Abstract: An apparatus for testing a quality of an electrical connection of a test part is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first fixture holding the test part to one side of the electrical connection, a second fixture holding the test part to a second side of the electrical connection, wherein the first fixture and the second fixture apply a twist to the test part, and a electrical test module configured to test an electrical resistance of the electrical connection when the twist is applied.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises an adapter configured to divide a single input tubular line into multiple tubular lines used in infusion therapies, which has a manifold at one end that comprises a single input port (e.g., female luer, male luer, barbed tubular pole, or straight tubular port) to which a fluidic source may be connected, multiple output ports (e.g., female tubing ports or barbed tubular poles) to which output infusion tubular lines may be connected, a flow disburser feature to ensure even distribution of fluidic flow within the adapter, recessed slots in the sides of the adapter to clamp the output infusion tubular lines without the need for external clamps, and identifying markings on the outside of the adapter to uniquely identify each of the output tubular lines. The adapter may also incorporate an embedded flow restrictor or filter, eliminating the need for external components and their associated connectors.

Abstract: A disposable system for safely deploying, retrieving and handling a trocar during open surgery. An embodiment comprises a dispenser handle that houses a trocar within a protective sheath during deployment of the trocar within the surgical wound area; and an adjoining receiver that provides a target, shield and active backstop when retrieving the trocar tip from the surgical site. The dispenser handle is shaped ergonomically for easy manipulation; contains a sheath to safely cover the trocar tip during manipulation; and integrates a coupler that permits independent motion between it and the sheath, while releasably gripping the trocar until deployed within the surgical site. The adjoining receiver is comprised of a compact receiver handle grip; an integrated trocar-locking mechanism that traps the trocar when extracting it, while trailing drainage tubing from the surgical site; and a removable safety shield.

Abstract: A device is disclosed. The device contains a roller, a housing configured to accommodate the roller, at least one seal comprising a first material, wherein the at least one seal is disposed between the roller and the housing, and at least one second material disposed adjacent to the seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for stiffening the folded collar of a dress or collared shirt is provided. A collared shirt includes a placket and a folded collar including an interior fold. The apparatus includes a circular, semi-rigid element for surrounding the interior fold of the folded collar, wherein the semi-rigid element is coextensive with the folded collar and includes a gap located at a placket of the shirt. The apparatus further includes a first elongated element that projects downwards at an acute angle from a left side of the semi-rigid element such that a tip of the first elongated element contacts a left shoulder of the shirt. The apparatus further includes a second elongated element that projects downwards at an acute angle from a right side of the semi-rigid element such that a tip of the second elongated element contacts a right shoulder of the shirt, wherein the semi-rigid element and the first and second elongated elements are integrally formed of a single piece of material.

Abstract: An apparatus for stiffening the folded collar of a dress or collared shirt is provided. A collared shirt includes a placket and a folded collar including an interior fold. The apparatus includes a circular, semi-rigid element for surrounding the interior fold of the folded collar, wherein the semi-rigid element is coextensive with the folded collar and includes a gap located at a placket of the shirt. The apparatus further includes a first elongated element that projects downwards at an acute angle from a left side of the semi-rigid element such that a tip of the first elongated element contacts a left shoulder of the shirt. The apparatus further includes a second elongated element that projects downwards at an acute angle from a right side of the semi-rigid element such that a tip of the second elongated element contacts a right shoulder of the shirt, wherein the semi-rigid element and the first and second elongated elements are integrally formed of a single piece of material.

Abstract: A rotational speed damper operable to dampen the speed of a gear by gradually decreasing the rotational velocity and angular acceleration of the gear over a time period beginning at the time the damper contacts the gear stop and ending at the time the gear reaches its first stopping point.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process for separating and recovering post-consumer polyester from various contaminant materials. The invention can be utilized to separate post-consumer polyester from various contaminants including glass, dirt, paper, metal, glue, dye, and the like. The disclosed process includes several stages including a preparation stage, in which a portion of the contaminants can be removed from the polyester, as well as a reaction stage, in which a portion of the polyester can be saponified and contaminants can be physically separated from the polyester. In addition, during the reaction stage, certain hard-to-separate contaminants, such as aluminum and polyvinyl chloride, can react to a form more easily separable from the polyester.

Abstract: A method for separating polyester materials from contaminants is disclosed suitable for, for example, a polyester recycling system. The method is a dry separation method and includes rapidly spinning a mixture of polyester and contaminants within a cleaning chamber. During the spinning of the mixture, the contaminants can be degraded and pass through a screen at the chamber wall while the polyester materials are not substantially degraded and can remain in the cleaning chamber. Polyester fines can also remain in the cleaning chamber. A cleaning device suitable for use in the process is also disclosed. The device can include a screen of a hardened material that can help degrade the contaminants and a plurality of rotating blades that can spin the mixture within the device and can also help to degrade the contaminant materials.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process for separating and recovering post-consumer polyester from various contaminant materials. The invention can be utilized to separate post-consumer polyester from various contaminants including glass, dirt, paper, metal, glue, dye, and the like. The disclosed process includes several stages including a preparation stage, in which a portion of the contaminants can be removed from the polyester, as well as a reaction stage, in which a portion of the polyester can be saponified and contaminants can be physically separated from the polyester. In addition, during the reaction stage, certain hard-to-separate contaminants, such as aluminum and polyvinyl chloride, can react to a form more easily separable from the polyester.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process for separating and recovering post-consumer polyester from various contaminant materials. The invention can be utilized to separate post-consumer polyester from various contaminants including glass, dirt, paper, metal, glue, dye, and the like. The disclosed process includes several stages including a preparation stage, in which a portion of the contaminants can be removed from the polyester, as well as a reaction stage, in which a portion of the polyester can be saponified and contaminants can be physically separated from the polyester. In addition, during the reaction stage, certain hard-to-separate contaminants, such as aluminum and polyvinyl chloride, can react to a form more easily separable from the polyester.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process for separating and recovering post-consumer polyester from various contaminant materials. The invention can be utilized to separate post-consumer polyester from various contaminants including glass, dirt, paper, metal, glue, dye, and the like. The disclosed process includes several stages including a preparation stage, in which a portion of the contaminants can be removed from the polyester, as well as a reaction stage, in which a portion of the polyester can be saponified and contaminants can be physically separated from the polyester. In addition, during the reaction stage, certain hard-to-separate contaminants, such as aluminum and polyvinyl chloride, can react to a form more easily separable from the polyester.

Abstract: Novel Th2-specific polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated, full-length Th2-specific proteins, the invention further provides isolated Th2-specific fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-Th2-specific antibodies. The invention also provides Th2-specific nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a Th2-specific gene has been introduced or disrupted. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A pintle bushing assembly for a poppet valve assembly including a tolerance ring which is disposable between the pintle bushing and a bore in the body of the valve to both seal and center the bushing in the bore. The tolerance ring includes a plurality of radially-extending dimples which are deformable during assembly such that the valve pintle can be aligned coaxially with the valve seat under all conditions. An axial flange on the tolerance ring is sealed against axial surfaces of the valve body adjacent the bore and a flange on the bushing to prevent leakage past the bushing.

Abstract: A method for separating polyester materials from contaminants is disclosed suitable for, for example, a polyester recycling system. The method is a dry separation method and includes rapidly spinning a mixture of polyester and contaminants within a cleaning chamber. During the spinning of the mixture, the contaminants can be degraded and pass through a screen at the chamber wall while the polyester materials are not substantially degraded and can remain in the cleaning chamber. Polyester fines can also remain in the cleaning chamber. A cleaning device suitable for use in the process is also disclosed. The device can include a screen of a hardened material that can help degrade the contaminants and a plurality of rotating blades that can spin the mixture within the device and can also help to degrade the contaminant materials.

Abstract: A gas treatment system comprises a variable flow regulator assembly placed in operable and fluid communication with a shell of a gas treatment device. The variable flow regulator assembly comprises two or more conduit portions comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than a first coefficient of thermal expansion of the first portion. The variable flow regulator assembly structurally changes shape to alter the flow maldistribution of an exhaust gas stream into the gas treatment device when light off is achieved.

Abstract: A postensed celled concrete runway for take off and landing of aircraft is described, also for racetracks, freeways and highways, characterized by a celled structure wherein each cell contains: nervures, a cell base and a cell cover that forms the surface of runway. A core composed of expanded polystyrene is located between the nervures, base and cover, such that the volume weight of the cells is less than subsoil density. The celled structure also contains a leveling means that acts over cells of the celled structure to allow the cells to move in an upward and downward direction so that the runway surface can be leveled when there are sunken areas on the ground.

Abstract: A pintle bushing assembly for a poppet valve assembly including a tolerance ring which is disposable between the pintle bushing and a bore in the body of the valve to both seal and center the bushing in the bore. The tolerance ring includes a plurality of radially-extending dimples which are deformable during assembly such that the valve pintle can be aligned coaxially with the valve seat under all conditions. An axial flange on the tolerance ring is sealed against axial surfaces of the valve body adjacent the bore and a flange on the bushing to prevent leakage past the bushing.