Abstract: The invention relates to a shot counter for a firearm, which comprises a first magnetic pole, a second magnetic pole, and a coil. The first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole have a polarization opposite to each other. The first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are configured to pass in response to a fired shot the coil one after the other along the track and to induce in the coil a voltage.

Abstract: A supply device for a motor vehicle has a DC/DC converter and a control device for the DC/DC converter. The DC/DC converter has first terminals and second terminals, which first terminals are configured for electrical connection to a first energy storage or a first energy source and which second terminals are configured for electrical connection to a second energy storage or a load. The DC/DC converter is configured, in a first state to enable a conversion of a first DC voltage at the first terminals into a lower second DC voltage at the second terminals and, in a second state, to carry out no conversion of a first DC voltage at the first terminals into a lower second DC voltage at the second terminals. The control device enables an energy supply at the second terminals by repeatedly changing the DC/DC converter between the first state and the second state.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for treating disease-states associated with presence of increased number of ErbB4+ pro-inflammatory macrophages in a subject in need thereof. The methods include providing an activator of ErbB4 and administering a therapeutically effective amount of the activator to the subject. The compositions include an activator of ErbB4. In one embodiment, the activation of ErbB4 is Neuregulin-4.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shot counter for a firearm, which comprises a first magnetic pole, a second magnetic pole, and a coil. The first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole have a polarization opposite to each other. The first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are configured to pass in response to a fired shot the coil one after the other along the track and to induce in the coil a voltage.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for pre-authenticating ports is disclosed. In one embodiment, an active port facilitating communication of media content between a transmitting device and a receiving device is identified, while the active port are associated with a first High-Definition Content Protection (HDCP) engine. Then, inactive ports that are in idle mode serving as backup ports to the active port are identified, while the inactive ports are associated with a second HDCP engine. Pre-authentication of each of the inactive ports is performed so the pre-authenticated inactive ports can subsequently replace the active port if a port switch is performed.

Abstract: An irrigation valve vault including a base frame member having a plurality of sides forming an enclosed area including a first side having a water inlet passage with a plurality of apertures along its length and opening into the enclosed area, a second side having a plurality of apertures extending from the enclosed area to connection points for water lines located on the outside of the second side, a plurality of valves located within the enclosed area and connecting between apertures on the first side and apertures on the second side, a sloped compartment located on top of the base frame, and a lid placed on the top aperture of the sloped compartment.

Abstract: An electric pencil sharpener comprising a motor; a cutter assembly operatively connected to the motor, wherein the cutter assembly further includes: a conical housing defining a conical cavity therein for receiving a pencil; and at least one rotary blade mounted in close proximity to the conical cavity, wherein the at least one rotary blade further includes spiral cutting edges for sharpening the pencil; a switch assembly positioned at the narrow end of the conical housing, wherein the switch assembly further includes: a shutoff switch operative to deactivate the motor; mechanical means for actuating the shutoff switch when a desired degree of sharpening has been achieved by the cutter assembly; and an electronic control unit in electrical communication with the switch assembly and the motor, wherein the electronic control unit is operative to provide a delay of a predetermined period of time between when the shutoff switch is activated and when the motor is deactivated.

Abstract: A High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system including a pressure reducer assembly for reducing pressurized streams to ambient pressure. The pressure reducer assembly includes first and second flow restrictors, each coupled to a common chamber that acts as a surge suppressor that mitigates pressure spikes in the discharge lines. The flow restrictors may comprise tubes having a high length-to-diameter ratio. The pressure losses through the flow restrictors, in combination with transition losses as the flow stream enters and exits the chamber, are sufficient to reduce a discharge stream from a specified inlet pressure to substantially ambient pressure, thus eliminating the need for pressurized waste containers.

Abstract: An electric pencil sharpener is provided. This pencil sharpener includes a motor, a cutter assembly, mechanical means for operatively connecting the motor to the cutter assembly, and a housing. The cutter assembly includes a rotating carrier with at least two helical cutters mounted on the carrier. The mechanical means for operatively connecting the motor to the cutter assembly further includes a first gear assembly mechanically coupled to the motor; a second gear assembly mechanically coupled to the first gear assembly and to the cutter assembly; a gearbox for supporting the first and second gear assemblies; and a cover for enclosing the first gear assembly. The housing further includes a canopy and a base positioned underneath the canopy.

Abstract: Portable firearms having identification marks and methods of making the same are disclosed. An example firearm includes a first identification number visibly located on the firearm; and a second, hidden or disguised identification number associated with the first identification number to facilitate identifying the firearm if the first identification number is destroyed, changed, or damaged.

Abstract: An electric pencil sharpener is provided. This pencil sharpener includes a motor, a cutter assembly, mechanical means for operatively connecting the motor to the cutter assembly, and a housing. The cutter assembly includes a rotating carrier with at least two helical cutters mounted on the carrier. The mechanical means for operatively connecting the motor to the cutter assembly further includes a first gear assembly mechanically coupled to the motor; a second gear assembly mechanically coupled to the first gear assembly and to the cutter assembly; a gearbox for supporting the first and second gear assemblies; and a cover for enclosing the first gear assembly. The housing further includes a canopy and a base positioned underneath the canopy.

Abstract: An electric pencil sharpener comprising a motor; a cutter assembly operatively connected to the motor, wherein the cutter assembly further includes: a conical housing defining a conical cavity therein for receiving a pencil; and at least one rotary blade mounted in close proximity to the conical cavity, wherein the at least one rotary blade further includes spiral cutting edges for sharpening the pencil; a switch assembly positioned at the narrow end of the conical housing, wherein the switch assembly further includes: a shutoff switch operative to deactivate the motor; mechanical means for actuating the shutoff switch when a desired degree of sharpening has been achieved by the cutter assembly; and an electronic control unit in electrical communication with the switch assembly and the motor, wherein the electronic control unit is operative to provide a delay of a predetermined period of time between when the shutoff switch is activated and when the motor is deactivated.

Abstract: A firearm for firing electrically ignitable cartridges is described. An example firearm includes an electric circuit, a breech block, and a firing pin held in the breech block. The firing pin includes an ignition tip. Furthermore, the example firearm includes a contact lever, wherein movement of the contact lever is coupled to movement of the breech block. In addition, the contact lever is couplable to at least one of the electric circuit or the firing pin, and the contact lever interrupts electrical contact between the electric circuit and the firing pin when the breech block is open.

Abstract: A firearm for firing electrically ignitable cartridges is described. An example firearm includes an electric circuit, a breech block, and a firing pin held in the breech block. The firing pin includes an ignition tip. Furthermore, the example firearm includes a contact lever, wherein movement of the contact lever is coupled to movement of the breech block. In addition, the contact lever is couplable to at least one of the electric circuit or the firing pin, and the contact lever interrupts electrical contact between the electric circuit and the firing pin when the breech block is open.

Abstract: A High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system including a pressure reducer assembly for reducing pressurized streams to ambient pressure. The pressure reducer assembly includes first and second flow restrictors, each coupled to a common chamber that acts as a surge suppressor that mitigates pressure spikes in the discharge lines. The flow restrictors may comprise tubes having a high length-to-diameter ratio. The pressure losses through the flow restrictors, in combination with transition losses as the flow stream enters and exits the chamber, are sufficient to reduce a discharge stream from a specified inlet pressure to substantially ambient pressure, thus eliminating the need for pressurized waste containers.