Abstract: High performance query optimization in a heterogeneous distributed multi-database system. An efficient technique is disclosed to enable an interface module, located between a host computer and a back-end database system, to perform maximal query or subquery push down. That is, the interface module is configured to select either the entire query or the largest subquery(s) that can be forwarded to a single database instance within the back-end database system without extensive decomposition or extraneous commands. The interface module has stored therein a data structure having information concerning the data stored in, and the capabilities of, each of the back-end databases in the heterogeneous environment. Based on this information, the interface module determines whether a query or subquery satisfies two criteria. First, the interface module determines whether a single database instance within the heterogeneous environment contains all of the data referenced in the query or subquery.

Abstract: A walking exerciser including a folding collapsible base frame, two pedal frame bars having a respective pivot turned in a respective pivot hole on the base frame for pedaling by the user, two damping plates respectively mounted around the pivots and connected between pedal frame bars and the base frame to produce a damping resistance during the movement of the pedal frame bars, a front handlebar transversely mounted on the base frame at the front side, and two rear handlebars respectively connected to the pedal frame bars at the top.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for retrieving data from a computerized database system. Prior to execution of a query statement, the system determines an optimal sequential execution plan for the query statement. The optimal sequential execution plan is used to determine an optimal parallel execution plan. During the execution of the query, run time variables are used to determine whether to use the sequential execution plan without modification or a modification of the parallel execution plan.

Abstract: A corn skewer comprises a grip, a blocking ring disposed at the proximal end of the grip, and a hollow insert extending forward from the blocking ring. The hollow insert has a tapered end. A plurality of positioning ribs abut the hollow insert to reinforce the hollow insert. The corn skewers is made in one piece by injection molding. Two corn skewers can position a corncob via two ends of the corncob. The hollow insert is inserted in the corncob until the end of the corncob is blocked by the blocking ring.

Abstract: A gas torch including a fuel gas container, a nozzle tube horizontally mounted on the fuel gas container, an ignition device, an ignition control button for triggering the ignition device to produce sparks, a guard covered around a part of the nozzle tube and a part of the ignition control button, a gas lever controlled to release fuel gas from the fuel gas container into the nozzle tube, and a flame adjustment wheel for regulating the flow rate of fuel gas, wherein an actuating plate is mounted on the fuel gas container around the gas lever and driven to move the gas lever between the operative position and the non-operative position; a switching lever is mounted on the fuel gas container and driven by the ignition control button to move the actuating plate in lifting the gas lever to the operative position; a push rod is extended out of the guard for moving the actuating plate backward in releasing the gas lever.

Abstract: An article made from at least one network of high strength fibers and a matrix composition that includes a vinyl ester and diallyl phthalate. Preferably, the article is made from at least one prepreg element which includes at least two adjacent layers of the high strength fiber network in the vinyl ester-containing matrix composition. The prepreg element is made by applying a mixture of vinyl ester, diallyl phthalate and a carbon-carbon saturated solvent to the high strength fiber network.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition, device and method for the removal of selected factors, such as cytokines or pharmaceuticals, from a substance such as whole blood or plasma. Advantageously, the invention provides for the treatment or prevention of septic shock syndrome or other conditions evidenced by the presence of cytokines in a patient by contacting the patient's whole blood with a composition comprising silica and a surface treatment material, such as heparin, but preferably human serum albumin (HSA). The treatment lowers the cytokine concentration of the blood. Pharmaceuticals can be removed from an individual's whole blood or plasma, such as for use in treating drug overdosage.

Abstract: A provisional instrument component 1 for evaluating the fit of a corresponding orthopaedic implant. The component 1 is intended and designed to be a disposable, single use provisional instrument component. The provisional instrument component 1 is made of a material which can be sterilized by gamma irradiation, but which provides a visible indicator, such as visible deformation 10, upon resterilization by exposure to a heated environment, thereby discouraging or preventing re-use of the component 1.

Abstract: A refractive laser surgery process is disclosed for using compact, low-cost ophthalmic laser systems which have computer-controlled scanning with a non-contact delivery device for both photo-ablation and photo-coagulation in corneal reshaping. The basic laser systems may include flash-lamp and diode pumped UV solid state lasers (193-215 nm), compact excimer laser (193 nm), free-running Er:glass (1.54 microns), Ho:YAG (2.1 microns), Q-switched Er:YAG (2.94 microns), and tunable IR lasers, (750-1100) nm and (2.5-3.2) microns. The advantages of the non-contact, scanning device used in the process over other prior art lasers include being safer, reduced cost, more compact and more precise and with greater flexibility. The theory of beam overlap and of ablation rate and coagulation patterns is also disclosed for system parameters. Lasers are selected with energy of (0.01-10) mJ, repetition rate of (1-10,000), pulse duration of 0.01 nanoseconds to a few hundreds of microseconds, and with spot size of (0.

Abstract: A bone cement composition has adjustable rheological properties, high strength, and produces a uniform radiological image. The cement is characterized by controlled retention and release of additives incorporated in beads included in the dry component of the cement. The cement comprises beads containing a polymerization initiator in controllable concentrations from 0% to 5% or more by weight. These same beads or others may also contain an opacifier. The polymerization initiator and the opacifier may be selectively distributed throughout the beads or at specific radial locations in the beads. They may also be selectively placed in beads of a particular advantageous size range. Furthermore, in other embodiments of the invention, other advantageous additives can be incorporated in the beads such as dyes, antibiotics, bone growth factors, and other pharmacological or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A semiconductor die (14) is mounted over a power supply surface (24, 52, 62). Signal bonding pads (18) on the die are wire bonded to corresponding leads (38) of a leadframe. Power supply bonding pads (20, 21) on the die are wire bonded to the power supply surface. A package body (22, 42, 56) surrounds the semiconductor die, the wire bonds (32, 34, 40, 40'), and the power supply surface. The power supply pad terminals are accessible from the bottom of the package body of the device through a plurality of conductive apertures (28, 56) disposed in the lower half of the package body. Power supply solder bumps (12, 58) are connected to the power supply surface inside the package body through the conductive apertures. The leads are used provide input and out signals for the device around the periphery of the device, while the solder bumps are disposed in an array format on the package body.

Abstract: A handy gas torch including a gas lighter container, which holds a gas lighter, a top case covered on the gas lighter container, a top cover shell covered on the top case to hold down a flame nozzle and an push-button type ignition control knob at two opposite ends, an electronic ignition device received in a chamber inside the top case and controlled by the ignition control knob to catch fire in the flame nozzle, a slide switch moved in a vertical sliding way to press the gas lever of the gas lighter causing it to release fuel gas for burning.

Abstract: A method of forming an orthopaedic implant having a porous surface, the method including the steps of providing a porous surface including a porous layer attached to a substantially solid layer; positioning the porous layer on the orthopaedic implant; providing a high energy density welding device capable of producing a high energy density weld beam; and forming a weld bead substantially about the periphery of the porous layer by directing the high energy density weld beam about the periphery of the porous layer, wherein the weld bead bonds the porous layer to the implant.

Abstract: An electronic ignition type handy gas torch wherein when the ignition switch is switched on to produce sparks, a sliding sleeve is moved forward to open a radial hole on the gas outlet tube, permitting air to mix with fuel gas within a slotted casing for burning behind the welding tip.

Abstract: Nondigestible fat compositions useful as a replacement for triglyceride fats or oils in foods are disclosed. These compositions have relatively flat Solid Fat Content (SFC) profile slopes between typical room and body temperatures. The nondigestible fat compositions comprise a liquid nondigestible oil and nondigestible particles of solid polyol polyester material dispersed in the oil in an amount sufficient to control passive oil loss. The ester groups of the solid polyol polyester material comprise (i) at least about 15% ester groups formed from C.sub.20 -C.sub.26 long chain saturated fatty acid radicals, and (ii) ester groups formed from fatty or other organic acid radicals which are dissimilar said long chain saturated fatty acid radicals. The molar ratio of said dissimilar acid radicals to said long chain saturated fatty acid radicals ranges from about 0.1:7.9 to about 3:5. Moreover, the dissimilar acid radicals cannot consist solely of C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 short chain saturated fatty acid radicals, C.sub.

Abstract: A provisional instrument component 1 for evaluating the fit of a corresponding orthopaedic implant. The component 1 is intended and designed to be a disposable, single use provisional instrument component. The provisional instrument component 1 is made of a material which can be sterilized by gamma irradiation, but which provides a visible indicator, such as visible deformation 10, upon resterilization by exposure to a heated environment, thereby discouraging or preventing re-use of the component 1.

Abstract: A soil guard wall assembly includes a plurality of elongated soil guard wall modules each of which has a hexagonal configuration in section and is coupled together with each other so as to form the soil guard wall assembly with a honeycomb shape.

Abstract: A ball grid array semiconductor device (10) includes a package substrate (14 or 16) having a plurality of conductive traces (18), bond posts (20), and conductive vias (22). A semiconductor die (12) is mounted to the package substrate. Orthogonal wire bonds (28) are used to electrically connect staggered bond pads (26) to corresponding bond posts (20) on the substrate. A liquid encapsulant (40) is used to cover the die, the wire bonds, and portions of the package substrate. In another embodiment, a package substrate (50) includes a lower bonding tier (52) and an upper bonding tier (54). Wire bonds (60) are used to electrically connect an outer row of bond pads (64) to bond posts (20) of lower tier (52), while wire bonds (62) are used to electrically connect an inner row of bond pads (64) to bond posts (20) of an upper tier (54). The loop height of wire bonds (60) is smaller than that of wire bonds (62).

Abstract: Nondigestible fat compositions having relatively flat Solid Fat Content (SFC) profile slopes between typical room and body temperatures are disclosed. These nondigestible fat comprise a liquid nondigestible oil and relatively small nondigestible particles dispersed in the oil to control passive oil loss. These nondigestible particles consist essentially of a cocrystallized blend of a nondigestible solid polyol fatty acid polyester hardstock and a crystal modifier capable of inducing this hardstock to form these relatively small particles. Edible fat-containing products comprising these nondigestible fat can be less waxy tasting due to the lower level of solids required for passive oil loss control.

Abstract: A thermally enhanced semiconductor device (10) having an exposed backside (22) is described. In one embodiment, a PC board substrate (12) is provided having a pattern of conductive traces (14) on both upper and lower surfaces of the substrate. Electrical continuity is maintained between the two surfaces with conductive vias (16). A semiconductor die (18) is flip-mounted to the upper surface of the substrate. Solder bumps (26) electrically connect the die to the conductive traces, and an underfill (28) couples the active side (20) of the die to the upper surface of the substrate. A package body (40) is formed around the perimeter (24) of the die leaving the inactive backside exposed for enhanced thermal dissipation. The inactive backside can also be coupled to a heat sink for increased thermal dissipation. A plurality of solder balls (42) electrically connected to the conductive traces is attached to the lower surface of the substrate.