Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining whether a test compound solution induces cell activity, an embodiment of the method of the present invention comprising placing a test compound solution in contact with a cell suspension media containing cells, diffusing the test compound solution into the cell suspension from a point source, and detecting activity in the cells with respect to their distance from the point source. Detecting activity in the cells can involve detecting activity in a first group of the cells proximate to the point source, and detecting activity in a second group of the cells farther from the point source than the first group.

Abstract: A seamless athletic bra includes different regions with different levels of support. The bra is formed from layers of material adhered together. Altering the types of materials comprising the layers in a region changes the level of support in that region as compared with other regions of the bra. A first region having the lowest level of support is found in a back panel and in the molded cups. A second region having a medium level of support is found in the front portion of the strap. A third region having a high level of support is found in a framework that follows the contours of the molded cups and in a back portion of the strap.

Abstract: A fluid container may have a body that defines a void for receiving a fluid. A neck extends outward from the body, and a spout the spout is at least partially located within the neck. The spout is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When the spout is in the retracted position, a majority of the spout is located within the neck and the fluid is prevented from flowing out of the container through the spout. When the spout is in the extended position, however, the spout extends outward from the neck and the fluid is free to flow out of the container through the spout. An exterior surface of the spout may be at least partially formed from a deformable material, and a protrusion in the neck contacts the material and extends into the material to form a seal.

Abstract: A composite element includes a base layer, a thermoplastic polymer material, a thread, and a cover layer. The base layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The polymer material is separate from the base layer, extends into the base layer, and is at least partially located at the first surface. The thread has a section lying adjacent to the first surface layer and substantially parallel to the first surface throughout a distance of at least five centimeters, and the thread is bonded to the base layer with the polymer material. The cover layer is located adjacent to the first surface and bonded to the base layer with the polymer material, and the section of the thread is located between the cover layer and the base layer.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for a sponsoring organization to: (1) utilize a rules-based computer system to capture trade orders from sub-advisors (money management firms) in order to implement a pre trade compliance review process, thereby enabling the sponsoring organization to prevent the execution of trade orders by a sub advisor that violates securities laws and/or account restrictions; and (2) determine and assign, based on expected market impact of a trade order to buy or sell securities, whether responsibility (discretion over the decisions related to how, when and with whom a trade order is executed) for executing the trade order is assigned to the money management firm for an investment portfolio or to the sponsoring organization of that portfolio. Trade orders are categorized in real-time as “high touch” (significant effort and market impact) or “low touch” (insignificant effort and market impact).

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly comprising a bearing runner and a bearing carrier, the carrier defining thrust pad sites annularly around the carrier, with a thrust pad disposed at a site and with the carrier limiting movement of the thrust pad in a direction generally radial to the longitudinal axis of the runner while allowing the thrust pad to move in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The pads can tilt under load to form a hydrodynamic wedge. A runner may have a wear resistant face. In one implementation, at each site, a deflection element (e.g., Belleville washer) is at least partially disposed within a cavity and a pad is disposed over the deflection element. The wear resistant face contacts the pad. Another embodiment rigidly connects pads disposed on opposite sides of a stationary bearing carrier. Another embodiment attaches pads to a bearing carrier using pad holder assemblies.

Abstract: A vehicle seat can be configured to include a variety of types of cushions. The seat may include primary and secondary cushions that are joined together such that the secondary cushion has a stored position under the seating surface of the primary seat cushion and a deployed position where the secondary seat cushion is positioned adjacent the primary seat cushion. The effective width of the seat may be greater when it is in one position than when it is in the other position. The back cushion may include first and second portions and a third portion intermediate the first and second positions. A vehicle may include left, right, and middle seats, the middle seat being configured to have two positions, the effective width of the middle seat in one position being greater than in the other position.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a group of interchangeable heels. Each heel in the group may be removably associated with the article of footwear. A finger-operable locking mechanism prevents a heel that has been secured to the article of footwear from unintentionally moving toward a toe region. Similarly, a tab positioned at the rear of the article of footwear inhibits a heel that has been secured to the article of footwear from unintentionally moving away from the toe region.

Abstract: A gear operated shut valve for a ventilation system in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The gear operated shut valve includes gear train. The gear train includes a driven gear that is associated with the shut valve and a driving gear that is associated with an outlet knob on an outlet of the ventilation system. The shut valve is substantially angled with respect to the outlet.

Abstract: A patient's skin puncturing device according to the present invention is built of a body and of seated therein a pricking needle assembly and of a push-button arranged in the upper portion of the body. Between the push-button and the pricking needle assembly at least two driving springs are arranged. The driving springs are connected by upper ends with the push-button provided with a pushing face. Between the body and the pricking needle assembly at least two return springs are disposed, which are connected with the body. The pricking needle assembly has a driving face cooperating with the pushing face of the push-button, and in the upper portion has wings which upper surfaces cooperate with the driving springs of the push-button and which lower surfaces cooperate with the return springs, and has outer projections cooperating with inner projections with which the body is provided.

Abstract: An article of footwear configured to drain water away from a foot wearing the article of footwear includes a plurality of drainage holes positioned between ribs formed on the sole. The drainage holes are formed along a centerline of the sole. The drainage holes are substantially vertical channels formed entirely through the sole. The ribs include raised center portions disposed at or near the inlets to the drainage holes to lift the foot away from the drainage holes.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a sole that includes a plurality of vertical grooves is disclosed. The plurality of vertical grooves may be disposed on a sidewall and a lower portion of the sole. The vertical grooves can facilitate twisting of the sole.

Abstract: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.

Abstract: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.

Abstract: Protective elements may include a pair of material layers, a plurality of pad components, and a plate. The pad components may be located between the material layers, and the plate may be positioned adjacent to one of the material layers and opposite the pad components. Similar protective elements may also be utilized with apparel systems. For example, an inner garment may include the protective element, and an outer garment may extend over the inner garment. The outer garment may include an outer pad locatable to extend over the plate, and the outer pad may have a greater area than the plate.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the analysis of one or more diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and for the scheduling of vehicle service appointments based at least in part on the DTC analysis. The method involves analyzing the received DTCs to determine an underlying problem. Once the underlying problem is determined, the parts and estimated repair time needed to repair the problem is determined. In one approach, the selection of the proposed slot for the service appointment involves coordinating numerous factors, such as the availability of needed parts, the user's scheduling preferences, and the availability of slots in the dealer's service schedule.