Abstract:
A polymer composition comprising star macromolecules is provided. Each star macromolecule has a core and five or more arms, wherein the number of arms within a star macromolecule varies across the composition of star molecules. The arms on a star are covalently attached to the core of the star; each arm comprises one or more (co)polymer segments; and at least one arm and/or at least one segment exhibits a different solubility from at least one other arm or one other segment, respectively, in a reference liquid of interest.
Abstract:
An apparatus for implantation in the annulus of a tricuspid valve has an anterior annulus aspect, a posterior annulus aspect, and an atrioventricular (AV) node located adjacent the anterior annulus aspect. The apparatus includes an ovoid main body portion. The main body portion has an anterior body segment adapted for placement adjacent the anterior annulus aspect, a posterior body segment located opposite the anterior body portion and adapted for placement adjacent the posterior annulus aspect, and oppositely disposed left and right side body segments extending between the anterior and posterior body segments. At least two valve leaflets are secured within the main body portion and are coaptable to permit unidirectional flow of blood. A cushioned section is attached to the main body portion, coextends at with at least a portion of the main body portion, and is adapted for placement adjacent the AV node. A method for implanting the apparatus in the annulus of a tricuspid valve is also described.
Abstract:
System, method and program product for monitoring a computer program or database maintained by a service provider for a customer. A multiplicity of failures of the computer program or data base during a reporting interval are identified. The times of the multiplicity of failures are compared to one or more scheduled maintenance windows. A determination is made that at least one of the multiplicity of failures occurred during the one or more scheduled maintenance windows. A determination is also made that the customer was responsible for at least another one of the multiplicity of failures. A determination is made that the service provider was responsible for a plurality of the failures not including the at least one failure occurring during the one or more scheduled maintenance windows and the at least another one failure for which the customer was responsible. A determination is made whether the service provider complied with a service level agreement based on the plurality of the outages. This may be based on a percent time each reporting interval that the computer program had failed based on durations of the plurality of failures. The computer program may need information from another computer program or other database to function normally. If this other computer program or other database failed during the reporting interval, and the customer was responsible for the failure of the other computer program or other database, the service provider is not charged for the failure of the first said computer program. A determination is made as to a monetary cost to a business of the customer for the plurality of said failures.
Abstract:
A system for performing gas turbine system adjustments includes a server installed on a computer, the server coupled to a gas turbine engine control system and configured to transmit data indicative of an operating state of a gas turbine engine, and a client application including a database, the client application configured to receive the gas turbine operating state data transmitted by the server, and enable a user to analyze the gas turbine operating data to determine a desired gas turbine operating state, wherein the desired operating state is communicated to the gas turbine engine control system to facilitate adjusting at least one gas turbine combustion control system operating parameter based on the desired gas turbine operating state.
Abstract:
A system and method for tuning a turbine comprises a turbine controller coupled to the turbine, a first computer system coupled to the turbine controller and located locally to the turbine, and a second computer system for exchanging data with the first computer system. The second computer system is located remotely from the turbine and exchanges data with the first computer system via a network connection such as the internet, an intranet or a virtual private network (VPN). Data relating to a characteristic such as turbine combustion dynamics and/or emissions is transmitted by the first computer system to the second computer system. The second computer system transmits control data over the network connection to the first computer to tune the turbine.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for processing a time domain reflectometry (TDR) signal having a plurality of reflection pulses to generate a valid output result corresponding to a process variable for a material in a vessel. The method includes the steps of determining an initial reference signal along a probe, storing the initial reference signal as an active reference signal, periodically detecting a TDR signal along the probe in the vessel, and computing the output result using the TDR signal and the active reference signal. The method also includes the steps of determining an appropriate time for updating the active reference signal, automatically computing an updated reference signal at the appropriate time, and overwriting the active reference signal with the updated reference signal for use in subsequent computations of the output result.
Abstract:
A storage hook device is provided. The device is comprised of a hub washer that is received by a body. A raised area of the hub washer extends into the body via an opening of the body. The raised area is comprised of an opening that allows a fastener, such as but not limited to a screw, to be inserted through the raised area opening and into a surface (ex. a ceiling or a wall) while the area guides and supports the fastener. Then, at least one hook can be placed through at least two horizontal openings in the body to suspend the hook from the body. Once suspended from the bottom, the hook can receive at least one item to store the item in a hung manner.
Abstract:
Devices, methods, and mold apparatuses for forming devices facilitate consumption of a plurality of liquids by a user, such as a first liquid followed by a second liquid. In some cases, the first liquid is a relatively harsh liquid and the second liquid is a relatively mild liquid.
Abstract:
A contactless connector includes a first communication chip configured to at least one of transmit and receive wireless RF signals, a second communication chip configured to at least one of transmit and receive wireless RF signals, and a waveguide structure between the first and second communication chips. The waveguide structure conveys RF signals between the first and second communication chips.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for updating firmware using a firmware-over-the-air update. The apparatus comprises a plurality of repository files each comprising one or more settings. The apparatus is configured to store a specified value corresponding to at least one of the settings. The apparatus is capable of receiving a firmware over-the-air update which overwrites at least one repository file with an updated version. The apparatus is capable of identifying repository files which have been changed by the update and for which at least one corresponding specified value exists. Identification is achieved by comparing representations of repository files. Further, the apparatus is capable of merging updated repository files to retain specified values.