Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a trigger operating mechanism for sighting in rifles which could be utilized by either a right-handed or left-handed user. A preferred trigger operating mechanism comprises a pair of plates which are clampable against opposed sides of the trigger guard of the rifle. A shaft traverses one of the plates, and the inner end of the shaft mounts a trigger displacing cam adjacent the trigger between the pair of plates. A manually operable knob is secured to the outer end of the shaft. Rotation of the knob will effect a gradual rearward displacement of the trigger to its firing position, thus eliminating any tendency of the user of the rifle to jerk the trigger and disturb the line of sight for the particular firing. Alternative embodiments may include a lock such that a key is required to operate the mechanism, a single mounting plate rather than a pair of mounting plates, or a snap-in mounting body that mates with the interior surface of the trigger guard.

Abstract: A pressure sensing array has upper, central and lower laminar elongated members, the central member having several openings producing defined cavities between the upper and lower members. A first array of essentially parallel and separated electrically conductive bands are created upon the upper surface of the lower member and traverse the several cavities created by the central member. Affixed to the top surface of the aforesaid electrically conductive bands are non-conductive separator dots positioned in a defined linear spaced pattern and composed of an appropriate dielectric material. A secondary dual arrangement of substantially parallel, separated, electrically conductive bands are attached to the lower surface of the upper member, each individual electrically conductive band being discreetly connected to a strain relief stabilized releasable electric snap stud connector.

Abstract: An improved method for defect detectability for the inspection of liquid filled pipes using magnetostrictive sensors. The improved method comprises first recognizing the liquid-induced changes in the dispersion properties of the second longitudinal wave mode, L(0,2). These liquid-induced changes include a severe dispersion at periodic branching frequencies that result in a pulse-like characteristic in the extended received signal. A trailing portion of a received signal component associated with a geometric irregularity, is shown to comprise the branching frequency components. The trailing portion of the extended signal may therefore be removed in order to improve defect detection. The removal process comprises one of three alternative methods.

Abstract: A capacitive array is housed within a polyester mat or other appropriate nonconductive substrate material which is interconnected with a control module. The control module supplies to the capacitive array a suitable oscillator driver current and concurrently senses capacitance value changes within the capacitive array induced through dielectric shifts within the array brought about by the proximity or absence thereof of the patient's body mass. The monitor/control module generally comprises a power supply, a driver/sensor circuit, a calibration/comparator logic circuit, a system interconnection integrity circuit, and an alarm generation circuit. It may also optionally contain a nurse call relay circuit for interconnection to a facility's nurse call system.

Abstract: A flexible book-like storage receptacle for a compact disc and the printed material that typically accompanies such compact discs. The storage receptacle includes a number of clear, pliable panels movable between an open position for easy access to the contents, and a closed position for storage. The storage receptacle includes layered sidewalls designed as pockets for receiving printed material, as well as for providing support to the compact disc. In addition, the receptacle includes one of a number of different retention post structures to securely hold the compact disc in place. Variations for the retention post include a compressible core, a compressible rectangle, a molded cradle, and strategically placed compressible stoppers. Attached to the perimeter of each of the panels of the receptacle is a flexible magnetic seal that serves to maintain the package in a closed position until it is intentionally forced apart to access the stored items.

Abstract: An arm rest assembly for a wheelchair movable between a lowered position suitable for resting an arm thereon and a raised position suitable for gaining access to the seat of the wheelchair. The arm rest assembly comprises two generally parallel arm elements, each of which are pivotally attached to the wheelchair frame at a point adjacent to the back of the wheelchair. The lower arm element is linked to the upper arm element by way of a sliding pin positioned within a longitudinal slot in the upper arm element. One end of the longitudinal slot includes an angled segment into which the sliding pin falls when the arm rest assembly is in a lowered position. This angled segment of the slot locks the two arm elements into a parallel configuration and prevents their rotation with respect to the attachment points on the wheelchair.

Abstract: A downhole drilling efficiency sensor (DES) apparatus for use with drilling operations in oil and gas exploration, that accurately measures important drilling parameters at or near the drill bit in order to increase the effectiveness and productivity of the drilling operation. The parameters measured include weight-on-bit (WOB), torque-on-bit (TOB), bending-on-bit (BOB), annulus pressure, internal bore pressure, triaxial vibration (DDS—drilling dynamics sensor), annulus temperature, load cell temperature, and drill collar inside diameter temperature or thermal gradient across such drill collar. The direction of the bending-on-bit measurement is also determined with respect to the low side of the hole while rotating (or stationary) by using a triaxial vibration sensor and magnetometer array. Each of the parameters are known to be important factors in determining the direction, rotation, and rate of drilling.

Abstract: An improved method for defect detection with systems using magnetostrictive sensor techniques. The improved method involves exciting the magnetostrictive sensor transmitter by using a relatively broadband signal instead of a narrow band signal typically employed in existing procedures in order to avoid signal dispersion effects. The signal detected by the magnetostrictive sensor receiver is amplified with an equally broadband signal amplifier. The amplified signal is transformed using a time-frequency transformation technique such as a short-time Fourier transform. Finally, the signal characteristics associated with defects and anomalies of interest are distinguished from extraneous signal components associated with known wave propagation characteristics. The process of distinguishing defects is accomplished by identifying patterns in the transformed data that are specifically oriented with respect to the frequency axis for the plotted signal data.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to the regulation of transport of cholesterol into the mitochondria of a cell and, therefore, for the regulation of steroidogenesis are provided. Compositions include nucleic acid molecules encoding a steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), StAR protein molecules and peptides having amino acid sequences as disclosed herein, and anti-StAR antibodies. Methods include immunoassays using anti-StAR antibodies and nucleic acid based screening methods for pathologies correlated with defects in StAR, such as lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia and dose sensitive sex reversal. In addition, these compositions and methods may be useful for treatment of steroid honnone-dependent disorders, in particular, for lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Abstract: This invention is related to a self-sealing valve for inflatable articles, including balloons, made of non-elastomeric material of the kind of valves formed by multiple layers of thermo-plastic film joined by heat which form three sections; a nozzle, main channel and a multi-valved section. This valve design permits the production of balloons or inflatable objects with a valve without requiring sophisticated machinery for the exact placement of the valve in the article or balloon. This is characterized in that the nozzle of the article consists of four films; two external films with an outer face that is compatible with heat fusion with the material of the inflated article in which the valve is to be placed and inner faces that are compatible with each other and the inner films with outer faces that are compatible with the outer films and inner faces that are incompatible with each other and outer films.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for implementing azimuthal capabilities on electromagnetic wave resistivity well logging tools. The apparatus comprises a structurally simple antenna shield positioned around either the transmitting or receiving antennas, or both, positioned on the well logging tool on the drill string. The shields partially surround the tool and provide an electromagnetic barrier for either the transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves, as the case may be. Positioned on the shield are appropriately placed and sized windows through which electromagnetic waves may either be transmitted or received, depending upon the function of the antenna that the shield surrounds. Variations in window dimensions allow optimization of the device for use in conjunction with a variety of formations and a variety of drill mud characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a downhole apparatus for quickly generating and regulating variable output electric power by varying the alignment of a pair of axially adjacent permanent magnets rotating within an armature having electrically conductive windings. Each of the permanent magnets comprises a plurality of permanent magnetic segments having circumferentially alternating magnetizations. One of the permanent magnets is fixed to the drive shaft, and the other permanent magnet is movably mounted on the drive shaft to enable the alignment or misalignment, as desired, of the magnetizations of the respective magnetic segments on the pair of permanent magnets. When the magnetizations are completely aligned, the maximum electrical power is generated in the windings of the main armature; conversely, when the magnetizations are completely misaligned, zero electrical power is generated.

Abstract: A portable, potable-water generator for producing high-purity liquid water by condensation of dew from ambient air. The generator employs an air filter to remove particulates and aerosols from the incoming air. An enclosed heat absorber cools the filtered air to its dew point and collects droplets of condensate into a combined condensate collector and storage reservoir. Before discharge, the collected dew is treated in a bacteriostat loop to destroy adventitious living organisms and to filter out undesirable and dangerous contaminants. A recirculation loop provides the ability to recirculate stored condensate during periods of inactivity. Further, quick disconnect fittings and variable length flexible tubing allows use of the invention to serve remote dispensers and/or appliances and allows use of municipal water treated through the apparatus in low condensate situations.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a downhole method and apparatus for simultaneously determining the horizontal resistivity, vertical resistivity, and relative dip angle for anisotropic earth formations. The present invention accomplishes this objective by using an antenna configuration in which a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna are oriented in non-parallel planes such that the vertical resistivity and the relative dip angle are decoupled. Preferably, either the transmitter or the receiver is mounted in a conventional orientation in a first plane that is normal to the tool axis, and the other antenna is mounted in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane. Although this invention is primarily intended for MWD or LWD applications, this invention is also applicable to wireline and possible other applications.

Abstract: One or more undergarment foundations and a number of attachable accessory straps that together make up a garment set. The set may be purchased together and would include one or more undergarment foundation articles of clothing, such as a women's brassiere, and a number of distinct strap sets, each of the strap sets having at least one strap and preferably two. Each of the straps within a set have strap connectors at each end that are removably attachable to strap attachment points on the undergarment itself. The different strap sets within the garment set are distinct, one for the other, in that the fabrics, colors, textures, sizes, and shapes are distinct. The individual wearing one of the undergarment foundations and the associated strap accessories may choose to match an outer garment worn in conjunction with the foundation or may choose to appropriately contrast the straps of the undergarment from those of the outer garment.

Abstract: A video display positioning and support system that permits the orientation of a video display towards the user with variations in vertical height, horizontal rotation, and angular tilt. The system includes actuators for each of the movements involved that are capable of control by way of a remote operating system. The system provides a platform upon which the video display may be placed. The platform may be tilted at an angle from the horizontal as controlled by an actuator positioned near the back of the platform. The platform may be rotated in a horizontal plane so as to direct the video display from side to side, by an actuator that turns the platform on a circular bearing track. The display platform is positioned on a support frame that is attached to a vertical lift actuator that raises and lowers the entire display. The lift actuator is attached to and supported by a base frame that holds a storage cabinet and has a number of wheels for easy movement of the complete system.

Abstract: A load sensor for measuring engine cylinder pressure and vehicle seat occupant weight in a nonintrusive manner that is easily adaptable to existing vehicle components and occupancy support structures. The sensor of the invention provides a toroidal-shaped ferromagnetic steel core that defines a hollow space within which an excitation coil and a detection coil are wound. For engine cylinder pressure sensing, this toroidal sensor is placed on a spark plug, much in the nature of a washer, and is clamped between the spark plug and the spark plug seat in the chamber. For seat occupant weight sensing, the sensor is placed under a seat leg around a fastening bolt, again much in the nature of a washer, and is clamped between the bolt and the floor of the vehicle. Changes in the load or force produced by the cylinder pressure or the occupant weight, alters the stress in the steel core of the sensor. These stress changes in turn induce changes in the magnetic properties of the steel core.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and delivering fuel to vehicles, consisting of at least three levels of control and data storage. Each vehicle using the system has a key that stores transactional data and data concerning the vehicle and its fuel requirements, which key is received by a fuel delivery control device associated with a fuel pump. The control device may independently validate and authorize fuel transactions upon receipt of such key, and may maintain and transfer transactional and key parameter data. A central control unit gathers transactional data from any number of control devices and communicates updated information to the devices to facilitate their independent operation. A fourth level of control and data storage may be provided with a telecommunications link between a number of central control units and a master management system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a downhole, high-current, low-impedance, feed-through connector for passing electrical current, preferably high frequency AC current, between a tool compartment having relatively high pressure and another tool compartment having relatively low pressure. The primary intended application of the present invention is to connect a radio frequency transmitter/receiver antenna to the antenna's tuning capacitors, but the present invention is applicable to any downhole application requiring the transmission of high electrical current across a barrier having a high pressure differential. This invention minimizes the force acting on the connector due to the high pressure differential by providing a conductor preferably having either a wave-like cross-section or a multi-finned cross-section, thereby minimizing the overall cross-sectional area of the connector yet providing sufficient cross-sectional area of the conductor to carry the necessary amount of electrical current.