Abstract: A pillow sound system keeps pillow speakers in place under a pillow, allows to adjust the distance between the pillow speakers to accommodate different head/neck sizes and/or head sizes, stows any excess stereo speaker interconnection cord and is comfortable and unobtrusive in use.

Abstract: Described herein are bee-safe acaricides that target the varroa mite-specific neuropeptidergic system regulated by proctolin, and methods of use. The acaricides comprise a peptide analog or peptidomimetic of varroa mite proctolin for selective targeting of this pest in a bee colony. The compounds are also effective against other pests, such as ticks. The peptide analog or peptidomimetic generally comprises one or two amino acid residue substitutions or insertions. Also described herein are methods of screening compounds for activity on a proctolin receptor.

Abstract: A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a solid structure configure to contact each of a material in a liquid phase and a material in a vapor phase, the solid structure including a plurality of microstructures protruding at angles relative to a horizontal plane; and a layer of nanoparticles positioned on the plurality of microstructures, the layer of nanoparticles having a composition that is at least one of a same material as the plurality of microstructures and an oxide of the same material as the plurality of microstructures, the plurality of microstructures defining one or more valleys, each of the one or more valleys positioned between the layer of nanoparticles of adjacent microstructures of the plurality of microstructures, the one or more valleys configured to govern at least one of a size and a shape of a bubble of the material in the vapor phase.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for propelling a liquid droplet in a Leidenfrost state. A microfluidic device embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a solid structure having a patterned surface, the patterned surface including at least a first patterned region having a first Leidenfrost temperature with respect to a fluid material and a second patterned region having a second Leidenfrost temperature with respect to the fluid, the first patterned region adjacent to the second patterned region, the first patterned region defining a path over which a droplet of the fluid is configured to travel in a Leidenfrost state.

Abstract: A dispenser dispenses a consumable product from a container. The container is supported within a housing by a container holder. The container holder is vertically moveable within a movement range in the housing. A biasing structure biases the container holder upwardly. A sign is connected to move up and down with the container holder. An indicator associated with the sign is vertically fixed relative to the housing. When an amount of product remaining in the container reaches a low level, the biasing force of the biasing structure will lift the container holder, causing the indicator to be aligned with a portion of the sign that gives a visual cue to a user that the amount of product remaining is at a low level.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for obtaining a solution from a solid product are disclosed. A solid product is housed in a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into the housing of the dispenser to interact with the solid product to form a solution. To control the concentration of the formed solution, the turbulence of the liquid introduced to the dispenser is controlled and adjusted either manually or on a real time basis to account for varying characteristics of either or both of the solid product and the liquid. The dispenser will adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain a formed solution within an acceptable range of concentration. The concentrated solution can then be discharged from the dispenser to an end use application.

Abstract: A monolithic heat-transfer device can include a container wall configured to retain a working fluid, where the container wall is formed of a single material. The container wall also includes an interior surface configured to be in fluid communication with the working fluid. The monolithic heat-transfer device also includes a channel disposed in the interior surface of the container wall, where the channel comprises a microstructure and a nanostructure. The microstructure and the nanostructure are materially contiguous with the single material forming the container wall. In some embodiments, the nanostructure comprises one or more layers of nanoparticles. The monolithic heat-transfer device can be configured as a heat pipe, which can be constructed from the container wall and a second container wall joined together and sealed to one another to contain the working fluid (e.g., using laser welding, electron beam welding (EBW), and so forth).

Abstract: An integrated system and method are provided in an electrically powered airless paint spray unit for thermally monitoring the heat generating elements of the spray unit and provide thermal protection for the spray unit and the monitored heat generating elements. The temperatures of various heat generating elements of the paint spray unit are measured and directed to the motor controller of the electric motor of the unit the microprocessor of which is programmed to adjust the power level to the motor in response to excessive temperature readings of the monitored elements or shut off power to the motor in the event any of the temperature readings are greater than a maximum temperature assigned to the monitored element.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for obtaining a solution from a solid product are disclosed. A solid product is housed in a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into the housing of the dispenser to interact with the solid product to form a solution. To control the concentration of the formed solution, the turbulence of the liquid introduced to the dispenser is controlled and adjusted either manually or on a real time basis to account for varying characteristics of either or both of the solid product and the liquid. The dispenser will adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain a formed solution within an acceptable range of concentration. The concentrated solution can then be discharged from the dispenser to an end use application.

Abstract: A dispenser dispenses a consumable product from a container. The container is supported within a housing by a container holder. The container holder is vertically moveable within a movement range in the housing. A biasing structure biases the container holder upwardly. A sign is connected to move up and down with the container holder. An indicator associated with the sign is vertically fixed relative to the housing. When an amount of product remaining in the container reaches a low level, the biasing force of the biasing structure will lift the container holder, causing the indicator to be aligned with a portion of the sign that gives a visual cue to a user that the amount of product remaining is at a low level.

Abstract: A combined d.c. brushless motor and drive control assembly for a rotary mower includes a hollow motor housing, a cover removably attached to an open rear end of the housing, and an end shield mounted to an internal shelf of the housing adjacent its rear end. The end shield and a front wall of the housing define rotary bearing seats for a motor drive shaft. An electronic circuit board including motor drive electronics and feedback sensors is mounted to the housing or to the cover, and is positioned at an axial location between the internal shelf of the housing and the rear wall of the cover. The housing is configured for mounting on a shroud of the rotary mower such that at least the removable cover is above the shroud and easily accessible, whereby repair or replacement of the electronic circuit board is facilitated.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for obtaining a solution from a solid product are disclosed. A solid product is housed in a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into the housing of the dispenser to interact with the solid product to form a solution. To control the concentration of the formed solution, the turbulence of the liquid introduced to the dispenser is controlled and adjusted either manually or on a real time basis to account for varying characteristics of either or both of the solid product and the liquid. The dispenser will adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain a formed solution within an acceptable range of concentration. The concentrated solution can then be discharged from the dispenser to an end use application.

Abstract: An integrated system and method are provided in an electrically powered airless paint spray unit for thermally monitoring the heat generating elements of the spray unit and provide thermal protection for the spray unit and the monitored heat generating elements. The temperatures of various heat generating elements of the paint spray unit are measured and directed to the motor controller of the electric motor of the unit the microprocessor of which is programmed to adjust the power level to the motor in response to excessive temperature readings of the monitored elements or shut off power to the motor in the event any of the temperature readings are greater than a maximum temperature assigned to the monitored element.

Abstract: A system for regulating the power supply of the electric, motor incorporated in an airless paint spray unit so as to enhance the efficiency and performance of the airless paint spray unit. The system includes the utilization in the rector control for the electric motor driving the pump of the airless paint spray unit of an active Power Factor Correction (PFC) switching power supply adapted to regulate the electrical power supplied to the motor.

Abstract: A dispenser dispenses a consumable product from a container. The container is supported within a housing by a container holder. The container holder is vertically moveable within a movement range in the housing. A biasing structure biases the container holder upwardly. A sign is connected to move up and down with the container holder. An indicator associated with the sign is vertically fixed relative to the housing. When an amount of product remaining in the container reaches a low level, the biasing force of the biasing structure will lift the container holder, causing the indicator to be aligned with a portion of the sign that gives a visual cue to a user that the amount of product remaining is at a low level.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for obtaining a solution from a solid product are disclosed. A solid product is housed in a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into the housing of the dispenser to interact with the solid product to form a solution. To control the concentration of the formed solution, the turbulence of the liquid introduced to the dispenser is controlled and adjusted either manually or on a real time basis to account for varying characteristics of either or both of the solid product and the liquid. The dispenser will adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain a formed solution within an acceptable range of concentration. The concentrated solution can then be discharged from the dispenser to an end use application.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for obtaining a solution from a solid product are disclosed. A solid product is housed in a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into the housing of the dispenser to interact with the solid product to form a solution. To control the concentration of the formed solution, the turbulence of the liquid introduced to the dispenser is controlled and adjusted either manually or on a real time basis to account for varying characteristics of either or both of the solid product and the liquid. The dispenser will adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain a formed solution within an acceptable range of concentration. The concentrated solution can then be discharged from the dispenser to an end use application.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for dispensing an off-gassing liquid product mixed with a diluting product are provided. A liquid product or product solution is moved through an unprimed product line and towards a dispenser. The liquid product is combined with the diluting product to create a solution. The solution is dispensed. The product line is cleared of unused liquid product to unprime the product line after the dispensement of the solution. The unused product may be directed back into a product container from which it was held.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning system (10) that enables touch-free, daily cleaning and disinfecting to areas or locations within an establishment is provided. The system includes generally a push cart (12) having front (18) and rear (20) sections spaced between vertically upstanding side sections (22A-B). One or more sections of the cart (12) include a modulated space configurable with one or more cleaning and/or disinfecting modules for performing and supporting a cleaning and/or disinfecting operation. A tool drip tray (30) extends outward from at least one of the sections beneath a tool storage location (32A-B) for preventing liquid or debris from dropping onto a surface beneath the cart (12) while stationary or in transit.

Abstract: A dispenser dispenses a consumable product from a container. The container is supported within a housing by a container holder. The container holder is vertically movable within a movement range in the housing. A biasing structure biases the container holder upwardly. A sign is connected to move up and down with the container holder. An indicator associated with the sign is vertically fixed relative to the housing. When an amount of product remaining in the container reaches a low level, the biasing force of the biasing structure will lift the container holder, causing the indicator to be aligned with a portion of the sign that gives a visual cue to a user that the amount of product remaining is at a low level.