Abstract: A novel strain of Lactobacillus delbrueckii, ssp. bulgaricus, including probiotic compositions comprising the bacteria, and methods for using the bacteria and/or the compositions for treatments of diseased states and boosting immune response.

Abstract: The present application includes disclosure of various embodiments of composite construction beams and beam systems. In at least one exemplary embodiment of a composite construction beam of the present disclosure, the beam comprises an elongated shell having a length and an interior volume, wherein the elongated shell defines a first aperture. An exemplary construction beam further comprises a first conduit within the interior volume of the elongated shell, the first conduit having a curved profile extending along a longitudinal direction of the beam, and a second conduit within the interior volume of the elongated shell, the second conduit extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongated shell, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are in communication with one another. In at least one embodiment, a construction beam of the present disclosure comprises a first flange positioned upon the elongated shell relative to the first aperture.

Abstract: Photochromic matrix compositions and tie layer compositions useful for the preparation of photochromic polycarbonate lenses are disclosed. The tie layer compositions facilitate adhesion of the photochromic matrix composition to the polycarbonate lens. The photochromic matrix compositions can contain a flexible hydrophilic dimethacrylate monomer, one or more hydrophobic monomers, a flexible hydrophobic multi(meth)acrylate monomer, one or more urethane methacrylate oligomers, and one or more photochromic dyes. The tie layer compositions can contain one or more methacrylate monomers, a (meth)acrylated oligomer with a polycarbonate backbone, one or more urethane methacrylate oligomers, and a solvent or solvent mixture. Methods of preparing photochromic polycarbonate lenses are also disclosed, involving the serial application of the tie layer composition, then the photochromic matrix composition to the lens.

Abstract: A universal joint arrangement with a journal cross, supported by bearings in two joint yokes offset to one another by 90°. Each joint yoke comprises a flange and two bearings. Each bearing has an axial bearing mold element that is supported by a connection element on the joint yoke and at least indirectly on the journal cross to form a first and second friction pairing. The mold element has a planar face and a second face having at least one elevated support region facing the first or second friction pairing, and is arranged with the support region on the connection element, which elastically deflects under load. The regions on the second face other than the support region are free from contact with the connection element in every load state. The support region is arranged in the region of low relative movement of the connection element with the journal cross, while the regions other than the support region lie in the region of greatest relative motion.

Abstract: A removable power supply is provided for use with a motor of a shutter assembly. The removable power supply may include a base housing a battery, a shaft, and a flexible conductor coupled between the base and the shaft. The end of the shaft opposite of the flexible conductor has an electrical interface that is configured to supply power to the motor. The electrical interface is configured for removable coupling to the motor. The shaft may comprise a plurality of telescoping sections, or may be a unitary member. The telescoping sections may be a series of interlocking hallow tubes. The removable power supply may supply power to the motor, thereby allowing a shutter curtain of the assembly to be raised or lowered. Once the shutter curtain is at the desired position, the removable power supply may be removed from the shutter assembly.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a cable to a surface is presented. The bracket restricts lateral and longitudinal movement of a cable while enabling rotational movement. The bracket may be mounted to a first surface so that the cable may be inserted into a second surface. The bracket generally includes a mounting portion, first and second flanges, and an arm. To reduce longitudinal movement of the cable, the cable is inserted through the first flange and fixedly coupled to a ferrule, which is coupled between the second flange and the notch of the arm. To restrict lateral movement of the cable, a first flange includes a tab that when in a raised position, enables the cable to be inserted through the first flange. After which, the tab is lowered to reduce the size of the aperture. The bracket may also include a cap that is fixedly removable from the cable.

Abstract: A method for preparing a metal-polymer laminate packaging material, a method for preparing a metal-polymer laminated electrochemical cell package, and an electrochemical cell package, wherein adhesion of the polymer to the metal sheet used in the packaging material and/or hydrophobicity of the metal sheet are improved. In accordance with the invention, the metal sheet is subjected to a surface treatment and thereafter coated with a polymer to form a metal-polymer laminate packaging material. Exemplary surface treatments include chromate or phosphate conversion coatings, anodization, or chemically cleaning the metal sheet with a caustic solution and/or an acidic solution.

Abstract: An method and system for determining the appropriate refractive prescription in a clinical optometry or opthalmology setting. Data in the form of aberrometric input, patient history and other information, and/or other environmental data is used to optimize a real-world prescription for an individual's optic needs through the use of a equivalent quadratic fitting calculation or a simulated through focus experiment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension system for a vehicle seat. The system comprises a top portion (9) and a first part (1) having a base portion (2), means (3b, 20) to receive the top portion and means (3, 4) to allow movement of the base portion (2) and top portion (9) towards and away from each other. The system further comprises a second part consisting of a spring element (10, 14) adapted in use to control movement of the base portion (2) and top portion (9) towards and away from each other. The top portion (9) and the second part (10, 14) are, in addition, releasably connected (13, 11a, 20) to the first part (1). This suspension system allows for flexibility in the manufacturing process and the replacement of parts.

Abstract: A multi-part label with variable data and method for its manufacture. First indicia may be printed on a first label face ply of a multi-ply label material in registration with an eventual location of at least one of a plurality of multi-part labels. The first indicia may be variable between at least two of the plurality of multi-part labels. A second label material may be removably adhered to the multi-ply first label material, thereby covering the first indicia. Second indicia may be printed on the face of the second label material. The second indicia may be variable between at least two of the plurality of multi-part labels.

Abstract: A swinging hub is disclosed for adjusting the camber of at least one wheel mounted for rotation about one of a two oppositely extending axles via a camber adjustment mechanism including an actuator coupled to the at least one axle.

Abstract: A system for dynamically pricing media content is operatively coupled to one or more clients over a network. The system dynamically adjusts pricing of the media content and delivers the media content to the clients that order the media content at a dynamically adjusted price. The price can be dynamically adjusted based on profit optimization. Alternatively or additionally, the price can be adjusted based to time between purchases. Further, the system is capable of rewarding institutions for allowing their members to access the system.

Abstract: A system and method for distribution channel management for devices and services in the wireless telecommunications industry are disclosed. A product ordering software module is integrated with an activation and credit scoring software module, a commissions management software module, and a coop management software module, wherein the software modules are optionally integrated with additional software modules for product and service management, and report generation. A plurality of geographically distributed dealer agents who operate retail interfaces with customers use a web-based interface with the software modules and a data link with one or more distribution centers for delivery of wireless devices from a plurality of wireless device manufacturers, and with one or more carriers providing the subscription services activated for the customers via the activation and credit scoring software module.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight digital imaging device uses a slit scanning arrangement to obtain an image of the eye, in particular the retina. The scanning arrangement reduces the amount of target area illuminated at a time, thereby reducing the amount of unwanted light scatter and providing a higher contrast image. A detection arrangement receives the light remitted from the retinal plane and produces an image. The device is operable under battery power and ambient light conditions, such as outdoor or room lighting. The device is noncontact and does not require that the pupil of the eye be dilated with drops. The device can be used by personnel who do not have specialized training in the eye, such as emergency personnel, pediatricians, general practitioners, or volunteer or otherwise unskilled screening personnel. Images can be viewed in the device or transmitted to a remote location. The device can also be used to provide images of the anterior segment of the eye, or other small structures.

Abstract: A printable form comprising a printable face ply and a wristband releasably bonded to a surface of the printable face ply. In at least one embodiment the wristband may be detached from the surface of the printable face ply and secured to around a body part for use in identification. In at least one embodiment the printable face ply comprises one or more labels that may be detached therefrom and applied to the wristband.

Abstract: A lithium titanate is formed by mixing lithium carbonate powder or lithium hydroxide powder with titanium oxide followed by preparing a mixed slurry of titanium compound powder and a solution containing lithium, followed by depositing a lithium compound by spray-drying.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for determining the composition of a plaque at a plaque site, which could be inside a blood vessel. Through a combination of fluid injection with different conductivities and measurement of the resultant conductances, a parallel tissue conductance measure is obtained that assists in determining the composition of the site plaque. Lower parallel conductance levels are determinative of a higher lipid and/or fatty plaque, which is a type that may break out of its position and cause organ injury or death.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of cyanopyridines from methylpyridines by their conversion with ammonia and oxygen and catalysts suitable therefor which contain further transition metals in addition to vanadium and phosphorus.

Abstract: Injuries to the central nervous system, particularly spinal cord injuries, are treated by administering a purine nucleoside or analog to the patient and, optionally, electrically stimulating the site of injury.

Abstract: A rolling shutter and a slat for use in a rolling shutter are provided. The slat comprises an engaging track located at a first edge and a receptacle track located at a second edge. Illustratively, the engaging track has a hook-shaped profile and is disposed at an acute angle relative to an adjacent part of the body portion, is disposed at an angle of less than 180° relative to a vertical axis of the slat, or has a hook-shaped profile that curves for more than 180°, and the receptacle track comprises a lip and a guard defining a space adapted to receive therein an engaging track of an adjacent slat.