Abstract: A needle (15) for a textile machine, in particular, to a felting needle or a fork needle. A working section (17) extends along a longitudinal axis (16) and has a needle point (18). Adjoining the working section (17) are a lower shank section (20) and an upper shank section (25), both being arranged so as to extend coaxially relative to each other along the longitudinal axis (16). Adjoining the upper shank section (25), a needle foot (30) is provided, said needle foot comprising a holding means (32). The holding means (32) extends in a transverse direction (31) and comprises two legs (38, 39), said legs extending from the longitudinal axis (16) and away from each other.

Abstract: Implant apparatuses are provided for being inserted between adjacent vertebral bone portions and maintaining mechanical engagement with the vertebral bone portions. The implant apparatuses are generally constructed to be inserted in an insertion orientation and pivoted between the vertebral bone portions to an implanted orientation. The implant apparatuses are further secured in the implanted orientation to maintain engagement with the adjacent vertebral bone portions.

Abstract: An underwater light system includes a waterproof housing for enclosing a light source. According to one embodiment the housing has a removable, transparent, acrylic dome which seats onto a metal base. Strobe light electric circuitry and one or more light bulbs or other light sources are disposed inside the housing. The housing is configured to be vacuum sealed, and the removable nature of the dome and metal base permits convenient access to the light sources for replacement or other maintenance. An external electrical cable provides power via an external power source for the light sources while in use underwater. The power source is disposed apart from the housing, and the external power cable remains attached to the housing while underwater and in use.

Abstract: A needle holder 45 for a textile machine comprising a needle board (46), in which are provided—on an upper side (44)—several grooves (48) extending parallel to each other. Arranged along each groove (48), there are several bores (51) at a distance from each other and completely extending through the needle board (46).

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, authentication procedures are provided for one or both of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module to determine if they are authorized to operate together.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module, a hollow fiber membrane module unit using the hollow fiber membrane module, and a water treatment method using the module or the module unit enable the efficient contact of microorganisms on the surface of a membrane with a gas, the module and the unit having excellent durability. The hollow fiber membrane module is formed in such a manner that the end parts of sheet-form hollow fiber membranes are formed in a substantially rectangular shape and the end face of the anchoring member on a side where the hollow fiber membranes open is formed in a substantially circular shape. The hollow fiber membrane module unit is formed in such a manner that a plurality of modules is disposed. The water treatment method is used to purify treated water with the microorganisms adhered onto the outer surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes by using the module or the unit.

Abstract: A first roller is arranged on one side of a transfer path for transferring flux cored wire solder, and a second roller is arranged on the other side. The first roller has on its outer circumference a guide groove in which the wire solder is fitted. The second roller is provided, with a grooving blade and a feed blade closely contacted to each other. The grooving blade comprises a continuous blade edge on the outer circumference, and the feed blade has on its outer circumference a plurality of engaging claws intermittently formed at a constant pitch. The second roller is driven and rotated to thereby advance and retract the wire solder by means of the feed blade, and thus the wire solder is grooved by the grooving blade.

Abstract: An artificial disc device for replacing a damaged nucleus is disclosed. In one form, the device may be inserted in components such that the device may be assembled within and retained by the natural annulus therein. In another form, the device may be inserted into the natural annulus in a collapsed or compressed state or arrangement and then be expanded within and retained by the annulus therein. In a further form, the device may be provided with a releasable connection so that the device may be connected in an insertion configuration and may be released in an operable configuration. Insertion tools and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a high moisture, preserved cheese product having enhanced microbial food safety and methods of making the high moisture, preserved cheese product. Enhanced microbial food safety is achieved by using a combination of organic food preserving acids, a nisin component and an enzyme.

Abstract: The operation of a power distribution network is modeled. At least one quality of the operation of the power distribution network is measured. The future operational performance of the power distribution network is predicted based at least in part upon the modeling. When the at least one measure of the quality of the operation of the power distribution network or the predicted future operational performance do not meet the predetermined performance criteria, corrective action is taken with respect to the power distribution network.

Abstract: A bio-air sterilization system and method of use thereof is provided that can remove and render benign harmful contaminants and particulates, such as bacteria, viruses, and molds, from air within an enclosed area, as well as, in principle, from the exposed surfaces located within the enclosed area. In one aspect, the sterilization system includes a self contained, mobile sterilization unit that includes at least an ultraviolet array, an air flow control mechanism for diverting the air flow within the system through either a filter or through an ozone removal zone, an ozone generator, and a blower apparatus to pull the air through the system and out through ports, such as a nozzle system, to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: The invention provides a stable concentrated dairy liquid, such as concentrated milk, with improved flavor, color, and mouthfeel, and a method of production thereof. The method utilizes specific thermal treatments to produce the stable concentrated dairy liquid to which a stabilizer and mouthfeel enhancer are added. The resulting products have a sterilization value Fo of at least 5 that is also resistant to gelling and browning during high temperature sterilization and is also resistant to gelling and browning during storage for greater than six months. The method balances such thermal treatments with addition of stabilizer and enhancer to achieve the desired flavor/mouthfeel and sterilization and to achieve reduced level of soluble protein in the concentrated milk prior to concentration to resist gelation and minimize browning. Moreover, such processing may be utilized in a milk that is concentrated to a factor of 2.7 fold or higher and contains at least 8.5 percent protein.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing decoders within a network to a server includes receiving a set of timestamps and local clock signals upon receiving the beacon interrupt signal, computing differential timestamp and local clock values based on values of timestamp and local clock signals, respectively, within the sets of timestamp and local clock signals, determining whether the differential local clock value has a predetermined relationship with the differential timestamp value, and transmitting a clock rate adjustment command signal to the decoder when differential local clock value does not have the predetermined relationship with the differential timestamp value. The clock rate adjustment command signal adjusts the local system time clock of the decoder such that a subsequent differential clock value will have the predetermined relationship with the differential timestamp value.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods and systems to playback and customize the playback of content relative to the portable storage medium. Some of these methods identify content to be rendered, through a playback device, in association with a first portable storage medium; identify one or more customizable display parameters to be applied in displaying the identified content; receive a first definition, following the identification of the customizable display parameters, for at least a first customizable display parameter of the one or more customizable display parameters; and cause the first definition for the first customizable display parameter to be stored on the playback device in association with the first customizable display parameter such that the first definition is to be applied by the playback device in rendering the content relative to the first customizable display parameter.

Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for securing a spinal rod in one or more coupling devices secured to the spine by one or more anchor members. The instruments include members for grasping the coupling device and members for shifting one or more elements along a linear path to fix the position of an anchor member and/or fix the position of the rod with respect to the vertebra.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve for use in an irrigation system is disclosed that is adapted to reduce the water hammer effect, reduce debris in a flow path through a valve seat, improve bleed operation and/or reduce manufacturing and materials costs.

Abstract: A method for monitoring time so that the use of protected content can be controlled includes receiving a trusted time value from a trusted authority external to a client device. When the client is no longer in communication with the trusted authority, the previously-received trusted time value is updated by use of the client's operating system counter so that a calculated trusted time value is derived for content license evaluation purposes.

Abstract: Illuminated eyewear is provided that directs light forwardly from the user when wearing the eyewear. The illuminated eyewear herein is in the form of eyeglasses, either with or without lenses, or with a lens or lenses that can be refractive or non-refractive, that in one aspect has the lights arranged so as to optimize their performance. In another aspect, the illustrated eyewear herein has electrical components for the lights arranged to provide enhanced aesthetics over prior lighted eyeglasses.