Abstract: A configurable space launch system of multiple different vehicle configurations that use a common reusable spaceplane and cost effective external tanks is presented. Each vehicle configuration in the system incorporates one or more reusable spaceplanes and most or all ascent propellant in multiple releasable external tanks. The flight trajectory of each vehicle has multiple in-flight staging points to increase vehicle performance efficiency. The system is governed and configured by a unique set of eight prescripts that together minimize launch costs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming an imitation finger nail. An apparatus for forming an imitation finger nail includes a flexible sheet. Each sheet may be provided with a self-adhesive material on one side of the sheet. A removable cap is formed in the sheet. In addition, a slot may be formed in the sheet for engaging a finger nail. A plurality of substantially parallel lines may be provided on a first surface of the sheet adjacent the slot. A plurality of substantially curved lines intersecting the substantially parallel lines also may be provided on the first surface of the sheet. One or more ears attached to opposite edges of the sheet are provided for helping to secure the bendable and conformable sheet to a finger.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring an emission. A source of all excitation beam is provided. In the path of the excitation beam, means are located for providing one or more daughter beams. The one or more daughter beams are directed at one or more substances. The substances may include one or more known qualified substances, and one or more known unqualified substances. The substances have substantially similar characterizations. Positionable adjacent to the one or more substances are means for generating one or more emission beams. A spectral analysis device is provided for collecting spectral measurements substantially simultaneously from the one or more emission beams. Means are provided for subsequently comparing the spectral measurements from the one or more substances.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a workpiece to a rotatable machine member. The machine may include a lathe. The workpiece includes a rotor such a brake rotor. The apparatus for securing a workpiece to a machine member includes a hub slidably engageable with a rotatable driven shaft of the lathe. Also included is a centering device axially positionable on the shaft. A spring having a distal end demountably insertable in the hub, and a proximal end connectable to the centering device, is included. The apparatus also includes a retaining ring attachable to the hub for retaining the centering device in the hub. A housing is provided that is freely movable axially on the shaft for securing the rotor substantially vertically on the shaft. A locking nut is included to secure the components of the apparatus on a machine member.

Abstract: A method for producing a standard Raman spectrum of a sample. A source of incident radiation is provided. Means provide an incident beam and a monitor beam from the incident radiation. The incident beam is directed to the sample and a Raman beam is generated from the sample. Spectral data may be collected directly from the monitor beam and the Raman beam simultaneously. The occurrence of a frequency shift in the incident radiation is determined. One spectral measurement is made after the occurrence of the frequency shift, or a first spectral measurement is made before and a second spectral measurement is made after the frequency shift. One or more arithmetic calculations are applied to the single spectral measurement, or the second spectral measurement is subtracted from the first spectral measurement. One or more integral transforms are applied to the resulting spectral measurement data to produce the standard Raman spectrum.

Abstract: Insects on an animal includes a reservoir for holding one or more ingredients including one or more chemicals. Also included is a delivery system for discharging the one or more ingredients on an animal. A water encapsulation member is mountable on the delivery system for applying water on an animal. A detection device that is selectively positionable on the delivery system is provided for detecting the location of an animal in relationship to the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and applying instrumentation correction to produce a standard Raman spectrum of a sample to be analyzed. A source of incident radiation is included. Also included are means for providing from the incident radiation an incident beam and a monitor beam. The incident beam is directed at the sample. The invention includes means for generating from the sample a Raman beam. Spectral data may be collected directly from the monitor beam and the Raman beam. Spectral data may be collected substantially simultaneously from the monitor beam and the Raman beam, or sequentially. One or more integral transforms are applied to spectral data to produce the standard Raman spectrum of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element. The apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element includes a rod having one end removably mountable on the rotatable machine element. A plate is securable to the rod. A bearing assembly is engagable with the rod. A carriage is attachable to the bearing assembly for holding the detection device adjacent the plate for monitoring rotation of the rotatable base piece.

Abstract: An article of display removably attachable to an object includes a base having an outer surface and an inner surface. Two or more rods each having a proximal end and a tapered distal end are mounted on the inner surface of the base. One or more notches may be formed in each rod. Each notch is disposed between the proximal end and the tapered distal end of each rod. The article of display is attached to an object by applying pressure against the outer surface of the base.

Abstract: A removably insertable internal containment reservoir for a storage tank includes a container having an outside surface and an inside surface and formed with a chamber. The chamber has an open distal end and a closed proximal end. The closed proximal end is formed with one or more holes for providing access to the interior of the storage tank. A collar is peripherally attached to the outside surface of the container. The collar is engageable with a flange installed on a manhole assembly of a storage tank. The collar is located a known distance below the distal end of the chamber to position the proximal end of the chamber a second distance within the storage tank. Means are provided for closing the open distal end of the container. Means also are provided for installing in one or more of the holes formed in the closed proximal end of the container a variety of devices depending on what is stored in the storage tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing wear life of machine members includes a shaft assembly mounted on the machine. Also included are two or more power sources eccentrically aligned in relationship to the shaft assembly of the machine to form an acute angle between the shaft assembly and the two or more power sources. One or more pulleys is attached to the driven shaft which is included in the shaft assembly. One or more drums is attached to each of the drive shafts of each of the engines, and belts are mounted on the drums and pulleys to rotate the driven shaft of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a limb of a user. The apparatus includes two or more anthropometrically shaped panels. Each panel is formed from sheets that are both flexible and stable to maintain the shape of the apparatus during use without need for additional elements to hold the shape of the apparatus. The panels are connected, preferably by sewing. The apparatus is worn by the user to avoid limb injuries.