Abstract: An apparatus includes a back plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, a body contact device connected to the back plate, and a measurement device connected to the body contact device. The body contact device resists movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the back plate while the measurement device measures a force applied to the body contact device.

Abstract: A storage area network (SAN)-attached storage system architecture is disclosed. The storage system provides strongly consistent distributed storage communication protocol semantics, such as SCSI target semantics. The system includes a mechanism for presenting a single distributed logical unit, comprising one or more logical sub-units, as a single logical unit of storage to a host system by associating each of the logical sub-units that make up the single distributed logical unit with a single host visible identifier that corresponds to the single distributed logical unit. The system further includes mechanisms to maintain consistent context information for each of the logical sub-units such that the logical sub-units are not visible to a host system as separate entities from the single distributed logical unit.

Abstract: In the present invention, a training soccer ball includes an initial contact area with a first set of designations and a follow-through area with a second set of designations. The first and second set of designations can be the numbers “1” through “12”, in a split clockface design. The initial contact area has a different color than the follow-through area. Players learn to kick the ball with the correct biomechanics with reference to a designation for initial contact and a designation for follow-through.

Abstract: A method for protecting fowl against coccidiosis includes the steps of inoculating the fowl with coccidial oocysts from a strain of Eimeria that is at least partially resistant to an ionophore and subsequently administering to the fowl the ionophore and at least one chemotherapeutic anticoccidial agent. In particular, the ionophore is administered in stages both before and after the administration of the at least on chemotherapeutic agent. In a preferred embodiments, the method provides protection from coccidiosis without administration of antibiotics to the fowl and without continued administration of agents throughout the life of the fowl.

Abstract: A laser energy delivery system includes a relay imaging system. Input optics arranged to receive the laser energy, a transmitting mirror having adjustable angle of incidence relative to the input optics, and a robot mounted optical assembly are configured to direct laser energy toward the movable target image plane. The laser energy follows an optical path including an essentially straight segment from the transmitting mirror to the receiving mirror, having a variable length and a variable angle relative to the input optics through air. Diagnostics on the processing head facilitate operation.

Abstract: A laser peening method and system allows the work piece to be fixed, while moving and directing the laser beam. A laser energy delivery system includes a relay imaging system. Input optics arranged to receive the laser energy, a transmitting mirror having adjustable angle of incidence relative to the input optics, and a robot mounted processing head including an optical assembly are configured to direct laser energy toward the movable target image plane. The laser energy follows an optical path including an essentially straight segment from the transmitting mirror to the receiving mirror, having a variable length and a variable angle relative to the input optics. Diagnostics on the processing head facilitate operation.

Abstract: An active laser energy delivery system includes a relay imaging system. Input optics arranged to receive the laser energy, a transmitting mirror having adjustable angle of incidence relative to the input optics, and a robot mounted processing head including an optical assembly are configured to direct laser energy toward the movable target image plane. The laser energy follows an optical path including an essentially straight segment from the transmitting mirror to the receiving mirror, having a variable length and a variable angle relative to the input optics. Diagnostics on the processing head facilitate operation.

Abstract: A synergistic composition of green tea and preferably an extract thereof for example epigallocatechin galate (EGCG) and linoleic acid, preferably the conjugated form, to assist with weight loss in humans.

Abstract: A plasma-based fuel reformer in which a fuel/air mixture is subjected to an electrical plasma arc that reforms the fuel/air mixture into a hydrogen-rich gas. The reformer includes a first electrode defining a reaction chamber and a second electrode axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first electrode. A plasma arc forms between the first and the second electrodes in the reaction chamber when an electrical voltage is applied. An insulator is positioned between the first and the second electrode to prevent the formation of a plasma arc between the first and the second electrodes except in the reaction chamber. Means for providing a fuel/air mixture to the reaction chamber and means for diverting the air flow into the reaction chamber so as to create a vortex-like flow of air in the reaction chamber are also included.

Abstract: A plasma-based fuel reformer in which a fuel/air mixture is subjected to conditions including an electrical plasma arc that reforms the fuel air mixture into a hydrogen-rich gas. The reformer includes a first electrode having an inner and outer wall and a longitudinal axis, the inner wall defining a reaction chamber and a second electrode, the second electrode being axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first electrode. The second electrode is positioned in the reaction chamber such that when an electrical voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes a plasma arc forms between the first and the second electrode in the reaction chamber. An insulator is positioned between the first and the second electrode so as to prevent the formation of a plasma arc between the first and the second electrodes except in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A voluntary closing prosthetic prehensor includes a locking mechanism which may be locked into any position, and released with a small amount of force. With locking enabled, the prehensor opens and closes normally until the user applies sufficient tension to the prehensor cable after the prehensor has closed upon an object. Then, a lever arm attached to the cable rotates, pulling a second cable which causes an elliptical cam to rotate such that its wider portion presses against a pawl, causing the pawl to rotate into engagement with a toothed sector, locking the prehensor closed. When the user releases the force on the cable, the lever arm is biased to return to its normal position, but the prehensor stays closed because the pawl remains engaged with the sector. The cam includes a ratcheting drum which takes up the slack in the second cable. To release the prehensor, the user applies a small amount of force to the first cable, moving the lever arm and pulling the second cable, which rotates the cam.

Abstract: A system for effecting precision laser surgery includes an intensified surgical video microscope directed at the tissue to be operated upon and having zoom capability. The surgical microscope presents a microscopic image on a video screen in front of the surgeon. Preferably, the video screen is divided into multiple separate sections, with the microscopic video image in one section and precise cross sectional and plan views indicating location presented in the other sections of the screen. These additional views may be generated using Moire interferometry by projecting a Ronchi ruling on the surface of the tissue, in viewing the projection with a camera to obtain all necessary information for contour tracking of the subject surface. Interior elements and interfaces of, for example, the eye are also sensed by a light beam and precisely located and mapped by a computer forming a part of the device.