Abstract: A method and system for creating an article of jewelry that contains an anatomical image using a digital image of an anatomical body part such as a fingerprint, handprint, footprint, or the like to create a computer numeric controlled (CNC) software program that drives a machine for producing a wax model of the anatomical image. The wax model is used in a lost wax casting process to create a casting that is used in an article of jewelry. The present invention further provides an article of jewelry containing a novel bail assembly for attaching the article of jewelry to a chain or the like in an aesthetically pleasing manner that hides the attachment hole of the casting.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for a marine propulsion system outdrive unit that can be attached to an outdrive unit without the need to drill holes in any portion of the outdrive unit. The cooling apparatus has a distribution tube assembly with at least one pickup port and a water delivery feature such as dump ports, the pickup port being open to receive cooling water into the distribution tube assembly when mounted on a marine propulsion system outdrive unit and the water delivery feature positioned to face the drive unit for delivering cooling water from the distribution tube assembly to the outdrive unit. A no drill bracket attached to the distribution tube assembly attaches to the lift ram assembly shaft of the outdrive unit, and an upper mounting bracket that is attached to the distribution tube assembly attaches to the outdrive unit.

Abstract: A modular bunk cover apparatus and system for protecting the hull of a watercraft from abrasive contact with a bunk, such as the bunks found on boat trailers, boat lifts, boat storage racks, and the like. The modular bunk cover apparatus and system can be installed on an existing bunk without removing the bunk from the trailer or other structure. The modular bunk cover apparatus and system facilitates easy launching and loading of a boat on a trailer or boat lift. The system is a replacement for carpet systems that tend to degrade over time, eventually falling off the bunk and subsequently creating a hazard for marine life, birds, and mammals.

Abstract: Controlled gap thin blade shear process to cut grass using a low energy sickle mower. A thin dull blade moves without interference across a stator. Blades and stators are not biased or pressed together while cutting, but rather the cutting blade is guidingly supported by upper and lower stators formed and positioned to maintain forceably a total controlled gap (Z) therebetween of preferably 1-5 mils. The cutting blade is thin (10-50 mils). Tensile failure of grass is avoided. Torque management system performs motor load monitoring and modulation of blade position. To reject obstructions and clean the blade, the blade can reverse, jitter, or reciprocate. Instead of attempting to slice or slam through obstructions using a high torque prime mover, a low energy low torque prime mover is utilized with intelligent reversing, obstruction clearing, and blade cleaning that saves energy, reduces noise, rejects obstructions, and prevents blade damage or operator injury.

Abstract: An acyclic homopolar electromechanical power converter that uses superconducting series connected rotor elements for series summation of magnetomotive and electromotive force. The novel rotor assembly comprises a plurality of conductor elements connected in series by superconducting series connections. The behavior of the superconducting series connections provides a form of flux isolation and series summation of forces that has heretofore been impossible in electromechanical power converters. The superconducting series connections further modify the rotor impedance of an acyclic homopolar electromechanical power converter to provide long needed improvements to acyclic homopolar electromechanical power converter designs.

Abstract: A computer-assisted system and method for auditing a communications bill wherein billing information is collected, reformatted and stored for use in a set of automated audits. The system and method for auditing a communications bill further collects data from other external systems such as a work order system, a trouble ticket system, an inventory system, an AMA/SMDR data source, an SS7 event record data source, or another source of call records or billing records. The data collected is used in a set of automated audits to determine if the communications bills contain errors. The system and method will further perform historical audits, and generate and manage the billing dispute process. The system and method will further provide audit reports and interface to an accounts payable system.

Abstract: An improved ball setting and tightening rack for creating a compact formation of playing balls on a playing surface that is used for playing billiards, pool, snooker, or any other game requiring a tight grouping of playing balls on a playing surface. The improved ball setting and tightening rack contains a mechanism for both creating a compact formation of playing balls and for aiding in the removal of the rack from the compacted formation of playing balls without disturbing the compacted balls. The improved ball setting and tightening rack uses horizontal compression to create a compact formation of playing balls, thus reducing wear on the playing surface. The improved ball setting and tightening rack also fits in a standard rack holder or rack slot such as the rack holders or rack slots found in billiard halls.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing and spacing a second truss to a first truss, wherein each of said first truss and said second truss comprises a top chord and a bottom chord, and wherein said apparatus comprises a frame for spanning the top chords of said trusses, a stop attached to said frame, and a latch attached to said frame.

Abstract: Low energy non-interference unbiased shear process employing a thin dull blade laterally moving between upper and lower stators. Blades and stators are not biased or pressed together while cutting, as is done with a pair of scissors. Instead, the dull cutting blade is guidingly supported by said upper and lower stators, and the upper and lower stators are sized and formed such that a thickness of a cutting zone (M) formed therebetween exceeds the thickness of a blade zone (VZ) formed by the dull cutting blade, by a total controlled gap (Z) of preferably between 1 and 5 mils (0.0254-0.127 mm). The cutting blade is preferably thin in relation to grass cross section, preferably 10 to 50 mils (0.254 mm-1.27 mm). This arrangement provides two true shearing sites for grass at upper and lower leading edges of the blade. Adequate blade swipe frequency is provided, with gentle C-shape blade profiles yielding self-cleaning blades with lower running friction. Tensile failure of the grass is avoided.