Abstract: A tensioner for applying force to a device to be tensioned is configurable for applying force in different directions and comprises: a mounting plate having a guide; a slidable member slidable relative to the guide of the mounting plate for receiving a support for a device to be tensioned; a spring for being coupled to the mounting plate and to the slidable member, wherein the spring urges the slidable member in one direction when coupled to the mounting plate and to the slidable member in a first configuration and urges the slidable member in an opposite direction when coupled to the mounting plate and to the slidable member in a second configuration. The tensioner configurations enable the tensioner either to pull or to push the support for the device to be tensioned.

Abstract: A fluid metering or pumping device includes multiple pumping or metering elements that are connected so that they all operate together, moving in the same direction and at the same speed. The multiple pumping or metering elements are intended for use at high pressures where the strain from the pressure might distort the walls of the elements, and interfere with their pumping or metering accuracy. These elements are enclosed in, but preferably not directly connected to a pressure vessel that would contain the high operating pressure, leaving the pumping or metering element housings to only contain the pressure rise or fall that occurs within that element. The pumping or metering elements are connected to a support structure that also penetrates the pressure vessel, and contains an outlet port for that element. The pressure vessel connects the elements, and serves as an intake plenum for all of the elements.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of detecting out-of-stock conditions for retail products, and for dynamically updating associated replenishment plans, sales forecasts, and event scripts for product stocking events such as turn stock products, promotional products, new product introductions and modular resets. The invention accesses RFID data associated with product stocking events for identifying product movements in a retail supply chain and within a retail store. The invention optionally accesses point-of-sale and perpetual inventory data for detecting out-of-stock conditions. The invention also includes a method for dynamically improving product layout and optimized planograms based on out-of-stock velocity detection.

Abstract: A control circuit member provided in a motor is disclosed. The motor includes a motor main body having a rotary shaft and a gear housing integrated with the motor main body. The control circuit member includes a circuit substrate on which a rotation detecting element is mounted and a substrate support member. The circuit substrate is accommodated in a circuit accommodating portion in the gear housing. The substrate support member supports the circuit substrate inside the circuit accommodating portion. The control circuit member is configured to be insertable into the circuit accommodating portion along the axial direction of the rotary shaft. The circuit substrate is configured to be arrangeable inside the circuit accommodating portion while being inclined with respect to the axial direction of the rotary shaft, so as to cause the rotation detecting element to approach the detector magnet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for manufacturing paper or paperboard with improved strength, the methods comprising the addition of the reaction product of a cationic polyacrylamide and an aqueous aldehyde generating compound or a glyoxal releasing compound, or glyoxal itself, prepared at the mill site at high concentrations, then diluted and added into a fiber furnish prior to forming or drying of the paper or paperboard sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high assayed esomeprazole magnesium dihydrate substantially free of its trihydrate form. The present invention further provides an improved and commercially viable process for preparation of high assayed esomeprazole magnesium dihydrate substantially free of its trihydrate form. The present invention also provides an improved process for preparation of pure amorphous esomeprazole magnesium. The present invention further provides an improved and commercially viable process for preparation of substantially enantiomerically pure esomeprazole in neutral form or as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or as its solvates including hydrates. The present invention also provides solid form of esomeprazole calcium salt, its polymorphs (form 1, form 2 and amorphous form) and processes for their preparation thereof.

Abstract: A pump for use in handling one or more different process fluids includes a plurality of pumping chambers having a process fluid inlet and a process fluid outlet, process fluid outlet coupled to a process fluid valve on each pumping chamber for selectively preventing and allowing the flow of process fluid through the pumping chamber, an actuation mechanism for pumping actuating fluid to a plurality of actuating fluid chambers in fluid communication with the actuating fluid chambers to permit flow into each actuating fluid chamber of actuating fluid, and at least one diaphragm separating each pumping chamber from an associated actuating fluid chamber, for separating process fluid from actuating fluid. Operation of the actuation mechanism displaces actuating fluid and causes actuating fluid to flow only into each of the actuating fluid chambers having an opened process fluid valve, resulting in pumping.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device is arranged for use with a remote interrogator unit. The RFID device comprises an integrated circuit configured to send, in response to a signal received from the remote interrogator unit or automatically, a responsive signal which includes identification information. A communication antenna is electrically coupled to the integrated circuit and is provided for wireless communication with the remote interrogator unit. At least one photovoltaic cell is provided for converting radiation into electrical energy and providing power to the integrated circuit. The photocell may be designed to form all or part of the RF antenna of the RFID device.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a furniture leg is provided which includes the steps of providing a substrate having a thin covering and routing the substrate to provide an outer peripheral configuration having a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side, wherein the top side and the bottom side are each generally straight and converge. The method further includes the steps of routing v-shaped cut-out regions that extend through the substrate, but not into the thin covering, in a substantially straight line from the left side to the right side. Angled surfaces are mitered on the top side and the bottom side. Finally, the method includes the step of folding the substrate having the thin covering about the v-shaped cut-out regions into the elongate article.

Abstract: A pump has flexible vanes arranged in a helical path in the clearance between the stator and the rotor. In one form, the helically wound vanes are present on the rotor, the stator including at least one can surface to flex the vanes. In another form, the helically wound vanes are present on the stator, the rotor including at least one can surface to flex the vanes.

Abstract: A system, a closure, and method of use for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a blood vessel. The puncture includes an opening in the vessel wall and a tract leading to the opening. The system includes an introducer sheath and associated positioning device, a hemostatic puncture closure, and a deployment instrument. The positioning device enables the introducer sheath to be positioned at a desired position within the vessel. The deployment instrument includes a tubular carrier storing the closure. The closure comprises a rigid, e.g., radio-opaque, anchor, a compressed collagen plug, and a thin filament connecting the two in a pulley-like arrangement. The instrument and introducer are used to introduce the closure into the puncture, with the anchor located within the artery and with the collagen plug within the puncture tract. A locking member is provided to hold the closure in place at its operative position, whereupon hemostasis occurs rapidly, thereby sealing the puncture.

Abstract: A circuit for modifying the impedance of a subject circuit includes a driving impedance element having an impedance characteristic which is substantially proportional to the impedance characteristics of the subject circuit. The circuit of the present circuit further includes a voltage controlled voltage source circuit which is coupled to the driving impedance element to proportionally add or subtract current from the applied subject circuit. The voltage controlled voltage source circuit provides a given voltage to the combined subject circuit and driver impedance element that is effectively proportional to the voltage potential difference across the subject circuit, thereby providing an enhanced effective impedance for the subject circuit.

Abstract: A compensatory assistive device for people with cognitive impairment (including but not limited to traumatic brain injury, stroke, electrocution, anoxia, mental retardation, dementia, amnesia, and learning disabilities) and/or physical disabilities (such as cerebral palsy) is provided via an interactive computer system that provides an easy-to-use money manager, directory, scheduler, telephone log, writer and information station using a graphical user interface configured with particular color associations, pointer travel limitations, simplified option selections and active view-screen limitations.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetically treating fluid comprised of non-polar molecular clusters, such as water, flowing therethrough is provided. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, which housing is adapted to permit fluid flow therethrough between the inlet and the outlet within the interior thereof. In the two embodiments disclosed, a magnet arrangement is positioned either totally within or partially surrounding and associated with magnets within the housing to provide a harmonic magnetic field within the housing. The strength of the harmonic magnet field is variable along the housing in response to fluid flow therethrough. In addition, a method of magnetically treating non-polar fluids comprised of cluster molecules, such as water, is disclosed.

Abstract: An ice-gripping sandal for securement to the sole of a boot or other primary footwear. The sandal comprises a sole and plural attachment straps for mounting the sandal on the boot. The sandal's sole has a bottom surface having plural ice-gripping teeth. The attachment straps are secured to the sole and comprise a short front strap and a long front strap and a pair of short rear straps. The long front strap is arranged to be extended through a loop in the short front strap and about the upper of the boot through loops in the rear straps so that its free end is connected to a buckle mounted on the short front strap at the toe of the boot, thereby forming "figure 8" strap pattern. A pair of cooperating VELCRO.RTM. fastening strips are secured onto the long strap to hold the long strap in the buckle.

Abstract: A method of destroying tissue such as a gall bladder located within the body of a living. A sclerosing agent is introduced into the body in a volume contiguous with the surface of the tissue to be destroyed. The sclerosing agent comprises a flowable material made up of a liquid carrier and a large plurality of abrasive particles, e.g., acicular particles of carborundum, silicon carbide, etc., Optionally, a symphysis agent, such as an antibiotic, may be introduced into the volume. Once the agent is introduced, it is caused to circulate therein whereupon its scrapes across the surface of the tissue to effect the sclerosing thereof.