Abstract: A training mat for teaching controlled directional hitting of a ball. The mat consisting of a home plate zone, a plurality of equally spaced pitching lanes defined by a plurality of lines extending longitudinally through home plate. The pitching lanes including at least an inside lane defining the ball path of an inside pitch and at least an outside lane defining the ball path of an outside pitch. Each lane having a predetermined ball contact location defined by a marking indicia s the respective lane. The ball contact locations being configured and arranged to facilitate hitting of a baseball to a predetermined field location.

Abstract: A receiver assembly for use in an optical telecommunications network is provided that automatically generates a reference level for the incoming signal burst based on its preamble without the need to pre-process the entire signal burst. The entire signal burst is fed directly from the TIA into the input of the limiting amplifier. A differential amplifier, tapped from the data and data bar outputs of the limiting amplifier, samples the signal stream to capture the preamble portion of each signal burst. The preamble portion of the signal burst is then passed, post amplification, into a sample and hold circuit. The sample and hold circuit samples the amplitude of this preamble portion of the signal and then holds the sampled level for use as a reference level for the processing of following payload signal.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting accessories to a dovetail rail on a firearm is provided. The mounting assembly includes a main body having a lower portion with a first engagement member extending downwardly along one side thereof and a clamping assembly installed into the main body opposite the engagement member such that the clamping assembly can be engaged and disengaged with the dovetail rail to hold the mounting assembly on the dovetail rail. In addition, a buffer pad is provided between the clamping assembly and the interface point on the dovetail rail to protect the rail from wear. The clamping assembly includes a means for retracting the buffer pad when the clamping assembly is in the disengaged position, the retraction means preferably being magnetic. Such that the buffer pad is held out of the way when mounting or dismounting the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A lighting assembly that incorporates a high brightness LED in a compact assembly that is sealed and sufficiently durable for a continuous operational range of between 350 feet below sea level and 35,000 feet above sea level. Further, the flashlight of the present invention includes a novel modular interface arrangement that allows the flashlight to be interfaced with a variety of different equipment or reconfigured in order to facilitate use for different functionality such as a marker light, a runway indicator light or a weapon mounted light.

Abstract: The restraining apparatus includes a housing having an interior. A first end of a binding loop strap is attached to the interior of the housing and a second end is routed through the housing and connected to a handle for pulling with one hand. The binding loop is slideably movable in a first direction to reduce the overall dimension of the loop. The binding loop is slideably movable in a second direction to expand the overall dimension of the binding loop. A locking mechanism is disposed in the interior of the housing and connects to the binding loop. The locking mechanism includes both a lower cleat and an upper cleat for controlling the movement of the binding loop through a groove within the locking mechanism. When the lower cleat is engaged, the overall dimension of the binding loop decreases. When the upper cleat is engaged, the overall dimension of the binding loop increases.

Abstract: Novel compositions, as well as related methods, coatings, and articles, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of firing a paintball marker and dual trigger mechanism for a paintball marker are disclosed. The dual switch includes a first and a second trigger position sensors configured and arranged to detect the position of said trigger. A circuit is operatively connected to the first and second trigger position sensors and the projectile firing mechanism of the paintball marker. The circuit is configured to initiate a firing operation with said projectile firing mechanism when the first and second trigger position sensors indicate that the trigger has been depressed. The method includes the steps of detecting the position of the trigger with the first trigger position sensor and the second trigger position sensor and initiating a firing operation when the first and second trigger position sensors indicate that the trigger has been depressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for alkaline hydrolysis of carboxylic acid derivatives, especially carboxylic esters, to carboxylic acids, wherein, for the alkaline hydrolysis of the carboxylic acid derivatives, red mud which is produced by the Bayer process used for aluminum production is used as a reaction-promoting component, especially as a hydroxide ion source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transesterification of at least one component comprising at least one ester group with at least one component comprising at least one hydroxyl group, wherein the red mud produced in the Bayer process used for producing aluminum is added to the method as a reaction-promoting component. The invention also relates to the use of carboxylic acid salts produced during the transesterification method as plant treating agents and as detergents in cleaning and washing agents. The invention also relates to the use of dealkalized red mud obtained by means of the method according to the invention as the iron-contributing component of an iron fertilizer which can be used in particular in agriculture and to which limestone can also be added.

Abstract: A character having a plurality of attributes is created by a network user while within a character-enabled network site. Each attribute is defined by at least one of either audio data and/or visual image data and is selected by the user from a plurality of attributes presented to the user through a user interface. The combination of attributes define a persona for the character. At least one of either an audio presentation and/or a visual image presentation is provided to the user interface. The presentations presented are selected from a plurality of presentations based on the character's persona. Data related to character attributes are stored in a database. One or more of the presentations presented to the user may be interactive, in that it allows for the user to make choices. In response to a user's interaction with the interactive presentation, additional audio presentation and/or a visual image presentation is provided to the user interface.

Abstract: A component-based utility supply apparatus includes a wall mounting bracket, a utility distribution unit mounted to the wall mounting bracket and an equipment management rail. The wall mounting bracket includes a longitudinally extending wall mounting flange and at least one longitudinally extending supporting flange. The utility distribution unit can comprise a fluid (gas) manifold, or a power distribution assembly, or both the gas manifold and the power distribution assembly may be coupled together with the wall mounting bracket and equipment rail to provide a combined power and gas utility configuration. The utility supply apparatus further comprises integrated lighting devices and light transmissive lens panel for supplying light along at least a portion of the utility supply apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a quick-release device for engaging an umbilical. The device includes a coupling base and arms. The coupling base has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the coupling base is configured for attachment to a valve known in the prior art which is used within rescue chambers. The first arm is pivotally connected with the top surface of the coupling base. The second arm is pivotally connected with the top surface of the base. Each arm defines anterior portions to enagage the umbilical. The first arm and second arm are configured to move relative to one another to engage or disengage the umbilical. In operation, a user moves the first and second arms towards one another to engage the umbilical in fluid connection to the valve. To disengage the umbilical from the fluid connection with the valve, the user releases the spring-biased arms.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is provided that allows for the vehicle body to be tilted wherein the tilt is controlled by the operator's legs in a manner that greatly enhances the stability of the vehicle while producing a fun vehicle to operate. Generally a hub is provided for use ad the vertical members in a four-bar suspension linkage that includes an inboard side and an outboard side such that the tilting pivots are positioned inboard and the steering pivots are positioned outboard. This arrangement allows for the optimum placement of the pivot axis for steering as close to the wheel as possible, even directly within the rim of the wheel, while the pivot point of the suspension linkage is optimally positioned a few inches inboard relative to the wheels thereby increasing the lever arm used to control the relative tilt of the wheel.

Abstract: A conduit carrier system for securing a storage pipe to a ladder rack including a support member having a slot extending the length thereof is disclosed. The carrier system of the present invention includes a holder portion having a cradle surface configured and arranged to cradle the storage pipe. A base portion depends from the holder portion and a pair of feet depends from the base portion. The pair of feet are configured and arranged to cooperate with the slot of the tubular support member of the ladder rack to secure the base portion to the ladder rack. The pair of feet is selectively adjustable to clamp a portion of the tubular support member between the base portion and the pair of feet. Further included is a means for securing said storage pipe to said holder portion.