Gender specific synthetic nutritional compositions for female or male infants up to 1 month of age wherein, the concentration of alanine, and/or histidine, and/or isoleucine, and/or proline, and/or valine is adapted based on that found in HM produced for an infant of the same gender and age, and nutritional systems comprising them.

Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide systems and methods for creating a pressed food item in an oven cooking cavity. The oven system is secured within the oven cooking cavity and is not dependent upon oven door movement or any other oven function. An upper platen is configured to move up and down with respect to a lower platen in order to press a food item during the cooking process. The lower platen is generally secured with respect to the oven interior, whether to a jet plate, to an oven wall, or to a frame that is secured within the oven. The upper platen moves along a vertical support system. When the oven system is not in use to create a pressed food item, the upper platen can remain in a lowered position so that the oven may be used without the pressing features described.

A combination of a container and a plurality of food items nested within the container may include base and a first cavity in the base. A first food item may be nested in the first cavity. The first food item may include a decorated section. The first food item may include a disposable wrapper having an exposed upper wrapper edge. The container may include a lid moveable between a closed position and an open position. A first retainer may be on the lid. When the lid is in the closed position the first retainer may overlie a first portion of the upper wrapper edge. When the container is inverted with the lid in the closed position relative axial movement between the first food item and the first cavity may be limited by contact between the first retainer and the upper wrapper edge.

Gender specific synthetic nutritional compositions for infants up to 1 month of age wherein, the total protein content is adapted based on that found in HM produced for infants of the same gender and age, and nutritional systems comprising them.

A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.

A method for assembling a structure is described. The method includes locating a position in an assembly stack-up where a one-sided fastener is to be installed, drilling a hole through the assembly stack-up at the position, countersinking the hole to a specified depth, operating a calibrated probe to determine at least parameter associated with one or more of the hole and the stack-up proximate the hole, inserting the one-sided fastener into the hole, applying a rotational torque to the one-sided fastener to complete installation of the one-sided fastener, and comparing a measurement of angular displacement required to complete installation of the one-sided fastener to a range of angular displacement indicative of correct installation of the fastener.

A composite material includes a composite body having a composite surface, and a reinforcing element extending through the composite body in a first plurality of stitches and a second plurality of stitches. The first plurality of stitches are aligned relative to the composite surface substantially similarly to each other. The second plurality of stitches are aligned relative to the composite surface substantially dissimilarly to each other.

Systems and methods for creating quilt blocks are provided. In one embodiment, a method for creating a quilt block with a computerized embroidery machine includes sewing placement stitching on a backing according to a placement stitching pattern provided by instructions for at least partially creating a quilt block comprised of one or more pieces, providing directions for placing one or more pieces of the quilt block on a corresponding portion of the placement stitching on the backing, and sewing the one or more pieces to the backing in accordance with the instructions.

A carpet and method for producing same that comprises an enhanced seam suitable for separation of an installation portion of the carpet and sacrificial edge portions of the produced carpet.

Provided herein are systems and methods for biomass digestion and products formed thereof. The products include one or more biogases, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classified Class A Biosolids, and pathogen reduced organic liquid fertilizer. Through the digestion of waste materials using sequential phases in an efficient digestion process, enhanced biomass conversion efficiency and improved output of products (in quantity and/or quality) are obtained with a significant reduction in dwell time in each phase.

A method and processes to solubilize and transform phosphorus contents of rock phosphate (RP) into bio-organo-phosphate (BOP) fertilizer have been developed and integrated. The methods include collecting and sorting of organic wastes; blending with RP; subjecting the blend to biocomposting; collection, isolation, selection and growth optimization of consortia of efficient phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) and novel plant growth regulating microorganisms (PGRM); where in PSM produce organic acids and other organic compounds using compost substrate at mesophillic stage, whereas the organic acids released during composting also act in synergism of PSM, thus forming a carbon rich acidic culture resulting in the solubilization of rock phosphate.

The present disclosure is directed toward a composition and method of treating and preventing infection of pathogenic microorganisms and endopyhtic microorganisms in a plant through the use of phosphite compositions.

A composition of matter comprising: a combination of a phytate and a plurality of microorganisms comprising a Trichoderma virens fungus, a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterium, and one or a plurality of mycorrhizae fungi that is placed in the vicinity of a plant root in a manner that allows the microorganisms in the composition of matter to colonize said plant root; and a method for increasing plant yield comprising: placing a combination of a phytate and a plurality of microorganisms comprising a Trichoderma virens fungus, a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterium, and one or a plurality of mycorrhizae fungi in the vicinity of a plant root in a manner that allows the microorganisms in the composition of matter to colonize said plant root.

Described herein are methods and systems for generating shared collaborative maps for planting or harvesting operations. A method of generating a collaborative shared map between machines includes generating a first map for a first machine based on a first set of data and generating a second map for a second machine based on a second set of data. The method further includes generating at least one shared collaborative map for at least one of the first and second machines based on the first and second maps.

A patient side-system includes a column with a rail and a counterbalance subsystem. The patient side-system may further include a braking subsystem. The counterbalance subsystem includes a spring assembly coupled at one end to the column with a spring member, and a housing movably coupled to the rail. The housing includes a drum to receive the spring member and a plurality of roller elements to guide a movement of the spring member winding or unwinding on the drum. If present, the braking subsystem includes a first pulley rotatably coupled to the column, a second pulley with a locking mechanism spaced apart from the first pulley and rotatably coupled to the column, and at least one brake cable wrapped around the first pulley and the second pulley with ends coupled to the housing. The locking mechanism can set a position of the housing along the column.

A travel case for elongate items such as skis, golf clubs, snowboards, or the like comprises an elongate bag having a pair of hard sided end sections longitudinally spaced from a hard sided center section. Between each end section and the center section is a respective soft sided intermediate section. The hard sided end and center sections provide protection for the case contents at the vulnerable locations of those contents. The soft sided intermediate sections, made of collapsible and supple material, provide the advantage of reducing the weight of the overall case, and the suppleness permits the end sections to be folded in on the center section when the case is open along its length to educe the length and the required storage space for the case when not in use.

Methods and devices for inline sampling of a bulk material, such as a powder, are provided. The material's bulk density can be determined from samples drawn using methods and devices described herein. One embodiment of a method of sampling a material allows the material to flow through a sampling compartment, closes off the flow of material below the sampling compartment, builds up a column of material through the sampling compartment, shifts the sampling compartment to remove a slice of material in the column, and places the slice of material into a sample container. A device for sampling a material is provided in another embodiment. The device includes an inlet, an outlet aligned with the inlet, and a sample collector. The sample collector can include at least one through hole and be configured to move such that the at least one through hole can be moved into and out of alignment with the inlet and the outlet.

A device for controlling fluid flow pressure and flow rate is disclosed. The device includes a first orifice plate, a second orifice plate housed in a tubular structure. The first orifice plate includes a first orifice of a first diameter (d1) and the first orifice is positioned near an edge of the first orifice plate. The second orifice plate includes a second orifice of a second diameter (d2) and the second orifice is positioned near an edge of the second orifice plate. The tubular structure has an effective diameter (D) comprising the first orifice plate and the second orifice plate placed at perpendicular direction to the fluid flow within the tubular structure, separated by an optimum distance (X).

A manufacturing method for a cap, for a hybrid vertically integrated component having a MEMS component a relatively large cavern volume having a low cavern internal pressure, and a reliable overload protection for the micromechanical structure of the MEMS component. A cap structure is produced in a flat cap substrate in a multistep anisotropic etching, and includes at least one mounting frame having at least one mounting surface and a stop structure, on the cap inner side, having at least one stop surface, the surface of the cap substrate being masked for the multistep anisotropic etching with at least two masking layers made of different materials, and the layouts of the masking layers and the number and duration of the etching steps being selected so that the mounting surface, the stop surface, and the cap inner side are situated at different surface levels of the cap structure.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated circuit system including a first active layer fabricated on a front side of a semiconductor die and a second pre-fabricated layer on a back side of the semiconductor die and having electrical components embodied therein, wherein the electrical components include at least one discrete passive component. The integrated circuit system also includes at least one electrical path coupling the first active layer and the second pre-fabricated layer.

Marine vehicle systems and methods are disclosed. The marine vehicle can be buoyancy controlled, enabling efficient, extended use of the marine vehicle. Buoyancy actuation can enable roll, pitch, and yaw of the marine vehicle, as well as translation in any direction. One or more elastic bladders can be disposed on or in the marine vehicle. The bladders can be selectively inflated and deflated to control movement of the marine vehicle.

Systems and methods for separating fluids from drill cuttings. Specifically, the invention relates to shakers that incorporate a vacuum system and methods of operating such systems to effect a high degree of fluid separation. The system and methods are effective across a variety of screen sizes, vacuum flows and vacuum designs.

Systems and methods for efficient microwave drying of extruded honeycomb structures are disclosed. The methods include conveying first and second sets of honeycomb structures in opposite directions through multiple applicator cavities. Each honeycomb structure has a moisture content MC, and the honeycomb structures within each cavity define an average moisture content MCA between 40% and 60% therein. The methods include irradiating the first and second sets of honeycomb structures within the cavities with microwave radiation having an amount of input microwave power PI that results in an amount of reflected microwave power PR from the honeycomb structures, where PR

Press tool assemblies involve separable holder and tip portions. Self-seating structure is incorporated in these assemblies, and can stem from one or both of the separable portions of the assemblies. In use, the self-seating structure facilitates proper positioning and seating of the separable portions in relation to each other, and in some cases, can be used in operatively coupling the portions together. Advantages relating to assembly and disassembly of the tool assemblies, as well as improved structural properties result as a consequence of using the self-seating structure.

Systems and methods for fitness tracking are provided. An exercise apparatus is in networked communication with a fitness tracking computing system. The configuration and location of movable components of the exercise apparatus is determined based on sensors. This information is provided to the fitness tracking computing system via networked communication.

Gas-generating devices with grain-retention structures and related methods and systems are described. In particular, gas-generating devices having at least one retention structure fixed to a frame and positioned between adjacent gas-generant grains arranged in a longitudinal stack. Fire suppression systems comprising such gas-generating devices are also described. Additionally, methods of manufacturing gas-generating devices, as well as methods of generating a gas and methods of suppressing a fire utilizing such gas-generating devices are described.

A primer for small arms ammunition including a primary explosive and an oxidizer system containing bismuth oxide is provided. A method of forming the primer and a small arms ammunition cartridge also is provided. The oxidizer system can be non-hygroscopic and non-toxic. The primer can include reducing agents or fuels, sensitizers, binders and gas producing agents.

Methods and systems for mixing propellant formulations are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of mixing a solid propellant formulation includes placing a first component (e.g., a polymer or fuel) and a second component (e.g., an oxidizer of suitable particle size) in a mix vessel. The method further includes mixing the first and second components together by rotating the mix vessel about a first axis and, during at least a portion of the vessel rotation, revolving the vessel about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis. In one embodiment, the first axis can be a vessel spin axis, and the second axis can be spaced apart from the first axis so that the vessel revolves about the second axis in a planetary manner. In another embodiment, the vessel can rotate about the first axis in a first direction while revolving about the second axis in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

The invention refers to an ironing aid and a device for safekeeping of ironing aids for smoothing closed tubular items of clothing. The object was to propose a solution in the application of which a wire frame shaped ironing aid is an integral part of the aid for thermal smoothing of items of clothing and better handling is ensured. The object is achieved by their insertion in a profile bracket provided with an adhesion means. According to the invention, several ironing aids can be combined with a profile bracket, at least one of the ironing aids having a loop-like rounding at its end. Furthermore, one of the ironing aids can have a slight kink at a right angle to its planar extension (FIGS. 1/2).

The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to valve devices, systems, and methods for controlling the distribution of materials to multiple locations. The improved valve devices, materials distribution systems, and materials distribution methods disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use in applications where the materials being distributed are, for example but not limited to, non-gaseous fluid materials (e.g., raw liquids, solutions, slurries, colloids, suspensions, and the like) and solid materials having some level of tackiness, moisture content, or like property. The valves, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be operated without having to stop the flow of materials therethrough in order to change the position of the valve from one outlet to another. Further, the valves and systems disclosed herein have few directional changes, therefore there are few, if any, points within the system where the material can get stuck and/or lodged.

A roller rail system includes an adjustment bracket including a first roller rail assembly support portion and a second roller rail assembly support portion adjacent the first roller rail assembly support portion. The first and second roller rail assembly support portions are each configured to receive a roller rail assembly such that the roller rail assembly slides within the respective first and second roller rail assembly support portion relative to the adjustment bracket. A first roller rail assembly is received by the first roller rail assembly support portion. A second roller rail assembly is received by the second roller rail assembly support portion. The roller rail system has a retracted configuration where leading ends of the first and second roller rail assemblies are closer together and an extended configuration where the leading ends of the first and second roller rail assemblies are further apart.

An inflatable liner with vibratory function related to lining mining hoppers and other such devices. The inflatable liner has an exterior expandable layer and ceramic wear layer beneath that assists maintaining a long-use-life of the inflatable liner. Use of the air-control device to rapidly inflate and deflate exterior expandable layer vibrates in the exterior expandable layer and assist removing unwanted material/debris from the exterior lining of exterior expandable layer to further maintain a long-life use of the inflatable liner and lower maintenance of the machinery/hopper.

An apparatus and method are described for automatically inserting angle plates into duct work and for seaming the duct work.

Intermittently colored yarns having an intermittent and random dye spacing pattern, and systems and methods of making the same, are disclosed. Such intermittently colored yarns exhibit higher quality and lower manufacturing costs over the known intermittently colored yarns. The intermittent coloring takes place while the yarn is in caterpillar form. Carpets made from such intermittently colored yarns exhibit enhanced aesthetics over carpets made from known intermittently colored yarns. Alternatively, a stain resist, colorless base dye, or bleaching agent can be applied in the same intermittent and random spacing pattern to the intermittently colored yarns prior to subsequent dyeing. This creates a mirror image like color effect to the resulting yarn.

A rope assembly that is adapted to extend between first and second attachment points comprises a line arranged to define a plurality of loops and at least one pair of organizers. The at least one pair of organizers is configured to engage the line such that line segments of the line between the at least one pair of organizers are maintained in a desired relationship with each other and such that the desired relationship facilitates transfer of loads through the rope assembly between the first and second attachment points.

A safety system for a wireless snowplow controller makes the wireless controller safer and more effective. The system includes a vehicle, a snowplow, a wireless controller and a tether. The controller wirelessly sends one or more control signs to one or more control modules coupled to the vehicle and/or the snowplow. The control signals may be used to control operation of the snowplow. The controller may be configured such that it is only able to send control signals when it is connected, via the tether, to a power supply coupled to the vehicle.

Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a retainer system for a ground engaging tool. The retainer system may include a lock having a lock rotation axis and including an outer surface extending about the lock rotation axis and a retainer bushing having a retainer axis and an inner surface extending about the retainer axis. The inner surface may be configured to rotatably receive the outer surface of the lock. At least a portion of the outer surface may have a varying radius with respect to the lock rotation axis.

A smokeless tobacco product includes smokeless tobacco and a polymeric material in intimate contact with the smokeless tobacco and stabilized in conformance to a surface topography of the tobacco's fibrous structures such that the stabilized polymeric material secures the smokeless tobacco together. The smokeless tobacco product has a moisture-permeable porous surface and an overall oven volatiles content of at least 10 weight percent.

The present disclosure generally relates to electronic vaporizing devices comprising a plurality of components, and mechanisms for locking or otherwise securing the components together. Components of the electronic vaporizing devices may include a cartridge (e.g., including a liquid for vaporization) and a battery unit (e.g., including a rechargeable battery), among other possible components. The electronic vaporizing devices may be at least partially disassembled to allow a user to replace, replenish, recharge, and/or repair the device, as needed.

A system for producing porous masses may include a mold cavity disposed along the material path, at least one hopper before at least a portion of the mold cavity for feeding a matrix material to the material path, a heat source in thermal communication with at least a first portion of the material path, and a cutter disposed along the material path after the first portion of the material path.

A programmable level shifter for providing upshifted control signals to an active matrix display based on logic-level control signals received from a timing controller. The programmable level shifter includes a programmable state machine, level-shifting output drivers, and a programming interface. The programmable state machine is configured to receive at least one control signal from a timing controller. The state machine generates, based on said at least one control signal, a plurality of outputs for driving gate drivers of the active matrix display. The level-shifting output drivers convert the plurality of outputs generated by the programmable state machine to a higher-magnitude voltage level. The programming interface facilitates the programming of aspects of the programmable state machine.

Coin processing apparatuses, such as consumer or commercial coin processing apparatuses for counting and/or sorting coins, are described herein. The apparatuses can include coin conveyors having a plurality of individual coin carriers linked together to form a chain. In some embodiments, each of the coin carriers includes a corresponding pocket that is configured to receive a coin from a coin hopper as the carrier chain passes through the coin hopper during its cycle. The coin carriers can carry the coins past one or more sensors for identification or “discrimination” of the coin denomination. After discrimination, the coins can be knocked from the carrier pockets and into, e.g., a selected coin chute for transfer to a collection bin.

Systems, computer program products, and methods useful for handling or managing microplates are provided.

A mobile platform has a separate and independent linear actuator pivotally connected near each opposite end of the platform where there is a contact limit switch that when triggered by contact with the side of a flatbed, stops movement of the actuator, and thus stops movement of the platform, toward the side of the flatbed. Because each of the two actuators is pivotally connected to its respective end of the platform and moves independently of the other, each end of the platform can stop moving toward the flatbed before or after, depending on how the flatbed is misaligned, the other end of the platform stops moving toward the flatbed. In this way the platform self-aligns to the alignment of the flatbed and avoids the need to reposition a flatbed that is not precisely aligned parallel to the central axis of the loading bay.

Fall protection systems, methods of installing such systems, and buildings embodying such systems. Such fall protection system extends from structure elements of the building about an encompassed space into which there is risk of a person falling. An open-mesh web is supported from the structure elements and overlies, and extends across, the space. A perimeter band extends about the encompassed space. The perimeter band is secured to the building structure elements about the space and thus entraps the web between the band and the building structure elements. The web may also be supported in the space by supplemental supports, which can be crossing support bands, attached to the structure elements, or intervening e.g. walls within the space. The web is left in place and is covered by internal finish materials whereby the web is captured between internal finish materials and ceiling and/or floor members in the finished building.

Various embodiments of ladders, ladder components, accessories for ladders, ladder systems and related methods are provided. In one embodiment a ladder and platform system is provided having at least two ladders and a platform or plank. The platform or plank has coupling mechanisms that provide adjustable but secure coupling of the platform to the ladders, either with the top cap or with the rungs. Other embodiments include storage devices and paint trays for use with ladders and ladder systems incorporating such devices.

A fuel injection adapter can include a primary cavity into which a primary fuel injector can be received and a secondary cavity into which a secondary fuel injector can be received. A channel can provide fluid communication between the primary and secondary cavity, and the primary cavity can be in fluid communication with an outlet of the fuel injection adapter.

Embodiments of systems and methods for tuning a turbine are provided. In one embodiment, a method may include receiving at least one of a measured operating parameter or a modeled operating parameter of a turbine during operation; and tuning the turbine during operation. The turbine may be tuned during operation by applying the measured operating parameter or modeled operating parameter or parameters to at least one operational boundary model, applying the measured operating parameter or modeled operating parameter or parameters to at least one scheduling algorithm, comparing the output of the operational boundary model or models to the output of the scheduling algorithm or algorithms to determine at least one error term, and closing loop on the one error term or terms by adjusting at least one turbine control effector during operation of the turbine.

Threshold switching devices demonstrating transient current protection through both insulation and repair current mechanisms, including associated systems and methods, are provided and discussed.

Various communication systems may benefit from managing signal interference. For example, certain wireless communication systems may benefit from a dynamic time division duplex system involving slot allocation. A method includes allocating, by an access point, in a time division duplex frame a plurality of radio resource slots, each one of the plurality of radio resource slots being allocated for a downlink or an uplink transmission, and determining that the allocation of the downlink or uplink transmission should be changed. The method also includes applying a permutation pattern to re-allocate at least one of the plurality of radio resource slots for the downlink or uplink transmission.