Abstract: A method for depositing metals, metal blends and alloys onto substrate surfaces, including microporous substrates utilizing a plasma operation undertaken at room temperature. In the process, a liquid solution of a monomer or comonomer precursor having a metallic component is utilized to wet the surface of the substrate, with the solvent portion thereafter being removed to leave the substrate surface coated with a dry deposit. The coated substrate is then introduced into a plasma reaction chamber with RF energy being applied across spaced electrodes to create a plasma glow along with the introduction of a plasma supporting gas. The substrate is exposed to the plasma glow for conversion of the precursor to dissociated form to create a deposit consisting essentially of the metallic component in elemental form as a cohesive film on the substrate surface. Preferred metals include such noble metals as platinum, gold and silver, as well as other metals.

Abstract: A biodegradable scale and corrosion inhibiting composition includes between about 50 and about 90% by weight of a protein polymer that is derived from a natural source, and between about 10 and about 20% by weight of the alkali salts of gluconic acid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling permanent magnet segments and a back ring wherein a fixture hold segments in circumaxially spaced relationship, adhesive is applied to the segments, externally from pressure sensitive adhesive tape and the fixture then expands to urge the segments into firm bonding engagement with the back ring.

Abstract: A machine for balancing a rotating member includes hard bearing balancing apparatus for determining the magnitude and circumaxial location of imbalance. A sensor responds to the position of the rotating member. A computer receives signals from the balancing apparatus and the sensor and determines the location of one or more projectiles to be fired at the member. A firing mechanism including a piezoelectric actuator fires the projectiles in timed relationship with the rotation of the member so as to position the projectiles as required for balancing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a product display apparatus having a mounting member with a guide device extending outwardly therefrom in a substantially horizontal orientation. A product support member is suspended from the guide device and is slidably coupled to the guide device. In the first orientation the product support member is extended outwardly from the guide device for loading product thereon. In a second orientation the product support member is retracted to a product display orientation.

Abstract: A training device for figure skaters and other athletes includes an elongate bungee-type cord, and a clipping mechanism with two normally closed loops secured to one end of the cord. At the other end, the cord is secured to itself to form a loop designed to accommodate the user's wrist. With the loop on the wrist and with the other end of the cord secured to the skate or other footwear by the clipping mechanism, the user practices gliding, spinning, twisting, or jumping maneuvers. The elasticity of the cord is selected to provide a gentle tensile force that guides the relative positioning of the linked hand and foot as the maneuvers are performed, to positively reinforce the correct positioning for the maneuvers.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand tool for enhancing the leverage available to a user includes a frame having a distal portion and a proximal portion, and a working element operably coupled to a distal end of the distal portion. The frame further includes a handle that is pivotally coupled to the frame at a portion thereof intermediate the proximal portion and the distal portion. A brace structure is preferably operably coupled to the proximal portion of the frame, with the brace structure being configured to operably brace against an upper side of a user's forearm while the user operably grasps the handle.

Abstract: A snubber circuit for use with an integrated power supply control circuit incorporating a transformer and a lateral power MOSFET on a single silicon chip. A capacitor is provided in circuit with the MOSFET and first resistor and diode are in series with each other and the capacitor. A second resistor and diode are also in series with each other and the capacitor. The diodes provide for first current flow in one and an opposite direction and the resistors provide first and second levels of resistance respectively for damping and turn on.

Abstract: A system for minimizing and/or eliminating coagulative or mineral deposits on respective blood-contacting surfaces of implanted medical devices includes an implantable system having a current generating device that is electrically coupled to at least first and second electrodes for developing a current therebetween. The at least first and second electrodes are disposed across a patient's thoracic cavity in a manner so that a particular implanted medical device having at least a portion thereof that is fabricated from an electrically conductive material is disposed in a path substantially between such electrodes, thereby focusing the generated electrical current at the electrically conductive portion of the implanted medical device for therapeutic treatment thereat.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the net weight of packaged goods includes obtaining a sample lot having one or more samples of the packaged goods and recording a stated net weight value for each sample. A gross weight value for each of the samples is then measured. Further, a component weight value for each component making up a respective packaging of at least one of the samples is weighed for its individual contribution to an overall tare value. This overall tare value derived from the individual component weights is then taken from the gross weight value to obtain an actual net weight value for each sample. The actual net weight value may then be compared with the stated net weight value to determine whether an error exists.

Abstract: An elongated flow-through degassing apparatus includes an elongated gas and liquid impermeable outer tube and one or more gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable elongated inner tubes extending within the outer tube and at least partially through a chamber defined within the outer tube. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet connection structures operably coupled to respective portions of the outer tube and the inner tubes to further enable a sealed engagement between the outer tube and the inner tubes, and to provide for connection devices to operably couple the degassing apparatus of the present invention to respective spaced apart components. The degassing apparatus is sufficiently flexible so as to be readily manipulatable into desired configurations.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting composition for use in reinforced concrete structures, the inhibitor composition reducing the rate of corrosion in metallic reinforcing rods placed within the structures. The composition includes a combination of one or more corrosion inhibiting agents and one or more silica neutralizing agents.

Abstract: A digital image storage and management system for automatically generating distinct recorded media volumes by recording selected data thereon includes a combination of computer hardware and software components that are configured to operably receive and act upon user-defined commands delivered to the computer via a graphical user interface, which may be coupled to the computer through an external network. The hardware and software combination in the computer direct robotics to manipulate distinct recordable media volumes into and out from respective media recording drives. Data retrieved from local or distributed databases by the computer according to specific user-defined commands is compiled into discreet associated data sets and recorded onto one or more recordable media volumes. The computer also automatically creates a pre-defined association with the particular data set for cataloging purposes.

Abstract: A fabric for use in window blind systems, the fabric comprising a first fabric layer bound via an adhesive to a base fabric. The fabric is preferably formed into a Roman blind fabric by the provision of elongate, widthwise channels.