Abstract: A non-aqueous laundering machine for laundering fabric with a non-aqueous wash liquor and a select rinse fluid. The non-aqueous laundering machine includes a container for a fabric load and means for the controlled application of a non-aqueous wash liquor to the fabric load, the removal of part of the non-aqueous wash liquor from the fabric load, and application of a select rinse fluid to the fabric load as well as means for applying mechanical energy to the fabric load.

Abstract: A device and method for creating hydrodynamic cavitation in fluid is provided. The device includes a fluid passage having at least two local constrictions of flow provided in a parallel relationship therein, wherein each local constriction of flow configured to generate a hydrodynamic cavitation field downstream therefrom. The at least two local constrictions of flow can include concentrically arranged annular orifices.

Abstract: A shape of a medical device to be implanted into a subject is verified by acquiring a plurality of inter-fiduciary marker dimensions from the subject. Three-dimensional image data of the markers and a tissue of interest, included in the subject, is obtained. Respective measurements between the fiduciary markers around the subject and in the image data are confirmed. The tissue of interest and the fiduciary markers are identified in the image data. Points of the tissue of interest and the fiduciary markers are rendered as a 3-dimensional surface representation. A 3-dimensional model of the tissue of interest and the fiduciary markers is generated as a function of the surface representation. A shape of the medical device to be implanted into the subject is determined as a function of the 3-dimensional model.

Abstract: A coupling assembly including a union member having a first receiving portion with internal threads and a second receiving portion with oppositely oriented internal threads, a first coupling member (e.g., a hose adapter) having external threads that are threadingly engaged to the internal threads of the union member, and a second coupling member (e.g., an elbow fitting) having external threads that are threadingly engaged to the oppositely oriented internal threads of the union member. Upon rotation of the union member, the length and/or phase angle between the first and second coupling members changes.

Abstract: The invention relates to corrugated pipe hose assemblies which are not provided with fixtures and which are used to transport preferably gaseous media in high-pressure applications, wherein a mount (3) is provided in order to receive an open end of the corrugated pipe (6) of the corrugated pipe assembly (2) and which is pressed therewith in order to form a metallic seal. The seal is obtained by means of a sealing bushing (25) between the inner wall (18) of one part (16) of the mount and the ribs (8) of the corrugated pipe (6). Another part (17) of the mount (3) firmly holds a section (27) of the covering (11) of the corrugated pipe hose assembly (2) in an axial direction and also with respect to tilting movements such that pivoting movements of the corrugated pipe hose assembly (2) do not result in a relative movement between the corrugated pipe (6) and the mount (3), especially with regard to one part (16).

Abstract: A fluid line assembly (20) includes an outer fluid line (24) and an inner fluid line (22). The inner and outer fluid lines (22, 24) each include a slip joint (70, 80). At least one of the slip joints (70, 80) include a variable volume reservoir (86) in communication with the interior of the corresponding fluid line (22, 24). The reservoir (86) is at least partially defined by a first tube section (82), a second tube section (84) having an axially extending portion and radially extending portion, and a radially extending piston (90) connected to the first tube section (82) for movement therewith. The at least one slip joint (70, 80) also includes a resiliently compressible conductive member (98) positioned between and in contact with the piston (90) and the radially extending portion of the second tube section (84) to create an electrical path therebetween.

Abstract: The inventive sliding valve (8) comprises a slide (18), which is mounted in a manner that enables it to move transversal to the passage channel (11). This valve is provided with an asymmetrical design whereby enabling the pressure prevailing in the passage channel (11) to reach a side of the slide (18) via suitable ducts (25, 26), whereas the other side is not subjected to any pressure or only to a constant low pressure. A pressure spring (29) works counter to the pressure and holds the slide (18) in the open position. In the event the fluid pressure prevails, the slide (18) is displaced into the blocking position in which it remains until the pressure falls below the switching limit once again.

Abstract: Devices for supporting and/or positioning a martial arts board, or other strikeable object, are described. In one embodiment, the device includes a frame and a support assembly securing the board to the frame. The support assembly may include a pivotal retainer to facilitate rapid insertion and securing of a martial arts board by the device. In one embodiment, the device includes a rotational assembly configured to rotate the martial arts board and/or a tiltable assembly configured to tilt the martial arts board at an angle. Rotation and tilting may facilitate positioning of the board so that an individual is able to strike the board. In another embodiment, the device is modular and may be disassembled for transportation or storage.

Abstract: A complex-adaptive system is described for providing a faceted classification of a domain of information. A dimensional concept taxonomy classifying a domain may be constructed from a faceted data set comprising facets, facet attributes, and facet attribute hierarchies. An enhanced method of faceted classification provides the taxonomy which assigns facet attributes to objects of the domain to be classified in accordance with concepts (defined using the facet attributes) that ascribe meaning to the objects. Further the taxonomy expresses dimensional concept relationships between concept definitions in accordance with the faceted data set. The complex-adaptive system selects dimensional concept taxonomy information to facilitate varying the faceted data set and subsequent iterations of the taxonomy. The complex-adaptive system may involve a machine-based approach using statistical analysis of source data structures or user interactions with the taxonomy to provide the feedback.

Abstract: A male coupling is connectable to and separable from a female threaded coupling. The female threaded coupling includes a sealing surface and a receiving portion sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, where the receiving portion has internal threads provided therein. The male coupling includes a body having a passageway extending therethrough and a locking member disposed about the body and configured to move between locking and releasing positions. The locking member has a retaining formation configured to engage the internal threads of the female threaded coupling when the locking member is in its locking position. After insertion of the male coupling into the female threaded coupling, the retaining formation of the locking member engages one or more of the internal threads in the female threaded coupling when the locking member is in its locking position.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a first coupling member extending along an axis from a leading end to a trailing end and having an exterior that includes a first locking surface. A second coupling member extends from a receiving end to a remote end and includes a receiving portion sized to receive the first coupling member. The second coupling member also includes a second locking surface. A latching sleeve is positioned between the first and second coupling members and includes a bead. The latching sleeve is sized such that as the first coupling member is inserted into the second coupling member, the latching sleeve is compressed as the bead engages the second coupling member and then expands as it moves over the second locking surface to become engaged between the first locking surface on the first coupling member and the second locking surface on the second coupling member.

Abstract: A coupling assembly having male and female coupling members that are connectable and separable from each other. The coupling assembly utilizes a resiliently expandable locking element, which is provided on the male coupling member, to connect the male and female coupling members together by trapping the locking element, in its expanded position, between respective locking surfaces of the male and female coupling members. A locking sleeve, which is movable between unlocked and locked positions, is employed to move the locking element to its expanded position. In this position, the locking element prevents the withdrawal of the male coupling member from the female coupling member by creating a positive lock therebetween. To maintain the locking sleeve in its locked position, a retainer can be used.

Abstract: An electrically conductive additive system comprising carbon nanofibers and, optionally, electrically conductive particulate material mixed in a liquid component. The carbon nanofibers can be characterized by having a diameter between about 70 to about 200 nanometers, a length between about 50 to about 100 microns, and graphitic planes having a stacked cone-type structure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for generation of focused stress waves that selectively apply tensile stress to local regions of a bonded article.

Abstract: A fluid line assembly includes an outer fluid line and an inner fluid line. The inner and outer fluid lines each include a slip joint. At least one of the slip joints include a variable volume reservoir in communication with the interior of the corresponding fluid line. The reservoir is at least partially defined by a first tube section, a second tube section having an axially extending portion and radially extending portion, and a radially extending piston connected to the first tube section for movement therewith. The at least one slip joint also includes a resiliently compressible conductive member positioned between and in contact with the piston and the radially extending portion of the second tube section to create an electrical path therebetween.

Abstract: A method is provided to dynamically interact with a plurality of enabled devices within a personal network. Individual ones of the devices are configured to interoperate with a service provider network and configure or alter services to individually identifiable devices.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a first coupling member having a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface spaced from the first exterior surface by a rib having a first locking surface. A second coupling member includes an inwardly facing surface sized to receive the first coupling member and an inwardly facing annular groove having a second locking surface. The groove is configured to reduce stress risers in the second coupling member. A resiliently expandable locking ring is received in the inwardly facing annular groove and is engaged and expanded to a larger radial size by the rib upon movement of the first coupling member further into the second coupling member. The resiliently expandable locking ring is configured to retract in diametrical size to become trapped between the first locking surface and the second locking surface upon further movement of the first coupling member into the second coupling member.

Abstract: A method is provided to manage multiple devices with a common network number. The method includes receiving a request from a first device having a network number. The request includes a first unique identifier that uniquely identifies the first device, a second unique identifier that uniquely identifies a second device, and payload data indicating a change request. The method includes assigning to the second device network services associated with the first device.