Abstract: A method for nondestructively measuring the density of a panel, comprising the steps of: directing a collimated radiation beam at the panel at an oblique angle; passing the panel under the collimated radiation beam or passing the collimated radiation beam over the panel; continuously detecting a resultant beam of a plurality of photons with a detector directed at the panel; counting only those photons with an energy level above a minimum energy level; correcting for inaccuracies at the edges of the panel; and generating a density profile of the panel throughout the thickness of the panel.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for covering truck beds, rail cars, or other large objects with a tarp or related covering in which the tarp is held to the truck tarp loader by a fastening roller member comprised of: a vertical support member with first and second ends; a first horizontal member fixedly secured to the first end, forming an L shape; a second horizontal member fixedly secured to the second end, also forming an L shape; an axle, a pair of wheels, and a handle pivotally attached to the first horizontal member; a pair of tensioners between the vertical support member and the axle; and a fastening mechanism on the second horizontal member for attaching the fastening roller member to the truck tarp loader apparatus.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a multiple frequency ultrasound generator driving a multiple frequency harmonic transducer array to improve cleaning and processing effects while eliminating damage to parts being cleaned. An AC switch and circuitry to modify the output of an ultrasound generator in combination with techniques such as random AM and FM signals are used to produce ultrasound waves that have no single frequency components which eliminates exciting parts being cleaned into resonance.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp employs a single, high-flux light emitting diode as a light source, and is capable of performing stop, tail, turn and marker functions. The vehicular lamp can satisfy the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, as well as Society of Automotive Engineers Standards J585 (3/00), J1395 (6/91), J1398 (6/91), and J592 (12/94).

Abstract: A method to make packages of objects for celebrations or parties, such as paper cups, plates, cutlery, and napkins with graphical of figurative elements, i.e., identifying indicia, different from one another, an apparatus that carries out this method, and a package resulting therefrom. The method comprises the steps of: printing or applying on each object (10a) a first plurality of a first graphical or figurative element (11a); repeating the printing or applying step for further pluralities of equal objects (10b, 10c) with a second graphical or figurative element (11b) for a second plurality (10b), with a third graphical or figurative element (11c) for a third plurality (10c), etc.; creating stacked groups of objects picked up one at a time from each plurality of equal object, whereby each unit comprises only one of said objects of each plurality (10a or 10b or 10c); and packaging the stacked groups (30).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically picking up hosiery articles (20) from a container (7), e.g., socks, knee socks, and the like in which an actuator (4) comprised of a support (5), to which a grasping device (6) is suspended, picks up the hosiery articles (20) at a loading position and moves them to an unloading position. The grasping device (6) is lowered into the container until the grasping device (6) contacts the free surface of the bulk of hosiery articles (20). The actuator (4) continues to be lowered according to a brief additional stroke and the grasping device (6) delays the closure even after a first contact with the free surface of hosiery articles (20). The grasping device (6) is then detected and closed onto hosiery articles (20) grasping at least one of them. The grasping device (6) them moves to the unloading position by means of the actuator (4) where the grasping device (6) opens and releases the hosiery article (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to identifying protein epitopes and more particularly to a novel method for identifying, determining the location, optimal length of amino acid residues and immunobiological potency of protein epitopes by fitting a hydrophilicity and/or hydrophobicity plot generated for the amino acid linear sequence of a polypeptide to a mathematically generated continuous curve thereby generating at least one set of potential epitopes which include ranked potential epitopes having a specific number of amino acid residues. The immunobiologically-active linear peptides are deemed the potential epitopes that exhibit the most alternating positioning about an equilibrium position when juxtaposed on the hydrophilicity and/or hydrophobicity plot and their optimal length corresponds to the specific number of amino acid residues in the set of ranked potential epitopes.

Abstract: A proportional solenoid-driven valve control assembly contains a moveable, magnetic armature positioned adjacent to one end of a fixed pole piece that protrudes from a solenoid bore and is supported by means of a pair of flat suspension springs adjacent to the one end of the bore. The movable armature is configured to provide two generally cylindrical radial magnetic flux paths. One flux path traverses a radial gap at one end of fixed magnetic pole piece that protrudes from the one end of the solenoid bore. The other flux path traverses a generally cylindrical gap between a rim portion of the armature and an inwardly projecting magnetic element of the solenoid housing. The two radially separate cylindrical gaps function as coaxial guide air-bushings for the moveable magnetic armature that prevent off-axis play between the moveable armature and the pole piece and the inwardly projecting magnetic element.

Abstract: A valve and a device for actuating the rotation of a stand (4) of a motorcycle (2) comprising an hydraulic actuator (1) operating an actuating member (7) between a first and a second position bringing the stand (4) from a rest position (A) to a supporting position (B). A flow control hydraulic circuit (12-25) is provided allowing the return stroke of the actuating member (7) to the first position leaving the stand in the supporting position (B), whereby the stand can be brought to the rest position (A) independently from the actuating member (7). The device has the advantages that in case of lack of pressure in the hydraulic circuit the movement towards the rest position in which it remains is free as if the device does not exist. Moreover, it can be operated by a single drive and its encumbrance is minimal. Its installation on the vehicle, moreover, is not complex, and it does not have the drawback of the existing electromechanical systems.

Abstract: The invention produces a change to the acoustic input power applied to a liquid in a vessel. The magnitude and shape of the resulting change in the ultrasonic field in the vessel is measured and this data is used to determine the ultrasonic activity in the vessel. This measured ultrasonic activity is displayed as a measure of the performance of the system and/or it is fed back to the ultrasonic transmitter to control or maintain the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel device with an ultrasonic based drill and corer. The invention uses ultrasonic and subsonic vibrations, which is produced by a frequency compensation coupler or free mass, to produce the hammering action with relatively low axial-force required. The invention can also be fitted with irrigation and aspiration capabilities. The invention is furnished with a body sensor-feedback apparatus, which provide feedback to the operator as to the optimal frequency and power use of the generator. The assembly presented also has a coolant jacket to keep the drill or coring apparatus at optimum temperature prolonging the life of the instrument and the quality of the sample. The invention can be used in numerous applications one of such notable application is on the field of orthopedics.

Abstract: An actuating device (1) for the rotation of a stand (4) of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or scooter, between a standing position and a rest position, and allowing also the reverse maneuver in order to rotate the stand from the position of vehicle on the stand up to that in which the vehicle lowers spontaneously. At least one hydraulic actuator (1) is provided that operates, between a first and a second position, an actuating member (7) or piston rod that engages with the stand (4) up to bringing it respectively from the rest position to the standing position. A flow control hydraulic circuit delivers pressurized liquid to the actuator (1) for moving the actuating member (7) from the first to the second position, and allows the back stroke of the actuating member (7) to the first position when the flow of the liquid ceases, whereby the stand (4) can be brought back to said rest position independently from the actuating member (7).

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning film comprising a mounting surface supporting: a first film core for holding film to be cleaned; a first film platter for supporting the first film core; at least one first guide member; at least one first particle transfer roller; at least one first static reducer; a cleaning sub-assembly; at least one pair of buffers; at least one second particle transfer roller; at least one second guide member; a second film core for receiving the film; and a second film platter supporting the second film core. The cleaning sub-assembly is comprised of a pair of drive rollers, a pair of applicators disposed on the drive rollers, a solvent tank to hold a cleaning solution, and a spiral screw within each solvent tank to deliver the cleaning solution to the applicators. The drive rollers and applicators rotate in opposite directions and can also be caused to move laterally.

Abstract: This invention relates to circuits for operation over a range of voltages, more particularly for a vehicle lamp circuit that provides lighting over a range of voltages. The invention provides a circuit that allows the operation of an LED array lamp over a range of voltage. This is achieved by making use of three-terminal adjustable regulators. One of the three-terminal regulators is configured as a voltage regulator. It regulates the voltage by a connection to a voltage divider. A second three-terminal regulator is connected to the voltage regulator. The second regulator is configured to be a current regulator with the current set by one resistor. This circuit can be further modified with additional adjustable three-terminal regulators to increase in functionality.

Abstract: A tail/stop lamp assembly is disclosed that uses as a light source light emitting diodes, specifically SnapLEDs™. The tail/stop lamp assembly is composed of housing, a lens, and a SnapLED™ array. The lens is composed of six different optical units surrounded by Fresnel rings. The housing is of a very slim design. The combination of optics and housing is a stylish, sturdy and efficient tail/stop lamp assembly that complies with Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards.

Abstract: A device for testing and diagnosing air-conditioning apparatus of a car in the preferred embodiment comprises an control unit (1), indicated as CPU and having a microprocessor; a first sensor (2) for measuring the low pressure LP upstream of the compressor; a second sensor (3) for measuring the high pressure HP downstream the compressor, a third sensor (4) for measuring the environment temperature Ta; fourth sensor (5) for measuring the temperature Ti at the air outlet in the car; possible sensors of auxiliary temperatures (5a and 5b); a couple of connectors (6a, 6b) for measuring the voltage at the ends of the clutch cycling switch in orifice tube system with clutch cycling switch; a sensor of relative humidity (7); a data input unit (8), such as a keyboard; a unit (8a) for displaying the data, such as a alphanumeric LCD, and/or a printing unit (8b); a connector of type RS232 for communicating with a computer; an external memory unit (9), in particular a memory card, with relative interface.

Abstract: An ultrasonic resonator comprising a wire member with an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end further including a filler material disposed within the proximal end; a crimp screw with an annular end and a threaded end, the annular end adapted to receive and fixedly secure the proximal end of the wire member, the annular end being crimped after the proximal end of the wire member is inserted within the annular end of the crimp screw; an ultrasonic transducer adapted to receive the threaded end of the crimp screw; and the ultrasonic transducer operatively connected to an ultrasonic generator.

Abstract: A marker lamp distributes light without the use of mirrors or reflectors. The marker lamp uses a combination of corner cube optics and intersecting cylindrical prisms on the lens, distributing light in accordance to the United States and the United Nations standards for the European community for marker lamps. The marker lamp uses as a light source a reduce number of light emitting diodes, a maximum of three. The marker lamp is design to be slim and sturdy.