Abstract: A condom comprises, on one or more surfaces thereof, a self-lubricating coating comprising a dry powder having a particle size of 300 microns or less. The self-lubricating coating becomes lubricious when the coating comes into contact with a liquid environment. A method of making a self-lubricating condom comprises providing a dry condom and coating said condom, on one or more surfaces thereof, with a self-lubricating coating comprising a dry powder. The invention also provides the use of a dry powder such as xanthan gum to provide a self-lubricating coating for a condom.

Abstract: An assembly system for wrapping an outer wrapper to an inner sleeve to form an outer wall of a double-wall container can include a suction arm. The suction arm can be configured to couple to a suction source and can have a portion defining a suction surface. At least one suction opening can be provided within the suction surface and fluidly coupled to the suction source. A sealing edge can circumscribe at least a portion of the suction surface.

Abstract: A compacting system includes a container, a ram extendable into the container to compact waste, and a gate that is selectively deployable to close off the opening in the container to prevent the fallback of waste into the loading area. The system also includes at least one sensor for providing information as to an actual level of waste within the container.

Abstract: Odor control articles (10) including hydrophobic polymers of intrinsic porosity (HPIM) and their use in personal care products and hygienic products is disclosed. The odor control article (10) includes a HPIM and a colorant. The odor control article (10) may be applied to a substrate (11), and more specifically to a liquid absorbent member (30), to form an odor-absorbing member (20). The substrate (11) may absorb liquid. The odor-absorbing member (20) may be placed in such products as diapers (200), incontinence pads (60) and refrigerator pads. A method of making an odor control suspension with HPIMs including the use of surfactants is also disclosed. The odor control suspension may also be applied to a substrate (11).

Abstract: A working platform that can be removably attached to a front portion of a utility tractor is provided in which the platform is at least horizontally adjustable, is sized to allow a user to move about on the platform, and the tractor can be controlled by a user with controls located on the platform. In addition, an automatic steering system may be included that allows the tractor to remain generally along a preselected course, such as between rows of trees or other objects. As the tractor moves down the row of an orchard, the platform can be adjusted so as to be in an appropriate position for performing work on the tree. A harvesting accessory system may also be attached to the tractor in conjunction with the working platforms, which supports and conveys bins from the tractor to the ground.

Abstract: A working platform that can be removably attached to a front portion of a utility tractor is provided in which the platform is at least horizontally adjustable, is sized to allow a user to move about on the platform, and the tractor can be controlled by a user with controls located on the platform. In addition, an automatic steering system may be included that allows the tractor to remain generally along a preselected course, such as between rows of trees or other objects. As the tractor moves down the row of an orchard, the platform can be adjusted so as to be in an appropriate position for performing work on the tree.

Abstract: An assembly system for wrapping an outer wrapper to an inner sleeve to form an outer wall of a double-wall container can include a suction arm. The suction arm can be configured to couple to a suction source and can have a portion defining a suction surface. At least one suction opening can be provided within the suction surface and fluidly coupled to the suction source. A sealing edge can circumscribe at least a portion of the suction surface.

Abstract: A working platform that can be removably attached to a front portion of a utility tractor is provided in which the platform is at least horizontally adjustable, is sized to allow a user to move about on the platform, and the tractor can be controlled by a user with controls located on the platform. In addition, an automatic steering system may be included that allows the tractor to remain generally along a preselected course, such as between rows of trees or other objects. As the tractor moves down the row of an orchard, the platform can be adjusted so as to be in an appropriate position for performing work on the tree.

Abstract: Information flow analysis is conducted on conversational flow specifications of conversational agents. The conversational flow specification prescribes operation of a conversational agent and includes actions to be taken, inputs triggering the actions and input confirmations executed after receipt of a given input and before triggering a given action. The actions, inputs and input confirmations define conversational flow paths through the conversational flow specification. Unconfirmed conversational flow paths through the conversational flow specification are identified and reported to the author of the conversational flow specification. Each unconfirmed conversational flow path only contains inputs and actions and no input confirmations.

Abstract: An assembly system for wrapping an outer wrapper to an inner sleeve to form an outer wall of a double-wall container can include a moveable suction arm. The moveable suction arm can be configured to couple to a suction source and can have a portion defining a suction surface. A plurality of suction openings can be provided within the suction surface and fluidly coupled to the suction source. A sealing edge can circumscribe at least a portion of the suction surface.

Abstract: Information flow analysis is conducted on conversational flow specifications of conversational agents. The conversational flow specification prescribes operation of a conversational agent and includes actions to be taken, inputs triggering the actions and input confirmations executed after receipt of a given input and before triggering a given action. The actions, inputs and input confirmations define conversational flow paths through the conversational flow specification. Unconfirmed conversational flow paths through the conversational flow specification are identified and reported to the author of the conversational flow specification. Each unconfirmed conversational flow path only contains inputs and actions and no input confirmations.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of increasing the ventilation in a ventilated disc brake comprising a friction ring 2 and a bell mount 12 defining an internal cavity, by fastening in the cavity an axially inner ventilating structure 200 separate of the friction ring 2 which has vanes 208a, 208b defining channels 209a, 209b aligned with those of the disc brake. The ventilating structure 200 can have a thinner cross section, a lower density, and/or a lower thermal conductivity, than the friction ring 2. The mount additionally or alternatively includes a ventilator comprising vanes 328a, 328b defining channels 329a, 329b arranged to blow air outwardly from the interior of the cavity in a radial direction towards the caliper 4.

Abstract: An assembly system for wrapping an outer wrapper to an inner sleeve to form an outer wall of a double-wall container can include a moveable suction arm. The moveable suction arm can be configured to couple to a suction source and can have a portion defining a suction surface. A plurality of suction openings can be provided within the suction surface and fluidly coupled to the suction source. A sealing edge can circumscribe at least a portion of the suction surface.

Abstract: A fanning plate for a baked potato provides an arched top surface to fan out the slices of a Hasselback potato during the seasoning and baking process, allowing the potato slices to crisp properly, as well as raised rims and endcaps to keep the seasonings contained and prevent a mess. Multiple plates may be easily stacked for compact storage.

Abstract: A cooking device having an arch to expand partially sliced food, such as food sliced by accordion or Hasselback techniques, during the cooking process. The device must comprise at least one arch with a convex section having a food expansion support. In a preferred consumer embodiment, the device is a pan insert with the required arch and food expanding support surface. A fanning plate for a baked potato also provides an arched top surface to fan out the slices of a Hasselback potato during the seasoning and baking process, allowing the potato slices to crisp properly. The fanning plate includes raised rims and endcaps to keep the seasoning contained and prevent a mess. Multiple plates may be used at once and when not in use may be stacked atop one another for storage.

Abstract: Odor control articles (10) including hydrophobic polymers of intrinsic porosity (HPIM) and their use in personal care products and hygienic products is disclosed. The odor control article (10) includes a HPIM and a colorant. The odor control article (10) may be applied to a substrate (11), and more specifically to a liquid absorbent member (30), to form an odor-absorbing member (20). The substrate (11) may absorb liquid. The odor-absorbing member (20) may be placed in such products as diapers (200), incontinence pads (60) and refrigerator pads. A method of making an odor control suspension with HPIMs including the use of surfactants is also disclosed. The odor control suspension may also be applied to a substrate (11).

Abstract: A system and method for hardwood pulp liquid hydrolysate conditioning is provided. The system includes a first evaporator, a hydrolysis unit, at least one lignin separation device, a neutralization device, a precipitate removal device, a solvent extraction unit, a lignin removal and recovery unit, an acid and furfural separation and conditioning unit, and an electrodialysis device, which process a quantity of hardwood mix to produce a desalinated solution containing sugar.

Abstract: A system and method for hardwood pulp liquid hydrolysate conditioning includes a first evaporator receives a hardwood mix extract and outputting a quantity of vapor and extract. A hydrolysis unit receives the extract, hydrolyzes and outputs to a lignin separation device, which separates and recovers a quantity of lignin. A neutralization device receives extract from the lignin separation device and a neutralizing agent, producing a mixture of solid precipitate and a fifth extract. The solid precipitate is removed from the fifth extract. A second evaporator removes a quantity of acid from the fifth extract in a vapor form. This vapor may be recycled to improve total acid recovery or discarded. A desalination device receives the diluted extract, separates out some of the acid and salt and outputs a desalinated solution.

Abstract: A body for a disc brake caliper has a mounting side limb and a non-mounting side limb, each limb housing at least one hydraulic brake cylinder. The body has a peripheral stiffening band that extends about an outer lateral surface of at least one of the limbs. In a preferred embodiment, a peripheral stiffening band extends about an outer lateral surface of each of the limbs. The stiffening band or bands provide stiffness in the body under dynamic braking conditions with a minimum of material. A method of designing and manufacturing a body for a disc brake caliper involves analyzing the stiffness of the body under dynamic rather than static braking conditions and producing a caliper body with a desired level of stiffness under dynamic conditions while reducing the amount of material used to a minimum.