Abstract: An exhaust filter having a pleated filter media mounted between end caps is disclosed herein. The filter has a construction suitable for high temperature environments such as engine exhaust systems.

Abstract: A system and method for suspending and sealing a liner below the roof of a tank for protecting the liner from fluids contained within the tank. The liner is a geosynthetic membrane, which is impervious to fluids, and provide a continuous barrier between the fluids and the inner surface of the roof. The liner is suspended between compression seals at the periphery of the tank. Further, cables are attached at the walls of the tank above or below the liner to support the suspended liner. The liner is sealed about any discontinuities, such as ventilation openings or access to the inside of the tank in the roof. Optionally, ventilation is also provided to the space above the liner by providing vents in the roof which do not extend through the liner.

Abstract: Compounds incorporating aryl substituted olefinic amine are provided. Representative compounds are (4E)-N-methyl-5-(3-pyridyl)4-penten-2-amine, (4E)-N-methyl-5-(5-pyrimidinyl)4-penten-2-amine, (4E)-N-methyl-5-(5-methoxy-3-pyridyl)-4-penten-2-amine, (4E)-N-methyl-5-(6-amino-5-methyl-3-pyridyl)-4-penten-2-amine, (2R)-(4E)-N-methyl-5-(3-pyridyl)-4-penten-2-amine, (2R)-(4E)-N-methyl-5-(5-isopropoxy-3-pyridyl)-4-penten-2-amine, (4E)-N-methyl-5-(5-bromo-3-pyridyl)-4-penten-2-amine, (4E)-N-methyl-5-(5-ethoxy-3-pyridyl)-4-penten-2-amine, (2S)-(4E)-N-methyl-5-(3-pyridyl)-4-penten-2-amine, (4E)-N-methyl-5-(5-isopropoxy-3-pyridyl)-4-penten-2-amine and (2S)-(4E)-N-methyl-5-(5-isopropoxy-3-pyridyl)-4-penten-2-amine.

Abstract: A method to determine transaction distribution among a plurality of transaction processing systems may include calculating estimated handling resources for each of the plurality of transaction processing systems based upon measured actual handling resources and identified scheduled handling resources. Transaction allocations may be determined for each of the transaction processing systems based upon the estimated handling resources.

Abstract: A gray code is produced from a minimum of gate logic by making available and monitoring master outputs of master-slave latch pairs, where the latch pairs are arranged to form a cascading chain of toggle flip-flop stages. The least significant bit through one less than the most significant bit in the gray code is supplied by the master latch outputs and the most significant gray code bit is supplied by the slave latch output of the last toggle stage in the chain.

Abstract: A flexible malleable shaft is made up of a plurality of prismatic shaft elements adjacent one another. A recess is formed in a proximal end of each shaft element, the recess defined along a transverse axis. A protrusion is formed in a distal end of each shaft element, the protrusion defined along a transverse axis. The transverse axes are oriented to one another such that adjacent like shaft elements are aligned with one another when a protrusion of one shaft element is aligned with a recess in an adjacent shaft element. A tension element secured to a distal end of the malleable shaft is in communication with a proximal end of the malleable shaft via an axial through hole. Additionally, a variable stiffness malleable shaft can accommodate the differential lengths of tension elements when applying force to transition the shaft.

Abstract: A method for making a composite rivet and upsetting the composite rivet after the rivet has been inserted through (e.g., composite) structural members to be held together. The rivet includes a core having continuous and unidirectionally extending fibers that are reinforced by a thermoplastic resin. The core is surrounded by a braided jacket having fibers arranged in a criss-cross weave. A forming die guide having a containment opening extending therethrough is positioned so that the upstanding end of the composite rivet is received within the containment opening. A heated forming die having a forming cavity is moved into the containment opening of the forming die guide so as to lie in axial alignment with the upstanding end of the rivet. A ram forces the heated forming die through the containment opening so that the upstanding end of the rivet is softened and upset within the forming cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polynucleotides encoding human phosphatase polypeptides, fragments and homologues thereof. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing said polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods for applying these novel human phosphatase polypeptides to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various diseases and/or disorders related to these polypeptides, particularly cardiovascular diseases and/or disorders. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for testing dies using a machine grooved storage tray with vacuum channels. The method involves drawing a vacuum upon the dies while held in the storage tray and using an automated vision system to map the location of dies in the pockets of the storage tray. Using the map, the storage tray is maneuvered for 5 each individual die in relation to a test probe in order that contact and testing may be made between the discrete die and the test probe.

Abstract: A light switch is disclosed to turn on or off the light signal in a light channel by means of the response of piezoelectric material to the electric field of light in the light channel. The LIGHT TRIGGERED LIGHT SWITCH is a light switch that is actuated by light of sufficient power. Light of different frequencies may travel in a light channel together without hindering each other, as long as the channel is the right size for both frequencies of light. The light that actuates the switch may be a different frequency than the light signal that is switched on or off. Fiber optic communication channels are among the channels that these switches may be used for.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a touchpad including a touch-sensitive surface on which a pointing object may be placed. The touchpad is configured to generate position signals indicative of positions of the pointing object on the touch-sensitive surface. The apparatus includes a controller for generating a first set of movement data based on the position signals. The first set of movement data is indicative of motion of the pointing object across the touch-sensitive surface. The controller is configured to generate a second set of movement data when the pointing object is removed from the touch-sensitive surface, thereby leaving the touch-sensitive surface free from contact by a pointing object. The second set of movement data is indicative of motion of the pointing object across the touch-sensitive surface prior to removal of the pointing object.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a trocar assembly having a channel defined along an elongate axis, the trocar assembly being adapted to receive a surgical instrument, the trocar assembly comprising a septum seal disposed in the channel including a seal tip having a proximal facing surface, the seal tip including portions defining an orifice; and a septum shield including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of blades or leaflets protruding distally from the distal end of the tubular member, the septum shield being placed inside the septum seal such that the blades engage the proximal facing surface of the seal tip. The trocar assembly may further comprise a zero closure seal such as a double duckbill valve disposed in the channel outside of the septum seal. The septum shield operates to reduce the drag force and to minimize axial movement of the septum shield and the instrument during insertion and removal of the instrument through the septum seal.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket packaging kit and system includes a base tray, a plurality of pedestals for supporting individual orthodontic brackets, and a protective lid. The kit may also include a blister cover fitting over the orthodontic brackets, helping to hold them in place on top of the individual pedestals. The base tray may have an undulating profile defining a lower level and an upper level, along with a tongue raised towards the lower level. The upper level may be used for placement of maxillary brackets, while the lower level may hold mandibular brackets. The pedestals may be arranged along the base tray in a staggered, radial arc arrangement to facilitate manual retrieval of the brackets. The protective cover may be substantially opaque to curing light wavelengths to protect light curable adhesive pre-applied to the individual brackets.

Abstract: The invention relates to dirt separator module comprising a dirt-separation housing having an inlet and an outlet opening and defining a cyclonic airflow separator, and a suction source fluidly connected with the dirt-separation housing. A separator plate and a cylindrical wall of the dirt-separation housing form a toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber in the dirt-separator for aiding in the separation of dirt from a suction airstream developed by the suction source. The separator plate has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall of the dirt-separation housing, creating a gap between the outer edge of the separator plate and the inner wall of the dirt tank. A further embodiment includes dual cyclonic separators fluidly connected through a filter assembly. A further embodiment includes a cyclonic separator in the form of a tangential helical ramp.

Abstract: A boot for use in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The boot places the foot in the desired amount of dorsiflexion, preferably from 5° to 20°, which stretches the Achilles tendon and is believed to prevent the shortening of the plantar fascia. The boot also provides protection for the foot while walking or engaging in other load bearing activities, to minimize further damage to and/or inflammation of the plantar fascia. The boot has a sole that is shaped to allow as close to a natural walking gait as possible while maintaining the foot in the desired degree of dorsiflexion. Preferably, the amount of dorsiflexion of the foot is controlled through the addition wedges on the base of the boot.

Abstract: A die holding tray useful for testing a plurality of individual dies placed into the holding tray together with a method of making the same. The holding tray has machined lateral and longitudinal sets of grooves with one set of grooves filled with strips in order to form pockets from the unfilled grooves. Vacuum channels are formed into the bottom of the pockets, and dies are held in place during testing by the flatness of the pocket bottoms and a drawn vacuum. Several embodiments are disclosed, including machining grooves in a compliant layer.

Abstract: Light generating devices for illuminating portions of vascular tissue to administer photodynamic therapy, and usable with, or including a distal protection device. A first device includes a hollow tip, a flushing lumen, a guidewire lumen, and at least one of a light source, and a hollow light transmissive shaft that is adapted to accommodate a light source. If desired, the device can include a balloon, so that a portion of a body lumen between the balloon and the distal protection device is isolated when the balloon is inflated. A second device includes inner and outer catheters, the outer catheter including a balloon, and the inner catheter including a light source and distal protection device comprising a shape memory polymer. Yet another device is a catheter having two balloons and a sleeve extending therebetween. Within the sleeve, the catheter includes a light source and an expanding member.

Abstract: A network appliance is described that can provide a variety of software services, including both platform services, such as access method services, and a load balancing service. A network may include a network appliance that both provides one or more platform services and acts as a load balancer. When two or more such appliances are used together, they can replace a substantial portion of a conventional network. For example, when a network appliance receives a client communication, its load balancer service can determine whether one of its own platform services will process the communication or forward the communication to another network appliance for processing. Moreover, if the load balancing service of a network appliance fails, another network appliance can provide load balancing. Similarly, if another service of a network appliance fails, then the network appliance may continue to provide load balancing but forward communications requiring the failed service to another network appliance for processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for traffic management in a roadway travel data exchange network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a traffic management system may comprise, for example, a first mobile traffic participant communicatively coupled to a communication network, a second mobile traffic participant communicatively coupled to the communication network, and at least one traffic control system communicatively coupled to the communication network. The traffic control system may receive travel data associated with the first mobile traffic participant, and may generate a first traffic control instruction based on the received travel data. The first traffic control instruction may be associated with the second mobile traffic participant. The first traffic control instruction may comprise routing information for the second mobile traffic participant.

Abstract: A light generating device for illuminating tissue adjacent to a body lumen while a distal end of the device is centered in the lumen, to render photodynamic therapy. The device can either occlude or displace bodily fluid, both without the use of a balloon. In one embodiment, a flushing lumen has a port adjacent to an array of light sources, to displace bodily fluid that might otherwise absorb light. Another embodiment employs a centering member that moves between a first position and a second position. The centering member centers the device in the lumen and preferably is formed of a shape memory material. In yet another embodiment, the device includes an outer sheath and an inner member that are independently positionable, enabling the centering member to be selectively positionable. The centering member can be non porous, such that the centering member also occludes fluid flow.