Abstract: A method and system for forming a package that addresses operational challenges in container packaging systems. A packaging machine may include a conveyance system that provides continuous blank transport through multiple processing stages. The system may include pre-break stages that prepare fold lines in the blank for subsequent folding operations. Leading edge manipulators may include mechanical elements with finger-like protrusions and biasing mechanisms for controlled pressure application. Trailing edge cam assemblies may include dynamic cams with engagement points mounted on rotatable shafts driven by servo motors. Tamper wheels may provide rolling surfaces with wedge-shaped recesses for secondary fold line reinforcement.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a package that addresses operational challenges in container packaging systems. The system may include a conveyor to propagate the blank and the plurality of containers at a first velocity through the system, the blank includes a main panel having a plurality of apertures, a left clip enclosing panel foldably coupled to a first side of the main panel and a right clip enclosing panel foldably coupled to a second side of the main panel. The system further includes a latching tool including a blade member configured to travel in an eccentric path such that the blade member is arranged to move vertically to secure a portion of the clip enclosing panel to a first set of containers while simultaneously moving horizontally at the first velocity.

Abstract: A method of at least partially erecting a carton includes loading a blank in a blank infeed assembly, the blank having a plurality of panels and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. The method further includes positioning the blank on at least one conveyor assembly configured to move the blank in a downstream direction, operating the at least one conveyor assembly to move the blank in the downstream direction toward a carton erection assembly, the carton erection assembly including an end flap engagement assembly positioned adjacent the at least one conveyor assembly, and activating the end flap engagement assembly such that a portion of the end flap engagement assembly contacts and moves at least one end flap of the plurality of end flaps of the blank as the blank moves in the downstream direction.

Abstract: A method of at least partially erecting a carton includes loading a blank in a blank infeed assembly, the blank having a plurality of panels and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. The method further includes positioning the blank on at least one conveyor assembly configured to move the blank in a downstream direction, operating the at least one conveyor assembly to move the blank in the downstream direction toward a carton erection assembly, the carton erection assembly including an end flap engagement assembly positioned adjacent the at least one conveyor assembly, and activating the end flap engagement assembly such that a portion of the end flap engagement assembly contacts and moves at least one end flap of the plurality of end flaps of the blank as the blank moves in the downstream direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling a clay-nanoparticle gel suitable for loading with one or more molecule species such that they are spatially structured therein, and a method for forming a clay-nanoparticle gel comprising one or more spatially structured molecule species. The invention further relates to structured clay nanoparticle gel and their use, for example in treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes animal feed products formulated to inhibit focal ulcerative dermatitis, and methods of feeding such products to the animals. Feeding methods involve providing poultry with a feed product that includes a base feed and a direct-fed microbial composition. The direct-fed microbial composition includes one or more strains of Bacillus pumilus. The poultry can include cage-free layer hens at risk of developing, or already diagnosed with, focal ulcerative dermatitis. Inhibition of focal ulcerative dermatitis can increase the egg production of the layer hens relative to layer hens fed the same base feed but lacking the direct-fed microbial composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes animal feed products formulated to inhibit focal ulcerative dermatitis, and methods of feeding such products to the animals. Feeding methods involve providing poultry with a feed product that includes a base feed and a direct-fed microbial composition. The direct-fed microbial composition includes one or more strains of Bacillus pumilus. The poultry can include cage-free layer hens at risk of developing, or already diagnosed with, focal ulcerative dermatitis. Inhibition of focal ulcerative dermatitis can increase the egg production of the layer hens relative to layer hens fed the same base feed but lacking the direct-fed microbial composition.

Abstract: A method of at least partially erecting a carton includes loading a blank in a blank infeed assembly, the blank having a plurality of panels and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. The method further includes positioning the blank on at least one conveyor assembly configured to move the blank in a downstream direction, operating the at least one conveyor assembly to move the blank in the downstream direction toward a carton erection assembly, the carton erection assembly including an end flap engagement assembly positioned adjacent the at least one conveyor assembly, and activating the end flap engagement assembly such that a portion of the end flap engagement assembly contacts and moves at least one end flap of the plurality of end flaps of the blank as the blank moves in the downstream direction.

Abstract: The invention provides an open platform for thought leaders and influencers to collaborate, curate, manage, promote, and share their expertise over a communications network, such as the Internet. The thought leaders are evaluated across multiple dimensions of their roles as an academic, author, entrepreneur, inventor, influencer and/or speaker, as well as in various functional domains. The rating and ranking is achieved by curating, measuring and analyzing their published thought leadership content portfolio across the Internet via a points-based system. Further, the invention provides business entities and service providers ways to both finding the world's top thought leaders, and nurture their own thought leaders.

Abstract: A conjugate comprising a protein or peptide conjugated to a therapeutic, diagnostic or labelling agent via a linker, characterised in that the linker includes at least two ˜(CH2—CH2—O—)˜ units within a ring, said ring being attached via a single tethering atom within the ring to the rest of the linker, or said ring being attached via two or more tethering atoms within the ring to the rest of the linker at a single point.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes an outer conductive body having a first end configured to mate with a corresponding electrical connector, and a conductive center contact arranged within the outer conductive body. The center contact comprises a first end configured to mate with the corresponding electrical connector and a second end electrically connecting with a first electrical contact of a circuit board. An outer contact is slidably attached to a second end of the outer conductive body and electrically connects with a second electrical contact of the circuit board. An elastic element is provided for biasing the outer contact in a direction away from the outer conductive body and toward the circuit board.

Abstract: The invention provides an open platform for thought leaders and influencers to collaborate, curate, manage, promote, and share their expertise over a communications network, such as the Internet. The thought leaders are evaluated across multiple dimensions of their roles as an academic, author, entrepreneur, inventor, influencer and/or speaker, as well as in various functional domains. The rating and ranking is achieved by curating, measuring and analyzing their published thought leadership content portfolio across the Internet via a points-based system. Further, the invention provides business entities and service providers ways to both finding the world's top thought leaders, and nurture their own thought leaders.

Abstract: A conjugate comprising a protein or peptide conjugated to a therapeutic, diagnostic or labelling agent via a linker, characterised in that the linker includes at least two ˜(CH2—CH2—O—)˜ units within a ring, said ring being attached via a single tethering atom within the ring to the rest of the linker, or said ring being attached via two or more tethering atoms within the ring to the rest of the linker at a single point.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes animal feed products formulated to inhibit focal ulcerative dermatitis, and methods of feeding such products to the animals. Feeding methods involve providing poultry with a feed product that includes a base feed and a direct-fed microbial composition. The direct-fed microbial composition includes one or more strains of Bacillus pumilus. The poultry can include cage-free layer hens at risk of developing, or already diagnosed with, focal ulcerative dermatitis. Inhibition of focal ulcerative dermatitis can increase the egg production of the layer hens relative to layer hens fed the same base feed but lacking the direct-fed microbial composition.

Abstract: A conjugate comprising a protein or peptide conjugated to a therapeutic, diagnostic or labelling agent via a linker, characterised in that the linker includes at least two ˜(CH2—CH2—O—)˜ units within a ring, said ring being attached via a single tethering atom within the ring to the rest of the linker, or said ring being attached via two or more tethering atoms within the ring to the rest of the linker at a single point.

Abstract: A surgical access port and assembly are disclosed for providing access for a medical instrument into an intracorporeal cavity of a patient undergoing surgery. The access port comprises a cannula and a first passage which extends along the cannula and along which a medical instrument is arranged to pass, the passage comprising a first entrance portion disposed at a proximal region the of the cannula and a first exit portion disposed at a distal region of the cannula. The cannula further comprises a second passage which extends along the cannula and along which an electrode is arranged to pass, the second passage comprising a second entrance portion disposed at a proximal region of the cannula and a second exit portion disposed at a distal region of the cannula.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes an outer conductive body having a first end configured to mate with a corresponding electrical connector, and a conductive center contact arranged within the outer conductive body. The center contact comprises a first end configured to mate with the corresponding electrical connector and a second end electrically connecting with a first electrical contact of a circuit board. An outer contact is slidably attached to a second end of the outer conductive body and electrically connects with a second electrical contact of the circuit board. An elastic element is provided for biasing the outer contact in a direction away from the outer conductive body and toward the circuit board.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a surgical device actuatable for performing a surgical procedure, the device having an electrically conductive portion, and an ion-generating electrode integrally arranged with respect to the surgical device, the ion-generating electrode having an ion emission zone. The ion emission zone of the ion-generating electrode and the electrically conductive portion of the surgical device are moveable relative to each-other between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Various exemplary aspects are directed to acoustic context recognition apparatuses and methods involving isolating and identifying context(s) of an acoustic environment. In one exemplary embodiment, source audio is converted into audio spectrograms, each spectrogram indicative of a period of time. The series of spectrograms are analyzed to identify audio patterns, over a period of time, which are indicative of an environmental context of the source audio. In many embodiments of the present disclosure, acoustic context recognition also includes comparing the identified audio patterns to known environmental contexts.