plurality of game data. The processor is further responsive to the keying signals to generate a first output signal indicative of game data, and a second output signal indicative of user selected data. A monitor is responsive to the processor for displaying information concerning operation of the apparatus during play of the game. A first output port is connected to the processor for outputting the first output signal to an arena scoreboard. Finally, a second output port is connected to the processor for outputting the second output signal to an arena display board.

Abstract: The invention relates to an open cell, porous, selectively conductive member containing an elastomer that is reusable in use and preparation. The scaffold for the elastomer has conductive areas through conductive, z-axis pathways are provided which are electrically isolated from adjacent z-axis conductive pathways. The elastomer is non-adhesive and/or non tacky and allows for temporary connection of electronic components.

Abstract: A spring latch for cable connectors for computers and other electronic devices. A spring member, first connector plate and second connector plate are provided. The spring member has a pair of opposing leg members, each including a coil spring section and an outwardly extending flange. The first connector plate is adapted to slideably receive the outwardly extending flanges of the opposing leg members, and the second connector plate is adapted to detachably engage the opposing leg members at a position beneath the coil spring sections of the leg members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an open cell, porous, selectively conductive member containing an elastomer that is reusable in use and preparation. The scaffold for the elastomer has conductive areas through conductive, z-axis pathways are provided which are electrically isolated from adjacent z-axis conductive pathways. The elastomer is non-adhesive and/or non tacky and allows for temporary connection of electronic components.