Abstract: Embodiments relate to a touchless valve device including an emitter configured to emit an emission. The device includes a receiver configured to detect the emission. The receiver is positioned within an emission path of the emitter. The receiver is configured to, upon detection of the emission by the receiver, the receiver generates a first signal. The receiver is configured to generate a second signal when the receiver does not detect the emission. The receiver is configured to transmit the first signal and/or the second signal to a processor that controls a valve.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a beverage dispensing system that controls the flow of beverage based on information acquisitioned from a marker associated with a vessel for the beverage. The system utilizes a switching apparatus located in the tap of the dispensing unit that can selectively enable mechanical connection between the hand lever of the tap and the stem based on the information acquisitioned. Some embodiments include a hand tilt device for automatically controlling the flow of beverage, and a vessel tilt device to adjusting the tilt of the vessel so as to achieve a preferred pour.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a beverage dispensing system that controls the flow of beverage based on information acquisitioned from a marker associated with a vessel for the beverage. The system utilizes a switching apparatus located in the tap of the dispensing unit that can selectively enable mechanical connection between the hand lever of the tap and the stem based on the information acquisitioned. Some embodiments include a hand tilt device for automatically controlling the flow of beverage, and a vessel tilt device to adjusting the tilt of the vessel so as to achieve a preferred pour.

Abstract: An automatic fluid sampler works in conjunction with a conventional oil well test system. The sampler utilizes a rotating platter which aligns the mouth of a sampling container with a conduit for delivery of a composite sample which is provided in incremental volumes over the duration of a well test event. Upon completion of the well test, a fresh container is rotated to be in position to receive a composite sample for a new well test event.

Abstract: Embodiments of the system can relate to information tracking of items and/or other objects associated with the items. Some embodiments can include information tracking of the use of the items and/or objects. Some embodiments can include the use of markers associated with the items. At least one of the markers may be modifiable. In at least one embodiment, a marker can be configured to generate a certain detectable property (e.g., emit a signal, have a certain pattern, have a certain color, have a certain magnetic property, etc.). During use of the item and/or object associated with the item, the marker can be used to generate tracking information. Upon changing its detectable property, the marker can be caused to generate different and/or additional tracking information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the system can relate to information tracking of items and/or other objects associated with the items. Some embodiments can include information tracking of the use of the items and/or objects. Some embodiments can include the use of markers associated with the items. At least one of the markers may be modifiable. In at least one embodiment, a marker can be configured to generate a certain detectable property (e.g., emit a signal, have a certain pattern, have a certain color, have a certain magnetic property, etc.). During use of the item and/or object associated with the item, the marker can be used to generate tracking information. Upon changing its detectable property, the marker can be caused to generate different and/or additional tracking information.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater plow can include a frame, a plow assembly and a propulsion assembly. The plow assembly is fixed to the one end of the frame, while the propulsion assembly is pivotably attached to the other end. The propulsion assembly includes thrusters that are rigidly coupled to a float, and that provide a propulsion force perpendicular to the float buoyancy force. The plow sinks when placed in the water, but the float provides sufficient buoyancy so that the float end floats while the plow end is in contact with the ocean floor. This establishes a rake angle of between the frame and ocean floor. The plow requires less propulsion force for motion because part of the plow is floating, and requires less force to overcome obstacles on the ocean floor because the thrusters provides a constant horizontal propulsion force while the frame tilts to overcome the obstacle.

Abstract: An underwater plow includes a plow assembly that is attached to a frame. The plow assembly includes a blade portion, which defines a blade trough, and a sensor chute portion. The blade portion extends downwardly below a plane that is coincident with a longitudinal axis defined by the frame, while the chute portion extends upwardly above the same plane. A depressor arm is pivotably attached to the blade portion and biased to be in contact with the trough. The depressor arm has a groove that is sized to allow the cable, but not the sensors, to pass through the groove while the depressor arm is in contact with the trough. With this configuration, an array cable passes downward through the blade portion of the plow assembly and becomes buried in the ocean floor. Array sensors, however, are routed upward and pass through the chute portion of the plow assembly.

Abstract: An underwater plow can include a depressor cam and a chute cam that are pivotably attached to a blade portion. The blade portion can be formed with a trough and the depressor cam can be biased in the trough. The chute cam can be formed with a groove having a minimum thickness at its attached end and an increasing taper to a maximum thickness at its distal end. A sensor passing through the plow contacts the edge of the depressor cam, causing depressor cam rotation away from the trough. The sensor passes the depressor cam and pushes against the chute cam, which causes the chute cam to contra-rotate relative to the depressor cam until the sensor passes through the chute arm at is maximum thickness. Once the sensor passes through, the cams contra-rotate back to their respective biased positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of monitoring the biological activity of the PK1 receptor.

Abstract: Adhesive formulations are blends of aqueous polymer dispersions and a hydrophobic plasticizer. The blended dispersed polymers include at least one hard sulfonated polyester urethane, at least one soft non-sulfonated polyester urethane, and at least one polar non-polyurethane water-based polymer or copolymer. A high molecular weight elastomeric non-sulfonated polyurethane polymer and a crosslinker are optional further components in the blend. The formulations are useful as non-heat activating, one-component adhesives which generate excellent green strength, water and heat resistant bonds.

Abstract: Adhesive formulations are blends of aqueous polymer dispersions and a hydrophobic plasticizer. The blended dispersed polymers include at least one hard sulfonated polyester urethane, at least one soft non-sulfonated polyester urethane, and at least one polar non-polyurethane water-based polymer or copolymer. A high molecular weight elastomeric non-sulfonated polyurethane polymer and a crosslinker are optional further components in the blend. The formulations are useful as non-heat activating, one-component adhesives which generate excellent green strength, water and heat resistant bonds.

Abstract: Adhesive formulations are blends of aqueous polymer dispersions and a hydrophobic plasticizer. The blended dispersed polymers include at least one hard sulfonated polyester urethane, at least one soft non-sulfonated polyester urethane, and at least one polar non-polyurethane water-based polymer or copolymer. A high molecular weight elastomeric non-sulfonated polyurethane polymer and a crosslinker are optional further components in the blend. The formulations are useful as non-heat activating, one-component adhesives which generate excellent green strength, water and heat resistant bonds.