Abstract: A method for providing torque to assist in moving a component of a mobile platform. Biasing forces may be applied to opposing portions of a torque transferring member that enable the torque transferring member to be maintained in a position of equilibrium. A torque may be applied to one of the component and the torque transferring member such that the biasing forces cooperatively exert a torque on the torque transferring member to assist in moving the torque transferring member out from the position of equilibrium. Motion of the torque transferring member out from the position of equilibrium may be used to assist in moving the component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for implementing a prepaid debit card with overdraft capabilities. The system utilizes a real-time overdraft privilege risk analysis scoring module to calculate scores based on several criteria. The customer accounts are established within an aggregated general ledger account and are monitored and managed by a core processor. The overdraft privilege risk analysis scoring module operates in real time per card, per transaction.

Abstract: A collaborative data transferring process can combine segments from all known servers and peer-to-peer (P2P) sources simultaneously, regardless of their native protocols. The process uses variable data block size that can be dynamically selected according to sizes provided by sources, e.g., according to the protocol of the source, and can generate hash values or validation codes on the fly so that compliance with validation techniques (if any) of other protocols is not required. The process may be classified as a P2P protocol, although it also contains centralized elements. Machine language implementations and low syntax overhead allow file exchanges over a homogeneous network with high throughput and low bandwidth consumption.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system and apparatus for providing a network service, such as Frame Relay. The apparatus transmits the service to the network utilizing a G.SHDSL transmission standard; converts data between data utilizing a DS-1 transmission standard and data utilizing a G.SHDSL transmission standard; stores a parameter relating to the network service (e.g., bandwidth); and provides access to the parameter to the network. The apparatus further includes a database for storing the parameters relating to the network service, and a processor for running a program, such as an emulator, to convert the data. The processor also may set an operation in response to a signal received from the network, including synchronizing a clock in the apparatus with a network clock, changing a bandwidth of the apparatus, and upgrading a computer program at the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is directed at joint assembly which includes a first part and a second part to be assembled together. The first and second part are secured together via a set of fasteners and a set of attachment portions. The set of attachment portions cooperate with one of the first or second parts and receive the set of fasteners.

Abstract: Methods for demineralizing bone are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include demineralizing the bone in a demineralization medium and separating the bone into particles during demineralization. In other embodiments, the methods include placing the bone in a demineralization medium and treating the demineralization medium while the bone is in the demineralization medium to optimize the demineralization process.

Abstract: A method for providing torque to assist in moving a component of a mobile platform. Biasing forces may be applied to opposing portions of a torque transferring member that enable the torque transferring member to be maintained in a position of equilibrium. A torque may be applied to one of the component and the torque transferring member such that the biasing forces cooperatively exert a torque on the torque transferring member to assist in moving the torque transferring member out from the position of equilibrium. Motion of the torque transferring member out from the position of equilibrium may be used to assist in moving the component.

Abstract: A preamplifier circuit for a disk drive system is disclosed. The preamplifier circuit has first and second inputs that sense the voltage on either side of a magnetoresistive (MR) head element, which presents a varying resistance according to the localized magnetic field at a nearby disk surface. The preamplifier circuit includes a programmable input impedance circuit, which presents an impedance in parallel to feedback impedance at each of the first and second inputs. The parallel impedance presented by the programmable input impedance circuit is controlled by controlling a current source in the programmable input impedance circuit; a higher current results in a lower input impedance.

Abstract: A retaining wall is formed of a series of courses of blocks, each of which includes a core. Engagement members are interposed between the blocks in adjacent courses for preventing relative forward movement between the blocks in adjacent courses. Each engagement member is mountable to the rear web of a lower block, and includes an upstanding projecting portion that engages the rear web of an upper block for preventing forward movement of the upper blocks relative to the lower blocks. The upstanding projecting portion engages the rear web of the upper block so that the front face of the upper block is located rearwardly of the front web of the lower block, to expose an upwardly open forward portion of the core of the lower block. The exposed portion of the lower block core may receive planting media, to enable plants to be planted in the exposed core of the lower block.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a torque to an external member to assist in twisting or deforming the external member. In one implementation the apparatus is useful for providing a force to a torque tube to assist in rotating, bending or twisting a wing, an airfoil, or a rotorcraft blade. The apparatus includes at least one biasing member which provides a biasing force to a linkage assembly, where the linkage assembly is pivotally coupled to a torque tube. The torque tube is fixedly coupled to the structure which needs to be bent, twisted or flexed. The energy stored in the biasing member provides the great majority of mechanical force required to rotate the torque tube and bend, twist or deform the structure when the structure is urged back into an unflexed or un-deformed state, the energy stored in the structure is transferred back to the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention includes a set of reinforcement and support devices for existing or new roof, ceiling and/or floor systems together with numerous variations that may be installed into existing buildings or new buildings to help prevent separation of wood or metal roof, ceiling and/or floor systems from the concrete, masonry or other types of wails supporting these systems in commercial, industrial and/or residential buildings. One embodiment includes a set of three brackets that are installed in a triangularly shaped arrangement along a side of a primary support beam and to the wall underneath a ledger, thus anchoring the support beam to the wall of the structure and stabilizing the roof, ceiling or floor it supports. Another embodiment includes a single integrated unit that attaches to the wall underneath the ledger and to an adjacent support board, thus anchoring the support board (and the system it supports) to the wall of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention includes a set of reinforcement and support devices for existing or new roof, ceiling and/or floor systems together with numerous variations that may be installed into existing buildings or new buildings to help prevent separation of wood or metal roof, ceiling and/or floor systems from the concrete, masonry or other types of walls supporting these systems in commercial, industrial and/or residential buildings. One embodiment includes a set of three brackets that are installed in a triangularly shaped arrangement along a side of a primary support beam and to the wall underneath a ledger, thus anchoring the support beam to the wall of the structure and stabilizing the roof, ceiling or floor it supports. Another embodiment includes a single integrated unit that attaches to the wall underneath the ledger and to an adjacent support board, thus anchoring the support board (and the system it supports) to the wall of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention includes a set of reinforcement and support devices for existing or new roof, ceiling and/or floor systems together with numerous variations that may be installed into existing buildings or new buildings to help prevent separation of wood or metal roof, ceiling and/or floor systems from the concrete, masonry or other types of walls supporting these systems in commercial, industrial and/or residential buildings. One embodiment includes a set of three brackets that are installed in a triangularly shaped arrangement along a side of a primary support beam and to the wall underneath a ledger, thus anchoring the support beam to the wall of the structure and stabilizing the roof, ceiling or floor it supports. Another embodiment includes a single integrated unit that attaches to the wall underneath the ledger and to an adjacent support board, thus anchoring the support board (and the system it supports) to the wall of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention includes a set of reinforcement and support devices for existing or new roof, ceiling and/or floor systems together with numerous variations that may be installed into existing buildings or new buildings to help prevent separation of wood or metal roof, ceiling and/or floor systems from the concrete, masonry or other types of walls supporting these systems in commercial, industrial and/or residential buildings. One embodiment includes a set of three brackets that are installed in a triangularly shaped arrangement along a side of a primary support beam and to the wall underneath a ledger, thus anchoring the support beam to the wall of the structure and stabilizing the roof, ceiling or floor it supports. Another embodiment includes a single integrated unit that attaches to the wall underneath the ledger and to an adjacent support board, thus anchoring the support board (and the system it supports) to the wall of the structure.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack (10) comprises a plurality of modules (12). Each module (12) comprises an elongate hollow member (14). Each hollow member (14) has at least one passage (32) extending longitudinally through the hollow member (14) for the flow of reactant. Each hollow member (14) has two parallel flat surfaces (16,18). At least one of the modules (12A, 12B, 12C) includes a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells (20). The solid oxide fuel cells (20) are arranged on the flat surfaces (16,18) of the modules (12A, 12B, 12C). At least one end (34) of each module (12) is connected to an end (36) of an adjacent module (12) to allow reactant to flow sequentially through the modules (12). The arrangement of the modules (12) provides compliance in the solid oxide fuel cell stack (10) and thermal and mechanical stresses in the solid oxide fuel cell stack (10) are reduced.

Abstract: A collaborative data transferring process can combine segments from all known servers and peer-to-peer (P2P) sources simultaneously, regardless of their native protocols. The process uses variable data block size that can be dynamically selected according to sizes provided by sources, e.g., according to the protocol of the source, and can generate hash values or validation codes on the fly so that compliance with validation techniques (if any) of other protocols is not required. The process may be classified as a P2P protocol, although it also contains centralized elements. Machine language implementations and low syntax overhead allow file exchanges over a homogeneous network with high throughput and low bandwidth consumption.

Abstract: A preamplifier circuit for a disk drive system is disclosed. The preamplifier circuit has first and second inputs that sense the voltage on either side of a magnetoresistive (MR) head element, which presents a varying resistance according to the localized magnetic field at a nearby disk surface. The preamplifier circuit includes a programmable input impedance circuit, which presents an impedance in parallel to feedback impedance at each of the first and second inputs. The parallel impedance presented by the programmable input impedance circuit is controlled by controlling a current source in the programmable input impedance circuit; a higher current results in a lower input impedance.

Abstract: A gas turbine by-pass system is used between a gas turbine generator outlet nozzle and the inlet of a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). The system allows operators to divert gasses from the HRSG in combined cycle mode to a silencer assembly to operate in simple cycle mode. The system thereby allows maintenance to be performed to the HRSG by crew of human workers without danger of an encounter with hot lethal gasses. The system includes a monorail and a series of hoists which operators use to position a blank off plate and an expansion joint as necessary with respect to the HRSG and diverter box. Consequently, the system provides for safe operation of a gas turbine in both combined cycle mode and simple cycle mode.

Abstract: A block suitable for forming a block wall that is either a retaining wall or an above ground wall. The block includes a front wall extending between upper and lower block surfaces and presenting a first block face. A rear wall is spaced from said front wall and extends between the upper and lower block surfaces and presents a second block face facing away from the first block face. A pair of side walls extend between the front and rear walls and the upper and lower block surfaces, wherein a reference plane spaced from the front and rear walls extend between the pair of side walls. At least one pair of pin slots is formed in the upper block surface, wherein each pin slot of the at least one pair of pin slots is formed in the upper block surface on opposing sides of the reference plane and spaced from the reference plane.