Abstract: A saliva-based testing method that bypasses the need for RNA isolation/purification is described herein. In experiments with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus spiked into saliva, this method has a limit of detection of 500-1000 viral particles per mL, rivalling the standard NP swab method. Initial studies showed excellent performance with 100 clinical samples. This saliva-based process is operationally simple, utilizes readily available materials, and can be easily implemented by existing testing sites thus allowing for high-throughput, rapid, and repeat testing of large populations.

Abstract: A separator system includes a conveyance assembly and one or more blocking components. The conveyance assembly moves a leading group of product and a trailing group of product along a feed direction toward a packaging system to separately package the leading group of product into a first container and the trailing group of product into a second container. The one or more blocking components are disposed upstream of the packaging system along the feed direction. The one or more blocking components stop movement of the trailing group of product upstream of the packaging system along the feed direction while allowing the leading group of product to move toward the packaging system.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing flaps of a rectangular cuboid includes a pair of first flap closing guide members to guide a first flap from an open position to a closed position. A pair of second flap diverting members divert a second flap away from engaging the first flap closing guide members and a pair of second flap closing guide members that guide the second flap from an open position to a closed position. A machine having the closing apparatus and a method of closing a rectangular cuboid are also included.

Abstract: A separator system includes a conveyance assembly and one or more blocking components. The conveyance assembly moves a leading group of product and a trailing group of product along a feed direction toward a packaging system to separately package the leading group of product into a first container and the trailing group of product into a second container. The one or more blocking components are disposed upstream of the packaging system along the feed direction. The one or more blocking components stop movement of the trailing group of product upstream of the packaging system along the feed direction while allowing the leading group of product to move toward the packaging system.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying labels to products includes a label application station at which the labels are applied to a product and an application head movably mounted relative to a base for movement between a first operative loading position spaced from the label application station and a second operative application position at which the application head applies at least one label to a product positioned at the label application station. An electrically actuated solenoid is operatively connected to the application head to move the application head between the first and second operative positions.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly includes a manifold containing a plurality of hydraulic channels that direct fluid to a centralized location and a package disposed at the centralized location to measure fluid pressure at pressure ports corresponding to the hydraulic channels. The manifold assembly directs fluid to the single package rather than scattering fluid outputs to multiple sensor locations, simplifying the overall assembly configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying labels to products includes a label application station at which the labels are applied to a product and an application head movably mounted relative to a base for movement between a first operative loading position spaced from the label application station and a second operative application position at which the application head applies at least one label to a product positioned at the label application station. An electrically actuated solenoid is operatively connected to the application head to move the application head between the first and second operative positions.

Abstract: A member for opening a rectangular cuboid includes a elongated body having an insertion section, a delamination and a folding section sequentially positioned along the longitudinal axis of the body. The insertion section includes a tapered insertion end configured for guiding the body into an opening in an end of the cuboid. The delamination section is configured to laterally displace first and second flaps of the cuboid relative to each other away from a first sealed position. The opening section has oppositely facing sidewalls to deflect the first and second flaps to a second open position at which the first and second flaps are opened past first and second sides of the cuboid. A machine having the opening member and a method of opening a rectangular cuboid are also included.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing flaps of a rectangular cuboid includes a pair of first flap closing guide members to guide a first flap from an open position to a closed position. A pair of second flap diverting members divert a second flap away from engaging the first flap closing guide members and a pair of second flap closing guide members that guide the second flap from an open position to a closed position. A machine having the closing apparatus and a method of closing a rectangular cuboid are also included.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly includes a manifold containing a plurality of hydraulic channels that direct fluid to a centralized location and a package disposed at the centralized location to measure fluid pressure at pressure ports corresponding to the hydraulic channels. The manifold assembly directs fluid to the single package rather than scattering fluid outputs to multiple sensor locations, simplifying the overall assembly configuration.

Abstract: A closed loop adaptive fluid control system and method for use in hydraulic applications monitors one or more fluid characteristics, such as pressure, flow rate, accumulation time in an actuator, fill volume, etc., and compares the characteristic with a target response. A fluid characteristic sensor detects at least one fluid characteristic at a hydraulically-actuated device that is actuated by a electrically-operated. The sensor sends a device signal corresponding to the actual sensed characteristic to an electronic controller, which compares the device signal with a target response. The controller then identifies any differences between the device signal and the target response and provides a feedback signal to the electrically-operated valve to adjust the current to the valve, which in turn adjusts the electrically-operated valve so that the device signal corresponding to the sensed characteristic at the device converges toward the target response.

Abstract: A solenoid operated valve has a pressure transducer sensing valve outlet pressure integrally formed in the valve body, such as by overmolding. Upon connection of the transducer and solenoid to an electronic controller, the controller generates a valve energization signal in response to a desired valve pressure output and the transducer input for providing closed loop control of the valve outlet pressure. An ASIC may also be integrally formed in the valve body, such as by overmolding for providing integrated signal conditioning; and, the optional ASIC, if employed, may also include the circuitry for the electronic controller for providing a “smart” pressure control valve.

Abstract: A solenoid operated valve has a pressure transducer sensing valve outlet pressure integrally formed in the valve body, such as by overmolding. Upon connection of the transducer and solenoid to an electronic controller, the controller generates a valve energization signal in response to a desired valve pressure output and the transducer input for providing closed loop control of the valve outlet pressure. An ASIC may also be integrally formed in the valve body, such as by overmolding for providing integrated signal conditioning; and, the optional ASIC, if employed, may also include the circuitry for the electronic controller for providing a “smart” pressure control valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly includes a manifold containing a plurality of hydraulic channels that direct fluid to a centralized location and a package disposed at the centralized location to measure fluid pressure at pressure ports corresponding to the hydraulic channels. The manifold assembly directs fluid to the single package rather than scattering fluid outputs to multiple sensor locations, simplifying the overall assembly configuration.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic manifold assembly with a plurality of solenoid operated valves disposed on a manifold block and each operable to control pressure from the inlet to a separate outlet. Sensing ports are provided in each outlet with a pressure sensor sealed over the sensing port for providing a signal indicative of the sensed pressure. The pressure sensors are mounted on a lead frame and connected to conductive strips in the lead frame. The lead frame has slots therein which permit the frame to be simultaneously electrically connected by bayonet connection to the terminals on each solenoid valve as the transducers are sealed over the sensing ports and the lead frame attached to the manifold block.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for automatically re-provisioning an appliance server without significant user-interaction. The disk drive of a server to be utilized as an appliance server is partitioned into at least three partitions, including a systems partition, a network operating system partition, and an images partition. A re-provisioning utility is provided, which, when activated by a user, removes the present application from the server and forwards it to a storage location on the network or in a fourth storage partition and installs another application on the server. The system is re-booted and re-configured to provide full operation of the new application.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic manifold assembly with a plurality of solenoid operated valves disposed on a manifold block and each operable to control pressure from the inlet to a separate outlet. Sensing ports are provided in each outlet with a pressure sensor sealed over the sensing port for providing a signal indicative of the sensed pressure. The pressure sensors are mounted on a lead frame and connected to conductive strips in the lead frame. The lead frame has slots therein which permit the frame to be simultaneously electrically connected by bayonet connection to the terminals on each solenoid valve as the transducers are sealed over the sensing ports and the lead frame attached to the manifold block.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic manifold assembly including integral pressure transducers for providing real time indication of the control pressure signal output of each electrically operated valve on the manifold. The transducer dies are adhesively attached to circuit boards and the leads ultrasonically attached to pads on the ends of conductive strips on the circuit boards. Upstanding electrical connectors are attached to the circuit boards and connected to the dies which are potted over with silicone potting compound and the circuit board attached to the manifold. An electrical lead frame commonly engages the solenoid terminals and the pressure transducer terminals in bayonet style connection through slots in the lead frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and hard disk configuration for accommodating different sizes of applications during an automatic re-provisioning of an appliance server. The disk drive of the appliance server is partitioned with a system partition, a network operating system (NOS) partition, a float partition, and an images partition. The float partition is utilized to provide additional space to the NOS partition and the images partition, when required. A re-provisioning utility is provided, which initiates both a create image utility and an apply image utility, whereby an image file of a current application and associated operating system is created and a stored image file of a second application is installed on the appliance server. When the apply image utility is initiated, the NOS partition is dynamically extended into the float partition server if the second application requires more space than is provided in the NOS partition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and hard disk configuration for accommodating different sizes of applications during an automatic re-provisioning of an appliance server. The disk drive of the appliance server is partitioned with a system partition, a network operating system (NOS) partition, a float partition, and an images partition. The float partition is utilized to provide additional space to the NOS partition and the images partition, when required. A re-provisioning utility is provided, which initiates both a create image utility and an apply image utility, whereby an image file of a current application and associated operating system is created and a stored image file of a second application is installed on the appliance server. When the apply image utility is initiated, the NOS partition is dynamically extended into the float partition server if the second application requires more space than is provided in the NOS partition.