Abstract: A method for curing a resin includes the steps of placing the resin into a reaction vessel, drawing a vacuum in the reaction vessel, positioning the reaction vessel in a gaseous coupling fluid, and applying ultrasonic energy to the coupling fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for splitting, imaging, and measuring wavefronts with a reference wavefront and an object wavefront. A wavefront-combining element receives and combines into a combined wavefront an object wavefront from an object and a reference wavefront. A wavefront-splitting element splits the combined wavefront into a plurality of sub-wavefronts in such a way that each of the sub-wavefronts is substantially contiguous with at least one other sub-wavefront. The wavefront-splitting element may shift the relative phase between the reference wavefront and the object wavefront of the sub-wavefronts to yield a respective plurality of phase-shifted sub-wavefronts. The wavefront-splitting element may then interfering the reference and object wavefronts of the phase-shifted sub-wavefronts to yield a respective plurality of phase-shifted interferograms. An imaging element receives and images the phase-shifted interferograms.

Abstract: A multi-beam laser Doppler vibrometer simultaneously measures velocity, displacement, and vibration history of multiple locations on an object. A beam of coherent light is split into an object beam and a reference beam. The object beam is divided into a plurality of object beams to simultaneously illuminate multiple locations on the object under inspection. The reference beam is frequency shifted and split into a corresponding plurality of frequency-shifted reference beams. A portion of each object beam is reflected by the object as a modulated object beam. The plurality of modulated object beams are collected and respectively mixed with the plurality of frequency-shifted reference beams to provide a plurality of beam pairs. Each beam pair may be focused onto a photodetector or an optical fiber connected to a photodetector.

Abstract: An electric generator is disclosed having a high efficiency over wide ranges in rotor speed and power output requirements. Output voltage control is achieved by providing the power output windings with variable adjustment. This variable adjustment determines the number of turns that are used for the power output on the power output windings themselves. When excess voltage is generated, turns used on the power output windings are reduced thereby reducing output voltage and increasing efficiency by lowering the power output winding resistance. When the voltage generated is low, more turns on the power output windings are activated thereby increasing the voltage of the generator itself. This voltage control occurs prior to any voltage modification outside of the generator. A sensor and feedback mechanism is used to automatically adjust the power output windings thereby attaining maximum efficiency at the desired voltage and power level.

Abstract: A system for sealing a load with film, where the load is placed on a pallet, includes a frame and a vertically moveable platform on which the pallet is received. A clamp is mounted to the frame and is configured to engage the load independently of the pallet when the pallet is received on the platform. A rack is mounted to the frame so as to be vertically movable, and a pair of cross members are mounted to the rack so as to be horizontally movable. An engagement subsystem configured to engage sides of the film and a sealing subsystem configured to seal the film are mounted to the cross members. In operation, when the pallet is placed on the platform, the sides of the film, which in the form of a sleeve where the sides define an inner space when separated, are engaged with the engagement subsystem when the rack is in the upper position. Thereafter, the cross members move outwardly to separate the sides of film and to define the inner space.

Abstract: A storage enclosure includes a base including a top panel extending transversely from a front panel. The base is attachable to a load deck of an open deck vehicle such that an enclosed space is defined by the front and top panels and the load deck. The base includes mounts within the enclosed space that are attachable to a bracket for attaching the base to the load deck. The top panel includes side portions that extend from opposite ends of the front panel, and a removable cover panel is disposed between the side portions. A cage is mounted to the base that defines a cage compartment above the top panel. The cage includes legs that extend through the base and are engaged by locking elements to removably secure the cage to the base. The cage includes frame segments that are releasably connected to one another by release pins.

Abstract: A sheet protector includes a front panel and a back panel attached together to form a pocket and a margin. The pocket may have an opening extending along a top edge of the panels. The margin extends along a side of the pocket. The opening may extend a distance into the margin such that a width of the opening is greater than a width of the pocket. For example, the width of the opening may be at least about 2% greater than the width of the pocket. Alternatively, a sheet protector includes a sheet of material folded about a fold line to form the front panel and the back panel. The panels are welded together at a bottom weld line, an outer weld line located along one side, and at an inner weld line located in a spaced relationship from the outer weld line. A margin is defined between the outer and inner weld lines, and a pocket is defined between the panels and within the fold line, the bottom weld line, and the inner line, with an opening being defined along the top edges of the panels.

Abstract: A system for sealing a load with film, where the load is placed on a pallet, includes a frame and a vertically moveable platform on which the pallet is received. A clamp is mounted to the frame and is configured to engage the load independently of the pallet when the pallet is received on the platform. A rack is mounted to the frame so as to be vertically movable, and a pair of cross members are mounted to the rack so as to be horizontally movable. An engagement subsystem configured to engage sides of the film and a sealing subsystem configured to seal the film are mounted to the cross members. In operation, when the pallet is placed on the platform, the sides of the film, which in the form of a sleeve where the sides define an inner space when separated, are engaged with the engagement subsystem when the rack is in the upper position. Thereafter, the cross members move outwardly to separate the sides of film and to define the inner space.

Abstract: An electronic device such as an alarm that reminds a user when rented items or products such as video cassettes or digital versatile discs (DVDs) are due back to the rental store, or when a library book is due back at a library.

Abstract: A container for retaining articles includes a pliable sack and a closure attached to an opening of the sack. The closure includes a substantially flexible member having a pair of anchors and a substantially rigid member having a pair of pivotal seats. Each of the pivotal seats is adapted to receive a respective one of the anchors of the flexible member. The closure is positionable between a closed position in which the flexible member is substantially proximate to the rigid member and an opened position in which the flexible member is substantially separated from the rigid member. The closure may be configured to have a generally circular shape when in the opened position and a generally crescent shape when in the closed position. The seats may be configured to slidably receive the anchors to minimize complexity in the manufacturing process. Each of the rigid and flexible members preferably has a unitary construction to further reduce manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A signal light for a chair positioned at a gaming table in a casino. The signal light includes a light housing and a switch housing. A power supply may also be included. The light housing is disposed or mounted on a support which is mounted to the chair such that the light housing is elevated above the chair. The switch housing is operatively connected to the light housing such that the switch housing is spatially separated the light housing. The light housing may include a plurality of differently colored lights that a casino may designate for respective services when lit, and the switch housing may include a corresponding number of switches for selectively operating the lights.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a serial-to-ethernet modular converter jack and a method of fabricating of the same. The serial-to-ethernet converter electronic components, including the control software stored in on-board memory, are miniaturized and housed entirely in an RJ-45 jack. The present invention is constructed of a shielded housing that defines an open front portion for a connector port. The housing of the present invention also includes a segregated interior chamber, which encases all of the electrical components necessary to complete a serial-to-ethernet conversion of data. Lead pins electrically connected to the circuitry within the interior chamber, protrude from the based of the connector jack providing for a means to mate the jack to a circuit board. First, second and third circuit boards collectively incorporate the serial-to-ethernet circuitry components.

Abstract: An inductor includes a core, a coil disposed about the core, and a shield. The shield and the core are connected to each other so that a closed magnetic loop is formed. The core may be a single piece or made up of a pair of core segments. The shield may include two halves or portions or may include a cover with a base. The core may be unitary with the shield at one or both ends thereof. In embodiments where the shield includes two portions, the portions may have substantially identical geometry and dimensions.

Abstract: A foot powder includes boric acid powder and sublimed sulfur powder. In a number of embodiments, the foot powder includes about 40% to about 60% by weight of boric acid powder and about 40% to about 60% by weight of sublimed sulfur powder. In other embodiments, the ratio of boric acid powder to sublimed sulfur powder is about 1:1, that is, about 50% by weight of boric acid powder and about 50% by weight of sublimed sulfur powder. The foot powder may be used to treat foot odor and wetness.

Abstract: A method of increasing the power output of existing permanent magnet motors along with apparatus is disclosed. Increased power output is achieved by more completely utilizing the magnetic field of motor permanent magnets during running. The apparatus is external to the motor and therefore eliminates the need for modifications to the motor itself. The method involves providing a source of power to a permanent magnet motor which is capable of demagnetizing the motor permanent magnets at stall, and reducing the power at start up to a level sufficient to prevent demagnetization. Full power to the motor is provided when the motor speed reaches a level sufficient to prevent demagnetization of the permanent magnets.

Abstract: An adapter for disposing between a replacement valve and a manifold to provide an improved valve.

Abstract: A paper currency receiving device includes a body and two wheel assembly modules. The body has two opposed sides each, having an opening that communicates an interior of the body with outside. The body further has a bill-receiving opening in a front side thereof. The wheel assembly modules are respectively, detachably mounted to the openings of the body. Each wheel assembly module includes a plate and a wheel assembly mounted on an inner side of the plate. The wheel assembly includes a plurality of wheels and a belt mounted around the belt. The wheel assemblies feed a bill inserted into the bill-receiving opening into the interior of the body.

Abstract: A cleat holder is fixed to an underside of footwear and comprises a base and a hub projecting from. The hub includes a plurality of lobes on an outer periphery thereof and a screw-threaded bore. Grooves are defined in a side of the base, each groove having a portion extending to an indentation between two adjacent lobes. A shoe cleat comprises a cleat body and a screw-threaded spigot projecting from the cleat body. The screw-threaded spigot is releasably engageable with the screw-threaded bore of the cleat holder through rotary insertion. Protrusions are formed on a side of the cleat body and located around the screw-threaded spigot. Each protrusion of the shoe cleat is retained in place by an associated groove and an associated indentation of the cleat holder when the screw-threaded spigot is in the engaged position.

Abstract: A system and method of bonding is disclosed which is suitable for providing a strong interlocking adhesive bond between two surfaces. At least one bonding surface is provided with multiple layers of spherical shaped protrusions. The multilayer spherical bonding surface is formed from the substrate and therefore is continuous. Many methods may be employed to form this surface, including the lost wax casting process. Such bonding surfaces provide good interlocking properties for bonding agents such as epoxy resins and ceramics. In addition, the uniform curvature of the spherical particles themselves reduces points of stress thereby substantially reducing or even eliminating the formation of stress fractures.