Abstract: A memory stores a plurality of first data structures, which includes element specific data objects indicating a classification of at least one of the plurality of segments of the test definition language, and second data structures, which include attribute specific data objects indicating at least one attribute of the segments of the test definition language implemented by a computer. A method for computer-based testing includes authoring a test specification and content of the at least one test using a test definition language, compiling the test specification and content of the at least one test to create a compiled test specification and content, which includes validating the test specification and content, storing the compiled test specification and content to a resource file, and retrieving the compiled test specification and content from the resource file during delivery of the test.

Abstract: An integrated circuit, a method of generating a layout of such an integrated circuit using standard cells, and a standard cell library providing such standard cells, are disclosed. The method of generating the layout comprises forming a plurality of rows, and populating each row with a plurality of standard cells chosen in dependence on the functional components required by the integrated circuit, each standard cell having its abutment area abutting the abutment area of at least one adjacent standard cell in the row. Within each row, each standard cell in that row is arranged to have a voltage connection area that is aligned with a common routing track, but with each standard cell having its voltage connection area configured so as not to extend across the entire width of the standard cell.

Abstract: A D-type flip-flop 2 includes tristate inverter circuitry 4, 6 passing a processing signal through to storage circuitry 8 from where the processing signal passes via a transmission gate 10 to slave storage circuitry 12. A transition detector 16 is coupled to the input node nm of the storage circuitry 8 and serves to generate an error signal if a transition is detected upon that input node during an error detecting period. Other forms of this technique may provide clock gating circuitry.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for use with a transmission drive system having a pair of transaxles where each transaxle includes an electric motor and a brake release pin extending from a brake housing, where the release pins are both moveable from a first, engaged position to a second, released position. The actuator assembly includes a support bracket fastened to each transaxle, a sleeve attached to the support bracket and arranged generally parallel to the axes of the first and second release pins, a rod moveably disposed within the sleeve and extending from each end thereof, a pair of levers engaged to the two release pins and to the rod, a fulcrum attached to the support bracket, and an actuator arm engaged to the rod and pivotable about the fulcrum to longitudinally move the rod within the sleeve, wherein the actuator arm is moveable.

Abstract: An integrated circuit, a method of generating a layout of such an integrated circuit using standard cells, and a standard cell library providing such standard cells, are disclosed. The method of generating the layout comprises forming a plurality of rows, and populating each row with a plurality of standard cells chosen in dependence on the functional components required by the integrated circuit, each standard cell having its abutment area abutting the abutment area of at least one adjacent standard cell in the row. Within each row, each standard cell in that row is arranged to have a voltage connection area that is aligned with a common routing track, but with each standard cell having its voltage connection area configured so as not to extend across the entire width of the standard cell.

Abstract: A structural block is provided. The structural block has a top and a bottom. A first sidewall section is between the top and the bottom. A second sidewall section is between the first sidewall section and one of the top or the bottom, and the second sidewall section is angularly disposed relative to the first sidewall section, so as to form a feature that interlocks with an adjacent structural block.

Abstract: The rifle sling with stabilizing loop includes a central loop having a forward portion and a rearward portion. The forward portion is flexible, and the rearward portion is substantially stiff, thus maintaining the central loop in an open, non-collapsed state. The rifle sling further includes a forward strap having opposed first and second ends, the first end being adapted for releasable attachment to a forestock of a firearm, the second end being fixed to the forward portion of the central loop. A rearward strap is further provided, the rearward strap having opposed first and second ends. The first end of the rearward strap is adapted for releasable attachment to a butt of a firearm, and the second end of the rearward strap is slidably secured to the rearward portion of the central loop.

Abstract: “Shipping container systems are provided for shipping a temperature sensitive product or payload. The systems include at least one heat transfer element and a payload container configured to hold payload therein and configured to be positioned within a shipping container; the payload container being spaced from sidewalls of the shipping container. Also included are spacers that may for example, space the payload container from one or more of the heat transfer elements. The spacers are configured to allow air to flow over surfaces of the payload container and heat transfer elements. Also included are kits that include components of the system and methods. Further provided are products that include any one or more of the described elements; and fully assembled shipping containers.

Abstract: A communication system comprises a plurality of communication devices and a feature control module. The plurality of communication devices reside at a plurality of locations associated with a user and are operatively associated with a communication network. The feature control module is configured to identify a location of the user, identify at least one of the communication devices at the plurality of locations, and grant feature control for a communication session to at least one communication device based on the identification of the location of the user.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for assembling an outlet guide vane is provided. The method includes providing an outlet guide vane frame having a first side and a second side. The outlet guide vane includes a radially inward flange coupled to a radially outward flange by a leading edge. A trailing edge is coupled to the radially inward flange and the radially outward flange aft of the leading edge. A cavity is defined between the radially inward flange, the radially outward flange, the leading edge, and the trailing edge. A first and a second mating surface circumscribe the cavity on the first and second sides respectively. The method further includes coupling a filler portion within the cavity wherein the filler portion includes a third side and a fourth side, coupling a first skin to the third side and the first mating surface, and coupling a second skin to the fourth side and the second mating surface, wherein at least one of the first skin and the second skin are fabricated from a composite material.

Abstract: An apparatus for pitching and splitting a masonry block is provided. The apparatus includes a first pitching blade configured to move in a first direction. A second pitching blade is disposed adjacent to the first pitching blade, and the two pitching blades are separated by a distance that is small enough so that the splits initiated by each blade join into a single plane, thereby pitching and splitting the masonry block without the need for a splitting blade.

Abstract: A vane includes a composite airfoil having a dovetail root extending chordwise between or near leading and trailing edges of the airfoil. The root is connected to the airfoil and is slidably received in a dovetail slot in an inner vane mount. The dovetail slot has a triangular slot cross section and a flat slot bottom and flat slot pressure and suction side crush faces corresponding to pressure and suction sides of the airfoil. The root has a triangular root cross section, a flat root bottom, and flat dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces. A biasing means urges the root bottom of the dovetail root away from the slot bottom and presses and preloads the dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces against the slot pressure and suction side slot crush faces.

Abstract: A mercury ionic gas standard generator for use in the continuous emissions monitoring of exhaust flue gas streams is disclosed. More specifically, the mercury ionic gas standard generator uses a reservoir being coated with an inert silicon-based coating for transporting a volume of an aqueous ionic mercury solution to a liquid mass flow controller and vaporizer.

Abstract: A vane includes a composite airfoil having chordwise spaced apart forward and aft dovetail feet at or near leading and trailing edges of the airfoil. Each foot includes a shank connecting a dovetail root to an airfoil base and each root is slidably received in a dovetail slot in an inner vane mount. The dovetail slot has a triangular slot cross section and a flat slot bottom and flat slot pressure and suction side crush faces corresponding to pressure and suction sides of the airfoil. The dovetail root having a triangular root cross section and a flat root bottom and flat dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces. A biasing means urges the root bottom of the dovetail roots away from the slot bottom and presses and preloads the dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces against the slot pressure and suction side slot crush faces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a product within a diffuser during a continuous lixiviation process. The apparatus comprises at least one screen deck for the continuous lixiviation process and at least one longitudinal transport zone, the longitudinal transport zone extending between an inlet and outlet of the diffuser. The transport zone may include a plurality of transport zones. A drive means is arranged to move the longitudinal transport zone at a first speed towards the outlet end of the diffuser and to retract the longitudinal transport zone at a second speed which is substantially faster than the first speed towards the inlet end of the diffuser, so that the transport zone drive the product towards the outlet of the diffuser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a computer controlled test system in which the computer can change and monitor the compound observable state of an electronic device or telephone during testing procedure. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the compound observable state of the electronic device includes a display bit map file or the status of lights or buttons. The compound observable state can be evaluated by the computer in real-time to alert nearby operators of a failure (i.e. a telephone that needs to be rebooted) or malfunction (not rising to the level of a failure). Also, the data related to the compound observable state can be stored in the computer for later review to assist in debugging the telephone's software.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that control devices using signals transmitted over power lines in many different applications and configurations. They provide a lower cost approach for controlling devices via signals transmitted over power lines. The methods and systems may control intensity, spectral, and other characteristics of lighting devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or assemblies thereof, via power lines. They may also control other types of loads, such as motors, relays, valves or the like. Additionally, techniques for independently controlling intensity and spectral content of selected high efficiency lighting devices are also described. For example, the brightness and color of an LED may be controlled via the power lines that supply power to the LED.

Abstract: An apparatus for splitting a concrete block and pitching at least one edge of the split concrete block is provided. The apparatus includes a splitting blade have a blade edge, such as a sharpened edge or a dull edge. The splitting blade is configured to move in a first direction so as to split a concrete block into two or more sections. The apparatus also includes a pitching blade having a blade edge, such as a sharpened and adjacent to the splitting blade, the pitching blade edge vertically offset from the splitting blade edge so as to pitch an edge of one of the sections of the concrete block after the concrete block has been split.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a sample monitoring system is provided and includes a first enclosure configured to enclose a probe body into which the sample is drawn, a sensor coupled to the probe body and configured to sense a chemical composition of the sample and at least one first heater configured to heat an interior of the first enclosure, a second enclosure configured to enclose a pump coupled to the probe body and configured to draw the sample therein and a second heater configured to heat the pump, and a third enclosure configured to enclose a pump motor configured to control an operation of the pump and to support heating controlling units configured to control the at least one first heater and the second heater.

Abstract: A means is provided to make the capsules of cirrhotic or fibrotic livers relatively impermeable to liver tissue fluid or lymph in humans or other mammals suffering from severe chronic ascites or refractory ascites by application of collodion.