Abstract: A transformable purse system that includes a base, multiple purse covers, multiple handle options, and alternatively multiple decorative clip options. The covers wrap around the purse base such that the ends of the base are left exposed and the end of the cover forms a lid. The decorative clips may be attached at the point where the lid fastens to the purse. The covers may be attached with hook-and-loop fasteners such that they are easily interchangeable without removing the contents of the purse. The straps may similarly be attached using hook-and-loop fasteners and rest in grooves in the base ends, and may be further secured in place using rods at the top of the base ends.

Abstract: A MEMS-based optical steering apparatus for free space optical transmitters, receivers, and transceivers is disclosed. The MEMS device comprises actuators linked to an optic fiber, the actuators operable to maneuver the optical fiber in the X-Y plane at the focal point of the transmitter, receiver, or transceiver. The MEMS device may thus be used to replace gimbals for beam steering applications.

Abstract: A solar co-generator for producing both heat energy and electricity is disclosed. A solar concentrator directs sunlight into a container lined with solar cells and filled with a thermal transfer fluid. The fluid is transparent with respect to certain wavelengths of light that may be converted to electricity by the solar cell, but is opaque with respect to longer wavelengths, particular the infrared band. The infrared portion of the sunlight heats the thermal transfer fluid, which then transfer that heat through a storage facility using a heat exchange mechanism. The thermal transfer fluid increases the efficiency of photovoltaic generation by preventing heating of the solar cells due to infrared radiation. The thermal transfer fluid may be a mixture containing barium sulfate and a suspension of zinc sulfide phosphors. A fluorescing anti-reflective coating may be applied to the solar cells to further increase efficiency.

Abstract: A clumping animal litter comprises an organic material, a surfactant, and a clumping agent. The clumping agent may be a combination of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and guar gum. The material may comprise 1–2% CMC, 3–6% guar gum, 1–5% surfactant, and the remainder wood fiber. The material is formed into pellets with a uniform distribution of the various ingredients. The pellets are then crumbled to improve absorption characteristics. The mixture results in a fully-biodegradable, organic-based litter product with improved clumping abilities, natural odor control, and ease of litter pan maintenance.

Abstract: A device to prevent inadvertent closure of switches. The device includes a horizontal blocking member and in some embodiments an optional vertical blocking member. The device attaches to a rotary element in communication with the switch such as an operating pipe and prevents closure of the switch by striking structural components in the area of the switch as the pipe rotates. The device is of particular application with respect to high-voltage and extra high-voltage switches as typically employed in electrical transmission and distribution substations.

Abstract: A lighting assembly that is modular and highly configurable is disclosed. The assembly consists of one or more light fixtures that are fitted into a mounting rail. A flat, flexible cable lies within the rail and makes contact with the light fixtures through spring-loaded connectors. A power conditioning unit supplies power to the lighting assembly. The lighting assembly may be assembled and maintained with a minimum of tools, and is adaptable to a wide variety of environments and lighting design options.

Abstract: An electric-over-hydraulic braking system for trailers and towed vehicles is disclosed. The system comprises off-the-shelf components, such as a standard linear actuator and master cylinder, for reduced cost and greater reliability. In a dual master cylinder configuration, the braking system controller calculates an average pressure across each channel, and compares that value to a control signal from an in-cab controller. The linear actuator is extended or retracted in response to a signal proportional to this difference. The system may include break-away functionality, as well as diagnostics to indicate low pressure and transducer circuit malfunction conditions.

Abstract: A tool allowing both the inflation and deflation of air-filled bags such as dunnage bags is disclosed. The tool comprises rotatable controls to easily and safely manipulate both the flow of air into the device and the mode of operation between inflation and deflation. A venturi tube is used to draw air rapidly from a bag when the tool is deployed in deflation mode, while a radial vent system dissipates the force of the air exiting the device during deflation.

Abstract: A vehicle positioning apparatus is shown and described. The positioning apparatus is adaptable for the guidance of a vehicle into a limited space, such as in the case of a boat approaching a dock, slip, or trailer. The vehicle includes two emitters, producing two images reflected to the operator of the vehicle. The emitters are spaced from each other in such a manner that the operator may determine direction, orientation, and other critical parameters of the vehicle during approach to the limited space by viewing of the reflected images. Targets may be employed to enhance the image seen by the operator.

Abstract: A method of analyzing electrocardiogram (EKG) data for use in the diagnosis of heart disease, prognosis of cardiac conditions, and the monitoring of heart disease therapies is disclosed. The method utilizes a wavelet-based multifractal analysis with one or more of (1) a discrete wavelet smoothing step to remove the effects of abnormal beats; (2) “Levy flight” analysis to detect the frequency of abnormal beats known to adversely affect the multifractal (MF) analysis; and (3) MF alpha analysis, a multifractal extension of monofractal short term (ST) alpha analysis. The invention further comprises an EKG test battery comprising Levy flight anomalous beat/beat cluster screening, followed by (ST) MF alpha analysis and MF Holder analysis (when validated by the Levy flight analysis). The wavelet smoothing step can also be used to classify human EKGs by observing the effect of sequential smoothing on the MF Holder coefficient.

Abstract: A pipe conduit bundle for installation into a wellbore using horizontal drilling techniques is disclosed. The pipe conduit does not require an outer casing for construction. The pipe bundle configuration is formed by pipes of varying sizes in a particular configuration, with bindings interspaced along the length of the pipes such that the pipe bundle deflects as a single unit during installation. A pulling head is attached to the bundle, which is hollow to allow liquid entering one pipe to be distributed to other pipes. Liquids such as water may be used to fill the pipes to reduce buoyancy, and thereby reduce drag, during installation of the bundle.

Abstract: A multi-layered, flat, flexible cable capable of transmitting both power and multiple control signals to the components of a network is disclosed. The cable provides all connections on its top surface using a via-less design that does not reduce the cross-sectional area of power and ground buses within the cable. This effect is achieved through the use of folded conducting tabs appearing at periodic intervals along one of the power and ground conducting layers, which are folded over onto the top of the cable for electrical connection thereto.

Abstract: A device to prevent incursion of wild elephants into human populated areas, and thereby protect the lives of both wild elephants and humans living in close proximity to elephant refuges, is disclosed. The device incorporates a series of rollers that discourage an elephant from crossing the device. Multiple units may be linked together to form a barrier of any desired length. The border on the frame of each unit is protected by a guard that pinches the foot of an elephant attempting to cross over on the butted edges where two units meet. Alterative embodiments of the device may include roller protrusions, a chemical repellent dispersant, and an electrified conductor wire.

Abstract: A method for sealing a container comprising a cup and lid is disclosed. The cup has a lip with a raised sealing bead along its length. During sealing, the raised sealing bead compresses, thereby stretching the adhesive layer on the lower portion of the lid out of the way and forming a direct welded seal with the heat-resistant layer of the lid. The adhesive to either side of the sealing bead forms an adhesive seal between the lid and the remaining portion of the lip. This type of double seal is particularly effective in forming a durable, consistent seal when product is present on the lip of the container. The welded seal is also well suited to situations when the cup may be warped or the sealing bead is otherwise caused to be higher along some portion of its length than along other portions.

Abstract: A method for linking data using persistent links is disclosed. The links are created in a central repository, which maintains an identification class for each entity. The identification class contains all available information concerning the entity. By matching links instead of names and addresses, potential ambiguities and erroneous duplicates are eliminated. The links are encoded before external distribution with a client-specific key; the link encoding discourages clients from collaborating to use personal information without authorization.

Abstract: The attachment comprises a resilient member in communication between the wheel of the attachment and the weed trimmer shaft, which reduces vibration experienced by the weed trimmer operator. The resilient member further allows the operator to tap the trimmer head against the ground to release additional trimming line in a normal fashion as if the wheeled attachment were not in use.

Abstract: A weight plate having rotatable handles is disclosed. By rotating, the handles provide a sure grip to the user, while allowing the user to perform various exercises without adjusting his or her grip on the device. The handles also facilitate the safe loading and unloading of the device on plate-loaded exercise equipment. The weight plate may thus be used as a stand-alone exercise device, as a weight plate loaded onto a barbell or dumbbell bar, or as a weight plate used on plate-loaded exercise equipment.

Abstract: A press to form a composite acetabular allograft cup for use in hip replacement surgery is disclosed. The acetabular cup formed by the press comprises bone cement and cancellous bone chips. The press includes a two-piece mold for forming the acetabular cup. The mold is removable from the press and may be available in many different sizes to accommodate a range of patients. A screw-type compression means is utilized to force the acetabular cup into the desired shape. A compression gauge allows the operator to monitor the pressure applied as the acetabular cup is formed to prevent excessive crushing of cancellous bone chips. Breaking jaws are used to separate the acetabular cup from the upper portion of the mold after the bone cement has set and the acetabular cup is formed.

Abstract: A sealing head for a lidding machine is disclosed. The sealing head comprises a ball-and-socket joint that allows the head to provide an even, consistent seal when the orientation of the lid and container is not perfectly perpendicular with the sealing head. The sealing head also comprises an insulator portion that rests against the lid during sealing to protect the contents of the container from excessive heat. Heat is applied to the lid through a rim that extends around the circumference of the insulator portion.

Abstract: A device (30) for treating aneurysms comprises a bag (31) removably attached to the distal end of a catheter (14), the bag being arranged to be inserted in an aneurysm (20) and being of flexible and stretchable material and being permeable to blood components. Once the bag is inserted, individual GD coils (18) are introduced therein. The bag is inserted by a shoulder (42) or a widened portion (50) of a guide wire (40) engaging a marker ring (46). The bag material may encourage clotting. In another embodiment the bag (131) is located around the end of the catheter (114) during insertion. When insertion is completed, electrolysable struts (32, 172) are removed to separate the bag from the catheter.