Abstract: Disclosed modular animal collar systems include a D ring exoskeleton system, a breakaway latch tongue system and other systems. Disclosed collars may be self-orienting. Disclosed collars include auto release systems to ensure that collars do not choke or otherwise injure a pet. Collars include sophisticated electronics to commutate with a pet owner's smart phone but also include means of communication not requiring the use of a smart phone. Collars may include a base collar containing a micro controller and other computer related components. Surrounding modular components may contain additional equipment and may be added as needed by a pet owner. Disclosed collar functions are executed by the disclosed collars and facilitate the retrieval, care and training of a pet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing and/or receiving audible sound. In particular, the invention relates to apparatus, such as a micro speaker, which includes an active region which comprises an adsorbent element in the form of a self-supporting monolith-like element with a porous reticulated structure. The adsorbent element includes adsorbent material which comprises microporous organic polymer (MOP) material. The apparatus of the present invention is suitable for use in an electronic device, for example a mobile or portable electronic device, to provide improved audible sound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing and/or receiving audible sound. In particular, the invention relates to apparatus, such as a micro speaker, which includes an active region which comprises a particulate adsorbent material comprising i) microporous organic polymer (MOP) material, and/or ii) metal organic framework (MOF) material treated with a hydrophobic coating or a membrane. The particulate adsorbent material is either in the form of loose or semi-loose granules, or it is supported by or impregnated into a woven, knitted or non-woven felt material. The apparatus of the present invention is suitable for use in an electronic device, for example a mobile or portable electronic device, to provide improved audible sound.

Abstract: A modular flooring system for performance weightlifting and similar activities is provided. The modular flooring system is constructed from one or more individual flooring modules that are interlocked and connected together to provide a customized flooring surface platform. The modular flooring system can include a lifting platform module having a hardwood top surface layer and a subfloor construction. The modular flooring system can include a drop-zone platform module having a rubberized top surface layer and a subfloor construction designed to absorb and withstand the force impact of dropped weights onto the top surface layer. The subfloor construction of the drop-zone module can include an upper subfloor layer, an intermediate subfloor layer and a lower subfloor layer. The intermediate and lower subfloor layers can each including alternating panel sections with one panel section constructed from a foam-based material.

Abstract: A portable ion mobility spectrometry apparatus (1) for detecting an aerosol and a method for using the apparatus. The apparatus comprises an ion mobility spectrometer (3); a portable power source (5) carried by the apparatus for providing power to the apparatus (1); an inlet (7) for collecting a flow of air to be tested by the spectrometer (3); a heater (4) configured to heat the air to be tested to vapourise an aerosol carried by the air and a controller (2) configured to control the spectrometer (3) to obtain samples from the heated air, wherein the controller is configured to increase a heat output from the heater (4) for a selected time period before obtaining samples from the heated air.

Abstract: Provided herein are thiazolidinone and oxazolidinone compounds such as Compound 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and compounds of Formulas (I), (II), (III), and (IV). Also provided herein are uses of these thiazolidinone and oxazolidinone compounds such as Compound 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and compounds of Formulas (I), (II), (III), and (IV), pharmaceutical compositions and formulations in the treatment of various diseases, including but not limited to diseases or disorders associated with an activated immune system (e.g., multiple sclerosis and psoriasis).

Abstract: A portable ion mobility spectrometry apparatus (1) for detecting an aerosol and a method for using the apparatus. The apparatus comprises an ion mobility spectrometer (3); a portable power source (5) carried by the apparatus for providing power to the apparatus (1); an inlet (7) for collecting a flow of air to be tested by the spectrometer (3); a heater (4) configured to heat the air to be tested to vapourise an aerosol carried by the air and a controller (2) configured to control the spectrometer (3) to obtain samples from the heated air, wherein the controller is configured to increase a heat output from the heater (4) for a selected time period before obtaining samples from the heated air.

Abstract: The method comprises depositing a coating of metal material on the inside surface of the body (4) of the stator (36), impregnating said coating with a self-lubricating composite material (20), machining internal cells (28) in the thickness of the coating (10), and machining orifices (34) leading into the cells.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter includes a first tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an inflation lumen extending at least partially through the first tubular member. The catheter has a balloon at the distal portion of the first tubular member, the balloon being in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A second tubular member has a proximal portion connected to an outer surface of the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a second lumen extending therethrough, with a second opening connected to the second lumen. A third tubular member has a proximal portion connected to the outer surface of the first tubular member and a distal portion partially detached from the rest of the catheter (e.g., a catheter body) over a first detachment length. The third tubular member has a third lumen extending therethrough with a third opening connected to the third lumen.

Abstract: Techniques for providing enhanced graphics in a user interface by efficiently using enhanced graphics resources. A computing device displays the enhanced graphics in an upper view of the user interface and the enhanced graphics resources identify a visual region in which the enhanced graphics are positioned. The computing device accesses the enhanced graphics resources to identify and store a hit test region based on the visual region. The hit test region is stored separately from the enhanced graphics resources for hit testing. When a hit is received in the user interface, the computing device determines whether the upper view or lower view will respond to the hit based on the hit test region that is stored separately from the enhanced graphics resources.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating of diseases, syndromes, conditions, and disorders that are affected by the modulation of MALT1. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R5, G1, and G2 are defined herein.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter is provided. A first lumen extends through a first tubular member from a proximal portion to a distal portion, and a first orifice at the distal portion provides an opening through the first tubular member to the first lumen. The first tubular member further includes an inflation lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through a length of the first tubular member. A balloon is operably connected to an outer surface of the first tubular member proximal to the first opening, is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A second tubular member has a proximal portion connected to the outer surface of the first tubular member. A distal portion of the second tubular member is connected to the balloon wall. A second lumen extends through the second tubular member, and a second orifice provides an opening through the second tubular member at the distal portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating of diseases, syndromes, or disorders that are affected by the modulation of STING. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein B2, X2, R2a, R2b, R2c, Z-M-Y, Y1-M1Z1, B1, X1, R1a, R1b, R1c are as defined herein.

Abstract: A tray and cover for storing tubes, such as collapsible tubes. A tray is used to store and transport tubes, the tubes being similarly orientated and arranged side by side in parallel alignment and being held in position by opposing pairs of tray sidewalls. A tray may also be used with a cover.

Abstract: A decal assembly applied to a finished wood floor comprising a visible layer, a clear layer adhered to the visible layer, and a floor finish layer, wherein an outer surface of the floor finish has a coefficient of friction similar to the finished wood floor. The floor finish may be water-based or oil-based and the decal assembly may include an adhesion promotion layer disposed between the clear layer and the floor finish layer. The decal assembly may also include the clear layer having a roughened outer surface. The decal may be installed on a wood floor by laminating a clear layer to a visible layer, roughening an outer surface of the clear layer and applying a floor finish to the outer surface of the clear layer after the roughening step. An adhesion promotion layer may also be applied between the clear layer and the floor finish layer.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter is provided. A first lumen extends through a first tubular member from a proximal portion to a distal portion, and a first orifice at the distal portion provides an opening through the first tubular member to the first lumen. The first tubular member further includes an inflation lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through a length of the first tubular member. A balloon is operably connected to an outer surface of the first tubular member proximal to the first opening, is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A second tubular member has a proximal portion connected to the outer surface of the first tubular member. A distal portion of the second tubular member is connected to the balloon wall. A second lumen extends through the second tubular member, and a second orifice provides an opening through the second tubular member at the distal portion.

Abstract: An on-demand vapour generator includes a vapour chamber configured to produce a vapour and a vapour absorption assembly configured to receive flows of vapour from the vapour chamber. The vapour absorption assembly includes a first vapour-permeable passage having a passage outlet and at least one second vapour-permeable passage that is closed. When vapour absorption assembly receives a flow of vapour from the vapour chamber, the flow of vapour passes through the first vapour-permeable passage to the passage outlet at least substantially without absorption of vapour from the flow of vapour. However, when a flow of vapour is not received from the vapour chamber, vapour entering the vapour absorption assembly from the vapour chamber passes into the first vapour-permeable passage and the at least one second vapour-permeable passage and is at least substantially absorbed.

Abstract: Integrated heat spreaders having electromagnetically-formed features, and semiconductor packages incorporating such integrated heat spreaders, are described. In an example, an integrated heat spreader includes a top plate flattened using an electromagnetic forming process. Methods of manufacturing integrated heat spreaders having electromagnetically-formed features are also described.

Abstract: A system for cleaning an enclosed bar-b-que. A first adapter is configured to attach to a first opening of the enclosed bar-b-que such that when the first adapter is attached to the first opening air flows through a first channel into the enclosed bar-b-que. The first adapter is configured for allowing an air blowing device to connect to the first adapter such that the air blowing device forces air to flow in a first direction through the enclosed bar-b-que and out of a second opening of the enclosed bar-b-que. A second adapter configured to attach to the second opening such that when the second adapter is attached to the second opening air and matter flow through the second channel and out the enclosed bar-b-que. A receiving element is attached to the second adapter for receiving air and matter blown from inside the enclosed bar-b-que and out of the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides new compositions and methods useful for the treatment and potential cure of beta-globinopathies such as sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia by inhibiting the expression and/or activity of RIOK3.