Abstract: The catamaran hull includes a pair of substantially parallel separate hulls, connected by an intermediate hull portion, wherein only one of the separate hulls includes a propulsion assembly. Each hull is asymmetric, but differently configured, such that the off-center thrust created by the propulsion assembly in the one hull is substantially offset by the turning force created by the difference in the two asymmetric hull shapes.

Abstract: Base stations and mobile devices have limited radio frequency spectrum through which they may communicate. Moreover, this spectrum is usually owned by a party having proprietary control. In order to allow for spectrum sharing, cognitive base stations (CBS) may be configured to select a radio frequency channel owned by another entity for its own use, and to determine how much additional noise it will create for such other entity. Based on this determination, the additional noise may be monetized, so that spectrum owners may be compensated for the additional noise created by use of their radio frequency channel.

Abstract: A positionable truck bed enclosure may be mounted on the gunwales of a pickup truck. The enclosure may comprise side panels mountable on the gunwales and a top hinged along one edge and mounted between the side panels. The top may be hinged intermediate its ends to form first and second sections, and control arms connected to the second section may be used to control the position of the lower edge of the second section as the top is raised and lowered.

Abstract: A media member, such as a DVD disc, which includes thereon a combination of visually presented text material, such as a conventional book, an audio narration of the text material which is synchronized with the text material, and a plurality of successively presented visual images which portray various selected scenes described in the text material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for storing and releasing hydrogen using packed-bed hydrogen storage elements in conjunction with elements such as optical or thermal energy for stimulating the release of stored hydrogen. The hydrogen storage system may include valves, piping, and other fixtures for ease of filling and emptying the unit. The system may also serve as a portable self-contained means of safe hydrogen storage that may be transported between the filling or generation site and the site of hydrogen release or use.

Abstract: The pillow includes first and second fabric layers and third and fourth fabric layers, all of which are identical and secured together around the peripheries thereof. Positioned between the first and second fabric layers is a baffle structure which includes first and second lateral baffles extending across the width of the pillow and positioned at approximately one-third and two-thirds of the longitudinal distance (dimension) of the pillow. The baffle structure includes two central baffles, two first end baffles and two second end baffles, arranged to define baffle boxes of approximately equal size. The two central baffles extend longitudinally from one lateral baffle, leaving a space between the free ends thereof and the other lateral baffle to permit filling of the pillow. The first end baffles extend from the one lateral baffle a selected distance, leaving a space between the first end baffles and one lateral edge of the pillow to permit filling of the pillow.

Abstract: A spica table, collapsible for storage, which includes stabilizing legs, a separate adjustable support for the upper body and the buttock, to accommodate patients of differing sizes and individual infinitely adjustable leg and foot supports.

Abstract: The laser enclosure includes an enclosure body which is adapted to accommodate a laser scanner therein. The enclosure with the laser assembly is used in a sawmill environment. The enclosure body includes an assembly for moving the mounted enclosure body to obtain and maintain a desired orientation and aiming for the laser scanner relative to a companion laser scanner. A movable front plate/door comprises one part of the enclosure body, mounted and arranged to be movable to an open position, permitting access to the interior of the enclosure body. The movable door also includes openings for the laser scanner components.

Abstract: A multicoil NMR detection and imaging apparatus allows multicoil NMR detection and imaging to be performed efficiently at low operating frequencies. The apparatus comprises an AC voltage generator, a transmit switching circuit, a coil switching network, an array of two or more detection coils, a set of receive switching circuits with one switching circuit for each detection coil, and a set of preamplifier circuits with input impedance substantially greater than the impedance of each respective detection coil at the intended operating frequency. The AC generator produces an alternating current waveform that is routed through one of more detection coils during transmit mode while the preamplifier circuits are isolated from the detection coil(s). During receive mode the AC generator is isolated from the detection coils to prevent noise from the transmitter from degrading the quality of received signals.

Abstract: A stabilized watercraft having a pointed bow, a transom and curved sides, and a rigid buoyancy tube which extends from the bow to a point past the transom. The tube has a cross-section which is approximately rectangular, but is generally somewhat wider in a lower portion than in an upper portion thereof over at least an aft portion of the boat. The tube has a dead rise in the range of 0° to +15° with the upper surface of the tube being flared outwardly in the range of 30°-80° at the bow portion of the watercraft and an angle of 60°-80° at the stern portion.

Abstract: A handle and latch assembly for a flatbread maker, which includes a handle rotatably mounted to an upper heating plate of the flatbread maker. A roller plate extends downward from the handle, adjacent the peripheral edge of the upper plate, the roller plate having a roller rotatably mounted near the lower end thereof. A latch member is secured to a lower portion of the body of the flatbread maker, beneath the lower heating plate. The latch member has a lower surface configuration which includes at least two curved or notched areas therein. The handle is pressed downwardly so that is the roller engages one or the other of the two curved areas, flatbreads with two different thicknesses are produced.

Abstract: A system and method for feeding collar members to an attachment system for assembly of aircraft and similar large scale mechanical assemblies. Collars are fed sideways along a tube having a rectangular internal cross-section to a collar pathway defined by an clamp fork and swaging ram combination. The collar pathway is curved to present the collar to a receiving element mounted on a swaging die in a proper orientation relative to an attachment bolt which is moved through an opening in the workpiece and then through the collar. As the bolt is moved into the collar, the collar, receiving element and swaging die move together laterally to come into alignment with the bolt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for performing X-ray analysis. Device 1 comprises an X-ray tube 2 and at least one capillary lens 4 for focusing the X-rays in a micro-region at a location 5 for a sample for analysis. Device 1 further comprises a detector 6 for detecting X-ray fluorescence from the sample. Device 1 further comprises at least one energy-dependent filter 3 placed between the X-ray tube 2 and the capillary lens 4. The filter 3 is adapted to substantially block X-rays with an energy which is lower than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The enclosure assembly includes an enclosure body which is adapted to accommodate a laser scanner therein for use in a sawmill environment. The enclosure body includes a lid portion which is hinged to permit access to the interior of the enclosure for convenient removal and cleaning of the laser scanner. A front end assembly extends from a forward end of the enclosure body and includes an air knife member mounted therein which in operation produces an air curtain which extends from the air knife towards the workpiece, tending to maintain the debris away from the laser.

Abstract: A power take-off unit is connected to a power take-off gear/port on a concrete mixing truck transmission, the power take-off unit being driven by the engine so it is always providing power as long as the engine is running. A hydraulic pump is connected to and driven by the power take-off unit. Hydraulic lines connect the pump to a planetary drive assembly for the concrete mixing drum; the drum itself is capable of receiving only a small/light load of concrete, in the range of two to five cubic yards.

Abstract: Improvements to electrically powered watercraft including kayaks are disclosed. The watercraft comprises a hull defining a cavity and a battery powered retractable propulsion unit. The retractable propulsion unit can be retracted into the cavity with powered or unpowered means. Various retractable propulsion units are disclosed, including propulsion units that are steerable wherein the thrust can be selectively directed. Specific embodiments to improve the steerability of electrically powered watercraft are disclosed. Mechanisms for disengaging the steering controls from the retractable propulsion units are also disclosed. Locking mechanisms for locking the retractable propulsion unit in an extended or fully retracted position are also disclosed.

Abstract: Accordingly, the system for extracting power from tidal or other water action in a water region having a bottom surface, comprises: a base assembly positionable on the bottom surface of the water region; a buoyant blade assembly mounted on the base assembly, the blade assembly including at least one buoyant blade member, wherein the blade assembly or the blade member is capable of oscillating through an angle, wherein the buoyant blade member is mounted such that when the base assembly is positioned properly in the water region relative to the direction of the tide or other water action, torque is generated by the oscillating movement of the buoyant blade assembly or the buoyant blade member, and wherein the base assembly includes a power-extracting mechanism responsive to the torque generated by the tide or other action of water or the buoyant blade assembly; and a system for coupling the torque to the power-extracting mechanism.