Abstract: A sputtering cathode is generally provided. The sputtering cathode can include a semiconducting target (e.g., a cadmium sulfide target, a cadmium tin oxide target, etc.) defining a sputtering surface and a back surface opposite to the sputtering surface. A backing plate can be positioned facing the back surface of the target and non-bonded to the back surface of the target. A non-bonding attachment mechanism can removably hold the target within the sputtering cathode such that the back surface is facing the backing plate during sputtering.

Abstract: There is provided a new aqueous temperature responsive delivery system made with a temperature responsive polymer and a bioadhesive which is intrinsically cationic. This system may also have an effective amount of a treating agent, which may be a medical or cosmetic agent. The bioadhesive, temperature responsive delivery system is useful in delivering moisturizers or pharmaceutically active agents to the user in controlled release manners, through the tissues in a body cavity.

Abstract: A thread draw-off nozzle (1) for an open-end spinning device has a draw-off nozzle funnel (6) that contains a yarn deflection zone (3) for deflecting a yarn (5) produced during the yarn draw-off process. The draw-off nozzle funnel (6) has a two-part design, an external part (6a) containing a first area (3a) of the yarn deflection zone (3) and an internal part (6b) containing a second area (3b) of the yarn deflection zone (3). Both parts (6a, 6b) are made of different materials and/or have different coatings at least in the areas (3a, 3b) of the yarn deflection zone (3) or only one of the two parts (6a, 6b) has a coating.

Abstract: An apparatus for sequential deposition of an intermixed thin film layer and a sublimated source material on a photovoltaic (PV) module substrate is provided, along with associated processes. The process can include introducing a substrate into a deposition chamber, wherein a window layer (e.g., a cadmium sulfide layer) is on a surface of the substrate. A sulfur-containing gas can be supplied to the deposition chamber. In addition, a source vapor can be supplied to the deposition chamber, wherein the source material comprises cadmium telluride. The sulfur-containing gas and the source vapor can be present within the deposition chamber to form an intermixed layer on the window layer. In one particular embodiment, for example, the intermixed layer generally can have an increasing tellurium concentration and decreasing sulfur concentration extending away from the window layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article can utilize a chassis design comprising a unitary inner layer and an expandable absorbent assembly attached to the inner layer, with the inner layer including elasticized portions so that the absorbent article conforms to the body of a person wearing the article. The expandable absorbent assembly can be minimally attached to the garment side of the inner layer and, in some embodiments at an aperture or opening in the inner layer that allows exudates to pass into the absorbent assembly. The article can further comprise an extensible outer layer attached to the garment side of the inner layer so that the outer layer covers the absorbent assembly and elastics, with the outer layer attached at the perimeter of at least portions of the article.

Abstract: Disclosed are methodology and apparatus for providing communications with an Automatic Meter Reading/Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMR/AMI) collector device. The collector is provided with a WiFi radio that is enabled for operation from an AMR/AMI head end and turned on in response to a transmission coming from a physical device via the AMR/AMI RF LAN. A user device is granted access to the collector data only upon validation by the collector of multiple credentials that are separately presented to the collector. The credentials come from the physical device in the form of device type and device identification, and from the user device in the form of a valid security certificate and username/password combination.

Abstract: Methods for simultaneously making quantum efficiency measurements at multiple points in a photovoltaic cell are provided. A light beam (e.g., monochromatic light) can be directed to a first beam splitter, where it is split into a first reflected portion and a first passthrough portion such that the first reflected portion is directed to a first point on the photovoltaic cell. The first reflected portion can then be chopped at a first frequency between the first beam splitter and the first point. The first passthrough portion of the light beam can be reflected at a second beam splitter to a second point on the photovoltaic cell. The second reflected portion can then be chopped at a second frequency between the second beam splitter and the second point. Finally, the quantum efficiency can be calculated at both the first point and the second point. Systems are also generally provided for simultaneously making quantum efficiency measurements at multiple points in a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A fastener includes a threaded surface having an effective diameter. The effective diameter of the threaded surface changes along a first segment of the threaded surface. In addition, the effective diameter of the threaded surface changes along a second segment opposed to the first segment, and the change in the effective diameter of the threaded surface along the first segment is greater than the change in the effective diameter of the threaded surface along the second segment.

Abstract: An elastic material for use in an absorbent article is provided. The elastic material contains a crosslinked network formed from a linear block copolymer having a monoalkenyl aromatic midblock positioned between conjugated diene endblocks (e.g., butadiene-styrene-butadiene (“B-S-B”) triblock copolymer). Prior to crosslinking, such linear block copolymers have a relatively low viscosity and thus may be readily formed into a precursor elastic material (e.g., film, strands, web, etc.) that is subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties. Crosslinking is typically achieved through the formation of free radicals (unpaired electrons) that link together to form a plurality of carbon-carbon covalent bonds at the conjugated diene endblocks.

Abstract: A device that warns a sleeper of the locations of the edges of the sleep surface includes two non-rigid sheets wherein one end of each sheet defines a sleeve into which can be inserted a bolster that desirably includes a filler member and a bolster cover, the opposite end of each sheet is provided with mechanical fastener strips such as hook-and-loop strips, in one sheet, the strips desirably are arranged to extend in a direction that has at least one directional component that is perpendicular to the sleeve wherein the second sheet, the free edge of the sheet that is opposite the sleeve end of the sheet is provided with at least one hook-and-loop strip arranged to extend in a direction that is parallel to the sleeve.

Abstract: Organic laminate stack ups are disclosed for a variety of applications, including high frequency RF applications. One or more inner core layers may be disposed between outer layers along with bondply or prepreg layers as needed. Discrete devices, including surface mount components and flip chips, may be embedded within the organic laminate stack up structures. The embedding of the discrete devices, which may be active or passive devices, may be in the form of a layer of bondply or prepreg encapsulating the discrete devices. In addition or in the alternative, cavities may be formed in at least the outer layers for housing discrete devices, which include surface mount components, flip chips, and wire bonded integrated circuits. A variety of caps may be utilized to seal the cavities. Further, shielding may be provided for the organic laminate stack up structure, including through a wall of vias or a plated trench cut along at least one side of the stack up structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the drag of a trailer is provided. The apparatus can further include a pair of fairings configured to be positioned on opposite sides of a trailer in front of wheels on the bottom of a trailer, a pair of fairings configured to be positioned on opposite sides of a trailer behind the wheels on the bottom of a trailer, with both pairs of fairings placed and shaped to direct the air smoothly around the wheels and tires and through the center of the trailer. The apparatus can also include a ramp in front of the suspension components, aerodynamically shaped wings on the axles, and a rear diffuser, such components configured to direct air smoothly between the trailer suspension and the ground. The directed high energy air from the apparatus results in a reduced trailer base drag.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for increasing cell growth, stimulating cell turnover and promoting the secretion of mucus within the reproductive tract of a female mammal.

Abstract: A catheter having features configured to provide a substantially uniform flow rate of a fluid exiting the catheter and also exhibits anti-microbial properties. The uniform flow rate features may include one or more of a flow restricting membrane or flow restricting component within an infusion section of the catheter. In other arrangements, exit holes defining the infusion section of the catheter may be configured to provide the desired uniform flow rate over the length of the infusion section. Furthermore, the catheter also includes anti-microbial properties to inhibit the growth of microbes on or within the catheter and, preferably, to inhibit microbe growth in an anatomical region surrounding the catheter. The desired anti-microbial properties may be provided by an anti-microbial layer, anti-microbial materials dispersed within the material from which components of the catheters are constructed, or a combination of anti-microbial layers and embedded anti-microbial materials.

Abstract: An LED light assembly includes a plurality of LED printed circuit boards (PCB), with each LED PCB having at least one LED bulb and electrical connector pads configured at each opposite end of the boards. A top loading two-component surface mount electrical connector is configured to connect one end of a first LED PCB to an end of a second said LED PCB such that the first and second LED PCBs are electrically connected in an abutting end-to-end configuration. The connected LED PCBs may be configured in a light tube that includes connector end caps for mounting the light tube in a light fixture.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method are described for delivering energy to a body of a human or animal through a plurality of energy delivery devices. In some embodiments, a plurality of energy delivery devices are coupled to a generator and the number of energy delivery devices is automatically detectable. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the amount of energy delivered through the energy delivery devices is controlled, at least in part, by dynamically varying the amount of time that each energy delivery device is delivering energy.

Abstract: A technique for laser welding an anode lead to an anode termination of an electrolytic capacitor is provided. The technique involves directing a laser beam through one or more refraction elements before it contacts the lead and anode termination. By selectively controlling the index of refraction and thickness of the refraction element, the angle at which the refraction element is positioned relative to the laser beam, etc., the laser beam may be directed to a precise weld location without substantially contacting and damaging other parts of the capacitor.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods that employ compounds that can stimulate proliferation of fibroblasts or keratinocytes and/or stimulate production of collagen by fibroblasts. These compositions and methods are useful for treating gum- and skin-related conditions.

Abstract: A conditioning and cutting apparatus for a blade is provided. The apparatus may include a cutting board and a conditioning device. The cutting board may include a top cutting surface, a bottom surface disposed in opposition to the top cutting surface, and a peripheral wall extending between the top cutting surface and the bottom surface and defining the perimeter of the cutting board. The cutting board may define a channel therein. The channel may define a recess and an opening thereto. The peripheral wall may define the opening of the channel. The conditioning device may be disposed in the channel. The conditioning device may be configured to interact with the blade as the blade is drawn through the channel.