Abstract: A mixing system, apparatus and/or method. Pathogen reduction of and/or mixing storage solutions into blood or blood components are useful purposes for these. Squeezing or clapping devices may be used to activate the mixing process, as may rotational devices or laterally movable, rotational and/or orbital devices. Constriction elements may also be used to create useful vortex mixing actions. Photoradiation may be provided while the components continue to be mixed together for pathogen reduction of blood or blood components.

Abstract: A mixing system, apparatus and/or method. Pathogen reduction of and/or mixing storage solutions into blood or blood components are useful purposes for these. Squeezing or clapping devices may be used to activate the mixing process, as may rotational devices or laterally movable, rotational and/or orbital devices. Constriction elements may also be used to create useful vortex mixing actions. Photoradiation may be provided while the components continue to be mixed together for pathogen reduction of blood or blood components.

Abstract: An enclosure services processor card is arranged to selectively split a fiber-channel arbitrated-loop (FC-AL) into two split loops. The card is adapted to plug into a backplane for a rack enclosure and includes a first switch operatively connected to a hub for the FC-AL. The hub comprises a plurality of port bypass circuits, each port bypass circuit being connected to a pair of tracks which in use connect to a respective one of each of the devices comprising the fiber channel arbitrated loop. The hub further comprises a pair of switches operatively controlled by the first switch, the pair of switches being disposed between respective port bypass circuits at which the loop is to be split. In a first state the pair of switches connect the devices in a single loop and in a second state the pair of switches divide the devices into two split loops.

Abstract: A power supply unit controller for a rack enclosure in which a plurality of devices communicate via a backplane is disclosed. The controller reads signal(s) indicative of output supply level(s) being provided to the backplane by a power supply unit associated the the power supply unit controller and stores value(s) associated with the signal(s). The controller further stores a scaling value associated with a respective signal and dependent on the power supply unit, and a power supply unit serial number. The controller is responsive to a request from an SES processor to return a state of the associated power supply unit to the SES processor, the state including a combination of: a summary of the current status of the power supply unit, the value (s), the scaling value(s), and the power supply unit serial number, according to the SES processor request.

Abstract: A sealing clasp, according to the present invention, includes a plate formed with an opening. A slit is formed in the plate between the opening and at least one edge of the plate. One or more fins is formed monolithically in the opening. The one or more fins includes a semicircular projecting member. One or more restraining notches is also formed in the opening. One or more teeth may be formed in the opening.

Abstract: A sheath for a folding tool such as a folding knife that is variably positionable during use. A variably positionable knife, according to the present invention, includes a sheath formed with a cavity. At least one rail is formed in the cavity. A chamber juxtaposed to the cavity also is formed in the sheath. The chamber is substantially hollow, and is formed to allow removable insertion of a locking tongue. The locking tongue includes a dome segment that applies pressure on the rail. A disk is included. The disk is rotatably mountable on the sheath, and includes a plurality of pegs. A hole is formed in for insertion of a connector. A groove is formed in the disk. In addition, the sheath includes a plug formed with a slot. An elastic o-ring is placed in both the groove and slot. The sheath also includes a block formed with a plurality of apertures in which the pegs are positionable. A band is engaged with the block for securing the sheath on a user.

Abstract: A method for distributing group secrets (e.g., group ID and password combinations) for use in communication systems such as trunked radio communication systems. A user group record containing one or more group secrets is encrypted at an administrator using a user secret (e.g., a user ID and password combination) known to the administrator and to a communication device. The encrypted user group record is then distributed to the communication device where it is decrypted using the user secret.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging draperies includes the use of a packaging element. The packaging element has a central core having a C-shaped configuration which is sandwiched between two side panels. A drapery is wound around the core to define a drapery package which is packed into a carton with other drapery packages for shipping.

Abstract: A method for distributing encryption keys for use in communication systems such as trunked radio communication systems. Group traffic keys are encrypted at a key administrator and passed to a distribution facility for storage and distribution. The distribution facility passes the encrypted group traffic key to communication devices where the group traffic keys are decrypted and used to encrypt/decrypt traffic.

Abstract: A mixing system, apparatus and/or method. Pathogen reduction of and/or mixing storage solutions into blood or blood components are useful purposes for these. Squeezing or clapping devices may be used to activate the mixing process, as may rotational devices or laterally movable, rotational and/or orbital devices. Constriction elements may also be used to create useful vortex mixing actions. Photoradiation may be provided while the components continue to be mixed together for pathogen reduction of blood or blood components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and/or apparatus suitable for use in reduction of any pathogens in a fluid such as a biological fluid, or a fraction or component thereof, which may contain pathogens. The device may include a vessel having an inlet and an outlet and a passage which extends therebetween. The passage may have a wall which is substantially transparent to a pathogen reduction radiation. The passage contains a static mixer system which is formed and arranged for thoroughly mixing the fluid in use of the device so as to bring substantially the whole of the fluid into an irradiation zone extending along and in substantially direct proximity to the passage walls during passage between the inlet and the outlet to be expose the fluid to a similar substantial level of irradiation. The static mixer may include light transmissive blades.

Abstract: A sheath for a folding tool such as a folding knife that is variably positionable during use. A variably positionable knife, according to the present invention, includes a sheath formed with a cavity. At least one rail is formed in the cavity. A chamber juxtaposed to the cavity also is formed in the sheath. The chamber is substantially hollow, and is formed to allow removable insertion of a locking tongue. The locking tongue includes a dome segment that applies pressure on the rail. A disk is included. The disk is rotatably mountable on the sheath, and includes a plurality of pegs. A hole is formed in for insertion of a connector. A groove is formed in the disk. In addition, the sheath includes a plug formed with a slot. An elastic o-ring is placed in both the groove and slot. The sheath also includes a block formed with a plurality of apertures in which the pegs are positionable. A band is engaged with the block for securing the sheath on a user.

Abstract: A power supply unit controller for a rack enclosure in which a plurality of devices communicate via a backplane is disclosed. The controller reads signal(s) indicative of output supply level(s) being provided to the backplane by a power supply unit associated the the power supply unit controller and stores value(s) associated with the signal(s). The controller further stores a scaling value associated with a respective signal and dependent on the power supply unit, and a power supply unit serial number. The controller is responsive to a request from an SES processor to return a state of the associated power supply unit to the SES processor, the state including a combination of: a summary of the current status of the power supply unit, the value(s), the scaling value(s), and the power supply unit serial number, according to the SES processor request.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling use of a knife is provided that includes a positionable detent mechanism. The detent mechanism is provided with a plate fixedly attached to a sheath. A hollow post with internal threads is inserted into the plate. A cavity is formed in the plate for holding a ball bearing and a wafer. The positionable detent mechanism also includes a disk with an orifice at the center that can be positioned over the post. Pegs are installed on the disk. Also, the disk includes a tapped hole and cap. A sheath is connected to the detent mechanism for holding the knife. A block is connected to the detent mechanism for orienting the sheath. A clip is provided for securing the apparatus on a belt or other object.

Abstract: An enclosure services processor card is arranged to selectively split a fibre-channel arbitrated-loop (FC-AL) into two split loops. The card is adapted to plug into a backplane for a rack enclosure and includes a first switch operatively connected to a hub for the FC-AL. The hub comprises a plurality of port bypass circuits, each port bypass circuit being connected to a pair of tracks which in use connect to a respective one of each of the devices comprising the fibre channel arbitrated loop. The hub further comprises a pair of switches operatively controlled by the first switch, the pair of switches being disposed between respective port bypass circuits at which the loop is to be split. In a first state the pair of switches connect the devices in a single loop and in a second state the pair of switches divide the devices into two split loops.

Abstract: A power supply unit controller for a rack enclosure in which a plurality of devices communicate via a backplane is disclosed. The controller reads signal(s) indicative of output supply level(s) being provided to the backplane by a power supply unit associated the the power supply unit controller and stores value(s) associated with the signal(s). The controller further stores a scaling value associated with a respective signal and dependent on the power supply unit, and a power supply unit serial number. The controller is responsive to a request from an SES processor to return a state of the associated power supply unit to the SES processor, the state including a combination of: a summary of the current status of the power supply unit, the value (s), the scaling value(s), and the power supply unit serial number, according to the SES processor request.

Abstract: An apparatus that can return a payload to a known orientation after unknown motion, without requiring external power or complex mechanical systems. The apparatus comprises a faceted cage that causes the system to rest in a stable position and orientation after arbitrary motion. A gimbal is mounted with the faceted cage and holds the payload, allowing the payload to move relative to the stable faceted cage. The payload is thereby placed in a known orientation by the interaction of gravity with the geometry of the faceted cage, the mass of the system, and the motion of the payload and gimbal. No additional energy, control, or mechanical actuation is required. The apparatus is suitable for use in applications requiring positioning of a payload to a known orientation after arbitrary or uncontrolled motion, including remote sensing and mobile robot applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hopping robot that includes a misfire tolerant linear actuator suitable for long trips, low energy steering and control, reliable low energy righting, miniature low energy fuel control. The present invention provides a robot with hopping mobility, capable of traversing obstacles significant in size relative to the robot and capable of operation on unpredictable terrain over long range. The present invention further provides a hopping robot with misfire-tolerant combustion actuation, and with combustion actuation suitable for use in oxygen-poor environments.

Abstract: Corrosion protective coatings for metallic materials, particularly aluminum and aluminum alloys, produced with simple, low-cost equipment and materials other than toxic metals or metal salts, or metal cyanides. The metallic material is cleaned, degreased, and deoxidized, the surface is converted to a substantially alkaline condition, and the surface is chemically sealed with inorganic metal compounds.