Abstract: A disposable stethoscope cover that covers at least the surface of the diaphragm is disclosed. The cover contacts a patient during use and reduces transmittal of microorganisms. The cover is in the form of a flexible sheet having a top and a bottom surface. The sheet has an adhesive material on a portion of the surface thereof that secures the sheet to the surface of the diaphragm. The sheet further includes at least one wing extending from the sheet. The wing has an adhesive on at least one surface thereof for securing the wing to the sheet when the wing is folded over at least a portion of a tube section of the stethoscope.

Abstract: An article of apparel, or household fabric, having a power source, a switch and at least one electroluminescent or fabric strip for illuminating the article of apparel, or household article. In addition, the present invention can be used in a peer to peer network. The article may have a communication system including a transmitter and a receiver. Furthermore, the present invention can have electric circuitry that can be integrated with the electrical components so as to create different visual effects in response to signals from the communication system. The electroluminescent strips of the present invention can be designed to follow the contour of a trademark, logo, or character. Also, the electroluminescent strips can be designed to follow the stitching of the sneaker and follow the sneaker lace path. Switches of the present invention can include, preferably, a toggle switch, or if desired a pressure switch, a reed switch, or the like. The power source implemented is preferably a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: The two-point mortise latch of the present invention includes, a central actuator having teeth that are meshed with the teeth of a gear wheel, wherein the gear wheel and the central actuator are pivotally connected to at least one hook, via the hook arm. Wherein the top and bottom surfaces of the hooks have guide protrusions that are set in a guide their respective guide areas. The hooks are designed to contact the bottom interior surface of the keeper housing when latched. The central actuator and gear are meshed together via teeth. In addition, the central actuator and gear wheel are biased with springs so as to facilitate opening and closing of the door latch. The components of the present invention are retained inside of the housing, which is set inside the lock stile of a door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to core/shell vinyl polymers wherein an at least partially crosslinked core is formed from a monovinyl monomer and/or a di/tri/ or higher multivinyl monomer wherein the degree of crosslinking in the core ranges from slight to high depending on the ratio of monovinyl and/or di/tri/ or higher multivinyl monomers, and wherein the outer shell is formed from a monovinyl and/or a di/tri/ or higher multi-vinyl monomer that optionally may be crosslinked, and wherein the outer shell has on its surface linear or branched C.sub.3-C.sub.30 alkyl chains formed from substituted vinyl monomers.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing crosslinked core and core-shell nanoparticle polymers from chitosan. The final products of the present invention may be used as detergents and as additives for pharmaceutical composition and for drug delivery, and DNA carrier system. The nanoparticles made from biopolymers of the present invention may also be used in controlled release, superabsorbent materials and biomaterials like enzyme immobilization.

Abstract: An opening mechanism having a cover assembly, a base mounting plate, and a lever member. The lever member has a first arm and a second arm, which pivot from a first position to a second position. The movement of the arms from the first position to the second position causes one of the arms to move a closure from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A hose construction adapted for efficiently conveying fluids while extended, but capable of neatly contracting to a fraction of its extended length for storage or transportation, while integrally incorporating lines for electrical requirements. Storage may be within an outer hose and may be triggered via closure of a valve within a nozzle so that negative pressure causes contraction of the folds of the hose. The contracted hose has a length that is a fraction of its normal extended length. The hose construction incorporates a wire reinforcing member which may bias the hose for self-extension and may also function as part of the electrical system. The electrical lines may comprise stranded copper wires to conduct power and/or serve as a remote activation circuit. The hose configuration may have a cover with external folds, which maximizes flow and provides a cushioning outer diameter to prevent damage to the hose.

Abstract: An IFF interrogation system for use on an aircraft is described. The system transmits a signal from an interrogator to a transponder and from the transponder to the interrogator. The system includes a non-reciprocal IFF antenna that breaks either an uplink signal or a downlink signal at any given angle outside the main beam. The IFF transmitter transmits an Uplink ? signal and an Uplink ? signal to the IFF antenna.

Abstract: A sash lock for a sash window assembly where the sash window assembly includes an upper sash window and a lower sash window, each of the sash windows being mounted within opposed guide rails on a master frame wherein at least one of the sash windows is slidable within the frame relative to the other sash window. The sash lock has a housing for mounting on a stile of one of the sash windows and a keeper for mounting on a stile of a second sash of the window. The housing has a locking assembly comprising an actuator and a catch. The actuator is adapted to move the catch. The catch is adapted to engage and disengage a keeper as the actuator is moved from a first position to a second position. The movement of the catch from a first position to a second position causes an indicator in the housing to signal whether the locking assembly of the sash lock is in locking position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to formulations premix utilized in pellet structured frozen dessert type product. The pelletized frozen dessert product is manufactured by introducing the premix into a body of a cryogen such that the premix is frozen rapidly. The invention elevates the melting temperature as well as the fusing temperature of the pellets such that the storage and serving temperatures of the pellets are similar to the bulk products. The invention utilizes the basic ingredients and names and flavors of bulk type frozen desserts. The pellet produced utilizing the pre-mix is stable at normal retail and home freezer situations. The formulation and manufacture of the pelletized dessert product is substantially different from bulk frozen desserts. The result is a product that maintains the desired individuality of the pellets while maintaining structure, such that fusing is inhibited at the storage and serving temperature.

Abstract: A biodegradable planter made from straw and coir is described. The composition is made from a blend of about 1 to about 99% straw and 99% to about 1% coir. The planter is sprayed on at least one surface with a latex. Preferably it is sprayed with a natural latex.

Abstract: A biodegradable planter made from straw and coir is described. The composition is made from a blend of about 1 to about 99% straw and 99% to about 1% coir. The planter is sprayed on at least one surface with a latex. Preferably it is sprayed with a natural latex.

Abstract: A system and method of continuously measuring the profile of a rail in real time is disclosed. The rail which the profile is obtained in position on a track bed, The system includes a means for transmitting a beam of light at a selected wavelength onto the rail to illuminate a portion of the rail. The light is preferably a beam of laser light. A digital image of said illuminated portion of said rail is recorded. The digital image is manipulated to filter all light except for the selected wavelength. Rail wear is determined from the digital image created by the selected wavelength of light.

Abstract: A system for reducing CFAR loss due to sea clutter is disclosed. The system includes a first channel tuned for CFAR gain in a spatially correlated background and a second channel tuned for low CFAR loss in spatially uncorrelated backgrounds. Each of the channels employs a distribution free CFAR using rank ordered statistics to establish a constant false alarm rate. The output of each channel is fused by a hit correlation function and the stream of combined hits is processed by a target centroiding function.