Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample analysis methods and systems. According to certain embodiments, provided are methods of analyzing samples in an automated sample analysis system. The methods include introducing samples and sample preparation cartridges into the system, isolating and purifying an analyte (e.g., nucleic acids and/or proteins) present in the samples at a sample preparation station, and performing analyte detection assays in assay mixtures that include the purified analyte. Also provided are automated sample analysis systems that find use, e.g., in performing the methods of the present disclosure. In certain aspects, the methods and systems provide for continuous operator access during replenishment or removal of one or any combination of samples, bulk fluids, reagents, commodities, waste, and/or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are freestanding displays of packaged consumer products, particularly consumer paper products. The packaged consumer goods generally comprise one or more goods disposed in a carton, such as a folded paperboard box that is at least partially overwrapped with a film having a plurality of graphic elements disposed thereon. The graphic elements are preferably disposed on the film such that at least two panels of the resulting packages are visually similar, and two panels are visually distinct. The packages may be stacked in arrays to form a display having two more faces that are visually similar. The present freestanding display helps consumers recognize the packaged products from a distance even when displayed amongst other packaged goods in a crowded supermarket or club store.

Abstract: A casting core assembly for a gas turbine engine component according to an implementation includes a skin core corresponding to a first cooling passage of an airfoil. The first cooling passage includes a first section and a tip flag section joined at a first bend. The skin core includes a first portion corresponding to the first section and a tip flag portion corresponding to the tip flag section. The skin core includes at least one arcuate slot corresponding to at least one turning vane of the airfoil. A method of forming an airfoil for a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are freestanding displays of packaged consumer products, particularly consumer paper products. The packaged consumer goods generally comprise one or more goods disposed in a carton, such as a folded paperboard box that is at least partially overwrapped with a film having a plurality of graphic elements disposed thereon. The graphic elements are preferably disposed on the film such that at least two panels of the resulting packages are visually similar, and two panels are visually distinct. The packages may be stacked in arrays to form a display having two more faces that are visually similar. The present freestanding display helps consumers recognize the packaged products from a distance even when displayed amongst other packaged goods in a crowded supermarket or club store.

Abstract: A self-contained latch module in combination with a pusher and catch (collectively “latch assembly”) allows for the locking of two doors with a single lock. The latch module contains two spring-loaded bolts, one active and one passive. Pushing the active bolt into the latch housing, the passive bolt extends out of the opposite side of the latch housing. Pushing onto the passive bolt in the direction of the latch housing while the active bolt is depressed will allow the passive bolt to retract into the housing without affecting the active bolt on the opposite side. This allows a user to slam closed the associated doors in any order. The self-latching nature of this latch assembly allows for the automatic latching of the cabinet doors without having to manually latch one of the doors before locking the other.

Abstract: High performance thin film thermoelectric couples and methods of making the same are disclosed. Such couples allow fabrication of at least microwatt to watt-level power supply devices operating at voltages greater than one volt even when activated by only small temperature differences.

Abstract: A self-contained latch module in combination with a pusher and catch (collectively “latch assembly”) allows for the locking of two doors with a single lock. The latch module contains two spring-loaded bolts, one active and one passive. Pushing the active bolt into the latch housing, the passive bolt extends out of the opposite side of the latch housing. Pushing onto the passive bolt in the direction of the latch housing while the active bolt is depressed will allow the passive bolt to retract into the housing without affecting the active bolt on the opposite side. This allows a user to slam closed the associated doors in any order. The self-latching nature of this latch assembly allows for the automatic latching of the cabinet doors without having to manually latch one of the doors before locking the other.

Abstract: A disposable air filter that includes: (a) air filtration media; (b) a substantially planar air filter frame providing three-dimensional support for the air filtration media; and (c) an inter-filter gap filler disposed along substantially the entire length of at least one side of an opposed pair of the first or second sides and integrated into the air filter frame is disclosed. The integral inter-filter gap filler reduces gaps between adjacent air filters disposed in a filter track of an air filter bank.

Abstract: A disposable air filter sub-assembly that includes: (a) air filtration media; (b) a substantially planar air filter frame providing three-dimensional support for the air filtration media; and (c) an air filter frame-connecting means integrated into the air filter frame. The integrated air filter frame-connecting means are adapted to connect a plurality of identical air filter sub-assemblies into an air filter assembly with sufficient structural strength in at least one direction such that the air filter sub-assemblies resists separation when the air filter assembly is extracted from the filter track of a filter bank.

Abstract: A lid structure for use with a container for storing personal care products is disclosed. The lid structure includes a lid top that is connected by a hinge to a lid base. In exemplary embodiments, the lid structure includes a lid-activation button that when pressed allows the lid top to rotate about the lid base giving a consumer access to the contents of the container. The lid-activation button is wide enough to allow a consumer to easily make contact with the lid-activation button and cause the lid top to open. Additionally, the lid-activation button functions so that the lid top is released independent of where the lid-activation button is pressed by the consumer.

Abstract: A disposable air filter sub-assembly that includes: (a) air filtration media; (b) a substantially planar air filter frame providing three-dimensional support for the air filtration media; and (c) an air filter frame-connecting means integrated into the air filter frame. The integrated air filter frame-connecting means are adapted to connect a plurality of identical air filter sub-assemblies into an air filter assembly with sufficient structural strength in at least one direction such that the air filter sub-assemblies resists separation when the air filter assembly is extracted from the filter track of a filter bank.

Abstract: A disposable air filter that includes: (a) air filtration media; (b) a substantially planar air filter frame providing three-dimensional support for the air filtration media; and (c) an inter-filter gap filler disposed along substantially the entire length of at least one side of an opposed pair of the first or second sides and integrated into the air filter frame is disclosed. The integral inter-filter gap filler reduces gaps between adjacent air filters disposed in a filter track of an air filter bank.

Abstract: A package constructed from a carton that contains a removable basket. A pull member is attached to the basket so that the basket may be removed from the carton. The pull member may function as a handle, and may function as a hanger. The basket may include a divider for separating products.

Abstract: A respirator adapted to facilitate ease of donning and comfort during use comprising one or more of an adjustable or elastic strap that facilitates ease of donning and comfort during wear; and/or exhalation vents that direct exhaled air, at least in part, away from a users eye's; and/or fasteners that are easy to use and that facilitate ease of donning and comfort during wear; and/or respirator shapes that facilitate the wearing of eyeglasses with said respirator; and/or bellows-type, pneumatic, or other such components, associated with said respirator, that are adapted to promote adjustability of the fit of the respirator.

Abstract: A respirator adapted to facilitate ease of donning and comfort during use comprising one or more of an adjustable or elastic strap that facilitates ease of donning and comfort during wear; and/or exhalation vents that direct exhaled air, at least in part, away from a users eye's; and/or fasteners that are easy to use and that facilitate ease of donning and comfort during wear; and/or respirator shapes that facilitate the wearing of eyeglasses with said respirator; and/or bellows-type, pneumatic, or other such components, associated with said respirator, that are adapted to promote adjustability of the fit of the respirator.

Abstract: A utility cart for lawn and garden applications and adapted for mounting on a lawnmower for catching vegetation clippings from the lawnmower. The cart includes at least one wheel that is in a stowed position when the cart is mounted on a lawnmower such that the at least one wheel bears no weight of the cart. The cart has substantially rigid walls and a handle movable between stowed and deployed positions. The handle pivots with respect to the cart by way of pins in a pivot slot and a guide slot. The slots include locking portions that receive the pins and prevent the handle from pivoting with respect to the cart to facilitate hauling items in the cart and to facilitate lifting the cart off of a lawnmower.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying, understanding, and predicting the degradation and failure of mechanical systems are disclosed. The methods include measuring and quantifying stressors that are responsible for the activation of degradation mechanisms in the machine component of interest. The intensity of the stressor may be correlated with the rate of physical degradation according to some determinable function such that a derivative relationship exists between the machine performance, degradation, and the underlying stressor. The derivative relationship may be used to make diagnostic and prognostic calculations concerning the performance and projected life of the machine. These calculations may be performed in real time to allow the machine operator to quickly adjust the operational parameters of the machinery in order to help minimize or eliminate the effects of the degradation mechanism, thereby prolonging the life of the machine. Various systems implementing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for analyzing a fluid used in a machine or in an industrial process line. The apparatus has at least one meter placed proximate the machine or process line and in contact with the machine or process fluid for measuring at least one parameter related to the fluid. The at least one parameter is a standard laboratory analysis parameter. The at least one meter includes but is not limited to viscometer, element meter, optical meter, particulate meter, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A structure and method for changing or controlling the thermal emissivity of the surface of an object in situ, and thus, changing or controlling the radiative heat transfer between the object and its environment in situ, is disclosed. Changing or controlling the degree of blackbody behavior of the object is accomplished by changing or controlling certain physical characteristics of a cavity structure on the surface of the object. The cavity structure, defining a plurality of cavities, may be formed by selectively removing material(s) from the surface, selectively adding a material(s) to the surface, or adding an engineered article(s) to the surface to form a new radiative surface. The physical characteristics of the cavity structure that are changed or controlled include cavity area aspect ratio, cavity longitudinal axis orientation, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying, understanding, and predicting the degradation and failure of mechanical systems are disclosed. The methods include measuring and quantifying stressors that are responsible for the activation of degradation mechanisms in the machine component of interest. The intensity of the stressor may be correlated with the rate of physical degradation according to some determinable function such that a derivative relationship exists between the machine performance, degradation, and the underlying stressor. The derivative relationship may be used to make diagnostic and prognostic calculations concerning the performance and projected life of the machine. These calculations may be performed in real time to allow the machine operator to quickly adjust the operational parameters of the machinery in order to help minimize or eliminate the effects of the degradation mechanism, thereby prolonging the life of the machine. Various systems implementing the methods are also disclosed.