Abstract: A method of balancing an assembly of rotary parts of a gas turbine engine comprising measuring at least one of the concentricity and parallelism of each component and considering globally all possible component stacking positions to generate an optimized stacking position for each component of the assembly to minimize assembly imbalance.

Abstract: A system for managing a plurality of systems, includes a domain comprised of a plurality of systems, wherein the systems are managed by one or more closed-loop system management (CLSM) regulators. A virtual regulator manages operational characteristics of the domain and the plurality of systems, by communicating with the CLSM regulators to monitor the systems' states, events and conditions within the domain and to adjust the systems' operational characteristics in response to the systems' states, events and conditions.

Abstract: A method, computer program, and system are disclosed for executing a utility on a database system having a plurality of database system nodes. Each database system node has an existing load. An increased load on the database system required to execute the utility is determined. The existing load on each of the database system nodes is determined. The increased load is distributed in such a way as to balance the load among the database system nodes.

Abstract: A method, computer program, database system and data structure are disclosed for compressing a decimal type field in a database including one or more tables. Each of the one or more tables includes one or more rows. Each of the one or more rows includes an instance of the decimal type field. Space is allocated in one of P amounts to an instance of the decimal type field in a row, the amount being chosen based on the size of the value being stored in the instance of the decimal type field. One or more presence bits are set in the row to identify the amount of space allocated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing a regulated voltage output from a variable voltage source, alternately using saturation control and cancelling control to regulate output.

Abstract: A join plan creates an intermediate table from two or more database tables within a database. In doing so, at least one projected and compressible column within one of the database tables is identified, where the column contains data values to which the application of a compression data transformation results in a reduction in the size of the data values. The frequency of occurrences of at least some unique values in the compressible column is identified, and then the two or more database tables are joined. The results of the join are then stored in the intermediate table such that the compression data transformation is applied to at least some of the unique values in the compressible column for which the frequency has been identified.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing radio frequency interference (RFI) using a dual-element patch antenna [10]. The antenna possesses two antenna elements [13, 14] having distinct radiation patterns. Either element may be independently selected using a DC bias voltage. Diodes [20] connected to the elements serve to disable one element when the other is selected. In one selected mode, a nominal radiation pattern provides a broad, hemispherical shaped sensitivity that is designed for acquiring and tracking all navigation satellites above the horizon. This nominal radiation pattern, however, is susceptible to interference that is present near or below the horizon. The second selectable radiation pattern of the dual-element antenna has comparatively higher gain toward zenith, and lower gain at and below the horizon to mitigate interference. This combination of features is packaged in a single antenna unit that can be a direct replacement for existing antennas.

Abstract: A merchant who operates a physical store is able to communicate a message to a customer who is carrying one or more items for purchase. While the customer is moving through the store, the merchant uses electronic means to gather data identifying at least one of the items carried by the customer. A computer-implemented program applied to the data analyzes the data and identifies at least one alternative item that the customer might want to buy. The program then prepares a message about the alternative item and delivers the message to the customer while the customer is still in the store.

Abstract: A merchant in a virtual retail store uses a computer-implemented technique to communicate a message to a customer who has selected multiple items for purchase. On establishing an online shopping session with the customer, the merchant's system maintains a list of the items that the customer has selected for purchase during the session. The system provides information about these items to an analytical program, which in turn identifies at least one alternative item that the customer might want to buy. The system then prepares a message that includes information about the alternative item and, before the online shopping session has ended, delivers the message to the customer.

Abstract: Improved processes for surface treating expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is disclosed and improved surface-treated devices made from the processes. The processes employ a laser to surface-modify an expanded PTFE structure to create a macro-roughened surface that has the capability to remain microporous throughout. The unique process of the present invention creates a ridge and valley structure on the surfaces of devices that includes unique gnarled nodes along valley floors.

Abstract: Improved processes for surface treating expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is disclosed and improved surface-treated devices made from the processes. The processes employ a laser to surface-modify an expanded PTFE structure to create a macro-roughened surface that has the capability to remain microporous throughout. The unique process of the present invention creates a ridge and valley structure on the surfaces of devices that includes unique gnarled nodes along valley floors.

Abstract: A novel hand held water-misting apparatus (8) comprising of a latex tubing (10) having a first end and a second end, a valve open-close type (12) having a first end and second end, a misting nozzle (14) having a first end and a second end having a small misting hole, a shrink sleeving (28) securely attaching said valve open-close type (12) and said misting nozzle (14), a water hose connector (16), a flexible strap (26) having a first end and a second end, a pinch clip (24) having an open position and a closed position, an expandable decorative enclosure (18) having a first end and a second end. Said first end of said latex tubing (10) securely attached to said first end of said valve open-close type (12) by a tie clamp (31). Said second end of said latex tubing (10) securely attached to said water hose connector (16) by a tie clamp (30).

Abstract: A novel hand held water-misting apparatus (8) comprising of a latex tubing (10) having a first end and a second end, a valve open-close type (12) having a first end and second end, a misting nozzle (14) having a first end and a second end having a small misting hole, a shrink sleeving (28) securely attaching said valve open-close type (12) and said misting nozzle (14), a water hose connector (16), a flexible strap (26) having a first end and a second end, a pinch clip (24) having an open position and a closed position, an expandable decorative enclosure (18) having a first end and a second end. Said first end of said latex tubing (10) securely attached to said first end of said valve open-close type (12) by a tie clamp (31). Said second end of said latex tubing (10) securely attached to said water hose connector (16) by a tie clamp (30).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing radio frequency interference (RFI) using a dual-element patch antenna [10]. The antenna possesses two antenna elements [13, 14] having distinct radiation patterns. Either element may be independently selected using a DC bias voltage. Diodes [20] connected to the elements serve to disable one element when the other is selected. In one selected mode, a nominal radiation pattern provides a broad, hemispherical shaped sensitivity that is designed for acquiring and tracking all navigation satellites above the horizon. This nominal radiation pattern, however, is susceptible to interference that is present near or below the horizon. The second selectable radiation pattern of the dual-element antenna has comparatively higher gain toward zenith, and lower gain at and below the horizon to mitigate interference. This combination of features is packaged in a single antenna unit that can be a direct replacement for existing antennas.

Abstract: Techniques for processing cocoa mass are provided. In general, the techniques involve solvent extraction of cocoa fat from cocoa mass, to achieve a desirable cocoa butter and low-fat cocoa powder. In one preferred process, the cocoa mass is the result of grinding cocoa nibs, with absence of a mechanical pressing and heating step, to advantage. Preferred products and uses are characterized.

Abstract: Techniques for processing cocoa mass are provided. In general, the techniques involve solvent extraction of cocoa fat from cocoa mass, to achieve a desirable cocoa butter and low-fat cocoa powder. In one preferred process, the cocoa mass is the result of grinding cocoa nibs, with absence of a mechanical pressing and heating step, to advantage. Preferred products and uses are characterized.

Abstract: Techniques for processing cocoa mass are provided. In general, the techniques involve solvent extraction of cocoa fat from cocoa mass, to achieve a desirable cocoa butter and low-fat cocoa powder. In one preferred process, the cocoa mass is the result of grinding cocoa nibs, with absence of a mechanical pressing and heating step, to advantage. Preferred products and uses are characterized.

Abstract: Techniques for processing cocoa mass are provided. In general, the techniques involve solvent extraction of cocoa fat from cocoa mass, to achieve a desirable cocoa butter and low-fat cocoa powder. In one preferred process, the cocoa mass is the result of grinding cocoa nibs, with absence of a mechanical pressing and heating step, to advantage. Preferred products and uses are characterized.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for managing data privacy in a database management system is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a database management system, for storing and retrieving data from a plurality of database tables wherein the data in the database tables is controllably accessible according to privacy parameters stored in the database table, a database management system interface operatively coupled to the database management system and controlling access to the data within the database tables according to the privacy parameters, and an audit module, communicatively coupled to the database management system interface, for validating enforcement of the data privacy parameters in the database management system.