Abstract: A containment device, including a housing, a first axle rotatably connected to the housing, the first axle including at least one gear having a plurality of teeth, a second axle rotatably connected to the housing, the second axle including at least one pawl operatively arranged to engage the plurality of teeth, and a line connected to the first axle and engaged with the second axle.

Abstract: The present technology is a luminaire lens and housing system for mechanically fastening of a light strip to a luminaire housing via a lens body. The system can include a luminaire housing formed from extruded modular luminaire housing sections assembled together, a mounting bracket mountable to the housing sections, and a lens body mountable to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a generally U-shape configuration capable of receiving the light strip and the lens body. The lens body can be a flexible polymeric lens of continuous length for the entire length of the luminaire housing. An interior section of the lens body includes legs receivable in depressions defined in the mounting bracket for retention thereof. The lens body is configured to contact and apply mechanical pressure to the light strip thereby securing the light strip in the mounting bracket or in the luminaire housing.

Abstract: The present technology is a luminaire lens and housing system for mechanically fastening of a light strip to a luminaire housing via a lens body. The system can include a luminaire housing formed from extruded modular luminaire housing sections assembled together, a mounting bracket mountable to the housing sections, and a lens body mountable to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a generally U-shape configuration capable of receiving the light strip and the lens body. The lens body can be a flexible polymeric lens of continuous length for the entire length of the luminaire housing. An interior section of the lens body includes legs receivable in depressions defined in the mounting bracket for retention thereof. The lens body is configured to contact and apply mechanical pressure to the light strip thereby securing the light strip in the mounting bracket or in the luminaire housing.

Abstract: The disclosure provides protein particles (or crisps) that may be used to enhance the protein content of snack products or other food products or as nutritional or dietary supplements. Methods for making the protein particles and for making high-protein, low-fat and low-sodium snack food compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of tensioning straps via tensioning devices including a base housing including a drive gear, a spindle gear proximate the drive gear, a lever pivotally coupled to the base housing and a lug pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the lug is configured to interact with the drive gear; a spindle fixedly coupled to the spindle gear; and a brake assembly coupled to the base housing, wherein, the lug is configured to avoid engagement with the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a first direction, but configured to engage the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a second direction, so as to effect rotation of the drive gear in the second direction, and thereby effect a counter rotation of the spindle gear and spindle.

Abstract: Described are tensioning devices comprising: a base housing comprising a drive gear, a spindle gear proximate the drive gear, and a pawl proximate the spindle gear; a lever pivotally coupled to the base housing and comprising a lug pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the lug is configured to interact with the drive gear; a spindle fixedly coupled to the spindle gear; and a brake assembly coupled to the base housing, wherein, the lug is configured to avoid engagement with the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a first direction, but configured to engage the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a second direction, so as to effect rotation of the drive gear in the second direction, and thereby effect a counter rotation of the spindle gear and spindle. Methods of tensioning straps via such tensioning devices are also described.

Abstract: Tensioning devices include a base housing with a drive gear, a spindle gear proximate the drive gear, and a pawl proximate the spindle gear; a lever pivotally coupled to the base housing and a lug pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the lug is configured to interact with the drive gear; a spindle fixedly coupled to the spindle gear; and a brake assembly coupled to the base housing, wherein, the lug is configured to avoid engagement with the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a first direction, but configured to engage the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a second direction, so as to effect rotation of the drive gear in the second direction, and thereby effect a counter rotation of the spindle gear and spindle.

Abstract: Described are connectors comprising: a body; at least four arms extending from the body; a first pair of opposing, substantially closed slots along a first axis of the body, wherein each slot is defined by one or more of the at least four arms and an edge of the body; and a second pair of opposing, substantially closed slots along a second axis of the body, wherein each slot is defined by one or more of the at least four arms and an edge of the body; wherein, each slot comprises an opening defined by at least two of the at least four arms; and wherein, the openings of the first pair of opposing, substantially closed slots are offset and the openings of the second pair of opposing, substantially closed slots are offset. Methods of coupling straps together via such connectors, and the resulting net-like structure, are also described.

Abstract: Described are connectors comprising: a body; at least four arms extending from the body; a first pair of opposing, substantially closed slots along a first axis of the body, wherein each slot is defined by one or more of the at least four arms and an edge of the body; and a second pair of opposing, substantially closed slots along a second axis of the body, wherein each slot is defined by one or more of the at least four arms and an edge of the body; wherein, each slot comprises an opening defined by at least two of the at least four arms; and wherein, the openings of the first pair of opposing, substantially closed slots are offset and the openings of the second pair of opposing, substantially closed slots are offset. Methods of coupling straps together via such connectors, and the resulting net-like structure, are also described.

Abstract: A first housing 2 includes a first part 4 and a second part 6, both of which comprise PEEK-OPTIMA (Trade Mark) polymer. The two parts 4, 6 are arranged to cooperate so that they can be laser welded and define a hermetically sealed housing 2 which may house electronic (and/or other) components and maintain them in a dry, sealed environment. The housing and contained electronic components may define an implantable device, for example a heart pacemaker, for long term implantation in a human body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewed beverage maker with a diverter valve assembly placed between a heater and a showerhead, the diverter valve assembly fluidly connected to both the heater and showerhead. Opening the beverage maker during a brew cycle automatically causes at least a portion of the fluid passing through the diverter valve assembly to be diverted to a channel that directs the fluid to a point downstream of the showerhead in the brew cycle. In one embodiment of the invention, the diverted fluid is directed to a filter basket. The channel may optionally include a basin to collect and direct the diverted fluid. The outlet of the diverter valve assembly may form the showerhead.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewed beverage maker with a diverter valve assembly placed between a heater and a showerhead, the diverter valve assembly fluidly connected to both the heater and showerhead. Opening the beverage maker during a brew cycle automatically causes at least a portion of the fluid passing through the diverter valve assembly to be diverted to a channel that directs the fluid to a point downstream of the showerhead in the brew cycle. In one embodiment of the invention, the diverted fluid is directed to a filter basket. The channel may optionally include a basin to collect and direct the diverted fluid. The outlet of the diverter valve assembly may form the showerhead.

Abstract: A mobile cart (10) is disclosed comprising a wheeled platform (12), and a plurality of uprights (18, 20, 22) extending upward therefrom to support a middle shelf (24) at an intermediate level, and an upper shelf (26) at a top level. The intermediate shelf is adapted to provide an arcuate forward surface (98) for receiving and cradling a refuse container positioned upon the wheeled platform (12) to prevent tipping of the container when the cart is turned. A handle (28) affixes to the upper shelf (26) and a bag (214) is suspended from the handle. A compartment comprising a base (30) and a cover (32) is pivotally attached to the handle to move in unison between a lowered position wherein the compartment covers the upper open end of the bag (214), and an upper position wherein the bag top is exposed. The cover and base define an internal storage compartment (156) for isolating objects from surrounding individuals as well as isolating the contents of the bag from contact with the surrounding environment.