Abstract: A portable acoustic warning device which projects a specific acoustic waveform towards a target, creating a narrow beam of sound that is highly selective, minimising exposure to users and bystanders, whilst enabling a controlled dosage of sound to be applied to the target. The design of the device is tailored to this waveform thus achieving a very high degree of directivity. It is not intended for communicating verbal messages. This waveform achieves maximum intensity at the target whilst using a relatively low sound pressure level; meaning that the exposure levels can be controlled to ensure they are within existing health and safety legislation. A laser range finder limits the sound level at the target to a pre-determined level. An integrated camera is used to aid aiming. Video footage is recorded with use; along with the sound level at the target, exposure duration, time, date and GPS coordinates.

Abstract: A product stabilizer is employed to prevent tipping or shingling of product in a packaging line. The product stabilizer utilizes a linear actuator, coupled to a plurality of arms, to ensure proper spacing between adjacent products in the packaging line.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for devices, systems, and methods to provide spinal fixation, spinal stabilization, and/or spinal fusion. Example devices may include a first end and a second end with a middle portion extending between the first and second end. The first end may be configured to be in contact with a portion of a first or upper vertebra and the second end may be configured to be in contact with a portion of a second or lower vertebra in an adjacent vertebral pair. Portions of the vertebra which may be in contact with the device may include lamina, processes, vertebral bodies, and facet joints. The example devices may include bone engagement features, such as screws or similar fasteners, to enhance stabilization and fixation when in contact with the vertebrae. Additionally, the devices may include a bone integration feature to promote bone growth and to facilitate fusion between the vertebrae.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for devices and methods for use in bone fixation, bone fusion and/or bone stabilization. In various embodiments, the devices and methods relate to a bone stabilization having a first end, second end and a bridge connecting the first and second ends. The first end has a bone engagement feature and may be fused to bone over time without the use of osteogenic materials.

Abstract: One or more systems for handling one or more articles, wherein at least one article has a first orientation that deviates from a desired orientation. One or more systems include an infeed conveyor system including an infeed conveyor belt moving at a first speed and an aligning conveyor system including an aligning conveyor belt moving at a second speed and/or a static surface and having portions that form a trough in which an article may be oriented in a sliding engagement to a second orientation that deviates from the desired orientation less than the first orientation. One or more methods include contacting an aligning conveyor system having an aligning conveyor belt and/or a static surface that forms a trough with an article that has a first orientation that deviates from a desired orientation and allowing the article to move laterally within the trough to a second orientation that deviates from a desired orientation less than the first orientation.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to associate a user-specified domain name with an application function, identifying a registrar system based on the user-specified domain name, and generating a domain record file including domain record information that, when processed by the registrar system, is operable to cause association of the user-specified domain name with the application function. The method also includes identifying a configuration URL based on the user-specified domain name. The configuration URL includes a configuration hostname associated with the registrar system and a configuration pathname that corresponds to a record-setting API that is operable to modify one or more domain name records that are associated with the user-specified domain name. The method also includes transmitting the domain record file to the registrar system using the configuration URL.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a wash-durable textile article comprising a textile substrate, an antimicrobial metal nanoparticle, and a linking agent chemically bonding to the antimicrobial metal nanoparticle to the textile substrate. In addition, this invention also includes a method of manufacturing a wash-durable antimicrobial textile, the method comprising the steps of providing an antimicrobial metal nanoparticle, reacting the antimicrobial metal nanoparticle with a linking agent to provide a functionalized antimicrobial metal nanoparticle, and reacting the functionalized antimicrobial metal nanoparticle with a textile substrate to cause the linking agent to attach to the textile substrate to thereby form a wash-durable antimicrobial textile article.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for determining fluid levels in an inkjet printer. A non-contact sensor array is provided external to the container in which the levels are to be determined and each sensor in the array is sequentially switched into a sensing circuit until a change in capacitance is noted. The sensing circuit is preferably a frequency oscillation circuit whose frequency is defined by circuit capacitance.

Abstract: An exercise device and system comprised of a rod attached to a weighted object that can strike a structurally substantial surface without significant impact damage.

Abstract: Chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) compositions containing chemical additives and methods of using the CMP compositions are disclosed. The CMP composition comprises abrasive; chemical additive; liquid carrier; optionally an oxidizing agent; a pH buffering agent and salt; a surfactant and a biocide. The CMP compositions and the methods provide enhanced removing rate for “SiC”, SiN” and “SiCxNy” films; and tunable removal selectivity for “SiC” in reference to SiO2, “SiN” in reference to SiO2, “SiC” in reference to “SiN”, or “SiCxNy” in reference to SiO2; wherein x ranges from 0.1 wt % to 55 wt %, y ranges from 0.1 wt % to 32 wt %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fence standard. The fence standard includes a shaft, and a wire support including an open ended loop. The wire support is moulded onto the shaft.

Abstract: A product stabilizer is employed to prevent tipping or shingling of product in a packaging line. The product stabilizer utilizes a linear actuator, coupled to a plurality of arms, to ensure proper spacing between adjacent products in the packaging line.

Abstract: An effective chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) method is provided for forming vias in silicon wafers for the fabrication of stacked devices using TSV (through-silicon via) technology. The method affords high removal rates of both metal (e.g., copper) and silicon such that a need for a grinding step prior to CMP processing may not be necessary. The method affords an approximately 1:1 Cu:Si selectivity for removal of silicon and copper under appropriate conditions and the Cu:Si selectivity is tunable by adjustment of levels of some key components.

Abstract: Chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) compositions containing chemical additives and methods of using the CMP compositions are disclosed. The CMP composition comprises abrasive; chemical additive; liquid carrier; optionally an oxidizing agent; a pH buffering agent and salt; a surfactant and a biocide. The CMP compositions and the methods provide enhanced removing rate for “SiC”, SiN” and “SiCxNy” films; and tunable removal selectivity for “SiC” in reference to SiO2, “SiN” in reference to SiO2, “SiC” in reference to “SiN”, or “SiCxNy” in reference to SiO2; wherein x ranges from 0.1 wt % to 55 wt %, y ranges from 0.1 wt % to 32 wt %.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for determining fluid levels in an inkjet printer. A non-contact sensor array is provided external to the container in which the levels are to be determined and each sensor in the array is sequentially switched into a sensing circuit until a change in capacitance is noted. The sensing circuit is preferably a frequency oscillation circuit whose frequency is defined by circuit capacitance.

Abstract: A system that enables dynamic discrete decision simulation is provided. Simulation has many advantages in modeling complex systems to facilitate decision making. The innovation discloses a system that integrates an agent-based discrete event simulator, a geographic information system, a rule base, and interactive databases in addition to interfaces and other supporting components. The modules can seamlessly communicate with each other by exchanging a progression of data, and by making a series of deductive decisions through embedded algorithms. The integrated system can be applied to disaster management planning and training.

Abstract: Substrates that exhibit antimicrobial and/or antifungal characteristics that persist through the useful life of the substrate, and more particularly textile substrates infused with or covalently bound to well-dispersed antimicrobial nanoparticles, such as silver and/or copper nanoparticles, which exhibit persistent and demonstrable bacteriocidal, bacteriostatic, fungicidal, fungistatic behavior through numerous wash cycles. Methods of manufacturing such substrates are also provided.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel amino acid sequences (including a consensus sequence) of the Avian Influenza A virus hemagglutinin protein. These newly constructed genes are designed to provide a broader spectrum of activity across the serotype family thus providing a basis for a vaccine that has broad heterologous disease protection. The novel genes have been further improved by the addition of strategic glycosylation sites into the amino acids sequences that they encode. These genes can also, optionally, be codon optimized for plant expression, inserted into the appropriate vector and cloned into plants for expression. Polypeptides produced by recombinant host cells or transgenic plants can also be used as source of antigen for the formulation of vaccines for the control of influenza in susceptible individuals. Additionally, transgenic plant material may also be used as source of antigen for the formulation of vaccines for the control of influenza in susceptible individuals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to benefit agent containing delivery particles, compositions comprising said particles, and processes for making and using the aforementioned particles and compositions. When employed in compositions, for example, cleaning or fabric care compositions, such particles increase the efficiency of benefit agent delivery, there by allowing reduced amounts of benefit agents to be employed. In addition to allowing the amount of benefit agent to be reduced, such particles allow a broad range of benefit agents to be employed.