Abstract: A reciprocating pump (10) for pumping seawater or other fluid under high-pressure. The pump (10) has a pump body (11) defining an internal space (13) and an opening (18) onto the internal space. A plunger (25) extends through the opening (18) and into the internal space (13). A sheath (30) closes the opening (18) and embraces an inner portion of the plunger (25), whereby pumping chamber (33) is defined between the pump body (11) and the sheath (30). The sheath (30) is deformable in response to reciprocatory movement of the plunger (25) to effect volume change within the pumping chamber (33). The sheath (30) comprises a first portion (31) which is generally stable, and a second portion (32) which embraces the plunger (25) and which deforms through expansion and contraction upon reciprocatory movement of the plunger. The first portion (31) defines a mounting flange (35) clampingly engaged with the pump body (11). The sheath (30) incorporates a recess (45) adjacent the open end thereof.

Abstract: A reactor apparatus including a support element rotatable about an axis (1) and having a surface (2) generally centred on the axis. The surface (2) is adapted for outward flow of a thin film of a liquid phase reactant thereacross when supplied thereto as the surface (2) is rotated. The reactor apparatus is further provided with a plate or shroud (10) that covers or is coextensive with the surface (2) and defines a gap (14) between the surface and an underside of the plate or shroud (10) so as to allow a gaseous phase flow through the gap (14) and over the thin film of the liquid phase reactant. By constraining the gaseous phase flow over the liquid phase component, especially when the gaseous phase flow is countercurrent to the liquid phase flow, excellent mass transfer between the two phases can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an amino acid-based nutritional formulation comprising, per 100 g total amino acids, between about 4.5 and about 5 g glutamate. The ratio of cysteine:methionine is in the range of about 0.9:1 to about 1:1.2. The nutritional formulation may also comprise a lipid source, a carbohydrate source, an emulsifier comprising CITREM or DATEM, and amino acids, wherein glutamate is present in an amount of between about 4.5 and about 5 g per 100 g total amino acids.

Abstract: A putter that meets the design requirements of the USGA Rules of Golf for use with a one-handed, facing-the-hole, vision enhanced putting method consists of a shaft with a straight portion and three bends in the lower 5 inches and a grip with at least one flat land. An angled bore may be provided to enhance tactile feedback to the golfer. Methods for use of the putter are provided that allow the golfer to align the target hole, the intended line of ball travel, the ball and the putter face with minimal movement of the body other than the golfer's eyes for most putts.

Abstract: Ground anchors, in particular tent stakes (100), comprise one or more inherently flexible tines (110), a ground compression plate (160), and various tie points (420, etc.) for attaching a guy rope or the like to the top of anchor. The compression plate extends perpendicularly or at a large angle to the tine so that when the guy rope pulls on the anchor, the tine will tend to rotate about an underground fulcrum so that the compression plate will press against the ground and help the anchor resist pullout. The anchors are driven into the ground with a hammer or mallet. The tie points include hooks (420), closed holes (520), and swivel types comprising vertical members (810) with restraining, bulbous tops (820). An additional spring tie point (1600) can be inserted into optional lugs (1094, 1096) in the compression plate. The stakes can be driven into the ground vertically, or at an angle for additional holding force in some situations. They can also incorporate angled compression plates (160H, 160I).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ski in which bonding portions join non-metal side members (20) and a metal sheet (18) to form a cap preform section. The cap preform section is pressed downward against the top surface of a core (14) and heat is applied to bond the cap preform section to the core (14). The bonding portions include bonding strips (22) formed of a thermoplastic material that becomes adhesive when subjected to pressure and heat at a sufficiently high temperature.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing inflammation and pain associated with acidosis. One embodiment of the composition comprises a plurality of carrier particles, wherein the plurality of carrier particles hold a plurality of alkaline compounds, and wherein the alkaline compounds can be delivered to, and absorbed across, lipid membranes into the blood stream in small quantities over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a vehicle at a predetermined velocity on a graded surface is provided, which includes a propulsion system to supply motive torque to a vehicle wheel, a vehicle stability sensor, and a control system adapted to receive signal input from the vehicle stability sensor. The control system controls magnitude of the motive torque supplied to the wheel. The propulsion system may include an electric wheel motor powered by an electrical energy storage system, a hybrid powertrain system, and an internal combustion engine and transmission. The vehicle stability sensor determines orientation of the vehicle relative to a horizontal plane, including a longitudinal acceleration sensor and a virtual longitudinal acceleration sensor. The control system receives inputs from a wheel speed sensor, an accelerator pedal sensor, and a brake pedal sensor to control motive torque. Motive torque is controlled to maintain wheel speed sensor at a null output.

Abstract: An apparatus to evaluate an illuminated panel comprises a camera to acquire a real-time digital color image of the illuminated panel and a stored digital color image of a standard illuminated panel. A monitor is provided to alternately display the real-time image and the stored image to detect any differences in the illuminated panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and deploying a barrier utilizing one or more gas generators. The invention includes a barrier component installed beneath the ground surface or substantially parallel to the ground and raised by activation of the gas generator. The device can be trigger automatically without human intervention and thereby faster deployment of the barrier. The barrier can include a reactive component. The barrier can include plurality of telescoping barrier subcomponents.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ski in which bonding portions join non-metal side members (20) and a metal sheet (18) to form a cap preform section. The cap preform section is pressed downward against the top surface of a core (14) and heat is applied to bond the cap preform section to the core (14). The bonding portions include bonding strips (22) formed of a thermoplastic material that becomes adhesive when subjected to pressure and heat at a sufficiently high temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus to evaluate an illuminated panel comprises a camera to acquire a real-time digital color image of the illuminated panel and a stored digital color image of a standard illuminated panel. A monitor is provided to alternately display the real-time image and the stored image to detect any differences in the illuminated panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-lactose, partially hydrolyzed infant formula. The carbohydrate component of the infant formula comprises between 0% and 60% lactose and the protein component of the infant formula comprises partially hydrolyzed whey protein and casein, the protein component having a particular molecular weight.

Abstract: The invention is related to an infant formula which has, per 100 kcal, a carbohydrate source, a lipid source, a soy protein source, and a calcium source. The soy protein source can have a phytate level between about 12 mg and about 18 mg. The calcium can be present in an amount between about 70 and about 90 mg.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a portable, rapid deployable barrier system which utilizes autonomous operation and one or more gas generators to rapidly activate the barrier. The invention includes a barrier component installed beneath the ground surface or substantially parallel to the ground and raised by activation of the gas generator. The device can be trigger automatically without human intervention and thereby faster deployment of the barrier. The invention permits the passage of pedestrians, vehicles, etc. or activation into a barrier position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and deploying a barrier utilizing one or more gas generators. The invention includes a barrier component installed beneath the ground surface or substantially parallel to the ground and raised by activation of the gas generator. The device can be trigger automatically without human intervention and thereby faster deployment of the barrier. The invention permits the passage of pedestrians, vehicles, etc. or activation into a barrier position.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine with an engine output member and a transmission with two motor/generators and a transmission input member operatively connected to the engine output member. A control unit is configured to selectively cause a device to resist or prevent rotation of the input member in response to the existence of certain conditions, such as the engine not supplying torque to the transmission and the transmission being in reverse operating mode. Resisting or preventing rotation of the input member improves transmission performance when only the motor/generators are supplying torque to propel the vehicle. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and deploying a barrier utilizing one or more gas generators. The invention includes a barrier component installed beneath the ground surface or substantially parallel to the ground and raised by activation of the gas generator. The device can be trigger automatically without human intervention and thereby faster deployment of the barrier. The invention permits the passage of pedestrians, vehicles, etc. or activation into a barrier position.

Abstract: A capillary reactor distribution device comprising first and second capillary pathways (2, 3) which meet at a junction (5) and a third capillary pathway (4) which leads away from the junction (5), the capillary pathways (2, 3, 4) being dimensioned such that, when first and second immiscible fluids (14, 15) are fed along respectively the first and second capillary pathways (2, 3) under predetermined laminar flow conditions, the first and second fluids (14, 15) chop each other into discrete slugs (16, 17) which pass along the third capillary pathway (4). Molecular mixing between the fluids (14, 15) takes place by way of axial diffusion between adjacent slugs (16, 17) and by way of internal circulation within each slug (16, 17) as the slugs (16, 17) progress along the third capillary pathway (4).