Abstract: Apparatus and methods for photographing marine organism specimens are disclosed, capable of easily and motionlessly fixing marine organism specimen even on a sailing ship by epochal improvement to the conventional equipment for photographing marine organism specimens. Diffused reflection does not occur during the photographing, and this facilitates lively and realistic photographing of the marine organism specimens.

Abstract: An improved boot for use in ice and snow conditions that combines a flared snowshoe-like secondary sole with integral and selectively deployable crampons. The expanded secondary sole extends approximately ¼? or more down from the primary sole of the boot and includes retractable crampons attached to the expanded sole to increase traction in snow or ice. The expanded sole functions to increase the surface area of the “footprint”, thereby reducing the overall depth of the footprint and making traversing in soft conditions (snow, mud, sand) less fatiguing to the wearer. The crampons may pivot outward from inside pockets in the secondary sole or, alternatively, may slide outward in a stiletto-fashion and/or unfold. The crampons may be individually deployable or simultaneously deployable by a central release button.

Abstract: A combination of a styrene reduction agent and a catalyst that effectively and economically reduces styrene emissions in Cured-In-Place Pipe, closed molding processes. The reduction agent generally comprises a calibrated mixture of salts including sodium chloride plus three persulfate salts: ammonium (APS), potassium (KPS), and sodium (NPS). These ingredients are combined in powder form and are compressed into soluble capsules containing calibrated amounts of the mixture. The capsule(s) may be prescribed through the use of software. The catalyst is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). A calibrated amount of the styrene reduction agent capsule(s) are added to the cure water prior to starting the boiler equipment for the Cured-In-Place Pipe process, and this is followed by a calibrated amount of the H2O2 catalyst in order to reduce the residual monomer content in either process or waste streams.

Abstract: An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. The adaptive energy absorption system achieves the aforementioned objectives for a wide range of occupant weights and load levels. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for unified secondary management of tow claims and salvage tow data, and specifically for simplifying the workflow of attending insurers, towers, and a manager (operator of an application service provider). The system is implemented in software form and includes an Insurance Company Module for allowing Clients to initiate tow dispatch orders into the system, a Tow Company Module for allowing towing vendors to view, execute and track tow dispatches assigned to them through the dispatch system, and a Management Module for allowing a third party Manager to manage the system, and to dispatch tow orders, track orders, approve completed orders for payment, and provide Client and Vendor account management, reports and performance tracking. Data extracted from all three modules is stored in a relational database and can readily be accessed by any of the three participants in real time, and may be edited and/or analyzed for reporting.

Abstract: A new class of investment instruments, Fair Revenue Participation Contracts (FRPC), and Redeemable Revenue Participation Contracts (RRPC), that allows investors to participate in revenue rather than profits. The FRPC gives the investor rights to the revenues of an issuing company, it being structured as a promise to pay X % of revenues for Y number of years. An exchange for trading in the FRPCs is also disclosed, and this includes, where necessary, a government regulating body (GRB) for regulation and a screen-based trading (SBT) system which may be owned and operated by the Authorized Trading Members (ATMs), said ATMs being pre-qualified by said GRB, the ATMS effectively owning the exchange and holding seats therein, and serving alternately as buyer agents, seller agents, and underwriters for transactions in the FRPCs.

Abstract: The present invention is a radio-controlled (RC) model aircraft system with laser tag capabilities. A transmitter and receiver are each installed in at least two separate RC aircrafts. The transmitter on one aircraft emits an infrared light beam to the receiver on the other aircraft(s) that changes the infrared signal to a first servo to move an arm, which releases a model aircraft door behind which there are ribbons. The ribbons escape from the aircraft wings to show a hit. An optional second servo operate a smoke screen and eject a pilot to simulate actual combat. The system may also include audio and lighting effects to simulate firing and hit sequences with accompanying theatrical, physical effects including release of smoke and ribbons, and ejection of the pilot that realistically simulates air combat.

Abstract: A harness for stretching the penis, includes a belt for encircling the waist of the user, with a fastening mechanism secured to a rear part of the belt. A first tractive means applies tractive forces at the base of the penis of a user of the harness, and is secured to the belt via the fastening mechanism. A second tractive means applies tractive forces at the edge of the head of the penis of a user of the harness, and is also secured to the belt via the fastening mechanism. The first tractive means and the second tractive means apply a stretching force to the penis of the user of the harness.

Abstract: Consensus testing of electronic system. A tester (112) for testing an electronic system (100) includes: a traffic interface (114) to receive traffic (102) from a test of an electronic system (100); an element comparator (118) to extract a value from an element of the traffic (102) and to compare the extracted element value with an element value (110) obtained from another test of another electronic system (104, 106, 108); and a test result generator (122) to generate consensus information (124) on the interoperability of the electronic system (100), based on comparing (120) the extracted element values of the electronic system (100) with the element values obtained from the other test of the other electronic system (104, 106, 108).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a di-(1-vinylimidazole) metal phthalocyanine compound in which 1-vinylimidazoles as ligands are included in a phthalocyanine having a metal, a composition comprising the same and a preparation method thereof. The di-(1-vinylimidazole) metal phthalocyanine compound has an excellent UV blocking effect together with low surface resistance and is prepared but by charging a powder phase with nitrogen, not by dissolving raw materials in an organic solvent as in the prior art.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a di-(4-vinylpyridine) metal phthalocyanine compound in which 4-vinylpyridines as ligands are included in a phthalocyanine having a metal, a composition comprising the same and a preparation method thereof. The di-(4-vinylpyridine) metal phthalocyanine compound has an excellent UV blocking effect together with low surface resistance and is prepared but by charging a powder phase with nitrogen, not by dissolving raw materials in an organic solvent as in the prior art.

Abstract: An electronic device that receives a signal indicative of the sound made my a musical instrument in order to determine the instantaneous rate of play of melodic notes on that instrument in terms of notes played per second and display the rate in real time via a display. The regularity of the musician's rate of play is further indicated by the stability of the display reading. Individual sustained melodic notes are identified utilizing differential capacitance and circuit delay time constants to generate a voltage differential in response to a step signal. The device is also selectively operable as a conventional metronome to provide an exemplary sound cue to the musician corresponding to a given number of notes per second and convertible by a switch or foot pedal to monitor the musicians rate of play as he tries to match the demonstrated rate.

Abstract: A system and method for biometric-secure point-of-sale or online transactions and/or authentication and ID verification for restricted access that simplifies the checkout process and eliminates fraudulent transactions. The system employs a credit-card-sized device with integral fingerprint reader, on-board memory with pre-designated card number, infrared coder, power strip, plus at least one magnetic strip (encoded with designated financial account to be used for transactions, including routing number), one magnetic strip for personal medical and identification information and a bar code and photo ID for security. The card scanner is activated by an activation scan in which a subset of “minutia” are stored locally. To consummate a transaction (after registration), the user simply plugs their card scanner into a multi-function reader, and scans their own fingerprint.

Abstract: A tubular latch assembly for a door and adapted for operation by either an “opener” such as a thumbpiece on one side and/or a knob on the other. The tubular latch comprises a central latch subassembly mounted inside the door and including a latch casing seated in the door, a bolt slidably mounted in said latch casing for extension/retraction (such as through an open face plate), a pivoting retraction lever coupled to the bolt, a spindle hub having a pair of offset cam surfaces, and a pivoting reversing lever engaged at one end with the bolt and at the other end with the second cam surface on the spindle hub for driving the bolt. The central latch subassembly allows opening by either the opener (e.g., thumbpiece) or by rotation of the knob, operation of the knob not affecting the opener and vice versa.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a transtibial or transfemoral (above or below the knee) prosthesis. A gel liner is inserted into a socket, and the liner has a dual-strap attachment system including an upper strap and buckle attached upwardly to the liner and passing out through the socket, and a lower strap attached distally to the liner. The liner also has a port attached at a lower distal end for introducing a vacuum into the liner and for evacuating fluids (sweat) therefrom. To accomplish the foregoing, an annular centering puck is attached at the distal end of the socket (at the aperture), the puck having a generally concave side in communication with the aperture for seating the liner therein. The centering puck is formed with a dual passage there through that passes both a vacuum tube and lower strap outward from the liner to exterior of the socket.

Abstract: A cover for a video game controller for precision gaming therewith, the cover being formed as a holster defined by opposing lobes for seating the respective lobes of the controller, with a central strap joined integrally on one side of the holster and fastenable around it by opposing hook and loop fastening pads. The cover is defined by one or more stretch fabric insets to impart a degree of resiliency, thereby ensuring a taught form-fitting configuration. The cover fabric is a two-layer or three-layer sandwich with faux leather exterior and optional padding. The combination of the elastic inset(s) and adjustable fold-over strap afford a snug tailored fit for precision gaming with Xbox360™, Nintendo Wii™ and PlayStation 3™ controllers, among others, either cable or wireless versions.

Abstract: Watchband eyeglasses including a combination of flexible Pince-Nez reading glasses that rest securely on the wearer's nose, and a wrist-worn case for housing the reading glasses when not in use. Various embodiments of the case are disclosed including: (1) a bracelet or, (2) a universal attachment for any existing metal, plastic or fabric watchband; or (3) a dual-function case that is itself also a watchband. In all such embodiments the case incorporates a unique storage compartment or sleeve that facilitates carrying of the eyeglasses at all times, to make them more accessible.