Abstract: A turf reinforcement fabric and a method for producing such a fabric by weaving a plurality of filaments in a predetermined pattern to form a three-dimensional structure formed to have a loft thickness without the application of heat to heat shrink the fibers.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for treating interstitial cystitis in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound which is a modified hyaluronan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein said hyaluronan or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester comprises at least one sulfate group and the primary C-6 hydroxyl proton of at least one N-acetyl-glucosamine residue is substituted with an unsubstituted alkyl group or fluoroalkyl group.

Abstract: A portable egg candling and containment transfer apparatus including a movable base, a frame extending up from the base, a movable elevator deck movable between an elevated position and a lowered position, and a mechanism for raising and lowering the elevator deck. The apparatus further includes an inverting candling table pivotally mounted to the frame and having a pan with sidewalls and a floor. The pan is adapted for receiving and supporting incubator trays thereon. The pan houses at least one electric light fixture with at least one lamp for producing light for candling eggs positioned over the inverting candling table. The apparatus further includes at least one clamp for securing a hatchery basket over the pan and at least one latch for securing the inverting candling table in faceup/facedown positions.

Abstract: Described herein are composites that inhibit or reduce adhesion between two or more tissues. Also described herein are methods of using the composites.

Abstract: Muzzle-loading rifle, which comprises a breech plug (1) and a barrel (2), both fixed in a connection area (3), characterized in that the breech plug (1) is provided with a continuous flange (11) that presses from inside against a seating surface (12) of the barrel (2) when the breech plug (1) is fitted in the interior of the barrel (2), so that said pressure increases when the powder (7) explodes on the second end (5) of the breech plug (1). As a result, the seal between the breech plug (1) and the barrel (2) is strengthened and the gunpowder is prevented from reaching the connection area (3), thereby making it easier to detach the breech plug (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds, in particular novel pyridinone derivatives according to Formula (I) including any stereochemically isomeric form thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, wherein all radicals are defined in the application and claims. The compounds according to the invention are positive allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptors subtype 2 (“mGluR2”) which are useful for the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction and diseases in which the mGluR2 subtype of metabotropic receptors is involved. In particular, such diseases are central nervous system disorders selected from the group of anxiety, schizophrenia, migraine, depression, and epilepsy.

Abstract: A medical lancing device including a replaceable multi-lancet cartridge. The lancing device includes an advancing mechanism that advances lancets within the cartridge into an active position, separates a protective cap from the active lancet, and energize a drive mechanism of the lancing device. A cap displacement mechanism moves the separated cap out of the travel path of the active lancet. In a first example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a cantilevered spring arm that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. In a second example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a spring-biased cam-driven plunger that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. Then an activation mechanism releases the energized active lancet to traverse the unobstructed lancing stroke path to pierce the subject's skin at a desired lancing site.

Abstract: There is disclosed a connector, such as a wet-mateable connector, comprising first and second components having first and second contacts respectively and arranged to be coupled together such that the first and second contacts make a connection. The connector comprises a shuttle associated with the first component and moveable between at least a decoupled position in which the shuttle protects the first contact and a coupled position in which the first contact is exposed. During coupling of the first and second components the shuttle is moved to the coupled position so as to expose the first contact such that it can make an electrical connection with the second contact. The connector also comprises a latch arranged to latch the second component to the shuttle such that upon decoupling of the first and second components, the shuttle is returned to the decoupled position.

Abstract: Security tokens contain data that is each uniquely encrypted based on a unique biometric identifier of an authorized user of that token. Decoders receive the token and the user's biometric identifier, convert the biometric identifier to a biometric key, and apply the biometric key to decrypt the token. In this way, the decoders authenticate the users without performing a biometric identifier comparison. In some embodiments pieces or sets of the data are stored in designated data compartments, which are individually encrypted based on authority keys, and all of the encrypted data compartments are collectively encrypted based on the biometric key to create the token. The decoders store only the authority keys corresponding to the data compartments which they have authorization to open. In addition, in some embodiments the token and the biometric identifier are encrypted and sent to a remote authentication server for decryption of the token.

Abstract: A medical lancing device including an independent drive core mechanism incorporating all or a substantial portion of the functional components of the lancing device, whereby the independent drive core mechanism can be incorporated into multiple different external housing configurations for more efficient design and manufacture. Axial adjustment of the position of the independent drive core mechanism within the housing provides lancing penetration depth control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to measuring apparatus for pulling a measurement from an underlying base structure. In one aspect, the present invention is a measuring apparatus having a rigid body and means for coupling the body to an underlying base structure. The rigid body includes a first laser and is adapted to receive a portion of a tape measure therein. The means for coupling the rigid body to the underlying base structure can be one or more conventional fasteners, such as, but not limited to, a bar clamp, suction cups, screws, bolts, nails, pins, hooks, hook and loop fastener, snaps, clips, brackets, and/or sleeves. Generally, the first laser is oriented such that light emitted from the laser is projected about 90 degrees from the face of the underlying structure.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket having an opening for receiving a wire, but without a base to create a lever arm when the bracket is oriented in free space at a customized angle relative to a tooth surface. The bracket can be embedded into or encapsulated by an adhesive that is bonded to the tooth. A clip is provided for holding the bracket in position and occluding the opening while the adhesive is applied. And indirect methods of attaching the brackets to teeth are provided wherein the brackets can be attached to the lingual side of the teeth in a low-profile arrangement. A first method includes the step of positioning the brackets on a physical model of the teeth by using a positioning machine. A second method includes the step of positioning virtual brackets on a virtual model of the teeth using software, then generating a physical transfer try using rapid prototyping.

Abstract: A process to obtain liquefied natural gas (LNG) which comprises the use of air as refrigerant in an open or closed cycle. The invention also refers to a system to carry out said process and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds, in particular novel pyridinone derivatives according to Formula (I) wherein all radicals are as defined in the application and claims. The compounds according to the invention are positive allosteric modulators of metabotropic receptors—subtype 2 (“mGluR2”) which are useful for the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction and diseases in which the mGluR2 subtype of metabotropic receptors is involved. In particular, such diseases are central nervous system disorders selected from the group of anxiety, schizophrenia, migraine, depression, and epilepsy. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions and processes to prepare such compounds and compositions, as well as to the use of such compounds for the prevention and treatment of such diseases in which mGluR2 is involved.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cover to a bottom outlet valve (BOV) of a railcar, where the apparatus has a bracket attached to the railcar proximate the BOV; a rod extending generally perpendicularly from the bracket; and a cantilevered arm extending from the rod near a distal end thereof, where the cantilevered arm is configured to support the cover.