Abstract: A membrane 30 and a method 12 for making the membrane 30comprising the steps of selectively placing a first material 14 upon a substrate 16, depositing a certain material 26 upon a first material 14, and heating the materials 14, 16, 26, thereby forming a membrane 30.

Abstract: A system and method for braking a vehicle 12 having a variable compression ratio engine 14 and a compression braking system 16. System 10 is adapted to utilize the variable compression ratio engine 14 and the compression braking system 16 in a synergistic manner to selectively control and/or vary the generated compression braking torque.

Abstract: Improved barbecue and kabob skewers are described. The barbecue skewer includes a rod or brochette to support, warm and cook food and a structure that allows for easy and effective removal of food when served. As an additional feature of the remover may include a safety guard to protect fingers, hands and arms from burns. The remover may also include a brush or tough material to scrape and clean the skewer. Further, the remover may be attached to a skewer handle for storage and convenience or may be separately applied for use.

Abstract: A solder assembly 10 which is selectively and operably connectable to a controller 12 and which has several “guns” 74, 76 which each allow for the selective creation of a several circuits, thereby allowing for the creation of substantial even solder connections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing the wearer of a typical safety helmet, face shield, or other headwear a mirror system that improves the wearer's awareness of the rear and side ambient environment. A display is provided to the wearer of a safety helmet that encompasses a reverse field of view and an extended side view of the surrounding environment. This system not only compensates for the limited peripheral view of the helmet but also extends the wearer's visual perception.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated machine balancer including a plurality of peripherally placed magnetic circuits and a power driver which selectively interrupts the magnetic flux through the circuits, thereby moving unbalanced rotors in a desired manner to compensate for machine unbalance.

Abstract: System for installation of a complete, safe, compact, and efficient dryer exhaust. Provides access to internal areas of conduit for dryer lint build-up removal. Allows dryer placement in tight confines: laundry closets, pantry areas, first floor apartments. System may be used to route dryer exhaust conduit inside of dwelling walls.

Abstract: A carrying assembly for carrying and/or transporting planar objects is disclosed. The carrying assembly includes a handle with a cross member, a support member and a support assembly which secures a planar object within the carrying assembly.

Abstract: An weapon localization system for determining the location of hostile weapon fire. In one embodiment, the weapon localization system includes acoustical detection means for detecting energy of a first frequency originating from said hostile weapon fire; and for transmitting a first set of data describing the location of said hostile weapon fire; optical detection means for detecting energy of a second frequency originating from said hostile weapon fire, and for transmitting a second set of data describing the location of said hostile weapon fire; and processing means coupled to said acoustical and said optical detection means for receiving said first and said second set of data and for determining whether said location of said first set of data match said location of second set of data and for generating a signal output if said match occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus for a ball bearing or needle bearing enclosure having an outside hardened raceway that accommodates two separate compliments of ball bearings located at each end of the raceway to engage with and support a central pin that protrudes in a cone shape out of the bearing enclosure at the front end to make contact with and engage a screw thread. The total bearing and pin assembly is secure in a pocket in the worm wheel having a slip fit mating that allows the total bearing enclosure to move forward and back for a controlled distance against a spring washer of calculated pressure to accept the pressure generated from the cone shaped pin and screw thrust. The central pin is cored out to accept a spiral shaped object for the purpose of pre-spinning the central pin with a jet of pressurized air prior to engaging with the screw thread to eliminate any skidding action between the two surfaces.

Abstract: A vehicle security system 10 having a sensor 28 which selectively produces output signals based upon a threshold signal comparison, which automatically deactivates upon the presence of transmitter 20, and which may be used in combination with an existing vehicle security system 106.

Abstract: Several bottle assemblies 10, 50, 662, 70, and 80 are disclosed having a cap retention portion, respectively identified by reference numbers 28, 54, 64, 73, and 84 which are adapted to allow removable storage of bottle cap 22.

Abstract: A tonneau assembly (10) having improved moisture drainage characteristics and including a mounting structure (15) and a tonneau cover (12) which is removably attached to the structure (15) and which is adapted to flexibly and selectively overlay and substantially seal the bed (18) of a vehicle (20).

Abstract: The method of the present invention provides a procedure for testing shared-memory multi-processor (SMMP) performance by formulating and modifying a given memory contention matrix (MCM), which is generated by collecting traces of memory addresses accessed by so-called subcalls in an SMMPCC. A subcall pair contending for at least one shared memory access address enters a "1" at the respective matrix element. For subcall pairs not sharing any memory address a ".O slashed." is entered.

Abstract: A apparatus 10 for painting nails is provided. The nail polishing apparatus includes a substantially "U"-shaped nail abutting portion 12 and an integrally formed substantially "V"-shaped portion 14. Portion 12 includes a slot 18 into which a user can insert a finger 68. Surface 16 of portion 12 effectively covers the skin and/or cuticles 78, 80 surrounding the finger nail 72, thereby preventing unnecessary application of nail polish to these areas. Portion 14 is adapted to pivotally support finger 68 and nail 72 at some distance above a surface 68.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly 10 including a reinforcement beam member 12, a cover 20, energy absorbing foam 22 and a material 18 which has a relatively low coefficient of friction and which is disposed between member 12 and foam 22. Material 18 allows foam 22 and cover 20 to move longitudinally along member 12 during an "offset" collision, thereby reducing the likelihood of vehicle damage and passenger injury.

Abstract: A bubble guide unit according to the present invention comprises two concentric frames, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, through which the film bubble passes. At least four bubble guiding rods are arranged symmetrically to each pivotally engage one frame at one end and to freely engage the other frame near its other end. Freely engage here means that the other end of each rod is free to pivot to some extent as well as to move in the direction of its length beyond the pivoting point and back. This is most easily accomplished by a pivoting ring through which the rod passes or, less elegantly, by a fixed ring having an aperture larger than the rod diameter.

Abstract: An optical shock sensor 22 which includes a light generator 40 adapted to generate light 46 and a light detector 44 which are an optical communication by means of a moveable hemispheric dome 48. Specifically, an intrusion, tampering, motion, and/or shock, applied to vehicle 11, causes the moveable dome 48 to move, and to interrupt or change the amount tyoe, focus and/or intensity of the light 46 which is reflected or communicated to light detector 44, thereby causing a tampering output signal to be selectively produced.