Abstract: A fully collapsible pallet is provided with easily adjustable rear stops, lower rear stops, and side restraints. A telescoping member is provided to allow shipment of partial pallets of windshields. Extensions allow the pallet to be used with windshields of various heights. The pallet is stackable in a folded condition as well as a loaded condition, even when extensions are used. A latch is provided to prevent leaning of the pallet even when the load is not centered in the pallet.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for RF immunity of an electret condenser microphone. In one embodiment, the microphone comprises a printed wire board, an amplifier, a capacitor. The amplifier and the capacitor are mounted on the printed wire board such that longitudinal axis, i.e., the axis defined by the line between the output pin and the ground pin, of the capacitor is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the amplifier. According to one embodiment of the method of the present invention, an electret condenser microphone according to the present invention is provided, and current is provided to the capacitor to result in the creation of a magnetic field about the longitudinal axis of the capacitor. The magnetic field created is positioned such that it does not significantly contribute to the generation of RF current in the amplifier.

Abstract: A novel bulb and bulb assembly. In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a shell enclosing a hollow interior, and a tube intersecting with the shell such that the ends of the tube reside outside the shell and a portion of the tube resides within the shell. Each intersection of the tube and the shell in this embodiment is accomplished so that any contents of the hollow interior of the shell are sealed within the shell and any contents of the hollow interior of the shell are segregated from any contents of the portion of the tube residing within the shell. This embodiment may further comprise at least one electrode having at least one end terminating inside the shell. This embodiment may further comprise a source of electromagnetic waves positioned such that electromagnetic waves emanating from the source of electromagnetic waves pass through the shell.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring voltage of individual cells connected in series includes a pair of busses connectable to the cells and a flying capacitor connectable to the busses. The capacitor stores the charge of one of the cells such that an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the capacitor may process an accurate representation of the voltage of the cell being measured. In order to prevent electrical interference with the capacitor and the ADC, the charge on the busses is reduced prior to measurement by the ADC.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus and method for using the positioning apparatus to position a dental arch model in a dental articulator, simulating the position of dental arch in a skull. The positioning apparatus includes a first member, a second member that slides with respect to the first member, and a third member that slides with respect to the second member. A locating member on the second member and one or more adjustment members on the third member impart an orientation to a mounting surface representative of a plane in which a dental arch lies. A maxillary tray having radio-opaque members may be mounted to the mounting surface. X-ray data obtained while the maxillary tray is engaged with a patient's teeth is used to determine the position and orientation of a dental arch model while said model is engaged with the maxillary tray on the mounting surface.

Abstract: A system and method for control of a gas and/or chemical for treatment of a fluid, and for monitoring the operation of such a system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reactor for receipt of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical for dissolving, mixing, diffusing, or infusing the gas and/or chemical into the fluid, and a controller to control the flow of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical into the reactor, and to monitor the operation of the system in accordance with predetermined operating conditions. In another embodiment, the system also comprises a gas/chemical generation system for generation of the gas and/or chemical to be introduced into the reactor. The present invention permits for the control of the system based on numerous dynamic conditions to optimize operation and to minimize safety hazards.

Abstract: The microphone system for communication devices that comprises an electric circuit comprising two microphone elements connected to a signal flow processor. This processor uses a digital signal processor or comparable analog circuitry to provide a particular electrical time delay (?) to one of the microphone elements (nearest the ear or loudspeaker) and a compatible amplitude gain (Gm1) to the other microphone element (nearest the user's mouth) in order to substantially reduce the external acoustic coupling and echo of communication devices in the receive and doubletalk state. Further, this processing system allows the microphone system to reduce the pickup of ambient noise in the send and idle state, while still being sensitive to the user's speech.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing specifically metered doses of at least two flowable dental materials in desired ratios to one another. In particular, the present invention allows for controlled metering and dispensing of two or more flowable dental substances which when subsequently mixed form a dental bonding composition, dental adhesive, dental cement, or other dental restorative or preparative materials. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention utilizes a multi-rack system as well as a drive spring action to provide a substantial mechanical advantage to the user such that a relatively long throw of the dispensing button creates a relatively short, metered distance of movement of the multiple racks and corresponding pistons in the each lumen of a cartridge containing the component of the desired dental composition, allowing for small, metered doses of each flowable dental component to be dispensed from the apparatus in the proper proportions.

Abstract: A system for stunning poultry located in cages in which the system utilizing an automated control system and a series of stunning apparatuses for progressively increasing exposure of the poultry to a subduing gas. The system is adjustable to allow for varying concentrations of the subduing gas, as well as adjusting the time for which the poultry is exposed to the subduing gas. In addition, the conveyor system includes methods for maintaining the poultry in a calm state prior to dispatch.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a new method for manufacturing extrusion die tools that eliminates the step of hardening the steel after cutting the steel to form the desired extrusion die tool design. The new method involves the steps of cutting and finishing steel to form the desired extrusion die tool design, coating the die tool, or parts thereof, and hardening the coated die tool. The new method for manufacturing extrusion die tools reduces the time and the cost involved in their manufacture.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring voltage of individual cells connected in series includes a single flying capacitor. The capacitor stores the charge of one of the cells such that an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the capacitor may process an accurate representation of the voltage of the cell being measured. A plurality of switches electrically connects and disconnects the cells from the capacitor. A controller is in communication with the ADC and the switches for sequencing the switches and recording the voltage measurements of each cell. At least one precision voltage reference device is included to provide the ADC a reference voltage to provide self-calibration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices for performing PCR and monitoring the reaction of a sample comprising a nucleic acid and a fluorescent dye. Illustrative devices comprise a heat exchange component for heating and cooling the sample, a control device for repeatedly operating the heat exchange component to subject the sample to thermal cycling, an excitation source for optically exciting the sample to cause the sample to fluoresce, a photodetector for detecting temperature-dependent fluorescence levels from the sample, and a processor configured to record and process emissions from the fluorescent dye.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the amount of resveratrol in a peanut material are provided, comprising the steps of providing a peanut kernel, size-reducing the peanut kernel, abiotically stressing the size-reduced peanut kernel, and incubating the abiotically stressed size-reduced peanut kernel under conditions capable of increasing the amount of resveratrol in the size-reduced peanut kernel. Resveratrol-enhanced peanut compositions prepared according to these methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present application relates to a surface-coated SPME with an extracting tip that resists breaking during analysis. Rather than utilizing a hollow fiber tip, a resilient surface coated rod is utilized. Specifically, several grooves are machined into the tip of the SPME device, allowing an adsorbent material to be retained thereon. The resulting surface coated SPME device is more rugged in laboratory use and allows for testing of analytes in chemical environments that result in failures when using fiber tipped SPME devices.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of a coating for a projection screen for displaying an image projected as a combination of primary colors, said coating comprises one or more primary pigments, each of said primary pigments corresponding to at least one of said primary colors. In at least one embodiment of a projection screen for displaying an image projected as a combination of primary colors, said projection screen includes a coating for displaying said projected image and a substrate for receiving said coating, wherein said coating comprises one or more primary pigments corresponding to one of said primary colors, one or more reflective pigments, and a transparent medium.

Abstract: An electrode precursor sheet in which the active electrode material is bound by a polymer binder that includes an oxidized polymer or a blend of a first polymer with an oxidized polymer additive. The oxidized polymer advantageously has a minimum oxygen content of 1 atom % and may be an oxidized form of the first polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrode, electrolyte and/or a separator plate comprising a conductive material-doped ester-cured alkaline phenolic resole resin containing conducting alkaline salts.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for relieving joint pain and discomfort in a warm-blooded vertebrate by delivering via oral ingestion a nutritional supplement comprising an effective amount of hyaluronic acid, or a salt or digest thereof, and a nutritionally acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A portable ground anchor system comprises base plate members having a hinge pin passage formed therethrough and each base plate member having a multiplicity of holes formed therethrough for interaction with ground spikes; central triangular shaped plate members having circular openings formed therethrough at a triangular apex thereof; a spacer member adapted to provide an engagement for a cable, said spacer member interconnected between said central triangular shaped plate members; a cylindrical pin for pivotally joining the base plate members and the central triangular members.