Abstract: Processes and devices provide parenteral delivery of therapeutic fluids, in particular high-viscosity therapeutic fluids (e.g., protein therapeutics), by a chemical reaction that generates a gas. A device may include a first actuation chamber containing a first reagent, a second reaction chamber containing a second reagent, and a third therapeutic fluid chamber containing the therapeutic fluid. In a loaded configuration, a plunger separates the first chamber from the second chamber. In a delivery configuration, the plunger allows the first reagent from the first chamber to communicate and react with the second reagent from the second chamber. The generated gas acts upon a plunger to deliver the therapeutic fluid from the third chamber.

Abstract: A printed circuit board having an electrically insulative layer and a conductive solder pad. The conductive solder pad is disposed at least partially over the electrically insulative layer, and defines a solder contact area. The solder contact area is configured for making an electrical connection to an electrical component via laser soldering. The printed circuit board further includes a solder mask coating the conductive solder pad and defining an exposed area of the conductive solder pad. The conductive solder pad protects the electrically insulative layer from incident heat during the laser soldering by extending a length underneath the solder mask along a periphery of the exposed area.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the described technology provide an apparatus for testing an electrochemical system. The apparatus may comprise a testing module electrically coupled to the electrochemical system. The testing module may comprise a discharge circuit configured to draw current from the electrochemical system at a plurality of different rates. The discharge circuit may be configured to continuously draw current from the electrochemical system once a test of the electrochemical system is commenced. The apparatus may also comprise a measurement module which may be configured to measure voltage across terminals of the electrochemical system and current drawn from the electrochemical system during the test. The apparatus may also comprise a processor. The processor may be configured to compensate at least in part the measured voltage for voltage drift which was generated by continuously drawing current from the electrochemical system.

Abstract: A system and method delivers e-mail messages if it can validate the master name server, MX record, or both for the mail domain in the address of the message. Otherwise, the message may be sent by alternate means, such as a message printed and mailed.

Abstract: Expandable bag assemblies and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward an expandable bag assembly that includes a flexible bag with closed and open ends and collapsible sidewalls disposed between the ends. The assembly beneficially includes an integrated support structure provided with stiffeners and a mechanism for attachment to help hold a mouth of the bag in an open position while filling the bag. The assembly can be compressed for easy packaging and storage and be expanded into a self-supported, open position without memory folds. The assembly is also configured to retract during closure of the open end of the bag.

Abstract: A system and method delivers e-mail messages if it can validate the master name server, MX record, or both for the mail domain in the address of the message. Otherwise, the message may be sent by alternate means, such as a message printed and mailed.

Abstract: A method for registering a printing plate includes supporting the printing plate on a support surface. A plurality of registration members adapted to register an edge of the printing plate is provided. The first printing plate is moved over the support surface along a first direction to a position where the edge of the printing plate contacts a first registration member of the plurality of registration members. The first registration member is moved along a second direction that intersects the first direction while maintaining contact between the first registration member and the edge of the printing plate at a location on the edge that does not substantially vary as the first registration member moves along the second direction. Contact is established between the printing plate and a second registration member of the plurality of registration members after the first registration member has commenced moving along the second direction.

Abstract: A method for positioning a printing plate includes supporting the printing plate on a support surface. A first force is applied to the printing plate to move the printing plate over the support surface along a path. A second force is applied to the printing plate to alter the movement of the printing plate along the path. The printing plate is pivoted on the support surface while applying the first force and the second force to the printing plate, wherein the printing plate is pivoted about a pivot point located on the printing plate at a location different from each of the locations on the printing plate to which the first and second forces are applied.

Abstract: Expandable bag assemblies and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward an expandable bag assembly that includes a flexible bag with closed and open ends and collapsible sidewalls disposed between the ends. The assembly beneficially includes an integrated support structure provided with stiffeners and a mechanism for attachment to help hold a mouth of the bag in an open position while filling the bag. The assembly can be compressed for easy packaging and storage and be expanded into a self-supported, open position without memory folds. The assembly is also configured to retract during closure of the open end of the bag.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed to associate input data with status, location, and technical attributes to arrive at a uniquely identified candidate object by obtaining a set of initial candidate objects based on input data being compared to known technical attributes of uniquely identified objects, obtaining best-known object location and status history for each initial candidate object using previously known location and status information of each initial candidate object, assigning a statistical weight to each initial candidate object based on its maximum calculated speed and speed capabilities of each initial candidate object, generating an association probability of each of the initial candidate objects to the input data to arrive at a set of final candidate objects, and re-evaluating any of the above with data considered to be current that was not used, wherein the set of final candidate objects are uniquely identified candidate objects arrived at with current data.

Abstract: Expandable bag assemblies and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward an expandable bag assembly that includes a flexible bag with closed and open ends and collapsible sidewalls disposed between the ends. The assembly beneficially includes an integrated support structure provided with stiffeners and a mechanism for attachment to help hold a mouth of the bag in an open position while filling the bag. The assembly can be compressed for easy packaging and storage and be expanded into a self-supported, open position without memory folds. The assembly is also configured to retract during closure of the open end of the bag.

Abstract: A water heater unit is described for providing convective water flow through a water circulatory system. In one embodiment, the water heater unit has an outer housing, a water tank disposed within the housing, and a first cold water inlet coupled to the tank and connectable to a cold water supply line. A hot water outlet is coupled to the tank and connectable to a hot water supply line. A connection chamber adjacent to the tank has a second cold water inlet connectable to the cold water line, and a chamber outlet connected to the first cold water inlet of the tank. The connection chamber has at least one return inlet connectable to the hot water return line at a position to allow a substantially continuous flow of return hot water driven by convection forces without the benefit of a recirculation pump.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described that enable the automatic collection of maritime vessel location information within a global or regional framework by using a minimum network of vessels outfitted with non-intrusive AIS data collection systems. The network of vessels may comprise standard ships operating within their normal commercial or private tasks. By utilizing these non-specially tasked vessels and augmenting the received AIS reports with onboard radar/navigation information, accurate global or regional tracking information can be generated at a centralized location without incurring large costs.

Abstract: A method for positioning a printing plate includes supporting the printing plate on a support surface. A first force is applied to the printing plate to move the printing plate over the support surface along a path. A second force is applied to the printing plate to alter the movement of the printing plate along the path. The printing plate is pivoted on the support surface while applying the first force and the second force to the printing plate, wherein the printing plate is pivoted about a pivot point located on the printing plate at a location different from each of the locations on the printing plate to which the first and second forces are applied.

Abstract: A method for registering a printing plate includes supporting the printing plate on a support surface. A plurality of registration members adapted to register an edge of the printing plate is provided. The first printing plate is moved over the support surface along a first direction to a position where the edge of the printing plate contacts a first registration member of the plurality of registration members. The first registration member is moved along a second direction that intersects the first direction while maintaining contact between the first registration member and the edge of the printing plate at a location on the edge that does not substantially vary as the first registration member moves along the second direction. Contact is established between the printing plate and a second registration member of the plurality of registration members after the first registration member has commenced moving along the second direction.

Abstract: Spill-resistant cups for consuming beverages with delivery systems for simultaneously dispensing one or more agents which can reduce the rate of beverage-induced tooth decay and/or enamel erosion are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the spill-resistant cup can include a hollow cup body defining a beverage holding chamber. The spill-resistant cup also includes a lid assembly with a drinking spout having one or more spaced-apart drinking holes. The drinking spout is configured to be engaged by a consumer's mouth. The lid assembly can positively engage the cup body to enclose the beverage holding chamber. The spill-resistant cup can also include an agent delivery system for controlled delivery of the active ingredient to the consumer's mouth. Further, the spill-resistant cup can include a flow control element configured to limit a flow rate of the beverage from the beverage holding chamber to the drinking holes disposed in the drinking spout.

Abstract: Expandable bag assemblies and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward an expandable bag assembly that includes a flexible bag with closed and open ends and collapsible sidewalls disposed between the ends. The assembly beneficially includes an integrated support structure provided with stiffeners and a mechanism for attachment to help hold a mouth of the bag in an open position while filling the bag. The assembly can be compressed for easy packaging and storage and be expanded into a self-supported, open position without memory folds. The assembly is also configured to retract during closure of the open end of the bag.

Abstract: A water heater unit is described for providing convective water flow through a water circulatory system. In one embodiment, the water heater unit has an outer housing, a water tank disposed within the housing, and a first cold water inlet coupled to the tank and connectable to a cold water supply line. A hot water outlet is coupled to the tank and connectable to a hot water supply line. A connection chamber adjacent to the tank has a second cold water inlet connectable to the cold water line, and a chamber outlet connected to the first cold water inlet of the tank. The connection chamber has at least one return inlet connectable to the hot water return line at a position to allow a substantially continuous flow of return hot water driven by convection forces without the benefit of a recirculation pump.

Abstract: A method and device is used to teach and simulate swing mechanics. A camera is coupled to a computer such that frames including an image of a golfer swinging a golf club may be captured. A key part of the image is identified by the computer in sequential frames captured from the camera, and the image is compared to swing mechanics of a known standard golfer. The position of the known standard golfer is capable of following the natural swing of a student golfer, and the method and device are capable of providing real-time feedback to the student golfer during the golfer's swing. An instant replay may be used to reinforce good swing mechanics. A marker attachment may be used to assist in tracking and analyzing the swing mechanics of the images.

Abstract: A first inkjet printer spit cup assembly includes a spit cup having a mounting hole and inner teeth, includes a cylindrical post attached to a base portion and positioned in the mounting hole, and includes a wing. The wing and inner teeth are adapted to permit rotation, and to prevent counter-rotation, of the spit cup about the cylindrical post. A second inkjet printer spit cup assembly includes a spit cup having a mounting hole and bottom teeth, includes a cylindrical post attached to a base portion and positioned in the mounting hole, and includes a top tooth extending from the base portion. The top tooth and bottom teeth are adapted to permit rotation, and to prevent counter-rotation, of the spit cup about the cylindrical post.