Abstract: In a system and method to build a project management process, standard project management tools are used to design traditional project management tasks. These tasks are converted and mapped to workflow process definitions. The repetitive activities may be predefined in the workflow and mapped appropriately to the tasks as one or more predefined process definitions, each of which may be composed of other predefined process definitions. The resulting workflow process definitions are adapted to form the project management process suitable to be executed in a workflow engine.

Abstract: This invention relate to a retaining arrangement for rotor blades of axial-flow turbomachinery which features blade roots slots on a rotor disk for the accommodation and radial fixation of roter blades and which further features a continues, circumferential retaining ring for the axial fixation of the rotor blades in the blade root slots and a locking arrangement for the axial retention of the retaining ring. The retaining arrangement is characterized in that the retaining ring has recesses which correspond with sections of the blade root slots and projecting sections on its outer circumference. The present invention provides a cost-effective retaining arrangements for blade of axial-flow turbomachinery which provides for better control of the leakage flows in the blade root area, generally improved flow conditions in the inter-stage area, lower centrifugal forces and ease of assembly.

Abstract: Organic circuit elements and methods are disclosed. An organic circuit element includes a plurality of members, each of which includes an oligonucleotide duplex. The plurality of members includes at least one donor member for receiving conduction electrons from an electron donor, at least one acceptor member for communicating with an electron acceptor to provide a region of attraction for the conduction electrons, and at least one regulator member intersecting with at least one of the plurality of members to define at least one electric field regulation junction, for cooperating with an electric field regulator to regulate an electric field at the junction. A method of regulating an electronic signal between first and second locations in a conductive nucleic acid material includes varying an electrostatic potential at a third location in the nucleic acid material interposed between the first and second locations. The third location may include the regulation junction.

Abstract: Fresh air enters the operator's cab of a work vehicle through a fresh air filter. The fresh air filter is mounted to the operator's cab and is held in place by a door. The door is pivotally mounted to the exterior of the operator's cab, so that the fresh air filter can be serviced from outside the operator's cab. The door is held in place by a latch having a handle that is located inside the operator's cab. The housing is a plastic molded door having integral pivot studs that pivotally engage the operator's cab. The door is provided with a back wall having a first opening located adjacent to the filter and through which fresh air passes to the filter. The door is also provided with louvers for providing a pneumatic path for fresh air to reach the filter. The pneumatic path extends first upwardly from the louvers and then downwardly towards the filter.

Abstract: Inspection apparatus is disclosed for providing a visual indication of the proper merger of the conductive pins of an electrical component in the corresponding openings in a printed circuit board. The apparatus includes an inspection plate which has a plurality of channels defined between first and second opposite faces. In the channels are mounted a plurality of inspection pins which move between a first, rest position (countersunk with respect to the top surface of the inspection plate) and a second, extended position (flush with the plate's top surface). The inspection pins in the plate correspond in number and configuration to the component conductive pins but have a greater cross sectional area than that of the conductive pins. When the component is merged with the printed circuit board, each connector pin passes through the corresponding circuit board opening and pushes against the corresponding inspection pin to cause it to move to the extended position.

Abstract: A tool for soldering pin-in-hole electronic circuit components includes a tool plate with a set of via holes corresponding to the holes of a circuit board on which a circuit component is soldered. The board is aligned with the tool plate and hot gas is supplied through the set of plate vias to reflow solder in the board holes. The tool is particularly suitable for use in removing and replacing pinned circuit components. Use of particular gases (e.g., nitrogen) allows soldering to be carried out without the use of flux. Advantages of the tool are that it prevents burning the circuit board and/or unintentionally reflowing other circuit components mounted on the board (by directing hot gas only substantially onto the circuit board's solder-containing holes).

Abstract: A tool for soldering pin-in-hole electronic circuit components includes a tool plate with a set of via holes corresponding to the holes of a circuit board on which a circuit component is soldered. The board is aligned with the tool plate and hot gas is supplied through the set of plate vias to reflow solder in the board holes. The tool is particularly suitable for use in removing and replacing pinned circuit components. Use of particular gases (e.g., nitrogen) allows soldering to be carried out without the use of flux. Advantages of the tool are that it prevents burning the circuit board and/or unintentionally reflowing other circuit components mounted on the board (by directing hot gas only substantially onto the circuit board's solder-containing holes).

Abstract: A tool for soldering pin-in-hole electronic circuit components includes a tool plate with a set of via holes corresponding to the holes of a circuit board on which a circuit component is soldered. The board is aligned with the tool plate and hot gas is supplied through the set of plate vias to reflow solder in the board holes. The tool is particularly suitable for use in removing and replacing pinned circuit components. Use of particular gases (e.g., nitrogen) allows soldering to be carried out without the use of flux. Advantages of the tool are that it prevents burning the circuit board and/or unintentionally reflowing other circuit components mounted on the board (by directing hot gas only substantially onto the circuit board's solder-containing holes).

Abstract: A low cost apparatus adapted to permit shelf type vending machines adapted to sell small items such as candy bars to be modified so that larger items such as cakes and pies can be sold therefrom. The apparatus comprises a panel which fits onto a shelf of the machine so as to widen it to accomodate such larger items. Ease of assembly is assured by having the panel engage the shelf with a pair of runners which engage the sides of said shelf and hold it in place with a friction fit.

Abstract: A joint between adjacent ends of two pipes arranged to convey liquid under pressure, and which permits relative movement of the pipes, has a first sealing surface of annular form associated with one of the pipe ends and a sealing member supported by the other pipe and movable axially relatively thereto, and having a second sealing surface of annular form which co-operates with the first sealing surface, the sealing member being urgeable away from the first sealing surface by the pressure of liquid within the pipes against a restraining force to provide a clearance between the sealing surfaces which is adequate to permit relative transverse movement of the sealing surfaces to take place without sliding contact, but at the same time provides a high resistance to the flow of fluid between them.

Abstract: Hand held apparatus for carrying out cervical inspections is disclosed the apparatus has a fibre optic probe and a low power light source located in the handle of the device. The image is projected to a translucent display screen used at the rear of the apparatus. The probe is provided with a removable general view unit for attaching to the end of the probe. The device also has a disposable sheath through which a sample collecting device can be inserted. The general view optical unit is arranged to have both a good depth of focus and a wide angle of vision at low illuminations.