Abstract: The inventive polyfunctional biocompatible hydrogel comprises 1.3–15 mass % of acrylamide, 0.004–0.975 mass % of cross-linking agents—N,N?-methylen-bis-acrylamide, 0.004–5.1 mass % of N,N?-ethylen-bis-acrylamide, 0.002–0.45 mass % of poviargol and water up to 100 mass %. Said hydrogel is produced by sopolymerising acrylamide with the cross-linking agents in an aqueous medium in the presence of peroxide polymerisation initiator, the incubation of reaction mixture being carried out in two stages. The first stage is carried out at a temperature ranging from 20 to 90° C. during a time of 2 to 24 hours, the second stage being carried out at a temperature ranging from 107 to 130° C. during a time equal to or less than 2 hours.

Abstract: An electrical contact formed from a compliant folded sheet that includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a first contact edge and a second contact edge. A plurality of corrugations are formed in the top surface and the bottom surface that terminate at the first contact edge and the second contact edge. A connector system having a housing that has a plurality of through openings. A plurality of electrical contacts, each being formed from a compliant folded sheet that includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a first contact edge and a second contact edge. A plurality of corrugations are formed in the top surface and the bottom surface that terminate at the first contact edge and the second contact edge.

Abstract: Symmetric quantum dots are embedded in quantum wells. The symmetry is achieved by using slightly off-axis substrates and/or overpressure during the quantum dot growth. The quantum dot structure can be used in a variety of applications, including semiconductor lasers.

Abstract: A soundboard for a hollow-body stringed instrument made of layers of carbon-fiber and resin material surrounding a core of one or more layers of constant-thickness plywood, veneer (thinly sliced wood) or paper. Additional shaped layers are provided to produce a desired pattern of stiffness in the soundboard. The soundboard may be tuned by attaching additional masses to a surface of the soundboard. A method of making and tuning the soundboard of the invention is provided.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a global optimal solution of general nonlinear programming problems includes the steps of first finding, in a deterministic manner, all stable equilibrium points of a nonlinear dynamical system that satisfies conditions (C1) and (C2), and then finding from said points a global optimal solution. A practical numerical method for reliably computing a dynamical decomposition point for large-scale systems comprises the steps of moving along a search path ?t(xs)?{xs+ t×?, t?+} starting from xs and detecting an exit point, xex, at which the search path ?t(xs) exits a stability boundary of a stable equilibrium point xs using the exit point xex as an initial condition and integrating a nonlinear system to an equilibrium point xd, and computing said dynamical decomposition point with respect to a local optimal solution xs wherein the search path is xd.

Abstract: A technique to automatically detect intruders in a restricted area. The technique detects the intruders position in real time from digital camera images (both visible and infrared) and presents it to an operator. The operator aids in locating, identifying and assessing the potential threat of an intruder are provided. The approach can be structured for a wide range of mission deployment ranging from a simple jungle trail, an oil refinery, to an entire airfield.

Abstract: A method is described for scanning image pixels in a sequence which, in contrast to the traditional and ubiquitous raster scan, groups effectively adjacent and neighboring image pixels together in the scanned sequence, resulting in a much lower bandwidth signal and data stream, and leading directly to bandwidth and storage gains from compression and exploitation of image redundancy. M-Scan, for meandering scan, is synthesized by iterative application of a simple primitive pattern, and analyzed by iterative partitioning. M-Scans achieve unbroken continuity between pixels in the image, and in routine application never need to step between non image adjacent pixels. Whereas a conventional raster has a low vertical and a high horizontal deflection scan rate, M-Scan has intermediate and equal vertical and horizontal rates, and no large jumps related to flyback. An M-Scan signal power spectrum has no comb at the line rate.

Abstract: A pill dissolver includes a first crushing surface, and a second crushing surface positioned to receive a cup between the first crushing surface and the second crushing surface. The pill dissolver also includes pinching jaws operable to pinch a top portion of the cup above the first and second crushing surfaces. The pill dissolver further includes an actuator which creates relative movement and an impact force between the first crushing surface and the second crushing surface. A method of dissolving a pill and a pill dissolving system are also described.

Abstract: A method for treating a marker material includes combining at least one treatment for a marker material, a foaming agent and a solvent to form a marker composition, foaming the marker composition to form a foamed marker composition, and applying the foamed marker composition to a marker material.

Abstract: A variable camshaft timing phaser for an internal combustion engine having at least one camshaft comprising a plurality of vanes in chambers defined by a housing and a spool valve. The vanes define an advance and a retard chamber. At least one of the vanes is cam torque actuated (CTA) and at least one of the other vanes is oil pressure actuated (OPA). The spool valve is coupled to the advance and retard chamber defined by the CTA vane and the advance chamber defined by the OPA vane. When the phaser is in the advance position, fluid is routed from the retard chamber defined by the OPA vane to the retard chamber defined the CTA vane. When the phaser is in the retard position, fluid is routed from the retard chamber defined by the CTA vane to the advance chamber defined by the CTA vane.

Abstract: A drive system for an internal combustion engine including an endless chain connecting a drive sprocket on a crankshaft to a driven sprocket on a camshaft. The drive system is comprised of at least one balance shaft and a torsion bar. The balance shaft has a first end for connection to the drive sprocket and a center bore. The torsion bar is located within the center bore of the balance shaft. The torsion bar has a first end for connection to the drive sprocket and a second end fixedly attached to the inner end of the center bore. The torsion bar absorbs torsional vibrations and isolates torsional vibrations due to inertia of the balance shaft caused by the crankshaft. Bearings are located between the first end of the torsion bar and the center bore of the balance shaft, to center the torsion bar within the balance shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for protecting buildings from damage due to seismic waves. The system comprises a bed of sand contained between two layers of polymer membrane, upon this sand bed a rests a first concrete slab, this first concrete slab supports, through a plurality of coil springs and shock absorbers, a second concrete slab. The structure to be protected is attached to the upward facing surface of the second concrete slab. In the event of an earthquake, the sand bed acts to slow the propagation of seismic waves, while the plurality of springs and shock absorbers isolates the structure from ground movements caused by the waves.

Abstract: A device to compact parts out of powder material including a top die and a bottom die movable with respect to each other from an open position to a closed position, at least one punch associated with each of said dies for relative movement between the die and associated punch, said bottom die and bottom punch movable to positions defining a cavity substantially within said top die for receiving powder therein, said bottom punch and said top and bottom dies being relatively movable to draw powder down into a portion of said cavity adjacent the bottom die that is formed due to said relative movement, said top and bottom punches being movable toward each other to compact the powder and form the part, said top and bottom dies being separable to eject the part. Relative movement of the top and bottom die and bottom punch may take place during filling of the cavity with powder.

Abstract: An RFID reading apparatus includes a frame. The RFID reading apparatus also includes an RFID interrogator, coupled to the frame, for triggering transponders in picked cases and receiving and decoding replies. The RFID reading apparatus further includes at least one vertically movable antenna mount coupled to the frame, at least one antenna mounted to the antenna mount and coupled to the interrogator, and at least one object sensor adjacent to at least one antenna. The RFID reading apparatus also includes a control unit coupled to the interrogator for initiating interrogation of transponders and accepting decoded replies, to the antenna mount for controlling the level of the antenna mounted on the mount, and to the object sensor for detecting the presence of cases adjacent to the object sensor.

Abstract: A VCT phaser having a mechanical feedback in which no elaborate sensors and its concomitant electronic control loop is required. The phaser has center mounted spool valve controlling the flow of control fluid such that when a command positions the same at a predetermined position, passages within the phaser adjusts to a desired position through the mechanical feedback.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve actuator system for controlling the operation of a valve in an internal combustion engine comprising a valve having a valve stem with a valve head at one end. The valve is reciprocable along the longitudinal central axis of the valve stem to alternatingly move the valve head between a first position and a second position. A first coil is positioned on a first laminated core having a gap and a thickness. A second coil is positioned on a second laminated core having a gap and a thickness. The gaps of the first and second cores are aligned. An armature on the valve stem passes through the gaps of the first and second laminated cores, such that when the armature is centered in either of the gaps at least a portion of the armature extends slightly passed the thickness of the other laminated core.

Abstract: A chain drive having a phaser such as a hydraulic vane phaser interposed between a timing chain and a driving or driven shaft is provided. The phaser or the vane are controlled to oscillate more at certain engine speeds to thereby reduce the tensioning force on the chain at the certain engine speeds.

Abstract: A method for reminding an individual to collect a urine specimen includes the steps of providing a pad or clip having a reminder area of a size such that the individual touches and discovers the pad, when preparing to urinate, and attaching the pad to the brief in the groin area, in a location where it will be encountered, and underneath an outer-garment, whereby the pad is hidden from view when in normal use, and whereby the individual, when preparing to urinate, will touch and discover the pad and thereby be reminded to collect the urine specimen. The pad or clip optionally is attached to the fly of a male brief or to the waistband of either a male or female brief. The invention accomplishes the reminder task by way of imposing behavior modification on the user by operating as a forced interruption to an otherwise established routine or ritual.

Abstract: A sample chamber includes a movable upper chamber. The movable upper chamber includes a center bore opening to a bottom of the chamber, at least one port for introduction of gas under pressure to the center bore, and a first annular seal around the center bore. A stationary lower seat opposing the upper chamber has a center bore aligned with the upper chamber, and includes an exhaust and a second annular seal around the center bore. A test material is placed between the upper chamber and the lower seat. An actuator moves the upper chamber. When the upper chamber is moved down with the first annular seal in contact with an upper surface of a sample of the material and the second annular seal in contact with a lower surface of the sample, gas introduced to the upper chamber goes through the upper chamber and out through the exhaust.

Abstract: A phaser comprising a housing, a rotor, and first and second passages. The housing has at least one chamber defined by an advance wall, an arcuate outer wall, and a retard wall. The rotor has at least one vane projecting from an outer circumference, separating the chamber in the housing into advance and retard chambers. The first passage facilitates fluid communication to a first port in the advance or retard chamber and a second passage to a second port in the other advance or retard chambers. Each port is spaced apart form the first wall or second wall of the vane, such that when the vane is moved towards the advance or retard wall of the chamber far enough, the passages are obstructed by the housing and fluid flow to the passages is restricted, such that impact of the vane with the walls of the chamber is cushioned.