Abstract: A system and method for distributing high bandwidth signals is disclosed. The system and method use electrical transmission lines to distribute high bandwidth RF signals. The RF signals are sent along the electrical transmission lines using surface wave transmission. RF/Optical converters located along the electrical transmission lines are used to convert the RF signals into optical signals. Passive optical networks (PON) are used to transmit the optical signals between the RF/Optical converter and a customer site or location.

Abstract: Liquid-liquid extraction elements are described. A liquid-liquid extraction element includes a first layer pair and a second layer pair disposed adjacent the first layer pair forming a stack of layers. The first layer pair includes a first polymeric microporous membrane, and a first flow channel layer oriented in a first flow direction having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed on first opposing sides of the extraction element. The second layer pair includes a second polymeric microporous membrane and a second flow channel layer oriented in a second flow direction different than the first flow direction and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed on second opposing sides of the extraction element. The first microporous membrane is disposed between the first flow channel and the second flow channel. Methods of extracting a dissolved solute from a first liquid to a second liquid are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for preventing and treating osteochondrosis and lameness by administration of supplemental boron containing compounds to animals and humans. The supplemental boron containing compounds are provided in animal feed compositions or as supplements for animal feed. Also provided by this invention are animal feed compositions that are supplemented with boron containing compounds and which have reduced phosphorus content. The invention also provides a method for decreasing the amount of phosphorus excreted by an animal, a method of increasing the efficiency of absorption of phosphorus by an animal, a method of reducing environmental phosphorus pollution by administering supplemental boron to the animal. The invention also provides a method of reducing pre-weaning mortality in an animal by feeding pregnant, nursing or lactating animals by administering supplemental boron containing compounds.

Abstract: A self-locking panel nut fastener having a nut for being received within an opening in a panel which self-locks and upon receiving a threaded screw or bolt enhances the locking relationship with the panel.

Abstract: A laminated nut with a visual indicator indicating if the nut is in a fully tightened state. The nut includes a plurality of conical disc springs enclosed in a cage. In one embodiment, a visual indicator extends axially from the upper surface of the outermost disc spring. In one embodiment, the visual indicator is retracted into the cage when the disc springs flatten as the nut is tightened. In one embodiment, the visual indicator aligns with a reference point on the cage when the nut is fully tightened. In one embodiment, the visual indicator is made more apparent by marking the visual indicator with a contrasting color.

Abstract: A system and method for battery protection. In some aspects, a battery pack includes a housing, a cell supported by the housing, a circuit supported by the housing and operable to control a function of the battery pack, and a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the circuit and operable to dissipate heat from the circuit.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing insulation from a bag of compressed blowing insulation is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end configured to receive the bag of compressed blowing insulation. A shredding chamber is associated with the chute. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured to shred and pick apart the blowing insulation. The shredding chamber further includes a discharge mechanism mounted for rotation and configured for distributing the blowing insulation into an airstream. The discharge mechanism has a side inlet and includes sealing vane assemblies having vane tips. Rotation of the vane tips forms an arc. The blowing insulation is fed horizontally from the shredding chamber into the side inlet of the discharge mechanism in a manner such that the blowing insulation passes through the arc formed by the rotating vane tips.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool is provided. The machine includes a shredding chamber configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders and an agitator. The plurality of shredders and the agitator are configured for rotation. The plurality of shredders and the agitator are configured to rotate at different speeds.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end. The inlet end is configured to receive the bag of compressed blowing wool. A shredding chamber is positioned downstream from the chute and is configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured for rotation. The shredding chamber further includes a plurality of guide shells positioned partially around the plurality of shredders. The plurality of shredders seal against the plurality of guide shells and direct the blowing wool in a downstream direction as the plurality of shredders rotate.

Abstract: A method and system for securely enrolling personal identity credentials into personal identification devices. The system of the invention comprises the manufacturer of the device and an enrollment authority. The manufacturer is responsible for recording serial numbers or another unique identifier for each device that it produces, along with a self-generated public key for each device. The enrollment authority is recognized by the manufacturer or another suitable institution as capable of validating an individual before enrolling him into the device. The enrollment authority maintains and operates the appropriate equipment for enrollment, and provides its approval of the enrollment. The methods described herein discuss post-manufacturing, enrollment, backup, and recovery processes for the device.

Abstract: A composite laminate structure includes a first skin; a second skin; a core between the first skin and the second skin, the core including adjacent core sections and a Z-Y partition separating the adjacent core sections; and a plurality of distinct groupings of Z-axis fibers that extend from the first skin to the second skin through the adjacent core sections and the Z-Y partition separating the adjacent core sections.

Abstract: A method for removing mercury from flue gases generated by the combustion of coal comprises: storing a starter batch of activated carbon in an agglomerated state; de-agglomerating the starter batch in a separation device to create a contact batch of activated carbon; transporting the contact batch to a contact location; injecting the contact batch into contact with the flue gas at a contact location having a temperature between 400° F. and 1100° F., whereupon the activated carbon of the contact batch adsorbs mercury from the flue gas; and removing the activated carbon having mercury adsorbed thereon from the flue gas. The transporting step is conducted with substantially no intermediate storage of the contact batch following the de-agglomeration of the starter batch to prevent re-agglomeration of the activated carbon prior to injection.

Abstract: This invention describes a system and methods for media content subscription service distribution; typical services include cable television, premium content channels, pay-per-view, XM radio, and online mp3 services. Subscribers use portable electronic devices to store digital certificates certifying the subscriber's privileges and an assigned public key. The devices can communicate with specially enabled televisions, radios, computers, or other media presentation apparatuses. These, in turn, can communicate with central databases owned by the provider, for verification purposes. Methods of the invention describe media content subscription service privilege issuing and use. The invention additionally describes methods for protecting media content transmitted to users with a variety of encryption schemes.

Abstract: A delivery device adapted to insert and deploy a stent within a body lumen. The delivery device includes a guide member adapted to retain a dilation assembly and a stent within a lumen thereof until the stent is to be deployed into the body lumen. The delivery device is configured to enable simultaneous insertion of the guide member, dilation assembly, stent, and optional guidewire within a body lumen. Following deploying the stent, the delivery device can be removed, while providing the capability of optionally maintaining the guide member or the guidewire to function or act as an exchange wire for additional surgical devices.

Abstract: A gear switching mechanism for a printing machine comprises at least one pair of input and driven gears, each pair rotationally mounted on a corresponding common axle. The input gear of each pair may be coupled to a common drive, while each driven gear is coupled to a separate output. A rotational gear coupling is mounted to translate along each axle to selectively engage and disengage the corresponding pair of input and driven gears. The rotational gear coupling includes a cam follower that slides along a cam profile of a cam shuttle. The shuttle defines a cam profile that is normal to the common axles. In one embodiment, the cam shuttle translates linearly, while in another embodiment, the shuttle rotates. The cam profile is configured to selectively engage and disengage the rotational couplings of each pair of input and driven gears.

Abstract: The invention provides alfalfa plants having adaptation, productivity, winterhardiness, and disease resistance with high levels of somatic embryogenesis. Plants and plant parts of the invention are useful in the efficient development of transgenic alfalfa plants with adaptation, productivity, winterhardiness, and disease resistance.

Abstract: Base stations exchange first information with first users over first wireless communication links. A mobile switching center provides mobile telephone service. An Internet access system provides Internet access service. A data system provides a data service. An Ethernet backhaul system uses an Ethernet format to exchange the first information between the first base stations and the mobile switching center, the Internet access system, and the data system. A second base station exchanges second information with second users over second wireless communication links. A first interface is exchanges the second information with the second base station. A second interface exchanges the second information with the first interface over a cable television distribution network. The Ethernet backhaul system uses the Ethernet format to exchange the second information between the second interface and the mobile switching center, the Internet access system, and the data system.

Abstract: Methods for making devices include providing a tubular member to be formed into a device, placing a removable sacrificial block material in the lumen of the tubular member and laser cutting the tubular member. A doping material can be added to the melted portion of the tubular member to promote the formation of brittle slag. A fixture can be used to hold a cut workpiece in order to ream sacrificial material from the surface of the workpiece. Pressurized gas can be supplied to the inner lumen of the tubular member to cause slag to form on the outside surface, rather than the inner surface, of the tubular member. A tubular member made from nickel-titanium alloy can be tightly adhered to a sacrificial sleeve utilizing the phase changes associated with nickel-titanium. A rotating mandrel can be placed within the lumen of the tubular member during laser cutting.

Abstract: Methods for treating bleeding disorders using non-anticoagulant sulfated polysaccharides (NASPs) as procoagulants are disclosed. NASPs can be administered as single agents, or in combination with one another, or with other medications (such as factors VII, VIII and IX) to promote hemostasis. In particular, the use of NASPs in treatment of bleeding disorders, including congenital coagulation disorders, acquired coagulation disorders, and trauma induced hemorrhagic conditions is described.

Abstract: A downflow mixer with a gas injection device and/or a baffle plate is provided to improve performance of mixing and/or aeration in basins, lagoons or tanks, particularly as part of water or wastewater treatment.