Abstract: A hinge mechanism comprising first and second members rotatable relative to one another about a hinge axis from a first to a second position; and a biasing arrangement operative to adopt an active mode to bias the first and second members into at least one relative position and operative to adopt an inactive mode where the biasing arrangement does not provide bias to the first or second members to undergo relative rotation, wherein the biasing arrangement remains in the inactive mode on relative rotation of the first and second members through a first selected angular displacement between the first position and the second position, and is in the active mode on relative rotation of the first and second members through a second selected angular displacement between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods in which a truck carrying member, for coupling a conventional truck to a skateboard, comprises a pivoting plate and optionally a base plate. For example, the base and pivoting plates are rotatably coupled at a pivot comprising an elastic flexible member that biases the pivoting plate to a default position (e.g., center of the base plate). Preferably, the base plate and pivoting plate each has a mounting surface and a pivoting surface that form an obtuse angle, such that the mounting surface of the pivoting surface extends downward. Another example of a pivoting plate comprises flexible members that allow the pivoting plate to tilt relative to the skateboard.

Abstract: A gate latch arranged to be mounted to either a gate or gate post and adapted to co-operate with a component mounted on the other of the gate or gate post to hold the gate closed, the gate latch comprising: a latch mechanism, and a housing containing at least a portion of the latch mechanism, the housing being configured to receive at least one latch accessory to modify the gate latch.

Abstract: A device for measuring condensation and/or advance of corrosion of a conduit includes an insulator extending around the conduit; a first conductor and a second conductor which are arranged such that at least a portion of the insulator lies between the conduit and the first conductor and the second conductor, such that the first conductor forms a first pole of a capacitor, the second conductor forms a second pole of the capacitor, and the portion therebetween comprises a capacitive coupling between the first pole and the second pole. At least one measuring instrument is configured to determine a value which is representative of the capacitive coupling.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a modular construction mat system wherein each individual mat is made of two layers to support heavy loads while providing stability and ground protection. In use the finished mats can then be adjoined to adjacent mats to complete a large mat system for roadways, walkways, and other support structures using a unique floating nut system to create a single firmly joined modular mat system.

Abstract: A tamper-evident container comprising a vessel and a barrier that together enclose an interior space. The barrier has a marking chamber at least partially filled with a marking substance, such that when a product is inserted into the tamper-evident container through the barrier and passes through the marking chamber, the marking substance is applied to the product's surface. The presence of the marking substance on the product can indicate that it is the original product inserted into the tamper-evident container, while the absence of the marking substance on a product removed from the tamper-evident container can indicate that the original product has been replaced in the tamper-evident container with a substitute.

Abstract: A latch assembly comprising: a latch operable to adopt a latched condition and an unlatched condition; a magnet imparting a magnetic field; a sensor adapted to sense the magnetic field; the latch, magnet and sensor being configured such that a change in the condition of the latch effects a variance in the magnetic field sensed by the sensor to distinguish between the latched condition and the unlatched condition, wherein the latch includes a latch member that is moveable relative to both the sensor and the magnet when the latch changes from the unlatched condition to the latched condition and the proximity of the latch member to the magnet changes the strength of the magnetic field sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A parts feeder which incorporates a position-controlled conveyor, a unique flex crowder system and destacker for promoting the singulation of parts on the conveyor, and a vision enabled reject mechanism to select and reject non-compliant parts. In this regard, parts to be sorted are lifted onto a conveyor and run past a series of adjustable crowder sections, including a flex crowder section, past a destacker element and into a singulation zone whereupon multiple camera images of both edges and features in conjunction with conveyor speed, conveyor position and laser triggering synchronize the parts to be rejected. The parts feeder incorporates adjustable settings thereby obviating the need to switch out components for the purpose of accommodating parts of various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an exendin-4 analog PEGylated with polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof, a preparation method, and a pharmaceutical composition for prevention or treatment of diabetes containing the same as an active ingredient. According to the present invention, the yield of an exendin-4 analog can be increased via the selective PEGylation by using exendin-4 in which a cysteine is introduced into #40 site of the C-terminal, and treatment effect of medications can be increased, so that the exendin-4 analog can be usefully applied as a composition for prevention or treatment of diseases caused by insulin hypersecretion.

Abstract: A door closer includes: a cylinder secured on a door frame and having a cylinder head formed on a proximal end of the cylinder; a main value and a check valve respectively formed on the cylinder head to control the air in-and-out volume through the valves for lightly opening the door; a piston secured to a rod member slidably reciprocating within the cylinder with the rod member secured to a door; a restoring spring secured between the cylinder head and the rod member for normally resiliently restoring the rod member and the piston towards the cylinder head in order to close the door to the door frame normally as restored by the restoring spring; and at least a buffer member secured between the cylinder head and the piston so as to dampen the inertia force of the closing door to eliminate the noise or damage thus possibly caused.

Abstract: A rotary joint constant velocity stabilizer for connecting a first rotatable body and a second rotatable body, the first and second rotatable bodies being rotatable about a generally common axis of rotation and rotatable at substantially similar angular velocities. The rotary joint constant velocity stabilizer has a first base, a second base, and a shaft. The shaft is connected to first base such that the shaft is pivotable relative to the first base about a first axis extending from a first side to a second side of the first base. The shaft is connected to the second base such that the shaft is pivotable about a second axis extending from a first side to a second side of the second base, the shaft being slidable relative to the second base along a third axis normal to the first axis and the second axis, and rotatable relative to the second base about the third axis while preventing relative rotational motion between the first base and the second base.

Abstract: A latch assembly comprising: a latch operative to adopt a latched condition and an unlatched condition; a magnet imparting a magnetic field; a sensor adapted to sense the magnetic field; the latch, magnet and sensor being configured such that a change in the condition of the latch effects a variance in the magnetic field sensed by the sensor such that the sensor is able to distinguish between the latched condition and the unlatched condition.

Abstract: Methods for embedding photocatalytic titanium dioxide in asphalt surfaces to reduce pollutants via photocatalytic reactions include applying an amount of an asphalt surface treatment compound to an upper surface of the asphalt surface, the asphalt surface treatment compound including a mixture of a liquid carrier compound with a titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst.