Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling machine includes a drill string rotational drive unit having an output member configured to connect with and selectively drive rotation of a drill string, the rotational drive unit including a hydraulic motor. A hydraulic circuit has a configuration that puts the motor in a drive mode to apply torque and a second configuration that puts the motor in a freewheel mode disabled from applying torque. The hydraulic circuit includes a first fluid flow path for connecting the hydraulic motor through a first rotary ball valve to one of an inlet side and an outlet side of a drive pump, and a second fluid flow path for selectively connecting the hydraulic motor through a second rotary ball valve to the other side of the drive pump. In the first configuration, there is no pressure drop across the first and second rotary ball valves.

Abstract: A fastener testing system includes a vibration testing apparatus including a test station and a preparation station. The preparation station is configured to have a plurality of test pieces sequentially assembled therein. The test station is configured to sequentially receive and vibrate each assembled test pieces of the plurality of test pieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray dried plasma composition having one or more of the following characteristics: when reconstituted, largely amorphous and has no cholesterol crystals; when reconstituted, the number of large particulates is reduced; has low residual moisture; reconstitutes rapidly in under four minutes; highly stable when stored under refrigeration, at room temperature or at elevated temperatures and allows for storage for longer periods of time; when reconstituted, exhibits recovery of the most fragile of proteins, including von Willebrand's factor; when reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection (SWFI), reconstituted plasma is at a pH that is near normal plasma pH, and does so without treatment or storage in CO2 or other pH adjustment; and when reconstituted, has reduced complement activation (C5A, C3A).

Abstract: The present invention includes a spray drying disposable device for use in a spray drying system. The disposable has a spray drying head and a plasma drying chamber. The head has a spray dry nozzle assembly in fluid communication with the plasma source and the pressurized aerosol gas source. The pressurized gas flows in a vortex pattern that atomizes plasma droplets in the chamber. The head also includes a plenum has uniform air pressure of the drying gas. A baffle plate forms the floor of the plenum having drying gas jets that supply drying gas to the chamber. The atomized plasma droplets evaporate in the presence of the drying gas emitted from the jets to obtain dried plasma particles and humid air. A capture filter captures the dried plasma particles and allows the humid air to pass. The humid air passes through the gas outlet and the exhaust port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray dried plasma composition having one or more of the following characteristics: when reconstituted, largely amorphous and has no cholesterol crystals; when reconstituted, the number of large particulates is reduced; has low residual moisture; reconstitutes rapidly in under four minutes; highly stable when stored under refrigeration, at room temperature or at elevated temperatures and allows for storage for longer periods of time; when reconstituted, exhibits recovery of the most fragile of proteins, including von Willebrand's factor; when reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection (SWFI), reconstituted plasma is at a pH that is near normal plasma pH, and does so without treatment or storage in CO2 or other pH adjustment; and when reconstituted, has reduced complement activation (C5A, C3A).

Abstract: A space vehicle competition management system includes an orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) and a control unit. The OTV is configured to retain space vehicles (SVs) while the OTV transfers the SVs from an initial altitude of a launch vehicle to a desired altitude, and deploy the plurality of SVs at a series of offset locations and respective times representing starting points of the competition. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to receive signals indicative of waypoint arrival times for one or more of the SVs at one or more waypoints along a course of the competition, and compute one or more metrics indicative of relative performance of the plurality of SVs in the competition.

Abstract: A thruster system for use in a spacecraft combines chemical and electric or electrothermal propulsion. To that end a thruster may comprise a cavity including at least one inlet to receive a first fluid and a second fluid configured to chemically react with the first fluid within the cavity to generate a reaction product. Alternatively, the cavity may be configured to receive a monopropellant configured to chemically decompose within the cavity. The thruster system further comprises an energy source coupled to the cavity and configured to heat or ionize material within the cavity by emitting electromagnetic radiation. Still further, the thruster system comprises a nozzle provided at one end of the cavity and configured to direct heated material out of the cavity to generate thrust.

Abstract: A fireplace is disclosed having a flame screen that is fitted over a gas burner. The gas burner may be an elongated tube having orifices that are configured to produce a row of flames. The row of flames passes through openings in the flame screen to increase the height of the row of flames, change the color of the row of flames, and/or alter a shape or distribution of the row of flames. The flame screen may also facilitate ignition of a gas emitted from the gas burner after the flame screen has been heated by the row of flames.

Abstract: A blank is manufactured by additive layer manufacturing. The blank is made up of a part, a tool, and a connection member connecting the tool to the part, which are all integrally formed during the build from the same build material. The connection member can be cut or broken to disconnect the tool from the part which enables the tool to be used to mechanically remove surface build material from the surface of the part.

Abstract: A process for producing a retroviral or lentiviral vector formulation comprising a filter-sterilisation step wherein the filter-sterilisation step is not the final step in the purification process.

Abstract: A process for producing a retroviral or lentiviral vector formulation comprising a filter-sterilisation step wherein the filter-sterilisation step is not the final step in the purification process.

Abstract: A process for producing a retroviral or lentiviral vector formulation comprising a filter-sterilisation step wherein the filter-sterilisation step is not the final step in the purification process.

Abstract: A process for producing a retroviral or lentiviral vector formulation comprising a filter-sterilization step wherein the filter-sterilization step is not the final step in the purification process.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary protective garment for providing limited protection from lightning is fabricated of a waterproof/breathable fabric, such as a Gore-Tex® laminate or equivalent. The garment keeps a wearer's body dry and supports a lightning flashover event when moist or wet on the outside, protecting the cardiopulmonary system. Strips of an electrically conductive fabric, such as Shieldex® or equivalent, can be attached in various arrangements on a posterior outer surface of the garment for igniting a rapid flashover. The conductive strips also provide attractive design details. In some embodiments, an inner heat shielding and flame resistant layer, made of a fabric such as NOMEX® or equivalent, can increase protection against burning caused by lightning and a flashover.

Abstract: One aspect provides a method of controlling transmit power in a wireless device, wherein a desired transmit power is determined as a result of detection of a receive signal parameter. The method comprises detecting a desired maximum transmit power and generating a sequence of attenuation factors. The sequence is generated by monotonically increasing a variable at a controlled rate between a starting value and the maximum transmit power. The method further comprises using each attenuation factor in turn to: (a) reduce the measured value of the received signal power; and (b) reduce a determined desired value of the transmit power, where the transmit power is continually reduced as the variable is increased.

Abstract: One aspect provides a method of controlling transmit power in a wireless device, wherein a desired transmit power is determined as a result of detection of a receive signal parameter. The method comprises detecting a desired maximum transmit power and generating a sequence of attenuation factors. The sequence is generated by monotonically increasing a variable at a controlled rate between a starting value and the maximum transmit power. The method further comprises using each attenuation factor in turn to: (a) reduce the measured value of the received signal power; and (b) reduce a determined desired value of the transmit power, where the transmit power is continually reduced as the variable is increased.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for solar fan controller have been disclosed. In one version a solar fan controller (SFC) uses inputs about temperature, humidity, weather, and fan status to control a fan.

Abstract: Wiping products are disclosed containing an additive composition that enhances the cleaning properties of the product. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. The additive composition increases various properties of the product including the ability of the product to quickly absorb oil. For instance, the additive composition can decrease the Oil Absorbency Rate by from about 20% to about 80% and can decrease the Reverse Osmosis Oil Wet Out time by from about 10% to about 80%.

Abstract: Provided is a modified target assembly in which the target fluid is moved within the target assembly in a manner that increases the effective density of the target fluid within the beam path, thereby increasing beam yield utilizing forced convection. The target may also include optional structures, such as nozzles, diverters and deflectors for guiding and/or accelerating the flow of the target fluid. The target assembly directs the target fluid along an inner sleeve in a direction opposite the direction of the beam current to produce a counter current flow and may also direct the flow of the target fluid away from the inner surface of the inner sleeve and toward a central region in the target cavity. This countercurrent flow suppresses natural convection that tends to reduce the density of the target fluid in the beam path and tends to increase the heat transfer from the target.