Abstract: Disclosed is an insult-sensing absorbent article including an absorbent assembly, an insult-sensing means coupled to the absorbent assembly, and a tuned antenna system coupled to the insult-sensing means. Also disclosed is a method for indicating an insult to an absorbent article to be worn by a wearer, the method including providing an absorbent article including a conductive element; providing an antenna system associated with the absorbent article, the antenna system including a signal generator and an antenna, wherein the antenna includes the conductive element, and wherein the antenna system is adapted to transmit a signal; and maximizing the receivability of the signal by optimizing an aspect of the antenna system.

Abstract: An insert for sports gear and footwear has a compliant casing formed of fabric sheeting that incorporates regions of fused or otherwise integral regions of activated carbon. A desiccant such as silica gel in the form of spheroidal beads or other granules is loosely enclosed inside of the casing. The activated carbon has an affinity for odor-causing constituents such as organic compounds, and extracts airborne odor-causing constituents as air enters the casing. Inside the casing, the desiccant extracts airborne water vapor. The two-stage removal of odor-causing constituents and water vapor rapidly and effectively extracts moisture and odors. The silica gel and activated carbon are porous and have high surface areas available for adsorption, whereby the insert is adapted to maintain moisture and odors at low levels during long-term storage.

Abstract: Device (10) for dispensing a pre-defined quantity of oil to an ear, comprising a nozzle (20) operably coupled to the vessel (12) containing oil (14), the nozzle (20) being adapted to be placed in the ear and capable of expelling the oil (14) from the vessel (12) when desired and permitting expulsion when the vessel (12) and/or device (10) is in a substantially upright or substantially inverted position. The present application also relates to a kit of parts for producing the device (10).

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for support of a body structure. The devices can be adjusted within the body of a patient in a minimally invasive or non-invasive manner such as by applying energy percutaneously or external to the patient's body. The energy may include, for example, acoustic energy, radio frequency energy, light energy and magnetic energy. Thus, as the body structure changes size and/or shape, the size and/or shape of the annuloplasty rings can be adjusted to provide continued reinforcement. In certain embodiments, the devices include an anterior portion, a posterior portion and two lateral portions corresponding to intersections of the anterior portion and the posterior portion. The devices have a first shape in a first configuration and a second shape in a second configuration and are configured to transform from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to an activation energy applied thereto.

Abstract: An air vent for a vehicle is disclosed which may include a sleeve coupled to a recessed flange which terminates at a surface of an instrument panel; a tube disposed within the sleeve, being operable to move substantially linearly within the sleeve, and including an air outlet; and a spring assembly operable to bias the tube toward an interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A performance analysis support system is disclosed that provides one or more recommended solutions of a performance improvement project to management and the expected improvement benefit of each solution. The performance analysis support system guides a user through a detailed, consistent analysis process, helping organizational leaders accurately diagnose critical performance or productivity issues. Then, the performance analysis support system estimates the personnel and equipment requirements, time, costs, and return on investment associated with each solution generated based on the analysis results. In addition, the performance analysis support system provides management immediate access to ongoing and past analyses.

Abstract: A novel strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum designated S012A-2 (IDAC 080305-01). The strain is useful for improving plant growth and yield of legumes, particularly peas and lentils by nitrogen fixation. The strain is contacted with legume seeds prior to and/or during germination and growth, and may be used to form an inoculant composition that can be used to coat seeds prior to sowing or added to furrows during planting.

Abstract: A fastener retention device and method for retaining a fastener includes a fastener retainer for receiving a fastener and at least one arm extending from the fastener retainer for attachment to a workpiece. The fastener retainer is disposed over an aperture in the workpiece to retain the fastener in a predetermined position within the aperture in the workpiece.

Abstract: Systems for reminding a driver when height extending cargo is loaded on a vehicle. The warning systems can include an indicator that is selectively moveable between a warning position and a prevention position. In the warning position, the indicator is in a driver's field of vision. In the prevention position, the indicator at least partially obstructs cargo from being loaded on the vehicle. The indicator can be moved from the warning position to a prevention position by an arm, which can be designed to extend and retract.

Abstract: A diode-less peak detector comprises first and second comparators (U1, U2) for comparing an input signal (V) with a peak signal. The first comparator (U1) is connected such that the peak signal functions as a reference and the second comparator (U2) is connected such that the input signal functions as a reference. An inverter (U4) is provided for inverting the output of one of the first and second comparators. Means, such as an AND gate (U3) is provided responsive to the output of the inverter and the other of the first and second comparators so as to provide a switching signal. A MOSFET (Q1) is provided responsive to the switching signal and adapted to adjust the magnitude of the peak signal towards the magnitude of the input signal only when the magnitude of the input signal is greater than the magnitude of the peak signal.

Abstract: A hand-held flashlight with gripping means is connected by a retractable tether to a spool housing. The flashlight is a self-contained unit with a light emitting diode (LED) light source, batteries and a contact switch. One end of the tether is connected to the base of the flashlight. The other end of the tether is wound round the spool in the housing. A coil spring is mounted between the housing and spool to bias the tether in a retracted position around the spool. The contact switch automatically turns on the flashlight when the flashlight is extended away from the housing and turns off the flashlight when the flashlight is retracted back to the housing. The contact switch can be a magnetic reed switch or a pushbutton switch. The gripping means allow the flashlight to be held securely by hand in any weather condition or environment.

Abstract: Gastroesophageal implants are implantable at or near the gastroesophageal junction in order reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent gastric reflux. In a contracted configuration, the implants prevent or substantially restrict communication between the stomach and the esophagus. In an open configuration, the implants do not substantially restrict communication between the stomach and the esophagus. Certain embodiments of the implants are capable of detecting various conditions of the esophagus and/or stomach and moving between the contracted and open configurations in response to the detected condition(s).

Abstract: Disclosed are assemblies and articles for restricting leakage of a pressurized fluid from a cavity. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a vane support defines at least one land, and an interrupted rim region of a bladed rotor assembly defines at least one segmented ring. The at least one segmented ring protruding outward from the bladed rotor assembly in the interrupted rim region, spans across the cavity and cooperates with the at least one land to define a seal.

Abstract: A novel strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum designated S012A-2 (IDAC 080305-01). The strain is useful for improving plant growth and yield of legumes, particularly peas and lentils by nitrogen fixation. The strain is contacted with legume seeds prior to and/or during germination and growth, and may be used to form an inoculant composition that can be used to coat seeds prior to sowing or added to furrows during planting.

Abstract: An excavator (10) for excavating a selected material and conveying the excavated material to a selected location. The excavator (10) includes a mobile support (16) and a boom assembly (26) mounted thereon, with the boom assembly (26) having at least one extendable section (30). The excavator (10) also includes a conveying assembly (14) for conveying the excavated material from the mobile support (16), and an excavating assembly (12) mounted on the extendable section (30) of the boom assembly (26) for excavating the material and conveying it to the conveying assembly (14).

Abstract: A support system includes a support post and support means for adjustably supporting a member to the support post. The support means includes a locking mechanism movable between a first position for press-fitting the support means, directly or indirectly, against the support post and a second position for releasing the press-fitting. The locking mechanism has a surface that abuts the support post, or a wedge member associated with the support post, when in the first position thereby to effect the press-fitting and that is released from the support post when moved to the second position to release the press-fitting.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for treatment of an aneurysm within a patient. The devices can be adjusted within the body of a patient in a minimally invasive or non-invasive manner such as by applying energy percutaneously or external to the patient's body. The energy may include, for example, acoustic energy, radio frequency energy, light energy and magnetic energy. Thus, the size and/or shape of the embolic coils can be adjusted to provide optimal filling of the aneurysm. In certain embodiments, the devices include a shape memory material that is responsive to changes in temperature and/or exposure to a magnetic field. A material having enhanced absorption characteristics with regard to a desired heating energy may be used in order to facilitate heating and adjustment of the embolic coil.

Abstract: An early warning system warns a motorist that a train is near a railway crossing that is being approached by the motorist. The early warning system utilizes magnetometers that are placed along a railway at locations corresponding to the locations at which existing electrical circuits detect an approaching train. The early warning system also includes a sign system that is spaced apart from the railway crossing and is visible to a driver at least five hundred feet before the driver reach the sign system. The sign system is activated when a train approaches the railway crossing.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer includes an acoustic pulse generator, an impedance matching layer, and a thermal management system. The thermal management system is mounted to the matching layer to transfer heat from the matching layer, and is formed of a high thermal conductivity material relative to the matching layer. The thermal management system is arranged along the matching layer such that substantial heat is transferred to the environment from the thermal management system without excessive temperature increase at the pulse generator.

Abstract: The use of (i) an antibody specific for Yersinia pestis F1-antigen, or a binding fragment thereof, or (ii) an antibody specific for Yersinia pestis V-antigen, or a binding fragment thereof, or a combination of (i) and (ii), in the production of a medicament for the treatment of infection by Yersinia pestis. It has been found that such treatments are effective therapies for Yersinia pestis infection. In addition, the combination produces a synergistic effect when used prophylactically.