Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosure are related to recombinant Bacillus strains comprising enhanced protein productivity phenotypes, compositions and methods for constructing such recombinant Bacillus cells, and the like. The recombinant Bacillus strains described herein are particularly useful for the enhanced production of proteins of interest when grown/cultivated/fermented under suitable conditions.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosure are related to recombinant Bacillus strains comprising enhanced protein productivity phenotypes, compositions and methods for constructing such recombinant Bacillus cells, and the like. More particularly, the recombinant Bacillus strains described herein are particularly useful for the enhanced production of proteins of interest when grown/cultivated/fermented under suitable conditions.

Abstract: A small air-cooled internal combustion engine includes an aluminum cylinder block at least partially defining an aluminum cylinder bore, an aluminum cylinder head attached to the aluminum cylinder block, and an aluminum push rod tube separate from and press fit between the aluminum cylinder block and the aluminum cylinder head. The aluminum push rod tube includes a cylinder block end portion, a cylinder head end portion, and a main body extending between the cylinder block end portion and the cylinder head end portion.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes a crankcase, shaft, blower housing, and cooling fan. The shaft is rotatably coupled to the crankcase and defines a rotational axis. The blower housing includes an internal space. The cooling fan is disposed within the internal space, includes a plate defining an upper surface, and is positioned to rotate with the shaft about the rotational axis. The cooling fan includes a band having an inner band radius and an outer band radius. The cooling fan includes a plurality of reversed fins extending between the band and the upper surface and between a root adjacent to the rotational axis and a tip adjacent to the outer band radius, each fin offset at an angle measured in a counterclockwise direction from a plane passing through the rotational axis and the tip to a plane passing through the root and the tip when viewed from above the cooling fan.

Abstract: A wireless sensor reader is provided to interface with a wireless sensor. The wireless sensor reader transmits a narrowband, fixed frequency excitation pulse to cause the wireless sensor to generate a ring signal. The ring signal corresponds to the value of the physical parameter being sensed. The wireless sensor reader receives and amplifies the ring signal and sends the signal to a phase-locked loop. A voltage-controlled oscillator in the phase-locked loop locks onto the ring signal frequency and generates a count signal at a frequency related to the ring signal frequency. The voltage-controlled oscillator is placed into a hold mode where the control voltage is maintained constant to allow the count signal frequency to be determined. The low power, simple circuitry required to generate the excitation pulse allows the reader to be a small, battery operated unit. Alternative methods of frequency determination are also disclosed.

Abstract: An air filter is provided for use with an internal combustion engine including an air intake conduit. The air filter includes a top, a bottom, and filter media extending between the top and the base of the bottom to filter incoming air. The top is closed to prevent air flow therethrough. The bottom includes an annular base having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter spaced apart from and surrounding the inner perimeter, an opening defined by the inner perimeter to deliver filtered air to the air intake conduit, a first tab portion extending outward away from the base, and a second tab portion extending outward away from the base.

Abstract: A small air-cooled internal combustion engine includes an aluminum cylinder block at least partially defining an aluminum cylinder bore, an aluminum cylinder head attached to the aluminum cylinder block, and an aluminum push rod tube separate from and press fit between the aluminum cylinder block and the aluminum cylinder head. The aluminum push rod tube includes a cylinder block end portion, a cylinder head end portion, and a main body extending between the cylinder block end portion and the cylinder head end portion.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes a crankcase, shaft, blower housing, and cooling fan. The shaft is rotatably coupled to the crankcase and defines a rotational axis. The blower housing includes an internal space. The cooling fan is disposed within the internal space, includes a plate defining an upper surface, and is positioned to rotate with the shaft about the rotational axis. The cooling fan includes a band having an inner band radius and an outer band radius. The cooling fan includes a plurality of reversed fins extending between the band and the upper surface and between a root adjacent to the rotational axis and a tip adjacent to the outer band radius, each fin offset at an angle measured in a counterclockwise direction from a plane passing through the rotational axis and the tip to a plane passing through the root and the tip when viewed from above the cooling fan.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method by which particulate reinforcement is applied to dry fiber via a powder coating or a “dusting” process and subsequently infused with a resin before or after forming a lay-up. Upon curing a composite lay-up, the particulate reinforcement may be randomly distributed through the laminate composite, forming a wear surface on one side. The application of dried bulk particulate may be applied to a fibrous sheet (or fiber reinforcement) such that the coupling of the particulate reinforcement to the fiber includes a mechanical and/or electrostatic process. Agitating the particulate reinforcement prior to being applied to the dry fiber may induce an electrostatic charge. Further, the particulate reinforcement may include raw microspheres of different types and styles, such as organic, inorganic, unexpanded, pre-expanded, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for chemical synthesis and/or analysis are disclosed. One embodiment of a disclosed apparatus comprises a laminated, microfluidic structure defining a reactor and a separator. Such apparatuses, or portions thereof, generally have dimensions ranging from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers. To implement synthetic processes, disclosed embodiments of the apparatus generally include at least one unit operation, such as a mixer, a valve, a separator, a detector, and combinations thereof. Individual apparatuses may be coupled both in series and in parallel to form a system for making chemical compounds. An individual apparatus or a system also can be used in combination with known devices and processes.

Abstract: The present invention is related to hemodialysis, and more particularly, to a dialyser with improved efficiency of mass transfer across a dialysis membrane utilizing microchannel separation provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment, a dialyzer is provided comprising a plurality of semipermeable membrane sheets and a plurality of flow separators. The membrane sheets and flow are arranged in alternating configuration and coupled into a laminae stack defining a plurality of parallel microchannel layers. Each microchannel layer comprises a plurality of first microchannels and a plurality of second microchannels. The first and second microchannels of each microchannel layer are in fluid communication with each other via one of the plurality of membrane sheets therebetween. The MECS dialyzer is characterized as having a high surface to volume ratio and a high mass transfer coefficient.

Abstract: One embodiment of the disclosed welding process comprises providing plural heterogeneous materials, such as plural polymeric laminae, that form at least a part of a microfluidic device. Electromagnetic energy, such as laser or microwave energy, is applied to the materials for a period of time sufficient to effectively bond the heterogeneous materials together. For certain embodiments such method comprises providing plural laminae made from a first material, such as a substantially rigid material, positioned to substantially encompass at least one additional lamina made from a second, less rigid material.

Abstract: Embodiments of a differential thermal expansion bonding device are described for the high volume bonding of laminae together to form a MECS device. One embodiment of the device comprises a frame, engager made of a solid, liquid or gas, preload with springs and platens. Other embodiments of a method for bonding laminae together to form a MECS device using surface mount technology (SMT) techniques are described, with one embodiment being directed towards conveyorized bonding. The method including providing laminae to be bonded that do not include a solder mask, microething at least a portion of at least one lamina, applying solder paste to a microetched portion, and bonding the laminae together using the solder paste. A method for continuously bonding laminae also is described, such as by using a conveyorized furnace for applying heat to a workpiece functionally associated with the bonding device. The method can include forced convective heating, cooling or both, using inert gas flush.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a confectionary item comprising: (a) a tackified matrix core upon which a matrix of non-homogenous powdered materials is formed by applying: (b) at least one deposit of binder that adheres to the gelatin flavored matrix core; (c) a powdered deposit of edible water soluble carbohydrate exhibiting a negative heat of solution; (d) optional additional alternating deposits of (b) and (c) above; (e) an optional, powdered deposit of a low-hygroscopic flow agent applied over the powdered layers (b), (c) and (d) where (d) is applied, which low hygroscopic flow agent can be applied after an optional preceding deposit of aqueous solution of water-soluble binder; and (f) an optional layer of protective coating of a confectioner's glaze and/or confectioner's shellac. The present invention is also directed to the process of making the confectionary item.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of making a confectionery packet or sachet formed with an edible film and enclosing a center composition. The packet or sachet can be designed to be placed in the mouth, where the film dissolves and the center composition is released. In preferred embodiments, the center composition comprises a sugar alcohol, such as xylitol, that creates a cooling sensation. Many other flavors and/or colors or sensates can also be used in the center composition, and some embodiments include breath-freshening, anti-bacterial, nutriceutical, or pharmaceutical compositions in the center composition. The invention also comprises the edible packets or sachets, especially those composed of film with a desired retained water level suitable for producing a self-sealing film and/or an edible film packet that is stable at room temperature for at least six to twelve months.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for chemical synthesis and/or analysis are disclosed. One embodiment of a disclosed apparatus comprises a laminated, microfluidic structure defining a reactor and a separator. Such apparatuses, or portions thereof, generally have dimensions ranging from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers. To implement synthetic processes, disclosed embodiments of the apparatus generally include at least one valve, and often plural, selectively actuatable valves. Detectors, including optical detectors, also can be used to detect product and other materials as they flow by, or are otherwise presented to, the detector. Individual apparatuses may be coupled both in series and in parallel to form a system for making chemical compounds. The apparatus is particularly useful for making compounds requiring iterative reaction schemes, and further can be used to make compounds having morphological structures that resemble the morphology of the apparatus itself, such as dendrimers.

Abstract: Living cells can be used to identify or quantify bioactive conditions, including without limitation, chemicals, biological pathogens, and environmental conditions, such as pH, in samples based on changes in, for example, cell color, morphology and/or physiology. Such changes can be directly detected or detected with the aid of instrumentation. One embodiment of the method comprises exposing a system to a bioactive condition, such as a chemical agent, a biological pathogen, an environmental condition, such as pH, etc., and combinations of such conditions. The system then exhibits a response to the bioactive condition. The response of the system, or a portion thereof, to the bioactive condition is then represented, such as by digital images. The method then involves attempting to classify a scenario by database comparison. Classification can be in terms of numeric or non-numerical classifiers. Typically, the system comprises living cells.

Abstract: A character is represented in a character generator as a set of polygons. The character may be manipulated using three-dimensional animation techniques. A code for a character may be used to access a set of curves defining the outline of the character. This set of curves is transformed into a set of polygons. The set of polygons may be rendered as a three-dimensional object. The set of polygons may be created by converting the curves into sets of connected line segments and then tessellating the polygon defined by the line segments. Animation properties are represented using a normalized scale over time. Animation may be provided in a manner that is independent of the spatial and temporal resolution of the video to which it is applied. Such animation may be applied to characters defined by a set of polygons. A user interface for editing a character string may provide two alternate displays. A first display allows a user to input and view any desired portion of the character string for the purpose of editing.