Abstract: A method for preparing blends of at least two polymer components is described herein. The disclosed method generally involves controlling relative molecular weights and ratios of the two or more polymer components by selecting a first initiator, a second initiator, and a monomer, and subjecting the reactants to conditions suitable to polymerize the monomer based at least in part on the first and second initiators in connection with obtaining the polymeric blend. The second initiator is advantageously selected based on one or more characteristics associated therewith, based on a characteristic of the first initiator. A polymeric blend produced according to such a method is also provided herein.

Abstract: A grip accessory for a manual injection device comprises a housing having a generally hollow body for supporting a manual injection device therein. The housing comprises a distal portion comprising a first opening into which a manual injection device can be inserted, a proximal portion comprising a second opening through which a needle of the manual injection device is extendable, the proximal portion comprising a skin contacting surface at a proximal end of the device. An intermediate portion extends between the proximal and distal portions and guide means is provided on an interior surface of the distal portion for guiding a plunger rod of an injection device during delivery of an injection.

Abstract: A system for lubricating a wire rope includes a housing configured to be mounted adjacent a wire to be lubricated. A cartridge for housing lubricant is disposed on the housing. At least two nozzles are in fluid communication with the cartridge and configured to dispense the lubricant onto a respective wire at a position adjacent a weight bearing portion of the wire.

Abstract: Methods, computing systems, and computer-readable media for dynamically adjusting drilling parameters during a drilling operation. The approach involves receiving, in real time, drilling parameter measurements and response measurements during a drilling operation. If the response measurements are below the lower limit of a window or trending downwards, the approach determines a new drilling parameter value that will increase the response measurement. The approach dynamically adjusts the drilling parameter value above the sectional limit, while still respecting hard limits. When the measured value improves, the approach returns the limit for the drilling parameter to the sectional limit.

Abstract: Methods, drilling systems, and computer-readable media for evaluating candidate correctional trajectories for a directional drilling well. If the user wishes to investigate alternatives trajectories or trajectories to get a BHA back to a planned trajectory, the computing system allows the user to enter one or more intermediate targets. The computing system generates drilling parameters for the alternative targets and displays them to the user. The user can adjust parameters and intermediate targets, as well as drilling parameters, to investigate a range of possible solutions before selecting an update to the planned trajectory.

Abstract: A system for lubricating a wire rope includes a housing configured to be mounted adjacent a wire to be lubricated. A cartridge for housing lubricant is disposed on the housing. At least two nozzles are in fluid communication with the cartridge and configured to dispense the lubricant onto a respective wire at a position adjacent a weight bearing portion of the wire.

Abstract: A trench box which has first and second side panels connected in parallel spaced relation by first and second lateral supports. Each lateral support comprises connection points at each end of each lateral support that connect the side panels to the lateral supports. The connection points maintain the side panels in parallel spaced relation and the lateral supports in parallel spaced relation between the side panels. Each connection point comprises a pivot connection that permits pivotal movement of the side panels relative to the lateral supports about a pivot axis, and a releasable connection spaced from the pivot connection in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis. The releasable connection is selectively releasable to permit the respective first or second side panel to pivot about the pivot axis such that the panels are not parallel.

Abstract: A trench box has first and second side panels connected in parallel spaced relation by first and second lateral supports. Each lateral support comprises connection points at each end of each lateral support that connect the side panels to the lateral supports. The connection points maintain the side panels in parallel spaced relation and the lateral supports in parallel spaced relation between the side panels. Each connection point comprises a pivot connection that permits pivotal movement of the side panels relative to the lateral supports about a pivot axis, and a releasable connection spaced from the pivot connection in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis. The releasable connection is selectively releasable to permit the respective first or second side panel to pivot about the pivot axis such that the panels are not parallel.

Abstract: A pet toy comprises a ball and at least one feather attached to the ball. When used, the pet toy bounces in various directions and its feathers and pet toy movement attract a pet and trigger the pet's hunting instinct. While chasing and capturing the pet toy, the pet is entertained and exercised. The pet toy disclosed has a high coefficient of restitution and is of particular interest to cats.

Abstract: A trench box has first and second side panels connected in parallel spaced relation by first and second lateral supports. Each lateral support comprises connection points at each end of each lateral support that connect the side panels to the lateral supports. The connection points maintain the side panels in parallel spaced relation and the lateral supports in parallel spaced relation between the side panels. Each connection point comprises a pivot connection that permits pivotal movement of the side panels relative to the lateral supports about a pivot axis, and a releasable connection spaced from the pivot connection in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis. The releasable connection is selectively releasable to permit the respective first or second side panel to pivot about the pivot axis such that the panels are not parallel.

Abstract: A method of modifying a stock image sensor to achieve hyperspectral imaging capability in low light. This method may including steps of disassembling a stock CMOS image sensor; removing one or more IR filters disposed above a photodector array; adjusting a white balance profile to change the output from the image sensor; recalibrating the position of the photodetector array; and incorporating the image sensor into a night visions device (NVD) with a more appropriate or rugged housing.

Abstract: A binocular vision analyzer apparatus is used for determining a prescription of visual aids for the eyes of an individual. The apparatus includes first and second targets respectively corresponding to the first and second eyes of the individual and at least one illuminator unit for illuminating the targets. An optical system is configured to present respective virtual images of the first and second targets so as to be viewable by the respective first and second eyes. At least one beam splitter disposed in front of the first and second eyes directs the virtual images toward the respective eyes. The apparatus also includes first and second spherical correction devices and first and second cylindrical correction devices that respectively correspond to the first and second eyes.

Abstract: A feedback control system includes at least one servo unit controlling operation of a motor, wherein the at least one servo unit is configured to acquire operational data with respect to controlling the operation of the motor. The feedback control system also includes a programmable logic controller communicatively coupled to the at least one servo unit, wherein the programmable logic controller is configured to receive the operational data from the at least one servo unit and output real-time data corresponding to the operational data.

Abstract: A pet toy and its method of manufacture is presented. The pet toy comprises a ball and at least one feather secured to the ball. When used, the pet toy bounces in various directions and its feathers and movement attract a pet and trigger the pet's hunting instinct. While chasing and capturing the pet toy, the pet is entertained and exercised. The pet toy disclosed is of particular interest to cats.

Abstract: A feedback control system includes at least one servo unit controlling operation of a motor, wherein the at least one servo unit is configured to acquire operational data with respect to controlling the operation of the motor. The feedback control system also includes a programmable logic controller communicatively coupled to the at least one servo unit, wherein the programmable logic controller is configured to receive the operational data from the at least one servo unit and output real-time data corresponding to the operational data.

Abstract: A recording sheet for ink-jet printing includes a supporting substrate, at least one microporous ink-receptive coating overlying a front surface of said supporting substrate and at least one protective overcoating overlying said microporous coating. The protective overcoating includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides and polyacrylamides, and fluoropolymer particles. The diameter of the fluoropolymer particles is between about 0.5 and 3 micrometers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for imaging surface impedance.

Abstract: A method of positioning metal plate in preparation for welding. A first metal plate is provided with at least one integrally formed protruding ear positioned along a peripheral edge of the first metal plate. Each ear has a retainer receiving opening. A second metal plate is provided with at least one ear receiving opening extending through the second metal plate from a first face to a second face. The ear of the first metal plate is inserted through the ear receiving opening of the second metal plate. A pressure exerting retainer is then inserted into the retainer receiving opening of the ear to prevent the ear from being withdrawn from the ear receiving opening and to draw the first metal plate and the second metal plate together in preparation for welding.