Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods for reducing, preventing, or eliminating the biological contamination of surfaces in spaces that are reasonably partitioned, defined or contained. A reagent that includes peroxides or molecules that includes peroxide bonds are contacted with at least one surface of an article. Some of these methods include disinfection within an apparatus and may include the step of volatilizing the peroxide bond containing agent, through, for example, vapor pressure and vaporization or evaporation effects, the addition of volatilization aids, or passive or assisted diffusion at modest temperatures and relatively long exposure times measured in some embodiments on the order of hours, days, or months.

Abstract: A solar panel cooling system and apparatus. The cooling system includes a shroud that is coupleable to a back side of a solar panel. The shroud encloses a space on the back side of the solar panel and includes a nozzle for spraying cooling fluid onto the back side of the solar panel. The cooling fluid spray is contained within the space and is recirculated through a closed loop system to cool the cooling fluid before again being sprayed by the nozzle. Thermal energy absorbed by the solar panel is transferred to the cooling fluid to cool the solar panel. A backing element can be applied to the solar panel that aids transfer of thermal energy to the cooling fluid, directs the drainage flow of the cooling fluid, or comprises a thermo-electric generator to generate additional electrical energy from the system.

Abstract: A process for the hydrosilylation of an unsaturated compound comprising reacting (a) a silyl hydride with (b) an unsaturated compound in the presence of (c) a platinum based hydrosilylation catalyst comprising a platinum-diene complex with chelating anions. The use of the present catalysts in the process provides silylated products in good yields and allows for using lower platinum loadings than conventional catalysts, reduced cycle times, and may reduce yellowing in the product.

Abstract: Disclosed are capsule/tube connector/tube assemblies that eliminate a connection point in a filter capsule apparatus. A relatively soft tube is thermally or sonically bonded to a relatively hard tube connector that may have a tube receiving bore, a frustoconical tube receiving channel or a straight tube receiving channel. The tube connector is bonded to a filter capsule port. The manufacturing process can be either a one-step process bonding the tube and capsule during formation of the tube connector in one step, or a two-step process that binds the tube to the tube connector in one step and binds the tube connector to a filter capsule port in a second step. Single and dual-walled tubes may be used as well as single and dual-walled tubes having reinforcing material superposed about or embedded in the tube wall(s). A tube support collar is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter baffle assembly including a filter cap engageable to a mouth of a container, the filter cap including a filter vent operatively attached to a liner situated within an inner space of the filter cap, and a gas permeable point baffle welded to the liner and covering the filter vent, the point baffle including at least one perforation to permit gas exchange between the container interior and the filter vent, and to protect the filter vent from contact with contents in the container. A gas permeable point baffle for protecting a filter vent from contact with the contents of a container, including at least one perforation, the point baffle being welded to a liner and covering a filter vent operatively attached to the liner, housed within a cap engageable to the mouth of the container. A method for protecting a filter vent from the contents of a container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual function reagent composed of a polymeric chain and end caps, transfer fibers made from cellulose fibers and the dual function reagent, a liquid transfer layer made from the transfer fibers, and absorbent articles incorporating the liquid transfer layer. Embodiments of the present invention also relate to methods of making and using the dual function reagent, transfer fibers, transfer layer and absorbent articles.

Abstract: A barbell collar system which is both easy to connect or disconnect from the barbell and secure enough to maintain weights on a barbell during extreme use. The barbell collar system generally includes a collar which is adapted to easily and quickly be connected to or removed from a barbell to retain a weight on the barbell. The collar is adapted to adjust between a first position in which the collar is curled around the barbell outside of the weight and a second position in which the collar is elongated in a linear orientation. The collar may include a ribbon spring for snapping between the two positions and an outer covering for increasing friction between the collar and the barbell. One or more magnets may be included with the collar to magnetically engage the collar with the barbell or the collar with itself.

Abstract: Present embodiments provide a disruptive air flow assembly which connects to a vacuum line and utilizes a valve to open and close and thereby vary the vacuum pressure in the vacuum line. This affects air flow into the engine which is utilized for combustion and therefore causes the engine to vary the engine sound by running roughly at a preselected engine speed. A vacuum fitting may house the valve to vary air flow by opening and closing inlets in the fitting. A motor may be utilized to move the valve between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: Conversion and passivation coatings and methods for metal surfaces such as steel and aluminum are disclosed. The coating compositions comprise an aqueous sol of cerium oxide and/or silica particles and a ureido silane compound. The methods of the invention comprise contacting the requisite metal surface with the coating composition.

Abstract: Compositions comprising Silane functionalized compounds are provided. In one embodiment, the silane functionalized compounds include an epoxy resin derived backbone having silane functional groups pendant to the backbone or serving as end caps. The compositions comprising silane functionalized compounds may be utilized in a variety of applications including in coating formulations, adhesive formulations, composite materials, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed toward input mechanisms, for input devices, configured to receive and removably couple to interchangeable elements. Handheld input devices applicable to some embodiments may include, without limitation, computer controllers, video game console controllers, and handheld video gaming devices. Input mechanisms applicable to various embodiments may include, for example, control sticks (e.g., joysticks or analog sticks operable by a user's finger, such as a thumbstick), buttons, switches, and directional pads. According to some embodiments, an input mechanism is provided comprising a base component. Depending on the embodiment, coupling different interchangeable elements to the base component may cause the input mechanism to vary in size, appearance, contour, material, or features provided by the input mechanism.

Abstract: Provided is a one part, dual curable composition comprising (A) a first acrylic functional polyorganosiloxane with at least one moisture curable functional group, (B) a second acrylic functional polyorganosiloxane, which may optionally contain a moisture curable functional group, and (C) a third functional polyorganosiloxane, which optionally contains an acrylic and moisture curable functional group. The combination of (A), (B), and (C) provides a composition that is both moisture curable and radiation curable and provides a material that is fast curing via the dual cure functionality and provides a cured material exhibiting a relatively low modulus, good adhesion, and optical clarity.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of producing a desired phenotype in a plant by manipulation of gene expression within the plant. The method relates to means which inhibit the level of PK220 gene expression or activity, wherein a desired phenotype such as increased water use efficiency relative to a wild type control plant. The invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences and constructs useful such methods and methods of generating and isolating plants having decreased PK220 expression or activity.

Abstract: This multilayer component (11) for encapsulating an element (12) which is sensitive to air and/or moisture comprises an organic polymer layer (1) and at least one barrier stack (2). The barrier stack (2) comprises at least three successive thin layers (21-23) having alternately lower and higher degrees of crystallinity, the ratio of the degree of crystallinity of a layer of higher degree of crystallinity to the degree of crystallinity of a layer of lower degree of crystallinity being greater than or equal to 1.1.

Abstract: Liquid reservoir systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a liquid reservoir system may capture and retain a fuel reservoir to provide an uninterrupted fuel supply to a fuel pump or pickup line during low fuel conditions such as those that may be experienced during vehicle acceleration, braking or side to side maneuvers. It may also capture and retain a fuel reservoir to provide an uninterrupted fuel supply to a fuel pump or other pickup line during periods of high agitation such as may be experienced during vehicle jumping, cross country/closed course racing and other aggressive driving maneuvers.

Abstract: A high refractive index molecule and high refractive index polymers comprising such monomers. The high refractive index monomer comprises a carrier atom having a high refractive index group attached thereto, the high refractive index group comprising a heterocyclic compound comprising at least one sulfur atom.

Abstract: Flexible members are provided that define (i) a toe platform region, (ii) a longitudinal arch pad region, (iii) a heel region, and (iv) a center axis; and include a plurality of fiber layers of varying lengths. The fiber layers each include a plurality of unidirectionally aligned fibers that are angled at between about 10° and 20° relative to the center axis such that the plurality of unidirectionally aligned fibers are angled medially from the heel region to the toe platform region. The flexible members may be used as orthotics, orthotic inserts or as an orthotic footplate that is joined with respect to a brace structure to function as an ankle foot orthosis. The flexible member improves biomechanical function, including biomechanical function of the foot, ankle and knee, and advantageously imparts propulsive force in connection with a user's gait by storing and releasing an individual's own energy to assist in walking and/or standing.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a frame having an access panel. At least one LED is coupled to an interior edge of the frame and a light guide panel is positioned in the frame such that an edge is in communication with the LED. At least one light injection optic is coupled to the LED and the edge of the light guide panel, and is configured to direct light from the LED toward the edge of the light guide panel. At least one reflector is coupled to the LED, and is configured to direct light from the LED toward the edge of the light guide panel. At least one reflective sheet is coupled to a rear surface of the light guide panel and at least one color conversion sheet is coupled to a front surface of the light guide panel. A cover is coupled to the rear of the frame.