Abstract: A platform configured for evaluating metering technologies and generating meter profiles using information derived from a plurality of meters retrieved from a plurality of environments. The platform may include a centralized data storage system in communication with a fluid meter test bench system. A computing device automatically controls fluid meter test bench system to measure the accuracy of fluid meters and transfers meter data to at least one of the centralized data storage system or a local data silo in communication with the centralized data storage system. Exemplary meter data includes meter type data, meter test data and meter environmental data. Meter environmental data may comprise meter install location and at least one of fluid quality data or fluid meter mounting position. The platform is configured to provide a meter profile for each meter tested based at least in part on the meter data and the test system data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed inventions relate to a platform configured for evaluating and profiling metering technologies such as water meters using information derived from a plurality of fluid meter test systems deployed in a plurality of environments and in communication with a centralized data storage system. The inventions teach the establishment of an A Posteriori Database (APD) using “laboratory data” and “field data” derived from user entries and meter tests using a network of certified fluid meter test benches where the field data is based on evaluations of meters removed from a known metering environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed inventions relate to a platform configured for evaluating and profiling metering technologies such as water meters using information derived from a plurality of fluid meter test systems deployed in a plurality of environments and in communication with a centralized data storage system. The inventions teach the establishment of an A Posteriori Database (APD) using “laboratory data” and “field data” derived from user entries and meter tests using a network of certified fluid meter test benches where the field data is based on evaluations of meters removed from a known metering environment.

Abstract: A method for tracking contact tip deterioration in real time in accordance with the present invention includes establishing a reference that relates welding parameters during welding production to contact tip life; monitoring welding parameters of a contact tip during use; comparing the monitored welding parameters to the reference; providing real-time feedback to an operator; and predicting contact tip failure from the comparison.

Abstract: A method for tracking contact tip deterioration in real time in accordance with the present invention includes establishing a reference that relates welding parameters during welding production to contact tip life; monitoring welding parameters of a contact tip during use; comparing the monitored welding parameters to the reference; providing real-time feedback to an operator; and predicting contact tip failure from the comparison.

Abstract: Panthenol combined with natural organic extracts are well suited for reducing skin irritation that is normally elicited by exposure to irritant active agents or compounds, particularly found in hair permanent and relaxing compositions, hair colorants and depilatories.

Abstract: A method for retrieving a desired postal address from a plurality of postal addresses. The invention can feature receiving input data having input terms for finding the desired postal address from a first database of postal addresses where each postal address is formed of a plurality of postal address elements, searching a dictionary for entries in the dictionary corresponding to the input terms, determining that each entry in the dictionary that corresponds to the input terms corresponds to postal address elements of one or more postal addresses in the first database, and outputting data representing the desired postal address. The desired postal address is found in the first database if an address in that database has postal address elements that correspond with each of the entries of the dictionary that corresponds to one or more of the input terms.

Abstract: Panthenol combined with natural organic extracts are well suited for reducing skin irritation that is normally elicited by exposure to irritant active agents or compounds, particularly found in hair permanent and relaxing compositions, hair colorants and depilatories.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering suspensions of medical and biological fluids, one aspect of which is separating a suspension comprising at least two types of particles which are differently sized or shaped and in which the first type of particle may be deformable at a relatively lower force and/or faster rate than the second type of particle. A filter member is provided having substantially precisely dimensioned pore sizes, with the pores being dimensioned to allow passage of the first type of suspended particle without distortion or only minimal distortion and passage of the second type of particle only with substantial distortion.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating a suspension comprising at least two types of particles which are differently sized or shaped and in which the first type of particle may be deformable at a relatively lower force or faster rate than the second type of particle. A housing is provided having a generally cylindrical inner surface in which is mounted a rotor having a generally cylindrical outer surface. The outer surface of the rotor is spaced from the inner surface of the housing to define a suspension processing gap. A filter membrane is provided on the surface of the rotor or the housing that has pores with substantially precisely dimensioned shapes and sizes to correspond substantially to the shape of the first type of particle, thus allowing passage of the first type of particle and blocking passage of the second type of particle. A suspension is directed into the processing gap for either a selected residence time in contact with the filter membrane and/or at a selected force.

Abstract: A flexible container comprises first and second flexible sheets of plastic material having peripheral edges, which have been sealed together along a plane to create an interior chamber in the container. At least one of the first and second flexible sheets includes a preformed, stress-relieved region, which is extended outside the plane and overlies at least a portion of the interior chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering suspensions of medical and biological fluids, one aspect of which is separating a suspension comprising at least two types of particles which are differently sized or shaped and in which the first type of particle may be deformable at a relatively lower force and/or faster rate than the second type of particle. A filter member is provided having substantially precisely dimensioned pore sizes, with the pores being dimensioned to allow passage of the first type of suspended particle without distortion or only minimal distortion and passage of the second type of particle only with substantial distortion.

Abstract: Polymer membrane structures are microfabricated from polyimide film by lithography or etching. The microfabricated structures have systematically varied dimensions and geometries conducive to implanting in host tissue and the promotion, when implanted, of new vascular structures.

Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly includes first and second connector members, each associated with a fluid conduit and having a meltable wall which normally seals the connector member, and thus the associated conduit. The connector members can be coupled together, with the meltable walls positioned in facing contact. One of the meltable walls includes a radiant energy absorbing material. The other meltable wall is relatively non-absorbant of radiant energy, but does conduct heat energy. By exposing the coupled assembly to a source of radiant energy, the one wall melts in response to thermal radiation, while the other wall conducts heat energy from the melting wall to also melt. By melting, the walls open a fluid path between the fluid conduits.

Abstract: A process for sterilizing a solution and thereafter transferring it to a solution container for storage. A sterilizing filter, flexible tubing and the solution container are provided as a pre-sterilized unit with a label indicating that the unit is sterile. A source of solution to be transferred is connected to an inlet of the sterilizing filter, and the solution is sterilized by transferring it from the source and through the sterilizing filter to the container via the flexible tubing. The integrity of the filter is determined by introducing a pressurized gas into the filter and observing through a light-transmissive portion in the sterile unit for gas bubbles, which would indicate a loss of filter integrity and unit sterility.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing sterile liquids is provided with a hermetically sealed primary cap and overcap. The overcap and primary cap are provided, respectively, with an interlocking ring and undercut lip to provide for limited relative axial movement; the overcap and bottle neck are provided with interfitting lugs and ribs to provide for limited rotational movement. An outer ring has internal threads engaging external threads on the overcap and defines a jacking member whereby rotation of the outer ring moves the overcap upwardly to break the hermetic seals.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing sterile liquids is provided with a hermetically sealed primary cap and overcap. The overcap and primary cap are provided, respectively, with an interlocking ring and undercut lip to provide for limited relative axial movement; the overcap and bottle neck are provided with interfitting lugs and ribs to provide for limited rotational movement. An outer ring has internal threads engaging external threads on the overcap and defines a jacking member whereby rotation of the outer ring moves the overcap upwardly to break the hermetic seals.