Abstract: The invention relates to new tunicamycin structures comprising N-acyl groups metabolically integrated into the terminus of the TUN via the Streptomyces branched chain fatty acid pathways and variants thereof, and methods of preparing such new tunicamycin structures. The invention further relates to antibacterial compositions comprising such new tunicamycin structures, and methods for using such antibacterial compositions for killing Gram-positive bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of medical devices and, more specifically, to a handheld device that stimulates the meibomian gland of the eyelid mechanically, and specifically stimulates the meibomian glands of the eyelid to treat Meibomian gland dysfunction, also known as “Dry eye” and chronic marginal eyelid inflammation.

Abstract: A ball valve for a ball valve assembly having a housing with a housing sealing surface configured to selectively seal against the ball valve. The ball valve includes an outer sealing surface configured to selectively seal against the housing sealing surface, and a recessed surface set inward of the outer sealing surface and defining a reservoir within the outer sealing surface. As the ball valve rotates between open and closed positions, the reservoir establishes a gap between the recessed surface and the housing sealing surface that enables debris to pass therethrough and facilitate preventing debris accumulation between the ball valve and the housing sealing surface.

Abstract: A system for monitoring hand washing compliance that includes a plurality of sensors installed in a space to detect the presence of or proximity of personnel to key areas; and a controller operatively coupled to the sensors, the controller being programmed to analyze sensor inputs to determine if personnel are washing their hands in a manner compliant with a set of requirements, and a networked data storage and reporting system operatively coupled to the controller and configured to provide reports of hand washing compliance. The sensors are installed on a ceiling over the space and an LED light illuminates a hand washing area for an interval of time that begins in response to detection by one of the plurality of sensors that a user is in proximity to the sink and ends when hand washing compliance is complete.

Abstract: An identification system includes a reader and one or more tags. The reader identifies tags such as radio frequency (RF) tags. The system divides a number space into n bins, wherein each bin is associated with m unique bits of the number space, and the number space contains the identification codes of the tags. A command is issued to test v bits of the number space. A response is received from a tag, wherein the response occurs when a first portion of an identification code of the tag matches the v bits of the number space, a timing of the response corresponds to a particular bin and m unique bits associated with the particular bin correspond to a second portion of the identification code.

Abstract: A method and system for locating an RF transponder based on phase differences between signals received from the RF transponder. The method includes receiving a signal from the transponder and calculating distance, relative movement, and position by comparing I-Q phase angle vectors of the signals. Global scroll commands can be used following receipt of signals at first and second frequencies to quickly determine distance.

Abstract: An identification system includes a reader and one or more tags. The reader identifies tags such as radio frequency (RF) tags. The system divides a number space into n bins, wherein each bin is associated with m unique bits of the number space, and the number space contains the identification codes of the tags. A command is issued to test v bits of the number space. A response is received from a tag, wherein the response occurs when a first portion of an identification code of the tag matches the v bits of the number space. A timing of the response corresponds to a particular bin and m unique bits associated with the particular bin correspond to a second portion of the identification code.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a patch antenna includes a patch coupled to a ground plane. The ground plane includes a first and second strip line. When the first strip line is activated, the antenna generates a signal having a first polarization, and when the second strip line is activated, the antenna generates a second polarization. The first polarization may be a horizontal polarization, and the second polarization may be a vertical polarization. The antenna may be incorporated into a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator, which may be used to read RFID tags attached to individual items.

Abstract: A positive crankcase ventilation valve for venting crankcase gases from a crankcase of an engine has a valve casing with an inlet adapted to communicate with the crankcase and an outlet adapted to communicate with an engine intake manifold for the flow of crankcase gases drawn from the crankcase through the valve casing by the engine manifold when the engine is running. A metering pintle reciprocates in the casing. A crossbar extends across the casing adjacent to the inlet. A spring presses the pintle against the crossbar when the engine is not running. The pintle is moved away from the crossbar against the pressure of the spring by the flow of the crankcase gases when the engine is running to meter the flow of the crankcase gases. The crossbar is a narrow roll pin so that if moisture between the roll pin and pintle freezes when the engine is not running, the frozen moisture will quickly break away when the engine is started.

Abstract: An identification system includes a reader and one or more tags. The reader identifies tags such as radio frequency (RF) tags. The system divides a number space into n bins, wherein each bin is associated with m unique bits of the number space, and the number space contains the identification codes of the tags. A command is issued to test v bits of the number space. A response is received from a tag, wherein the response occurs when a first portion of an identification code of the tag matches the v bits of the number space. A timing of the response corresponds to a particular bin and m unique bits associated with the particular bin correspond to a second portion of the identification code.