Abstract: An electronic drive for a lock assembly includes a housing, a motor disposed within the housing, and at least one link bar coupled to the motor. The at least one link bar at least partially extends out of the housing. The electronic drive also includes a driven disk coupled to a first end of the at least one link bar and rotatable about a rotational axis. The driven disk is adapted to couple to the lock assembly, and upon rotation, extend and retract at least one locking element. In operation, the motor selectively drives substantially linear movement of the at least one link bar to rotate the driven disk about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A modular electronic deadbolt includes a bolt module having a first housing defining a first longitudinal axis, a motor disposed in the first housing, and a deadbolt configured to be linearly moveable in relation to the first housing along the first longitudinal axis by the motor. The modular electronic deadbolt also includes a battery module configured to be operatively coupled to the bolt module. The battery module includes a second housing configured to receive a power source, and a face plate coupled to the second housing. The faceplate defines a second longitudinal axis and includes an extension that extends along the second longitudinal axis. The extension is configured to removably couple the bolt module to the battery module such that the first longitudinal axis is substantially orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A pump assembly is disclosed. The pump assembly including a pump having an outer casing having a first end, an opposing second end, and a cavity therein and a multi-function valve connected to the first end of the pump. The pump further including a discharge tube positioned in the cavity and exiting the first end of the outer casing; a check valve positioned in the cavity and operably connected to the discharge tube by a coupling; and a multi-float control assembly positioned in the cavity, the multi float control assembly including a bottom float check valve operably connected to the discharge tube by the coupling and an upper float check valve connected to a vent exiting the first end of the outer casing.

Abstract: Ocean-based gear equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) shares position to either single or multiple users. Position data from an ocean-based device are sent either to a cloud-hosted database or vessel transceiver, then displayed on either a mobile app via multiple login accounts, a vessel-mounted GPS plotter that is capable of sharing data over the internet, or a satellite-connected mobile device capable of receiving and displaying Short Message Service (SMS) messages or emails. The Vessel Transceiver device is designed to share data from gear to vessel via radio frequency, as well as vessel to vessel via satellite network, without internet connectivity. Position data are provided to either one user or multiple users on the ocean or on land via various communication arrangements.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hydratable concentrated surfactant composition. The composition is pourable, easy to dilute, substantially free of sulfate and oil, comprises a C6-C14 acid, alcohol or both, an anionic surfactant comprising acyl isethionate and an amphoteric surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant or both. The composition is in lamellar phase and thickens and transforms to an isotropic phase upon dilution. The composition can be used as a concentrate in small volumes and diluted as used and needed or can be diluted with water in refill packaging to ensure a reduction in plastic waste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seed coating composition comprising at least: (a) a polyvinyl acetate binder, (b) activated carbon powder, and (c) at least two minerals from the group of calcium carbonate, micro-mica, vermiculite or a silicon-comprising clay. The present invention is furthermore related to the method for producing seed pellets, comprising blending the components (a) to (c), water and seeds to be coated in a pelletizer such that the seeds are coated, and, and drying the coated seeds to obtain seed pellets, and, optionally, sieving the thus obtained seed pellets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isotropic concentrate composition that is easy to hydrate and transform into an end use wash composition. The end use wash composition resulting from the concentrate composition is suitable for topical application and for hand washing. The concentrate comprises fragrance oil and emulsifier at levels that unexpectedly result in a concentrate composition and end use composition that are free of ingredient precipitation that interferes with the appearance and usage of the compositions.

Abstract: A system for sample, trial, and/or full-sized products includes a container defining at least one cavity, a product disk, a cosmetic product, an applicator, and an applicator engaging mechanism operably coupled with the applicator. The product disk includes a first side, a second side, a body extending therebetween, and a disk engaging mechanism. At least a portion of the first side of the product disk is selectively positionable adjacent to the at least one cavity of the container. The cosmetic product is at least partially disposed on the first side of the product disk. The applicator has first end that includes an applicator retention region. At least a portion of the second side of the product disk is positionable adjacent to the applicator retention region. The product disk is removably coupled with the cavity of the container and the applicator coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A system for sample, trial, and/or full-sized products includes a container defining at least one cavity, a product disk, a cosmetic product, and an applicator. The product disk includes a first side, a second side, a body extending therebetween, and a disk release mechanism. At least a portion of the first side of the product disk is selectively positionable adjacent to the at least one cavity of the container. The cosmetic product is at least partially disposed on the first side of the product disk. The applicator has first end that includes an applicator retention region and an applicator release region. The product disk is insertably coupled with the applicator retention region.

Abstract: A system for sample, trial, and/or full-sized products includes a container defining at least one cavity, a product disk, a cosmetic product, and an applicator. The product disk includes a first side, a second side, and a body extending therebetween. The product disk is positionable adjacent to the at least one cavity of the container. The cosmetic product is at least partially disposed on the first side of the product disk. The applicator has first end that includes an applicator coupling mechanism. The product disk is removably coupled with the cavity of the container and the applicator coupling mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic access system and method utilizes a modular latch system and method. The modular latch system and method include a reader module and latch module. The reader module includes a user interface with one or more readers or devices for receiving input from a user, and sending the input to a controller. The latch module is configured for mounting to a closure that provides access to the secure area. The latch module can be operated in a stand-alone mode while detached from the reader module. Alternatively, the latch module can be releasably engaged to the reader module and operated in an assembled mode. The modular system and method allow for engagement of the reader module to the latch module, disengagement of the reader module from the latch module, and engagement of an alternate reader module to the latch module for retrofitting the reader module with the alternate reader module.

Abstract: Microwave antenna systems include a parabolic reflector antenna and a dual-band feed assembly. The dual-band feed assembly includes a coaxial waveguide structure and a sub-reflector. The coaxial waveguide structure includes a central waveguide and an outer waveguide that circumferentially surrounds the central waveguide. The sub-reflector is mounted proximate the distal end of the coaxial waveguide structure.

Abstract: An electronic deadbolt includes a face plate and a housing having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is releasably coupled to the face plate, and the housing further includes a bolt compartment defining a bolt axis and a battery compartment defining a battery axis. The bolt axis is substantially parallel to and offset from the battery axis, and the bolt compartment is separated from the battery compartment proximate the second end of the housing. The electronic deadbolt further includes a bolt module disposed within the bolt compartment. The bolt module includes a motor and a deadbolt, and the deadbolt is configured to be selectively linearly extended from the face plate along the bolt axis.

Abstract: A process for reducing an organic material to produce methane and/or hydrogen is disclosed. The process includes: (a) contacting the organic material with an excess amount of hydrogen gas in an enclosed reduction chamber at ambient temperature, where the reduction chamber is substantially free of oxygen, and heating the reduction chamber to cause a temperature increase in the organic material from ambient temperature to up to 425° C. at a rate of up to about 8° C. per minute, under positive pressure, to form a first gaseous mixture comprising methane, hydrogen, acid, and partially reduced volatile organic molecules; (b) heating the first gaseous mixture to a temperature of about 675° C. to about 875° C. in the presence of an excess amount of hydrogen gas to form a second gaseous mixture comprising methane, hydrogen, and acid; and (c) neutralizing the second gaseous mixture with a base.

Abstract: The invention relates to isotropic liquid composition comprising acyl isethionate, methyl acyl taurate and amphoteric, zwitterionic and/or nonionic surfactant. Unexpectedly, it has been found that, when ratio of isethionate to taurate is monitored, enhanced lather is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to lamellar liquid composition comprising acyl isethionate, methyl acyl taurate, amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactant. Unexpectedly, applicants have found that, when ratio of isethionate to taurate is kept at about to 1:1, enhanced lather is achieved. Other criticalities include ratio of amphoteric and/or zwitterionic to anionic surfactant, total amount of surfactant, and pH.

Abstract: A single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) device is presented. The SPAD device comprising: a Si-based avalanche layer formed over an n-type semiconductor contact layer; a p-type charge sheet layer formed in or on the avalanche layer, the p-type charge sheet layer having an in-plane width; a Ge-based absorber layer, formed over the charge sheet layer and/or the avalanche layer, and overlapping the charge sheet layer, the Ge-based absorber layer having an in-plane width; wherein, at least in one in-plane direction, the in-plane width of the Ge-based absorber layer is greater than the in-plane width of the p-type charge sheet layer.

Abstract: A pillow that contains an item, such as a gift, wherein the pillow can be opened to access the gift. The pillow includes an aesthetic external appearance. This appearance may be provided by a printed covering that is disposed on the outside surface of the pillow. The pillow preferably includes one or more closure mechanisms, such as one or more zippers. Tethers may be provided on the closure mechanism(s), and piping may be included on the covering. The piping not only effectively hides the teeth of the closure mechanism (s), but also improves the look and style of the exterior of the pillow. A flap and tassels may instead be provided on the pillow. Given that the pillow is configured to contain an item, is configured to be opened to remove the item, is configured to be closed once the item has been removed, and has a decorative external appearance and/or brand recognition appearance, the pillow is unique in that it doubles as both packaging and a throw pillow useable after the item has been removed.

Abstract: An electronic access system and method utilizes a modular latch system and method. The modular latch system and method include a reader module and latch module. The reader module includes a user interface with one or more readers or devices for receiving input from a user, and sending the input to a controller. The latch module is configured for mounting to a closure that provides access to the secure area. The latch module can be operated in a stand-alone mode while detached from the reader module. Alternatively, the latch module can be releasably engaged to the reader module and operated in an assembled mode. The modular system and method allow for engagement of the reader module to the latch module, disengagement of the reader module from the latch module, and engagement of an alternate reader module to the latch module for retrofitting the reader module with the alternate reader module.