Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptide inhibitors of the interleukin-23 receptor, and related compositions and methods of using these peptide inhibitors to treat or prevent a variety of diseases and disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases.

Abstract: An electronic system can include an electronic module and a trace circuit that provides a perimeter that encloses the electronic module. A sensing circuit within the electronic system can be configured to detect a discontinuity in the perimeter. In response to detecting the discontinuity in the perimeter, the sensing circuit can initiate, from a response device, a response signal.

Abstract: An electronic system can be used to monitor temperature. The electronic system can include a characterized dielectric located adjacent to a plurality of heat-producing electronic devices. The electronic system can also include a leakage measurement circuit that is electrically connected to the characterized dielectric. The leakage measurement circuit can be configured to measure current leakage through the characterized dielectric. The leakage measurement circuit can also be configured to convert a leakage current measurement into a corresponding output voltage. A response device, electrically connected to the leakage measurement circuit can be configured to, in response to the output voltage exceeding a voltage threshold corresponding to a known temperature, initiate a response action.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptide inhibitors of the interleukin-23 receptor, and related compositions and methods of using these peptide inhibitors to treat or prevent a variety of diseases and disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptide inhibitors of the interleukin-23 receptor, and related compositions and methods of using these peptide inhibitors to treat or prevent a variety of diseases and disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and classifying objects associated with a vehicle are provided. The method includes capturing a first image and a second image of a cabin of a vehicle, dividing the first image and the second image into a plurality of regions, comparing a first region of the first image to a second region of the second image, in response to detecting a difference between the second region and the first region, classifying an object present in the difference between the second region and the first region and labeling the classified object, and providing a notification of the classified object to at least one from among an occupant of the vehicle and an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and classifying objects associated with a vehicle are provided. The method includes capturing a first image and a second image of a cabin of a vehicle, dividing the first image and the second image into a plurality of regions, comparing a first region of the first image to a second region of the second image, in response to detecting a difference between the second region and the first region, classifying an object present in the difference between the second region and the first region and labeling the classified object, and providing a notification of the classified object to at least one from among an occupant of the vehicle and an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: Diaphragm interface apparatus to improve a cycle life of a diaphragm are described. An example fluid regulator includes a fluid flow passageway between an inlet and an outlet, where a sensing chamber defines a portion of the fluid flow passageway. A diaphragm senses a pressure in the sensing chamber and a diaphragm interface adjacent the sensing chamber has a curved surface to contact a portion of the diaphragm that moves in response to pressure changes in the sensing chamber. The curved surface affects an amount of stress imparted to the portion of the diaphragm during operation of the fluid regulator.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a protective shield for a spectrometer is provided. The shield includes a body configured to substantially protect a front of the spectrometer, the body including an aperture that includes a protective mesh. The protective mesh includes a high-strength, low-Z material, such as an arrangement of carbon fibers. A method of fabrication, a spectrometer and a method of using the spectrometer are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a protective shield for a spectrometer is provided. The shield includes a body configured to substantially protect a front of the spectrometer, the body including an aperture that includes a protective mesh. The protective mesh includes a high-strength, low-Z material, such as an arrangement of carbon fibers. A method of fabrication, a spectrometer and a method of using the spectrometer are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a protective shield for a spectrometer is provided. The shield includes a body configured to substantially protect a front of the spectrometer, the body including an aperture that includes a protective mesh. The protective mesh includes a high-strength, low-Z material, such as an arrangement of carbon fibers. A method of fabrication, a spectrometer and a method of using the spectrometer are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a protective shield for a spectrometer is provided. The shield includes a body and an aperture that includes a protective mesh. The protective mesh includes a high-strength, low Z material, such as an arrangement of carbon fibers. A method of fabrication and a spectrometer are disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve including a balanced valve cartridge. The balanced valve cartridge has a retainer including a central bore. A valve seat and a valve plug are disposed within the central bore and cooperate to open and close the valve. A cap closes one end of the central bore, the cap including a blind bore for receiving a portion of the valve plug. Downstream fluid pressure is transmitted into the blind bore through a hollow portion of the valve plug, thus balancing the valve plug within the retainer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a video image having multiple focal lengths includes a multi-focal lens system and a drive mechanism capable of moving the multi-focal lens system through a cyclic path. A plurality of optical images are formed as the multi-focal lens system moves through the cyclic path. An image pickup device is capable of converting each of the plurality of optical images into a corresponding image signal. An image processor is operative to preferably form a composite image signal wherein individual elements of the optical images are selected to provide preferred focus characteristics.

Abstract: Interchangeable valve apparatus for use with fluid regulators are described herein. An example valve apparatus described herein includes a first retainer is removably coupled to a fluid flow passageway of a fluid regulator between an inlet and an outlet. The first retainer comprises a first housing having a first bore to receive a flow control assembly and the first retainer has a first opening coaxially aligned with the first bore to define a first orifice of the fluid flow passageway when the retainer is coupled to the fluid regulator. The fluids regulator also includes a second retainer different than and interchangeable with the first retainer, where the second retainer comprises a second housing having a second bore to receive the flow control assembly. The second retainer has a second opening coaxially aligned with the second bore to define a second orifice of the fluid flow passageway when the second retainer is coupled to the fluid regulator.

Abstract: Bonnet apparatus for use with fluid regulators are described. An example bonnet includes a body having a cavity to receive a loading assembly of the fluid regulator. A support structure is disposed in the cavity and extends across the cavity to increase an impact toughness or strength of the body.

Abstract: Valve apparatus to prevent contamination of a fluid in a fluid regulator are described. An example valve apparatus described herein includes a housing disposed within a fluid flow passageway of the fluid regulator to define a low-pressure side of the fluid flow passageway and a high-pressure side of the fluid flow passageway. The housing has a bore that at least partially defines the fluid flow passageway when coupled to the fluid regulator. The housing has a movable valve assembly disposed within the bore via a non-threaded connection in fluid communication with the low-pressure side of the fluid flow passageway and external threads to threadably couple the housing to an opening of the fluid regulator. A seal system prevents impurities from flowing between the high-pressure side of the fluid flow passageway and the low-pressure side of the fluid flow passageway.

Abstract: Diaphragm interface apparatus to improve a cycle life of a diaphragm are described. An example fluid regulator includes a fluid flow passageway between an inlet and an outlet, where a sensing chamber defines a portion of the fluid flow passageway. A diaphragm senses a pressure in the sensing chamber and a diaphragm interface adjacent the sensing chamber has a curved surface to contact a portion of the diaphragm that moves in response to pressure changes in the sensing chamber. The curved surface affects an amount of stress imparted to the portion of the diaphragm during operation of the fluid regulator.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved way in which dog feases can be picked up from outside areas and be exposed. The apparatus consists of a light and well balanced walking cane or stick with a cup attached at the lower end of the cane. Inside the cup is an auger that is turned by a battery driven two-way motor. The handle of the cane holds the batteries which drive the motor and the switch starts the motor in forward or reverse drive. The user can easily, while walking his/her dog remove dog droppings from public and/or private areas, while disposing them quickly and conveniently. The cane or stick is designed to auger up, hold, and then deposit dog droppings with little effort and help keep yards, parks and walkways clean.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a video image having multiple focal lengths includes a multi-focal lens system and a drive mechanism capable of moving the multi-focal lens system through a cyclic path. A plurality of optical images are formed as the multi-focal lens system moves through the cyclic path. An image pickup device is capable of converting each of the plurality of optical images into a corresponding image signal. An image processor is operative to preferably form a composite image signal wherein individual elements of the optical images are selected to provide preferred focus characteristics.