Abstract: An elongated flexible conduit (4) includes an flow element (24) having a first elongated wall segment (32) and a second elongated wall segment (44) that are connected together at their sides to form a wall (28) that is continuous in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation (8). The flow element is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration (68), with the first configuration being an expanded configuration, and with the second configuration being a collapsed configuration. The flow element can be moved from its expanded configuration to its collapsed configuration, such as for purposes of packing during traveling, and can then be moved from its collapsed configuration back to its expanded configuration in any of a variety of fashions in order to return the flow element to a condition in which it can carry a flow of breathing gas from a CPAP machine (12) to a CPAP mask (16).

Abstract: An improved patient interface (4) having a cushion (12) and a headgear (16), with the headgear having a pair of engagement elements (24) that each engage the patient with an engagement force, and with the engagement forces being directed generally toward one another. The engagement forces result in frictional forces between the headgear and the patient which resist the cushion from becoming disengaged with the patient. In one embodiment, the engagement elements each include a circumferential brace (44) that engages the head and extends about the ears. In another embodiment, the engagement elements engage the ears of the patient. In a free state, at least a portion of the headgear is of a spiral configuration which makes the patient interface collapsible and relatively easy to pack, such as for traveling.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for use with a window having a hinge coupling a sash to a frame includes a keeper and a locking lug. The keeper includes a generally planar base plate that is abutable to a surface of either the sash or the frame and two wings extending upwardly from the base, each of the wings having an upwardly and inwardly extending portion extending from the base plate and an inwardly extending portion extending inwardly substantially parallel to the base plate from the upwardly and inwardly extending portion. The two inwardly extending portions define a gap therebetween. The planar base further includes at least one self locating leg extending outward and coplanar with the base. The self locating leg adapted to abut a portion of the sash or the frame. Thus, the keeper is positionable without a fixture.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a frame member having a front surface and a rear surface, the frame member including a faceplate portion, the frame member having an orifice extending therethrough, and a cushion assembly including a support frame and a sealing cushion coupled to a coupling portion of the support frame. The support frame includes a lever arm extending from the coupling portion, wherein the lever arm is received through the orifice and engages an engagement surface forming a part of the front surface of the frame member, and wherein a top surface of the coupling portion engages a rear portion of the faceplate portion forming a part of the rear surface of the frame member.

Abstract: Provided are methods for generating modified plants, seedlings or seeds, comprising introducing into, or engineering in a plant cell, a nucleic acid encoding a mutant AHL protein having a mutation of the AT hook domain that confers a dominant negative phenotype as disclosed herein. Nucleic acids encoding a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:6, a polypeptide having at least 93% or at least 95% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:3, or a polypeptide having at least 75% or at least 80% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:6 are provided, along with such polypeptides having a mutation of the AT hook domain that confers a dominant negative phenotype as disclosed herein. In particular aspects, the polypeptide lacks the AT hook domain thereof. In certain aspects, the polypeptide comprises an intact or functional PPC domain, and preferably additionally comprises the linker region between the PPC domain and the AT-hook domain.

Abstract: A helmet mount for night vision apparatus including a night vision goggle rotatable between operative and inoperative positions. Retractable stop means are included on the mount for obstructing the rotation of the goggle from its inoperative to operative position without obstructing the rotation of the goggle from its operative to its inoperative position.

Abstract: A drive system for optical components particularly useful with night vision devices. The drive system uses a single motor to rotate a selected one of two components between its operative and inoperative positions while retaining the other component in its inoperative position.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the angular position of an optical device with respect to a field helmet is disclosed. The mechanism includes an optical device mounting component for coupling to the optical device. A field helmet mounting component is provided for coupling to the field helmet. The field helmet mounting component is rotatably coupled to the optical device mounting component about an axis of rotation. An angular adjustment mechanism is engaged between the optical device mounting component and the field helmet mounting component. The angular adjustment mechanism includes a translating member that is moveably translatable along an axis of translation for engaging a surface of either the field helmet mounting component or the optical device mounting component. Translation of the translating member along the axis of translation induces rotation of the optical device mounting component about the axis of rotation for adjusting the angular position of the optical device.

Abstract: A molded plastic insert having a socket and groove formed on an outer surface to cooperate with spring loaded plungers on one of a pair of mating parts to couple the mating parts. A pair of indentations formed on the outer edge of the insert to accommodate any electrical leads between the mating parts.

Abstract: A drive system for optical components particularly useful with night vision devices. The drive system uses a single motor to rotate a selected one of two components between its operative and inoperative positions while retaining the other component in its inoperative position.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the angular position of an optical device with respect to a field helmet is disclosed. The mechanism includes an optical device mounting component for coupling to the optical device. A field helmet mounting component is provided for coupling to the field helmet. The field helmet mounting component is rotatably coupled to the optical device mounting component about an axis of rotation. An angular adjustment mechanism is engaged between the optical device mounting component and the field helmet mounting component. The angular adjustment mechanism includes a translating member that is moveably translatable along an axis of translation for engaging a surface of either the field helmet mounting component or the optical device mounting component. Translation of the translating member along the axis of translation induces rotation of the optical device mounting component about the axis of rotation for adjusting the angular position of the optical device.

Abstract: A system and method facilitating financial advice delivery by linking product and service recommendations to objective financial advice. A generic abstraction of all strategic and tactical financial goal setting, analysis, funding and tracking elements into a set of distinct conceptual building blocks, which, in combination, provide a comprehensive representation of all aspects of balance sheet, income statement, cash flow and insurance planning and analysis. A proprietary Rule Builder Workstation governs all aspects of Wealth Management applications including business/financial advice logic, constants and user interface elements. Business rules controlling content, advice, and presentation format across multiple employee and customer facing applications are written and modified in an environment that enables business usurers to dynamically add or update rules without a new release of the software.

Abstract: A fluid driven adjustable speed rotary trowel for troweling a resin/aggregate topping over a substrate weighs not more than 40 pounds nor less than 20 pounds. The attack angle of the troweling blades is adjustable either manually or continuously and automatically by angle-sensing and adjusting means which is also fluid driven without the need to stop the trowel during operation. Aggregate/resin ratios of 5:1 or less will trowel to a smooth finish.