Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting the connection of a FireWire peer to a FireWire device. In one embodiment, a device may determine whether a peer connection is present based on peer detection circuit configured in each FireWire port of a FireWire device. When no peer is connected to a device, a peer connection in the circuit may be open, and a current path through the circuit may provide a low detect signal, indicating that no peer is connected. When a peer is connected to a detecting device, the current may pass through a resistance in the detected peer to provide a high detect signal, indicating that a peer is connected. In some embodiments, once a peer is detected, the FireWire system of the detecting device may be powered on, and the peer detection circuit may be powered off.

Abstract: A bladeless fan assembly for creating an air current includes a nozzle mounted on a base housing a device for creating an air flow. The nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the air flow and a mouth for emitting the air flow. The nozzle defines, and extends about, an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. The nozzle also includes a heater for heating the air flow upstream of the mouth.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, apparatuses and methods for cutting a brick including a base configured to selectively support the brick. An actuating assembly is movable along a cutting line. The actuating assembly is movable by a cutting distance at least equal to a height of the brick. A shear blade is removably attached to the actuating assembly. The shear blade is movable with the actuating assembly along the cutting line. The shear blade is configured to shear the brick along the cutting line when moved toward the base through the brick.

Abstract: A transmission direction control system of a vehicle comprises a transmission circuit having a transmission actuator to activate a corresponding solenoid, and an actuating switch for controlling an electrical flow through the transmission circuit; a control circuit configured to actuate the switch; and a control configured for electrical communication with the transmission actuator and the control circuit to alternately activate the transmission circuit and the control circuit.

Abstract: A bladeless fan assembly for creating an air current includes a nozzle mounted on a base housing a device for creating an air flow. The nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the air flow and a mouth for emitting the air flow. The nozzle defines, and extends about, an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. The nozzle also includes a heater for heating the air flow upstream of the mouth.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing surface elements, such as floor panels, having a wear layer containing hard particles are disclosed, as well as the resulting surface elements. In the manufacturing method, the wear layer is partially manufactured, or may even be purchased as a stock item, before the decor is applied onto the wear layer. Preferably, the decor is applied to the wear layer at a position opposite the intended outer surface of the surface element. Preferably, the decor is printed onto the wear layer on the side of the wear layer intended to be affixed to a supporting core.

Abstract: Lignocellulosic composites are made by pressing a mixture of a particulate lignocellulosic material with polymeric MDI, in the presence of a fatty amine ethoxylate anti-masking agent.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for forming ester based compositions. The ester based compositions may be used in consumer products. In one aspect, a method is provided for producing acyl alkylisethionate esters by the esterification of a sulfonate composition having two or more sulfonate isomers with fatty acid(s). In another aspect, a method is provided for forming an ester based composition including a blend of acyl alkylisethionate and acylisethionate esters.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly can be manipulated to form an end molding, a T-molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, and/or a stair nose molding.

Abstract: A method for installing a paver system includes positioning a first grid substrate adjacent to a second grid substrate, the first and second grid substrates form a paver support surface. At least the first grid substrate includes an integrated boundary ridge extending along the first paver support surface. The first grid substrate is interlocked with the second grid substrate with a first paver piece bridging the first and second grid substrates to form a paver linkage. Movement of at least the first paver piece is arrested beyond the integrated boundary ridge by directly or indirectly engaging at least the first paver piece against the integrated boundary ridge. In another example, movement of the first paver piece is arrested by anchoring at least the first paver piece on the first and second paver support surfaces through distribution of forces incident on at least the first paver piece through the paver linkage.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for forming ester based compositions. The ester based compositions may be used in consumer products. In one aspect, a method is provided for producing acyl alkylisethionate esters by the esterification of a sulfonate composition having two or more sulfonate isomers with fatty acid(s). In another aspect, a method is provided for forming an ester based composition including a blend of acyl alkylisethionate and acylisethionate esters.

Abstract: A wave energy generator is disclosed with one or more wave follower connected to a fixed structure such as the leg or jacket of a wind turbine, and an energy converter to convert kinetic energy from the movement of the wave followers into electric energy, wherein the wave follower is connected to the fixed structure through an adjustment mechanism configured adjust the position of the wave follower to move it rotationally and/or vertically relative to the fixed structure, so that the adjustment mechanism allows adjustment of the range of movement of the wave follower.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a surface element (1), especially a floor panel, with a supporting core (2) and a surface (4) to be imprinted, comprising the following steps: impregnating the surface (4) to be imprinted with a dyed resin or application of printing ink (5) onto the surface (4) to be imprinted for creation of a decorative pattern, attaching a pressing tool (10) and application of pressure onto the surface element (6), with a redistribution of printing ink (5) or dyed resin occurring alongside the surface (4) to be imprinted depending on a structure (11, 12) of the pressing tool (10), so that a colour saturation is influenced at least of areas of the decorative pattern.

Abstract: Acylalkylisethionate esters are produced by reacting one or more carboxylic acids with one or more alkyl-substituted hydroxyalkyl sulfonates under esterification reaction conditions. The alkyl-substituted hydroxyalkyl sulfonates used as a raw material in producing the esters are prepared by reacting bisulfate with one or more alkylene oxides. The acylalkylisethionate esters may be used in consumer products.

Abstract: The present invention provides acylalkylisethionate esters useful in consumer products. The acylalkylisethionate esters are produced by reacting one or more carboxylic acids with one or more alkyl-substituted hydroxyalkyl sulfonates under esterification reaction conditions. The alkyl-substituted hydroxyalkyl sulfonates used as a raw material in producing the esters are prepared by reacting bisulfite with one or more alkylene oxides.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides populations of stem cells that are purified from bone marrow, peripheral blood, and/or other sources. Also provided are methods of using the stem cells for treating tissue and/or organ damage in a subject.

Abstract: A fan assembly for creating an air current includes an air inlet, an air outlet, an impeller, a motor for rotating the impeller to create an air flow passing from the air inlet to the air outlet, the air outlet comprising an interior passage for receiving the air flow and a mouth for emitting the air flow, the air outlet defining an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth, a control circuit for controlling the motor, a remote control for transmitting control signals to the control circuit, and at least one magnet for attaching the remote control to the air outlet.

Abstract: A method for installing a paver system includes positioning a first grid substrate adjacent to a second grid substrate. The first grid substrate and the second grid substrate are flexibly bridged with a first paver piece. A first portion of the first paver piece is movably coupled with the first grid substrate at a first joint, and a second portion of the first paver piece is movably coupled with the second grid substrate at a second joint, the first and second grid substrates and the first paver piece forming an articulated paver linkage. A second paver piece is coupled with the second grid substrate. A third paver piece is coupled with the first grid substrate. The articulated paver linkage is fit within the specified area by movement of at least one of the first, second and third paver pieces and the first and second grid substrates. The movement is transmitted along the articulated paver linkage to maintain a specified alignment and spacing of the first, second and third paver pieces.

Abstract: A system and a method include a facility for storing and verifying transactions. A banking facility maintains deposit accounts. A healthcare provider supplies healthcare and or products. A purchasing platform enables a purchase of healthcare products. The purchasing platform is configured for communication with the facility and the banking facility. The purchasing platform is further configured for transmitting a value of a monetary instrument to the facility and the banking facility. The purchasing platform is further configured for receiving a voucher for the healthcare product. A patient presents the voucher to the healthcare provider and communicates information regarding the voucher and the healthcare provider to the facility and the banking facility. The information is verified. The healthcare provider is messaged with a confirmation of payment.