Abstract: Isothermal work piece holding system uses vibration-damping, low thermal conductivity, low TCE polymer-composite holding body(ies) to damp machine tool vibration and chatter while accurately, rigidly maintaining the work piece in position by vacuum and/or mechanical clamps during machining. Cooling fluid channels having high thermal conductivity plates in contact with the work piece transfer thermal energy to/from it to maintain it isothermal during machining, inspection and assembly, eliminating dimensional changes and increasing process repeatability. Minimizing chatter reduces cycle time and improves surface finish which eliminates manual re-work. The system employs vacuum and coolant fluid pumps, heater/cooler(s), temperature sensor(s) and controller(s) to achieve highly accurate dimensional tolerances machining of parts which reduces error stack-up and assembly costs. Isothermal fixtures are disclosed for assembling parts and automated rivet settings in precise locations with reduced use of shims.

Abstract: An improved, preferably plastic, universal breathing aid device for insertion into the nasal passages having a first pair of septum-engaging and gripping arms, from which are cantilevered a pair of curved, spring-action nostril-expanding arm that keep the nasal passages open. The septum-engaging arms are supported by a base member in the form of an open loop that includes a living hinge to provide flexibility and accommodation to varying sizes of nasal septums. The flexibility of both sets of arms promotes user comfort. The living hinge urges the septum arms together to provide grip yet comfort via the flexibility of the hinge. The nostril-expanding arms act in the opposite direction, opening the airway. The contours of the arm and tip cross sections may be varied for comfort, and device may range from generally planar to three-dimensional. The inventive device is unobtrusive and easily kept sanitary.

Abstract: Gun scope and action cover comprises a water-proof, breathable/air-permeable, reversible, light-weight, highly-flexible fabric pouch formed by an enclosed, cinchable elastic cord that fits over the optical scope of a rifle or hand gun, and that is universal in size, quiet in use, easy to put on and take off, and easy to store. The pouch area, formed by cinching and locking the cord, is bounded with an extended skirt that drapes down over the mechanical action of the gun. 2-ply waterproof/breathable fabric is preferred. Additional features include a securing cord for adding camouflaging ghillie strips, hook and loop fastener silencer(s) that prevent accidental adhesion to clothing, the release of which causes game-spooking sound, and a pocket for a warmer unit. The cover employs a variety of camouflage patterns on one or both sides, or one side may be a dark, a light, or a safety color, such as neon orange.

Abstract: Substrate preparation systems comprising multi-zone cascade brush scrubbers having sonic assemblies disposed between one or more of the scrubber zones for cleaning of disk-shaped substrates, including silicon wafers and disks for data storage devices, such as hard disk drives (HDD), compact discs (CD) and digital video discs (DVD). The system method combines a sonic particle dislodgement/removal assembly into a cascade brush scrubber line comprising a longi-tudinal array of brush pairs in which the substrates process through preparation zones defined by each pair of brushes, the substrates being transited longitudinally through the zones while rotating on an axis normal to their faces. Piezoelectric transducer arrays transmit sound energy to one or both face(s) of the substrate to dislodge and/or remove particles, and the scrubber simultaneously or thereafter sweeps away the particulates.

Abstract: Internet-based business system and management programs therefor, and more particularly to financial investment management characterized by a unique system of attracting and identifying the Best Investors, including offering, facilitating and managing performance-based investment competitions based on model (virtual) investment portfolios, creating actual portfolios for the identified Best Investor, creating and operating actual mutual funds based on the identified Best Investors as fund managers, and providing a full suite of related subscriber and investor services associated therewith as a fund supermarket. The invention includes facilitation of daily feedback of one or more significant and appropriate financial performance metric(s), preferably the NAV (iTAV), of identified stocks and funds. Performance ranking of advice is provided so that the investor knows the track record (ranking), on an ongoing basis, of a particular advisor, thereby establishing credibility of comments.

Abstract: Secure, verifiable, computer-enabled, LAN/WAN/Wireless networked, facility emergency notification, rapid alert management, and occupant alarm systems for public, private, and government buildings, and outdoor areas for which there is a need for rapid alerts to occupants or attendees of the occurrence of impending or in-progress dangerous or threatening events. The inventive system is a highly flexible rapid alert initiation, management and archival system comprising computer-enabled and network-linked apparatus, software, and methods enabling rapid dissemination from a central station or decentralized location of alerts of the occurrence of threatening or dangerous events in a series of hierarchical, increasing levels of directed action to be taken by the occupants, and permits monitoring and controlling activity of occupants during the event, archiving event data, including audio or/and video recordings until the situation returns to normal and an all clear signal is given.

Abstract: An aromatherapy delivery system for people and animals allows targeted placement of scents in close proximity to the olfactory system to provide the continuous, stimulating, relaxing, therapeutic and/or medicinal effects desired by the aromatherapist. The inventive system comprises a sewn, double-layered pouch of vapor-permeable material with sealable opening for inserting aromatic sachet materials, either loose or contained in a small bag. The device thus filled with aromatics is worn around the neck, wrist or leg, and is retained in place by suitable attachment device such as hook and loop strips. The preferred bandana-shaped embodiment is generally triangular with elongated tabs extending from opposed apexes in which the third (depending) apex of the pouch contains the replaceable sachet mixture. Aromatic vapors are diffused through the air at normal temperatures or activated through other means, such as through body heat generated by exercise or by manual kneading or squeezing of the pouch.

Abstract: Storage units of standard, new or used wood stave barrels, mounted on end on a rotating platform and having a side opening cut-out to the interior for access to shelving, drawers, wine racks or other storage devices fitted in the interior. The barrel is mounted on and secured to a rotatable platform that includes a turntable mechanism, the platform being specifically sized to fit inside the base recess of the barrel, so that it is hidden by the barrel lip, yet holds the barrel sufficiently off the ground to clear carpeting or other irregular flooring such as slate, brick or tile pavers, that might otherwise interfere with its rotation. The platform includes friction sliders so that the barrel rotates under hand pressure but does not spin freely. Selected feet or spacer disks are used to provide minimum needed clearance so the barrel appears to float just above the flooring surface.

Abstract: A rocker arm cover comprises a shell having an upper portion and a lower portion formed by inner and outer side walls and end walls contiguous therewith. A dividing wall is joined to the side walls and end walls to define an upper cavity in the upper portion of the rocker arm cover and to define a lower cavity in the lower part of the rocker arm cover. A lid is fitted to the upper portion of the rocker arm cover to provide an enclosed cavity for housing the plurality of ignition coils.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for radio frequency identification. According to one embodiment, a radio frequency identification system comprises a radio frequency identification tag. The tag comprises a radio frequency transmitter and an optical receiver. A reader is communicatively coupled with the tag and is adapted to receive information from the radio frequency identification tag via the radio frequency transmitter of the radio frequency identification tag. The system also includes a trigger communicatively coupled with the tag. The trigger is adapted to send information to the radio frequency identification tag via the optical receiver of the radio frequency identification tag.

Abstract: Secure, verifiable, computer-enabled, LAN/WAN/Wireless networked, facility emergency notification, rapid alert management, and occupant alarm systems for public, private, and government buildings, and outdoor areas for which there is a need for rapid alerts to occupants or attendees of the occurrence of impending or in-progress dangerous or threatening events. The inventive system is a highly flexible rapid alert initiation, management and archival system comprising computer-enabled and network-linked apparatus, software, and methods enabling rapid dissemination from a central station or decentralized location of alerts of the occurrence of threatening or dangerous events in a series of hierarchical, increasing levels of directed action to be taken by the occupants, and permits monitoring and controlling activity of occupants during the event, archiving event data, including audio or/and video recordings until the situation returns to normal and an all clear signal is given.

Abstract: A computer data processing system including a central processing unit configured with a novel integrated computer control software system for the management of data objects including dynamic and automatic organization, linking, finding, cross-referencing, viewing and retrieval of multiple objects regardless of nature or source. The inventive system provides underlying component architecture having an object-oriented database structure and a metadata database structure which is unique in storing only one instance of each object while linking the object to multiple collections and domains by unique metadata links for the grouping into and retrieval from any of the collections. The system employs configurable, extensible attribute/properties of data objects in metadata format, and a truly user-friendly configurable interface that facilitates faster, more unified, comprehensive, useful and meaningful information management.

Abstract: An attractive, decoratively interesting, wearable, light weight jewelry device having illumination and fragrance-emitting features. The preferred form is a brooch having one or more LEDs connected to an electric circuit fed by a micro-battery for a wide range of illumination effects, and more particularly effects where the emitted light flux is controlled and dimmed. The body of the brooch is porous to absorb fragrance essences so it emits any wearer-selected scent. The body has a cavity into which an inter-changeable, sealed light source unit is inserted with the LED projecting through the top face of the brooch. The light circuit preferably includes a chip that provides a wide range of programmed light displays, such as sequences of colors, scintillating, flashing, change in intensity (pulsing) and the like. The light display can be activated by remote control and the LED bezel may be prism shaped or have optical fibers secured thereto.

Abstract: A multiple sports, universally positionable, adjustable net-type backstop system mounted to a pole, such as a basketball hoop pole, comprising an outrigger assembly that is vertically and horizontally adjustable and rotatable 360° on a vertical axis, so that the net can be selectively positioned in front, behind or to either side of a basketball backboard. The outrigger assembly is mounted on the support pole via a horizontally pivotable bracket assembly which permits a net assembly retainer bracket to be pivoted down to a convenient height, such as from chest height down to as low as ground level, for ease and safety in mounting and removing the net assembly. The vertical and horizontal adjustability, 360° rotation, and pivoting functionalities are very important safety features, in that the user need not use a tall step ladder to mount and adjust the position of the net, or remove it for storage.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly is especially adapted for mounting to a spinner tool allowing a workpiece to be balanced when rotated during welding or other operations. The counterweight assembly has an adjustable counterweight to provide a necessary amount of counterbalance force depending upon the particular size and configuration of the workpiece. The spinner tool is adapted to secure various diameters of pipe as well as pipe flanges. The spinner tool can be mounted within a portable vise that can be used directly at a work site.

Abstract: An improved cleaning fluid supply housing assembly for a cascade-type substrate scrubber having a sliding piston configured with a flange with recesses so that the piston is out of contact with the rotating part of the brush core mandrel bearing assembly. Rather, the piston flange outer face only contacts the stationary outer race of the mandrel bearing. The water supply piston is also configured with a full bore to minimize the pressure on the end of the mandrel. A tolerance-controlled leak through the bearing is provided by the configuration of the piston flange to provide a flushing of the area in which wear might be a source of particle generation by a controlled tolerance leak upstream of the brushes. These features substantially eliminate the source of particle generation from contact wear and the contribution of such wear particles into the interface between the brush and the substrate surface being cleaned.

Abstract: Multi-disk processing system and method of continuous finishing of memory media disks for digital data storage systems in preparation for magnetic memory coating, comprising four main sub-systems: 1) multiple driven spindles mounted on a chassis, at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock positions; 2) finishing tape head units mounted on a base; 3) a robotic handler for loading and unloading disks onto/off at least one of the spindles; and 4) a programmable system controller that controls the sub-system operations and loading/unloading. The tape head sub-system includes its own programmable controller and sensors for control of the finishing tape advance. The multiple spindles and handler rotate relative to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the spindles are mounted on a rotating turntable that also oscillates. Alternately, the spindles are fixed in position and a rotating handler with multiple grippers for simultaneously loading/unloading disks from all spindles at once is used.

Abstract: A portable vise and saw combination includes a vise element having three attachment points. One attachment point is used to attach the vise to an existing support such as an existing horizontal rail, and another attachment point allows a saw to be mounted to the vise. A workpiece is mounted in the third attachment point. The saw is aligned with the workpiece so that the workpiece may be selectively cut at a desired length and angle. A measuring apparatus is also incorporated within the vise to allow an operator to set the saw to cut successive workpieces at the same lengths without having to remeasure each workpiece.