Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher containing a volume of liquid for prewashing includes the steps of spraying items in the dishwasher by operating a circulation pump assembly to achieve prewashing with only the volume of liquid; filtering the volume of liquid with a filter assembly to remove particles from the items by operating the circulation pump assembly; and flushing the particles out of the filter assembly using at least some of the volume liquid by operating a drain pump assembly. Related filter assemblies and dishwasher designs are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a breath testing device which includes a visual indicating agent which changes color in the presence of an odor associated with bad breath, such as sulfur and ammonia odors. An example of the visual indicating agent is 4,4?-bis(dimethylamino)-benzhydrol (Michler's hydrol or BDMB) and related dyes having a similar chemical structure. The indicating agent is applied to a substrate which is then inserted into a tube or straw, or which covers one end of a straw. When a user with bad breath blows into the tube or straw, the indicating agent will change color. The breath testing devices provide a quick and affordable means for a user to test their breath, and they may be packaged in discreet, pocket-sized dispensers which can be carried in a pocket or purse.

Abstract: An electrolytic capacitor that contains an anodically oxidized porous anode, cathode, and an electrolyte that contains an alkali metal salt and ionically conductive polymer is provided. The alkali metal salt forms a complex with the ionically conductive polymer and thereby improves its ionic conductivity, particularly at higher temperatures. The electrolyte also contains an organic solvent that reduces the viscosity of the electrolyte and helps lower the potential barrier to metal ion transport within the electrolyte to improve conductivity. By selectively controlling the relative amount of each of these components, the present inventors have discovered that a highly ionically conductive electrolyte may be formed that is also in the form of a viscous liquid. The liquid nature of the electrolyte enables it to more readily enter the pores of the anode via capillary forces and improve specific capacitance. Further, although a liquid, its viscous nature may inhibit the likelihood of leakage.

Abstract: A crossfire tube assembly is configured for connecting adjacent combustion cans in a gas turbine, and includes a first tube segment having a first end and an opposite female end. A second tube segment has a first end and an opposite male end fitted concentrically within the female end with an overlap region between the female and male ends. Each of the first ends of the tube segments is configured for securing to a liner of a respective combustion can. Oppositely oriented first and second impingement sleeves extend from the female end of the first tube segment to the respective first ends of the tube segments. Combustion cooling air is directed through metering holes in the impingement sleeves and flows axially along concentric cavities defined between the impingement sleeves and the first and second tube segments. The combustion cooling air vents from the cavities into an axial combustion air flow stream between the respective combustion can liners and sleeves.

Abstract: An expandable and contractable shade assembly includes a plurality of closed cell structures aligned vertically one above another with juncture lines defined between adjacent structures. A lift system is configured for vertically drawing the closed cell structures from the fully expanded configuration into a fully contracted configuration, and includes a plurality of lift cords that are attached to back faces of the closed cell structures and lie along a vertical line of action rearward of the closed cell structures. In the fully contracted configuration of the shade assembly, the closed cell structures collapse into a flat profile and hang from the lift cords in a vertical and adjacently disposed orientation whereby upper edges of the collapsed closed cell structures are adjacent and oriented in an upward vertical direction, and bottom edges of the collapsed closed cell structures are adjacent and oriented in a downward vertical direction.

Abstract: A system for laser shock peening includes a laser positioned to direct a laser pulse at a first side of a work piece and a coupler on a second side of the work piece. The system further includes a Doppler shift detector positioned to measure a velocity of the coupler. A method for laser shock peening includes depositing an amount of energy from a laser pulse into a first side of a work piece and transmitting a pulse having a first frequency at a second side of the work piece. The method further includes receiving a reflected pulse having a second frequency from the second side of the work piece and determining the velocity of the work piece based on the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dark-field examination device.

Abstract: A system and method for online monitoring of molten salt corrosion of a component of an apparatus is disclosed. First and second electrodes are electrically isolated from each other within the component and exposed to a corrosive operating environment of the apparatus. The first and second electrodes are electrically coupled such that when an electrical potential difference exists between the first and second electrodes an electrical current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrical potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode is based at least in part on molten salt corrosion at the first electrode or the second electrode. At least one of the electrical potential difference or the electrical current flowing between the first electrode and second electrode is measured and analyzed such that a corrosion characteristic of the component can be predicted.

Abstract: An instant-win lottery game system includes a plurality of instant-win lottery tickets, with each of the tickets having a play area with a plurality of play spaces arranged in defined pattern. Randomly generated play symbols are depicted in a plurality of the play spaces that is less than all of the play spaces. A plurality of line segments are also depicted in the play area, with each line segment connecting at least two play spaces. The line segments have a placement and orientation in the play area that is randomly generated. A plurality of the play spaces that is less than all of the play spaces are connected to at least one other play space by the randomly generated line segments such that different lottery tickets in the game system have the same number of connected play spaces, but with different patterns of randomly generated line segments. A scratch-off layer is provided over at least a portion of the play area and covers the randomly placed line segments and play symbols.

Abstract: An extraction bedplate includes a body and a plurality of apertures through the body. Each of the plurality of apertures includes a first end and a second end wider than the first end. At least three obtuse angles are in each of the first and second ends. A method for manufacturing an extraction bedplate includes creating a plurality of apertures through a body wherein each aperture comprises a first end, a second end wider than the first end, and at least three obtuse angles in each of the first and second ends.

Abstract: An improved shear band for use in non-pneumatic tires, pneumatic tires, and other technologies is provided. The shear band is constructed as a composite of layers that are combined in a specific manner. Each layer is constructed from one or more materials having certain selected physical properties. The layers are combined a specific manner to create a composite having physical properties and performance characteristics desirably outperforming that of the individual materials forming the layers. When used in tire construction, improvements in rolling resistance can also be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for correcting a golf pose, the apparatus including: a supporting member formed to be adjustable in length and angle; a leg member installed at one end part of the supporting member and supported on a ground; and an interfering member formed retractably in a lengthwise direction and detachably installed to the other end part of the supporting member through a detachable member.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent article, such as a child's training pant, includes an outercover with at least three elastic regions, that is two in the side seam areas, and one in the central crotch areas. In an alternative, such articles include a fourth elastic region in the article waist band area. In this fashion, the article can demonstrate progressive stretch functionality to help accommodate various consumer body sizes and provide for more conforming fit and reduced leakage.

Abstract: A method for adapting a game of bingo to a lottery, includes predetermining a plurality of bingo faces to achieve a desired liability profile. One or more of the plurality of bingo faces are distributed. Random call numbers are generated until a desired pattern is achieved on one or more of the distributed bingo faces.

Abstract: Solid electrolytic capacitors and related methods for forming such capacitors may variously involve forming at least one of a seed, grip, reference point and/or anode body by stencil printing of dry powder. In accordance with a method of forming anodic components for electrolytic capacitors, a stencil is positioned adjacent to a substrate, the stencil being formed to define a plurality of apertures therethrough. A plurality of printed powder portions are selectively printed on the substrate by placing dry powder into selected ones of the plurality of apertures defined in the stencil. The printed powder portions are then sintered to form respective anodic components for multiple respective electrolytic capacitors.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having an improved cleat arrangement is provided. An improved cleat having a v-shape is also provided. An angled or v-cleat is provided near the first metatarsal region to provide improved traction for a wide variety of sports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to siRNAs that are targeted to RNAs encoding two or more enzymes of a subfamily of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, along with vectors, cells, and kits comprising the siRNAs. The invention further relates to methods of decreasing expression of two or more CYP subfamily genes in a non-human animal, animals in which expression of two or more CYP subfamily genes has been decreased, and methods of using such animals to study the function of cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Abstract: A system and method for conserving water in a hot and cold water system collects hot water that is discharged prior to the water reaching a desired temperature. A receptacle is disposed for receipt of cold and hot water from a water system, and a drain line is configured with the receptacle to drain water from the receptacle to a first collection site. A diverter valve is configured in the drain line and operates between a first position wherein water from the receptacle is directed to the first collection site, and a second position wherein water from the receptacle is directed to a branch line. A temperature activated valve is provided, and a second collection site disposed downstream of the temperature activated valve.

Abstract: A winder for winding a web to produce a rolled product is provided. The winder includes a web transport apparatus that is used for conveying the web. Also included in one exemplary embodiment is a plurality of independent winding modules. The winding modules are independently positioned to independently engage the web as the web is conveyed by the web transport apparatus. The winding modules may be configured to wind the web to form a rolled product by center winding, surface winding, and combinations of center and surface winding. The winding modules are structurally and operationally independent of one another where if one module is disabled, another may still operate to produce the rolled product without shutting down the winder.

Abstract: An opening cylinder for an open-end spinning device has a core piece over which the opening cylinder is fastened on a drive shaft and a tooth-set carrier supporting the tooth-set. The tooth set-carrier is fastened to the core piece by a clip connection in the axial direction. Additionally, the opening cylinder has a device for the form-fitting connection of the core piece and tooth-set carrier in the circumferential direction with a projecting part and a corresponding recess. The tooth-set carrier is fastened with a clip connection to a core piece of the opening cylinder in the axial direction. The tooth-set carrier has a projecting part for the form-fitting connection with the core piece in circumferential direction.