Abstract: A composition comprising a plurality of particle clusters in a carrier, at least one particle cluster comprising a plurality of metal nanoparticles, wherein a configuration of the at least one particle cluster is such that the composition has an absorbance spectra peak of above about 900 nm. A method of making the composition comprising: reacting a metal nanoparticle precursor with a stabilizing agent to produce functionalized metal nanoparticles, dispersing the functionalized metal particles in a clustering agent to form the particle clusters; and re-suspending the particle clusters in a carrier to form the composition. Uses of the composition include as a contrast agent for imaging.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed that is configured for connection to a robotic unit used to manipulate a door of a vehicle (e.g., during vehicle painting). The end effector includes a base plate; a sensor that is supported by the base plate; and a piston that is configured for engagement with the door. The piston is operatively connected to an interrupter such that movement (displacement) of the piston causes corresponding movement (displacement) of the interrupter between a first position, in which the interrupter is positioned in alignment with a signal transmitted across the sensor to interfere with the signal and thereby interrupt circuit completion, and a second position, in which the interrupter is out of alignment with the signal transmitted across the sensor to permit circuit completion and thereby inform the robotic unit that the door is present and engaged with the end effector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crystalline molecular complex comprising: (a) the herbicide pinoxaden, and (b) a second herbicide selected from the group consisting of fluroxypyr, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid and 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of the crystalline molecular complex, a herbicidal composition comprising the crystalline molecular complex, and use of the herbicidal composition.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed that is configured for connection to a robotic unit used to manipulate a door of a vehicle (e.g., during vehicle painting). The end effector includes a base plate; a sensor that is supported by the base plate; and a piston that is configured for engagement with the door. The piston is operatively connected to an interrupter such that movement (displacement) of the piston causes corresponding movement (displacement) of the interrupter between a first position, in which the interrupter is positioned in alignment with a signal transmitted across the sensor to interfere with the signal and thereby interrupt circuit completion, and a second position, in which the interrupter is out of alignment with the signal transmitted across the sensor to permit circuit completion and thereby inform the robotic unit that the door is present and engaged with the end effector.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a refrigerator door, comprising an inner door material and an outer door material, wherein a portion of the outer door material of the refrigerator is formed into a shape of a dispenser recess. The apparatus also includes a support structure, wherein the support structure is situated behind the dispenser recess of the outer door material and in front of the inner door material, and wherein the support structure facilitates implementation of one or more dispenser features. A refrigerator using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric motor or generator having a stator with stator teeth for mounting electrical coils and a rotor, wherein the stator has a first surface that is parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotor and is axially separated from the stator teeth and the rotor has a second surface that is formed in substantially the same axial position as the stator s first surface, wherein material is mounted on the first surface or the second surface that has a lower frictional coefficient than the first surface or second surface.

Abstract: A handle for receiving a cleaning article, such as a dusting device. The handle has one or more tines which are disposed outboard of a reference plane. This geometry provides a friction fit for receiving a removable cleaning device on the tines, without substantial interference. The friction fit retains the cleaning article on the handle during use while reducing tearing which occurs during installation.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a refrigerator door, comprising an inner door material and an outer door material, wherein a portion of the outer door material of the refrigerator is formed into a shape of a dispenser recess. The apparatus also includes a support structure, wherein the support structure is situated behind the dispenser recess of the outer door material and in front of the inner door material, and wherein the support structure facilitates implementation of one or more dispenser features. A refrigerator using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric motor or generator having a stator with stator teeth for mounting electrical coils and a rotor, wherein the stator has a first surface that is parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotor and is axially separated from the stator teeth and the rotor has a second surface that is formed in substantially the same axial position as the stator s first surface, wherein material is mounted on the first surface or the second surface that has a lower frictional coefficient than the first surface or second surface.

Abstract: A handle for receiving a cleaning article, such as a dusting device. The handle has one or more tines which are disposed outboard of a reference plane. This geometry provides a friction fit for receiving a removable cleaning device on the tines, without substantial interference. The friction fit retains the cleaning article on the handle during use while reducing tearing which occurs during installation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaner apparatus with an opening mechanism including a plurality of lugs preferably formed on a top surface of the apparatus, a lid enclosing the apparatus and resting on the lugs when the lid is in a closed position, and a rim formed exterior to the lugs, wherein the lid is secured in an open position between two or more of the plurality of lugs and the rim. A drain assembly coupled to the ultrasonic cleaner provides an advantageous configuration for dispensing cleaning and/or sterilizing fluid and the like from the apparatus.

Abstract: A safety locking device 18 for a quick hitch/coupler 10 of an earth working machine. The safety locking device 18 has a locking element 21 which is biased into a locking position to automatically lock a front pin of an implement when it is engaged in the hook 14 of the coupler 10. The safety locking device 18 has an hydraulic operable mechanism to move the locking element 21 to an unlocking position. The hydraulic supply to the safety locking device 18 is independent of the hydraulic supply to a locking mechanism 16 of the coupler 10.

Abstract: The limited efficacy and/or toxicity of conventional therapies for many types of human cancers underscores the need for development of safe and effective alternative treatments. Towards this goal, the invention describes the direct oncolytic activity of RNA-based vectors derived from poliovirus, termed replicons, which are genetically incapable of producing infectious virus. Replicons of the invention are cytopathic in vitro for human tumor cells originating from brain, breast, lung, ovaries and skin (melanoma). Injection of replicons into established xenograft flank tumors in scid mice resulted in oncolytic activity and extended survival. Inoculation of replicons into established intracranial xenografts tumors in scid mice resulted in tumor infection and extended survival. Histological analysis revealed that replicons infected tumor cells at the site of inoculation and, most importantly, diffused to infect tumor cells which had metastasized from the initial site of implantation.