Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flexible container (10). In an embodiment, the flexible container comprises a first multilayer film (12) and a second multilayer film (14). Each multilayer film comprises a seal layer. The multilayer films are arranged such that seal layers oppose each other and the second multilayer film is superimposed on the first multilayer film. The films are sealed along a common peripheral edge (16) to form a closed chamber (18). In one embodiment, a free moving sheet of three-dimensional random loop material (3DRLM) is located the closed chamber. In another embodiment, an oversized sheet (128) of 3DRLM is located in the closed chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible device that integrates electromagnetic and mechanical elements and allows the combination of different mechanisms for voluntary closing of the intestinal lumen. The device can be used either with a stoma to control intestinal transit to the outside and avoid the use of collection pouches, or without a stoma to regulate intestinal transit for another medically necessary reason.

Abstract: A point of sale system including a compartment array for dispensing objects. Each compartment of the compartment array preferably includes a door and a latch mechanism for opening each door. In a preferred embodiment, the latch mechanism includes counterbalanced wires of shape memory alloy material that function as an actuator for opening the door of each compartment in response to selection of an object in that compartment.

Abstract: A point of sale system including a compartment array for dispensing objects. Each compartment of the compartment array preferably includes a door and a latch mechanism for opening each door. In a preferred embodiment, the latch mechanism includes counterbalanced wires of shape memory alloy material that function as an actuator for opening the door of each compartment in response to selection of an object in that compartment.

Abstract: Controlled geometry pellets, which have at least one generally flat face having a cross-sectional shape with a rectangular envelope having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5, are provided. The controlled geometry pellets may include a plurality of reinforcing particulates dispersed throughout the thermoplastic resin. The reinforcing particulates typically have a largest dimension which is no more than about 90% of the largest pellet dimension. Compression molding methods of manufacturing a shaped article using the pellets are also provided. The methods include compression molding thermoplastic resin-based material to provide a molded article, where thermoplastic resin-based material comprises a plurality of the controlled geometry pellets.

Abstract: Compression molding methods of manufacturing a shaped article are provided. The methods include compression molding thermoplastic resin-based material to provide a molded article, where thermoplastic resin-based material comprises a plurality of controlled geometry pellets. The pellets include at least one generally flat face having a cross-sectional shape with a rectangular envelope having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5. The controlled geometry pellets may include a plurality of reinforcing particulates dispersed throughout the thermoplastic resin. The reinforcing particulates typically have a largest dimension which is no more than about 90% of the largest pellet dimension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kiosk that dispenses products with no moving parts. The kiosk can dispense a rental product, and the rental product can be returned via a mail service, or it can be retained for a purchase price. The kiosk comprises a removable cartridge containing the products, and the cartridge can be readily replaced with a new cartridge to replenish the inventory of products in the kiosk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kiosk that dispenses products with no moving parts. The kiosk can dispense a rental product, and the rental product can be returned via a mail service, or it can be retained for a purchase price. The kiosk comprises a removable cartridge containing the products, and the cartridge can be readily replaced with a new cartridge to replenish the inventory of products in the kiosk.

Abstract: Controlled geometry pellets, which have at least one generally flat face having a cross-sectional shape with a rectangular envelope having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5, are provided. The controlled geometry pellets may include a plurality of reinforcing particulates dispersed throughout the thermoplastic resin. The reinforcing particulates typically have a largest dimension which is no more than about 90% of the largest pellet dimension. Compression molding methods of manufacturing a shaped article using the pellets are also provided. The methods include compression molding thermoplastic resin-based material to provide a molded article, where thermoplastic resin-based material comprises a plurality of the controlled geometry pellets.

Abstract: The Uni Lid is a line of specially designed reusable plastic food storage lids that are stretched to accommodate virtually any container. In this manner, consumers do not need to store and manage a bevy of different lids for their plastic food containers. Offered in three simple sizes, small, medium, and large, the Uni Lid line is fabricated of a durable, expandable rubber material. As such, these lids accommodate a range of sizes from extra small containers ideal for storing dressings and sauces, to small and medium size containers used for storing side dishes or single serving meals, to large and extra large containers for use in storing entire entrees and similar fare. The Uni Lid is produced in a variety of shapes including rectangular, square and circular, to name a few options.

Abstract: Modelling of industrial processes is simplified with the use of Mixed Logical Dynamic (MLD) framework. Optimal control problems can be generated for application to industrial processes. For example, two arbitrarily connected MLD blocks are automatically merged to obtain one composite MLD block. Via a repeated use of the procedure, any arbitrarily complex system containing the complete description of an industrial process can be generated from the simplest MLD building blocks. The optimal control problem is generated via adding an MLD block whose unique output becomes the cost functional of the problem. In a graphical environment, any specific industrial process may be reproduced by instantiating blocks from a library of basic MLD elements or atomic MLD blocks and by properly connecting them. In case an appropriate library is available, this process will not require any expert knowledge from the end user apart from the ability to build the graphical interconnections mentioned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kiosk that dispenses products with no moving parts. The kiosk can dispense a rental product, and the rental product can be returned via a mail service, or it can be retained for a purchase price. The kiosk comprises a removable cartridge containing the products, and the cartridge can be readily replaced with a new cartridge to replenish the inventory of products in the kiosk.

Abstract: Compression molding methods of manufacturing a shaped article are provided. The methods include compression molding thermoplastic resin-based material to provide a molded article, where thermoplastic resin-based material comprises a plurality of controlled geometry pellets. The pellets include at least one generally flat face having a cross-sectional shape with a rectangular envelope having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5. The controlled geometry pellets may include a plurality of reinforcing particulates dispersed throughout the thermoplastic resin. The reinforcing particulates typically have a largest dimension which is no more than about 90% of the largest pellet dimension.

Abstract: The disclosed process control system makes use of Optimal control (OC) and model predictive control (MPC) techniques for selection of the Expert Systems (ES) targets values U. The ES target values U are selected to minimize the performance criterion J. A mathematical model of an extended system given by the process P and the ES is developed. This hybrid mathematical model has both continuous dynamics and logical relationships. Controlled variables of the mathematical model are the ES target values U and inputs are the measurements y and the performance criterion J. The OC and/or MPC techniques are used to compute values U. An optimizer of the OC/MPC selects values of the ES target values U only. This activity has lower sampling rates than selection of controller values, which simplifies the design of the OC/MPC controller.

Abstract: In a method and a computer program product for designing a component for an industrial plant, in particular a thick-walled component for a power plant, by means of an iteration, in which the steps of

Abstract: A polymeric composition containing internal lubricants is suitable for low friction applications. The composition contains from about 65 to about 85 weight percent of a polymeric blend and from about 15 to about 35 weight percent of internal lubricants, wherein said blend consists essentially of from about 35 to about 100 weight percent of polybenzimidazole and from about 0 to about 65 weight percent of poly(aryletherketone), and said lubricants consist essentially of graphite and boron nitride in a weight ratio of about 1:10 to about 10:1, respectively. The composition is useful for preparing shaped articles such as bearings, bearing sleeves, rings, etc.

Abstract: A seal comprises a sandwich of a soft, low modulus resinous layer between two outer layers of harder, high modulus resinous material to provide an effectve high pressure seal at both low and high temperatures. The seal can be used in well head service, e.g., in a blowout preventer or stuffing box seal, in oil wells, geothermal wells of hydraulic mining pipes. The high modulus material is preferably a polybenzimidazole containing 5 to 50 wt. % short fibers. The low modulus material is preferably a thermoplastic fluorinated hydrocarbon polymer or a fluorinated synthetic elastomer containing polybenzimidazole in powder and/or short fiber form and short fibers of glass and/or carbon. For blowout preventer service, the seal can take the form of a T to be fitted with complementary metal retainers to form a cylindrical seal unit having a semicylindrical groove in the seal face to mate with the polish rod or tubing.

Abstract: A seal and seal assembly for use with well tools, such particularly as well packers, for sealing the annulus between the well packer mandrel and the wall of a well tubing such as casing. The seal is fabricated of an elastomeric-like material comprising fluorocarbon resins, poly arylene ketone, and carbon fibers mounted between end retainer assemblies each comprising a mesh anti-extrusion ring, a tapered mesh backup ring, and a metal backup shoe. The seal has internal longitudinally spaced V-shaped recesses to cause the seal to buckle radially outwardly as it is compressed longitudinally to increase the stress along the middle portion of the seal where the seal meets the well casing inner wall. The seal is useful at high temperatures and pressures such as 550 degrees F. and greater than 15,000 psi.