Abstract: An access control system includes a plurality of physical access control readers that form a reader network which utilizes a first communication protocol. The system includes a plurality of mobile communication devices each having a first communication interface and a second communication interface. The first communication interface enables the mobile communication devices to access a mobile communication network which utilizes a second communication protocol, and the second communication interface enables the mobile communication devices to communicate with the access control readers. The plurality of physical access control readers exchange status information for the plurality of physical access control readers and for the plurality of mobile communication devices over the reader network.

Abstract: A system for the construction of modular structures includes sheet metal panels that include at least some pre-cut portions configured to be deformed in such as way as to provide a gripping and reinforcing function for a cementitious material when poured around the structure constructed of the sheet metal panels. Window and door openings are typically precut prior to shipping to a construction site and then punched out of a sheet metal panel at a construction site. The invention provides for an extremely compact method of shipping load bearing components to the construction site and reduced labor time in assembling a building framework.

Abstract: An adhesive label is provided. The adhesive label includes an adhesive patch that covers at least 50% but less than 85% of a backside surface of the adhesive label and that is at least partially horizontally and vertically centered on the backside surface.

Abstract: An adhesive label is provided. The adhesive label includes an adhesive patch that covers at least 50% but less than 85% of a backside surface of the adhesive label and that is at least partially horizontally and vertically centered on the backside surface.

Abstract: An adhesive label is provided. The adhesive label includes an adhesive patch that covers at least 50% but less than 85% of a backside surface of the adhesive label and that is at least partially horizontally and vertically centered on the backside surface.

Abstract: Instrument for performing a diagnostic test on a fluidic cartridge A cartridge reader is for carrying out a diagnostic test on a sample contained in a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader. The fluidic cartridge comprises a fluidic layer comprising at least one sample processing region, at least one collapsible blister containing a liquid reagent, a pneumatic interface, an electrical interface and at least one mechanical valve. The reader comprises a housing; an upper clamp occupying a fixed position relative to the reader, and a lower clamp, movable relative to the first clamp, wherein the upper clamp and the lower clamp define a cartridge receiving region therebetween. The reader comprises a thermal module comprised in the lower clamp, wherein the thermal module comprises at least one thermal stack for heating the at least one sample processing region of the cartridge inserted into the reader.

Abstract: A cartridge reader controlled by processing means for carrying out a diagnostic test on a sample contained in a fluidic cartridge comprises a mechanical valve for isolating the sample with the cartridge. A system for actuating the mechanical valve comprises an actuation member configured to move the mechanical valve from an open position to a closed position and an armature connected to the actuation member. The armature is configured to engage an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet can be switched between an active state in which it electromagnetically holds the armature and an inactive state in which it does not electromagnetically hold the armature. First biasing means are disposed between the actuation member and a bearing surface, wherein the first biasing means is configured to bias the actuation member into a first position in which it actuates a mechanical valve in a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader.

Abstract: A cartridge reader is configured to carry out a diagnostic test on a fluid sample contained within a fluidic cartridge. The cartridge comprises first, second and third collapsible blisters containing at least one reagent for use in the diagnostic test. The cartridge reader comprises an upper clamp, occupying a fixed position relative to the reader and a lower clamp, movable relative to the upper clamp, and wherein the upper clamp and the lower clamp are configured to receive and hold a fluidic cartridge therebetween. First, second and third blister actuators are mounted on the upper clamp, for aligning with first, second and third collapsible blisters of a fluidic cartridge inserted into the reader.

Abstract: A blister assembly comprises at least one collapsible blister adapted, as it is collapsed, to eject a liquid contained therein. The blister assembly comprises a first layer (130) having at least one blister chamber (150) and a second layer (131) sealed to the first layer at least around a periphery of the at least one blister chamber such that a liquid is contained between the first layer and the second layer. The seal between the first and second layers comprises a first planar portion having a first peel strength and a second planar portion having a second peel strength, wherein the first peel strength is greater than the second peel strength, such that when pressure is applied to the blister, the second portion of the seal breaks to release the liquid contained within the chamber into the liquid inlet.

Abstract: An adhesive patch is provided. The adhesive patch includes an adhesive region with adhesive and a void region devoid of any adhesive.

Abstract: Apertured fibrous structures and more particularly apertured fibrous structures containing one or more fibrous elements, for example filaments, containing one or more fibrous element-forming materials and one or more active agents that are releasable from the fibrous element when exposed to conditions of intended use, and methods for making same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telecommunication network having IP packet-supporting capabilities, which includes a load distribution processing function, either centralized or distributed, by means of which a load distribution function may be applied to sets of paths between network nodes or sets of links of network trunks. The load distribution processing function handles different load distribution functions. Each of the different load distribution functions is associated to a different network input unit involved in the load distribution for a set of paths between network nodes or a set of trunk links. The invention also relates to a method of load distribution in a telecommunication network as summarized above.

Abstract: A hand-held dispensing device having a dispenser incorporating: (i) a dispenser body defining a dispensing chamber for holding a substance; (ii) an outlet communicating with the dispensing chamber; (iii) a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the substance through the outlet; and (iv) an actuating member resiliently mounted for movement relative to the dispenser body to actuate the dispensing mechanism. The dispenser is operably connected to and manually slidable relative to a handle between a non-use position, and an operative position. The device further comprises a locking assembly for releasably locking the dispenser body to the handle in the operative position to prevent said manual sliding movement of the dispenser body, whereby a user may grasp the handle and effect manual movement of the actuating member relative to the handle and the dispenser body, against the action of the biasing member, to actuate the dispensing mechanism and dispense the contents of the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: A test fixture for testing a motor vehicle suspension, brake components and wheel components on a motor vehicle sub-frame is provided. The test fixture can include a lower frame attached to a base surface and be dimensioned for the motor vehicle sub-frame to be attached thereto. An upper frame oppositely disposed to the lower frame and dimensioned to attach to the sub-frame is also included. A shaker system is attached to the base surface and is operable to provide a predetermined vertical displacement profile to the sub-frame. A motor is attached to an axle assembly on the sub-frame and is operable to rotate a wheel component at a predetermined rate of rotation. A non-contact gap sensor is included and can be attached to the sub-frame and detect or monitor movement between a first sub-frame component and a second sub-frame component.

Abstract: A test fixture for testing a motor vehicle suspension, brake components and wheel components on a motor vehicle sub-frame is provided. The test fixture can include a lower frame attached to a base surface and be dimensioned for the motor vehicle sub-frame to be attached thereto. An upper frame oppositely disposed to the lower frame and dimensioned to attach to the sub-frame is also included. A shaker system is attached to the base surface and is operable to provide a predetermined vertical displacement profile to the sub-frame. A motor is attached to an axle assembly on the sub-frame and is operable to rotate a wheel component at a predetermined rate of rotation. A non-contact gap sensor is included and can be attached to the sub-frame and detect or monitor movement between a first sub-frame component and a second sub-frame component.

Abstract: A hand-held dispensing device for dispensing a substance, the device comprising: a dispenser incorporating: i) a dispenser body defining a dispensing chamber for holding the substance; ii) an outlet in communication with the dispensing chamber; iii) a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the contents of the dispensing chamber through the outlet and iv) an actuating member resiliently mounted for movement relative to the dispenser body, against the action of a biasing member, to actuate the dispensing mechanism; the dispenser being operably connected to a handle for manual sliding movement relative to the handle from a non-use position, in which the handle covers the outlet, to an operative position, in which the outlet is uncovered; the device further comprising a locking assembly for releasably locking the dispenser body to the handle in the operative position to prevent said manual sliding movement of the dispenser body, whereby a user may grasp the handle and effect manual movement of the actuating m

Abstract: The backpressure flow control mechanism is widely used in telecommunications network. Actions of the flow control scheme are not instantaneous in that latency always exists between action and reaction, resulting in a flow control round trip time. This flow control round trip time causes ambiguity in determining the amount of traffic in transit. The invention monitors the amount of traffic which is on the way toward the queue during the past period of the round trip time, thus eliminating the ambiguity. A more precise control of traffic flow is possible, realizing reduction of storage space in the queue by one half. In one embodiment, the invention keeps a historical record of flow control signals sent back during the most recent flow control round trip time.

Abstract: A chair having a metal rod frame back assembly where the frame includes generally horizontal top, bottom and middle members and spaced apart generally vertical side members. Two seat brackets are welded to the middle and bottom members and attach to a seat board and two rod segments are welded to the side members. The seat board is covered with foam and upholstery. The back frame may be covered with springy mesh to give a thin elegant, yet comfortable back structure. Alternatively, foam is glued to a structural material and the material and foam combination and the frame are covered with upholstery. Arms and armrests are attached to the seat board and the seat and back assemblies with arms are mounted to a pedestal connected to a five spoke base riding on casters.