Abstract: A unit for mixing and dispensing an aerosol precursor composition, and containers to be dispensed therefrom. The unit includes a plurality of bulk material filling stations, the plurality of bulk material filling stations have at least one first filling station with aerosol former and at least one second filling station with a flavor material for creating the aerosol precursor. The unit also includes a bulk consumable pack staging a plurality of containers configured to receive the aerosol precursor, and a robot configured to retrieve a container from the bulk consumable pack and move the container through at least two dimensions to stop at least two of the plurality of bulk material filling stations.

Abstract: An online system determines a predicted performance of presenting a content item based on factors including a context in which the content item is to be presented. The context in which the content item is to be presented identifies other content presented in conjunction with the content item, content presented prior to presenting the content item, or actions performed prior to, after, or during presentation of the content item. Based on prior actions by users presented with content items in different contexts, the online system determines a quality score for each context. Using the quality score for the context in which the content item is to be presented and other factors, the online system determines the predicted performance of presenting the content item. The online system may modify determination of the predicted performance as the online system receives information describing results of presenting the content item.

Abstract: An ultrasound system is described which produces blended fundamental and harmonic frequency images. Successively transmitted, differently modulated pulses are transmitted by an ultrasound probe and both fundamental and harmonic frequencies are received in response. The echo signals received from the two pulses are processed by pulse inversion, producing cleanly separated bands of fundamental and harmonic signals in which undesired components have been cancelled. Since the two bands have been separated by signal cancellation rather than filtering, the two bands are allowed to overlap, providing broadband signals in each band. The bands are filtered by bandpass filtering to define the fundamental and harmonic signals to be imaged. The signals are detected, and the detected signals are combined after weighting to produce a blended fundamental/harmonic image.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing ionized alkaline solutions (e.g. ionized alkaline water) that exhibit long-term stability when stored at room temperature.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a vehicle including a shift-by-wire transmission in a neutral-hold mode is provided. The system includes a transmission control unit in signal communication with the shift-by-wire transmission and an internal control unit of the vehicle. The transmission control unit is configured to control a gear configuration of the shift-by-wire transmission. An external control unit is in signal communication with the transmission control unit. The external control unit is configured to transmit a neutral-hold mold activation signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing ionized alkaline solutions (e.g. ionized alkaline water) that exhibit long-term stability when stored at room temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing ionized alkaline solutions (e.g. ionized alkaline water) that exhibit long-term stability when stored at room temperature.

Abstract: A process for making an article comprising a thermoplastic component (4) and a rubber component (3) having an halogenated surface in which the thermoplastic component is welded directly to the halogenated surface of the rubber component by, for example, RF or impulse welding. The product comprises a rubber component having an halogenated surface and a thermoplastic component in which the halogenated surface of the rubber component and the thermoplastic component are fused together.

Abstract: A method of neutralizing a polysiloxane having acidic residuals is disclosed. The method involves contacting a polysiloxane having acidic residuals with a carbon solid, and separating the carbon solid from the polysiloxane. This invention is particularly useful to neutralize residual acid polymerization catalysts in organopolysiloxanes.

Abstract: Cushions for disc brake pads are disposed between the brake pads and their caliper pistons or caliper fingers. The cushions possess such characteristics of resilience that, during braking action, brake pads follow irregularities and ride over high spots on rotor faces. This action significantly reduces uneven frictional drag, which lowers braking temperature increasing braking efficiency and brake system longevity. Each cushion comprises a resilient body which is further comprised of either a material, such as an elastomeric pad, or a structure such as a compressible spring or other apparatus.

Abstract: Cushions (12 & 20) for disc brake pads (32 & 38), cushions being disposed between said brake pads and their corresponding caliper pistons (46) or caliper fingers (48). Cushions possess such characteristics of resilience that, during braking action, brake pads are allowed to “follow” the irregularities (ride over the high spots) on their corresponding rotor faces (44). This action significantly reduces frictional drag, which lowers braking temperature. Lower braking temperature translates directly into increased braking efficiency and brake system longevity. Each cushion comprises a resilient body—either a material, such as an elastomeric pad; or, a structure, such as a compressible spring; or, a device, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic damper—and a means for securing the cushion in place, such as spot welds, clips of various designs, adhesives, rivets, screws, mating physical features, or et cetera.

Abstract: A method of neutralizing a polysiloxane having acidic residuals is disclosed. The method involves contacting a polysiloxane having acidic residuals with a carbon solid, and separating the carbon solid from the polysiloxane. This invention is particularly useful to neutralize residual acid polymerization catalysts in organopolysiloxanes.

Abstract: The present invention includes the preparation of highly conducting conjugated polymers and their use as electrochemical actuators. A typical electrochemical actuator comprises a highly conducting, conjugated polymer for the anode or the cathode, or for both the anode and the cathode; suitable conjugate polymers have a conductivity ?100 S/cm. The material may have any form, including films and fibers. A preferred shape is a strip or a fiber, where the fiber can be solid or hollow, although any shape may be used. Before use, the material may be treated, for example, by immersion in an acid, in order to dope/protonate the material or to introduce anions or to exchange the anion in the polymer for another anion. Other materials may be incorporated in the polyaniline to increase its conductivity or to provide other benefits, such as increased strength. Useful conducting polymers include monomers of anilines, pyrroles, thiophenes, phenylene vinylenes, and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A shampoo which imparts various cosmetic attributes to the hair, ranging from gloss and condition to body and manageability comprises an aqueous solution of a surfactant and a hair cosmetic agent, for example a wood rosin or a polyketone resin maintained in dispersion in the solution by means of a thickening and suspending agent. On dilution of the shampoo with water during shampooing, the hair cosmetic agent is deposited onto the hair.