Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided that cause plasma-based chemical reactions. An example plasma-based reactor system includes a reactor chamber and an inlet port configured to provide an entry point for one or more reagents to enter the reactor chamber. The reactor system also includes an outlet port configured to provide an exit point for one or more chemical products to exit the reactor chamber. The reactor system also includes a resonator disposed within the reactor chamber and configured to provide a low-temperature coronal plasma when excited at a resonant wavelength. The low-temperature coronal plasma is configured to chemically modify at least a portion of the one or more reagents so as to form one or more chemical products.

Abstract: A stair assist cane generally includes a handle, a first leg, a second leg, a first pair of feet, and a second pair of feet. The handle, first leg, and second leg are assembled to form a vertical plane when the cane is in use. The first pair of feet are disposed at a bottom end of the first leg and the second pair of feet are disposed at a bottom end of the second leg. The feet in the first pair of feet and second pair of feet laterally extend from the vertical plane in opposing directions to provide lateral support. The bottom end of the first leg is vertically offset in position relative to the bottom end of the second leg to permit the user to place each pair of feet on different stair steps to assist the user in ascending and descending stair steps.

Abstract: A cleansing device includes a body, a head, an applicator, and a diaphragm. The body can define a handle. The head can be mechanically coupled to the body. The applicator can be arranged on a top of the head. The applicator can include an application surface and a back surface, and can define a plurality of openings. The diaphragm can be disposed within the head and against the back surface of the applicator. The diaphragm is configured to move in a reciprocating manner towards and away from the back surface of the applicator to create a suction force within the plurality of openings configured to draw contaminates away from pores of a cleansable surface that abuts the application surface of the applicator.

Abstract: A steaming device includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a block formed from a porous ceramic material. The first chamber comprises a surface and sidewalls extending from the surface. The second chamber comprises a cooking surface and sidewalls extending from the cooking surface and is configured to receive a foodstuff. The cooking surface defines a plurality of openings. The block is disposed between the surface of the first chamber and the cooking surface of the second chamber. The block is configured to absorb and retain water when the water is in a liquid state and to release the water as steam when heated. The steam passes into the second chamber via the plurality of openings arranged in the cooking surface to distribute the steam to the second chamber to thereby steam the foodstuff.

Abstract: A stair assist cane generally includes a handle, a first leg, a second leg, a first pair of feet, and a second pair of feet. The handle, first leg, and second leg are assembled to form a vertical plane when the cane is in use. The first pair of feet are disposed at a bottom end of the first leg and the second pair of feet are disposed at a bottom end of the second leg. The feet in the first pair of feet and second pair of feet laterally extend from the vertical plane in opposing directions to provide lateral support. The bottom end of the first leg is vertically offset in position relative to the bottom end of the second leg to permit the user to place each pair of feet on different stair steps to assist the user in ascending and descending stair steps.

Abstract: A piston pump including a cylinder body having an internal fluid chamber, a piston configured to axially cycle within the cylinder body, an inlet valve, an outlet valve, an annular seal positioned between the piston and cylinder body, a barrier fluid pocket formed in the cylinder body adjacent one end of the annular seal, and a barrier fluid contained within the barrier fluid pocket, the barrier fluid preventing suspended solids in pumped fluid from contacting the annular seal.

Abstract: An adjustable row unit for a header of a combine harvester is disclosed. The row unit includes opposed and cooperating curved deck plates that reduce the distance from the upper surfaces of the deck plates to the stripping roll pinch points. The deck plates move in unison and the opening of the stalk receiving gap is variable and subject to coarse and fine adjustment. Coarse adjustment is achieved by moving the deck plates into a selected stalk receiving position and fine adjustment is performed by a yieldable biasing member when the deck plates are in the selected stalk receiving position.

Abstract: A tensile-testing apparatus (10) comprises a platen (40) for situating a tendon-type support system in manner mimicking its expected installation condition. A force-imposing device (20) imposes installation-expected forces and sensors (61, 71) sense displacement in the force-imposing direction. A station (80) collects force and displacement data and a station (90) outputs the collected data in format allowing system analysis.

Abstract: A tire is disclosed that includes at least one annular bead wire forming a body of revolution about a reference axis. A carcass ply of generally toroidal shape about the same axis as the bead wire has a portion that is folded around the wire. A materials interface is defined at least in part by the junction between a rubber first mass and a second mass that includes an electronic member. By way of example, the electronic member is a passive radiofrequency identification transponder. The interface extends from a free edge of the folded portion of the carcass ply radially away from the reference axis to a circumferential junction line between the interface and the carcass ply.

Abstract: An adjustable row unit for a header of a combine harvester is disclosed. The row unit includes opposed and cooperating curved deck plates that reduce the distance from the upper surfaces of the deck plates to the stripping roll pinch points. The deck plates move in unison and the opening of the stalk receiving gap is variable and subject to coarse and fine adjustment. Coarse adjustment is achieved by moving the deck plates into a selected stalk receiving position and fine adjustment is performed by a yieldable biasing member when the deck plates are in the selected stalk receiving position.

Abstract: A piston pump including a cylinder body having an internal fluid chamber, a piston configured to axially cycle within the cylinder body, an inlet valve, an outlet valve, an annular seal positioned between the piston and cylinder body, a barrier fluid pocket formed in the cylinder body adjacent one end of the annular seal, and a barrier fluid contained within the barrier fluid pocket, the barrier fluid preventing suspended solids in pumped fluid from contacting the annular seal.

Abstract: A mine roof bolt assembly (10) comprises a bolt (20), a bearing plate (30), and a washer (40) situated between a ledge (24) of the bolt (20) and a lower face (33) of the bearing plate (30). The washer (40) includes an elbow (42), a radially inner portion (43) extending upward from the elbow (42), and a radially outer portion (44) sloping upward from the elbow (42). The elbow (42) engages an inboard location of the bolt ledge (24) so as to reduce stress on the flange (23) of the bolt (20).

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to the field of small-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The delta wing vehicle consists of an isosceles triangular shaped lifting body milled from Styrofoam. The longitudinal axis is approximately 65% of the lateral axis. The horizontal wing projections, or tiplets, are attached to the main lifting body at an approximately 10 degree upward angle from horizontal, have a 30 degree sweep back leading edge, and each one comprises 5% of the total wing area. The airfoil is a rhomboid or diamond shape. The chord is swept back at a 45-degree angle from the longitudinal centerline. The airfoil is symmetrical about the longitudinal center. The aircraft is controlled by a set of combined elevator/aileron surfaces (elevons) at the rear as well as a vertical stabilizer/rudder combination. This resulting lightweight UAV can make flat (unbanked) unbanked turns, fly in high winds, and has superior flexibility in payload capability.

Abstract: A mine roof bolt assembly (10) comprises a bolt (20), a bearing plate (30), and a washer (40) situated between a ledge (24) of the bolt (20) and a lower face (33) of the bearing plate (30). The washer (40) includes an elbow (42), a radially inner portion (43) extending upward from the elbow (42), and a radially outer portion (44) sloping upward from the elbow (42). The elbow (42) engages an inboard location of the bolt ledge (24) so as to reduce stress on the flange (23) of the bolt (20).

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to the field of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), specifically to launch, fly and land unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). This disclosure describes a system comprised of a UAV, a portable launch pad, a telescoping landing net and an integrated RFID system. This system provides a unique combination of UAV performance and payload capabilities with integrated Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) electronic systems capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions including high winds in remote locations.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer usable program product for a self-tuning I/O device are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A change is detected in an adapter communicating with the I/O device, the I/O device being a consolidator configured to communicate with the adapter in a data network. A type of the adapter is determined. Values for each parameter in a set of parameters corresponding to the type of the adapter are determined. The values of a first subset of the parameters are applied to the consolidator, applying the values of the first subset causing the consolidator to be configured to operate in a preferred configuration with the adapter.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel that includes a sonar depth finder configured to display a chart for a body of water. The chart has depth information for the body of water, and is programmed to allow a user to select from a plurality of depths indicated on the sonar depth finder display. The sonar depth finder further is configured to generate a route for the marine vessel. The route includes a path through the body of water where each point along the path is at the desired depth. The system includes a vessel control device in communication with the sonar depth finder. The vessel control device is configured to receive transmissions from the sonar depth finder. The transmissions include the route generated by the sonar depth finder. The vessel control device is further configured to automatically direct the marine vessel along the route.

Abstract: A digital mapping display and related system for fishing, and other applications

Abstract: A digital mapping display and related system for fishing, and other applications.