Abstract: Methods for cleaning a die face for an extruder include: positioning an articulating tool adjacent the die face while the die face is installed on the extruder, the die face defining a plurality of die orifices; triggering operation of the articulating tool and thereby articulating an end effector coupled to the articulating tool; and contacting the end effector against one or more surfaces of the die face and thereby removing fouling from the die plate. Methods may include: pausing production of a polymer pellet product from the extruder when at least one of the pressure at the die or a polymer pellet product properties indicates fouling at the die; removing a polymer residue from one or more orifices in the die with an articulating tool equipped with an end effector while the die is mounted on the extruder; and resuming production of the polymer pellet product.

Abstract: This invention will provide a portable point/beer pong game for individual or team use. The invention is portable where it can be broken down, carried or stored in a bag, or other suitable container. The invention can be used as a ‘Beer Pong’ game as is common or it can be used as a game where points are scored. The invention top can also be used as a floating game in a swimming pool.

Abstract: Interdependencies between pairs/groups of individual systems are evaluated in determining the composition of a universal system of interdependent systems. Data tables reflecting the interdependencies are contained in a central database resident in a server's memory. Plural/multiple computers are connected to the server, each computer having running thereon at least one simulation program, each simulation program being associated with at least one individual system and being characterized by individual time steps. In each individual time step, the simulation program updates (reads data from and writes data to) the central database, and displays updated information. In each universal time step (characterizing the simulation of the universal system), all simulation programs are temporally coordinated so that each simulation program's individual time step takes place once; no universal time step is perfected until every individual time step has completed its updating of pertinent data in the central database.

Abstract: This invention will provide a portable point/beer pong game for individual or team use. The invention is portable where it can be broken down, carried or stored in a bag, or other suitable container. The invention can be used as a ‘Beer Pong’ game as is common or it can be used as a game where points are scored. The invention top can also be used as a floating game in a swimming pool.

Abstract: In the method, binding tape is fed through a puller assembly in a flat orientation from a source, such as a binding reel assembly. The binding tape is received by a folder assembly via the puller assembly and is folded so as to change orientation of the binding tape from a flat orientation to an orientation that wraps around the edge of the material product. The re-oriented tape is stitched to the material product edge with thread, and for any remaining loose binding or thread, a sealer assembly simultaneously binds the binding tape and thread so as to produce a finished edge. The sealer assembly may include a heated blade that simultaneously cuts and thermally fuses the binding tape to the thread.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the presence of a target bacteria based on its resistance to a cell lysing antibiotic. Said antibiotic is used to lyse cells of non-target bacteria in a sample and hence facilitate isolation of the target prior to detection by known means.

Abstract: In the method, binding tape is fed through a puller assembly in a flat orientation from a source, such as a binding reel assembly. The binding tape is received by a folder assembly via the puller assembly and is folded so as to change orientation of the binding tape from a flat orientation to an orientation that wraps around the edge of the material product. The re-oriented tape is stitched to the material product edge with thread, and for any remaining loose binding or thread, a sealer assembly simultaneously binds the binding tape and thread so as to produce a finished edge. The sealer assembly may include a heated blade that simultaneously cuts and thermally fuses the binding tape to the thread.

Abstract: A mounting device for vertically positionally adjusting an outboard motor relative to a boat transom, the mounting device comprising at least one bracket connected to a transom, at least one support member pivotally connected to the bracket at one end and connected to an outboard motor at the other end wherein the motor is vertically positionally adjustable relative to the transom upon pivotal movement of the support member. A jack member controls the pivotal movement of the support member and comprises telescoping inner and outer tubes wherein the inner tube is connected to the transom and the outer tube is connected to the support member wherein telescopic movement of the outer tube relative to the inner tube pivots the support member to vertically positionally adjust the motor relative to the boat transom.

Abstract: A mounting device for vertically positionally adjusting an outboard motor relative to a boat transom, the mounting device comprising at least one bracket connected to a transom, at least one support member pivotally connected to the bracket at one end and connected to an outboard motor at the other end wherein the motor is vertically positionally adjustable relative to the transom upon pivotal movement of the support member. A jack member controls the pivotal movement of the support member and comprises telescoping inner and outer tubes wherein the inner tube is connected to the transom and the outer tube is connected to the support member wherein telescopic movement of the outer tube relative to the inner tube pivots the support member to vertically positionally adjust the motor relative to the boat transom.

Abstract: A shelf talker includes a label having a top strip for mounting to a shelf bracket, and a bottom leaflet for printing product information. A release liner is adhesively bonded to the label across the strip only, with the leaflet being linerless.

Abstract: A treatment source (4) such as a radiation source, is attached to the inner surface 50a of a drum 50, which drum 50 is mounted to a support (3) so as to be rotatable with respect to the support (3) about a central axis (R) displaced from the treatment source (4). The source provides a treatment beam (X) having a treatment beam axis (TB) extending through the rotation axis (R). A patient support (6) for receiving a patient (2) to locate a target treatment area (6) on the treatment beam axis (TB) is housed at least partially within the passageway defined by the inner surface 50a. The overall size of the apparatus is thus reduced. A preferred treatment technique, to which the apparatus may be adapted, is also described.

Abstract: A radiation converter (1) receives high energy radiation (X) at a first major surface (1a) and emits light (0) from a second major surface (1b). A detector (2) is laterally displaced from the converter (1) so as to be positioned away from the high energy radiation (X). A deflector (3) deflects light emitted by the converter (1) towards the detector (2). A baffle (40) is positioned adjacent the second major surface (1b) of the converter (1). The baffle (40) has an array of baffle plates (4) with light absorbing surfaces (4a) extending transversely of the second major surface (1b) in a direction generally along the optical path (P) to the detector (2). The baffle plates (4) act to absorb light (0') reflected back to and scattered from the second major surface (1b) so as to reduce the amount of reflected or scattered light (0') eventually received by the detector enabling an improvement in image contrast.

Abstract: A collimating arrangement for use in radiotherapy apparatus has a set of mutually contiguous members (8) for substantially attenuating radiation. The positions of the members (8) are adjustable so that edges (8a) thereof form an adjustable aperture (9) for defining the cross-sectional shape of the beam. A lamp (12) illuminates an area including the beam-defining edges (8a). Each of the members (8) is provided with a respective retroreflector (19) for reflecting illumination from the lamp (12) into the camera (13) substantially independently of the position of the beam-defining edges (8a). A detecting arrangement, including a video camera (13), more responsive to the higher intensity of illumination reflected from the retroreflectors (19) than from respectively adjacent regions in the illuminated area, is used to detect the positions of the retroreflectors (19) which are respectively representative of the positions of the edges of the members.