Abstract: A sample collection device for a fluid sample includes: a body including a capillary channel having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted to draw the fluid into the channel by capillary action; an air vent located in the vicinity of the second end and in fluid communication with the capillary channel; a barrier positioned within the capillary channel to prevent flow of the fluid by capillary action thereacross; and features on opposing sides of the body to form an axis of rotation, which is substantially perpendicular to the overall direction of the capillary channel from the first end to the second end. In a preferred embodiment, the sample collection device is adapted to rotate about the axis of rotation within a cartridge having a sample manipulation device to bring the first end into position with the sample manipulation device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a vehicle hood shield for use in protecting a vehicle hood from damage while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle hood shield can be attached through the use of different adhesive taping configurations. Further, in some embodiments an attachment clip can be used to retain the vehicle hood shield to the vehicle hood.

Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing rotation of a conduit has a housing that has a keyway and envelops the conduit. A gripper holds the conduit and opposes rotation of it. The gripper has a key for cooperating with the keyway such that the housing does not rotate about the gripper.

Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating and optimizing a signaling system is described. A pattern of test information is generated in a transmit circuit of the system and is transmitted to a receive circuit. A similar pattern of information is generated in the receive circuit and used as a reference. The receive circuit compares the patterns. Any differences between the patterns are observable. In one embodiment, a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) is implemented to produce patterns. An embodiment of the present disclosure may be practiced with various types of signaling systems, including those with single-ended signals and those with differential signals. An embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to systems communicating a single bit of information on a single conductor at a given time and to systems communicating multiple bits of information on a single conductor simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling or disassembling a pipe in a pipe holder, includes: a washer having a body having an annular portion and an extended portion having central bore passing therethrough, the body made of a memory material; a compression fitting for insertion into the pipe holder, the extended portion fitting in the compression fitting; and, a lock for insertion into the pipe holder. The lock is for moving the compression fitting to deform the annular portion against the holder if inserted to form a seal between the pipe, the compression fitting and the holder. The lock also is for allowing the annular portion to reform and move against the holder if the lock is removed such that the compression fitting may be removed if the lock is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a conduit has a body attaching to the conduit, a seal having a shape extending around and minimizing leakage from the conduit, and a activator for enabling the seal so that the seal minimizes leakage from the conduit if the conduit is properly inserted in the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for unsealing a pipe in a pipe assembly is disclosed. The apparatus has a seal for minimizing leakage from the pipe and a spring attaching to both the seal and the pipe assembly. If the seal is to be removed, a spring force of the spring acts against and moves the seal for removal of the seal.

Abstract: A system and method of optimizing water cooling system energy efficiency, including a monitoring device to receive heat data corresponding to heat energy of a unit of water associated with a recirculating water system, power data corresponding to power being applied to the system, and load data corresponding to a load associated with the system. The monitoring device determines a measured metric by calculating a measured rate of water traversing the recirculating water system based on the heat data and determining a ratio of the power data and the measured rate of water. The monitoring device determines an efficiency metric of the system by comparing the load data to a look-up table and, based thereon, calculates a key performance indicator of the recirculating water system as a ratio of the efficiency metric and the measured metric, which is output to a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A modular side rail and removable step system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the kit includes first, second, and third removable steps that may be mounted to the side rail. In one aspect, the side rail main body has a channel-shape defining a longitudinal opening between an adjacent first side and an adjacent second side. A plurality of step attachment arrangements may be provided on the first side of the side rail main body to allow the first, second, and third steps to be mounted to the side rail main body in various configurations. For example the plurality of step attachment arrangements may be arranged and configured to provide attachment locations for mounting the first and third removable steps in a first step assembly configuration and for mounting the second removable step in a second step assembly configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating and optimizing a signaling system is described. A pattern of test information is generated in a transmit circuit of the system and is transmitted to a receive circuit. A similar pattern of information is generated in the receive circuit and used as a reference. The receive circuit compares the patterns. Any differences between the patterns are observable. In one embodiment, a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) is implemented to produce patterns. An embodiment of the present disclosure may be practiced with various types of signaling systems, including those with single-ended signals and those with differential signals. An embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to systems communicating a single bit of information on a single conductor at a given time and to systems communicating multiple bits of information on a single conductor simultaneously.

Abstract: A modular side rail and removable step system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the kit includes first, second, and third removable steps that may be mounted to the side rail. In one aspect, the side rail main body has a channel-shape defining a longitudinal opening between an adjacent first side and an adjacent second side. A plurality of step attachment arrangements may be provided on the first side of the side rail main body to allow the first, second, and third steps to be mounted to the side rail main body in various configurations. For example the plurality of step attachment arrangements may be arranged and configured to provide attachment locations for mounting the first and third removable steps in a first step assembly configuration and for mounting the second removable step in a second step assembly configuration.

Abstract: A non armor piercing monolithic composite projectile includes a high temperature polymer and a filler material. The filler material is intimately dispersed throughout the high temperature polymer such that the projectile is uniform in appearance and composition and a portion of the filler forms a portion of an outer surface of the body. The projectile is preferably lead-free.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wheel cover assembly for a wheel assembly of a vehicle. The wheel cover assembly can include a bracket configured to be mounted onto the wheel assembly, an outer ring configured to be coupled with the bracket, and an inner cover removably couplable with the outer ring. The inner cover can comprise at least one attachment mechanism having a spring element, a catch and a handle, where the spring element can bias the catch to engage with the bracket or the outer ring to removably secure the inner cover to the outer ring.

Abstract: A composition having a crosslinking compound that has the following structure (I) wherein R is OH, NH2, halide, ester, amine, ether, or amide, and x is 2-6 and A is an arene moiety having a molecular weight of less than about 10,000. A mixture including the composition and a polymer, a method for forming the mixture and a crosslinked polymer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular side rail and removable step system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the kit includes first, second, and third removable steps that may be mounted to the side rail. In one aspect, the side rail main body has a channel-shape defining a longitudinal opening between an adjacent first side and an adjacent second side. A plurality of step attachment arrangements may be provided on the first side of the side rail main body to allow the first, second, and third steps to be mounted to the side rail main body in various configurations. For example the plurality of step attachment arrangements may be arranged and configured to provide attachment locations for mounting the first and third removable steps in a first step assembly configuration and for mounting the second removable step in a second step assembly configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating and optimizing a signaling system is described. A pattern of test information is generated in a transmit circuit of the system and is transmitted to a receive circuit. A similar pattern of information is generated in the receive circuit and used as a reference. The receive circuit compares the patterns. Any differences between the patterns are observable. In one embodiment, a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) is implemented to produce patterns. An embodiment of the present disclosure may be practiced with various types of signaling systems, including those with single-ended signals and those with differential signals. An embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to systems communicating a single bit of information on a single conductor at a given time and to systems communicating multiple bits of information on a single conductor simultaneously.

Abstract: A non armor piercing monolithic composite projectile includes a high temperature polymer and a filler material. The filler material is intimately dispersed throughout the high temperature polymer such that the projectile is uniform in appearance and composition and a portion of the filler forms a portion of an outer surface of the body. The projectile is preferably lead-free.