Abstract: A system and method for using a gantry crane to efficiently and safely transport loads such as containers and ship hatch covers from one location to another along a known path while avoiding collisions between the loads and obstructing objects which may be situated in the known path. A transceiver emitting laser beams may be used to establish both the position of the spreader and its load and the profile of the known path. Continuous comparisons are made by computer between the location of a dynamic digital protective envelope constructed around the crane spreader and its load, if any, and a digital representation of the profile of the known path to be traveled by the spreader and its load, if any. In the event, the comparison indicates intersection of the protective envelope and the path profile, a speed limit is imposed on the motor controlling the movement in the X axis of the trolley or in the Z axis of the spreader, as required to prevent a collision.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for global wireless sensor network architecture and protocol for remote supervision, asset control and operational management based on localized clusters of autonomous sensor/supervision/operational sensor nodes capable of ad hoc interconnection with nearby nodes and connection to gateway nodes with increased network functionality. These localized cluster nodes send data to gateway nodes either directly or through multi-hop transactions. The gateway nodes are, in turn, connected to other gateway nodes and operations control centers either through wireless or wired data communications links. Utilizing the Internet for long range interconnectivity, the network is scaleable to a global level. The resulting network is based on an ad hoc mesh topology to allow flexibility in network modification and expansion and is comprised of a tiered structure defined by increasing functionality.

Abstract: A structurally efficient vehicle suspension system capable of being isolated from the main vehicle structure by being housed within a vehicle's wheel thereby reducing risks of injury during a crash and permitting advantageous redesign of suspension geometry. By rotating the suspension link pivot axes approximately 90 degrees when compared with the positioning of traditionally known wishbone suspension systems, the upper and lower suspension links for each vehicle wheel are relocated to run essentially parallel to the axis of travel of the vehicle. Consequently, for each wheel the virtual longitudinal link length runs parallel with the axis of travel of the vehicle indicated by the arrow and virtual swing axle length runs perpendicularly to virtual longitudinal link length. However, the upper link pivot axis and the lower link pivot axis now run parallel to virtual swing axle and their convergence point defines its length.

Abstract: A sealing structure for a fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same, in this structure, a first gas separator, a first gas diffusion layer and a first catalyst on the one side, a proton exchange membrane, a second catalyst, a second gas diffusion layer and a second gas separator on the other side, are in turn stacked, wherein an area of the second gas diffusion layer is smaller than an area of the proton exchange membrane. The area of the proton exchange membrane is not larger than an area of the first gas diffusion layer, and the area of the first gas diffusion layer is smaller than an area of the first gas separator, therefore, the shape of the front edges of these elements are step-shaped. The area obverse to the step shape is filled with cured sealing material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for global wireless sensor network architecture and protocol for remote supervision, asset control and operational management based on localized clusters of autonomous sensor/supervision/operational sensor nodes capable of ad hoc interconnection with nearby nodes and connection to gateway nodes with increased network functionality. These localized cluster nodes send data to gateway nodes either directly or through multi-hop transactions. The gateway nodes are, in turn, connected to other gateway nodes and operations control centers either through wireless or wired data communications links. Utilizing the Internet for long range interconnectivity, the network is scaleable to a global level. The resulting network is based on an ad hoc mesh topology to allow flexibility in network modification and expansion and is comprised of a tiered structure defined by increasing functionality.

Abstract: A system and method for starting and regulating a wound rotor motor (120) including a phase-controlled SCR converter (150) and a drive circuit (130, 140) having a voltage source inverter (140) and a voltage source converter (130). The SCR converter (150) regulates power transmitted to the drive circuit from the rotor of the motor (120) so that the ratings of the drive circuit are not exceeded.

Abstract: A device for optical emission spectroscopy comprising a chamber comprising an atomization source, at least one boost device configured with a radio frequency source to provide radio frequency energy to the chamber, and an optical detector configured to detect optical emission of species in the chamber is provided. In certain examples, a boost device may be used with a flame or plasma to provide additional energy to a flame or plasma to enhance desolvation, atomization, and/or ionization. In other examples, the boost device may be configured to provide additional energy for excitation of species.

Abstract: A device for mass spectroscopy comprising a chamber configured to provide an atomization source, a boost device configured to provide radio frequency energy to the chamber, and a mass analyzer in fluid communication with the chamber and configured to separate species based on mass-to-charge ratios is disclosed. In certain examples, a boost device may be used with a flame or plasma to provide additional energy to a flame or plasma to enhance desolvation, atomization, and/or ionization.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-polymer hydrogel article having a first polymeric, water-swellable material and a second polymeric material, organized such that a first region substantially comprises the first polymeric, water-swellable material, a second region adjacent the first region comprises a mixture of the first polymeric, water-swellable material and the second polymeric material, and a third region adjacent the second region substantially comprises the second polymeric material. The article exhibits an increasing concentration gradient of the second polymeric material moving from the first region, through the second region, to the third region.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the rectangular coordinate position of a first object spaced apart from and opposing a second object by placing at least three three-dimensional structures at different known locations on the top surface of the first object and a corresponding number of pulse transceivers at known locations on the bottom surface of the second object, directing a series of pulses having a known speed from each of the transceivers along a path crossing the highest point of a corresponding one of the structures, determining the shortest and second shortest distances travelled by the transmitted pulses and using that data together with other known data to locate edges of the first object and calculate the rectangular coordinate position of the first object with respect to the second object.

Abstract: A system for enabling the collection of dust and particle samples from a surface or sampling environment using an air suction device such as a vacuum cleaner. The system includes a nozzle incorporating a filter trap for collecting the particles as well as a reversible adapter enabling the connection of any one of a plurality of vacuum hoses having different diameters to the nozzle.

Abstract: A system and method for testing radio coverage of a land mobile radio system. The system configuration generally employs a fixed unit, a mobile unit and the two-way radio system (not part of the invention) subject to testing. The test system and method are compatible with any land-mobile radio system (conventional, trunked, using proprietary or standards-based protocols, FDMA or TDMA) operating in any frequency band. One of three methods may be selected to perform testing at any one time: continuous testing, grid testing or receive-only testing. In the continuous and grid modes, both the talk-out and talk-in paths are measured. Test results are recorded in a computer file after being converted to a digital format, and are compared to an original “reference file” via the Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ) algorithm as defined by ITU-T standard P.862.

Abstract: A system and method for starting and regulating a wound rotor motor (320) including a phase-controlled SCR converter (350) and a drive circuit (330, 340) having a voltage source inverter (340) and a voltage source converter (330). The SCR converter (350) regulates power transmitted to the drive circuit from the rotor of the motor so that the ratings of the drive circuit are not exceeded. A shorting contactor (390) is employed in various embodiments to increase the efficiency of the circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for starting and regulating a wound rotor motor especially during the period between inactivity and a speed determined by the voltage ratings of the drive system. In a first embodiment, a starting resistor and a starting bypass contactor are connected between the rotor of the motor and a low voltage source inverter. In an alternative embodiment, the arrangement of the first embodiment is altered by connecting a shorting contactor on one side to the junction of the voltage source inverter, the starting resistor and the starting bypass contactor so as to be short circuited on the opposite side of the shorting contactor.

Abstract: A method for teaching reading of musical notes and playing the piano by introducing notes/keys in alphabetically sequential groups starting at the beginning of the musical alphabet with “A” in the middle set of seven alphabetical notes on the Grand Staff and middle set of keys on the keyboard and proceeding to a higher set of seven alphabetical notes/keys and then a lower set of seven alphabetical notes/keys. A separate page is devoted to each note along with an explanation of where the note appears on a musical clef. Notes are learned alphabetically in groups of seven alphabetically-sequential notes/keys rather than simply by finger position/patterns. Students are taught to play either clef (bass and treble) with either hand using musical pieces specifically designed to teach each note individually and in combination as it is added to the student's repertoire.

Abstract: A system and method for producing flowers and stems from flower bulbs and marketing them by securing a desired number of bulbs to a uniquely configured support device and causing the bulbs to develop roots and shoots. The support tray is then transferred and inserted into a transparent display container where the support device is elevated from the bottom of the container by a predetermined distance, and a nourishing liquid is added to the container. The combined display container and support device is then shipped either directly to retailers for sale.

Abstract: A method for generating hydrologically correct flow vectors based on elevation data in a watershed which includes any one or more of depressions, flat areas and peaks. The watershed is typically divided into a plurality of major cells each of which encompasses a plurality of minor cells, and a user selects one or more major cells for which flow vectors are desired. Flow vectors are then calculated pursuant to the D8 method and assigned to those minor cells in the selected major cell and in surrounding major cells for which an optimal D8 solution is possible. The remaining minor cells are designated as zero vector cells and include those cells located in the problem areas. The method then generates flow vectors for minor cells in all depressions, flat areas and peaks, in that order, which exist in the selected major cells.

Abstract: A method and device for collecting, storing, shipping, preparing and analyzing condensate derived from the exhaled breath of a user. Using the mouthpiece (15) of the device (10), a human subject inhales drawing air through a check valve (30).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating asthma by raising the pH of the airways of an individual. The effect can be mediated directly by administering a pharmaceutically acceptable basic solution or alternatively, the effect can be mediated by enhancing the activity of glutaminase.

Abstract: A transparent cover for a venipuncture site providing a transparent window to view the status of the catheter, skin and puncture site and to protect that site from exposure to water, germs and other contaminants. The cover is comprised of one piece of flexible transparent material which conforms to the contour of the skin and has a main body foldably attached to an arm. The arm is adhesively attached behind the catheter to the skin, while the main body is folded on top of the arm and adhesively attached on one side to the arm and to the catheter lying on top of the arm and on its other sides to the skin. A method for applying and removing the cover is also disclosed.