Abstract: A method for determining an unknown starting quantity of a target nucleic acid sequence in a test sample comprises amplifying the unknown starting quantity of the target nucleic acid sequence in the test sample and known starting quantities of a calibration nucleic acid sequence in respective calibration samples; and determining a respective threshold value for each of the nucleic acid sequences using a derivative of a growth curve derived for the sequence. The starting quantity of the target nucleic acid sequence in the test sample is determined using the threshold value determined for the target sequence and a calibration curve derived from the threshold values determined for the known starting quantities of the calibration nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A system and method for enhanced telephone customer usage details is presented. A user is able to configure one or more telephone accounts to limit the amount of telephone usage. The user sets usage limits corresponding to one of the telephone accounts and processing verifies that the usage limits are not exceeded during each telephone call. When processing determines that a particular telephone call is approaching a usage limit, processing sends an audible message to the user. When processing determines that a particular telephone call has reached a usage limit, processing terminates the telephone call. The user may display telephone usage information on his telephone display or the user may configure processing to provide an audio message corresponding to his account information.

Abstract: A compound of the formula (I) in which R1 is —OR11, —SR11, —SOR11, —SO2R11, —NHR11, or —NR12R13 , and R11, R12, and R13 are as defined broadly in the text. R2 is H, C1-C6alkyl, carbamoyl, or an ester group. R3 is thienyl, pyridyl optionally substituted by halogen or C1-C6alkoxy; naphthyl optionally substituted by C1-C6alkoxy; dioxane fused phenyl; dioxacyclopentane fused phenyl; or optionally substituted phenyl. Y is CH or N. A process for preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and a method of treating asthma using them are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ?3 adrenergic receptor agonist of formula (I); or a pharmaceutical salt thereof; which is capable of increasing lipolysis and energy expenditure in cells and, therefore, is useful for treating Type 2 diabetes and/or obesity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a plurality of dice on a semiconductor wafer. In one embodiment, a method according to embodiments of the present invention includes arranging a plurality of dice in a semiconductor wafer such that there is a separation region between each neighboring die of the semiconductor wafer. One or more trenches are etched in the separation region of the semiconductor wafer to form one or more lateral surfaces of one or more of the plurality of dice. The semiconductor wafer is then fractured into separate pieces at the one or more trenches to separate the plurality of dice from each other.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel supply system includes a hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen from an energy source at an outlet pressure. An outlet conduit feeds the hydrogen to a user. A controller controls the hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen at the outlet pressure. An input interface receives user demand data and activates the controller in accordance with the user demand data.

Abstract: Composite wear layers that include a polyethylene terephthalate wear layer adhered to an organic/inorganic (O/I) top coat layer, and surface coverings and surface covering components including the composite wear layers, are disclosed. The organic/inorganic top coat layer is formed from a top coat formulation that comprises a coupling agent that includes an organic polymerizable moiety such as epoxy, acrylate and the like, as well as an inorganic polymerizable moiety such as a silanol. The wear layer is typically in the range of about 1-20 mils thickness, and the top coat layer is typically in the range of 2 microns to 0.5 mils thickness. The composite wear layers can be included in surface coverings or surface covering components, such as floor and wall coverings. An adhesion promoter/binder can be used to better adhere the polyethylene terephthalate wear layer to the organic/inorganic top coat layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of an inflammatory disease, especially an inflammatory rheumatoid or rheumatic disease, and/or pain with an inhibitor of the activity of VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase of the formula I, the substituents being defined in the specification; as well as to new phthalazine derivatives; processes for the preparation thereof, the application thereof in a process for the treatment of the human or animal body; the use thereof for the treatment of a disease, especially a disease caused by ocular neovascularization, such as age-related macula degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, or other diseases that respond to the inhibition of tyrosine kinases, such as a proliferative disease; a method for the treatment of such disease in mammals; and the use of such a compound for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment especially of a disease as mentioned above.

Abstract: A cover for a hitch receiver includes a removable cover plate, which may incorporate a theft deterrent design and may be illuminated by an electroluminescent sheet.

Abstract: A method for combusting a fuel in a cyclone combustor having a burner and a barrel includes: feeding a stream of the fuel into the barrel at the burner end of the barrel; feeding a stream(s) of a first oxidant (e.g., air) having a first oxygen concentration into the barrel at a first flowrate, the stream(s) of the first oxidant including a predominant stream; feeding a stream(s) of a second oxidant (e.g., oxygen) having a second oxygen concentration into the barrel at a second flowrate and in a selective manner, whereby a portion of the first oxidant combines with a portion of the second oxidant, thereby forming a combined oxidant having a combined oxygen concentration, and a portion of the first oxidant from the predominant stream continues having the first oxygen concentration; and combusting a portion of the fuel with a portion of the combined oxidant in the barrel.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes at least one cooperative element sensor. A carriage for use in the image forming apparatus has a main body including at least one printer element and at least first and second cooperative elements carried by the main body in spaced relation to one another.

Abstract: A dual output power module housing a dual output power circuit for providing variable power to two parallel connected fan motors is shown. The power module includes a pad which has disposed thereon two power switching devices, two intelligent power switches, and a power circuit board on which circuits for controlling the intelligent power switches are disposed. The module includes a power shell that surrounds the dual output power circuit, and a resilient, flexible enclosure which encapsulates the power shell and the circuit components within the power shell.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for forming a deposit on the surface of a metallic or conductive surface. The process employs an electrolytic process to deposit a silicate containing coating or film upon a metallic or conductive surface.

Abstract: A collectible with a core, a filler material, a fabric surface layer, and a fabric attachment. The core is situated inside the fabric surface layer and the fabric surface layer is stuffed with the filler material to form a body. The fabric attachment is attached to the body to form a body part shape. The collectible has an overall shape, which is substantially like an animal. Also, a method of making a collectible with a sizing step, a placing step, a stuffing step, and an attaching step. The collectible may be made from towels or the like. The core may be a bean bag.

Abstract: A carrier system for transporting equipment, such as bicycles. The carrier of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a spine member that is capable of having equipment mounting hardware attached to it. This equipment mounting hardware includes a platform, a cargo box, bicycle mounting hardware, golf bag mounting hardware, a flexible cover, and other types of hardware.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a metering chamber and an elongated stem. The stem is axially movable with respect to the valve housing for dispensing liquid and is rotatable for adjusting the length of the stroke of a piston to thereby select the volume of liquid dispensed with each actuation of the stem. A sliding float member is fitted around the stem within the chamber and is axially slidable with respect to the stem but is locked for rotation with the stem. The lower surface of the sliding float is locked for axial movement with the piston but is independently rotatable with respect to the piston. A pair of spaced poles extends parallel to the axis of the float and engages vaginations in a surface of the housing to thereby limit the length of the stroke of the piston. The poles of the float and the complementary pairs of vaginations in the housing are angularly spaced a distance of less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A temperature control unit and a method of operating a temperature control unit. The temperature control unit including a refrigeration circuit enclosing a refrigerant and having a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator coil. The method including providing a first flow path extending through the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator, providing a second flow path extending through the compressor and the evaporator, the second flow path bypassing a section of the refrigeration circuit, directing refrigerant through the first flow path during operation in a cooling mode, directing refrigerant through the second flow path during operation in a heating mode, and recovering refrigerant from the section of the refrigeration circuit during operation in a recovery cycle.

Abstract: A vacuum heat treating furnace for brazing a large metallic part is disclosed. The vacuum furnace includes a pressure vessel having a cylindrical wall and a door dimensioned and positioned for closing an end of the cylindrical wall. A workpiece handling system is mounted on the pressure vessel door for supporting a metallic workpiece to be heat treated or brazed. The workpiece handling system includes apparatus for rotating the workpiece during a processing cycle. A vacuum system is connectable to the workpiece for creating a subatmospheric pressure inside the workpiece during a brazing cycle.