Abstract: A metal article containing at least 10% interconnected porosity is produced by using a preform. To make the preform, an organic binder, a wetting agent and a granular material are mixed to obtain a mouldable paste that combines 10 vol. pct. or more of the granular material, this material dissolving easily in a liquid solvent. The paste is shaped into an aerated preform, thus creating an open pore space to be infiltrated by the metal or alloy. The wetting agent is evaporated and the preform is baked to a temperature sufficient to degrade the binder and create a network of interconnected open porosity in the preform. Then, the open pore space is filled with the liquid metal or alloy. All or part of the baked preform can be easily leached by a liquid solvent through the network of fine pores.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for electrolessly metallizing an article, as well as to a plating bath and the subsequent plated substrate. The process comprises contacting the surface of an article with an electroless metallizing bath which may be essentially free of toxic and/or heavy metals.

Abstract: An air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag comprises at least one air deflection element coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle but not to the rear-facing surface of the vehicle or, in other embodiments, at least one air deflection element coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle but not to any rear door which the vehicle may have. Each air deflection element comprises a housing member and an elongating member, and the elongating members are displaceable, preferably in unison, between a retracted position and at least one deployed position. The elongating members may be deployed and retracted manually, or remotely with powered assistance, or under microprocessor control. Vehicles equipped with the apparatus, and methods of reducing vehicular air drag using the apparatus, are also disclosed.

Abstract: By using 3-D focal plane arrays, the present invention tracks or locates small moving objects, or generates a 3-D frame of data with minimum laser energy and a minimum of mechanically moving parts. In another embodiment the invention is used to determine the direction of a laser designating a target with a minimum of moving parts. In another embodiment the invention is used as a 3-D movie/video camera. In yet another embodiment the device is used to provide data for autonomous navigation.

Abstract: A method, device and system for determining a receiver location using weak signal satellite transmissions. The invention involves a sequence of exchanges between an aiding source and a receiver that serve to provide aiding information to the receiver so that the receiver's location may be determined in the presence of weak satellite transmissions. With the aiding information, the novel receiver detects, acquires and tracks weak satellite signals and computes position solutions from calculated pseudo ranges despite the inability to extract time synchronization date f, 'n the weak satellite signals. The invention includes as features, methods and apparatus for the calibration of a local oscillator, the cancellation of cross correlations, a Doppler location scheme, an ensemble averaging scheme, the calculation of almanac aiding from a table of orbit coefficients, absolute time determination, and a modified search engine.

Abstract: The present application pertains to a system for adjusting the height of a covering, such as window or a wall covering formed of two or more covering segments that are axially aligned. The system includes a link that selectively transmits rotation between two adjacent coverage thereby allowing the two coverings to be controlled, e.g., raised or lowered, simultaneously. The link includes a clutch that allows one of the segments to be rotated with respect to the other so that the bottom end of one of the coverings can be adjusted and aligned horizontally independently of the other. Optionally, the clutch includes an internal member that provides a mechanical advantage while the one covering is adjusted.

Abstract: The present application pertains to a wheelchair having a frame; a seat attached to the frame and supporting a user; two lateral drive wheels mounted on essentially horizontal axes; and a propulsion system including a handle, an operating lever supporting said handle and having a friction element mounted onto the operating lever. The operating lever is movable axially with respect to one axis between a first and second position and radially. The friction element is arranged and constructed to frictionally engage said drive wheel in the first position and radial movement of the propulsion system propels the chair in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A paint shield for preventing the misapplication of coating material comprises a shielding member having a leading edge and a base member, an extension handle for enabling a user to hold the leading edge of the paint shielding member against a surface, a pivot member connected to the base member for angularly positioning the shielding member, and a storage location positioned in said base member for storing the pivot member and the extension handle when the pivot member is selectively removed from the base member. The pivot member preferably includes two walls having at least one frictional pad disposed on an inner surface of each wall for frictionally engaging the base member and allowing a user to angularly pivot the shielding member without loosening the pivot member.