Abstract: A hydrostatic apparatus is disclosed. The hydrostatic apparatus comprises a pump, an input shaft, a fan and a fan shroud. The pump comprises a housing, an end cap, a first end and a second end. The input shaft extending from the first end and the second end of the pump. The fan is attached to one end of the input shaft. The fan shroud is also attached to the pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for or treating human skin to reduce the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as to enhance the skin's luminosity comprising applying an effective amount of a cosmetic composition of the invention to the skin for a period of time.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and methods for delivering multiple reagents to, and monitoring, a plurality of analytical reactions carried out on a large-scale array of electronic sensors underminimal noise conditions. In one aspect, the invention provides method of improving signal-to-noise ratios of output signals from the electronic sensors sensing analytes or reaction byproducts by subtracting an average of output signals measured from neighboring sensors where analyte or reaction byproducts are absent. In other aspects, the invention provides an array of electronic sensors integrated with a microwell array for confining analytes and/or particles for analytical reactions and a method for identifying microwells containing analytes and/or particles by passing a sensor-active reagent over the array and correlating sensor response times to the presence or absence of analytes or particles.

Abstract: A method of and system for defining a sales promotion is disclosed. The method includes receiving a hierarchical listing of items, including a plurality of levels, each level including at least one node. The method also includes selecting a first node to define a first sales promotion, and selecting a second node below the first node to define a second sales promotion, wherein the second sales promotion is more specific than the first sales promotion. The system includes means for receiving a hierarchical listing of items, including a plurality of levels, each level including at least one node. The system also includes means for selecting a first node to define a first sales promotion, and means for selecting a second node below the first node to define a second sales promotion, wherein the second sales promotion is more specific than the first sales promotion.

Abstract: In an illumination system (1) having a control unit (2) and at least one de-central lamp operating device (12, 22) for operating one or more associated lamps (LA), the lamp operating device (12, 22) can be operated in different operational modes. In accordance with the invention the central control unit (2) and the lamp operating device (12, 22) are so configured that the selection and setting of an operational mode for the lamp operating device (12, 22) can be carried out from or via the central control unit (2).

Abstract: The invention provides a variable width material distribution apparatus for use with an asphalt paving machine for distributing asphalt screed across a surface to be paved. The apparatus comprises at least two auger support members and at least two auger slide sections such that extension or retraction of the auger support members along a path of least resistance as the apparatus moves over a surface to be paved causes a corresponding extension or retraction of the auger slide sections with respect to an adjacent auger slide section and such that each auger slide section is configured to maintain a continuous worm with respect to an adjacent auger slide section when in an extended position in relation to one another.

Abstract: A method, program product and system for automated control of pricing of a product or service. The method includes determining an initial price of the product, monitoring actual sales of the product at retail outlets, and adjusting the initial price during a selling season of the product based on the actual sales of the product. The method can further include accepting input from a historical price database, and determining the initial price using historical prices of the product or a similar product. The method can further include repeatedly adjusting a price of the product during a selling season based on the actual sales of the product. The method can further include applying a markdown to the price of the product and using a markdown profile to determine the markdown. The method can further include performing slow seller analysis to determine the markdown. The determination that a product is a slow seller can be made by applying a predetermined rule set to the product.

Abstract: A method is provided for the control of a shifting operation of an automatic transmission by means of an electronic transmission control unit. The transmission control unit receives of a maximum engine rotational speed EGSmax from an engine control unit, compares the current engine rotational speed EGScurrent with the maximum engine rotational speed EGSmax, and initiates upshifting if EGScurrent?EGSmax-x, where x is a calibratable offset.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, program product and system for controlling pricing of a product or service using a markdown profile. The method includes: selecting a markdown profile to be used for the product or service, selecting a retail price for the product or service, acquiring updated sales data regarding the product or service, determining a markdown to be applied to the price from the markdown profile using updated sales data, and reconciling a markdown budget with the determined markdown to be applied to said price to determine whether the markdown will be applied. The method can further include the step of adjusting a retail price of the product or service by the markdown.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and methods for delivering multiple reagents to, and monitoring, a plurality of analytical reactions carried out on a large-scale array of electronic sensors underminimal noise conditions. In one aspect, the invention provides method of improving signal-to-noise ratios of output signals from the electronic sensors sensing analytes or reaction byproducts by subtracting an average of output signals measured from neighboring sensors where analyte or reaction byproducts are absent. In other aspects, the invention provides an array of electronic sensors integrated with a microwell array for confining analytes and/or particles for analytical reactions and a method for identifying microwells containing analytes and/or particles by passing a sensor-active reagent over the array and correlating sensor response times to the presence or absence of analytes or particles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, program, product and system for managing the sale of a product. The system can determine if the product is a slow seller, determining a markdown to be applied to a price of the product, reconciling a markdown budget with the determined markdown to be applied to the price to determine whether the markdown will be applied, and adjusting the price of the product by the markdown. The system can also apply manual pricing data and promotion pricing data. The system integrates several tasks required for selling articles and services.

Abstract: Topical skin care compositions are provided for the improvement of the appearance of the skin, namely of the skin comprising the face, surrounding the eyes, mouth, and hands, as well as the skin of the body. The skin care compositions include synergistic combinations of active peptide ingredients that are specially formulated to enhance the natural appearance of the face, hands, and/or body. Specifically, the synergistic skin care compositions may be applied to one or more of the skin surrounding the eyes, mouth, nose, forehead, ears, neck, hands, feed, and overall body to give the skin thereof a cleaner, smoother and more wrinkle free appearance.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth particular prostaglandin based compounds that are relatively more stable in aqueous environments than other such compounds; and further that by complexing such a prostaglandin based compound of the disclosure with an agent, such as cyclodextrin, the prostaglandin based compound may be stabilized and provided in a cosmetic composition that can be used to enhance the appearance of hair.

Abstract: This invention relates to microwell array compositions which are coated with one or more thin film coatings. The invention includes the process of fabricating and using thin film coated microwell arrays.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for adaptive reagent control is described that comprising a) introducing a first concentration of an enzyme reagent into a reaction environment with a reaction substrate, where the enzyme reagent and reaction substrate are constituent parts of a sequencing process; b) measuring a level of activity of the first concentration of the enzyme reagent in the reaction environment, where the level of activity comprises a measurable product of a reaction between the enzyme reagent and the reaction substrate; c) identifying an optimal concentration using the measured level of activity of the first concentration; and d) performing the sequencing process in the reaction environment using the optimal concentration of the enzyme reagent, where the sequencing process comprises an iterative series of sequencing reactions.

Abstract: In an illumination system (1) having a control unit (2) and at least one de-central lamp operating device (12, 22) for operating one or more associated lamps (LA), the lamp operating device (12, 22) can be operated in different operational modes. In accordance with the invention the central control unit (2) and the lamp operating device (12, 22) are so configured that the selection and setting of an operational mode for the lamp operating device (12, 22) can be carried out from or via the central control unit (2).

Abstract: A drive track is for a wheel train for mobilizing a paving vehicle upon a ground surface, the wheel train including a drive wheel and a bogie wheel. The track includes an endless body disposable about the wheel train and having a driven portion engageable by the drive wheel such that the drive wheel circulates the track about the wheel train. A generally annular rail portion is connected with the drive portion and has a continuous inner circumferential surface contactable with the bogie wheel, such that the bogie wheel rolls along the inner surface, and a continuous outer circumferential surface contactable with the ground surface. The rail portion supports the bogie wheel above the ground surface such that when the track circulates about the wheel train, a distance between the bogie wheel axis and the ground surface remains substantially constant as the bogie wheel rolls along the rail inner surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, program product and system for controlling pricing of a product or service using a markdown profile. The method includes: selecting a markdown profile to be used for the product or service, selecting a retail price for the product or service, acquiring updated sales data regarding the product or service, determining a markdown to be applied to the price from the markdown profile using updated sales data, and reconciling a markdown budget with the determined markdown to be applied to said price to determine whether the markdown will be applied. The method can further include the step of adjusting a retail price of the product or service by the markdown.

Abstract: A vertical door locking system includes a door lock with a deadbolt that moves horizontally, a striker with an upward facing strike opening that vertically receives the deadbolt and a lock controller. The striker includes an electrically operated catch to engage and release the deadbolt. The door lock and striker are mounted opposite each other, one to the vertical door and the other to an adjacent fixed mounting point. The lock controller electrically operates the striker to release the deadbolt and allow it to move vertically out of engagement with the striker for primary access to a secure area and the door lock allows the deadbolt to be retracted horizontally away from the striker for secondary access. A remotely located control system optionally controls the lock controllers of multiple doors and a central office control system is optionally connected to multiple remotely located control systems.

Abstract: A hydrostatic apparatus is disclosed. The hydrostatic apparatus comprises a pump, an input shaft, a fan and a fan shroud. The pump comprises a housing, an end cap, a first end and a second end. The input shaft extending from the first end and the second end of the pump. The fan is attached to one end of the input shaft. The fan shroud is also attached to the pump.