Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for optimizing fuel consumption. A physical dynamics model may be used to simulate a vehicle being driven by a driver along a virtual route, possibly under specified weather conditions. A score for a route may be calculated from estimations, based on the simulation, of fuel efficiency, vehicle drivability, and/or time for completing the route. Routes may be configured from components through a user interface. Scores for the routes from simulations may be compared to select an optimum route.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining whether a valve is fully opened or closed. In one embodiment a valve position translator includes a cam tube and a rod. The cam tube has a cylindrical wall. A first slot in the wall is disposed along a radial arc of the tube. A second slot in the wall extends from an end of the first slot at an angle acute to the first slot. The rod extends through the wall, and rotates the cam tube while moving linearly along the cam tube in the second slot and while moving in an arc in the first slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides, for musical instruments such as organs, action-magnets and action-magnet drivers that facilitate reduction of wiring, connections, and logic circuitry. Some embodiments of present invention provide stop action-magnets, also called SAM's, comprising integral drive circuitry and, which may further comprise additional integral circuitry. Embodiments of this invention may comprise, logic circuits such as a shift-register cells, micro-controllers, or both. Some embodiments of this invention comprise shift-cells and registers combining both SIPO and PISO functions for addressing SAM's. A single-coil SAM embodiment of the present invention may respond to signals intended to operate traditional two-coil SAM's. In another embodiment, a pipe action-magnet driver comprises logic circuitry. In yet another embodiment a pipe action-magnet comprises an integral driver that further comprises logic circuitry.

Abstract: A dolly transport system includes a dolly cart assembly having a dolly frame having at least one gripping handle, at least one lifting fork extending from the dolly frame to a distal end, and a handle grip structure located at the distal end of the lifting fork. The dolly cart assembly includes a first supporting location that includes the gripping handle and a second supporting location remote from the first supporting location that includes the handle grip structure.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 08093572 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 08093572, to the plants of soybean cultivar 08093572, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 08093572, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 08093572. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 08093572. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 08093572, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 08093572 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing an electric grid are described. One example method includes displaying a dashboard to a user via a computing assembly. The dashboard defines at least two cells. The example method includes receiving, at an input device of the computing assembly, a selection of a first module and appending the first module to a first of the at least two cells of the dashboard. The first module is configured to display, via the display device, at least one of electric grid data and a control to configure the electric grid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active component for stimulating proteasome activity of skin cells comprising the broth obtained by inoculating a biomass of the algae, Gracilaria spp., particularly the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae, with a yeast culture, and allowing fermentation of the biomass to produce a fermentation broth. Also described is a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active component for stimulating proteasome activity of skin cells comprising an extract of the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae. The present invention also relates to topical compositions comprising as a a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active component a ferment of the algae, Gracilaria spp., particularly the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae, or an extract of the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A two-step pulse lamp sintering process using a series of low energy light pulses to pre-treat the target before applying one or more higher energy pulses to sinter the metallic nanoparticles. The pulses can be provided so that nanoparticles are not sintered by the low energy pulse(s), but are sintered by the high energy pulse(s).

Abstract: Customers may utilize different services or products of a provider. The different services or products utilized by a customer may create different relationships between the provider and the customer. Systems and methods are provided for coordinating the different relationships to provide relationship-based pricing. Relationship-based pricing may increase customer satisfaction with services or products offered by the provider. Systems and methods may adjust fees associated with services or products of the provider by coordinating the different relationships. The fees may be decreased or waived to increase customer satisfaction.

Abstract: An asymmetric switching rectifier includes a first switching device to allow electric current to flow while in a first state and inhibit electric current in a second state and a second switching device connected in a head-to-head formation to said first switching device, said second switching to allow electric current to flow while in a first state and inhibit electric current in a second state. A first electric current to turn said switching devices to said first state is different than a second electric current to turn said switching devices to said second state. The rectifier further includes a bypass segment to draw a bypass electric current from a center electrode between said first switching device and said second switching device.

Abstract: A pin for a lawn game includes a shaft portion that includes a first end and a second ground contact end. The pin further has a first fence part that is fixedly attached to the shaft portion and radially extends outwardly from the shaft portion and a second fence part that is rotatably attached to the shaft portion and radially extends outwardly from the shaft. The second fence part is sized such that at least a portion of the second fence part is disposed within confines of the first fence part. The second fence part is rotatably relative to the fixed first fence part to allow the second fence part to be position at a desired angle, including a right angle, relative to the first fence part. The pin also has a flag disposed at the first end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane element may be used in a pressure vessel similar to those used with spiral wound elements, optionally as a replacement for a spiral wound element. A connecting sleeve is used to connect the insides of adjacent elements to each other or to one or more fittings in communication with the outside of the pressure vessel. The element has hollow fiber membranes suspended between two potting heads spaced apart by a cross flow tube that is open at the outside faces of both potting heads. The potting heads are each adapted to slide into an end of a connecting sleeve. A module has one or more hollow fiber elements located inside of a pressure vessel. At least one port is provided in communication between the outsides of the one or more elements and the outside of the vessel. An aerator may be provided on the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for optimizing fuel consumption. A physical dynamics model may be used to simulate a vehicle being driven by a driver along a virtual route, possibly under specified weather conditions. A score for the vehicle may be calculated from estimations, based on the simulation, of fuel efficiency, vehicle drivability, and/or time for completing the route. Simulated (“virtual”) vehicles may be configured from components through a user interface. Scores for the vehicles may be compared to select an optimum vehicle.

Abstract: One embodiment will protect the sprinkler head 30 from heat during the kill process of bed bugs. The embodiment is installed with temperature indicators to show if the maximum ceiling temperature has been exceeded and has compromised the thermal element. The seal between the embodiment and sprinkler head is made between the adapter ring 40, the sprinkler support cup assembly 180, the escutcheon cup 150, or the supply pipe 20. Installation of the embodiment never impairs the sprinkler head 30.

Abstract: An oil filter wrench for use in tightening or loosening an oil filter includes a band assembly configured to be placed over the oil filter; a handle assembly attached to the band assembly for use in tightening and turning the band assembly; and a layer of flexible or compressible high friction material applied over a portion of the band assembly to reduce slippage between the band assembly and the oil filter.

Abstract: A semiconductor die is solder bump-bonded to a leadframe or circuit board using solder balls having cores made of a material with a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of the solder to ensure that in the finished structure the die is parallel to the leadframe or circuit board.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel polymers of benzodithiophene, methods and materials for their preparation, their use as semiconductors in organic electronic (OE) devices, and to OE devices comprising these polymers.

Abstract: An acoustic projector testing system using an acoustically transparent portable vessel which encloses a test apparatus is disclosed. The vessel is connected to an adapter plate which allows the test apparatus to be submerged in water. The testing system is then submerged in shallow water. An external pump fills the vessel with water and the air inside the vessel is allowed to escape through an external, sealable vent, Once all the air is evacuated, the vent is sealed. The pressure inside the vessel can be altered by adjusting the amount of water pumped into the vessel to perform necessary testing.

Abstract: An optical device comprises a transparent substrate having: an array of micromirrors on one surface of the substrate; and a corresponding array of microimage elements, the micromirrors presenting convex surfaces to the microimage elements whereby each convex surface causes ambient light to pass through the microimage element array from a virtual focus, the arrangement of the microimage elements and micromirrors being such that they cooperate to generate a lenticular type or a moiré magnification effect.

Abstract: A method of semiconductor processing includes coating a top surface of a substrate having a semiconductor surface with a positive photoresist layer. The positive photoresist layer is exposed using a reticle or a mask that defines a pattern. The positive photoresist layer is doped by introducing at least one material modifying species after exposing. The positive photoresist layer is developed with a negative tone developer to form a patterned positive photoresist layer which provides masked portions of the top surface and unmasked portions of the top surface. A selective process is then performed to the unmasked portions of the top surface.