Abstract: The invention provides surfactant compounds of formulas I-IX, which can be used in methods for aiding the solubilization, digestion, preparation, analysis, and/or characterization of biological material, for example, proteins or cell membranes. The compounds can also aid in the recovery of peptides generated during protein digestion, particularly for in-gel digestion protocol. Additionally, the compounds can improve enzymatic protein deglycosylation without interfering with downstream sample preparation steps and mass spectrometric analysis. The compounds can be specifically useful as digestion aids that can be decomposed by an acid, by heat, or a combination thereof. Decomposition of the surfactants allows for facile separation from isolated samples, and/or allows for analysis of the sample without interfering with the sensitivity of various analytical techniques.

Abstract: A method of remotely determining an impedance of an earth connection (142) of a first electrical equipment (122) connected to a power supply network (300). The method comprises receiving (606), from a first measurement node (302) connected to the first electrical equipment, a first value of an insulation impedance of the power supply network and receiving (612), from a second measurement node (304) connected to the power supply network, a second value of an insulation impedance of the power supply network. The method further comprises calculating (614) the impedance of the earth connection of the first electrical equipment using the first value of the insulation impedance of the power supply network, the second value of the insulation impedance of the power supply network and a known impedance value of an earth connection (144) of the second measurement node.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for providing temperature control for to a temperature-controlled storage compartment in a tunnel of a vehicle. The tunnel extends from a first side of the vehicle, such as the passenger side, to a second side of the vehicle, such as the driver side. The vehicle also includes a refrigeration module that is moveable on a shuttle of the tunnel. The refrigeration module includes a temperature-controlled storage unit configured to open and close in accordance with a path defined by an accessibility assembly. The shuttle transfers power from a power source, such as a battery, to the temperature-controlled storage unit, for example, to provide temperature control even when the vehicle is powered off. Accordingly, the refrigeration module provides a space-efficient system for ensuring prolonged temperature control of items stored in the temperature-controlled storage unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for providing temperature control for to a temperature-controlled storage compartment in a tunnel of a vehicle. The tunnel extends from a first side of the vehicle, such as the passenger side, to a second side of the vehicle, such as the driver side. The vehicle also includes a refrigeration module that is moveable on a shuttle of the tunnel. The refrigeration module includes a temperature-controlled storage unit configured to open and close in accordance with a path defined by an accessibility assembly. The shuttle transfers power from a power source, such as a battery, to the temperature-controlled storage unit, for example, to provide temperature control even when the vehicle is powered off. Accordingly, the refrigeration module provides a space-efficient system for ensuring prolonged temperature control of items stored in the temperature-controlled storage unit.

Abstract: This apparatus produces a capnogram for a patient, comprising airflow means arrangeable such that air flowing into and out of a patient during a breathing cycle of the patient are conducted through the airflow means; a CO2 monitor (50) for repeatedly determining the presence, and level, of CO2 in the air within the airflow means; an airflow direction sensor for distinguishing between periods when air is flowing into the patient, when air is flowing out of the patient, and when air in the airflow means is stationary; a processor for producing a graph on a display of time versus an indication of CO2 levels, wherein the display includes different graphical qualities to distinguish between the level of CO2 in the air flowing out of the patient, the level of CO2 in the stationary air between breaths, and the level of CO2 in the air flowing into the patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method of asynchronously collecting different types of information for an event (e.g., football game) and aggregating the information in real-time according to sub-events (e.g., plays from scrimmage). One or more terminals (e.g., smartphones, tablet or laptop computers) are configured to capture information (video, still images, metadata) of each sub-event and distribute the captured information to the other terminals in real-time. Such distribution may be facilitated using a cloud network and server, or else a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. Further, one of the terminals is configured to notify the other terminals when a particular sub-event has commenced, thus allowing the captured information of the particular sub-event to be associated with a corresponding sub-event identifier. The captured information may be aggregated according to the sub-events by use of sub-event identifiers for presentation to users, e.g., in a playlist.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method of asynchronously collecting different types of information for an event (e.g., football game) and aggregating the information in real-time according to sub-events (e.g., plays from scrimmage). One or more terminals (e.g., smartphones, tablet or laptop computers) are configured to capture information (video, still images, metadata) of each sub-event and distribute the captured information to the other terminals in real-time. Such distribution may be facilitated using a cloud network and server, or else a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. Further, one of the terminals is configured to notify the other terminals when a particular sub-event has commenced, thus allowing the captured information of the particular sub-event to be associated with a corresponding sub-event identifier. The captured information may be aggregated according to the sub-events by use of sub-event identifiers for presentation to users, e.g., in a playlist.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) that configures a test for a circuit. More particularly, the circuit includes a built-in-self-test (BIST) compatible device and has a test configuration. The device has an associated value. Moreover, the circuit, the device, and the associated value are defined in a circuit definition. The GUI includes a GUI object representing the circuit, a GUI object representing the BIST compatible device, and a GUI object representing the associated value. Furthermore, at least one of the GUI objects is configured to allow a modification to the GUI object and to reconfigure the test configuration in response to the GUI object modification. Also, the GUI object is further configured to modify itself to reflect a modification of the circuit definition. More particularly, the device may be an interconnect built-in self-test (IBIST) compatible device having registers, ports and lanes of the ports.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing a data driven test on a circuit including at least one built-in-self-test compatible device. In one embodiment, the method includes describing the device using a descriptive language including setting at least one default value associated with the device. The method also includes defining a scan path associated with the device, defining a netlist of the circuit, and configuring a test control program for the circuit. Additionally, the method includes changing the default value associated with the device. Testing the circuit after changing the value and using the test control program is also included wherein a portion of the test control program associated with the value remains substantially unmodified.

Abstract: A method of determining the viability of an egg at least approximately 50% through its incubation period, which method comprises the steps of: (a) causing electromagnetic radiation to impinge upon the egg, the electromagnetic radiation having one or more wavelengths in the infra-red part of the spectrum; (b) receiving at least a part of the infra-red radiation that has passed through the egg and generating an output signal representative of the received infra-red radiation; and (c) processing said output signal to determine whether there is a cyclical variation in the intensity of the infra-red radiation leaving the egg corresponding to action of a heart, the existence of said cyclical variation indicating that the egg is viable; wherein step (a) is performed by directing infra-red radiation so that it passes through the shell for reflection from an outer surface of a vascular structure adjacent an inner surface of said shell, and step (b) is performed by receiving any infra-red radiation so reflected.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for determining the viability of an egg, which apparatus (10) comprises shielding means (12, 14), emitting means (30) and detecting means (32), the arrangement being such that, in use, the shielding means (12, 14) inhibits exposure of an egg to background infra-red radiation, said emitting means (30) can emit electromagnetic radiation at infra-red wavelength(s) to impinge on the egg, and the detecting means (32) are positioned to detect at least a part of said electromagnetic radiation that has passed through the egg, the apparatus further comprising means for processing an output signal of the detecting means to determine whether there is a cyclical variation in the intensity of the infra-red radiation leaving the egg corresponding to action of a heart, the existence of said cyclical variation indicating that the egg is viable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fore-arm assistant device. The device has a frame which encircles at least part of a forearm of a user. A cuff is positioned on one end of the frame so as to encircle the forearm adjacent to the elbow of the user. A handgrip extends from one side of the frame to the other side of the frame and is positioned approximately the length of the forearm from the elbow end of the frame. A tubular locking member is positioned on the other end of the frame. Various tools, a crutch leg or a kayak paddle can be held in the device.

Abstract: A positive pressure test apparatus for fit testing a facepiece respirator having an exhalation valve, including a cover portion having a central bore with an inwardly directed shoulder at the base. A plunger is provided having a stem, a button portion on one end and a flange portion on the opposite end. The stem is situated within the central bore, the button portion extending above the surface of the cover portion in a rest position, and the flange portion extending below the inwardly directed shoulder. Bias means are located in engagement with the button portion and the shoulder for biasing the plunger from the rest position to a depressed position, wherein the button is flush with the surface of the cover portion and the flange portion seals the exhalation valve. A mounting means is provided to attach the positive pressure test apparatus to the respirator.

Abstract: A positive pressure filter respirator includes a full face mask comprising an outer mask 1 and an inner orinasal mask 2. A filter canister 5 is screw mounted to an air inlet 4, and a centrifugal fan 6, which is driven by a battery operated motor 7, is so arranged as to draw air through the filter canister 5 into the outer mask 1. The filter life and the battery life are extended by the use of a pressure responsive means which responds to the difference in pressure between the pressure in the interior of the orinasal mask 2 and the pressure in the space 20 within the outer mask 1 and outside the orinasal mask 2. The pressure responsive means reacts immediately to the commencement of either exhalation or inhalation to disable the fan 6 or on commencement of exhalation and to accelerate the fan 6 on commencement of inhalation.

Abstract: A layer of a non-woven or open-woven or open-knitted charcoal cloth is supported on a layer of a textile material having fibers needle-punched through the charcoal cloth. This composite material can be incorporated in various multi-layer structures having, for example, a further textile layer and/or a microporous or similar layer on the other side of the charcoal cloth. Such multi-layer structures may be used in protective clothing, as filter materials or in medical dressings, or in the manufacture of moulded articles such as face masks.

Abstract: Activated carbon is made by pre-treating a fibrous cellulose material with a Lewis acid comprising one or more selected halides, drying and softening the treated material, suspending the material from a frame in a tensionless manner, heating the suspended material in a furnace to effect carbonization of the cellulosic material in an environment which is substantially non-reactive towards that material, activating the suspended carbonized material at an elevated temperature in an atmosphere comprising an activating gas until the desired degree of activation has been produced, and thereafter cooling the furnace, the furnace having at least one heating element at its base and at least one heating element arranged on or in a side wall, each heating element being spaced apart from the suspended material.

Abstract: An adsorptive device having at least one composite adsorptive element through which gas can pass comprising a bed of granular adsorptive carbon and a bed of fibrous adsorptive carbon.