Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for controlling the allocation of system nodes to a variable number of communication servers in an Advanced Metering System (AMS). An Orchestration Manager is provided through which all requests for end-device communications are routed. The Orchestration Manager periodically rebalances node assignments to reallocate nodes among communication servers in order to maintain data collection efficiency and in order to redistribute end devices from a failed communication server, or to otherwise adjust for the addition of a newly activated communication server.

Abstract: A fishing lure system consisting of lure bodies (30) of one or more parts and covered with at least one replaceable decorated plastic sleeve or cover (400) which is attached to the lure body (30) by adhesive means and/or shrunk by application of heat or other means to conform to the shape of the lure body (30).

Abstract: This invention relates to closures for containers, and more particularly to tamper-evident closures for containers. One aspect of the invention provides a container and a closure for connection to said container, said closure including: an upper wall (102), a skirt (104) formed integrally with and extending downwardly from said upper wall, said skirt adapted to engage with a neck portion of the container to secure the closure to the container; a tamper-evident band (110) frangibly connected to said skirt; the neck (10) of the container including a plurality of discretely spaced projections (18) extending outwardly from said neck and adapted to engage with tabs (122) on said tamper-evident band to facilitate breaking of the band (110) from the skirt of the closure.

Abstract: A functional garden device includes an upper portion (10) and a lower portion (60). Lower portion (60) includes a retractable hose reel (80) for garden hose (90) which passes through orifice (63) in wall (65). Upper portion (10) has a separate, unrelated function to the hose storage portion (60) and may form part of a fountain, pond, statue, refrigerated storage area or a planting container.

Abstract: A prestressed or post-tensioned composite structural system for bridge floors, road beds, pedestrian walkways, building floors, building walls, or similar structural elements. The structural system comprises a composite structure comprising an unfilled grating as a base component, and a prestressed, post-tensioned reinforced concrete slab as a top component. The base grating component is preferably a plurality of main bearing bars without any distribution bars or tertiary bars. The upper portions of the main bearing bars are embedded in the concrete component permitting horizontal shear transfer and creating a composite deck structure which maximizes the use of tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete.

Abstract: Disclosed is an in vitro method of increasing the effective intracellular concentration of a therapeutic molecule within a cell expressing a P2X7 receptor, the method comprising the step of contacting the cell with the therapeutic molecule and with a substance which stimulates the P2X7 receptor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lamp comprising a lamp housing mounting an electrically driven light and a monitor circuit, the housing having power supply terminals for connection of the light to a power supply and the monitor being connected to the light such as to monitor its operation while the lamp is connected to the power supply and to provide an output indicating whether the light is functioning.

Abstract: A prestressed or post-tensioned composite structural system for bridge floors, road beds, pedestrian walkways, building floors, building walls, or similar structural elements. The structural system comprises a composite structure comprising an unfilled grating as a base component, and a prestressed, post-tensioned reinforced concrete slab as a top component. The base grating component is preferably a plurality of main bearing bars without any distribution bars or tertiary bars. The upper portions of the main bearing bars are embedded in the concrete component permitting horizontal shear transfer and creating a composite deck structure which maximizes the use of tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete.

Abstract: A flashing device comprised of one or more components adapted to render seams found in interior walls impervious to moisture. The flashing system utilizes a combination of a waterproof, durable construction with a fluid-shedding shape to prevent moisture from penetrating wall seams and causing damage to the sub-wall and floor. The components include flashing strips adapted for use along walls, and corner pieces adapted for use with inside and outside corners. A method for installing the flashing system, allowing for quick, easy, and effective waterproofing of so-called “wet rooms,” which include commercial kitchens, dish rooms, mop rooms, lavatories, and the like which are cleaned by directing water and/or cleaning fluids at the floor and walls.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lamp comprising a lamp housing mounting an electrically driven light and a monitor circuit, the housing having power supply terminals for connection of the light to a power supply and the monitor being connected to the light such as to monitor its operation while the lamp is connected to the power supply and to provide an output indicating whether the light is functioning.

Abstract: There is described a safety monitor for machinery comprising a pressure sensitive monitor switch mountable in the vicinity of the machinery and having first and second switching contacts which are normally separated but are arranged to be brought together in response to pressure upon the monitor switch indicative of a potential emergency, and at least one solid state switching device having first and second device inputs and at least one device output, the solid state switching device being controlled by voltage across the device inputs, which are connected across supply terminals connectable to a power supply, the first and second switching contacts of the monitor switch being respectively connected to the device inputs so that while the monitor switch is open circuit a voltage from the power supply is applied to the solid state switching device to maintain it in a first state indicative of normal operation whereas application of pressure to the monitor switch brings the switching contacts together providing