Abstract: A method of communicating between nodes in a network where a node receives a sequence of symbols that will form a packet on a first communications channel and has a planned packet that it would send on a second communications channel. A destination is encoded into an arbitration portion of a header sequence of the packet, the header sequence comprising a sequence of symbols. The transmission on the second communications channel is as per the planned packet, for as long as the symbols of the planned packet match the symbols being received on the first channel. An arbitration decision is made when the symbols do not match, with the node either continuing to send the rest of the planned packet, or the rest of the packet being received on the first communications channel.

Abstract: A method of producing leached compost casing may include washing compost to remove nutrients from the compost, drying the compost and using the compost as casing to grow plants. In some applications the compost may be pasteurized or sterilized while it is being leached.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a domestic appliance floor drain assembly and related methods for implementing a domestic appliance floor drain assembly. In one such embodiment, an exemplary domestic appliance floor drain assembly includes a floor drain liner with a basin to collect fluids that may be leaking from a domestic appliance; and a floor drain insert configured to fit within the basin, wherein the floor drain insert has a rigid structure that is configured to direct leaking fluids from the domestic appliance to an opening in the floor drain liner.

Abstract: A resistance exercise device includes: an elongated handle having first and second handle ends; an elongated element having first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, at least part of the elongated element being flexible; a coupling connecting the elongated element near the first end to the elongated handle near the first handle end; and resistance fins attached to the elongated element, disposed around and along part of the elongated element, and oriented outwardly from the longitudinal axis, the elongated element and attached resistance fins being at least generally symmetrical along the longitudinal axis, whereby when whirled, the elongated element and the attached resistance fins prevent rotation about the longitudinal axis and produce a substantially continuous resistance exercise. A method of exercising includes: providing the resistance exercise device; holding the elongated handle by a user; and whirling the elongated element and attached fins about the elongated handle.

Abstract: An attachment device (10) for attaching accessories to a support comprising a connector (14) for connecting to a device to be supported, and a strap (11), the strap (11) having a support region (12) mounting the connector (14), and first and second flexible engagement portions (16, 18); the first engagement portion 16 including a plurality of spaced deformable fins (20) extending from one side thereof and a plurality of through apertures (24) spaced along the length of the first engagement portion (16), the second engagement portion (18) including a plurality of spaced deformable fins (22) extending from one side thereof, and at least one upstand (26, 28) extending from the other side thereof adapted to enter and engage with at least one of the through apertures (24) of the first engagement portion (16).

Abstract: A method for converting power including controlling operation of a plurality of series connected modules including a DC power sources and storage devices such that the total voltage across the series connected modules comprises an AC signal. A storage parameter is defined based on a sum of a function of the voltages in the storage devices in the modules and one or more voltage control levels are defined for each of or a plurality of the storage devices. An average current drawn from the series connected modules over a time period is set such that the storage parameter approaches a target value. The target value is decreased for a subsequent time period in the event that none the voltage control levels are reached and increased in the event that one or more of the voltage control levels are reached.

Abstract: A method of detection of faults on circuit boards comprising the steps of capturing an image (14) of each of a plurality of circuit boards (10) and dividing each of the captured images (14) into a plurality of image segments, each having an image characteristic value. One of the circuit boards 10 is selected for testing and each image segment is compared with corresponding image segments of each other circuit boards (10) to define a plurality of differential image characteristic values. The differential image characteristic values for each image segment are ranked from lowest to highest and an nth differential image characteristic value is selected. An overlay image comprising a representation of the selected differential image characteristic values is created and displayed over the selected circuit board.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus for sterilizing air includes an outer housing having side walls extending between opposed bottom and top walls that, together, define an outer chamber. An inner housing is situated in the outer chamber and includes opposed top and bottom ends and having a wall structure that defines a sealed inner chamber extending therebetween. The wall structure includes at least one side wall that defines a transparent window. An inlet port is in communication with one end of the inner chamber and that directs unsterilized air into the inner chamber. An ultraviolet (“UV”) light source is positioned outwardly adjacent the window and configured to emit UV light through the window and into the inner chamber when energized so as to sterilize air in the inner chamber. An outlet port is in communication with another end of the inner chamber that directs sterilized air downstream from the inner chamber.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus for sterilizing air includes an outer housing having side walls extending between opposed bottom and top walls that, together, define an outer chamber. An inner housing is situated in the outer chamber and includes opposed top and bottom ends and having a wall structure that defines a sealed inner chamber extending therebetween. The wall structure includes at least one side wall that defines a transparent window. An inlet port is in communication with one end of the inner chamber and that directs unsterilized air into the inner chamber. An ultraviolet (“UV”) light source is positioned outwardly adjacent the window and configured to emit UV light through the window and into the inner chamber when energized so as to sterilize air in the inner chamber. An outlet port is in communication with another end of the inner chamber that directs sterilized air downstream from the inner chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for converting fingerprint cards into electronic files is provided having a computer system for inputting biographical information from each of the cards into memory of, or accessible by, the computer, and encoding the biographical information into a barcode which is printed by a printer on a label for affixing to the card. A scanner is operated for scanning each of the cards having the affixed label associated with the card. For each scanned image of a card, the computer system or another computer system decodes the biographical information from the barcode in the scanned image, segments fingerprint images of the fingerprints of different types of fingers at locations in the scanned image, and stores at least the decoded biographical information and the fingerprint images in an electronic fingerprint file for the card and/or a record in a database.

Abstract: A single-use ostomy appliance is described including an ostomy coupling for releasable coupling first and second portions at a stomal orifice. The two portions may be separable body-side and non-body-side parts, or the two portions may be portions of a unitary ostomy device such as a controlled evacuation device. The coupling includes a mechanical fastener configured such that the coupling is rendered substantially not resecurable after the fastener is released.

Abstract: An improved design for a rolling suitcase having a retractable handle assembly is disclosed. The design includes a multi-piece molded shell having opposing side and end walls and a bottom wall, which together form a packing area. The telescoping tubes of the handle are located outside the packing area to maximize the packing area, and also to provide a flat bottom surface to minimize wrinkling of packed articles. The wheel skids are moved to the outer corners of the suitcase to minimize intrusion into the packing area. The tubes are made from fiber reinforced polymer for enhanced strength, and are concealed from view by a covering envelope. The handle assembly and wheel skids attach to the shell in a manner that enhances the structural strength and rigidity of the suitcase. Wear points on the handle assembly are provided with removable wear members made from abrasion-resistant material.

Abstract: An adjustable backrest assembly includes a backrest and a first frame member coupled to the backrest. The adjustable backrest assembly also includes a second frame member configured to be coupled with a motorcycle. The first frame member is slidable relative to the second frame member along an adjustment axis. The adjustable backrest assembly further includes an actuator movable in the direction of the adjustment axis or about the adjustment axis to selectively allow adjustment of the backrest relative to the second frame member along the adjustment axis.

Abstract: A garment enclosure is disclosed having top and bottom panels, first and second side panels, and first and second end panels. The enclosure has a longitudinal axis and an unfolded length. First and second cylindrical members are connected to the top panel and oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. First and second extensible panels are connected to the bottom panel at locations adjacent respective first and second cylindrical members. The extensible panels are extensible in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the garment enclosure. The extensible panels are not connected to the first and second side panels, so that when a garment is placed within the enclosure and the enclosure is folded about the first and second cylindrical members, the extensible panels extend longitudinally to prevent binding of the garment at the fold points. The elimination of binding substantially eliminates wrinkling of the garment. A method of using the garment enclosure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sterilization wrap protector separates a sterilization tray from a sterilization wrap, the protector may include a foam plastic material having an inside engagement surface. The inside engagement surface may include a first inside surface that is generally planar, a second inside surface which extends from the first inside surface and that is generally arcuate in cross section and a third inside surface which also extends from the first inside surface and is also generally arcuate in cross section. An outside engagement surface may include a first outside surface that is generally planar, a second outside surface that is generally planar and which extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the first outside surface and a third outside surface that is generally planar and which extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the first outside surface and to the second outside surface.

Abstract: A utility stand comprising a substantially U-shaped item support member, a base member, and a vertical support that extends between the base member and the item support member. In particular embodiments, the item support member is adapted to be rotated between: (A) a first position, in which the item support member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) a second position, in which the item support member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position. In various embodiments, the base member is adapted to be rotated between: (A) a first position, in which the base member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) a second position, in which the base member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position.

Abstract: A binder composition for fibrous substrates that includes a low-pressure polymerized emulsion resin comprising vinyl acetate monomer units and post-crosslinking monomer composition. The inventive compositions enable fibrous substrates with high tensile strengths and excellent curability, and are particularly useful as binders in synthetic fiberfill applications.

Abstract: A single-use ostomy appliance is described including an ostomy coupling for releasable coupling first and second portions at a stomal orifice. The two portions may be separable body-side and non-body-side parts, or the two portions may be portions of a unitary ostomy device such as a controlled evacuation device. The coupling includes a mechanical fastener configured such that the coupling is rendered substantially not resecurable after the fastener is released.