Abstract: A method and system for accelerating employee growth is disclosed. A growth track is created. The growth track is associated with one or more competencies. The growth track is associated with one or more track levels. The growth track is aligned with a job architecture. The job architecture includes a job function, a job type, and one or more job tracks. The one or more job levels are mapped to the one or more track levels. A growth area is created. The growth area relates to one or more competencies. A user interface is caused to be presented on a device of a user based on the user being associated with the job function and the job type. The user interface allows the user to share an update pertaining to a progress of the user within the growth area.

Abstract: A system includes a collar that is worn around a neck of the user. A stimulator is coupled to the collar such that the stimulator is positioned adjacent to an airway of the user. The sensor is coupled to the collar and configured to generate data associated with the airway of the user. The memory is coupled to the collar and storing machine-readable instructions. The control system is coupled to the collar and includes one or more processors configured to execute the machine-readable instructions to determine, based at least on an analysis of the generated data, that the user is currently experiencing an apnea event. In response to the determination, the control system causes the stimulator to provide electrical stimulation, at a first intensity level, to one or more muscles of the user that are adjacent to the airway to aid in stopping the apnea event.

Abstract: A system for aiding a user includes a stimulator, a sensor, a memory, and a control system. The stimulator is configured to be positioned in the user adjacent to an airway of the user. The sensor is configured to generate data associated with the airway of the user. The memory stores machine-readable instructions. The control system includes one or more processors configured to execute the machine-readable instructions to determine, based at least on an analysis of the generated data, that the user is currently experiencing an apnea event. In response to the determination that the user is currently experiencing an apnea event, the control system causes the stimulator to provide electrical stimulation, at a first intensity level, to one or more muscles of the user that are adjacent to the airway to aid in stopping the apnea event.

Abstract: In spite of significant efforts to identify ?-cell-specific markers for ?-cell imaging and purification, progress has been limited. Herein is disclosed a novel biomarker of human pancreatic ?-cells, CD39L3 (also known as ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-3 (NTPDase3)). Disclosed are compositions and methods for purifying and imaging ?-cell using anti-CD39L3 antibodies.

Abstract: In spite of significant efforts to identify ?-cell-specific markers for ?-cell imaging and purification, progress has been limited. Herein is disclosed a novel biomarker of human pancreatic ?-cells, CD39L3 (also known as ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-3 (NTPDase3)). Disclosed are compositions and methods for purifying and imaging ?-cell using anti-CD39L3 antibodies.

Abstract: A distributed threat detection system that can be installed in a facility, such as a school, office, factory, entertainment venue, etc. and monitor for trigger events that may be indicative of a threat. Sensors and/or detectors are distributed throughout the facility and the system is used to interconnect all of the sensors into a single control master. The sensors are distributed and interconnected through the use of distributed IP loads fed to a central control unit over PoE connections.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a strip of elastomeric material to a surface, the apparatus comprising: a nozzle having an inlet in fluid communication with a pumping means, said nozzle having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the lower surface has a curved shape for mating engagement with an outer surface of a rotatable roller, said lower surface having an opening positioned for engagement with the roller outer surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a tread comprising two or more layers of rubber is described. The method includes the steps of: extruding a rubber compound through an extruder and a gear pump and mixing with an accelerant and then applying a continuous strip of rubber directly onto a tire building machine to form a first layer of rubber having a first cure rate; adjusting the amount of accelerant to obtain a second cure rate different than said first cure rate, and then applying a strip of rubber having a second cure rate onto the tire building machine, wherein one of the cure rates is faster than the other cure rate.

Abstract: An addressable optical network interface unit includes an optical input and a radio frequency output. The unit also includes an optical-to-electrical conversion circuit that converts optical signals received at the optical input into radio frequency signals, a directional coupler that is coupled to an output of the optical-to-electrical conversion circuit and a radio frequency receiver that is coupled to a first output of the directional coupler. The radio frequency receiver receives radio frequency signals input through the optical input. The unit also includes a controller that is coupled to the radio frequency receiver, and a filter circuit that is coupled to a second output of the directional coupler. The filter circuit includes multiple signal paths that filter out signals in different frequency ranges. Switches are provided that select one of the signal paths through the filter circuit. These switches are controlled in response to data contained in the radio frequency signal.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial ply runflat tire is described. The tire has a carcass structure having at least one radial carcass ply, two bead regions, two sidewalls, each sidewall having an upper sidewall portion that connects to the shoulders and being reinforced by an insert, a belt structure between the tread and the carcass, and an air impermeable inner liner formed of a butyl rubber located radially inward of the carcass structure wherein the air impermeable inner liner extends from a first shoulder region to a second shoulder underneath the crown portion of the tire, and does not extend from the shoulder to the bead portion of the tire.

Abstract: Signal amplifiers are provided that have a two (or more) piece housing that has an input port, an output port and a power port. At least one of the housing pieces comprises an aluminum housing piece. A first coaxial connector is mounted in the input port, a second coaxial connector is mounted in the output port and a third coaxial connector is mounted in the power port. A power amplifier is mounted within the housing, and is configured to amplify an input signal received through the first coaxial connector. At least first and second of the housing pieces have at least one metal plated thereon, and the first housing piece is soldered, welded or brazed to the second housing piece.

Abstract: A method of forming a tread comprising two or more layers of rubber is described. The method includes the steps of: extruding a rubber compound through an extruder and a gear pump and mixing with an accelerant and then applying a continuous strip of rubber directly onto a tire building machine to form a first layer of rubber having a first cure rate; adjusting the amount of accelerant to obtain a second cure rate different than said first cure rate, and then applying a strip of rubber having a second cure rate onto the tire building machine, wherein one of the cure rates is faster than the other cure rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a blended rubber composition directly onto a tire building drum or core is described. The method includes the steps of extruding a first rubber compound through a main extruder and a main gear pump. A second rubber compound is extruded through a second extruder and into a second gear pump. The output from the second gear pump is fed into the main extruder. The ratio of the first compound to the second compound is varied by adjusting the speed of the main gear pump and the speed of the second gear pump. A continuous strip of rubber formed of said first compound and said second compound is laid directly onto a tire building machine to form a first layer of rubber having a first blend ratio. The speed of the main gear pump and the second gear pump is adjusted to obtain a second blend ratio of said first compound to said second compound, and then a strip of rubber formed of said second blend ratio is applied to the tire building drum or core.

Abstract: An addressable optical network interface unit includes an optical input and a radio frequency output. The unit also includes an optical-to-electrical conversion circuit that converts optical signals received at the optical input into radio frequency signals, a directional coupler that is coupled to an output of the optical-to-electrical conversion circuit and a radio frequency receiver that is coupled to a first output of the directional coupler. The radio frequency receiver receives radio frequency signals input through the optical input. The unit also includes a controller that is coupled to the radio frequency receiver, and a filter circuit that is coupled to a second output of the directional coupler. The filter circuit includes multiple signal paths that filter out signals in different frequency ranges. Switches are provided that select one of the signal paths through the filter circuit. These switches are controlled in response to data contained in the radio frequency signal.

Abstract: Coaxial connectors include a connector body and an inner contact post mounted therein. These connectors further include a compression element that is configured to impart a generally circumferential compressive force to secure one or more elements of a coaxial cable between the connector body and the inner contact post, and an internally threaded rotatable nut that is configured for attachment to the connector body. In some embodiments, the nut has a first set of threads and a second set of threads that is immediately adjacent to the first set of threads, where the threads of the second set of threads are configured to provide increased drag and mechanical resistance as compared to threads of the first set of threads when the rotatable nut is threaded onto a female coaxial cable port. In other embodiments, an internal diameter of the threaded portion of the nut varies along the axial direction. In still other embodiments, a bushing is mounted within the threaded region of the nut.

Abstract: Signal amplifiers are provided that have a two (or more) piece housing that has an input port, an output port and a power port. At least one of the housing pieces comprises an aluminum housing piece. A first coaxial connector is mounted in the input port, a second coaxial connector is mounted in the output port and a third coaxial connector is mounted in the power port. A power amplifier is mounted within the housing, and is configured to amplify an input signal received through the first coaxial connector. At least first and second of the housing pieces have at least one metal plated thereon, and the first housing piece is soldered, welded or brazed to the second housing piece.

Abstract: This invention relates to the awarding of prizes for games, such as for example, table games like card games. In one form the present invention is suitable for use in the game of Blackjack and provides a system for awarding a game prize, comprising: determining a tally corresponding to each game completed at two or more locations at which games are played; and awarding the prize to a second game upon the completion of a first game which causes the tally to reach a predetermined number. Alternatively, the present invention provides a system for awarding a game prize, comprising: determining a tally of predetermined results produced by the play of a game; and awarding the prize to a second game when a predetermined result associated with a first game causes the tally to reach a predetermined number.

Abstract: A bi-directional RF signal amplifier can be provided with a non-interruptible communication path for maintaining communication between an input and output port in the event of power failure. The amplifier may receive RF signals from a service provider or any other appropriate signal source through an input port. In residential applications, the amplifier may receive a composite RF signal comprising information for telephone, cable television (CATV), Internet, VoIP, and/or data communication from a service provider. The amplifier may increase the signal to a more useful level of approximately 20 dBmV/carrier and pass the amplified signal to one or more devices in communication with the amplifier through various output ports. In the event of power failure, a signal may still be passed through the non-interruptible communication path between the service provider and the communication device.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus for converting power from an alternating source to dc includes an input stage for receiving power from the alternating source, which includes an input filter, a rectifier for rectifying the alternating signal, a capacitor for storing energy from the rectified signal, and an output for outputting power from the rectifying means and the capacitor to the pulsed load. The pulsed load has at least one switched winding which receives power from the output, and wherein the capacitor is configured such that the voltage across the capacitor falls below 15% of the nominal peak rectified voltage of the source during each cycle of the alternating source. A converter of this kind provides benefits in that the current drawn from the ac supply falls within limits imposed by regulations and is simpler and cheaper than known converters of a similar power rating.

Abstract: An extruder head for use in forming at least one strip of polymeric material. The extruder head includes a flow channel having a flow inlet end and a flow outlet end. A flow diverter is removably secured within the flow channel of the extruder head. The flow diverter is held securely in place within the flow channel by a fastening mechanism, and the flow diverter can be easily removed from the flow channel for reshaping or reprofiling as may be necessary to achieve a desired velocity profile of polymeric material flow at the flow outlet end of the flow channel.