Abstract: This invention relates to a novel strain of Megasphaera elsdenii and its uses. This invention further relates to preparations and methods incorporating such strain. This invention also relates to feedstuffs for ruminants and a preparation and method for the prevention and treatment of lactic acidosis in ruminants. This invention even further relates to a method of isolating a biologically pure culture of a superior ruminal microorganism in a relatively shorter time period than conventional methods. This invention yet further relates to a method of achieving any one or more of the following improvements in ruminants namely increased milk production; improved feedlot performance; improved growth rate; decrease in finishing time; lower digestive morbidity and mortality; lower incidence of lactic acidosis and related diseases; improved feed conversion efficiency; decrease in roughage content in feeds; and capability to feed on relatively higher concentrate diets.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to disposable speculums, and more particularly to disposable vaginal speculums having single-sided support and operating mechanisms. In an embodiment, a speculum includes an upper member having an upper blade and a hinge assembly; a lower member having a handle and a lower blade, wherein a combined smoke channel light guide directs light from a light source in the handle to a distal end of the lower blade for smoke removal; and a linear support member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated body therebetween, the linear support member vertically moveable within a track positioned in the lower member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cushioning medallions, methods of making and methods of using, particularly cushioning medallions comprising a relatively low durometer viscoelastic polymer gel, for use on a bicycle seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved syntactic foam plug for plug assist thermoforming wherein such plug is composed of a thermoplastic material having a relatively high melting and/or glass transition temperature. Accordingly, the subject invention encompasses diminishing or removing the undesirable characteristics of thermoset syntactic plugs while increasing the ease by which these articles may be constructed for a given use, by forming such plugs from syntactic foams containing thermoplastics.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical devices comprising shape memory alloys which have been subjected to a thermal and mechanical treatment to increase the austenite start temperature As to As? such that the shape memory alloy is martensitic at body temperature and when subsequently subjected to a controlled deformation, the shape memory alloy preferentially reverts to the parent phase. The shape memory alloy comprises nickel, titanium and a ternary element, preferably 3 at. % to about 20 at. %. The ternary element is insoluble in a Ni—Ti matrix. In a preferred embodiment, the element is selected from the group consisting of niobium, tantalum and zirconium.

Abstract: Self-sealing assemblies and methods of establishing a fluid-seal around a medical instrument are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods of making molded articles and the articles formed by the method, particularly viscoelastic gel articles.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for removing contaminants from wastewater on a vessel using electricity. The wastewater treatment system may inject wastewater with one or more disinfectants or ionized gases, or both, to remove at least a portion of contaminants from the wastewater. The water treatment system may produce disinfectants from saltwater using one or more disinfectant generators and return the byproducts to a water body. The wastewater treatment system may also pass wastewater through an electrical coagulation unit in which an electrical current may be emitted into the wastewater, whereby flocculants are formed and cause suspended solids and other materials to settle out of the wastewater. The wastewater treatment system may include a secondary treatment system for further reducing concentrations of contaminants. In addition, the wastewater treatment system may include a solid waste treatment system for incinerating solids produced by the wastewater treatment system.

Abstract: The adsorption of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) from aqueous solution to hydrophobic solid-phase objects with varying chemical compositions, sizes, and geometries, is assessed as a new approach for surface modification. The effects of PVOH concentration, adsorption kinetics, PVOH molecular weight, adsorption temperature, solution ionic strength and stepwise deposition on wettability and adsorbed amounts were analyzed by water contact angle and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. PVOH adsorbs to solids significantly different than do other molecules. A much larger adsorbed amount and more dramatic improvement of wettability occurs compared to other molecules. The low solubility of PVOH, the strong tendency for it to crystallize at the solid/water interface and stabilization of the PVOH film by inter- and intra-molecular hydrogen bonding give additional driving forces for adsorption.

Abstract: A cable includes an outer sleeve for offsetting an inner jacket from a central axis of the outer sleeve in order to reduce crosstalk between adjacent cables. In one embodiment, an inner surface of the outer sleeve includes a plurality of fingers of different length extending inwardly to support the inner jacket offset from the central axis of the outer sleeve. The inner jacket may include two or more twisted pairs of electrical conductors and is supported in the offset position in order to randomize the location of the twisted pairs between cables when the cables are bundled together. In one embodiment, the cable also includes an inner divider core for further reducing crosstalk between adjacent twisted pairs within the cable.

Abstract: An adjustable anti-theft security tag includes an engagement member having a first and second end securable within a housing for attachment to an article. The housing supports an electronic article surveillance marker and may include one or more channels for receiving and securing at least one stationary crimping member. The at least one stationary crimping member is sized to receive one end of the engagement member. The one or more crimping members may be disc shaped, including a plurality of fingers for securing one end of the engagement member, or may be tubular. The disc shaped members allow the engagement member to be moved downward, but not upward, so as to make the engagement loop smaller.

Abstract: An anti-theft display hanger includes a body portion having at a first member including at least one recess for supporting an electronic article surveillance sensor, and a second member designed to overlay the first member. The EAS sensor is preferably supported within the recess of the first member such that it is substantially co-planar with or below an inside surface of the first member. The body portion is preferably folded such that the second member at least partially overlays the first member. The first and second members are preferably connected by a bridge for supporting an article. In one embodiment, the bridge forms a planar surface for supporting the article, for example a necklace, when the second member overlays the first. An engagement member may also be provided for supporting the hanger on a display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for generating electrical power using hydraulic supports on which a building structure is mounted. A pump injects fluid into the supports to raise the building structure and thereby store energy in the elevated structure. A valve can be opened to deliver fluid under pressure to a turbine or hydraulic motor driven generator to generate electricity.

Abstract: A power boat having an improved hull including concave aft sections, and which hull is capable of operations at a wide range of speeds with low relative horsepower for vessel weight and improved fuel economy is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the boat is a 38 foot power boat having an improved hull which can achieve speeds of up to about 18 knots, with a 200 hp engine and which burns about 10 gals. per hour. The hull preferably includes a negative deadrise angle at the aft sections, the deadrise angle being positive at the bow and transitioning to a negative angle at the aft sections of the hull.

Abstract: A grate block for an incinerator has a top wall and a front wall that extends from the front wall. A pair of side walls wherein each sidewall extends from the top wall and the front wall. Each of the side walls of the grate blocks engage the side wall of the adjacent grate block. Each side wall has a recess in proximity to the front wall/upper wall interface. The recess defines a gap between the side walls of the adjacent grate blocks. An opening in the recess through the side wall allows for the flow of air from a cavity within the grate block. The slot created by the recess of the two adjoining grate blocks has a narrower slot opening created by a shallow upper recess and a broader slot opening created by a deeper lower recess. In that the openings are not directly aligned with any of the exposed surfaces, the air is required to make a perpendicular turn prior to exiting the recess of the grate block.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (120) comprising a core (130) containing inlet manifolds (140), outlet manifold (126) and interconnecting channels (144) and having a heat-transfer surface (128). Each interconnecting channel fluidly communicates at one end with a corresponding inlet manifold and at the other end with the two outlet manifolds located immediately adjacent that inlet manifold. The inlet manifolds are located distal from the heat-transfer surface. The interconnecting channels are configured such that substantially all of the heat collected by a working fluid is collected as the working fluid flows from the inlet manifolds toward the heat-transfer surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the heat-transfer surface.