Abstract: A timer key relating to monitoring a countdown time of a countdown routine of an electronic device is disclosed. The timer key comprises a processor configured to respond to a countdown time associated with operation of the electronic device, a display operably coupled with the processor, and a housing configured to house at least the processor. The housing has an associated structure configured to engage with the electronic device to share the countdown time between the electronic device and the timer key. The processor is configured to begin a countdown routine based at least in part on the countdown time, wherein the countdown routine is at least substantially synchronized with a countdown routine of the electronic device when the timer key is removed from the electronic device. A system and method for synchronizing countdown routines of a timer key and an electronic device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orbital shaker apparatus is provided, including a first shaft connected to a first bearing assembly at a first end and a mounting portion at the other. The first shaft is rotatable about a first shaft axis, and is connected to a motor. The second shaft has a bearing assembly on the mounting portion at one end and a platform at the other, and is aligned parallel to and offset from the first shaft by a distance. A counterweight rotor assembly is coupled to the mounting portion, and rotated by a belt driven by a pulley connected to the rotating shaft of a counterweight motor. The counterweight assembly includes two counterweight bearings, each having a counterweight wedge. The platform also includes supports for objects to be secured thereto. In use, as the counterweight rotor rotates, the second shaft, second bearing assembly, and platform describes a circular orbit with diameter 2R.

Abstract: A reclosable package comprises a pre-made bag with a post-applied shrouded slider-zipper assembly installed in the mouth of the bag. The bag material comprises a layer made of paper and a layer of thermoplastic material laminated to the paper layer. The shrouded slider-zipper assembly comprises a pair of flanged zipper parts made of thermoplastic material, a slider mounted to the zipper, and a folded web of thermoplastic film material joined to the layer of thermoplastic material of the bag. The flanges of the zipper parts are respectively joined to opposing sides of the folded web. The package is made by an automated process whereby an individual shrouded slider-zipper assembly is cut from a continuous chain of assemblies, inserted into the open mouth of a pre-made bag and tack sealed in place. The assembly is then fully sealed to the bag by a drag sealer.

Abstract: Polyaryleneetherketone triphenylphosphine oxide compositions incorporating cycloaliphatic units are provided which may be used as a polymeric binders in thermal control coatings for use in space environments. A method is also provided for synthesizing the polyaryleneetherketone triphenylphosphine oxide compositions. A method is also provided for synthesizing the monomeric compositions used to make the polyaryleneetherketone triphenylphosphine oxide compositions.

Abstract: A reclosable package having a two-dimensional zipper attachment on the exterior of one wall. The zipper comprises a pair of zipper strips that have straight central sections and end sections that curve or bend, diverging from the straight central section. Directly below the interface of the zipper profiles, the wall has a line of weakened tear resistance that can be torn open after the zipper has been opened. A flap portion of the wall, with one of the zipper strips attached to its periphery, can then be folded back to provide a wide opening for accessing the package contents.

Abstract: Methods for identifying animals as having reduced body fat and increased bone density are provided herein. Also provided herein are methods for generating animals having reduced body fat and increased bone density. The methods provided herein are based on the effect of TLR4, MD-2, and CD14 activity on body fat and bone density.

Abstract: An integrated noise attenuator and kick panel are provided for attenuating noise emanating from an appliance such as a dishwasher, washer, dryer, or refrigerator. The kick panel includes an elongated panel member having side flaps which are biased laterally against cabinets or other structures disposed on each side of the appliance. The elongated panel member is also provided with a textured noise attenuating surface on the back thereof which, along with the side flaps, attenuates and absorbs the sound and vibration emanating from the appliance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for stretching a plastic tape before the tape is joined in proper registration to a web of material in a machine. The apparatus comprises: means for advancing a leading portion of a flexible tape along a tape pathway; a guide that guides a lagging portion of the tape; a brake mounted to the guide and activatable to clamp a portion of the lagging portion of the tape at a first location; a sensor mounted to the guide and arranged to output a characteristic signal whenever the passage of a boundary of a structural feature of a particular type, repeatedly formed on or attached to the tape, is detected at a second location upstream of the first location; and a controller for causing the leading portion of the tape to be advanced a predetermined distance at regular spaced intervals of time and for causing the brake to clamp the lagging portion in response to the output of the characteristic signal by the sensor.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sealing a split-flange zipper tape in a center fold of a web of bag making film without sealing or tacking the two sides of the split zipper web together.

Abstract: The specification discloses an attachment system for a zero turning radius mower. According to one aspect of the invention, the attachment system includes a zero turning radius mower having a chassis, a plurality of selectively engagable rear drive wheels, and a plurality of forwardly projecting arm members connected to said chassis for mounting a plurality of fully rotatable front wheels. A substantially horizontal attachment base member is affixed to the forwardly projecting arm members. The system also includes at least one attachment extension arm connected to the horizontal attachment base member and projecting forwardly therefrom and preferably a snow plow blade affixed to the extension arms. A front end loader and a rotary broom are also disclosed for use with the attachment system.

Abstract: An ECLPS export/import license and request control program includes a module which allows the ultimate user to initiate the request in a controlled manner, with archiving of the original request.

Abstract: A wireless podium microphone (1) incorporates a body pack transmitter (26). The microphone (1) includes a microphone element (6) that is interconnected to a weighted base (2) by a deformable neck (3). The base (2) includes a first cavity (10) for housing electrical components associated with the operation of the microphone element (6) and a second cavity (21) in which the transmitter (25) may be securely mounted. A keyway (31) receives and constrains a button (30) that is affixed to the transmitter housing (27). Parallel guides (36, 37) are formed within the second cavity (21) and prevent lateral movement of the transmitter (26). An antenna guide (43) is mounted to the base (2) and permits the transmitter antenna (28) to be oriented to the desired antenna polarization.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: A reclosable package comprises a pre-made bag with a post-applied shrouded slider-zipper assembly installed in the mouth of the bag. The bag material comprises a layer made of paper and a layer of thermoplastic material laminated to the paper layer. The shrouded slider-zipper assembly comprises a pair of flanged zipper parts made of thermoplastic material, a slider mounted to the zipper, and a folded web of thermoplastic film material joined to the layer of thermoplastic material of the bag. The flanges of the zipper parts are respectively joined to opposing sides of the folded web. The package is made by an automated process whereby an individual shrouded slider-zipper assembly is cut from a continuous chain of assemblies, inserted into the open mouth of a pre-made bag and tack sealed in place. The assembly is then fully sealed to the bag by a drag sealer.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: Polyaryleneetherketone triphenylphosphine oxide compositions incorporating cycloaliphatic units are provided which may be used as a polymeric binders in thermal control coatings for use in space environments. A method is also provided for synthesizing the polyaryleneetherketone triphenylphosphine oxide compositions. A method is also provided for synthesizing the monomeric compositions used to make the polyaryleneetherketone triphenylphosphine oxide compositions.

Abstract: A method for sealing a zipper assembly to bag making film at three or more points. The zipper assembly comprises a short zipper flange and a long zipper flange. The short flange is joined to one wall of the package while the long flange is joined to both walls of the package to define a product space in which the product is contained. Both the short and long zipper flanges are sealed to the bag making film at a first sealing station prior to folding of the film. After folding, the long zipper flange is sealed at one or more zones of joinder to the other side of the folded film. If the zipper assembly is attached in proximity to the fold line, then the second sealing operation is performed before filling and the bag is filled through the package bottom. If the zipper assembly is attached near the edge of the web of bag making film, then the second sealing operation is performed after the filling operation.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.