Abstract: A locking core plug includes an upper plate, an insertion portion extending outward from the upper plate and forming an outer perimeter, and a locking mechanism positioned within the outer perimeter of the insertion portion. The locking mechanism includes a rotating member, a plurality of locking arms having a first end connected to the rotating member and a second end extending outward toward holes in the outer perimeter; and a plurality of guides fixedly mounted relative to the upper plate. Each guide engages a corresponding locking arm to convert the circular movement of the first end of the arm as rotating member rotates into an outward movement of the second end from a release position retracted toward or within the outer perimeter of the insertion portion to a locking position extended outward from the outer perimeter of the insertion portion.

Abstract: A method to treat sympathetic dysfunction using computer-augmented therapy, such as computer augmented imagery rehearsal therapy, comprising the steps of (a) achieving a relaxed state calibrated by ART; (b) accessing a machinima using a virtual reality system; (c) creating an avatar in said machinima; (d) developing a script for a virtual scenario; (d) creating said virtual scenario in said machinima; (e) reinforcing virtual scenario in said machinima through repetitive practice of said dream scenario and (f) practicing said virtual scenario during a dysfunction episode to achieve control over sympathetic arousal.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting failure of a protective barrier between a first object and a second object is provided. The apparatus includes a transmitter assembly for transmitting an alternating electrical signal through the first object and a receiver assembly, wherein the receiver assembly is configured to receive the alternating electrical signal through the second object upon breach of the protective barrier. In a preferred embodiment, the first object is a patient undergoing surgery and/or medical treatment, the second object is a healthcare worker such as a surgeon and the protective barrier is a glove such as a surgical glove. The transmitter and/or receiver assemblies typically include transmitter or receiver electronics and signal connections, and optionally, the electronics and connections can together form integral transmitter and/or receiver assemblies. A return path can be provided for the transmitted signal.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is described which includes a tread, a carcass and a belt structure interposed between the carcass and the tread. The belt structure includes a pair of working belts, wherein the angle of the working belts range from about 15 degrees to about 30 degrees, wherein the belt structure further includes a zigzag belt structure located radially inward of the working belts. The zigzag belt structure is formed of at least two layers of cords interwoven together from a strip of rubber reinforced with one or more cords, wherein the strip forming the zigzag belt structure is layed up in a first zigzag winding extending from a first lateral belt edge to a second lateral belt edge in a zigzag wavelength having a first amplitude W1 followed by a second amplitude W2, and a second zigzag winding formed of a zigzag wavelength having a first amplitude W2 followed by a second amplitude W1.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprising a tread, a carcass and a zigzag belt structure interposed between the carcass and the tread is provided. The zigzag belt structure is formed of at least two layers of cords interwoven together from a strip of rubber reinforced with one or more cords, wherein the strip forming the zigzag belt structure is layed up in a first zigzag winding extending from a first lateral belt edge to a second lateral belt edge in a zigzag wavelength having a first amplitude W1 followed by a second amplitude W2, and a second zigzag winding formed of a zigzag wavelength having a first amplitude W2 followed by a second amplitude W1.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is described which includes a tread, a carcass and a belt structure interposed between the carcass and the tread. The belt structure includes a pair of working belts, wherein the angle of the working belts range from about 15 degrees to about 30 degrees, wherein the belt structure further includes a zigzag belt structure located between the working belts. The zigzag belt structure is formed of at least two layers of cords interwoven together from a strip of rubber reinforced with one or more cords, wherein the strip forming the zigzag belt structure is layed up in a first zigzag winding extending from a first lateral belt edge to a second lateral belt edge in a zigzag wavelength having a first amplitude W1 followed by a second amplitude W2, and a second zigzag winding formed of a zigzag wavelength having a first amplitude W2 followed by a second amplitude W1.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprising a tread, a carcass and a zigzag belt structure interposed between the carcass and the tread is provided. The zigzag belt structure is formed of at least two layers of cords interwoven together from a strip of rubber reinforced with one or more cords, wherein the strip forming the zigzag belt structure is layed up in a first zigzag winding extending from a first lateral belt edge to a second lateral belt edge in a zigzag wavelength having a first amplitude W1 followed by a second amplitude W2, and a second zigzag winding formed of a zigzag wavelength having a first amplitude W2 followed by a second amplitude W1.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire for use on trucks, the tire comprising: a tread which includes a belt reinforcement structure, the belt structure including a pair of working belts, wherein the angle of the working belts range from about 16 degrees to about 30 degrees, wherein a low angle belt is positioned preferably between of the working belts, wherein the angle of the low angle belt is less than 5 degrees. The working belts are extensible, and preferably made of high elongation wire.

Abstract: A method is described to assay for protein interactions in living cells, e.g. by the introduction of two heterologous conjugates into the cell. The method uses the measurement of cellular distribution of a detectable component (e.g. a GFP-labeled˜fluorescent probe) to indicate the presence or absence of an interaction between that component and a second component of interest. The method uses the knowledge that certain components can be stimulated to redistribute within the cell to defined locations. Inducible redistribution systems make it possible to determine if specific interactions occur between components. Inducible systems are described where it is demonstrated that the redistribution stimuli are essentially “null”, in that they affect no other system in the cell during the assay period, other than the component whose redistribution can be induced.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method for heat treatment of lignocellulosic material. The apparatus comprises a treatment chamber and devices for circulating and recovering gases from the treatment chamber such as to provide a uniform temperature within the chamber and allow efficient drying of the material. This is achieved by injecting and recovering the gases from at least two sides of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: To resolve the problems of the manufacturing costs of an optoelectronic connector, an optoelectronic coupling integrated circuit chip (4) is mounted directly (12) into a package (1) of the connector. This package has an internal shielding metallization and metallizations (11) connected by microconnection techniques to pads (10) of the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit has laser diodes (8) on its surface also connected (13) to the pads (14) of this integrated circuit. These laser diodes are spaced out with respect to one another by a distance corresponding to a distance (21) between the optical fiber terminations (17, 20) in a standardized optical connector (16). The number of elements of the connector is reduced whereas, at the same time, its efficiency in terms of electrical consumption and in terms of transmission quality of a signal is improved.

Abstract: A switched capacitor voltage reference circuit that has a transconductance circuit that receives the output of the amplifier, and then outputs a current that depends on its input voltage. This may be accomplished using a charge pump that is controlled by the amplifier output. The transconductance circuit provides a reference voltage at the output terminal of the switched capacitor generation circuit. A capacitor capacitively couples the output terminal of the switched capacitor circuit to the inverting terminal of the amplifier during the generation phase. By adjusting the capacitances of the various capacitors, the level and temperature dependence of the generated reference voltage may be controlled. Also, the charge pump often allows for reference voltages that are greater than the supply voltage.

Abstract: A group operated overhead switch for high voltage power lines includes a rotatable overtoggle mechanism linked to a control shaft and a plurality of switch phases secured to a crossarm support. The overtoggle mechanism may be rotated to and from a closed position and an open position, either or both of which may be overtoggled, that provides the operator with an affirmative snap when the switch is moved into an overtoggled position. The use of switch assemblies made of rotatable switch phases and a corresponding immobile electrical connector mounted on the same assembly support allows factory manufacture of modular switch assembly components for high quality control, consistent performance, and accurate component alignment. The supported switch assemblies are then mounted under factory controlled conditions on a dimensionally stable support crossarm and linked by group operated linkages with a switch overtoggle mechanism for actuation.