Abstract: There is provided an electronically controlled, motor-driven, breath actuated metered dose inhaler for delivering aerosolized medicament or other matter to a user. The inhaler may comprise a base housing including a motor-driven actuator and other system components and a removable aerosol cartridge insertably receivable in the base housing. The inhaler may be paired with a smart phone or other client computing device to provide additional functionality, such as to provide instructional information and feedback regarding usage of the inhaler, to generate and display dosage tracking information, and to provide alerts and reminders to a user of the inhaler or others.

Abstract: A paper coating or binding formulation comprises an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent. The carbohydrate derived compound can be selected from the group consisting of dextrins, maltodextrins, and mixtures thereof. Methods of preparing a paper coating or binding formulation and improving the whitening properties of paper are also provided. Furthermore, paper including a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A paper coating or binding formulation comprises an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent. The carbohydrate derived compound can be selected from the group consisting of dextrins, maltodextrins, and mixtures thereof. Methods of preparing a paper coating or binding formulation and improving the whitening properties of paper are also provided. Furthermore, paper including a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A paper coating or binding formulation comprises an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent. The carbohydrate derived compound can be selected from the group consisting of dextrins, maltodextrins, and mixtures thereof. Methods of preparing a paper coating or binding formulation and improving the whitening properties of paper are also provided. Furthermore, paper including a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides for an imaging apparatus for imaging an integrated circuit carrier and respective integrated circuits mounted on the integrated circuit carrier. The imaging apparatus has a support structure and a bed mounted on the support structure. The bed is displaceable along a horizontal axis. A nest assembly is supported by the bed, and retains the integrated circuit carrier and respective integrated circuits. An image recordal device is provided for recording an image representing the integrated circuit carrier and integrated circuits. A support assembly is attached to the support structure. The support assembly supports the image recordal device, and is adjustable to enable adjustment of a position of the image recordal device relative to the bed.

Abstract: The invention provides for an imaging apparatus for imaging integrated circuits and a respective integrated circuit carrier. This enables positional analysis to be carried out on the integrated circuits and respective carrier. The imaging apparatus includes a support structure, and a bed mounted on the support structure and displaceable along an operatively horizontal axis, the bed being configured to support a nest assembly that operatively retains the integrated circuit carrier and respective integrated circuits. Also included is a support assembly operatively mountable with respect to a bed on which the integrated circuit carrier and integrated circuits are supported, in use. The apparatus further includes an image recordal device mounted on the support assembly and configured to record an image representing the integrated circuit carrier and integrated circuits, the support assembly including an adjustment mechanism to enable adjustment of a position of the image recordal device relative to the bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing assembly that defines an enclosure, a control system mounted in the housing assembly, and an operator interface mounted on the housing assembly and connected to the control system to allow an operator to control the measuring apparatus. The apparatus also includes a measuring table assembly mounted in the housing assembly and configured to receive a nest assembly supporting an integrated circuit carrier carrying a number of integrated circuits, and a camera assembly mounted in the housing assembly and configured to generate image data representing the integrated circuit carrier and the integrated circuits. The camera assembly is connected to the control system which is configured to carry out a positional analysis on the integrated circuit carrier and the integrated circuits to determine at least one of positions of the integrated circuits on the carrier and relative positions of consecutive integrated circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing assembly that defines an enclosure, a control system mounted in the housing assembly, and an operator interface mounted on the housing assembly and connected to the control system to allow an operator to control the measuring apparatus. The apparatus also includes a measuring table assembly mounted in the housing assembly and configured to receive a nest assembly supporting an integrated circuit carrier carrying a number of integrated circuits, and a camera assembly mounted in the housing assembly and configured to generate image data representing the integrated circuit carrier and the integrated circuits. The camera assembly is connected to the control system which is configured to carry out a positional analysis on the integrated circuit carrier and the integrated circuits to determine at least one of positions of the integrated circuits on the carrier and relative positions of consecutive integrated circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing an alignment of a carrier with respect to a plurality of integrated circuits on the carrier. The carrier has optically discernible carrier references and each integrated circuit has optically discernible circuit references.

Abstract: The invention provides for a measuring apparatus for measuring the positions of a plurality of printhead integrated circuits relative to a carrier on which the printhead integrated circuits are located. The carrier has carrier fiducials and each integrated circuit has integrated circuit fiducials. The measuring apparatus includes a support assembly, a receptacle positioned on the support assembly and configured to receive the carrier, the receptacle being movable relative to the support assembly between a loading position and a sensing position, and a sensor configured to sense positions of the carrier and integrated circuit fiducials. The apparatus also includes a control system configured to control the sensor to measure the positions of the carrier and integrated circuit fiducials.

Abstract: The invention provides for a safety system for a measuring apparatus for measuring positions of integrated circuits on an integrated circuit carrier positioned, in use, in a working enclosure of the apparatus. The safety system includes a sensor arrangement for sensing an operational status of the measuring apparatus, and an emergency cut-off configured to deactivate the measuring apparatus automatically when an undesired operational status is sensed by the sensor arrangement. A control system is connected to the sensor arrangement and the emergency cut-off to activate the emergency cut-off on receipt of a predetermined signal from the sensor arrangement.

Abstract: The invention provides for an imaging apparatus for imaging integrated circuits and a respective integrated circuit carrier. This enables positional analysis to be carried out on the integrated circuits and respective carrier. The imaging apparatus includes a support structure, and a bed mounted on the support structure and displaceable along an operatively horizontal axis, the bed being configured to support a nest assembly that operatively retains the integrated circuit carrier and respective integrated circuits. Also included is a support assembly operatively mountable with respect to a bed on which the integrated circuit carrier and integrated circuits are supported, in use. The apparatus further includes an image recordal device mounted on the support assembly and configured to record an image representing the integrated circuit carrier and integrated circuits, the support assembly including an adjustment mechanism to enable adjustment of a position of the image recordal device relative to the bed.

Abstract: A paper coating or binding formulation comprises an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent. The carbohydrate derived compound can be selected from the group consisting of dextrins, maltodextrins, and mixtures thereof. Methods of preparing a paper coating or binding formulation and improving the whitening properties of paper are also provided. Furthermore, paper including a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-port valve device to divert flow of a fluid from a piggable transfer pipe line into a branch pipeline, and simultaneously prevent a line clearing device (known as a pig or cleaning sphere) from flowing with that fluid into the branch pipeline. This device can operate in a least two positions; one that will allow unobstructed flow of a fluid and/or pigs through the device, and at least one other position that will divert flow of a fluid through the device to a branch port and simultaneously present an in-line barrier to stop a pig. In a preferred embodiment, the device resembles a customized “T-port” ball valve where the “branch” flow path is modified to include an integral pig stop.

Abstract: An unconstrained artificial knee joint for dogs is provided. A stainless steel femoral component has two condylar surfaces formed without any reinforcing ribs in order to minimize the amount of resection of the distal end of the femur. A femoral anchoring stem is formed integrally with the femoral component and is embedded in the femur. A metallic tibial support platform is provided which includes a tibial anchoring stem integrally formed with the platform, the stem adapted to extend downwardly into the tibia and be embedded in the tibia. A plastic spacer is carried by the upper surface of the tibial support and cooperates with and slides smoothly against the condylar surfaces of the femoral component.

Abstract: Copolymeric binders for use in paperboard-coating compositions are provided, which exhibit lower gel content than the latices employed in conventional paperboard-coating compositions. Paperboard-coating compositions incorporating the copolymeric binders of the present invention exhibit improved glueability. More specifically, paperboard coated with the composition of the present invention requires less time to develop backside fiber tear in comparison to conventional paperboard, at no sacrifice to the remaining paperboard properties.

Abstract: The present invention concerns that of a new and improved apparatus which would allow a user to more easily raise and lower a jack of a vehicle. Presently, it is awkward for most people to use the jack handle that comes as a standard part of all vehicles. The jack handle that presently comes with vehicles can be turned a little over 180 degrees, at which time, the handle of the jack handle must be brought back toward the person's body, at which time, the jack handle is attached to the jack again and the motion is repeated. A traditional jack handle must be constantly used, detached, reattached, and used again approximately 20-30 times before the jack would be an appropriate level for a user to change a tire or perform other desired car repairs or alterations.

Abstract: A casing annulus remediation system for lowering a flexible hose into an annulus between strings of casing in a petroleum well by pressurizing the hose so that the hose is rigid and may be forced down the annulus. It is necessary to insert the hose through an outlet into the annulus region for well fluid displacement when pressure builds up in the annulus between casing strings due to leaks in the casing. Pressure build-up in the annulus is reduced by pumping a heavy liquid, sealant or other media through the hose into the annular space experiencing the pressure build-up. A tubing nose is affixed to the lower end of the hose. The hose may be inserted hundreds of feet into the well. Therefore, the hose is pressurized to maintain rigidity to keep the hose from winding about the well during deployment. To keep the hose rigid, internal pressure is maintained in the hose. The tubing nose is provided with a check valve that holds the pressure.

Abstract: A scissor action low profile hand instrument includes a first member pivotably attached to a second member at a pivot point. The instrument has a surgical tip separated from a handle by a middle section. A centerline passing through the pivot point separates each half of the handle and each half of the surgical tip. The middle section of the instrument includes switchback segments that are positioned on opposite sides of the centerline. The switchback segments allow the instrument to retain a relatively small maximum width over a large portion of its middle section when moved from a closed position to a spread position.

Abstract: An improved emergency slide evacuation device wherein a second ply substantially parallels a sliding ply of the emergency slide evacuation device but remains substantially unattached to the sliding ply except for edge portions of the second ply whereby the second ply supports the sliding ply in the event of tears or rips in the sliding ply but remains at least partially isolated from the forces being applied to the sliding ply to effect tearing or ripping. The improvement finds use particularly in the fabrication of aircraft evacuation slides.