Abstract:
An apparatus for workflow automation includes a server computer and a plurality of client computers. Each client computer has an electronic coupling to the server computer for transmission of information between the server computer and each of the client computers and data entry elements and form interfaces for a user to fill out using the data entry elements. The server and client computers are configured to have a main spreadsheet on the server computer and client spreadsheets on the client computers with data entered in the form interfaces also appearing in the client spreadsheets, links from cells in the main spreadsheet to cells in the client spreadsheets, and directional instructions for sequentially routing data from client and server spreadsheets according to a workflow plan. The server computer is also configured to permit creation or revision of the directional instructions and to permit a user to graphically establish linking of cells to determine a flow of information without having to write lines of programming code.
Abstract:
The compound N-(.beta.-ketocaproyl)L-homoserine lactone is shown to be an autoinducer that enhances gene expression in a wide variety of microorganisms. Use can be made of this property for diagnostic purposes, e.g., when gene expression causes bioluminescence or antibiotic production, or to promote bacterial growth. The invention claims use for these purposes of the compound and analogs of formula (I) where n is 2 or 3, each of X and Y is O, S or NH, and R is optionally-substituted C1-C12 alkyl or acyl. Some of these are also claimed as new compounds.
Abstract:
Improved ultrasonic energy transducers each include a material contacting member secured to a piezoelectric element at an interface region between oppositely operated first and second regions of the piezoelectric element. The material contacting member intensifies and amplifies movement of the interface region as the first and second regions of the piezoelectric element operate in a push-pull mode relative to the interface region. The first and second regions of the piezoelectric element can be electrically driven to move the material contacting member for transmission of ultrasonic energy or mechanically driven by the material contacting member for receipt of ultrasonic energy. A variety of piezoelectric elements can be used in the improved transducers including, for example, generally rectangular bars and discs segmented into two or more portions. A variety of material contacting members can also be used including, for example, a cylindrical stud and a more narrow dowel.
Abstract:
A sofa which is selectively convertible into a double bed or a double bunk consists of a base (10) and a back (11) which constitutes the sofa back, part of the double bed and the upper bunk according to the mode of the sofa. The back (11) and base (10) are connected by a mechanism which includes front posts (5) and rear posts (6,9) which are collapsible and slidable with respect to the base (10). The front posts (5) are slidable with respect to the back (11) to achieve the double bunk mode.
Abstract:
Disclosed are sheet inspection apparatus and methods for rapid, repetitive measurement of a quality attribute in each of a plurality of measurement zones of a continuously-manufactured sheet of material, wherein measurement is based on the interaction of one or more radiation wavelength bands with one or more constituents of the sheet. Simultaneous resolution of measurement zones is provided in both scanning and non-scanning applications.
Abstract:
An apparatus such as a caliper gauge can be utilized in performing a measurement, such as a thickness measurement, of a traveling sheet or the like. The apparatus comprises a surface follower body (18, 72, 74) adapted to be constrained during the measurement for movement along a surface follower path intersecting the path of the sheet (10, 80) and urged by a force toward one surface of the sheet. The body has a gas confining wall (32a, 90, 104) bounded by a uniformly distributed pressurized gas supply aperture or apertures (46, 92, 106) for pressurizing a gas bearing region (48, 108, 110) contiguous to the sheet surface with sufficient pressure against the sheet and the wall to levitate the body against the urging force. The pressurization is effected without producing substantial amounts of high velocity gas flow over the surface of the sheet within the gas bearing region. The body is maintained at a distance from the sheet surface that is substantially constant and relatively unaffected by variations in the roughness of the surface.
Abstract:
A system for adapting top head drilling rigs for reverse circulation drilling includes a generally tubular adapter having an upper end which is threadedly received in the drive head of a top head drill rig. A collar is secured to the tubular adapter by a pair of rotary bearings and includes an exhaust chute for drilling debris and water. A sleeve is also secured to the tubular adapter by rotary bearings, and is provided with an annular chamber which receives compressed air from an outside source. The system also includes a plurality of lengths of drilling pipe having complementary interior and exterior threads at opposed ends thereof. The drilling pipe includes couplings at each end thereof which are joined in sealing relationship by the threaded engagement thereof. A hollow tube is secured to the exterior of the drilling pipe to provide an air flow path between the couplings at the opposed ends thereof. The hollow tubing extends to the sleeve of the adapter to conduct compressed air therefrom down the drilling pipe assembly to purge water and drilling debris from the hole.
Abstract:
A method and system for securing an operating domain that spans one or more distributed information technology networks is disclosed. In the present invention, a state machine reference monitor, comprising a monitor port operatively connected to one or more network traffic capture devices positioned across a distributed network of an operating domain, with each traffic capture interception network device in communication with a central server. Each interception network device along with the central server having a processor and a memory comprising instructions, which when executed by each device processor perform the method of extracting logic state data and deducting ancillary logic state data across the distributed operating domain.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method for inhibiting bacterial attachment to a surface, the method comprising forming the surface from a polymer, or applying a polymer to the surface, wherein the polymer is a homopolymer formed from a (meth) acrylate or (meth) acrylamide monomer or a copolymer formed from one or more (meth) acrylate or (meth) acrylamide monomers, wherein the (meth) acrylate or (meth) acrylamide monomers are of formula (I) or (II): [H2C═CR′—C(═O)—O—]nR (I) [H2C═CR′—C(═O)—NH—]nR (II) wherein n is 1, 2 or 3, R′ is independently H or CH3, R is an organic group having a total of from 2 to 24 carbon atoms, wherein the organic group includes an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety and wherein the organic group does not include any hydroxyl groups.
Abstract:
Precursors suitable for chemical vapor deposition, especially ALD, of hafnium oxide or zirconium oxide, have the general formula: (R1Cp)2MR2 wherein Cp represents a cyclopentadienyl ligand, R1 is H or a substituting alkyl group, alkoxy group or amido group of the Cp ligand, R2 is an alkyl group, an alkoxy group or an amido group and M is hafnium or zirconium.