Abstract: This disclosure describes single-use test cartridges, cell analyzer apparatus, and methods for automatically performing microscopic cell analysis tasks, such as counting and analyzing blood cells in biological samples. A small measured quantity of a biological sample, such as whole blood, is placed in a mixing bowl on the disposable test cartridge after being inserted into the cell analyzer. The analyzer also deposits a known amount of diluent/stain in the mixing bowl and mixes it with the blood. The analyzer takes a measured amount of the mixture and dispenses in a sample cup on the cartridge in fluid communication with an imaging chamber. The geometry of the imaging chamber is chosen to maintain the uniformity of the mixture, and to prevent cells from crowding or clumping as it is transferred into the imaging chamber by the analyzer. Images of all of the cellular components within the imaging chamber are counted and analyzed to obtain a complete blood count.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for methods of repelling, directing, altering the behavior, and controlling an insect by utilizing a compound or composition described herein. The disclosure also provides for methods of promoting the health of an insect by repelling a pest that preys on insect and/or by providing an antibiotic or nutritional supplement composition to an insect. The disclosure also provides for a composition including at least one repelling, controlling, or directing compound or composition described herein together with an insecticide, herbicide, fungicide, or miticide. Compounds, compositions, seeds, and plants useful in these methods are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to plant extract compositions and methods to isolate cutin-derived monomers, oligomers, and mixtures thereof for application in agricultural coating formulations, and in particular, to methods of preparing plant extract compositions that include functionalized and non-functionalized fatty acids and fatty esters (as well as their oligomers and mixtures thereof), which are substantially free from accompanying plant-derived compounds (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides, phenols, lignans, aromatic acids, terpenoids, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, alcohols, alkanes, and aldehydes) and can be used in agricultural coating formulations.

Abstract: A single dual-sided product placement and information strip includes a first side with product information for consumers and a second side with product placement information for placing products on a display shelf. The dual-sided product placement and information strip enables information necessary for consumers to be printed on the first (consumer-facing) side and information that assists stockers to place products on shelves to be printed on the second (opposing) side. Also disclosed are systems and methods for formatting and printing the dual-sided product placement and information strips. The single dual-sided product placement and information strip may be printed alone or in a single sheet along with one or more other dual-sided product placement and information strips.

Abstract: A single dual-sided product placement and information strip includes a first side with product information for consumers and a second side with product placement information for placing products on a display shelf. The dual-sided product placement and information strip enables information necessary for consumers to be printed on the first (consumer-facing) side and information that assists stockers to place products on shelves to be printed on the second (opposing) side. Also disclosed are systems and methods for formatting and printing the dual-sided product placement and information strips. The single dual-sided product placement and information strip may be printed alone or in a single sheet along with one or more other dual-sided product placement and information strips.

Abstract: A single dual-sided product placement and information strip includes a first side with product information for consumers and a second side with product placement information for placing products on a display shelf. The dual-sided product placement and information strip enables information necessary for consumers to be printed on the first (consumer-facing) side and information that assists stockers to place products on shelves to be printed on the second (opposing) side. Also disclosed are systems and methods for formatting and printing the dual-sided product placement and information strips. The single dual-sided product placement and information strip may be printed alone or in a single sheet along with one or more other dual-sided product placement and information strips.

Abstract: A single dual-sided product placement and information strip includes a first side with product information for consumers and a second side with product placement information for placing products on a display shelf. The dual-sided product placement and information strip enables information necessary for consumers to be printed on the first (consumer-facing) side and information that assists stockers to place products on shelves to be printed on the second (opposing) side. Also disclosed are systems and methods for formatting and printing the dual-sided product placement and information strips. The single dual-sided product placement and information strip may be printed alone or in a single sheet along with one or more other dual-sided product placement and information strips.

Abstract: A single dual-sided product placement and information strip includes a first side with product information for consumers and a second side with product placement information for placing products on a display shelf. The dual-sided product placement and information strip enables information necessary for consumers to be printed on the first (consumer-facing) side and information that assists stockers to place products on shelves to be printed on the second (opposing) side. Also disclosed are systems and methods for formatting and printing the dual-sided product placement and information strips. The single dual-sided product placement and information strip may be printed alone or in a single sheet along with one or more other dual-sided product placement and information strips.

Abstract: A twin-belt casting machine for casting metal strip. The machine is provided with a casting cavity which includes an upstream fixed casting region, in which the belts are in fixed convergent paths in contact with the cast slab, and an adjacent downstream portion in which the belts are adjustable between alignment with the fixed convergent paths and non-alignment therewith (being less convergent or divergent). When the adjustable portions of the paths are moved outwardly relative to the fixed convergent paths, the belts separate from the cast slab at differing predetermined points within the casting cavity. By adjusting the downstream portion of the casting cavity in this manner, the casting machine can operate at essentially constant throughput for a wide range of alloys while ensuring that the cast slab exiting the caster has a temperature within a predetermined range suitable for further rolling to produce sheet product.

Abstract: A continuous belt casting apparatus is provided with a casting cavity, and at least one flexible metal belt having an elongated casting surface passing through and at least partially defining the casting cavity. A motor is provided for rotating the metal belt in the longitudinal direction of the casting surface whereby the casting surface passes through the casting cavity in the longitudinal direction. A molten metal supply device delivers molten metal continuously to the casting cavity, so that molten metal supplied to the casting cavity is solidified and removed as a continuous strip ingot from the casting cavity by rotation of the belt. The casting surface is provided with a plurality of grooves oriented in substantially the same direction. The invention also relates to a casting belt for such an apparatus and a method of casting using the apparatus.

Abstract: A casting belt for using in a single-belt or twin-belt casting apparatus is disclosed. The casting belt is made of aluminum alloy such as an alloy from the AA5XXX and AA6XXX systems, preferably having a thickness in the range of 1 to 2 mm. The aluminum casting belt of the invention is suitable for casting non-ferrous and light metals such as aluminum, magnesium, copper, zinc and their alloys, especially aluminum alloys such as Al—Mg, Al—Mg—Si, Al—Fe—Si and Al—Fe—Mn—Si alloy systems. A belt casting machine and process using the aluminum casting belt of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of casting a molten metal to form a cast metal strip ingot while controlling heat flux from the cast metal. The process comprises continuously supplying molten metal to a casting cavity formed between a pair of moving continuous casting surfaces that withdraw heat from the molten metal to cause metal solidification, and continuously withdrawing a resulting cast strip ingot from the casting cavity. A gas (e.g. air) containing water vapour substantially without liquid water (i.e. a moist gas) is supplied to the inlet of the casting cavity in a region containing the meniscus formed where the molten metal first contacts the casting surfaces. The moist gas has the effect of adjusting the heat withdrawal by the casting surfaces to minimize surface defects in the cast strip ingot and to avoid undesired distortion of the casting cavity. Furthermore, in those cases where a parting agent is applied to the casting surfaces, the amount of parting agent applied to the casting surfaces may be reduced.

Abstract: A hook assembly includes a shank portion, a curved portion extending from the shank portion, and a loop extending from the curved portion.

Abstract: A process of casting a molten metal to form a cast metal strip ingot while controlling heat flux from the cast metal. The process comprises continuously supplying molten metal to a casting cavity formed between a pair of moving continuous casting surfaces that withdraw heat from the molten metal to cause metal solidification, and continuously withdrawing a resulting cast strip ingot from the casting cavity. A gas (e.g. air) containing water vapour substantially without liquid water (i.e. a moist gas) is supplied to the inlet of the casting cavity in a region containing the meniscus formed where the molten metal first contacts the casting surfaces. The moist gas has the effect of adjusting the heat withdrawal by the casting surfaces to minimize surface defects in the cast strip ingot and to avoid undesired distortion of the casting cavity. Furthermore, in those cases where a parting agent is applied to the casting surfaces, the amount of parting agent applied to the casting surfaces may be reduced.

Abstract: A process of casting a molten metal to form a cast metal strip ingot while controlling heat flux from the cast metal. The process comprises continuously supplying molten metal to a casting cavity formed between a pair of moving continuous casting surfaces that withdraw heat from the molten metal to cause metal solidification, and continuously withdrawing a resulting cast strip ingot from the casting cavity. A gas (e.g. air) containing water vapour substantially without liquid water (i.e. a moist gas) is supplied to the inlet of the casting cavity in a region containing the meniscus formed where the molten metal first contacts the casting surfaces. The moist gas has the effect of adjusting the heat withdrawal by the casting surfaces to minimize surface defects in the cast strip ingot and to avoid undesired distortion of the casting cavity. Furthermore, in those cases where a parting agent is applied to the casting surfaces, the amount of parting agent applied to the casting surfaces may be reduced.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for continuous casting of metal strip in which a layer of liquid parting agent, and any solid detritus contained therein, is completely removed from a casting surface of a rotating belt after contact with the metal, and in which a new layer of liquid parting agent is applied to the casting surface thereafter and prior to renewed contact with the molten metal. The removal of used parting agent and the application of fresh helps to present the formation of surface blemishes and defects on the cast metal strip product. Such blemishes and defects can also be minimized by using an injector having a flexible tip used to inject the molten metal onto the casting surface and preferably one or more spacers to create a gap between the tip and the casting surface itself. The spacer is preferably a screen of wire strands orientated to minimize disruption of the new layer of liquid parting agent applied to the casting surface.

Abstract: A wheelchair security system particularly useful with vehicles used to transport individuals with ambulatory handicaps is shown having a pair of pincer elements for each wheel to be secured. The pincer elements are movable between an open wheel receiving position and a closed wheel securing position. The system is either manually or electrically actuated and can be controlled either at the wheelchair station or the driver's station.

Abstract: A restraining device for use with bench seats of the type used in school buses, wherein the restraining bar is attached to a forward seat to restrain passengers in the rearward seat directly behind the forward seat. The device includes a hinge plate mounted on the frame of the forward seat presenting a profiled cam with a generally arcuate rear face having an upper limit position, a lower limit position, and a locking lower position. The plate means has a pivot pin on the outside of said plate. A restraining bar is provided with a restraining support sized to be positioned across the waist of passengers seated in the rearward seat. The restraining bar has an arm at each end of said support and extends to the frame of the forward seat. The arm has a slot sized to receive the pivot pin of the hinge plate.

Abstract: A method for printing addresses on envelopes or cards from a plurality of master cards each having an address and other indicia imprinted thereon with heat conducting material, such as carbon. Master cards and envelopes or cards to be printed are delivered to a printing zone in face-to-face relationship together with a length of printing tape interposed between each master card and its respective envelope or card to be printed. The tape has one surface coated with heat-transferable printing medium disposed in face-to-face relationship with the envelopes. The master cards, tape and envelopes or cards to be printed are pressed together at the printing zone where heat is applied to the heat conducting indicia on the master cards.