Abstract: A pet locating system and method includes a pet tracking device to be worn by a pet, with the device including a Bluetooth scanner to monitor a status of a presence or an absence of Bluetooth beacons within a predefined area, a Wi-Fi module to connect to a wireless network to communicate the status with a cloud-based server, a cellular modem to communicate the status with the cloud-based server when the device is outside a range of the wireless network, and a GPS receiver to obtain location data of a pet wearing the device and communicate the location data with the cloud-based server.

Abstract: A blanket tunnel assembly includes a frame that has a plurality of arched members strategically arranged such that the frame defines a tunnel. The frame can be positioned on a support surface having the frame extending over a user's legs when the user is either lying on the support surface or sitting on the support surface. The frame is elongated to extend over a full length of the user's legs when the frame is positioned over the user's legs. A blanket is positionable over the frame to cover the user's legs. The blanket is supported by the frame to inhibit the user from feeling the weight of the blanket while still facilitating the user to be warmed by the blanket.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided comprising a vitamin E derivative, an anionic phopholipid-binding protein, an anionic phospholipid and a sterol. Also provided is a method for preparing a composition for delivering a cargo to a subject comprising a) forming liposomes from a vitamin E derivative, an anionic phospholipid-binding protein such as annexin, an anionic phospholipid such as phosphatidylserine and a sterol; and b) encapsulating the cargo in the liposomal composition.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided comprising a vitamin E derivative, an anionic phopholipid-binding protein, an anionic phospholipid and a sterol. Also provided is a method for preparing a composition for delivering a cargo to a subject comprising a) forming liposomes from a vitamin E derivative, an anionic phospholipid-binding protein such as annexin, an anionic phospholipid such as phosphatidylserine and a sterol; and b) encapsulating the cargo in the liposomal composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material, including applying an anti-sticking agent to the rope of liquid-filled gum material before it is individually cut into pieces. The invention further provides for a liquid-filled chewing gum including a liquid-fill composition, and a gum region surrounding the liquid-fill composition, where the gum region includes an anti-sticking agent that reduces the tendency of the gum region to stick to the molds and operating machinery during gum manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material, including applying an anti-sticking agent to the rope of liquid-filled gum material before it is individually cut into pieces. The invention further provides for a liquid-filled chewing gum including a liquid-fill composition, and a gum region surrounding the liquid-fill composition, where the gum region includes an anti-sticking agent that reduces the tendency of the gum region to stick to the molds and operating machinery during gum manufacturing.

Abstract: Method and system for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material. An extruded rope of liquid-filed gum is sized and separated into individual pieces of gum. A rotating drum mechanism having a die ring and cutter ring with mating die members separate the rope of gum material into individual pieces. Pairs of cam-operated plunger members compress and form the pieces of gum material in the die cavities. Angled grooves in the die members prevent portions of the gum pieces from being chipped-off during formation. Guide pin members are positioned between rider members on the plunger members. A feed chute with air assist transfers the gum rope from a sizing table to the rotating drum mechanism. A stripper member insures that the formed pieces of gum material are removed from the drum mechanism. Portions of the drum mechanism can be selective heated and cooled, or not cooled at all. The invention provides a more efficient system for continuous, high production operation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a delivery system of at least one active component encapsulated in an encapsulating material, which is useful, for example, for providing delayed and/or controlled release of the active is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material, including applying an anti-sticking agent to the rope of liquid-filled gum material before it is individually cut into pieces. The invention further provides for a liquid-filled chewing gum including a liquid-fill composition, and a gum region surrounding the liquid-fill composition, where the gum region includes an anti-sticking agent that reduces the tendency of the gum region to stick to the molds and operating machinery during gum manufacturing.

Abstract: The disclosed system and method may monitor and track people, objects or assets. A monitoring unit can monitor and track a number of monitored units. When a monitored unit exceed a certain distance from the monitoring unit an alarm is triggered to notify both the monitoring unit and the monitored unit. A parent or teacher may utilize a monitoring unit for a group of kids whom all have a monitored unit. The parent or teacher can easily monitor and track the kids with a monitoring system. Alternatively, the monitoring system can be used in a nursing home situation, for tracking pets, or other assets.

Abstract: A rotary drag bit for drilling a subterranean formation includes a plurality of support elements affixed to the bit body, each forming at least a portion of a cutting element pocket. Each of a plurality of cutting elements has a substantially cylindrical body and is at least partially disposed within a cutter pocket. At least a portion of the substantially cylindrical body of each cutting element is directly secured to at least a portion of a substantially arcuate surface of the bit body. At least a portion of a substantially planar surface of each cutting element matingly engages at least a portion of a substantially planar surface of a support element.

Abstract: Methods of forming bit bodies for earth-boring bits include assembling green components, brown components, or fully sintered components, and sintering the assembled components. Other methods include isostatically pressing a powder to form a green body substantially composed of a particle-matrix composite material, and sintering the green body to provide a bit body having a desired final density. Methods of forming earth-boring bits include providing a bit body substantially formed of a particle-matrix composite material and attaching a shank to the body. The body is provided by pressing a powder to form a green body and sintering the green body. Earth boring Earth-boring bits include a unitary structure substantially formed of a particle-matrix composite material. The unitary structure includes a first region configured to carry cutters and a second region that includes a threaded pin. Earth-boring bits include a shank attached directly to a body substantially formed of a particle-matrix composite material.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a yoke including a body portion, a pair of opposed yoke arms that extends generally in a first axial direction from the body portion, and a neck portion that extends generally in a second axial direction from the body portion. A driveshaft tube is secured to the neck portion of the yoke, such as by magnetic pulse welding. A ring is secured to the body portion of the yoke, such as by press fitting, and a balance weight is secured to the ring, such as by welding.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a delivery system of at least one active component encapsulated in an encapsulating material, which is useful, for example, for providing delayed and/or controlled release of the active is described.

Abstract: A steel body rotary drag bit for drilling a subterranean formation includes a plurality of support elements affixed to the bit body, each forming at least a portion of a cutting element pocket. Each of a plurality of cutting elements has a substantially cylindrical body and is at least partially disposed within a cutter pocket. At least a portion of the substantially cylindrical body of each cutting element is directly secured to at least a portion of a substantially arcuate surface of the bit body. At least a portion of a substantially planar surface of each cutting element matingly engages at least a portion of a substantially planar surface of a support element.

Abstract: A center bearing assembly has an adjustable pneumatic support member for absorbing vibrations. The bearing assembly includes a bearing and a support member assembly that supports the bearing. The support member assembly includes a bladder having an interior chamber that is filled with a fluid. A bracket is provided that supports the support member assembly for pivoting movement relative thereto. A system is provided for controlling the magnitude of the fluid pressure within the interior chamber of the bladder. The system includes a plurality of sensors that generate signals that are representative of a plurality of operating conditions. A controller is responsive to the sensor signals and generates a signal to a pressure regulating device that controls the magnitude of the fluid pressure within the interior chamber of the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus to regulate and control the temperature of a differential axle assembly. A heat pipe is inserted though the axle housing with a portion submersed in a reservoir portion of the axle lubricant. Cooling fins are preferably disposed on the heat pipe both in the submersed region of the heat pipe and a portion external the housing. A temperatures sensitive valve provided to inhibit flow of the axle lubricant between a reservoir and the remaining portion of the axle housing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a splined member avoids the generation of waste material and minimizes the amount of dimensional inaccuracies. A hollow cylindrical workpiece is initially provided from a material having a relatively high elongation characteristic. The material used to form the workpiece may be AA-5 154 grade aluminum alloy having an elongation characteristic that is in the range of from about 20% to about 30%, preferably in the range of from about 22% to about 28%, and most preferably about 25%. A mandrel having a plurality of external splines is inserted within workpiece, and the workpiece is deformed into engagement with the mandrel to form a splined member using a swaging process, such a rotary swaging or feed swaging. The splined member is thus formed having a plurality of internal splines and a cylindrical outer surface. The use of the swaging process avoids the generation of waste material.

Abstract: A method of joining two vehicle axle housing components made from the same or dissimilar materials includes providing a first axle housing component, and providing a second axle housing component, where one of the first and second axle housing components is a metallic component made of a metallic material. A portion of one of the first and second axle housing components is positioned within a portion of the other of the axle housing components in an overlapping manner, thereby forming an overlapping portion. A metallic band may be disposed around the overlapping portion. An inductor is positioned around the overlapping portion. The inductor is energized to generate a magnetic field for collapsing at least one of the overlapping portion and the metallic band, thereby securing the first and second axle housing components together.

Abstract: A cutting element retention apparatus wherein a support element forms at least a portion of the cutting element pocket is disclosed. A steel body rotary drill bit carrying at least one generally cylindrical cutting element within a cutting element pocket wherein a support element forms at least a portion of the cutting element pocket is also disclosed. A support element may form at least the substantially planar surface of the cutting element pocket configured to matingly engage at least a portion of a substantially planar surface of a generally cylindrical cutting element distal to the cutting face thereof. Alternatively, a support element may form substantially the entire cutting element pocket. The support element may be press-fit, shrink-fit, brazed, welded, or otherwise affixed within the steel body rotary drill bit. Methods of manufacture and repair of steel body rotary drill bits are also disclosed.