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 drive train for a wind turbine includes individual rotor blades connected to a rotor hub. The drive train includes a gearbox, with the rotor hub mounted directly to the gearbox. The gearbox further includes a stationary gear carrier mounted to a mainframe of the wind turbine such that the gearbox substantially supports the weight of the rotor hub. A generator includes a rotor and stationary stator, with the gearbox comprising an output shaft coupled to the rotor such that the gearbox substantially supports the weight of the rotor.

Abstract: An epitaxy procedure for growing extremely low defect density non-polar and semi-polar III-nitride layers over a base layer, and the resulting structures, is generally described. In particular, a pulsed selective area lateral overgrowth of a group III nitride layer can be achieved on a non-polar and semi-polar base layer. By utilizing the novel P-MOCVD or PALE and lateral over growth over selected area, very high lateral growth conditions can be achieved at relatively lower growth temperature which does not affect the III-N surfaces.

Abstract: A capacitor containing a solid electrolytic capacitor element and a conductive adhesive disposed between the capacitor element and another optional capacitor element, an electrode termination, or both, is provided. The conductive adhesive contains a plurality of spacer particles that are substantially spherical and have a relatively large diameter. The present inventors have discovered that the use of spacer particles having the desired size and shape can provide multiple benefits to the resulting capacitor. For example, the spacer particles can limit the degree to which the adhesive is compressed during manufacture, thereby ensuring that it will have the minimum thickness needed to achieve a reliable mechanical connection to the desired part. Further, when multiple capacitor elements are employed, the spacer particles can also help ensure that proper spacing is achieved between the different elements upon manufacture of the capacitor.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices are generally provided. The device can include a transparent conductive oxide layer on a glass substrate, an n-type thin film layer on the transparent conductive layer, and a p-type thin film layer on the n-type layer. The n-type thin film layer and the p-type thin film layer form a p-n junction. An anisotropic conductive layer is applied on the p-type thin film layer, and includes a polymeric binder and a plurality of conductive particles. A metal contact layer can then be positioned on the anisotropic conductive layer.

Abstract: A film that is both elastic and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. To achieve these dual attributes, the film contains an olefinic elastomer and a water-soluble polymer. Although these polymers are normally chemically incompatible due to their different polarities, the present inventors have discovered that phase separation may be minimized by selectively controlling certain aspects of the film, such as the nature of the polyolefin, water-soluble polymer, and other film components, the relative amount of the film components, and so forth. For example, certain water-soluble polymers may be selected that have a low molecular weight and viscosity to enhance their melt compatibility with nonpolar polyolefins. This, in turn, may result in a film that is generally free of separate phases, which would otherwise limit the ability of the water-soluble polymer to contact water and disperse.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for remotely shutting off gas flow at a consumer location. A gas pressure regulator is configured to respond to communication signals from a central facility via a communications infrastructure to override normal pressure regulation functions such that the gas pressure regulator outlet pressure is reduced to zero.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a reveal element game.

Abstract: Suitable dyes are used herein to indicate the presence of microbial contamination by spraying them onto surfaces in the form of an aqueous solution. The dye solution may also be allowed to dry, thus producing the dried residue of an aqueous solution. It's believed that these dyes change color in response to a change in polarity of the environment. Since water is a polar solvent and most bacteria are made from non-polar substances, the presence of bacteria changes the polarity of the environment, triggering a change visible by the unaided eye.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methodology are provided for key operated pin tumbler locks, some of which may incorporate a removable core pin tumbler lock. A selected tumbler of a type commonly used in pin tumbler locks is configured along with a driver pin to control operation of a retainer that, when rotated by use of a control key inserted in the lock, allows alternate selective removal and replacement of the core assembly in the lock. Also, or separate therefrom, one or more tumbler holes may be formed or drilled in a manner so as to prevent engagement of a tumbler with the bite of a key. Presently disclosed structures and associated methodology help to reduce any susceptibility to unauthorized techniques practiced against the lock, such as unintentional activation of the tumblers by unauthorized persons through use of a key with so-called “bumping” techniques.

Abstract: An absorbent article may include one or more circuits formed on the exterior of the article that are configured to connect to a monitoring device. When connected to a monitoring device, the circuit(s) can be used to provide input data to the monitoring device. The monitoring device may provide audio, visual, and other feedback that changes based on user input data. In some embodiments, the monitoring device can further connect to one or more circuits internal to the article to sense changes in the state of the article. For example, interactive features supported by the monitoring device may relate to the wetness state of the article and/or may be used to control the type of indication(s) provided by the monitoring device when wetness (or another state) is detected. In some embodiments, the monitoring device can be used to provide interactive games for the user of the article.

Abstract: The use of biomaterials, such as viruses and virus-like particles, to form nanostructures is generally disclosed. For instance, rod-like viruses can be used to form composite nanofibers that are fixed together in a head-to-tail assembly by a polymer. Also, 2-dimensional nanostructures formed from crosslinked viruses assembled in a single, film-like layer are generally disclosed. Porous gels having controllable pore size through the use of virus particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for determining a value for the temperature, radiation, emissivity, transmissivity and/or reflectivity of an object (2) such as a semiconductor wafer in a rapid heating system (1), wherein an output signal from a radiation detector (50) which records temperature radiation from the object is used as a measurement value, and wherein prediction values for the measurement values are calculated in a model system (100). The development over time of the measurement values is compared with the development over time of the prediction values and the measurement value is corrected if the difference exceeds predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Foamable sanitizing compositions are disclosed. The compositions contain alcohol, water, a foaming agent, and a foam strengthening agent. The foaming agent which may comprise a derivatized dimethicone has been found to cause the alcohol solution to foam even though alcohol has various defoaming properties. The foam strengthening agent may comprise, for instance, a betaine that contains organic molecules wherein at least 90% of the organic molecules have a carbon chain length of 18 carbon atoms or greater. In one embodiment, the composition can be contained in a non-aerosol dispensing container that mixes the composition with air causing the composition to foam when dispensed.

Abstract: Presented is a variety of products and apparatuses employing a conductive nonwoven web. Products and apparatuses include an RFID system, a radiofrequency shielding system, a flexible electronic circuit component, a heating element, an antenna, an electromagnetic energy shield, a membrane switch, a keypad, and a packaging system. In one embodiment, the conductive nonwoven web contains conductive carbon fibers in combination with pulp fibers and/or synthetic fibers. Electric pathways are formed into the conductive material using ultrasonic energy. The electric pathways can be used to produce various electronic devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are a roll-to-roll printing system and method in which a large number of micro-nozzles are formed directly in a printing roll, and thus ink supplied to the central portion of the roll can be formed into micro-inkjets by inducing an electrostatic field, and furthermore, as a result of the formation of the micro-inkjets, a micro-sized pattern significantly smaller than that achievable by a prior pattern formation method can be printed on a print medium, and in addition, the relative speed of the print medium relative to the roll can be maintained at a speed close to “0” so as to improve the resolution, integration density and precision of the printed pattern. According to the present invention, a large amount of micro-nozzles are formed directly in a printing roll, and thus ink supplied to the central portion of the roll can be formed into micro-inkjets by inducing an electrostatic field.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing a substrate includes a rotary device, a first guide connected to the rotary device, and a form positioned against the first guide. A reinforcement is supplied to wind around the form and against the first guide. A method for reinforcing a substrate includes connecting a first guide to a rotary device and positioning a form on a first side of the first guide. The method further includes winding a reinforcement around the form and against the first side of the first guide.

Abstract: A breathable film having a base layer comprising first filler particles and second filler particles dispersed within a biodegradable polymer matrix is provided. The first filler particles constitute from about 25 wt. % to about 75 wt. % of the base layer and the second filler particles constitute from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of the base layer. The ratio of the average size of the first filler particles to the average size of the second filler particles being from about 2 to about 100. The film exhibits a water vapor transmission rate of about 2,000 g/m2/24 hours or more and a peak load in the machine direction of about 800 grams-force per inch or more.