Abstract: A wheel comprising means for providing one or more protrusions in a ground-engaging surface of the wheel. In some embodiments, the wheel comprises a first hub, a tire mounted on the first hub, a second hub rotatable with respect to the first hub, and means for deforming the tire in a generally radial direction in response to relative rotation between the first and second hubs. The invention also provides a wheel cover comprising an outer surface having one or more protrusions and, when the cover is fitted to a wheel, the outer surface of the cover provides the ground-engaging surface of the wheel. The wheel and wheel cover of the invention are particularly suited for use with prams and similar vehicles in order to impart a rocking motion to the pram during use.

Abstract: A wood composite material comprises wood strands disposed in surface layers and one or more core layers, wherein about 70 wt % to about 98 wt % of the wood strands of the first and second surface layers are comprised of a wood species that has a density greater than a density of a wood species from which about 70 wt % to about 98 wt % of the strands in the one or more core layers are stranded.

Abstract: A method for scaling MR signal intensity after noise has been removed is disclosed. Because the signal in a DTI series varies with the apparent diffusivity in the direction of an applied gradient, one can multiply image data collected under actual clinical conditions with a spatially-dependent scaling function to synthesize different spatial diffusion distributions, after removal of noise. Recombination of the data with the removed noise preserves the bias in the system.

Abstract: A system for viewing and indexing mark up language messages, forms, and documents that have been stored in a document repository. The viewer and indexer can search the document repository based on any of a variety of search parameters, including any field of each message, form or document in the document repository. The viewer and indexer can automatically configure itself based on an input schema to create a user interface having search term options that can be selected to cause a search to be performed in the document repository (and/or mirrored and local repositories) containing messages, documents and forms created based on the same input schema.

Abstract: A tubular bagging machine includes an innovative indentation-forming device and a modified cross-sealing device. The innovative indentation-forming device includes two punches that form two indentations in the foil web. The machine then forms the foil web into a foil tube with the indentations aligned directly opposite each other and bowed outward. The cross-sealing device includes two opposing sealing jaws each having a blank formed in it. The jaws are closed together to form transverse seal zones in the foil tube. The blanks are aligned with each other and receive the aligned indentations so that they are not sealed together, resulting in the formation of an air bubble in one of the seal zones. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the bags, bags produced by the disclosed machines and methods, and retrofit kits for upgrading existing tubular bagging machines.

Abstract: A seal arrangement having monitoring means and a seal portion. The monitoring means includes means for determining the integrity of the seal portion, the determining means being arranged to deliver a signal to radio frequency identification (RFID) means for producing an output signal in response to the integrity of the seal portion as determined by the means for determining. The present invention also provides a container, a pipe section, a pipeline and a closure member provided with such a seal arrangement.

Abstract: A heated fuel delivery system for vegetable oil or other fuels of temperature dependent viscosity, which may be used as fuel for a diesel engine. The system includes one or more heated fuel lines and/or a heated fuel tank to heat the fuel and reduce its viscosity for more efficient use. Recovered engine heat from the engine coolant system is transferred to heat the fuel.

Abstract: A lancing device has a housing, an activation/retraction control assembly, and a lancet. The control assembly and the housing have cooperating engagement structures such as detents that disengage after a predetermined launch force is applied to the control assembly. In this way, the lancet is driven to its puncturing position without the use of a drive spring. In addition, the control assembly and the lancet have cooperating releasable engagement structures such as notched sections and tamped protrusions that disengage when the lancet reaches its puncturing position, thereby freeing the lancet from the control assembly. And the control assembly has angled retraction structures that engage the freed lancet to bias it back safely into the housing.

Abstract: A leak detector apparatus and system for use with a drop ceiling having a grid-work of ceiling tiles. The leak detector apparatus includes an electrically non-conducting tile body that is shaped and dimensioned to rest on top of a ceiling tile. The tile body comprises multiple layers of non-conducting closed cell-foam and has a plurality of water collector cups formed or positioned therein. Spaced-apart sensor wires are provided and form an electrical grid that extends between the multiple layers of the tile body and the sensor wires generally extend through the water collector cups. The sensor wires are operative to sense the presence of water in the cups. An electronics module is provided at each tile body and is associated with the sensor wires and electrically coupled to the sensor wires for triggering an alert in response to the presence of water in one or more of the cups. A master controller is in communication with the local processors for monitoring the function and operation of each local processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a sheet pile (10) into an earth formation using a protective housing (12) releasably connected to the sheet pile (10). The protective housing has a fluid gallery and conduits for releasing fluid such as water onto the base of the sheet pile without jetting water into the earth formation. The method and apparatus are particularly suited for driving vinyl and plastic sheet piles into highly resistant soils.

Abstract: A modular lighting apparatus includes a replaceable bulb assembly, an adapter, and a mechanical and electrical connector assembly that removably connects the bulb assembly to the adapter for use. The bulb assembly includes a light-emitting component mounted to a body. In example embodiments the light-emitting component includes spiral-tube CFLs, low-profile transverse CFL tubes, and omni-directional LED arrays. The adapter includes a standard screw base mounted to a body that houses an electronic ballast. In this way, the bulb assembly can be removed from the adapter and replaced, while reusing the electronic ballast in the adapter. And the screw-base adapter allows the reuse of the electronic ballast in standard screw-socket household light fixtures. In addition, the reusable adapter base also may be provided with an integral photocell for light-based control of the lighting apparatus without increasing the overall height of the composite lighting apparatus.

Abstract: A membrane suitable for separating a gas, in particular carbon dioxide, from a gas mixture containing the gas is provided by a blend of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylamine (PVAm).

Abstract: Described herein are composites that are composed of a plurality of plies with a stiffening grid intimately embedded within the composite. The composite structures have the improved buckling performance characteristics of known isogrid and orthogrid composite structures and yet have a significantly higher damage tolerance that permits such structures to be used in the formation of aircraft and spacecraft designs. Also described herein are methods for making the composites.