Abstract: Nonparametric fuzzy inference system and method used in combination with a computer and memory for providing an indicator of asset condition by collecting asset training data, creating membership functions by deriving parameters of the membership functions directly from the asset training data, acquiring current asset data, and using the membership functions in a fuzzy inference system for processing the current asset data for providing an indicator of asset condition.

Abstract: An interactive online reading system for reading online digital content such as digital books including textbooks for a period of purchased time which is counted down only during a user activated reading session and wherein the countdown of the period of purchased time can be subsequently paused or stopped by the user for controlling costs over the user's reading and learning preferences.

Abstract: A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber.

Abstract: A computer-implemented asset surveillance system and method for self calibrating at least one fault detector providing asset surveillance by calibrating at least the one fault detector with statistics associated with expected asset behavior, acquiring observed data values from an asset, screening the observed data values based upon at least one defined criterion for obtaining screened data values, updating the statistics associated with expected asset behavior as a function of the screened data values for defining updated statistics, and recalibrating the at least one fault detector with the updated statistics.

Abstract: An electric or battery powered hand tool, which dispenses a wide variety of semi-soft materials. It is held in one hand and dispenses the material by pressing a pressure sensitive flow-control button. The power of the motor is adjustable, depending upon the consistency of the product to be dispensed. The dispenser features a quick-change cartridge system, which allows the user to quickly and easily change cartridges, which are pre-filled with the material of the user's choice, without having to clean out the barrel. The dispenser can be used in many applications such as cake decorating, craft applications, woodworking and construction.

Abstract: Adjustable breast positioning system for a breast received within a breast cup of a woman's garment comprising a platform situated within a lower region of the breast cup; a shaping member at least partially overlaying the platform wherein the platform and shaping member are open to the top portion of the breast cup; and a connector having one end coupled to the platform and another end connected to an anchor moveably mounted to the garment for adjusting the platform for reducing the available volume for the breast within the breast cup and for concomitantly pushing the shaping member upward and inward for displacing the breast upward, forward, and inward toward the center of the wearer's chest while simultaneously increasing the volume of the breast outside the top portion of the breast cup for providing an improved visual presentation of the breast.

Abstract: Adjustable breast positioning system for a breast received within a breast cup of a woman's garment comprising a pliable platform situated within a lower region of the breast cup; a shaping member at least partially overlaying the platform wherein the platform and shaping member are open to the top portion of the breast cup; and a connector having one end coupled to the platform and another end connected to an anchor moveably mounted to the garment for adjusting the platform for reducing the available volume for the breast within the breast cup and for concomitantly pushing the shaping member upward and inward for displacing the breast upward, forward, and inward toward the center of the wearer's chest while simultaneously increasing the volume of the breast outside the top portion of the breast cup for providing an improved visual presentation of the breast.

Abstract: System and method providing surveillance of an asset such as a process and/or apparatus by providing training and surveillance procedures that numerically fit a probability density function to an observed residual error signal distribution that is correlative to normal asset operation and then utilizes the fitted probability density function in a dynamic statistical hypothesis test for providing improved asset surveillance.

Abstract: Wheelchair hand rim device comprised of a heat conducting tubular hand rim and a continuous circumferential elastomeric interface that has a cross-sectional contour comprised of an outwardly extending horizontal member having a proximal end coupled to an outboard side of a wheel rim transitioning into a downwardly depending member terminating to a distal end coupled to an inboard upper portion of the tubular hand rim such that a majority of the tubular hand rim is exposed and devoid of the elastomeric interface. When braking, a user only uses the heat conducting tubular hand rim. When pushing, the user grips across both the tubular hand rim and the contoured elastomeric interface, which deforms to fit the hand, thereby providing improved comfort, frictional coupling, and impact attenuation.

Abstract: System and method for providing surveillance of an asset comprised of numerically fitting at least one mathematical model to obtained residual data correlative to asset operation; storing at least one mathematical model in a memory; obtaining a current set of signal data from the asset; retrieving at least one mathematical model from the memory, using the retrieved mathematical model in a sequential hypothesis test for determining if the current set of signal data is indicative of a fault condition; determining an asset fault cause correlative to a determined indication of a fault condition; providing an indication correlative to a determined fault cause, and an action when warranted. The residual data can be mode partitioned, a current mode of operation can be determined from the asset, and at least one mathematical model can be retrieved from the memory as a function of the determined mode of operation.

Abstract: System and method providing surveillance of an asset such as a process and/or apparatus by providing training and surveillance procedures that numerically fit a probability density function to an observed residual error signal distribution that is correlative to normal asset operation and then utilizes the fitted probability density function in a dynamic statistical hypothesis test for providing improved asset surveillance.

Abstract: Frequency rectification system using a Van der Pol oscillator for processing an asset signal by obtaining a complex signal from an asset comprised of a noise signal and a signal of interest having a corresponding frequency of interest wherein the complex signal includes a first spectrum having all of its largest spectral peaks corresponding to the noise signal such that the signal of interest is hidden under the noise signal. The system processes the complex signal with the Van der Pol oscillator with selected parameters for rectifying the complex signal into a rectified signal such that the noise signal is abated and the rectified signal is comprised of a second spectrum having a largest spectral peak corresponding to the signal of interest with all other spectral peaks smaller. The system extracts the frequency of interest from the rectified signal with an extraction module for use in providing asset information.

Abstract: A digital eddy current proximity system including a digital impedance measuring device for digitally measuring the proximity probes impedance correlative to displacement motion and position of a metallic target object being monitored. The system further including a cable-length calibration method, an automatic material identification and calibration method, a material insensitive method, an inductive ratio method and advanced sensing characteristics.

Abstract: Bicycle retractable security cable device comprising a cable disposed within a first frame member and within an opened ended housing extending along a second frame member, the cable comprising an external cable portion extending from the first frame member and terminating to a first looped end and an internal cable portion removably coupled to a spring disposed in and removably coupled to the housing for providing an external cable portion having a length grater than the spring length when the cable is in a stowed position such that the spring can be decoupled from and pulled through an open end of the housing a length greater than the spring length for spring repair or replacement. A coupling means couples the first looped cable end to the bicycle such that the cable loops up and forms a cable loop complemental in shape to other bicycle cables.

Abstract: A system for determining impulse events of an asset by sampling and digitizing a complex signal sensed by a transducer monitoring the asset into a digitized signal with a sampling device operatively coupled to the transducer, transforming the digitized signal into a plurality of maximum and minimum value pairs each pair having an associated location correlated to a relative movement of a moving member of the asset with a processor operatively coupled to the sampling device, and a monitor and/or a computerized condition monitor having the processor integrally formed therewith or operatively coupled thereto for comparing at least one of the plurality of maximum and minimum value pairs and its respective location to at least one known value for determining impulse events based on the comparison step for providing asset protection.

Abstract: A custom rule system and method that stores custom rules as rule steps and then displays these rule steps as graphical depictions such that these graphical depictions can be selected and interconnected to visually form custom rules for an expert system.

Abstract: A digital eddy current proximity system including a digital impedance measuring device for digitally measuring the proximity probes impedance correlative to displacement motion and position of a metallic target object being monitored. The system further including a cable-length calibration method, an automatic material identification and calibration method, a material insensitive method, an inductive ratio method and advanced sensing characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method which partitions a parameter estimation model, a fault detection model, and a fault classification model for a process surveillance scheme into two or more coordinated submodels together providing improved diagnostic decision making for at least one determined operating mode of an asset.