Abstract: A method is described for treating inflammatory bowel disease in a subject in need thereof. The method comprises administering a formulation comprising at least one ganglioside to the subject, wherein the formulation comprises at least about 50% GD3 by weight of total ganglioside content.

Abstract: A shower pan (10), preferably having rectangular planform includes a central drain (20) that is centered in a floor portion that inclines at a shallow angle (i.e., 3 degrees or so) to front and back sides and opposite ends. The floor portion and includes a shallow channel (46) along the front edge of the shower pan (10) into which all or substantially all water is drained to a second channel (48) into a central drain (20). An apertured grill or cover plate assembly (36) is mounted in the channels and serves as a cover for the various channels. The shower pan (10) is typically installed so that a sill surface (50) is at the same elevation as the pre-existing floor (52) to provide an entry that does not have any type of ‘trip’ points or obstructions that could pose a hazard to the user or impede assistive aids, such as walkers or wheeled chairs.

Abstract: A method of mining a valuable metal or material in an ore body is described. The method comprises the steps of: a) placing a cushion in a stope whereby the cushion creates a void into which fragmented rock can expand during subsequent blasting operations for a second or subsequent panel; and, b) maintaining the void until blasting operations occur whereupon the void is caused to collapse to accommodate fragmented ore generated during blasting operations.

Abstract: The invention is a security bracket for a retail display. The security bracket has guide pins extending laterally outwardly from each side of a base member. Sliding blocks are mounted to each pair of guide pins. The sliding block also carries a vertical arm that may be adjusted upwardly or downwardly. Adjustment of the sliding blocks relative to a hand-held allows the security bracket to be used for mounting hand-helds with different footprints to a retail display.

Abstract: A device for fractionally collecting contents of exhaled air by changing the state of matter of the contents by means of the Joule-Thomson effect arising during the expansion of pressurized gas. The temperature of the exhaled air conducted in a flow channel is lowered, because of the cooling of the expanding gas, to a temperature that is suitable for condensing the contents in the exhaled air flow. This device and method provides a more efficient means by which condensate can be separated from exhaled air in comparison to conveying exhaled air along a cooling surface for the condensation of the contents, as a result of which condensation of the contents occurs only in the area of these cooling surfaces, so that several breath cycles are required for the collection of sufficient condensate for analysis.

Abstract: A spring loaded direct oxidation fuel cell assembly reduces the effects of precompression relaxation. A near flat spring and a distribution plate form a spring assembly that is disposed between a membrane electrode assembly and one of the current collectors in the fuel cell. The components are assembled into a fuel cell assembly and are precompressed, and a spring yielding process is performed. While precompression is being applied, a set of pins and a plastic frame are insert molded around the fuel cell assembly to hold the components in place. Subsequently, as the precompression relaxes, the spring assembly forces act to maintain an evenly distributed compression on the MEA, thereby compensating for the loss of precompression. A related method of manufacturing a fuel cell assembly is provided.

Abstract: The invention disclosed here is a display system for managing power and security for a plurality of hand-held electronic devices sold to consumers in a retail location. The display includes features that allow power to be supplied to individual devices without hard wiring or multi-conductor retractor cables. The display also allows for individual security alarms to be triggered when a theft occurs. Security alarm conditions are triggered via wireless signals.

Abstract: A flex-mount sensor has an electrical contact portion that is at least partly surrounded by a lower housing. The lower housing has a central portion. A flexible adhesive strip has an opening that is placed over the upper portion. An upper housing serves as a cap that sandwiches the flexible material between the upper and lower housings. Lateral portions of the flexible material are used to join the sensor to an article for theft-deterrent purposes.

Abstract: An antenna array and method of operation are disclosed for providing a very thin antenna arrangement with large coverage area for RFID applications and long distance sensitivity. The antenna arrangement comprises two or more antenna elements, each element comprises a planar spiral of conductive material with a feed terminal at one end of the spiral and preferably at its outer end. Each adjacent couple of antenna elements may be arranged with the direction of rotation of their spiral being in opposite directions. Each antenna element may be fed with RFID signal independently from the other antenna elements and preferably the antenna elements are fed one at a time.

Abstract: A method is described for treating inflammatory bowel disease in a subject in need thereof. The method comprises administering a formulation comprising at least one ganglioside to the subject, wherein the formulation comprises at least about 50% GD3 by weight of total ganglioside content.

Abstract: An apparent need exists for compact devices to ergonomically support such items as laptop computers, keyboards and projectors. The AIRDESK® desk/stand design positions such items with full 3D positioning using all 6 directions of adjustment. Each direction of motion has the correct friction and range of motion for easy and secure re-positioning. Unique accessory shelves and cup holder may be attached to the device frame. A unique, flat, very thin, trip-free base provides unparalleled positioning flexibility of the unit, furniture legs may be placed directly on the base sheet. Additionally, a unique universal and quickly installed folding frame for an automobile or truck seat is provided for supporting the AirDesk positionable tray in a vehicle. AirDesks allow computing from any chair, recliner, sofa, bed, while standing or in a vehicle. The unique trip-free base may also be used for such applications as supporting medical equipment and crowd control stanchions.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having internal pushback of water, with a compact, thermally integrated enthalpy exchanger enabling effective hydration control in a small fuel cell system is provided. The enthalpy exchanger provides for the moisture in the fuel cell effluent to be used to humidify the incoming air stream to allow the fuel cell to be operated at higher temperatures while avoiding dry out. The enthalpy exchanger includes a moisture permeable membrane which collects moisture from the exhaust flow and makes this moisture available to an incoming air stream, thus humidifying the incoming air stream. In addition, the waste heat from the fuel cell reactions is transferred to the incoming air stream. The exhaust stream from the anode can also be used to provide additional moisture and heat to the enthalpy exchanger to be added to the incoming air stream. A water separator is also provided in one embodiment.

Abstract: The invention provides formulations and methods for mediating inflammation, in particular an inflammatory bowel disorder such as necrotizing enterocolitis, and for. Further, the formulations are effective in lowering blood cholesterol and decreasing blood cholesterol absorption. The formulations comprise at least one ganglioside, which may be selected from the group consisting of: GD3, GM1, GM2, GM3, and GD1b. The invention provides a method of treating or preventing inflammatory diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis by delivery of at least one ganglioside to a subject in need thereof. Supplementation of foods or liquids with gangliosides, fore example infant formula or infant foods, can be employed according to the invention.

Abstract: A method of mining a valuable metal or material in an ore body is described. The method comprises the steps of: a) placing a cushion in a stope whereby the cushion creates a void into which fragmented rock can expand during subsequent blasting operations for a second or subsequent panel; and, b) maintaining the void until blasting operations occur whereupon the void is caused to collapse to accommodate fragmented ore generated during blasting operations.

Abstract: Provided are complex elements for an antenna of a radio frequency repeater and a dipole array circular polarization antenna using the same. The complex elements for the antenna of the RF repeater include: a plurality of radiation members which are separated from one another by a predetermined angular distance and has a radiation portion and a leg portion, the radiation portion comprising a pair of parallel portions, which are separated from each other in a vertical direction and are disposed to be parallel to each other, and a connection portion, which is disposed to be perpendicular to the pair of parallel portions and connects ends of each of the pair of parallel portions, and the leg portion extending from the radiation portion; and a plurality of feeding members, each of the feeding members connected to each of the radiation members that face each other, among the plurality of radiation members.

Abstract: The invention provides formulations for mediating inflammation and for lowering blood cholesterol. For example, inflammation of the intestine, retina or neural tissues, may be mediated. Further the formulations are effective in decreasing blood cholesterol absorption. The formulations comprise at least one ganglioside, which may be selected from the group consisting of: GD3, GM1, GM2, GM3, GD1b, NANA, and sialic acid. The invention further provides a method of treating or preventing inflammatory diseases by delivery of at least one ganglioside to a subject in need thereof, and a method of reducing blood cholesterol in a subject be delivery of a ganglioside-containing formulation. The formulation of the invention may be used to supplement foods or liquids, and may for example be used in preparation of infant formula or foods.

Abstract: A double-sided, slip resistant material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior heat sealable layer, a core layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent and optionally grit to produce a double-sided slip resistant material. A number of rollers are provided after nip rollers have fused the film together, and which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies in the film) prior to the film being wound onto a roll for storage.

Abstract: A power pack system for charging a set of isolated batteries is provided. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a single fuel cell, a single DC-DC converter and a single system controller device comprises the power-generation side of the power pack. A set of switches is used to connect the power-generation side of the Power pack to one of the isolated batteries in the power pack, thereby recharging that particular battery in the battery power pack set. A battery protection and powerpath control device communicates with the system controller to determine which switches are to be closed depending upon which battery requires recharging. During normal operation the switches will follow the direction from the system controller. If a fault is detected by the battery protection circuit, the protection circuit will take priority and turn off the appropriate switch(es).

Abstract: Fuel feed systems capable of providing substantially consistent flow of fuel to a fuel cell and also capable of tolerating varying pressures from a reservoir (also referred to as fuel supply or fuel cell cartridge) and the fuel cell while maintaining substantially consistent control flow to the fuel cell are disclosed.