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 variable displacement fluid working machine includes an inward ring and an outward ring, one of the inward ring and the outward ring including a rotatable ring cam coupled to a drive shaft, the other including a plurality of radially extending piston cylinders circumferentially spaced around the respective ring. The outward ring has first and second axially spaced structural members and a plurality of demountable blocks demountably retainable therebetween, the demountable blocks having either piston cylinders or ring cam segments. The demountable blocks are removable radially to facilitate maintenance and repair and to facilitate radial access to the inward ring.

Abstract: A fluid-working machine for a renewable energy generation device, the fluid-working machine comprising a ring cam and a plurality of working chambers, the ring cam having an annular working surface extending around an axis of rotation of the ring cam, the annular working surface defining a plurality of waves, each working chamber having a piston, each piston in operative engagement with the ring cam working surface, the ring cam and working chambers being mounted to rotate relative to each other, cycles of working chamber volume being thereby coupled to rotation of the ring cam relative to the working chambers, characterised in that the individual waves of the ring cam working surface have an asymmetric profile.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling for use in a vehicle drivetrain to couple a pair of rotary members and includes a coupling mechanism supported in a casing and that is operable to couple the pair of rotary members together. A piston is responsive to pressurized fluid generated by a pump to move between first and second positions, thereby engaging the coupling mechanism. The pump has an outlet located in a direction away from the piston. An internal passage provides fluid communication between the outlet of the pump and an expandable chamber formed adjacent the piston. A control valve controls the flow of pressurized fluid from the pump between the sump and the expandable chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic bulkhead configured for use with a limited slip differential includes a plenum comprising a passageway for hydraulic fluid and a boss. A first seal is located on an outer surface of the boss. The outer surface of the boss is a low pressure area relative to the inner surface of the boss. The plenum is stationary relative to the limited slip differential. A differential assembly including the inventive hydraulic bulkhead is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling for use in a vehicle drive train having a fluid path which extends between the housing of the hydraulic coupling and a coupling mechanism. The fluid path includes a first aperture formed in the housing with a first diameter and a longitudinal axis, as well as a second aperture formed in the coupling mechanism. A rigid conduit extends between the first and second apertures with a first portion having a diameter that is less than the first diameter of the first aperture so as to define an adjustment gap that allows the rigid conduit to move out of alignment with the longitudinal axis in response to misalignment between the first and second apertures. In addition, the rigid conduit provides resistance to torque imposed upon the coupling mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Anti-IgE Antibody and at least one further immunosuppressive agent, in which the active ingredients are present in each case in free form or in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and optionally at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; for simultaneous, separate or sequential use.

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.

Abstract: A method of forming a catamenial tampon is disclosed wherein the tampon is useful in preventing premature leakage of body fluid from a woman's vagina and in providing better utilization of the absorbent during use. The method includes the steps of assembling a resilient member and an absorbent to form a structure having a central longitudinal axis X—X. The resilient member can be either aligned with or offset from the central longitudinal axis X—X. The absorbent and the resilient member are rolled or folded up into an elongated softwind which has a first end and a second end. The softwind is folded upon itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and the softwind contains at least two folds therebetween. The softwind is then compressed into a pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end. A withdrawal string is secured to the pledget to form a tampon. The withdrawal string facilitates removal of the tampon from the woman's vagina.

Abstract: A method of detecting broken rotor bars including sensing currents applied to the motor, converting the senses signals to digital data signals, and storing the digital data signals. A processor evaluates the digital data to provide a current signal spectrum at various selected sidebands. Sideband peaks having an amplitude within a predetermined value are identified, indicating potential motor problems or developing problems, including winding faults and broken rotor bars. Advanced signal processing techniques are used to further evaluate stored data and to provide trending information.

Abstract: A motor performance analyzer senses currents and voltages applied to the motor, converts the sensed signals to digital data signals, and stores the digital data signals. The analyzer includes a processor for evaluating and comparing the digital data signals to predetermined values for voltage and current of the motor to determine and check for the correct placement of the current and voltage probes along corresponding phases of the motor. The analyzer also includes [and] a display for alerting a user or technician to potential motor problems, or to developing problems, including winding faults and broken rotor bars. [Advanced signal processing techniques are used to further evaluate stored data and to provide trending information.