Abstract: A patellofemoral brace consisting of a sleeve adapted to be worn by a user in the knee area and having a patella interior opening is provided with a glide which is adjustably carried by the sleeve and which includes a patella engaging brace pad which may be silicon filled and which is generally U-shaped having one longer leg and one shorter leg. The brace is used to influence proper positioning of the patella by the generation of a force applied to the superolateral aspect of the patella to correct misalignment of the patella.

Abstract: A pretensioner for a three point vehicle safety restraint seat belt has a mounting for one end of the seat belt. The mounting has a first member fixed to a load bearing part of the vehicle and a second member attached to the end of the seat belt. A force reservoir, such as a pyrotechnic unit, moves the second member relative to the first member in a pretensioning direction in response to activation by a crash sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including means for delivery of at least one high speed composite stream of polymer fibers and secondary material. The method and apparatus also includes a movable collection device which intersects in the composite stream of polymer fibers and secondary material and at least one non-contact deflector to redirect at least a portion of the composite stream.

Abstract: A method for transforming spatial data includes displaying a first graphical representation that represents spatial data formatted in a first coordinate system and displaying a second graphical representation that represents spatial data formatted in a second coordinate system. The data represented by the first graphical representation is transformed into the second coordinate system in response to the first graphical representation being dragged and dropped onto the second graphical representation. In another aspect, a computer-readable medium contains instructions for controlling a computer system to perform a method of transforming spatial data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to voting systems, and more particularly to network-based voting systems. Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, devices, computer-implemented methods, computer programs stored on a computer-readable medium, and signals for use in such network-based voting systems. Embodiments of the present invention motivate new users to join the system, and stimulate existing and new users to use the system more.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for limiting the height of media inserted into a media tray of an image forming apparatus 10 while also allowing for the inserted media to expand due to changing environmental conditions is described herein. An exemplary stack height limiting system comprises an elongated arm with a striking end spaced from a control end, where the arm is movable between first and second positions. A limiter positioned relative to the arm defines the first position, where the striking end is spaced from the bottom surface of the tray by a first gap. As media disposed in the tray expands beyond the first gap, the expanding media moves the arm to form a second, greater distance between the striking end and the bottom surface of the tray. As a result, pinch points between the first end and the media are avoided.

Abstract: A method of making stretchable absorbent articles includes the steps of providing a continuous substrate layer, providing one or more streams of adhesive fibers and superabsorbent particles, shaping the one or more streams of adhesive fibers and superabsorbent particles, depositing the adhesive fibers and superabsorbent particles on the substrate layer to form a plurality of shaped absorbent cores bound to the substrate layer, and separating the absorbent cores from each other. The absorbent cores thus formed do not prevent stretching of the substrate layer. The combination of absorbent core and substrate layer can be used in a wide variety of personal care absorbent articles and medical absorbent articles.

Abstract: A pretensioner for a three point vehicle safety restraint seat belt has a mounting for one end of the seat belt. The mounting has a first member fixed to a load bearing part of the vehicle and a second member attached to the end of the seat belt. A force reservoir, such as a pyrotechnic unit, moves the second member relative to the first member in a pretensioning direction in response to activation by a crash sensor.

Abstract: A dialysis valve includes a tube attached between an artery and a vein which, when elongated, simultaneously narrows in diameter at at least one location. The narrowed portion of the tube decreases the volume and velocity between the arterial and venous side of the patient to prevent damage or intimal hyperplasia on the venous side between dialysis treatments. When the valve is opened for dialysis, an unrestricted blood flow exists between the arterial and venous side, permitting a controlled, open blood flow during dialysis.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting the bandwidth allocated for isochronous data traffic on an interconnected data bus is disclosed. The present system uses an isochronous resource manager (IRM) to sense a bandwidth change request from a talker. The IRM instigates a bandwidth adjustment associated with the bandwidth change request to one or more bus bridge portals.

Abstract: A method and system for using a new bus identifier in an interconnect, and the interconnect including a plurality of nodes and at least one bus bridge. A configuration change is determined on the first bus connected to the plurality of nodes. Each node has a corresponding bus identifier. A new bus identifier is assigned for each node having a changed state if a configuration change is determined on the first bus.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting the bandwidth allocated for isochronous data traffic on an interconnected data bus is disclosed. The present system uses an isochronous resource manager (IRM) to sense a bandwidth change request from a talker. The IRM instigates a bandwidth adjustment associated with the bandwidth change request to one or more bus bridge portals.

Abstract: A hydrofining process in which a sulfur- and hydrocarbon-containing processing stream is supplied to a multi-stage hydrotreating reactor incorporating separate stages of cobalt molybdenum catalysts. Hydrogen may be supplied concurrently or counter-currently with the hydrocarbon-containing processing stream. The processing stream is passed into contact with an initial catalyst stage comprising a cobalt molybdenum desulfurization catalyst present in a minor amount of the total composite amount of catalysts within the reactor. Thereafter the processing stream is passed through a subsequent catalyst stage comprising a major amount of cobalt molybdenum hydrocracking catalyst. The effluent stream having a reduced sulfur content is then withdrawn from the hydrotreating reactor. The initial and subsequent catalyst stages are separated by an intervening sector within the reactor containing an inert particulate refractory material, specifically silica particles generally spheroidal in shape.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering an interconnect topology to form a ring structure, the topology comprising a number of nodes, are described. In one embodiment, a self identifier for each of the nodes is determined. Further, the self identifier is mapped to a ring identifier for each node. In addition, each node computes the ring identifier of one of its port-connected nodes as its topologically adjacent neighbor identifier.

Abstract: A lid for covering a beverage container. The lid includes a platform configured for engaging the container, and the platform includes retaining structure and a top surface with indicia associated therewith. An index member is retained generally on the top surface of the platform by the retaining structure, and the index member defines a window for viewing therethrough the indicia associated with the top surface of the platform. The index member is rotatable with respect to the top surface of the platform such that the window moves with respect to the indicia associated with the top surface of the platform. Both the platform and index member are configured to receive a straw generally in a center of the platform and index member. The index member includes stability-enhancing structure generally at a peripheral edge of the index member, and the stability-enhancing structure at least partially defines an edge of the window.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an apparatus and process for mixing and delivering an explosives composition. The apparatus for use in the process comprises a main conduit which can be gas pressurised, a means for introducing a solid particulate phase to the main conduit for transportation by the gas and a means for introducing an emulsion phase into said main conduit such that turbulence of the gas in the main conduit causes uniform mixing of the solid particulate phase and the emulsion phase.

Abstract: A trailer hitch particularly for pick-up trucks and other relatively light towing vehicles having an improved hitch assembly including a retractable pin assembly in combination with guide members for limiting angular movement of a trailer behind the towing vehicle. An improved cylinder, pin and restrictor plate assembly provides a rebound or kick back to return or urge the jack-knifed trailer back to a position substantially trailing behind the truck. The cylinder improved in providing positive action in both retraction and extension of the pin.

Abstract: A display panel constructed from a plurality of similar panel members 10 having a cross-section shaped to provide an undercut recess 14, 16 extending throughout its length along at least one of its longitudinal edges. Each panel member has a formation 22, 26 along one longitudinal edge and a correspondingly shaped formation 22, 26, along another longitudinal edge, so that the panel member can form a tongue and groove joint with a similar panel member. The relationship between the undercut recess and the adjacent formation is such that when a joint with another panel member is effected the undercut recess remains open. Thus the panel members can be used to construct a slatted panel display system.

Abstract: A portable microwave power detector is provided which will generate an alarm signal when placed within a microwave field having a power density above a predetermined limit. The detector comprises a rigid body member, a microwave receiving antenna fixed to or within the body member and, between elements of the antenna itself, a passive non-linear audio and/or visual alarm indicator fixed to or within the body member and connected to the antenna for energization by the microwave power received thereby.