Abstract: A liquid current power generating system in one embodiment includes a first electric generator, a first vertical rotor operably connected to the first electric generator and extending into a liquid current, and a first turbine operably connected to the first vertical rotor and including at least one first end plate and a first vertical louver with a front side, and a back side, and pivotable between a first position whereat the backside is in contact with a first wall portion of the at least one first end plate, and a second position whereat the backside is in contact with a second wall portion of the at least one first end plate.

Abstract: A concrete mold device for vertically forming a concrete panel comprises a plurality of concrete forms for collectively defining a mold cavity for receiving an uncured concrete mixture therein. The concrete forms include: a pair of opposing side wall forms configured to define side wall surfaces of the mold cavity; and a pair of opposing end wall forms, configured to define end wall surfaces of the mold cavity. An elongate lower support gasket has an upper surface configured to define a bottom surface of the mold cavity, the lower support gasket having gasket side walls configured to abut against at least a portion of each of the side wall forms to provide a seal between the lower support gasket and the side wall forms to retain the concrete mixture within the mold cavity. Reinforcing structure is associated with the lower support gasket to increase a load-bearing capacity of the lower support gasket.

Abstract: An air conveyor for handling workpieces in a food grade environment has a cylindrical pipe with an elongated slot that extends along an axial length of the pipe. A track is snap fit in the elongated slot and has a base for supporting the workpieces. The base has air vents that provide directional airflow for pushing the workpieces along an axial length of the track on a cushion of air. A movable hanger assembly supports the pipe from above and captures the workpieces in the track.

Abstract: Methods of inducing tooth movement and treating malocclusion, craniofacial anomalies, bony defects, and dentofacial deformities through accelerated bone remodeling as caused by the delivery non-static forces; reducing pain and discomfort in patients; and improving tissue integrity long-term results as to prevent post-orthodontic treatment relapse. The methods and apparatus include a mechanism for data capture and analysis related to patient compliance and usage behavior, as well as for establishing the invention as a component of the clinical office workflow to increase efficiency and productivity.

Abstract: Methods of inducing tooth movement and treating malocclusion, craniofacial anomalies, bony defects, and dentofacial deformities through accelerated bone remodeling as caused by the delivery non-static forces; reducing pain and discomfort in patients; and improving tissue integrity long-term results as to prevent post-orthodontic treatment relapse. The methods and apparatus include a mechanism for data capture and analysis related to patient compliance and usage behavior, as well as for establishing the invention as a component of the clinical office workflow to increase efficiency and productivity.

Abstract: An air conveyor for handling workpieces in a food grade environment has a cylindrical pipe with an elongated slot that extends along an axial length of the pipe. A track is snap fit in the elongated slot and has a base for supporting the workpieces. The base has air vents that provide directional airflow for pushing the workpieces along an axial length of the track on a cushion of air. A movable hanger assembly supports the pipe from above and captures the workpieces in the track.

Abstract: A system and method dynamically process video data received by a video decoder by determining a throttling amount, at a decoder throttling device, based on a measure of computational processing power required to decode at least one bitstream of the video data or the decoder's processing capabilities. The computational processing requirements of the decoder are controlled based on the throttling amount, including reducing the processing performed on the decoded video data prior to displaying a picture associated with the decoded video data. The decoder may reduce the amount of processing by limiting functions of at least one post filter or conversion filter. The computational processing requirements may also be controlled by comparing temporal references of two motion vectors of a picture of the video data, determining which motion vector has a closer temporal distance from the picture being decoded and processing only the motion vector having the closer temporal distance.

Abstract: The present invention identifies a p53 homolog gene, cep-1, and mutations thereof in the nematode C. elegans which allows for the application of molecular genetic methods to identify new components of the p53 pathway as well as genes that act in parallel to the p53 pathway. cep-1 mutants show elevated physiological germ cell death during normal development. The present invention also provides a simple system with which to perform high-throughput screens for pharmacological agents that suppress the effects of eliminating the cep-1 gene or that enhance its effectiveness when in a mutant state. This strategy should identify agents that selectively kill p53-deficient cells that are resistant to traditional chemotherapeutic regimens and thus block the formation of human tumors that arise when p53 function is compromised.

Abstract: A concrete mold device for vertically forming a concrete panel includes a plurality of concrete forms for collectively defining a mold cavity for receiving an uncured concrete mixture therein. The concrete forms can include a pair of opposing side wall forms to define side wall surfaces of the mold cavity and a pair of opposing end wall forms to define end wall surfaces of the mold cavity. An elongate lower support gasket can also be provided and can have an upper surface that defines a bottom surface of the mold cavity. The lower support gasket can have gasket side walls to abut against at least a portion of each of the side wall forms to provide a seal between the lower support gasket and the side wall forms to retain the concrete mixture within the mold cavity.

Abstract: A method for computerized industrial process control provides computers networked to communicate with one another. Each computer active in the system is responsbile for at least a portion of the process and at least one decision for a process to be controlled and having an output. All activities are characterized by type, the types of activities forming a universal set including sensing facts, linking facts into a meaningful context, and evaluating meaning to formulate a decision. An entity responsible for an assigned decision conducts a series of activities selected from the three types, which may be applied recursively. Decisions are communicated between computers through the system to control the process. Producing output from the process follows according to a combination of decisions reported from each computer corresponding to a responsible person or other entity.

Abstract: A light bulb retention assembly for an automobile headlight includes an socket with an opening adapted to receive a light bulb, plural holes in the socket and around the opening that each have an end surface with an upper step and a lower step, plural pins that are each in a respective one of the holes, where each of the pins has a head with a first underside part that bears against the upper step and a second underside part that is separated from the lower step by a gap, and a lock ring having plural latching parts that each rotationally fit into a respective gap. The socket has a sealing edge and the plural latching parts mate with the sealing edge to hold a seal therebetween.

Abstract: A light bulb retention assembly for an automobile headlight includes an socket with an opening adapted to receive a light bulb, plural holes in the socket and around the opening that each have an end surface with an upper step and a lower step, plural pins that are each in a respective one of the holes, where each of the pins has a head with a first underside part that bears against the upper step and a second underside part that is separated from the lower step by a gap, and a lock ring having plural latching parts that each rotationally fit into a respective gap. The socket has a sealing edge and the plural latching parts mate with the sealing edge to hold a seal therebetween.

Abstract: A method for computerized industrial process control provides computers networked to communicate with one another. Each computer active in the system is responsbile for at least a portion of the process and at least one decision for a process to be controlled and having an output. All activities are characterized by type, the types of activities forming a universal set including sensing facts, linking facts into a meaningful context, and evaluating meaning to formulate a decision. An entity responsible for an assigned decision conducts a series of activities selected from the three types, which may be applied recursively. Decisions are communicated between computers through the system to control the process. Producing output from the process follows according to a combination of decisions reported from each computer corresponding to a responsible person or other entity.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device has an elongated body with a first seating end having a tailbone pad mounted thereon, adjacent a raised second lumbar support end. The lumbar support end has a multi-curved upper surface, including a concave portion between raised side rails that conforms to the lumbar region of a person's body to allow the person to achieve a better, more comfortable workout, with accelerated and improved results.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for processing foreign origin parcels through Customs and individuals through security checkpoints. The system includes a database stored on a computer readable medium having data records associated with each foreign origin parcel or individual. Associated with the database is a processor having a search engine for performing searches on the information in the data records based on criteria selected by a user. The system further includes an interface. The interface allows the user to select search criteria to be used by the processor to search the data records. The interface displays the results of the search to the user and allows the user to select parcels or individuals identified during the search for inspection. In addition, the processor and interface allows the user to electronically store notes taken during the inspection, such that the information related to the inspection can be electronically archived.

Abstract: A system and method dynamically process video data received by a video decoder by determining a throttling amount, at a decoder throttling device, based on a measure of computational processing power required to decode at least one bitstream of the video data or the decoder's processing capabilities. The computational processing requirements of the decoder are controlled based on the throttling amount, including reducing the processing performed on the decoded video data prior to displaying a picture associated with the decoded video data. The decoder may reduce the amount of processing by limiting functions of at least one post filter or conversion filter. The computational processing requirements may also be controlled by comparing temporal references of two motion vectors of a picture of the video data, determining which motion vector has a closer temporal distance from the picture being decoded and processing only the motion vector having the closer temporal distance.

Abstract: The invention described herein permits video decoders of varying degrees of computational power to decode bitstreams with varying degrees of visual quality degradation. It does so by reducing processing power requirements of a video decoder based on both bitstream contents and decoder capabilities. One method it uses is the reduction of motion compensation processing by modifying the use or values of motion vectors, such as by turning some motion compensation off, or by limiting the precision of motion vectors during decoding. Another method is by limiting the coefficient processing so as to reduce the computational requirements. Another method is to limit the processing of color components, and another method is by reducing the amount of filtering performed on the decoder's output video pictures.

Abstract: The present invention identifies a p53 homolog gene, cep-1, and mutations thereof in the nematode C. elegans which allows for the application of molecular genetic methods to identify new components of the p53 pathway as well as genes that act in parallel to the p53 pathway. cep-1 mutants show elevated physiological germ cell death during normal development. The present invention also provides a simple system with which to perform high-throughput screens for pharmacological agents that suppress the effects of eliminating the cep-1 gene or that enhance its effectiveness when in a mutant state. This strategy should identify agents that selectively kill p53-deficient cells that are resistant to traditional chemotherapeutic regimens and thus block the formation of human tumors that arise when p53 function is compromised.