Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for use in highly sensitive and efficient neutron detection, that includes using trigger reactions to initiate far-ultraviolet (FUV) optical emissions. In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for the detection of slow neutrons includes absorption of a slow neutron with a high neutron capture-cross-section nucleus, decay of the compound nucleus into energetic particles, creation of excimers from the energetic particles reacting with a background gas to form excimers, radiative decay of excimers resulting in emission of FUV radiation, and detection of the FUV radiation using an optical detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting slow neutrons by monitoring Lyman alpha radiation produced by the 3He(n,tp) nuclear reaction induced by neutrons incident on a gas cell containing 3He or a mixture of 3He and other atoms and/or molecules. Such a method and/or apparatus includes the use of, for example, liquid 3He and 4He mixtures as a scintillation counter for the sensitive detection of neutrons using Lyman alpha radiation produced by the 3He(n,tp) reaction. The radiation can be detected with high efficiency with an appropriate photo-detector, or alternatively, it can be converted to radiation at longer wavelength by absorption in scintillation materials, with the radiation channeled to a photodetector. Because of the simplicity of the system and the fact that the radiation production mechanisms can be measured and/or calculated independently, the method and/or apparatus also has the potential for service as a calculable absolute detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for revenue sharing with a fitness center are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system, to incentivize purchase of internet and/or web-enabled exercise equipment by a fitness center. One embodiment can include, assessing a fee from a user of the internet and/or web-enabled exercise equipment, collecting at least a portion of the fee from the user, and sharing the at least a portion of the fee with the fitness center where the internet and/or web-enabled exercise equipment is physically located.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a stationary exercise station is provided. The stationary exercise station includes a computer which may run a computer program. The computer program simulates the motion of a first virtual bicycle and a second virtual bicycle. The first virtual bicycle and the second virtual bicycle riding through a predetermined landscape. The computer program simulates moving images seen by the virtual rider of the first virtual bicycle while riding through the predetermined landscape. The stationary exercise station also include a video monitor in communication with the computer. The video monitor displays the moving images seen by the virtual rider of the first virtual bicycle while riding through the predetermined landscape. The stationary exercise station also includes steerable handlebars, rotatable pedals, a force resisting pedal rotation, and a movable gear-shifting member.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide (a) an inexpensive apparatus enabling the measurement of power dissipated by the rider of a cardio-fitness station (or any other stationary bicycle) that does not depend on manufacturing tolerances or machine condition variations, and (b) a method of using the data measured by such an apparatus to improve the accuracy of exercise condition settings by implementing the invented apparatus into a closed-loop control system which improves the quality of the exercise experience and enhances the adoption of exercise on a cardio-fitness station employing this as a community activity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting slow neutrons by monitoring Lyman alpha radiation produced by the 3He(n,tp) nuclear reaction induced by neutrons incident on a gas cell containing 3He or a mixture of 3He and other atoms and/or molecules. Such a method and/or apparatus includes the use of, for example, liquid 3He and 4He mixtures as a scintillation counter for the sensitive detection of neutrons using Lyman alpha radiation produced by the 3He(n,tp) reaction. The radiation can be detected with high efficiency with an appropriate photo-detector, or alternatively, it can be converted to radiation at longer wavelength by absorption in scintillation materials, with the radiation channeled to a photodetector. Because of the simplicity of the system and the fact that the radiation production mechanisms can be measured and/or calculated independently, the method and/or apparatus also has the potential for service as a calculable absolute detector.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide (a) an inexpensive apparatus enabling the measurement of power dissipated by the rider of a cardio-fitness station (or any other stationary bicycle) that does not depend on manufacturing tolerances or machine condition variations, and (b) a method of using the data measured by such an apparatus to improve the accuracy of exercise condition settings by implementing the invented apparatus into a closed-loop control system which improves the quality of the exercise experience and enhances the adoption of exercise on a cardio-fitness station employing this as a community activity.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of providing feedback to a sales representative for a sales opportunity to a customer, comprising: determining, in dependence on information received from the sales representative, a probability that the sales opportunity will result in a sale by the sales representative; determining, in dependence on information received from the sales representative, a location on a sales cycle time line for the sales opportunity; assigning a priority to the sales opportunity in dependence on the location on the sales cycle time line and the probability that the sales opportunity will result in a sale; and rendering on a display a visual representation of the probability and the priority.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a stationary exercise station is provided. The stationary exercise station includes a computer which may run a computer program. The computer program simulates the motion of a first virtual bicycle and a second virtual bicycle. The first virtual bicycle and the second virtual bicycle riding through a predetermined landscape. The computer program simulates moving images seen by the virtual rider of the first virtual bicycle while riding through the predetermined landscape. The stationary exercise station also include a video monitor in communication with the computer. The video monitor displays the moving images seen by the virtual rider of the first virtual bicycle while riding through the predetermined landscape. The stationary exercise station also includes steerable handlebars, rotatable pedals, a force resisting pedal rotation, and a movable gear-shifting member.

Abstract: A device for inductively transmitting electrical energy to at least one mobile load, with at least one primary conductor that extends along a designated path of the load in the form of a conductor loop and from which a secondary conductor arranged on the load is able to draw electrical energy. At least two conductor loops are provided that are electrically separated from one another and respectively assigned to different segments of the path. The conductor loops are arranged relative to one another so that electrical energy intended for the load can be transmitted from a first conductor loop to at least a second conductor loop due to inductive coupling between the conductor loops. A section of the second conductor loop that is inductively coupled contains a larger number of windings than that of the first conductor loop. The second conductor loop includes of a series of partial loops that extend parallel to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing and spacing a second truss to a first truss, wherein each of said first truss and said second truss comprises a top chord and a bottom chord, and wherein said apparatus comprises a frame for spanning the top chords of said trusses, a stop attached to said frame, and a latch attached to said frame.

Abstract: A drainage assembly (10) comprises a frame (11) for defining at least part of the surface boundary of a surface drainage aperture; and a grating (14) having formed therein a plurality of apertures. The grating (14) is hingedly secured to the frame (11) and is moveable, when so secured, between an operative position in which the grating (14) is contiguous with the frame (11); and an open position in which the grating (14) lies hinged away from the frame (11). The grating (14) includes protruding therefrom a pair of forks (34, 36). The frame (11) includes a pair of journal bearings (37, 38). The forks each have protruding therefrom a respective protuberance (39) that is receivable in a respective journal recess (42) formed in the journal bearings.

Abstract: A device for inductively transmitting electrical energy to at least one mobile load, with at least one primary conductor that extends along a designated path of the load in the form of a conductor loop and from which a secondary conductor arranged on the load is able to draw electrical energy. At least two conductor loops are provided that are electrically separated from one another and respectively assigned to different segments of the path. The conductor loops are arranged relative to one another so that electrical energy intended for the load can be transmitted from a first conductor loop to at least a second conductor loop due to inductive coupling between the conductor loops. A section of the second conductor loop that is inductively coupled contains a larger number of windings than that of the first conductor loop. The second conductor loop includes of a series of partial loops that extend parallel to one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for diagnosing and treating subjects using neuro-ocular wavefront data. As such, in some embodiments, among others, neuro-ocular wavefront data is obtained, and one or more characteristics of a visual system are ascertained from the neuro-ocular wavefront data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for patching defective sections of recorded data (logs) so that a substantially smooth transitions are created between the log being patched and the patched section. After logs are obtained and a reference log generated by a computer, a user compares the logs with the reference log and decides if there are sections of any log which are defective. If so, the user selects a type of patching, manual (interactive patching) or substantially automatic (criteria patching) and enters parameter values. The computer then executes the selected patching routine and displays the results. If desired, the user may modify any of the parameters until the results are satisfactory with smooth transitions between the patched section and the remaining log.

Abstract: A drainage assembly (10) comprises a frame (11) for defining at least part of the surface boundary of a surface drainage aperture; and a grating (14) having formed therein a plurality of apertures. The grating (14) is hingedly secured to the frame (11) and is moveable, when so secured, between an operative position in which the grating (14) is contiguous with the frame (11); and an open position in which the grating (14) lies hinged away from the frame (11).

Abstract: A remote control unit orientation and storage device (18) includes four wall members (20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D) that define both a plurality of open cells (84A, 84B, 84C, and 84D) for selective engagement of remote control units (81A, 81B, 81C, and 81D) and an internal cell (86) in which accessories (92, 94) are storable. Fastener means (80) provided on wall members forming the cells facilitate secure mounting of remote control units within the cell, and also permit selective removal of remote control units.

Abstract: A sample probe for obtaining relatively small subsurface gas samples for analysis during geo-chemical exploration. The probe is comprised of a long slender shaft capable of being driven into the soil and a hammer assembly which mounts to the shaft and is utilized to drive and remove the shaft. The shaft includes a passage for removal of interstitial gas and the passage may be mechanically sealed or opened while the probe is in place in the soil. The probe shaft also includes temperature, soil humidity and soil pH sensors which are utilized to obtain additional parameters to be considered during analysis of the gas samples.

Abstract: A process for casting or molding a single internal thread at the same time that the desired product is cast or molded. The desired thread configuration is defined by two aligned and abutting identical core pins. Each of the pins has a protruding portion in the shape of a helical ramp extending through an angle of less than 360.degree.. The ramp has an outer diameter and pitch corresponding to the diameter and pitch of the desired internally threaded surface to be formed. The protruding portion of each core pin includes a vertically oriented surface extending between the ends of the ramp. A peripheral edge groove extending along the outer edge of the ramp defines the desired thread configuration. The aligned core pins are placed within a recess formed by mating portions of a die block to define the shape of the desired product.