Abstract: An oral care implement with fluid dispensing system includes a head, handle, and intermediate neck. The head comprises plural tooth cleaning elements. A reservoir containing oral care fluid is fluidly coupled to an elastomeric valve nested between a pair of longitudinally spaced protective lamellas on the head. A depressible actuator button operates to dispense the oral care fluid from the reservoir through the valve to the tooth cleaning elements. The protective lamellas formed of elastomeric material are foldable to alternating cover the valve to prevent ingress of external fluids in the oral cavity of the user into the valve to minimize fouling of the fluid dispensing system. Laterally open areas between the lamella allow the oral care fluid to migrate outwards to the tooth cleaning elements. To control the dosage of oral care fluid dispensed, a modular system comprising interchangeable spacer inserts is usable to change and customize the dosage.

Abstract: A method of forming micro-channels in a plastic surface using a pressing device includes structuring a micro-channel forming tool for the pressing device to include a press end including a press surface that extends along a plane and a micro-channel detail positioned on the press end and extending beyond the plane of the press surface. The micro-channel detail includes a non-critical portion and a critical portion supported by the non-critical portion. The press end of the micro-channel forming tool is driven into the plastic surface at a predetermined force using a pressing device. Ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the micro-channel forming tool for a predetermined amount of time to melt portions of the plastic surface in contact with the pressing surface. The ultrasonic vibrations are removed after the predetermined amount of time has elapsed and the press end is retracted from the plastic surface.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a pump dispenser, the pump assembly comprises a cap having a housing and a spout, a collar, a sleeve, and a dip tube. The sleeve is at least partially positioned within the collar and comprises a coupling member. The coupling member comprises a shoulder, a coupling joint, and a coupling member channel extending from the shoulder to the coupling joint. The dip tube has a first end and an opposing second end, and defines a dip tube channel extending from the first end to the second end. The first end of the dip tube is configured to pivotally couple to the coupling joint and fluidly connect the dip tube channel and the coupling member channel. The dip tube channel comprises a first diameter at the first end and second diameter at the second end that is different than the first diameter.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a pump dispenser, the pump assembly comprises a cap having a housing and a spout, a collar, a sleeve, and a dip tube. The sleeve is at least partially positioned within the collar and comprises a coupling member. The coupling member comprises a shoulder, a coupling joint, and a coupling member channel extending from the shoulder to the coupling joint. The dip tube has a first end and an opposing second end, and defines a dip tube channel extending from the first end to the second end. The first end of the dip tube is configured to pivotally couple to the coupling joint and fluidly connect the dip tube channel and the coupling member channel. The dip tube channel comprises a first diameter at the first end and second diameter at the second end that is different than the first diameter.

Abstract: A sight attachable to a weapon and comprising an objective lens, an image display, and a digital reticle. The objective lens focuses infrared light received from a scene onto a thermal imager, which is comprised of a focal plane array that detects infrared radiation in the scene focused by the lens. The image display is in signal communication with the thermal imager and provides an image of the received infrared light from the scene. The image rendered by the display is visible to the user. The digital reticle is rendered on the display and provides an aim point of the weapon upon a target in the scene. The image of the scene and superimposed reticle are directly viewable by a user with the aim point of the weapon upon the target being maintained constant over a range of viewing angles that depart from a viewing angle perpendicular to the display.

Abstract: Probes are instrumented in multiple software modules of a computer system having virtual machines running therein and executed in a coordinated manner. An output of one probe may be used to conditionally trigger another probe so that the precision of collected data may be improved. In addition, outputs of probes that are triggered in different software modules by related events may be synchronized and analyzed collectively. Probes also may be parallel processed in different processors so that multiple probes can be processed concurrently.

Abstract: A sight attachable to a weapon and comprising an objective lens, an image display, and a digital reticle. The objective lens focuses infrared light received from a scene onto a thermal imager, which is comprised of a focal plane array that detects infrared radiation in the scene focused by the lens. The image display is in signal communication with the thermal imager and provides an image of the received infrared light from the scene. The image rendered by the display is visible to the user. The digital reticle is rendered on the display and provides an aim point of the weapon upon a target in the scene. The image of the scene and superimposed reticle are directly viewable by a user with the aim point of the weapon upon the target being maintained constant over a range of viewing angles that depart from a viewing angle perpendicular to the display.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sustainable building system (SBS) that is affordable, capable of being replicated at a small and large scale, significantly reduces both the heating and cooling loads of the building as well as the total energy that the building consumes. Energy consumption can be reduced sufficiently that the building is capable of net-zero-energy status. That is, a building made using the system, method and components described herein can, with the inclusion of appropriate renewable energy technologies, generate on site all the energy that the building needs. Specific to this SBS is the design of a super-insulated and nearly air-tight building thermal envelop, that is, to the greatest extent possible, thermal-bridge-free and that has incorporated into that envelope high performance windows and doors.

Abstract: A sight attachable to a weapon and comprising an objective lens, an image display, and a digital reticle. The objective lens focuses infrared light received from a scene onto a thermal imager, which is comprised of a focal plane array that detects infrared radiation in the scene focused by the lens. The image display is in signal communication with the thermal imager and provides an image of the received infrared light from the scene. The image rendered by the display is visible to the user. The digital reticle is rendered on the display and provides an aim point of the weapon upon a target in the scene. The image of the scene and superimposed reticle are directly viewable by a user with the aim point of the weapon upon the target being maintained constant over a range of viewing angles that depart from a viewing angle perpendicular to the display.

Abstract: Probes are instrumented in multiple software modules of a computer system having virtual machines running therein and executed in a coordinated manner. An output of one probe may be used to conditionally trigger another probe so that the precision of collected data may be improved. In addition, outputs of probes that are triggered in different software modules by related events may be synchronized and analyzed collectively. Probes also may be parallel processed in different processors so that multiple probes can be processed concurrently.

Abstract: A process for the production of ethanol from biomass is disclosed. The process relates to the pretreatment of corncob biomass and includes the steps of exposing corncob to steam in a reaction vessel at an elevated temperature and reaction pressure for a preselected exposure time. Volatile compounds are continuously vented during pretreatment. The reaction pressure is released for explosive decomposition of the corncob biomass into fibrous solids and condensate. The exposure is preferably carried out at a temperature of 190-210° C. and a pressure of 190 psig to 275 psig and an exposure time of 3 to 10 minutes.

Abstract: The subject invention relates in part to the discovery of a spontaneous sunflower mutation. The subject invention involves an ‘early’ mutation and related inbred/hybrid development. The subject invention further provides a single dominant gene that confers earliness in sunflower inbred isolines and near isogenic hybrids. There is no known prior teaching or suggestion of this gene's utility for hybrid development in the industry. The subject indention also provides a new and distinctive sunflower inbred line designated H 120R. The invention includes seeds that possess this mutated gene, plants produced by growing these seeds, and progeny thereof that possess this mutated gene and the associated earliness trait. The subject invention also includes methods for producing such sunflower seeds and plants, including inbreds and hybrids. Such plants can be produced by, for example, crossing such an inbred line with itself or with another sunflower line.

Abstract: A process for the production of ethanol from biomass is disclosed. The process relates to the pretreatment of corncob biomass and includes the steps of exposing corncob to steam in a reaction vessel at an elevated temperature and reaction pressure for a preselected exposure time. Volatile compounds are continuously vented during pretreatment. The reaction pressure is released for explosive decomposition of the corncob biomass into fibrous solids and condensate. The exposure is preferably carried out at a temperature of 190-210° C. and a pressure of 190 psig to 275 psig and an exposure time of 3 to 10 minutes.

Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint connection interface includes a drive unit, a direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector and a sealant. The drive unit includes a shaft having a second interface surface. The direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector includes a unitary inner joint part having a first interface surface, where the first interface surface is connected to the second interface surface of the drive unit. The sealant provides filling between the first and second interface surfaces. Also provided is a direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector having sealant on an interface portion of an inner joint part and a method thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising water, more than 30% w/w of calcium hydroxide, and >0.2% w/w dispersant. A process for preparing such a composition is also disclosed. The composition which can be in the form of a 45-55% concentration lime slurry is particularly useful for converting concentrated ammonium lignosulfonate into calcium lignosulfonate, for converting ammonium lignosulfonate into low sulfate calcium, potassium, sodium, or magnesium lignosulfonate and mixtures thereof, for removing soluble sulfate from concentrated sodium, potassium, ammonium or magnesium lignosulfonate or for treating a weak liquor obtained from the pulp and paper industry.

Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint connection interface includes a drive unit, a direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector and a sealant. The drive unit includes a shaft having a second interface surface. The direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector includes a unitary inner joint part having a first interface surface, where the first interface surface is connected to the second interface surface of the drive unit. The sealant provides filling between the first and second interface surfaces. Also provided is a direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector having sealant on an interface portion of an inner joint part and a method thereof.

Abstract: A dual use or two-way tool for lighting and extinguishing candles includes an arcuate tubular member having a candle snuffing portion terminating with a cone-shaped candle snuffing member for extinguishing the candle flame and an opposite candle lighting portion terminating with an integrally formed secondary jaw that cooperates with a primary jaw pivotally mounted to the tubular member and in alignment with the secondary jaw whereupon the jaws cooperate to hold a match for lighting the candlewick and for releasing the match for disposal after lighting, with the jaws actuated through a release and return spring, and the jaws including front and side apertures for receiving and holding therein the match so that the candlewick can be lit straight on and also at 90 degrees angles relative to the extension of the jaws thereby enabling the lighting of candlewicks for candles emplaced in deep candle holders.

Abstract: A flange joint includes opposed companion flanges including opposed faces having central voids therein, and mutually engageable teeth. A pilot member is carried by one of the companion flanges in its central void and is arranged for insertion into the central void of the other of the companion flanges upon assembly of the companion flanges for preliminary axial and rotational alignment of the flanges before engagement of the mutually engageable teeth.