Abstract: A system and method for marketing automobiles. In one aspect of the invention, a website for marketing automobiles, the website comprising functionality as disclosed in FIGS. 9, 10, 12, and 13, alone or in combination. In another aspect of the invention, a world wide web enabled computer system is provided, the computer system comprising: a processor for hosting a website, the website comprising functionality as disclosed in FIGS. 9, 10, 12, and 13, alone or in combination; and a storage means, wherein the storage means is operably coupled to the processor, and wherein the storage means is used to host a plurality of partitions, the plurality of partitions comprise an automobile buyers' partition, an administration partition, and a automobile dealer's partition.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring facility data is disclosed. This includes at least one processor capable of receiving inputted data and generating alerts or alarms when scheduled activity does not occur, monitoring whether devices used in the facility are calibrated, determining what corrective actions are appropriate if defects occur, provide control over who and how users edit data, provide a pre-shipment review of products leaving a facility, determining disposition of at least one product, developing root causes for defects and scheduling tasks. There is an ability for a wide variety of individuals having access to exactly the same program with material added or blocked-out in terms of zones and data monitoring can be defined in terms of department, lines and processes with complete flexibility in configuration. There are both data collectors and data verifiers with the establishment of schedules and alarms tailored to each role.

Abstract: A technique for efficiently structuring a database takes advantage of redundancy in data point conditions to reduce the time associated with the insertion of data points into a database and to reduce the amount of required storage space. The technique is particularly suited for semiconductor characterization data having a large number of test data points collected under repeated test conditions. The data point conditions are analyzed to inventory the different unique conditions associated with the given set of data points. Each unique combination of conditions is assigned a variable array, and each variable array element identifies a specific condition. The data point values are linked to variable set handles that represent the different variable arrays. In this manner, the data points can be inserted into the database without having to store each data point value with all of the corresponding conditions. Rather, the data point values are stored along with their respective variable set handles.

Abstract: This invention involves the identification of a ligand for the retinol X receptor. Specifically docosahexaenoic has been identified as an RXR ligand. Various assays based upon this observation are a feature of this invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously monitoring selected parameters of reciprocating compressor cylinders is disclosed, the apparatus includes a plurality of sensors positioned to monitor selected parameters within the cylinder on either side of the piston, with the selected parameters including pressures on each side of the piston for each cycle, temperatures of the gas entering and exiting the cylinder, and vibrations of components such as a piston shaft within the cylinder. A calculator means in close proximity to the cylinder receives the signals from the sensors and analyzes the signals for each cycle of the piston. Output signals proportional to the monitored signals are transmitted to a remotely located computer. The output signals include pressure versus volume curves for each cylinder volume, horsepower consumed by the cylinder, inlet suction and outlet discharge gas temperatures of the gases moved through the cylinder, and compression and tension stress on the piston rod.

Abstract: An inbred corn line, designated LH286, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line LH286, to the plants of inbred corn line LH286 and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing the inbred line LH286 with itself or another corn line. The invention further relates to hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line LH286 with another corn line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a breakdown voltage between two electrodes separated by a dielectric. The output of a sensor perceiving the voltage across the two electrodes is transferred to a peak-hold circuit. A spark through the dielectric and across the two electrodes is detected, Restrikes between the electrodes are clamped by precluding further transfers of sensor output to the peak-hold circuit for a predetermined period of time subsequent to the detected occurrence of the spark.

Abstract: For introducing gases, wires and powders to metal melts, a multi-ducted refractory body (11) is installed in the wall (14) of a vessel (15) for the melt. The body has passage closing elements (24, 34, 35) preventing melt entering the passages (A, B, C). Two passages (A and C) serve respectively for introducing gas, and fluidized powders, to the melt: each has a movable pipe (36.91) (for gas or fluidized powder). Upon moving gas pipe (36) towards the melt, it dislodges closing element (24) whereby gas from the pipe can enter the melt via capillary bores (25). Similarly, by moving pipe (91), closing element: when it reaches the closing element (34) the wire can itself dislodge this element to gain access to the melt. A method of introducing substances to liquid related to uses of this apparatus is disclosed, as well as metallurgical processes involving the method.

Abstract: A Bordetella pertussis vaccine is prepared by deep tank cultivation using a seed grown in a biphasic culture system. An anion exchange resin in combination with .beta.-lactoglobulin and a Modified Cohen-Wheeler or Modified Stainer-Schlolte medium is used in the process resulting in enhancement of the growth, antigen production and potency of the phase I Bordetella pertussis vaccine. An acellular Bordetella pertussis vaccine derived from the culture broth and cells of Bordetella pertussis useful in preparing an acellular vaccine and which are grown in a medium containing .beta.-lactoglobulin and an anion exchange resin is also disclosed.

Abstract: For the introducing gases, wires and powders to metal melts, a multi-ducted refractory body is installed in the wall of a vessel for the melt. The body has passage closing elements preventing melt entering the passages (A, B, C). Two passages (A and C) serve respectively for introducing gas, and fluidized powders, to the melt; each has a movable pipe (for gas or fluidized powder). Upon moving the gas pipe towards the melt, it dislodges closing element whereby gas from the pipe can enter the melt via capillar bores. Wire is fed along passage (B) to the melt: when it reaches the closing element the wire can itself dislodge this element to gain access to the melt. A method of introducing substances to liquid related to use of this apparatus is disclosed, as well as metallurgical process involving the method.

Abstract: Metal flow from furnace taphole to a pouring trough is controlled by a valve interposed therebetween, the valve having a stationary orificed valve plate and a companion slide plate for closing or opening the orifice to flow. An actuating beam member forming part of a parallel motion linkage extends upwardly and obliquely from the slide plate, the actuating member being thrust against the slide plate by a swinging spring strut of the linkage. A ram connected to the linkage via a crank, a shaft and a pivoted lever displaces the linkage when extended or contracted and this moves the actuating member along a predetermined path, its oblique attitude being preserved, to open or shut the valve.

Abstract: A process for producing metallic lead and silver from materials such as ores and concentrates containing the corresponding sulfides and particularly a mixture of minerals such as galena and tetrahedrite in which process the minerals are initially roasted under neutral conditions which include a non-oxidizing or even slightly reducing atmosphere at an elevated temperature for a time equivalent to about 1.5 hours at about 550.degree.-600.degree.C. to produce a roasted mineral product in which the roasting causes certain unidentified changes but with the resulting roasted product being more easily leachable so that the process of removing the silver and lead can be greatly simplified.

Abstract: For the introducing gases, wires and powders to metal melts, a multi-ducted refractory body is installed in the wall of a vessel for the melt. The body has passage closing elements preventing melt entering the passages (A, B, C). Two passages (A and C) serve respectively for introducing gas, and fluidized powders, to the melt; each has a movable pipe (for gas or fluidized powder). Upon moving the gas pipe towards the melt, it dislodges closing element whereby gas from the pipe can enter the melt via capillar bores. Wire is fed along passage (B) to the melt: when it reaches the closing element the wire can itself dislodge this element to gain access to the melt. A method of introducing substances to liquid related to use of this apparatus is disclosed, as well as metallurgical process involving the method.