Abstract: Butterfly valves assemblies are provided that include a flowbody, a butterfly plate, an actuator and an upper chimney and a lower chimney disposed within the flowbody. The flowbody has an inner surface defining a channel. The butterfly plate is disposed in the channel, is rotationally mounted to the flowbody, and has an outer periphery. The actuator has an actuator output shaft that is coupled to the valve shaft via a serrated spline coupling. The upper chimney and the lower chimney are configured to include bearing assemblies that constrain radial loads and thrust loads exerted upon the valve shaft and minimize misalignment of the serrated spline coupling.

Abstract: DIG-3 Cry toxins, polynucleotides encoding such toxins, and transgenic plants that produce such toxins are useful to control insect pests.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for refining a business process model includes receiving business process data pertaining to a first phase of a business process definition from a first class of users, creating a model of a business process using the business process data received from the first class of users, receiving business process data pertaining to a second phase of the business process definition from a second class of users, and augmenting the model of the business process based on the business process data received from the second class of users. The method further includes iteratively refining the model of the business process in response to input provided by the first class of users and/or the second class of users.

Abstract: Ports for accessing a vessels within a patient include passageways that can guide needles or other access devices directly into the vessels. The ports can be implanted subcutaneously within a patient. Some ports may be used in the creation and use of vascular access buttonholes.

Abstract: Ports for accessing a vessels within a patient include passageways that can guide needles or other access devices directly into the vessels. The ports can be implanted subcutaneously within a patient. Some ports may be used in the creation and use of vascular access buttonholes.

Abstract: Ports for accessing a vessels within a patient include passageways that can guide needles or other access devices directly into the vessels. The ports can be implanted subcutaneously within a patient. Some ports may be used in the creation and use of vascular access buttonholes.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and software are disclosed for providing rule handling functionality in a distributed transcription environment. Some embodiments provide client-server workflow management for providing and supporting distributed transcription services. Other embodiments provide audio-to-text synchronization to support certain transcription functionality. Still other embodiments provide logging functionality to support quality, personnel, billing, and/or other enterprise tasks. And other embodiments provide functionality to support rule generation, editing, validation, and/or execution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrolyte solutions and methods for electrolytic co-deposition of calcium phosphate and drug composites. The electrolyte solution may be formed by mixing solutions comprising calcium and phosphate precursors together to form an electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution can have a water content less than 30 weight percent. The electrolyte solution may comprise a water-soluble non-aqueous solvent. A therapeutic agent, such as water-insoluble drug, is also present in the solution. The electrolyte solution thus formed may be used to co-deposit a calcium phosphate coating and the therapeutic agent on a substrate.

Abstract: A relatively simple, relatively small, relatively light-weight, and relatively inexpensive two-axis gimbal mechanism for a human-machine interface is provided. The gimbal assembly includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a center body, a first centering mechanism, and a second centering mechanism. The first bracket and second brackets each includes a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm. The first and second arms form substantially L-shaped sections and the third arms substantially perpendicular from the first arms. The center body is disposed between the L-shaped sections, and is rotatable from a null position about first and second rotational axes. The first and second centering mechanisms are coupled to the third arms of the first and second brackets, respectively, and are configured to supply a first centering force that urges the center body toward a null position when the center body is rotated about the rotational axes.

Abstract: An air turbine starter for starting an engine includes a housing, and a flow path communicating a flow of gas therethrough; a turbine member; a clutch; and a decoupler device at least partially housed within the output member of the clutch. The decoupler device includes a first shaft portion coupled to and rotating with the output member and a second shaft portion coupled to and rotating with the engine. The first and second shaft portions are axially aligned and configured to engage each another for rotation in a first direction and to separate from each other in a second direction to decouple the output member of the clutch from the engine. The starter further includes a bearing between the inner surface of the output member and the second shaft portion for reducing friction between the second shaft portion and the inner surface of the output member when the first and second shaft portions are decoupled.

Abstract: This application relates to a composition comprising a mixture of different organic solvents formulated for controlled drug release. The release profile of the drug can be regulated by adjusting the compositional ratios of the solvents. In one embodiment of the invention a first solvent is water-soluble and a second solvent is water-insoluble. The first and second solvents are miscible and together form a solution containing the drug. The hydrophobicity of the composition can be adjusted by altering the relative amount of the second solvent. The composition also includes a solid lipid dissolved in the drug-containing solution. In aqueous environments the lipid may precipitate to form a thin membrane in an outer surface portion of the composition, thereby further regulating the release of the drug. The membrane is preferably renewable. That is, as the outermost portion of the lipid is biodegraded at a target location in vivo, additional outer portions of the lipid precipitate to renew the thin membrane.

Abstract: A golf course marker comprising of at least one extendable member made of multiple telescoping sections capable of existing in a fully contracted configuration under ground or a fully extended configuration above the ground, and housed in an underground container.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of modifying the surface of a metal substrate to improve the surface coverage of a coating applied to the substrate. The method comprises heating at least the surface of the substrate to a temperature within the range of approximately 175-400° C.; and applying at least one layer of the coating to the substrate. In one particular embodiment the substrate is heated to a temperature within the range of 200-350° C. The low temperature heating enhances the hydrophilicity of the metal substrate while avoiding the disadvantages of high temperature thermal oxidation.

Abstract: Exercise by a person coupled with illuminating cellulite-containing tissue of a person with light produced by a semi-conductor light source reduces cellulite in such tissue. Methods and systems for reducing cellulite may employ light from a light source comprising a semi-conductor material coupled with exercise equipment. Clothing may be provided that incorporates the light source. Clothing may alternatively have increased transmissiveness in areas adjacent to cellulite-containing tissue. A light activating composition may increase the effectiveness of cellulite reduction.

Abstract: A method for providing a value estimate and facilitating the trade-in of used golf equipment is described. The method includes the steps of providing an online database of value estimates for at least one product and offering payment at least equal to the value estimate for said product. The methods of payment can be cash or a gift certificate that can be used at authorized on-line or retail stores. The value estimates can be based on current market data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid exchange cell culture technique and tissue repair cells (TRCs) made by these methods, as well as methods using these cells. The method includes a new wash step which increases the tissue repair properties of the TRCs of the invention. This wash step allows for the production of TRC populations with greater tissue repair and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Embodiments of the present invention include a post-culture process for cultured cells that preferably includes the steps of: a wash process for removing unwanted residual culture components, a volume reduction process, and a harvesting process to remove cultured cells. Preferably, all these steps are performed within a aseptically closed cell culture chamber by implementing a separation method that minimizes mechanical disruption of the cells and is simple to automate. The harvested cells may then be concentrated to a final volume for the intended use.