Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for managing a processing load of a processing module and thermal energy produced by the processing load. In one example, a method includes identifying a hot water profile that contains usage information of hot water from a hot water tank that serves as a heat sink for the thermal energy. A determination may be made as to whether it is economically desirable to increase or decrease the processing load based on factors such as an economic value generated by the processing load, a cost of energy needed to support the processing load, and an economic value of the thermal energy transferred to the hot water tank based on the hot water profile. The processing load may be dynamically modulated by a local or remote controller in response to the economic desirability of increasing or decreasing the processing load as well as other possible parameters.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to molecular diagnostic devices configured to amplifying a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) locus and discriminate between two or more allelic variants of the SNP, indicating presence or absence of a target allele. In some embodiments, the molecular diagnostic devices are capable of detecting, at point-of-care, SNPs associated with resistance or susceptibility to antibiotic treatment of organism infections. In other aspects, the disclosure provides methods of treatment for disease or disorders (e.g. organism infections) where treatment is guided by presence or absence of an allele at a SNP locus as determined by such molecular diagnostic devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a smokeless tobacco composition adapted for oral use, the composition including a tobacco material and an effervescent material. The effervescent material includes a sugar material containing an entrapped gaseous component, such that release of the entrapped gaseous component occurs upon dissolution of the sugar material in the oral cavity. The invention also provides a method for making a smokeless tobacco composition that involves mixing a tobacco material with an effervescent material, the mixing step including either admixing a granulated composition comprising a tobacco material with a gasified sugar material in particulate form, or forming a gasified sugar material in situ by mixing a water source with a molten composition comprising a tobacco material and a sugar alcohol.

Abstract: A device 10 for installation within or on a structure for transferring kinetic energy from a load moving across the structure to a pneumatic or hydraulic system 3 for harvesting this wasted energy. A rocker having an upper surface for passage of the load is pivotally or slidably mounted in a cradle, the cradle housing at least one pneumatic or hydraulic pipe disposed between the rocker and the cradle.

Abstract: A system for securing a protected area (such as an internal compartment of a safe) by locking an operable opening (such as a door) in a closed position. The invention comprises a wireless lock system that may include an input apparatus located on the outside of the protected area that communicates wirelessly with other components of the lock system located inside the protected area. Various wireless technologies may be employed including, for example, infrared communication.

Abstract: A system for securing a protected area (such as an internal compartment of a safe) by locking an operable opening (such as a door) in a closed position. The invention comprises a wireless lock system that may include an input apparatus located on the outside of the protected area that communicates wirelessly with other components of the lock system located inside the protected area. Various wireless technologies may be employed including, for example, infrared communication.

Abstract: The present invention concerns polyester resins of General Formula I (HO—[R1R2C(CH2—)]a[—OCOCxHyCO2—]b[—CpHzO—]c—H) or General Formula II (HO—[R1R2C(CH2—)2]a[—OCOCxHyCO2—]b[—CH2CR3(CO2H)CH2O]d—H), wherein R1, R2, a, b, c, d, x, y, p, and z are as defined herein, for use in inks and coating compositions. The polyester resins of the present invention are particularly, but not exclusively, suitable to enhance the adhesion between a printing ink or coating composition and a substrate, especially a plastic substrate, to which it is applied. The polyester adhesion promoters of the invention are compatible with urethane-based inks and coating compositions.

Abstract: A wheel for an air maintenance tire system is provided. The air maintenance tire system includes at least one pump and a regulator. The wheel includes a body that is formed with an axially-extending wall, a pair of flanges, and a pair of bead mounting areas. Each bead mounting area is disposed axially inwardly proximate a respective one of the flanges. The axially-extending wall is formed with an AMT mounting channel. The AMT mounting channel extends circumferentially about the wheel approximately mid-way between the flanges and is defined by a first adjacent wall, a second adjacent wall, and a base. Mounting surfaces are formed in or adjacent the AMT mounting channel, so that the at least one pump is mounted in the AMT mounting channel radially inwardly of the bead mounting areas.

Abstract: A method for making a fiber electrically conductive comprises the steps of: (a) providing a fiber having a negative electric charge at the surface of the fiber, (b) applying to the fiber a substance (such as a polyelectrolyte) which provides a layer of said substance on the fiber and changes the electric charge at the surface of the fiber from negative to positive, wherein said substance is not chitosan, and (c) making the surface of the fiber electrically conductive with a metal, wherein the metal of step (c) is provided in the form of metal ions and wherein a reducing agent (for example) is employed to reduce the metal ions to elemental metal. Fabrics formed from conductive fibers are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns polyester resins of General Formula I (HO—[R1R2C(CH2—)]a[—OCOCxHyCO2—]b[—CpHzO—]c—H) or General Formula II (HO—[R1R2C(CH2—)2]a[—OCOCxHyCO2—]b[—CH2CR3(CO2H)CH2O]d—H), wherein R1, R2, a, b, c, d, x, y, p, and z are as defined herein, for use in inks and coating compositions. The polyester resins of the present invention are particularly, but not exclusively, suitable to enhance the adhesion between a printing ink or coating composition and a substrate, especially a plastic substrate, to which it is applied. The polyester adhesion promoters of the invention are compatible with urethane-based inks and coating compositions.

Abstract: A wheel for an air maintenance tire system is provided. The air maintenance tire system includes at least one pump and a regulator. The wheel includes a body that is formed with an axially-extending wall, a pair of flanges, and a pair of bead mounting areas. Each bead mounting area is disposed axially inwardly proximate a respective one of the flanges. The axially-extending wall is formed with an AMT mounting channel. The AMT mounting channel extends circumferentially about the wheel approximately mid-way between the flanges and is defined by a first adjacent wall, a second adjacent wall, and a base. Mounting surfaces are formed in or adjacent the AMT mounting channel, so that the at least one pump is mounted in the AMT mounting channel radially inwardly of the bead mounting areas.

Abstract: Power distribution apparatus with input and output power sensing and a method of use. A power distribution unit includes a sensor that senses power parameters of power outputs and a power input, a processor, and a communication circuit. A power management system includes a power manager, a user interface, and a plurality of power distribution units that may be located in one or more equipment cabinets and data centers. The system may compute apparent power, RMS power, power factor, energy usage over time, power usage history, or environmental history for any or all of the power distribution units. The system may identify an under-utilized server connected to one of the power distribution units and initiate a shut-down of that server.

Abstract: A voucher processor (122) receives (204) a plurality of voucher identifiers from a voucher provider (132) and, for each voucher identifier, instructs (208) the issuing of payment credentials of a payment instrument from an issuer processor (123). The issuer processor (123) or the voucher processor (122) links (210) each voucher identifier to payment credentials of a corresponding payment instrument. The voucher processor (122) or issuer processor (123) submits the plurality of voucher identifiers to the voucher provider (132) along with the linked payment credentials for each voucher identifier, such that, subsequent to a voucher being activated (408), the voucher provider is capable of initiating (424) a transfer of funds associated with the voucher in favour of the voucher provider (132) by transmitting the payment credentials linked to the voucher identifier for receipt by the issuer processor (123).

Abstract: An air maintenance tire system and method in accordance with the present invention includes an air pumping mechanism configured to maintain air pressure within a first tire and a second tire in a dual tire arrangement. The system includes a control valve assembly attached to an elongate valve stem projecting from a rim of a first tandem tire, and a one-way valve carrying connecting tube from a sidewall air pumping passageway within a sidewall of the first tire. The control valve assembly further includes first and second outlet tubes connected to the elongate valve stem to selectively pass pressurized air into the tire cavities of both tandem mounted tires on an as-needed basis.

Abstract: An air maintenance tire system and method in accordance with the present invention includes an air pumping mechanism configured to maintain air pressure within a first tire and a second tire in a dual tire arrangement. The system includes a control valve assembly attached to an elongate valve stem projecting from a rim of a first tandem tire, and a one-way valve carrying connecting tube from a sidewall air pumping passageway within a sidewall of the first tire. The control valve assembly further includes first and second outlet tubes connected to the elongate valve stem to selectively pass pressurized air into the tire cavities of both tandem mounted tires on an as-needed basis.

Abstract: A modular foam spray gun is illustrated in which a third hose is attached to the gun for the application of either a liquid or a gas, the spray gun having a transverse channel positioned at a rear of the housing of the gun for securedly affixing the separable module to the housing of the spray gun.

Abstract: A modular foam spray gun is illustrated in which a third hose is attached to the gun for the application of either a liquid or a gas, the spray gun having a transverse channel positioned at a rear of the housing of the gun for securedly affixing the separable module to the housing of the spray gun.

Abstract: The present invention concerns polyester resins of General Formula I (HO—[R1R2C(CH2—)]a[—OCOCxHyCO2—]b[—CpHzO—]c—H) or General Formula II (HO—[R1R2C(CH2—)2]a[—OCOCxHyCO2—]b[—CH2CR3(CO2H)CH2O]d—H), wherein R1, R2, a, b, c, d, x, y, p, and z are as defined herein, for use in inks and coating compositions. The polyester resins of the present invention are particularly, but not exclusively, suitable to enhance the adhesion between a printing ink or coating composition and a substrate, especially a plastic substrate, to which it is applied. The polyester adhesion promoters of the invention are compatible with urethane-based inks and coating compositions.