Abstract: An inventory control system and method that tracks inventories of items with RFID tags, includes a reader unit and an intelligent station that tracks RFID tags to determine item information of items to be inventoried. The reader unit transmits and receives RF signals. The intelligent station includes a first RF antenna connected to the reader unit by a first transmission cable through a first switch, and one or more additional RF antennae connected to the reader unit by the same first transmission cable through additional switches. An inventory control processing unit receives item information from the intelligent stations to update inventory information regarding the items to be inventoried.

Abstract: A ruggedized, snap-together, module securely retains a pair of mutually abutting fiber optic interconnect MT ferrules, that have been joined together by a ferrule aligning pin clamp structure. The module includes a generally rectangular base member having a ferrule retention cavity that is configured to retain a pair of MT ferrules and an associated pin clamp assembly therefor. A cover is configured to engage the base in such a manner that the two MT ferrules are firmly held in their intended face-to-face abutting condition as captured between the base and the cover. A bias compression spring is captured between the cover and the base in a manner that facilitates removal of the cover when it is desired to open the module and gain access to the two MT ferrules.

Abstract: The gene encoding decidual protein induced by progesterone (DEPP), the gene encoding adrenomedullin and the gene encoding cold shock domain protein A (csdA), are upregulated in the anterior cingulate of schizophrenic patients as compared to normal patients. Methods of screening, diagnosing and treating schizophrenia based on these genes are provided. Transgenic nonhuman animals having increased copy number or increased expression levels of these genes are also provided. The transgenic nonhuman animals are used in methods of screening for potential therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A mobile communication device having a first section, a second section, and a hinge mechanism. Functional devices are positioned within the sections and provide for a multitude of uses. The sections are movable about a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation. The movement allows for positioning the sections in various orientations to use the functional devices. A method of using the device is also disclosed for moving the sections in a combination of flip motion, jack-knife motion, and twist motion about the first and second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic generation of hydrogen by the self-sustaining combination of partial oxidation and steam reforming of a hydrocarbon comprises containing a mixture of the hydrocarbon, an oxygen-containing gas and steam with a catalyst comprising rhodium dispersed on a refractory oxide support material which is a mixture of ceria and zirconia. The hydrocarbons are straight chain or branch chain hydrocarbons having 1 to 15 carbon atoms and include methane, propane, butane, hexane, heptane, normal-octane, iso-octane, naphthas, liquefied petroleum gas and reformulated gasoline petrol and diesel fuels. The hydrogen generation process can be started by feeding the hydrocarbon and air to initiate partial oxidation, before steam is added. The hydrogen generation process can be started by feeding the hydrocarbon and air to initiate partial oxidation, before steam is added.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic generation of hydrogen by the self-starting, self-sustaining combination of partial oxidation and steam reforming of an organic fuel wherein a mixture of the organic fuel and an oxygen-containing gas and steam is contacted with a precious metal catalyst which is selective for the partial oxidation reaction characterized in that the organic fuel is dimethyl ether. Suitable catalysts include platinum or rhodium supported on zirconia or a mixture of ceria and zirconia.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic generation of hydrogen by the self-sustaining combination of partial oxidation and steam reforming of a hydrocarbon comprises containing a mixture of the hydrocarbon, an oxygen-containing gas and steam with a catalyst comprising rhodium dispersed on a refractory oxide support material which is a mixture of ceria and zirconia. The hydrocarbons are straight chain or branch chain hydrocarbons having 1 to 15 carbon atoms and include methane, propane, butane, hexane, heptane, normal-octane, iso-octane, naphthas, liquefied petroleum gas and reformulated gasoline petrol and diesel fuels. The hydrogen generation process can be started by feeding the hydrocarbon and air to initiate partial oxidation, before steam is added. The hydrogen generation process can be started by feeding the hydrocarbon and air to initiate partial oxidation, before steam is added.

Abstract: A open cockpit kayak is provided including an improved thighstrap arrangement. The arrangement includes left and right thighstraps situated on respective sides of the cockpit area and extending in the longitudinal direction of the hull. Opposite ends of each thighstrap are movably connected to the hull at respective fore and aft connection locations. Each of the thighstraps includes an elastic element to maintain it in tension between the respective fore and aft connection locations. As a result, the thighstraps will generally remain taut against the hull when not in use. Further, the thighstraps will remain in engagement with a paddler's knees during use so that the paddler may easily achieve positive control of the kayak.

Abstract: For circuitry having analog and digital circuit sections and a signal flow path therebetween, a guard crossing for establishing electrical isolation and virtually no capacitive coupling between the two sections comprises optical fiber cables extending between circuit boards or between partitioned regions of a common circuit board carrying the analog and digital section for interfacing signals therebetween. Electrooptical transmitters and receivers in each section are coupled to the optical fiber cables. In accordance with one embodiment, bit serial signals are transmitted between the analog and digital sections through a single optical fiber cable for each direction. In another embodiment, a plurality of optical fiber cables for each direction carry the parallel bits of bit parallel signals between the two sections.

Abstract: A display unit comprising an elongated tray with walls which define a region accommodating a batch of sachets, the tray including longitudinal side walls with inwardly turned parts at each end, the said parts being capable of providing support for another display unit placed above.