Abstract: A mixing system for a fluid tank is described, the system having a drive motor, an impeller, a shroud enclosing the impeller and a cutter mounted on the shroud to cut solids. The shroud is open at inlet and discharge ends for drawing in and discharging fluid from the tank. A recess is provided on the internal surface of the shroud, wherein the cutter is adjustably positioned within the recess. The cutter is detachable from the recess to allow replacement. In use, homogeneity is maintained in a slurry contained within the tank by submerging the impeller such that the cutter cooperates with the impeller to cut solids within the slurry, drawing tank contents into the impeller at the inlet, cutting material between the cutter and blade, and then discharging the material.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and devices incorporate a novel expandable bubble portion which provides superior fidelity to a listener while minimizing listener fatigue. The expandable bubble portion may be expanded through the transmission of low frequency audio signals or the pumping of a gas to the expandable bubble portion. In addition, embodiments of the acoustic device may be adapted to consistently and comfortably fit to any ear, providing for a variable, impedance matching acoustic seal to both the tympanic membrane and the audio transducer, respectively, while isolating the sound-vibration chamber within the driven bubble. This reduces the effect of gross audio transducer vibration excursions on the tympanic membrane and transmits the audio content in a manner which allows the ear to utilize its full inherent capabilities.

Abstract: This invention describes an analytical system where a kinetic impact ionization source is combined with an RF-only ion guide to form a mass spectrometer system for analysis of the elemental and chemical composition of exoatmospheric particles. The kinetic impact ionization source may be used to transform a flux of particle debris into a beam of ions for analysis by a mass analyzer.

Abstract: A carrying case for a portable device is disclosed. Generally speaking, the protective case for a portable device comprises a first body section and a second body section, each having a back surface and upturned sides, and a rim affixed to an edge of the upturned sides of the body sections, the rim defining an open area. Preferably, the first and second body sections are of contrasting colors and connect to one another to form a cavity defined by the respective back surfaces and upturned sides. Further, the first and second body sections and the first and second rim are preferably all formed of the same material.

Abstract: A socket assembly for use with a prosthetic device. The socket assembly receives at least a portion of a residual limb on which the prosthetic device is attached. The socket assembly includes an airtight outer shell adapted and constructed to receive a portion of the residual limb of an amputee, the shell having an interior and an exterior. A vacuum-permeable skin interface is secured to at least a portion of the interior of the outer shell. A high-vacuum valve communicates between the interior of the socket and the exterior of the socket, the valve being adapted and constructed to be attached to a vacuum source. When the residual limb is positioned in the socket assembly and the high-vacuum valve is connected to a vacuum source, the vacuum force exerted by the source is evenly distributed to the residual limb through the skin interface.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus suitable for use in extracting energy from the movement of water, in particular tidal movement, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongate, generally circular in cross section, buoyancy vessel (1), having depending from its underside on a mounting means, rotatable rotor blades (2). The rotor blades are connected to a power generating means whereby in use of the apparatus movement of water across the rotor blasé, drives them so as to generate power in the power generating means.

Abstract: This invention describes a vacuum interface for a mass spectrometer system formed from a diverging nozzle. The vacuum interface may be used to transfer a beam of ions from an atmospheric pressure ionization source into a vacuum chamber for analysis by a mass analyser.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of combining an array-type nanospray ionization source comprising a set of externally wetted proud features and a contact electrode with a pneumatic nebuliser acting to enhance the flux of sprayed ions. Methods of fabricating a substrate combining a set of proud features with analyte delivery and gas flow channels in silicon-based materials are described.

Abstract: An audio processor device and method is disclosed which measures and provides information relating to the audio level being applied to the ear of a user. The processor device uses a preset or calibrated sensitivity of the applied earphones in combination with an analysis of the audio stream to provide sound-pressure-level or time-weighted exposure information to the user or limit the output when preset levels have been achieved. Also disclosed is the use of microphones, internal or external, to combine an additional audio stream, typically the ambient environment, into the main audio channel.

Abstract: A gear box has a housing and a direct current motor inside of the housing. A rotatable output shaft extends through a wall of the housing and is rotatably driven by the motor via a gear train. The gear box can be used to dispense ice from a refrigerator/freezer. The motor drives the output shaft in one direction to dispense ice cubes. The motor also drives the output shaft in an opposite direction to crush ice and dispense the crushed ice. The gear box has a low-profile height. The gear train is located in front of a motor shaft of the motor and has a maximum height which does not exceed a maximum height of the motor. The motor shaft is perpendicular to the input gear of the gear train and to the output shaft of the gear box.

Abstract: A computer implemented system is provided for exchanging shares in an exchange traded product. A display is provided for displaying data representing shares of an exchange traded product comprising a leveraged portfolio of securities satisfying capitalization and performance criteria, the securities within the portfolio being weighted and having an expected future performance return greater than securities comprising a benchmark. The leveraged exchange traded product is configured for trading shares of the leveraged exchange traded product at a real time determined price related to the underlying price of each of the selected securities comprising the leveraged exchange traded product and related to the respective weightings of the selected securities. The exchange traded product can be open ended.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing titania nanoparticles, and specifically to a method of manufacturing titania nanoparticles wherein the particle size is uniform, it is possible to manufacture monodisperse particles without aggregation among particles, a uniform coating can be applied, that is suitable to large-scale production, and that can obtain high-resolution images by maintaining the toner electric charge and electric charge distribution; and the developer included in said titania nanoparticles.

Abstract: A management system for managing a short message service (SMS) aggregation platform and providing advertising content to mobile communication device customers is provided. The management system comprises a carrier connection interface, a messaging application program interface (API), user and sponsor databases, and logic. The carrier connection interface is configured to receive a mobile originated (MO) communication from at least one short message service center (SMSC). The API is configured to receive a MO communication from the carrier connection interface. The user database communicates with the messaging API and includes opt-in destination addresses defining an opt-in user list. The sponsor database also communicates with the messaging API. The sponsor database includes at least one sponsor account. At least one opt-in destination address in the opt-in user list and at least one sponsor communication is associated with each of the at least one sponsor accounts.

Abstract: An earphone monitoring system is disclosed that provides for user information and control regarding ambient and monitored sound levels.

Abstract: A planar component for interfacing an atmospheric pressure ionizer to a vacuum system is described. The component combines electrostatic optics and skimmers with an internal chamber that can be filled with a gas at a prescribed pressure and is fabricated by lithography, etching and bonding of silicon.