Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodologies for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a device for locating a fistula. The device can include a first tine and a second tine each having a distal end and a proximal end with the first tine spaced a distance from the second tine sufficient for allowing a section of a fistula to fit therebetween. A compression member can be placed adjacent to the first tine and the second tine such that the compression member externally compresses and temporarily occludes a fistula thereby increasing blood pressure in a section of a fistula located between the first tine and the second tine.

Abstract: A method for neutralizing odor contained within the headspace of product packaging includes the steps of formulating a blend of either modified and unmodified high surface area materials, differently modified high surface area materials, different unmodified high surface area materials, or a combination thereof; applying the blend of high surface area materials to the inside of the product packaging.

Abstract: Fire resistant garments are disclosed made from a fabric containing a fiber blend. The fiber blend contains meta-aramid fibers, fire resistant cellulose fibers, non-aromatic polyamide fibers, and optionally para-aramid fibers. The non-aromatic polyamide fibers are present in an amount sufficient to dramatically improve the abrasion resistance of the fabric without adversely interfering with the flame resistant properties. In addition to abrasion resistance, the particular blend of fibers has also been found to dramatically improve or increase various other properties. In one embodiment, the fabric is made with a herringbone weave which has been found to unexpectedly improve tear properties and porosity.

Abstract: A pant-like, prefastened, disposable absorbent article having two leg openings which are directly below and visible through a waist opening. The waist opening has a relaxed waist opening measurement or relaxed waist diameter that is greater than a width of a chassis of the absorbent article in a crotch region. As such, the wearer's legs are positioned within and through the leg openings for easy application of the pant-like prefastened, disposable absorbent article. After initial application of the absorbent article, a waist size adjustment feature allows the waist perimeter dimension to be adjusted to conform the waist opening to the waist of the wearer.

Abstract: Methods for laser scribing a film stack including a plurality of thin film layers on a substrate are provided. A pulse of a laser beam is applied to the film stack, where the laser beam has a power that varies as a function of time during the pulse according to a predetermined power cycle. For example, the pulse can have a pulse lasting about 0.1 nanoseconds to about 500 nanoseconds. This pulse of the laser beam can be repeated across the film stack to form a scribe line through at least one of the thin film layers on the substrate. Such methods are particularly useful in laser scribing a cadmium telluride thin-film based photovoltaic device.

Abstract: An apparatus and related process are provided for vapor deposition of a sublimated source material as a thin film on a photovoltaic (PV) module substrate. A receptacle is disposed within a vacuum head chamber and is configured for receipt of a source material. A heated distribution manifold is disposed below the receptacle and includes a plurality of passages defined therethrough. The receptacle is indirectly heated by the distribution manifold to a degree sufficient to sublimate source material within the receptacle. A molybdenum distribution plate is disposed below the distribution manifold and at a defined distance above a horizontal plane of a substrate conveyed through the apparatus. The molybdenum distribution plate includes a pattern of holes therethrough that further distribute the sublimated source material passing through the distribution manifold onto the upper surface of the underlying substrate. The molybdenum distribution plate includes greater than about 75% by weight molybdenum.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly package containing refill folded sheets is provided. The package contains a plurality of refill cartridges stacked together. Each refill cartridge contains a stack of interfolded sheets. In one embodiment, for instance, the sheets may comprise facial tissues. Each refill cartridge is configured to refill a sheet dispenser such as a paperboard dispenser. In this manner, a consumer can continually refill a single dispenser instead of having to repurchase a dispenser each time the folded sheet product is purchased.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for measurements in a chamber of an internal combustion engine, in particular a pressure-measuring glowplug, comprises a housing, a pressure element for picking up a pressure, and a measuring element arranged in the housing downstream of the pressure element in the direction of the pressure and having a sensor element and a diaphragm. This diaphragm is permanently connected at its first end to the pressure element, and at its second end it is directly or indirectly permanently connected to the housing at a connection, with the pressure element being supported on the measuring element via the diaphragm.

Abstract: Shaped integrated passive devices and corresponding methodologies relate to construction and mounting of shaped passive devices on substrates so as to provide both mechanical and electrical connection. Certain components and component assemblies are associated with the implementation of surface mountable devices. Specially shaped integrated passive device are capable of providing simplified mounting on and simultaneous connection to selected electrical pathways on a printed circuit board or other mounting substrate. Shaped, plated side filter devices have plated sides which provide both mounting and grounding/power coupling functions. Thin film filters may be constructed on silicon wafers, which are then diced from the top surface with an angular dicing saw to produce a shaped groove in the top surface. The groove may be v-shaped or other shape, and is then plated with a conductive material. Individual pieces are separated by grinding the back surface of the wafer down to where the grooves are intercepted.

Abstract: A system and methodology for conducting a lottery wagering game include receiving a first wager fee from players for entry in a primary game. The players are offered the option to pay a second wager fee for a chance at a first multiplier fact that may increase the prize award for winners of the primary game. The players are also offered the option to pay a third wager fee for a chance at a second multiplier factor that combines with the first multiplier factor in a predetermined for subsequently randomly generated multiplier function to determine a final multiplier factor that is applied to the prize award for winners of the primary game.

Abstract: A solid electrolytic capacitor that comprises an anode, a dielectric layer overlying the anode; and a cathode that contains a solid electrolyte layer overlying the dielectric layer. The anode comprises a porous, sintered body that defines a surface. The body is treated so that the surface contains a non-metallic element having a ground state electron configuration that includes five or more valence electrons at an energy level of three or more (e.g., phosphorous).

Abstract: A combustor includes a combustion chamber and an interior wall circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the combustion chamber and defining an exterior surface. A plurality of turbulators are on the exterior surface. The combustor further includes means for preferentially directing fluid flow across a predetermined position of the turbulators. A method for cooling a combustion chamber includes locating a plurality of turbulators to an exterior surface of the combustion chamber and preferentially directing fluid flow across a predetermined position of the plurality of turbulators.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for making a silver-containing antimicrobial hydrophilic material. More particularly, the present invention comprises methods and compositions for stabilized silver antimicrobial devices comprising a matrix comprising a polymer network and a non-gellable polysaccharide, and an active agent. The matrix may be formed into any desired shape for its desired uses.

Abstract: An initiator for cationic polymerization comprises a salt of a protic acid as well as a protic acid. The molar ratio of protic acid to salt is in the range from 1:0.01 to 1:2000. The initiator is used for example for cationic homo- or copolymerization of trioxane, and permits stable and flexible operation of the polymerization.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for identifying tire locations associated with a vehicle (10). Sensed variations in tire related parameters are measured as a vehicle traverses a known or ascertainable travel path (FIG. 3). Data accumulated over one or more measurement windows may be analyzed to determine the location of each individual tire (20) associated with a vehicle (10). Measurements and accumulation of data may be initiated upon detection of a stationary vehicle state exceeding a predetermined time, a predetermined lateral acceleration, and/or a predetermined vehicle speed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for introduction of materials into a patient's body. The method generally comprises providing an elongate member for introducing the material. The elongate member defines a lumen and comprises a distal end defining an aperture and a proximal end. The method further comprises the steps of positioning the elongate member at a target site of a patient's body; providing a motorized device at least partially disposed within the lumen; and introducing the material through the lumen into the target site using the motorized device.