Abstract: A magnetic recording tape includes an elongated substrate and a magnetic film coated over the elongated substrate, where the magnetic film includes a first magnetic recording layer. The first magnetic recording layer includes particles having a diameter that is between a factor from about 2 to 5 greater than a thickness of the first magnetic recording layer.

Abstract: Techniques are described for securing data on data cartridges, such as a Linear Tape-Open (LTO) data cartridge. The techniques include modifying a portion of a cartridge memory (CM) chip of the cartridge in a way that a cartridge drive will be unable to access the data cartridge and to prevent modification of the CM chip by the cartridge drive. In one embodiment, a system includes a data cartridge including a CM chip, a chip reader to read data from and write data to the CM chip, and a computing device to control the chip reader. The computing device causes the chip reader to read data from the cartridge memory chip of the data cartridge and to modify a portion of memory of the chip to prevent unauthorized reads and writes to the data cartridge, without rendering the modification irreversible.

Abstract: Techniques are described for predicting data cartridge failure based on analysis of data retrieved from an associated cartridge memory chip. In one embodiment, a system includes a chip reader that retrieves data from a cartridge memory chip of a data cartridge, and a computing device that receives the data from the chip reader, analyzes the data, and generates information regarding a health status of the data cartridge based on the analysis. The analysis may be based on execution of an algorithm that is developed from a set of data, stored in a database, that identifies characteristics of data cartridges with a good health status and differentiates them from data cartridges with a bad health status.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a data storage tape includes a first side including recorded data and a second side including recorded error correcting code data for the recorded data on the first side. In another embodiment, a data storage tape comprises a first side including recorded data and a second side including a copy of the recorded data. Embodiments of the invention may distribute related data across both sides of a data storage tape and as a result may reduce the probability that a location-dependent error in the data storage tape will result in irretrievable data loss. Embodiments of the invention may be particularly useful for systems that can simultaneously retrieve or record data on both sides of a dual-sided data storage tape.

Abstract: A novel composition and methods of its use and preparation of polybasic metal carboxylate complexes having the general formula: (A)2M.nD(OH)2.xH2O.m(B)2N wherein: A is an organic fatty acid and is selected from the group consisting of saturated C12-24 carboxylic acids, unsaturated C12-24 carboxylic acids, aromatic C12-24 carboxylic acids, alicyclic C12-24 carboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acid derivatives thereof, anhydride derivatives thereof and blends thereof, preferably stearate; M is a divalent metal cation, preferably calcium; n is a fractional or whole number from about 1 to about 10 inclusive; D is an alkali earth metal, preferably calcium; x is a fractional or whole number from about 0 to about 3 inclusive; N is a divalent metal cation other than calcium, preferably zinc; and m is a fractional or whole number from 0 to about 1.

Abstract: The inventors have discovered that an ATPase-deficient dominant-negative mutant NS3 protein of hepatitis C virus inhibits activity of the wild-type NS3 protein and inhibits replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The solved crystal structure of a multi-enzyme NS3 complex on a DNA substrate is also provided. The inventors have tested a peptide matching the sequence of a portion of NS3 that interacts with another NS3 molecule for inhibiting HCV replication. The peptide inhibits HCV replication. Accordingly, the invention provides a method of inhibiting HCV replication in cells infected with HCV involving transforming the cells with a vector expressing a dominant-negative mutant NS3 gene. The invention also provides a method of inhibiting HCV replication in cells infected with HCV involving administering to the cells a dominant-negative mutant NS3 protein. The invention also provides peptides and agents that inhibit HCV replication and methods of identifying agents that inhibit HCV replication.

Abstract: A magnetic recording tape includes an elongated substrate and a magnetic film coated over the elongated substrate, where the magnetic film includes a first magnetic recording layer. The first magnetic recording layer includes particles having a diameter that is between a factor from about 2 to 5 greater than a thickness of the first magnetic recording layer.

Abstract: The inventors have discovered that an ATPase-deficient dominant-negative mutant NS3 protein of hepatitis C virus inhibits activity of the wild-type NS3 protein and inhibits replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The solved crystal structure of a multi-enzyme NS3 complex on a DNA substrate is also provided. The inventors have tested a peptide matching the sequence of a portion of NS3 that interacts with another NS3 molecule for inhibiting HCV replication. The peptide inhibits HCV replication. Accordingly, the invention provides a method of inhibiting HCV replication in cells infected with HCV involving transforming the cells with a vector expressing a dominant-negative mutant NS3 gene. The invention also provides a method of inhibiting HCV replication in cells infected with HCV involving administering to the cells a dominant-negative mutant NS3 protein. The invention also provides peptides and agents that inhibit HCV replication and methods of identifying agents that inhibit HCV replication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining and monitoring the moisture content of an elastomer material used as a closure or stopper for containers holding lyophilized pharmaceutical products, comprising a parallel capacitance circuit formed by supplying a source of AC voltage to a reference elastomer closure and a sample elastomer closure. The capacitance of the sample elastomer closure is measured and compared with the capacitance of the reference elastomer closure. The difference in capacitances of the sample elastomer closure and the reference elastomer closure allow the absorbed moisture content of the sample closure to be determined or monitored. The method does not require destruction of the sample elastomer closure, and can be used to rapidly determine moisture content under normal storage conditions or at elevated or lower temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for cutting a corner of a stack (66) of sheet material, such as paper or plastic cards, to have a non-square shape. Broadly, the apparatus (10) includes a tray (12) for receiving the stack (66) such that the corner of the stack (66) projects through a gap (22) in the tray (12) into a cutting path, a blade assembly (14) which is slidable along the cutting path to cut the corner of the stack (66), a drive assembly (16) for driving the blade assembly (14) along the cutting path, a clamping assembly (74) for exerting a clamping force on the stack (66), and one or more spacer blocks (70,72) that fit closely within the tray (12) and do not project into the cutting path, including a spacer block (70) which is interposed between the clamping assembly (74) and the stack (66).

Abstract: The inventors have discovered that an ATPase-deficient dominant-negative mutant NS3 protein of hepatitis C virus inhibits activity of the wild-type NS3 protein and inhibits replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The solved crystal structure of a multi-enzyme NS3 complex on a DNA substrate is also provided. The inventors have tested a peptide matching the sequence of a portion of NS3 that interacts with another NS3 molecule for inhibiting HCV replication. The peptide inhibits HCV replication. Accordingly, the invention provides a method of inhibiting HCV replication in cells infected with HCV involving transforming the cells with a vector expressing a dominant-negative mutant NS3 gene. The invention also provides a method of inhibiting HCV replication in cells infected with HCV involving administering to the cells a dominant-negative mutant NS3 protein. The invention also provides peptides and agents that inhibit HCV replication and methods of identifying agents that inhibit HCV replication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining and monitoring the moisture content of an elastomer material used as a closure or stopper for containers holding lyophilized pharmaceutical products, comprising a parallel capacitance circuit formed by supplying a source of AC voltage to a reference elastomer closure and a sample elastomer closure. The capacitance of the sample elastomer closure is measured and compared with the capacitance of the reference elastomer closure. The difference in capacitances of the sample elastomer closure and the reference elastomer closure allow the absorbed moisture content of the sample closure to be determined or monitored. The method does not require destruction of the sample elastomer closure, and can be used to rapidly determine moisture content under normal storage conditions or at elevated or lower temperatures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining the moisture content of a sample substance inside a closed container. The apparatus includes a parallel capacitance circuit formed by a source of AC voltage supplied to a reference container and a sample container. The method does not require penetration or opening of the sealed sample container nor the destruction of the sample, and can be used to rapidly determine moisture content under normal storage conditions or at elevated or lower temperatures that may be used in a drying process.

Abstract: Data storage tape includes a substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a recording layer disposed on the first side of the substrate, and a coating disposed on the second side of the substrate. A surface of the coating has a pattern formed therein such that the pattern communicates with at least one of a first edge and a second edge of the data storage tape.

Abstract: A secure computing environment in which a computer automatically operates in a full-access data storage mode when it detects the presence of a secure removable storage device. In full-access mode all data written to removable storage device is encrypted with a cryptographic key and the user is given access to sensitive if authorized. Otherwise, the computer operates in a restricted-access mode in which the user is unable to write to the removable storage device and is unable to access sensitive data. The invention detects security information on the data storage device and generates a cryptographic key from the security information. The security information can be a function of the unique format characteristics of the underlying storage medium, a unique identifier retrieved from an electronic circuit embedded within the removable storage device or a serial number etched on the storage device during manufacturing.

Abstract: An article transport and organizer which can conveniently be used for transport and storage for relatively small articles in conjunction with a container, such as a fourteen quart bucket, while the container is filled with liquid. The apparatus is attached to the outside of the container which may include but not limited to a hook and loop system. The skirt like walls of the apparatus are provided with a plurality of spaced-apart pockets that are adapted to receive and organize cleaning supplies and other small objects. Each pocket contains shock cord so that when the container is tipped on its side the articles will remain located in the pockets. Two end tabs of the apparatus prevent it from separating from the mating surface of the hook and loop system when one is pulling on the pockets to place article in, or remove articles from the pockets.

Abstract: A first holding tank includes a base and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the base to define an open top. An inlet pipe provides raw sewage into tank. Tank is part of a sewage treatment plant comprised of a number of like sequentially interlinked tanks. Tank has an average depth of about 1½ meters and a surface area of about 60 hectares. After a predetermined volume of sewage and other fluids are contained within tank, the inflow is halted and a number of live fish, in the form of European carp, are introduced into tank. The inclusion of the fish allows the conversion of the sewage into fish manure that progressively builds up on the bottom of the tank. Moreover, the movement of the fish in tank assists the processing of the sewage by aeration.

Abstract: A novel composition and methods of its use and preparation of polybasic metal carboxylate complexes having the general formula: (A)2M.nD(OH)2.xH2O.m (B)2N wherein: (a) A is an organic fatty acid and is selected from the group consisting of saturated C12-24 carboxylic acids, unsaturated C12-24 carboxylic acids, aromatic C12-24 carboxylic acids, alicyclic C12-24 carboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acid derivatives thereof, anhydride derivatives thereof and blends thereof, preferably stearate; (b) M is a divalent metal cation, preferably calcium; (c) n is a fractional or whole number from about 1 to about 10 inclusive; (d) D is an alkali earth metal, preferably calcium; (e) x is a fractional or whole number from about 0 to about 3 inclusive; (f) N is a divalent metal cation other than calcium, preferably zinc; and (g) m is a fractional or whole number from 0 to about 1.

Abstract: A chilled item server is disclosed including an outer barrel formed of thermoplastic material that has a generally cylindrical shape, substantially vertical sides, a generally flat, closed bottom, and an open top having an annular ledge. An inner liner fits within the outer barrel and has a generally elongated truncated pyramidal shape, a generally flat bottom, an open top with an extended rim formed to compliment the generally square opening shape of the outer barrel and to rest on the annular ledge. A chamber is located between the inner liner and the outer barrel and is filled with polystyrene foam. At least one freezer panel is formed of appropriate size and shape to fit within the inner liner. The freezer panel is formed of thermoplastic material and arranged in a syncline. The freezer panels have cavities within each freezer panel that is filled with 2% saline solution. Casters are mounted to the generally flat bottom of the outer barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for serving a chilled beverage from a keg includes an insulated housing having two opposed side walls and a door hinged to one of the side walls. Support racks are spaced from one to permit fit a keg between the racks, which form slidable grooves for insertion and removal of chiller panels when the door is open. Casters on the housing permit mobility, and channels on the outside of the housing receive selectively replaceable graphic material. A spout on the housing connectable to a keg provides discharge of the keg contents. A pressurized gas canister connectable to a keg urges discharge of the keg contents through the spout. A plurality of chiller panels contain a freezable liquid and are adapted to be removeably mounted on the racks. The panels may be frozen in a freezer and loaded into the racks keep the keg and its contents cold.