Abstract: Disclosed is a ratchet strap and buckle assembly comprising an adjustment ratchet strap comprising a ratchet strap end, and a plurality of ratchet teeth arranged thereon and a single-piece buckle having a locking tooth and a flexible top element, wherein the single-piece buckle comprises a passageway for the ratchet strap end to be inserted therein, and wherein the flexible top element is configured to engage with at least one of the plurality of ratchet teeth using the locking tooth upon insertion.

Abstract: A connector assembly disclosed herein includes a male connector housing, female connector housing and a pin protector plate. The male connector housing includes a resilient finger having an engagement member spaced apart from an upper catch. The female connector housing includes a protruding member axially offset from a retention member. The pin protector plate is disposed between the male connector housing and the female connector housing and includes a tab and a peripheral catch. The tab projects upwardly from the base and is axially offset from the peripheral catch. The pin protector plate is movable from a locked position to a pre-stage position. Wherein the female connector housing is configured to move the pin protector in a pre-stage position when the female connector housing is removed. Accordingly, the male terminal blades remain protected during the servicing of the connector assembly.

Abstract: A connector assembly disclosed herein includes a male connector housing, female connector housing and a pin protector plate. The male connector housing includes a resilient finger having an engagement member spaced apart from an upper catch. The female connector housing includes a protruding member axially offset from a retention member. The pin protector plate is disposed between the male connector housing and the female connector housing and includes a tab and a peripheral catch. The tab projects upwardly from the base and is axially offset from the peripheral catch. The pin protector plate is movable from a locked position to a pre-stage position. Wherein the female connector housing is configured to move the pin protector in a pre-stage position when the female connector housing is removed. Accordingly, the male terminal blades remain protected during the servicing of the connector assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ratchet strap and buckle assembly comprising an adjustment ratchet strap comprising a ratchet strap end, and a plurality of ratchet teeth arranged thereon and a single-piece buckle having a locking tooth and a flexible top element, wherein the single-piece buckle comprises a passageway for the ratchet strap end to be inserted therein, and wherein the flexible top element is configured to engage with at least one of the plurality of ratchet teeth using the locking tooth upon insertion.

Abstract: A helmet is described, more specifically a helmet comprising a protective shell (10) formed of a flexible expanded polyurethane (EPU) material which defines a cavity for receiving the wearer's head, the shell being foldable, the helmet further comprising a strap (11) arrangement for fastening the shell to the wearer's head.

Abstract: A helmet is described, more specifically a helmet comprising a protective shell (10) formed of a flexible expanded polyurethane (EPU) material which defines a cavity for receiving the wearer's head, the shell being foldable, the helmet further comprising a strap (11) arrangement for fastening the shell to the wearer's head.

Abstract: Synthetic RNA molecules having a pore, compositions including RNA molecules having a pore, where the compositions are capable of filtering metal ions, filtering molecular ions, performing size exclusion chromatography, performing ion specific chromatography, reversible metal ion and molecular ion binding, ion selective membranes, ion selective channels, ion selective/specific sensors, electrical conduits, battery components, etc., and devices and methods for making and using same. The RNAs used may be modified to improve stability. For example, by for example, a methyl group may be attached to the 2? OH of the ribose.

Abstract: A portable, forced air footwear drying apparatus is disclosed, adapted to simultaneously dry a plurality of footwear, such as ski boots, with forced ambient air using one or more flexible tubes, a fan, and cedar insert.

Abstract: A paperboard structure having gas barrier properties which is cost effective and durable. It uses linear low density polyethylene, metallocene-based linear low density polyethylene, or a blend of low density polyethylene and either linear low density polyethylene or metallocene-catalyzed linear low density polyethylene.

Abstract: A paperboard structure having gas barrier properties which is cost effective and reduces the effect of pinholes. The layer applied to the paperboard is a polyolefin and the product contacting the product is polyolefin. The polyolefin may be low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, metallocene-catalyzed linear low density polyethylene, and a blend of low density polyethylene and either linear low density polyethylene or metallocene-catalyzed linear low density polyethylene. One of the two polyolefin layers has a weight of 18 to 26 g/m2 and the other polyolefin layer has a weight of 12 to 16 g/m2 if it is the product contacting layer or 5 to 10 g/m2 if it is the paperboard contacting layer.

Abstract: A paperboard structure having a five layer product side construction with an aliphatic gas barrier layer which is cost effective.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining glycolic acid by direct deammoniation of ammonium glycolate. More specifically, water is removed from an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate to produce the substantially anhydrous salt. Thermal salt cracking is then used to remove ammonia from the salt, producing a deammoniated product that is comprised of glycolic acid, oligomers of glycolic acid, ammonium salts of oligomers of glycolic acid, glycolamide, and unreacted ammonium glycolate. The deammoniated product can be further hydrolyzed to convert oligomers of glycolic acid to additional quantities of glycolic acid.

Abstract: Identification of microorganisms based on the sequences of their 5S, 23S and particularly 16S ribosomal RNAs is growing in utility as the database of known ribosomal RNA sequences expands. Experimental identification is usually based on matching the experimentally-determined sequence of an organisms rRNA to a previously-determined sequence in the databank, or hybridization of the organisms rRNA or encoding rDNA to an oligonucleotide probe specific for an organism anticipated to be present in the sample. Here we propose the identification of microorganisms based on the overall composition (not sequence or hybridization propensity) of characteristic molecules derived from their rRNA or rDNA sequences by enzymatic cleavage or localized amplification. Ribonuclease T1 fragments of rRNA composition determination by mass spectrometry are especially favored.

Abstract: A timekeeping device comprising a housing; timekeeping functionality positioned within the housing and a clip assembly integrally coupled to the housing, wherein the clip assembly comprises a first member and a second member hingedly coupled to the first member at a hinge point, whereby pressure against the second member causes the second member to rotate relative to the first member about the hinge point to permit coupling of the timekeeping device to an object of interest. In a particular configuration, the second member is releasably engageable with the first member. Additionally, the housing may include a receptacle for receiving a casing within which the timekeeping functionality that maintains the timekeeping functions is disposed. Preferably, the housing and at least the first member are formed from a unitary mold, and preferably from plastic. The object of interest, for example, may be a backpack, beltloop or bicycle.