Abstract: The present invention is directed to mold control and extended shelf life methods and compositions for preparing edible dough-based products, such as, for example, breads, by treating the surface of the dough used to prepare the edible product with at least one preservative and at least one pH adjusting agent prior to or during baking. The present invention is also directed to methods and compositions for preparing edible dough-based products, such as, for example, breads, by treating the surface of the dough used to prepare the edible product with a at least one pH adjusting agent prior to or during baking.

Abstract: A flow control device having a first port, a second port, a third port and the movable member. In a first mode, the movable member seals the second port while allowing fluid flow between the first and third ports, wherein the differential pressure between the first port and third port, during the first mode, is about zero. In the second mode, the movable member seals the first port while allowing fluid flow between the third port and second port, wherein the movable member is adapted to transition from the first mode to the second mode in response to a small change in differential pressure.

Abstract: An optical fiber mechanical splice connector including a connector body having a fiber alignment mechanism and a cavity, and a ferrule including a stub fiber, wherein an end of the stub fiber extends from the ferrule through the cavity of the connector body and into the fiber alignment mechanism, and wherein the stub fiber buckles within the cavity when a field fiber is introduced into the connector body and contacts the distal end of the stub fiber. A mechanical splicing method including inserting a field fiber into a splice connector such that an end of the field fiber contacts an end of the stub fiber within an alignment mechanism of the splice connector, and applying axial force to the field fiber so as to cause the stub fiber to buckle within a cavity defined by the splice connector.

Abstract: A translucent dust cap for a fiber optic adapter allows the viewing of visible light emanating from a fiber optic connector coupled to the adapter, without removing the dust cap. A translucent dust cap for a fiber optic adapter that serves to diffuse a visible light source of sufficient power, such as that from a VFL, and lights up to aid in connector identification. A translucent dust cap for a fiber optic adapter that serves to attenuate infrared optical transmission power to prevent eye damage.

Abstract: Method and apparatus comprising used batteries for surface charging an automobile battery. A surface charge provides a time limited window in which to start a vehicle comprising a surface charged battery for example. Use of used batteries provides for environmentally effective manner in which to deal with the tremendous amount of used batteries that are discarded worldwide each year. The apparatus may comprise a charging circuit to allow for recharging the used batteries. Recharging “non-rechargeable” batteries at least once provides a destination for used batteries that have until now been discarded. Embodiments may comprise an LED to signify when a target battery comprises sufficient surface charge to warrant an attempt to start an engine. The apparatus is a small portable device that can stored anywhere in a vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of the recovery of methane gas from a coal mine and conventional Natural Gas. More particularly, it involves an apparatus and method for economically recovering methane gas from a coal mine and transporting the methane gas to an end user or other location. The invention further provides an apparatus and method for economically recovering Natural Gas that is stranded due to high impurities that requires processing and/or Natural Gas that is not located near a pipeline. According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, such methods for recovering and transporting gas comprise (a) transferring gas from a producing well to a first subterranean capacitor and storing the gas in said capacitor and (b) transferring gas from the first subterranean capacitor to a second subterranean capacitor, a pipeline, an end user, a gas processor, or a power plant.

Abstract: A ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly includes a substantially hollow plug housing; and a glue body disposed within the substantially hollow plug housing; wherein the glue body includes a first portion that is configured to engage and retain an optical cable comprising an optical fiber and one or more strength members; wherein the glue body includes a second portion that is configured to engage and retain a connector sub-assembly comprising an optical ferrule; wherein the second portion of the glue body includes a pair of opposed snap hooks that are configured to engage a corresponding pair of opposed recesses of the connector sub-assembly; and wherein the optical fiber and the optical ferrule are optically coupled.

Abstract: Digital fuel injector, injection and hydraulic valve actuation module and engine and high pressure pump methods and apparatus primarily for diesel engines. The digital fuel injectors have a plurality of intensifier actuation pistons allowing a selection of up to seven intensified fuel pressures. The disclosed engine operating methods include using at least one cylinder for a compression cylinder for providing compressed intake air to at least one combustion cylinder. A pressure sensor in each combustion cylinder may be used to indicate temperature in the combustion cylinder to limit combustion temperatures to below temperatures at which substantial NOX is generated. A re-burn cycle may be used to complete the burning of hydrocarbons, providing a very low emission engine. A compression cylinder may be provided with a pump actuated by the piston in the compression cylinder. Various aspects and embellishments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: An operator for an air flow control device includes a button mounted on a plunger. The button is indexable at forty-five degree increments on the plunger. The button has a non-circular label area that is adapted to receive a non-circular label for the operator so as to present either a diamond shape or an octagon shape to a viewer of the button. The button can have either a snap fit or a threaded connection to the plunger.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for multipath Shortest-Path-First (SPF) computations and distance-based interface selection for VoIP traffic are disclosed. According to one method, a multi-path router instance associated with a plurality of network interfaces in a source IP device is provided. A cost is assigned to each of a plurality of internal segments between the multi-path router instance and the network interfaces associated with the multi-path router instance. An aggregate cost is calculated for each of a plurality of traffic paths originating at the multi-path router instance in the source IP device and extending through each of the network interfaces associated with the multi-path router instance to a destination IP device in the network. A list of IP paths is generated, and the paths in the list are ranked based on the calculated cost. Traffic is sent from the source IP device over at least one of the paths in the list.

Abstract: There is provided a cable attachment for sealing and retaining cables entering an opening of a telecommunications closure. The cable attachment includes an adapter body with an opening through which the cable passes; and a grip device and grommet device are also located within the opening of the adapter body for strain relieving and sealing, respectively, the cable passing through the adapter body. The cable attachment further includes a bolt portion that is selectively moveable relative to the adapter body for applying a force to the grommet device for selectively creating a seal about an outer surface of the cable. Alternative designs for sealing and/or strain relieving cables entering a closure are provided.

Abstract: A method of constructing an adobe building from adobe bricks, at least some having a hollow core therethrough, includes assembling adobe bricks atop one another to form a vertical wall structure, so that the hollow cores align to form a vertical channel. An extended reinforcing member is inserted through the channel, and a building material is poured into and set in the vertical channel. Electrical, plumbing, and other service systems can be formed into the wall. If desired, a substantially planar reinforcing structure can be placed between layers of bricks, resulting in a horizontally reinforced wall structure. A method of forming a scaffolding is also provided, wherein the scaffold supports are inserted into depressions in some of the bricks.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for preventing aircraft collisions with forward looking terrain avoidance (FLTA) functionality based on a terrain avoidance profile used to evaluate potential terrain threats based on the projected flight path of an aircraft in flight, and a clear terrain profile to determine whether the terrain threat has been cleared. If the terrain avoidance profile conflicts with terrain, a collision threat may exist whereby the pilot is notified and a terrain avoidance maneuver is executed. During the terrain avoidance maneuver the clear terrain profile extends in a direction substantially parallel with the horizon at or near the present altitude of the aircraft to check whether it is safe to return to the previous flight path angle or otherwise end the terrain-avoiding maneuver. When the clear terrain profile no longer conflicts with the terrain threat, a terrain clear indicator is then issued to the pilot.

Abstract: Devices, and methods of attaching accessory mounts to vertical fore grip handles on firearms, such as rifles. The accessory mounts can be molded to extend off of the handles. The accessory mounts can attach to the handles by interlocking plugs and slots. The accessory mount can have rails so that an accessory can attach to the rails on the accessory mount. The accessory can include lights, lasers, bayonets, sights, scopes, and the like. The vertical fore grip can be an elongated handle fixed to the firearm. The vertical fore grip can be an elongated handle that is detachable from beneath rails on the firearm. The vertical fore grip can include expandable bipod legs.

Abstract: Fuel injectors with boosted needle control providing controlled and rapid needle closure. Boost and drive pistons are provided for hydraulic actuation to controllably close the needle, with the boost piston reaching a mechanical stop before the needle reaches the closed position, with the drive piston alone providing adequate hydraulic force to hold the needle closed. In a preferred embodiment, fuel from the intensifier is coupled to the top of the boost and drive pistons to close the needle, and controllably coupled to the bottom of the boost and drive pistons to allow pressure in the needle chamber to open the needle. Apparatus for control of fuel pressure to the bottom of the boost and drive pistons is disclosed.

Abstract: A carton having a dispensing feature adapted for permitting the removal of articles from within the carton. Top and bottom opposed walls are interconnected by a pair of side walls to form a tubular body. An article dispenser is provided by a removable portion defined by an opening in the carton for exposing articles for removal. The removable portion is at least partially defined by a frangible line extending across each side wall to opposite side edges of the bottom wall. A portion of the frangible line extends at least partially along the adjacent end edge of the bottom wall and then extends to the opposite side edges of the bottom wall. A buttress arrangement for enhancing the stacking strength of the carton is formed from the distal portion of at least one side end flap.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic cables and assemblies for routing optical networks closer to the subscriber. The fiber optic cables have a robust design that is versatile by allowing use in aerial application with a pressure clamp along with use in buried and/or duct applications. Additionally, the fiber optic cables and assemblies have a relatively large slack storage capacity for excess length. Assemblies include hardened connectors and/or optical connectors such as plugs and/or receptacles suitable for outdoor plant applications attached to one or more ends of the fiber optic cables for plug and play connectivity.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.