Abstract: A method and system are described for removing contaminants from the phreatic zone, also known as the saturation zone, or groundwater. A barrier wall is constructed below the ground surface and in the path of flow of a contaminated groundwater plume. A well is constructed in advance of the barrier wall and is connected to the barrier wall via a pipe. Various remediation media may be lowered into the well to perform remediation on the contaminated groundwater before it passes through the barrier wall.

Abstract: The present invention is an extensible carpenter's level that is adjustable between a collapsed position and a fully-extended position. The level may be manufactured in a variety of sizes. A preferred embodiment of the level is comprised of an innerslide and two outerslides. The innerslide has two sets of tracks or tongues. Each of the outerslides is slidably connected to the innerslide. In particular, one outerslide is adapted to slide along one set of tracks or tongues, and the other outerslide is adapted to slide along the other set of tracks or tongues. At least one of the slides includes at least one level bubble. The level preferably includes multiple level bubbles to enable a variety of measurements, e.g., a horizontal level, a vertical level, and a 45° level.

Abstract: A Search Engine utilizing a method and system for efficient storage and retrieval of data. The system comprises a record file, an index file, a duplicate segment file and access to a network of computers. The index files contains locations of data items, pointers to other index files, or an empty designation. The index files are arrays that contain locations corresponding to a predetermined range of characters with which the data items may be formed. Data items are stored according to the character strings of each data item. The first portion of a data object is indexed according to the indexing method of the present invention while a second portion of the data object is indexed according to another known database technology, such as B-tree.

Abstract: The present invention is a GaN semiconductor crystal that is doped with at least one RE ion, wherein the structure has been annealed at a temperature of at least about 1,000 degrees Celsius. As a result, the structure is preferably adapted to provide a luminescence spectra over the range from about 380 nanometers to about 1000 nanometers when excited by a suitable excitation. The present invention also includes apparatus and methods for producing cathodoluminesence and electroluminesence that may be suitable for use in any of a wide variety of optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: A hold-open device comprising a small block that can easily be inserted into a pump handle, thereby holding the handle in the open position. A center hole provides for easy removal of the device when pumping is complete. Removal may be facilitated by simply placing one finger into the hole and sliding the device free of the pump handle. A finger-like protrusion at one corner of the block prevents the device from slipping out of the pump handle during operation.

Abstract: A deck plank comprising a substantially flat top surface made preferably from a wood replacement material having a first edge and a second edge, and may also have a tongue attached to the first edge and a groove attached to the second edge, the tongue and the groove each extending in a plane below the top surface, the tongue being adapted to fit with a groove of an adjacent plank. The tongue and the groove are shaped so that a space is maintained between a portion of the tongue and a portion of the groove of the adjacent plank when the tongue is placed adjacent to the groove of the adjacent plank. A number of the deck planks can be used to make a deck.

Abstract: The present invention includes a high strength adhesive and includes a dispenser containing a high strength adhesive. The invention is an adhesive composition comprising: (a) water present in an amount of from about 40 percent to about 70 percent by weight; (b) polyvinyl acetate present in an amount of about 15 percent to about 35 percent by weight; (c) dextrin present in an amount from about 5 percent to about 35 percent by weight; and (d) starch present in an amount from about 0 percent to about 5 percent by weight; the adhesive having at least 30% by weight solids, having a paste-like consistency, and having a bond strength greater than about 2000 p.s.i. as measured by ASTM D-905. The adhesive of the present invention has a very workable consistency that is very much like room-temperature butter or shortening used in cooking.

Abstract: The present invention includes optical interconnection devices and optical interconnection systems. The invention also includes machines and instruments using those aspects of the invention. The invention may also be used to upgrade, repair, or retrofit existing machines or instruments, using methods and components known in the art. An optical interconnection device of the present invention utilizes a multiple-pass optical cell. This approach differs from previous approaches in that spatial light modulators are used in a White cell device or other multiple-pass optical configuration. In a spatial light modulator, each individual element typically only has two or three variations used to direct the light. Therefore, precise calibration is not needed. The light simply needs to be directed towards the appropriate arm of the optical cell, which utilizes a self-correcting mirror in order to direct a light stream to the next desired location in the system.

Abstract: The present invention includes stereotactic vectors using no electronic calculations and imaging, diagnostic and treatment techniques. The invention also includes machines or instruments using those aspects of the invention. The present invention also includes methods and processes using the devices of the present invention. The methods and devices of the present invention may be used in stereotactic-guided percutaneous breast biopsies, an alternative to open, surgical breast biopsy.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved laser welded work piece, such as an automotive body panel, and a system and method for the manufacture thereof. The invention is also directed to an improved system for manufacturing the welded work piece including an improved laser welder and a laser weld inspection device and system.

Abstract: A valve suitable for dispensing a food product, and a method and apparatus for distributing a food product into a series of containers via the valve. The valve comprises a food product chamber, a fluid chamber, an inlet valve, and an outlet valve. The food product chamber comprises a cylinder and a piston which is adapted to move within the cylinder. The cylinder has an inlet and an outlet. The fluid chamber is adapted to actuate the piston in a reciprocating motion comprising an uptake stroke and an expulsion stroke. The inlet valve is adapted to open the inlet during the uptake stroke, and to close the inlet during the expulsion stroke. Conversely, the outlet valve is adapted to open the outlet during the expulsion stroke, and to close the outlet during the uptake stroke. The diameter of the food product chamber is less than the diameter of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A receiver and a transmitter for a MRI system and a method for converting a MR signal to digital data for use by a MRI system control/console and a method for generating RF excitation signals from the digital output of a MRI system control/console. The receiver and the transmitter for a MRI system adapted to work at field strengths up to about 8 T. The receiver has improved dynamic range and the capacity to work with MR signals that have a low signal to noise ratio. The receiver and transmitter enable the bandwidth to be varied over the range from about 2 kHz to about 1.5 MHz. The receiver and transmitter can accommodate a frequency range from about 10 MHz to about 400 MHz. Furthermore, the receiver and the transmitter have improved image rejection.

Abstract: An arcade-style racing game is described. The game preferably includes a surface an actuator, a game piece, and a steering mechanism. A racing track may be depicted on the surface. An actuator is preferably adapted to rotate the surface about a central axis on command. The game piece is preferably positioned substantially adjacent to the surface. The steering mechanism is preferably connected to the game piece and it may be adapted to rotate or turn the game piece a predetermined range. With use of the steering mechanism, a game player may position the game piece substantially within the boundaries of the racing track as the surface rotates about the central axis.

Abstract: The present invention includes electromagnetic resonators, a electromagnetic resonator devices, and electromagnetic resonance systems. The invention also includes analytical or diagnostic machines or instruments using those these aspects of the invention. The present invention also includes several analytical, diagnostic and testing methods and processes using the devices of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention is a device for deflecting a light beam. A system includes a memory unit for memorizing the data of a symbol to be read into the system, a laser beam deflection unit, a laser, and a power source. All parts are integrated in a housing which can be held by the human hand. The light beam is deflected using piezo-responsive elements.

Abstract: A method and system for removing contaminants from the phreatic zone, also known as the saturation zone, or groundwater. The technique preferably involves gas sparging while slowing down the sparging process by placing packing balls into an eductor tube. A preferred embodiment of the system is comprised of a means for supplying gas to the lower extent of a well which induces a flow of groundwater and gas bubbles up the well. The system may also contain a conduit within the well which extends below the water table. The conduit has a lower fluid-permeable section which is located below the water table and an upper fluid-permeable section which is adjacent to the water table. The system may further comprise an eductor tube contained in the conduit which extends from the top extent of the conduit to the saturation zone. Packing balls may be located between the eductor tube and the means for supplying gas to the lower extent of the well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a journal bearing apparatus that is specifically configured to apply an axial load on a rotor element carried on the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A cellulosic composite comprising: (a) at least one cellulosic material present in an amount in the range of from about 50% to about 75% by weight of the composite, (b) at least one polyvinyl chloride material present in an amount in the range of from about 25% to about 50% by weight of the composite, and (c) at least one polar thermosetting material present in an amount in the range of from about 0% to about 4% by weight of the composite is disclosed. An extruded article made form the cellulose composite and a method of making the cellulose composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigerated serving device is disclosed. The refrigerated serving device is portable. It includes a food chilling area. A compressor is operatively connected to an evaporator coil and a condenser coil forming a refrigeration unit which maintains the food chilling area at a desired temperature.