Abstract: A pregnancy test system (10) includes a carrier (14) carrying a plurality of (sensors 12) arranged in a fixed relationship relative to one another. A signal processing (circuit 42) processes data sensed by the sensors (12) and outputs a data signal representative of the pregnancy status of an animal being examined. A support arrangement (24) supports the carrier (14) in a desired position relative to the animal. A positioning mechanism (26) is associated with the carrier (14) for positioning the carrier (14) at the desired position relative to the animal.

Abstract: A binding system for binding a set of media sheets using a binding strip and a plurality of pinching devices adapted to fasten together the binding strip and the set of media sheets by pinching them together in their respective spine portions. The binding strip includes a spine portion, a wraparound portion and a fastening portion having a releasable fastening strip. The binding system is adapted to bind the set of media sheets by aligning the spine edges of the set of media sheets and the binding strip, using the pinching devices to fasten together the set of media sheets and the binding strip along the spine edges, wrapping the wraparound portion of the binding strip around the spine edges of the fastened media sheets, and bringing the releasable fastening strip into operative contact with the back media sheet.

Abstract: Synchronous interfaces on a first device are configured such that a first synchronous interface is set to a slave mode while a second synchronous interface is set to a master mode. A second device with two synchronous interfaces may then be coupled to the first device with the corresponding synchronous interfaces in master mode and slave mode, respectively. A pair of unidirectional synchronous data channels is established, allowing data transfer between the devices. These channels allow for asynchronous-like transmission of data, in that transmission and corresponding receipt of data may take place at irregular intervals.

Abstract: A multi-output dual polarity inductive boost converter includes an inductor, a first output node, a second output node, and a switching network, the switching network configured to provide the following modes of circuit operation: a first mode where the positive electrode of the inductor is connected to an input voltage and the negative electrode of the inductor is connected to ground; 2) a second mode the negative electrode of the inductor is connected to ground and the positive electrode of the inductor is connected in sequence to one or more of the fourth and fifth output nodes; and 3) a third mode where the positive electrode of the inductor is connected to the input voltage and the negative electrode of the inductor is connected in sequence to one or more of the first, second and third output nodes.

Abstract: Water is used to control particle size in a process comprising mixing water with a composition comprising a rheology modifying agent and possibly sugar and cellulose to produce a paste. The paste is extruded to form particles which are then spheronised and dried. One advantage of using water to control particle size is that the number of particles having a diameter within a required range, e.g. between from about 800 to about 1500 ?m, may be increased.

Abstract: Analytical methods and devices according to the present disclosure may be used to assay the concentration of malic acid, or related species, in a sample, e.g., preparations of fruit, vegetables, juice, and/or wine. Liquid samples are combined with a reaction mixture, incubated, and a parameter characteristic of the resulting incubated mixture is measured. During the incubation, the reaction mixture generally reacts with the liquid sample to transform malic acid or related species that is present in the liquid sample. The measured parameter may be pressure, pH, an amount (e.g., volume, mass) of CO2 generated during the incubation, a parameter related to the foregoing, and/or any other parameter related to the amount of malic acid or related species transformed.

Abstract: An arbor apparatus for use in a counterweight rigging system includes a support structure for supporting counterweight bricks in stacked arrangement. The arbor apparatus can be front-loading with left side, back and right side supports. The arbor apparatus can include a plurality of shelf members spaced apart in a longitudinal direction between the top and bottom ends. The arbor apparatus can also include a gate mechanism. The arbor apparatus can be implemented as a retrofit to existing manual counterweight rigging systems.

Abstract: A user input device communicatively coupled to a memory is disclosed. The user input device may include a user-manipulated portion; a surface contact portion of the user-manipulated portion, the surface contact portion disposed at an end of the user-manipulated portion; a first light source contained substantially within the user-manipulated portion, the first light source emitting light through the surface contact portion; a user input detector at an external surface of the user-manipulated portion; and an optical receiver at an external surface of the user-manipulated portion, the optical receiver configured to communicate a plurality of data associated with an object external to the user input device to the memory.

Abstract: The floral vase anchor is preferably formed from a single strip of plastic or metal, and includes a tri-planar surface, wherein the central portion includes a series of notches on either side, and upper and lower sections extend at obtuse angles away from the plane of the central portion. The upper section and lower section each include floral insert slots at the distal ends thereof for receiving the stems from a floral arrangement. In use, a florist may insert the stems into the floral insert slots until the stems are positioned within the rounded portion of the slots. Then rubber bands may be used to secure the stems to the anchor, and the assembly may be placed into a vase. A securing mechanism may be used to fix the anchor to the vase, and may also be used to secure the vase to the ground or a monument.

Abstract: A process for treating a milled product to reduce microbial activity at a high confidence level is disclosed. A sterile ready to eat milled product at a high confidence of sterility is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vertical joint system for substrates is formed with joints Jm and Jf which engaged by relative motion in a direction perpendicular to major surfaces and of the substrate. The joints are configured to enable relative rotation of up to 3 degrees (i.e. clockwise or anticlockwise) while maintaining engagement of the joints. The joints Jm and Jf are further configured to form two locking planes, one on each of the inner and outer most sides of the joint. Engagement about the locking planes is provided by transverse outward extending surfaces Cm1, Cm2, Cf1 and Cf2. The surface Cf1 and Cf2 overhang the surfaces Cm1 and Cm2. At least one surface in each pair of engaging surfaces: Cf1 and Cm1; and, Cf2 and Cm2 is smoothly curved. The joints Jm and Jf can be further arranged to provide a third locking plane parallel to and between the locking planes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interconnecting dual manifested spacecraft for launch by a launch vehicle are disclosed. Different motive forces are utilized to couple a first spacecraft to a second spacecraft and to restrict demating of the second spacecraft from the first spacecraft. Some systems and methods utilize pneumatic pressure to permit mating of a first spacecraft to a second spacecraft and utilize spring force to restrict demating of the second spacecraft from the first spacecraft.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a full interaction record for a meeting with non-realtime interaction is disclosed. The system and method may include recording a first plurality of data associated with the meeting to produce a meeting record at a first time, and determining whether to insert a placeholder in the meeting record at a point in the meeting record.

Abstract: Enclosed, collapsible and shippable disposable animal litter box which can be shipped without loss of animal litter pre-filled in the litter box, and which can be collapsed by the user for disposal after use, thus resealing the box so that used litter and animal waste are prevented from escaping the box. Litter box includes a top, bottom, left side, right side, front, and rear of sheet material with a litter tray for holding animal litter. Various sides are hingedly attached to each other for shipping, opening up by the user into an enclosed use position for the animal, and then for being closed into a disposal position after use. An animal entryway is provided. Entryway includes a removable seal for sealing entry for preventing litter from escaping when litter box is in collapsed position during both shipping of clean litter and discarding of used litter.

Abstract: A client transmits one or more lead records to a lead enhancement module that is configured to enhance the received lead records and return enhanced lead records to the client. The lead enhancement module may return a contactability score for each lead record, indicating a likelihood that the individual identified in the lead may be contacted using the contact information provided in the lead record and/or additional contract information located by the lead enhancement module. The lead enhancement module may also receive additional data items associated with leads from one or more data sources. Additionally, statistical models that may be customized for each client may be applied to information associated with lead records in order to determine one or more propensity scores for each of the lead records, where a propensity score indicates a likelihood that an individual will take a particular action, such as purchasing particular goods or services.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing collections processing is provided.

Abstract: A strain of Francisella species wherein a gene which encodes for part of the glutamate metabolic pathway has been inactivated, and which is able to produce a protective immune response in an animal, for use as live prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine against infection by said Francisella species. Particularly effective strains include those where the capB gene is deleted. Other embodiments of the invention describe strains which compromise a further genetic mutation wherein a gene which encodes for another component of the cell is also inactivated. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising said strains, together with methods which utilize such strains are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A system including a controller having a data repository configured to store a first mapping associating a user to an Application Certificate and a second mapping associating the user to a user privilege. The system further includes an OPC Unified Architecture (UA) server configured to provide server access based on receiving the Application Certificate from an OPC UA client and enforcing the user privilege, in which the user privilege is retrievable based on the first and the second mappings.

Abstract: A transmission line structure includes a first transition element, a second transition element, and an active element. The first transition element has a radio frequency injection port and the second transition element, which is spaced from the first transition element, has a radio frequency termination port. An active element is in electrical communication with the first transition element and the second transition element. The active element includes a first and second connection region where the active element is attached to the first and second transition elements. The connection regions are configured to reduce reflection of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: An aircraft pressure bulkhead electrical connector comprising a first connection terminal proximate at least one side of the electrical connector and a pressure seal arranged to maintain an applied air pressure differential across the electrical connector in use.