Abstract: An electron beam as a curing technique with dynamic beam control technology in order to produce arbitrarily shaped parts. The result of this is equipment which can create prototypes and parts rapidly without additional tooling. The electron beam from a low divergence gun is accelerated towards uncured monomer in vacuum. Deflection of the beam combined with a grid which is used to turn the beam on and off, creates a two dimensional curing path with a depth of approximately five (5) thousandths of inch. Successive layers of this type, built up as monomer is added, creates a three dimensional pattern. The layers can either be of uniform thickness, or can be varied in thickness by varying the energy of the beam.

Abstract: Surgical correction of human eye refractive errors such as presbyopia, hyperopia, myopia, and stigmatism by using transcutaneously inductively energized artificial muscle implants to either actively change the axial length and the anterior curvatures of the eye globe. This brings the retina/macula region to coincide with the focal point. The implants use transcutaneously inductively energized scleral constrictor bands equipped with composite artificial muscle structures. The implants can induce enough accommodation of a few diopters, to correct presbyopia, hyperopia, and myopia on demand. In the preferred embodiment, the implant comprises an active sphinctering smart band to encircle the sclera, preferably implanted under the conjunctiva and under the extraocular muscles to uniformly constrict the eye globe, similar to a scleral buckle band for surgical correction of retinal detachment, to induce active temporary myopia (hyperopia) by increasing (decreasing) the active length of the globe.

Abstract: A self priming pump attachment for transfer of liquids, such as water, attached to a rotating driving source. The rotating driving source can be a string trimmer, a drill or similar apparatus for creating a “wand” with the pump attachment on the end for placement into the liquid. The invention is affixed to the rotating driving source which drives an impeller. A drive shaft can also be used. The impeller has a plurality of veins at a optimal pitch which depends on the speed of the driving source, the density of the liquid and the distance of the discharge point from the pump housing. The pump housing encloses the impeller and contains apertures on a lower portion for drawing in the liquid, and an exit aperture on a top portion for discharging the liquid. Tubing can be affixed to the exit aperture for discharging the liquid at a desired location.

Abstract: Ion exchange membrane-based sensors, actuators and sensor/actuators and methods of making same for applications requiring sensing, actuating and controlling displacement. Sensors, actuators, and sensor/actuators are useful in biological as well as other applications. Encapsulation of the sensors, actuators, or sensor/actuators further increases the utility of the present invention. Devices according to the present invention made using lithium are preferred over those made using only sodium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating an electromagnetic environment in which the free field, plane wave response of electronic systems of an electrically large (greater than several wavelengths in its longest dimension) object, or objects, under test can be measured in the electromagnetic radiating near field of the transmitter array apparatus. The apparatus comprises: (1) one or more transmitting station(s), each station home to an array of radiating elements; (2) a software operating system and computer that controls the electronic circuits of the apparatus and executes an optimizing algorithm based on a Genetic Algorithm to control the radiation of each transmitting station; and (3) mechanical and electrical circuits that enable the apparatus to conduct self calibration and adjustment as required. In operation, the apparatus is placed and distributed about an object under test.

Abstract: Soft, multi-fingered resilient robotic fingers for selectively assisting the ventricles, and in particular the left ventricle, of a weak heart to produce internal pressure and to pump blood from one or more sides, in synchrony with the natural systolic contraction of the ventricle, as well as providing arrhythmia control of a beating heart. The apparatus is microprocessor and electrically-controlled and completely implantable. The plurality of soft fingers monitor and gently squeeze the heart (systole) to enhance blood circulation and assist a weak heart. The soft fingers work in harmony, by means of a micro-processor controlled solenoid or other linear robotic actuators such as metal-hydride actuators or polymeric artificial muscles, and a resilient body or a spring, to close once the solenoid is powered electrically and quickly retract away from the heart when the solenoid is not powered.

Abstract: New artificial muscles and actuators, that are operated by hydrogen gas as working fluid stored interstitially in metal hydrides as a hydrogen sponge. These artificial muscles and actuators are operated both electrically and thermally. The artificial muscles and actuators have fast response, are compact/light-weight, are noiseless, and produce high-power density. They can be used for biomedical, space, defense, micro-machines, and industrial applications.

Abstract: Tabs are placed on a moving object in order to de-organize the fluid or air, passing over the moving object. The tabs can be any type of protrusion on the body of the moving object. The placement, size, and number of tabs depends on the size and contour of the moving object and can be optimized by testing. The use of these tabs causes less friction between the fluid or air and the object, and increases the efficiency and stability of the moving object. Additionally, dimpled strips can be used to de-organize the fluid in lieu of tabs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the normal operation of a hydronic heating system, (including AC powered, gas-burning hot water boiler, multi-zone systems) using a DC power source, such as battery power, as the primary continuous source of electricity. Control functions minimize the consumption of electric power during normal operation, and eliminate standby electric consumption in order to extend the life of the batteries and maximize the run-time of the heating system. A DC to DC converter supplies low voltage DC power to the zone thermostats, and also supplies the proper voltage through zone relays to operate DC zone pumps. By allowing the use of DC power for the thermostats and zone pumps, the system eliminates the need for transformers, zone valves, and AC circulators, resulting in a large savings in electrical consumption and the elimination of the standby electric demand (“phantom load”) common in conventional hydronic heating systems.

Abstract: A tire iron for mounting and demounting tires from rims. The demounting head has a ball and neck for confining the tire bead and rim edge while the tire bead is peeled off. The mounting head also contains a ball and neck for similarly confining the tire bead. The mounting head is affixed to the tire iron so that it is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rim while mounting a tire. The tool has flattened sides to maintain the direction of the mounting head while in use. Due to the unique ball and neck design, the tire tool has a working angle of 10.degree. to 60.degree. from the plane of the rim and can be used in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction.

Abstract: A wheel pulling apparatus and method for removing vehicle wheels by pushing against the mounting studs of a motor vehicle wheel assembly. The invention is designed to remove or break uni-mount wheels from large wheel assemblies. A push plate is positioned onto the wheel by at least one receiver. At least two threaded grappling hooks are affixed to the wheel, and the threaded portion of the grappling hooks are slid through slots in the push plate. Washers are inserted and nuts are tightened onto the threaded portion. The nuts are then alternately tightened causing the push plate to snug onto mounting studs and to pull the wheel from the wheel assembly.

Abstract: High energy scanning apparatus including a high voltage electrostatic generator and particle accelerator. A variable-trajectory electron beam is converted to a photon beam and collimated by a stationary collimator having a plurality of photon-passing slits. The stationary collimator produces a plurality of photon beams linearly and angularly displaced relative to each other in two dimensions. The photon beams are detected, thereby producing a plurality of preselected images including stereoscopic images. Also disclosed is a method of using the apparatus.

Abstract: A discretely portable device for facilitating breast self exams which encourages the understanding and records information regarding breasts in three positions, arms at side, arms over head and supine. The information is recorder on transparent material affixed to a mirror. The Breast-Map contains depictions of the normal geography of the breasts and the information recorded on the Breast-Map includes personal information, visual findings, sensory findings, and palpable finding in order to expedite the recognition of change by both women and their health care professionals.

Abstract: A power door latch that eliminates the need to slam a door and that also allows the required two stage lock to engage. The OEM striker once engaged is driven toward the door frame in a linear motion, by a reversible electric motor that drives an acme screw within the drive housing. Adjustable limit switches detect full closure and full open to activate and deactivate the motor. A mechanical delay is incorporated within the drive housing to allow the engagement of the two stage lock mechanism. The power door latch can be used with any OEM striker in most vehicles. Additionally, the power door latch can be manually engaged in the event of a power failure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the simultaneous presentation of a performance script available in the original language or multiple translations, which can be selected by the user. In addition, other visual information such as scores and advertisements can be transmitted to each display.