Abstract: A machine includes an axle assembly coupled with a frame and defining a central axis. The axle assembly includes a wheel axle disposed within a spindle housing, and a rotary actuator configured to rotate the wheel axle about the central axis by rotating the spindle housing. According to one embodiment, for example, the rotary actuator may be configured to adjust a wheel axis of rotation relative to the frame of a machine, such as a scraper, by rotating the spindle housing.

Abstract: The present invention is related a nasal positive airway pressure device. The nasal device utilizes an engagement means located about nasal cannulae to engage and secure the cannulae within the nares of a patient. The engagement means is a nasal scaling flap. The flap in its natural bias is tapered, the wide-open end of which is shaped to conform to the facial contours of a patient's nose around the outside of the nose. Thus in a closed form, the flap provides a cup-like device that is fitted around the patient's nose and prevent the nasal device from falling from the patients nose. In the open form, which allows for placement and fitting of the nasal device, the flap is intended to be in a bent back position to aid insertion of the nasal cannulae into the patient's nares.

Abstract: A method of producing butanal by optimizing the growth of Streptomyces using cellulose as food source, overexpressing a key ‘gate’ enzyme in butyric acid/butyraldehyde production, and knocking out the isobutyryl-CoA synthase gene to shunt the pathway. Optionally, the produced butanal can be isolated and converted into butanol.

Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a hitch assembly frame. A tow bar includes a shaft having a first end pivotably attached to the hitch assembly frame and a coupling member attached to a second end of the shaft. A push plate is pivotably attached to the hitch assembly frame and defines a vertically aligned slot. The tow bar is movable within the vertically aligned slot. Such a hitch assembly may be used to operate machines, such as tractor scrapers, in a push-pull configuration.

Abstract: An apron assembly includes an apron having an apron body extending between a first apron side and a second apron side. A portion of the apron includes an arcuate gear surface. A hydraulic actuator assembly includes a linear hydraulic actuator configured to actuate a drive gear, which is in mesh with the arcuate gear surface. According to an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic actuator assembly is configured to translate linear motion into rotary motion.

Abstract: A machine includes an axle assembly coupled with a frame and defining a central axis. The axle assembly includes a wheel axle disposed within a spindle housing, and a rotary actuator configured to rotate the wheel axle about the central axis by rotating the spindle housing. According to one embodiment, for example, the rotary actuator may be configured to adjust a wheel axis of rotation relative to the frame of a machine, such as a scraper, by rotating the spindle housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assigning agents of an automatic call distributor to incoming calls of a plurality of call types handled by the automatic call distributor. The method includes the steps of determining a target occupancy matrix including a target occupancy for each agent of the agents of the automatic call distributor for each call type of the plurality of call types. The method further includes the steps of processing a call of a first type of the types determined in the target occupancy matrix and assigning the call to an agent of the agents of the automatic call distributor with a largest relative difference between an actual occupancy of calls of the first type handled by the agent and the target occupancy of calls of the first type determined for the agent in the target occupancy matrix.

Abstract: A method for standardizing and syndicating international business transactions over a communications network, comprising the steps of receiving a transactional request containing terms of the business transaction from a client and categorizing the transaction into pre-defined categories. The method retrieves the functional templates for the pre-defined categories from a database and generates functional aspects of the business transaction, such as forms, documents and the like, based on the terms of the business transaction and client information to enable the client to execute the business transaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for treating sleep apnoea. More specifically, the present invention provides a nasal positive airway pressure device which is reliable and comfortable to wear and, consequently, more acceptable to the patient. The nasal device has inflatable cuffs worn in a patient's nasal cavities. A pair of inflating tubes are in gaseous communication with the interior of a respective one of the inflatable cuffs and when pressurised gases flow through each of the inflating tubes, each of the cuffs inflate to retain the cuff within each of the nasal cavities of the patient.