Abstract: A vision system incorporated into an item of egg handling equipment, the system incorporating software control for detecting at least one of color shades and defects on both brown and white eggs. An enclosure incorporates a plurality of high resolution producing cameras, these communicating via cable with a switch to a remote vision PC system. A non-linear shaped diffuser is mounted along an open facing bottom of the enclosure for facilitating uniform lighting throughout an open interior of the enclosure associated with the cameras. The cameras are operable to produce multiple, high resolution images of each of a plurality of eggs continuously transported along the associated egg handling equipment, for classifying types of defects that are allowable and those that must be rejected, as well as assisting in the segregating of the eggs into more consistent shaded groups for eventual packaging.

Abstract: A shoe has a sole member with an upper surface for receiving a user's foot and a lower surface for contacting a support surface. An interchangeable strap has a sole member engaging portion and may be selectively interconnected with the sole member.

Abstract: A microwave antenna having an electrically nonconductive substrate with a top and bottom side. A radiator array having a plurality of rows of radiator patches is disposed on the top side of the substrate while an input feed line and power divider network are disposed on the bottom side of the substrate. The power divider network includes a plurality of ends wherein each end is adapted for electrical connection through a via formed through the substrate to the end of its associated row in the radiator array. An electrically conductive layer is disposed over a portion of the top side of the substrate so that the electrically conductive layer overlies the power divider network and shields the power divider network from the radiator array.

Abstract: A process for producing particles from a thin film is provided. The process includes grinding the thin film using granules that afford for the particles to maintain a structure and/or one or more properties of the thin film. In addition, the process provides for a high recovery percentage of the source material.

Abstract: A paint composition is disclosed, the paint having a binder and an omnidirectional structural color pigment dispersed throughout the binder. The omnidirectional structural color pigment can be made from a plurality of flakes that have a multilayer structure, the pigment and the paint having a reflection band of less than 200 nanometers when viewed from angles between 0 to 45 degrees.

Abstract: Protein-polymer compositions and processes for their production are provided where the compositions have improved resistance to ultraviolet light induced weathering and associated loss of enzyme activity. The incorporation of both a sterically hindered amine and an ultraviolet light absorber at a concentration of at least 5% by weight produces a curable or cured composition with UV stabilized enzyme activity that can be used as a bioactive coating with improved stain removal properties.

Abstract: A weather strip installation device for mechanically installing weather strip along the opening of a vehicle door is disclosed. The device includes a frame outlining said opening, and a plurality of contact pads enclosing the frame. A selectively movable unit is disposed between the frame and the contact pads, wherein the selectively movable unit is operable to push each of the contact pads outwardly from the frame. In the first preferred embodiment the movable unit is a plurality of expandable bladders disposed between the contact pads and the peripheral edge of the frame. In the second preferred embodiment, the movable unit is an extensible arm rotatably attached to the frame. The extensible arm includes a roller disposed between the frame and contact pads that presses against the contact pads thereby installing the weather strip along the opening of the door as the extensible arm rotates about the frame.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for glycogen synthase kinase 3 assays continue to be required for detection of glycogen synthase 3 kinase, assessment of glycogen synthase 3 kinase activity and identification of modulators of glycogen synthase 3 kinase. Methods and compositions for glycogen synthase kinase 3 assays are provided herein based on the discovery of a previously unknown interaction between glycogen synthase 3 kinase and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 which serves as a substrate for glycogen synthase kinase 3-alpha and glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta.

Abstract: A capo for a dulcimer or other stringed instrument comprises an L-shaped member coupled to a bar member for applying pressure to the strings. A lever pivotally coupled to the L-shaped member includes a cam surface that engages with the bar member to facilitate a first position, wherein the cam surface is disengaged from the bar member for positioning on the instrument, and a second position, wherein the cam surface is engaged with the bar member, thereby applying pressure to the opposing sidewalls of the fret board to maintain pressure applied by the bar member against the strings. An extension member may be coupled to one end of the bar member with an adjustable fastener allowing the capo to accommodate fret boards of varying width.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle includes a folding roof which can be moved by a top linkage between a closed position in which it can be fixed to a windshield frame and an open position in which it is stowed in a rear side stowage position.

Abstract: A fuel cell (10) includes a fuel cell stack (50) in which a plurality of fuel cell units are stacked on one another, a pair of end plates (61, 61b, 63, 63b) respectively contact both ends of the fuel cell stack in a direction (Ds) in which the plurality of fuel cell units are stacked, and a side member (62, 62b, 62g) that extends in the stacking direction and is disposed between the end plates. The fuel cell further includes a connecting bolt portion, having a bolt shank (644, 624g) that penetrates one of the end plates substantially along the stacking direction. The connecting bolt portion connects the one of the end plates and the side member. The fuel cell further includes a cushion joint (66, 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d, 66e, 66f) disposed between the side member and one of the end plates, and through which the bolt shank passes.

Abstract: Materials derived from cinnamon can be administered orally to humans or animals for the purpose of controlling blood glucose as well improving glucose tolerance. Controlling glucose metabolism is essential for those with impaired glucose metabolism as is the case for those with Type II diabetes where insulin function is not properly functioning. Such administration can also be used for the purpose of enhancing nutrient transport for purposes of athletic performance and controlling bodyweight and body fat levels. Similarly related, such administration can also be used for the purpose of enhancing creatine transport into excitable tissues such as skeletal muscle. The material can be administered as extracts of cinnamon and can be administered in a variety of ways including capsules, tablets, powdered beverages, bars, gels or drinks.

Abstract: An anti-rotation feature incorporated between a cotter pin and a sub caliber action device installable within an upper receiver of a firearm. A receiver plate exhibits a notched interior for seating a bolt in reciprocating fashion. A chamfer formed in a side of the bolt intersects a length extending channel of the bolt for seating within the notched interior. The chamfer seating a head of the cotter pin to prevent rotation during bolt travel. A rearward support sleeve seats an opposing guide rod associated with the receiver plate and in order to maintain the bolt assembly. A firing pin exhibits a notch at a location along its shaft and, upon installation within an interior aperture of the bolt, is retained in position by the cotter pin. The firing pin is configured so as to exhibit a reduced diameter end projection upon which is supported a coil spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reconditioning a used grinding roller of a material bed roller mill having profile-members which are embedded, with a portion of the length thereof, in holes of the roller body and, with the remainder of the length thereof, project above the surface of the roller body. For the reconditioning operation, after the worn profile-members are removed, the worn surface of the roller body is turned, and a material layer is applied in a welding operation and is provided with holes for receiving new profile-members. Such a method allows particularly cost-effective reconditioning.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle, control is executed to operate an engine with fuel injection being performed, when an unexecuted percentage of catalyst degradation suppression control is equal to or greater than a threshold value of the unexecuted percentage, when a power storage percentage of a battery is equal to or greater than a threshold value of the power storage percentage and the battery is charging, and also when a vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a threshold value of the vehicle speed and a cumulative air amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value of the cumulative air amount, when a catalyst temperature is less than a first threshold temperature and equal to or greater than a second threshold temperature, when the catalyst temperature is equal to or greater than the first threshold temperature, when there is a braking request while the engine is operating.

Abstract: A wind power generator includes a pillar fixed on a base, a nacelle platform disposed on an upper end portion of the pillar, a service crane provided at a side of the nacelle platform, a generator assembly coupled to the nacelle platform, a rotor hub rotatably coupled to the generator assembly, and a plurality of blades coupled to the rotor hub and rotating the rotor hub. The rotor hub is provided at an outer circumference of a front end thereof with a plurality of first pulleys for guiding a case from a winch installed on the ground.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack in accordance with the invention has a cell laminate obtained by stacking multiple plates with at least one of functions of a power generation assembly and a separator, and a pair of end plates located outside and on both ends of the cell laminate in a stacking direction. The fuel cell stack further includes a displacement preventing member extended along the stacking direction of the cell laminate and fastened to the pair of end plates, and a deformable intermediate material located between the cell laminate and the displacement preventing member over an area of two or more plates among the multiple plates. At least either one of the two or more plates and the displacement preventing member is designed to have a concavo-convex shape formed at least partially on a face in contact with the intermediate material.

Abstract: Provided are methods for detecting a metabolic disorder in an individual using mass spectrometry. One method involves (a) contacting a sample containing (i) a metabolically indicative enzyme and (ii) a metabolic analyte, with a substrate for the enzyme to produce a reaction admixture, under conditions wherein the enzyme is capable of acting on a corresponding substrate to generate a product, and wherein a protease inhibitor is present; (b) contacting the reaction admixture with a reagent that inhibits the ability of the enzyme to act on a corresponding substrate, wherein the metabolic analyte and the product are soluble in the reagent; to produce a test sample and (c) determining the presence or amount of the metabolic analyte and the product contained in the test sample using mass spectrometry, wherein a determined presence or amount of the metabolic analyte and the product correlates with presence or absence of the metabolic disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds capable of inhibiting binding of the Smac protein to Inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs). Such compounds are preferably capable of inhibiting IAP and thus may promote apoptosis or sensitize cells for apoptosis. The compounds may be used in the treatment of proliferative diseases, such as cancer.