Abstract: Techniques are described for performing performance maintenance on a mass spectrometer. Pre-maintenance testing is performed that automating execution of a test sequence in response to a first user interface selection. The maintenance activity performed upon completion of said pre-maintenance testing. Post-maintenance testing is preformed upon completion of said maintenance activity. The post-maintenance testing includes automating execution of the test sequence in response to a second user interface selection. A benchmark comparison is performed to determine whether performance of the mass spectrometer has degraded as a result of performing the maintenance activity, wherein said benchmark comparison is performed automatically in response to completing said post-maintenance testing.

Abstract: Automated installation processing of a mass spectrometer is described. Software is executed providing a user interface for controlling the installation process. Manual setup operations in connection with physical installation of the mass spectrometer are performed. Instrument level testing of the mass spectrometer is performed. The instrument level testing includes automating execution of a first test sequence in response to a first user interface selection. The first test sequence includes one or more performance tests whereby mass spectral data characterizing observed performance of the mass spectrometer is compared to predetermined performance criteria. System level testing of functionality of the mass spectrometer in combination with one or more other components is performed upon successful completion of said instrument level testing. The system level testing includes automating execution of a second test sequence in response to a second user interface selection.

Abstract: A composite filament-wound shaft with an end fitting mounted on an interface region on at least one end of said shaft, wherein in said interface region filaments of the filament-wound shaft are angled with respect to the shaft axis such that they follow a path with a radial component and have been cut so as to expose the ends of said filaments in said interface region; and wherein said end fitting comprises a helical thread engaging with said interface region. The helical threaded engagement provides excellent load transmission of axial forces and is therefore well suited to tension and compression elements. The joint provides a low cost and low weight interface.

Abstract: A substance delivery module (4) and apparatus (2) for delivering a substance in aerosol form are disclosed. The substance delivery module (4) comprises a substance container (90), a piston (62) and an actuator (100) configured to engage the substance container (90) and urge the substance container (90) onto the piston (62), so dispensing the substance into the through passage (102) of the piston. The actuator (100) and substance container (90) are mounted in the substance delivery module (4) for relative motion, such relative motion bringing the actuator (100) into engagement with the substance container (90). The substance delivery module (4) may be assembled with an aerosol generator (10) and an aerosol delivery conduit (14) to form an apparatus (2) for delivering a substance in aerosol form. The apparatus (2) may further comprise a control module (6).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method to aid in administering inhaled pharmaceutical aerosol to a patient is configured to maintain a tongue in proper position and offset the patients upper and lower jaws during aerosol delivery. An adjustable member (26) is provided adjacent a mouthpiece and at least partially surrounds and moves with respect to the body of the apparatus. The adjustable member has a step structured (32, 34) to impart a selected amount of mandibular advancement to a patient during aerosol delivery. A tongue depressor (40) which may be integrally formed with the adjustable member configured to prevent a tongue from occluding a flow of aerosol is also provided.

Abstract: A substance delivery module (4) and apparatus (2) for delivering substance in aerosol form are disclosed. The substance delivery module (4) comprises a plurality of substance containers (90) and a plurality of pistons (76), with each substance container (90) being mounted in the module for cooperation with a dedicated piston (76). Another substance delivery module (4) is disclosed comprising a piston (76) defining a delivery axis (150) and a substance container (90), moveably mounted with respect to the piston (76). The substance container (90) is moveable along the delivery axis (150) and may for example be moved towards and onto the piston (76). Either of the substance delivery modules (4) may be assembled with an aerosol generator (10) and an aerosol delivery conduit (14) in fluid communication with the aerosol generator (10) to form an apparatus (2) for delivering substance in aerosol form. The apparatus (2) may further comprise a control module (6).

Abstract: A flexible coupling comprising: a flexible torque disc comprising a plurality of mount points; a first coupling member mounted to a first subset of said mount points; one or more second coupling members each mounted to a second subset of said mount points; wherein said first coupling member comprises one or more flanges substantially parallel with said torque disc; and wherein said one or more second coupling members each has a groove engaging with said one or more flanges so as to limit the displacement of said first coupling member with respect to said second coupling member. This coupling arrangement is easy to assemble, repair and maintain in confined spaces, while also being lightweight and using a small number of components.

Abstract: A medication delivery apparatus (5) includes a reservoir for holding a liquid medication and a metering device (25) coupled to the reservoir for supplying a dose of the liquid medication to the reservoir. The metering device includes an upper chamber, a lower chamber coupled to the upper chamber, a piston selectively moveable within the upper chamber and the lower chamber and a valve providing selective fluid communication between the lower chamber and the reservoir in response to movement of the piston.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include devices, systems and methods for enhanced failed cell acquisition operation. For example, a method for wireless communication is described. The method includes performing subsequent combined acquisition of a neighbor cell based on a stationary mode and a mobility mode. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A saddle adjustment assembly comprising an adjustable height saddle post, the adjustable height saddle post comprising a first support and a second support, the second support configured to slidably move relative to the first support between at least a raised position and a lowered position, the first support configured to attach to a bicycle frame; a saddle angle adjustment mechanism coupled to the second support, the saddle angle adjustment mechanism comprising a rotatably coupled saddle support configured to couple to a bicycle saddle; wherein the saddle angle adjustment mechanism is configured to enable rotation of the saddle support relative to the second support as a result of the first support moving relative to the second support.

Abstract: A composite material component is described which comprises a core impregnated by and embedded within a matrix material to define a main portion and a radially outwardly extending bead encircling the main portion, the bead being separated from the main portion by a reduced thickness neck, wherein the neck is structurally weaker than the bead.

Abstract: A food media processing platform (FMPP) and a computer-implemented method, performed by a processor, are described for processing food nutrition information for presentation to a consumer. Original food nutrition information stored in a first database may be examined to determine key attributes of the original food nutrition information. The determined key attributes of the original food nutrition information may be contrasted with consumer provided information stored in a second database. Modified food nutrition information may be generated based on the contrasting. An algorithm is then performed that compares the key attributes of the modified food nutrition information to a predetermined criteria. The modified food nutrition information may then be presented to the consumer along with supplemental information on a condition that the predetermined criteria has been met.

Abstract: An antenna mount is provided with a pivot base and a pivot saddle rotatably coupled to the pivot base by a pivot connection and at least one pivot arm connection. The pivot connection is provided with dual opposing conical countersunk head pivot connection bolts seated within conical countersunk pivot connection bolt holes of the pivot saddle, the conical countersunk head pivot connection bolts extending through the conical countersunk pivot connection bolt holes of the pivot saddle to couple with the pivot base about a pivot axis.

Abstract: A composite material torque disc is described which comprises a support layer, and a reinforcing fibre secured to the support layer, the support layer being embedded within a polymer matrix material.

Abstract: Techniques are described for performing performance maintenance on a mass spectrometer. Pre-maintenance testing is performed that automating execution of a test sequence in response to a first user interface selection. The maintenance activity performed upon completion of said pre-maintenance testing. Post-maintenance testing is preformed upon completion of said maintenance activity. The post-maintenance testing includes automating execution of the test sequence in response to a second user interface selection. A benchmark comparison is performed to determine whether performance of the mass spectrometer has degraded as a result of performing the maintenance activity, wherein said benchmark comparison is performed automatically in response to completing said post-maintenance testing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an irrigation system comprising a surface wave launcher located predominantly underground and controlled by an electronic control system, and a surface wave receiver located underground and operatively coupled to an irrigation sprinkler. In operation, the surface wave launcher is activated by the electronic control system to, under predetermined conditions, transmit a surface wave signal. The surface wave signal is transmitted at a relatively low operating frequency and received by the surface wave receiver to activate the irrigation sprinkler.

Abstract: An antenna mount is provided with a pivot base and a pivot saddle rotatably coupled to the pivot base by a pivot connection and at least one pivot arm connection. The pivot connection is provided with dual opposing conical countersunk head pivot connection bolts seated within conical countersunk pivot connection bolt holes of the pivot saddle, the conical countersunk head pivot connection bolts extending through the conical countersunk pivot connection bolt holes of the pivot saddle to couple with the pivot base about a pivot axis.

Abstract: The invention presented here is an add-in part designed for the M4 and similar commercial AR-15 rifle variants or any other weapon using an adjustable multi position receiver extension based on the M4 pattern. Its purpose is to be installed in the longitudinal adjustment slot of the receiver extension tube limiting the buttstock's maximum extension travel to a preselected position.

Abstract: A machine for canning tuna and similar food products comprises a conveyor belt feeder, a plurality of dosing chambers aligned with the feeder and formed in a rotor rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the feed direction, a mouth connecting the feeder to the dosing chambers, a blade to separate the product introduced in the dosing chambers from the bulk of fed product so as to obtain product cakes, shaping means suitable to shape the cakes into the desired shape and transferring means arranged at a second station reachable through a partial rotation of the rotor to transfer the shaped cakes into the cans carried by another rotor. The connecting mouth has a cross-section of substantially constant shape and the shaping is performed in the dosing chambers by shapers radially mobile along the arms of the rotor when the dosing chambers are still aligned with the feeder.