Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back, a seat cushion, and a system for facilitating relieving of fatigue of a person sitting on the vehicle seat for many hours.

Abstract: A reflectron lens and method are provided. The reflectron lens comprises a tube having a continuous conductive surface along the length of the tube for providing an electric field interior to the tube that varies in strength along the length of the tube. The tube may comprise glass, and in particular, a glass comprising metal ions, such as lead, which may be reduced to form the conductive surface. The method includes a step of introducing a beam of ions into a first end of a dielectric tube having a continuous conductive surface along the length of the tube. The method further includes a step of applying an electric potential across the tube to create an electric field gradient that varies in strength along the length of the tube so the electric field deflects the ions to cause the ions to exit the tube through the first end of the tube.

Abstract: A molecularly flexible dielectric electronic substrate for receiving an electronic device has a modulus of elasticity less tan about 500,000 psi. The molecularly flexible dielectric substrate comprises one or more sheets or layers of a molecularly flexible dielectric adhesive having a modulus of elasticity less than about 500,000 psi and having patterned metal foil electrical conductors thereon. The molecularly flexible dielectric adhesive may have a low glass transition temperature and the ability to withstand soldering.

Abstract: A reclining seat includes a seat cushion, a seat back pivotally mounted to the seat cushion, first and second locking mechanisms arranged at both sides of the seat for securing the seat back relative to the seat cushion, and a supporting shaft interconnecting the first and second locking mechanisms, the supporting shaft having first and second end portions, the first locking mechanism including a first actuating shaft for facilitating selective securing of the seat back relative to the seat cushion, the second locking mechanism including a second actuating shaft for facilitating selective securing of the seat back relative to the seat cushion, the first actuating shaft being rigidly or fixedly connected to the first end portion of the supporting shaft, and the second actuating shaft being connected to the second end portion of the supporting shaft so that the second actuating shaft and the supporting shaft are rotatable by a predetermined angle relative to each other.

Abstract: Photomultiplier tubes with improved collection of incident radiation, especially from the periphery of the front face of the tube, and that more efficiently couple the collected radiation to the photocathode, and moreover have higher packing densities when assembled into arrays, resulting in enhanced imaging characteristics. The improvements in radiation collection and photomultiplier tube packing density are gained by a combination of several features including: tapering the edges of the faceplate so that the faceplate subtends an area as large or larger than any other cross-sectional area of the photomultiplier tube; forming the junction between the faceplate and metal tube on the underside of the faceplate, and in such a manner as to avoid obscuring the optical path between the incident radiation and photocathode; and utilizing the tapered edge of the faceplate as a reflector to couple radiation incident on the periphery of the faceplate to the photocathode.

Abstract: A detector for a coaxial bipolar time-of-flight mass spectrometer is described. The detector includes a microchannel plate, a scintillator disposed in parallel relation to said microchannel plate, and a mirror oriented at an angle relative to said scintillator. The angle of the mirror is selected to reflect photons given off by the scintillator in a direction substantially orthogonal to the scintillator. The microchannel plate, the scintillator, and the mirror each have an opening formed centrally therein. The detector according to this aspect of the invention also includes a transparent tube extending through the central openings formed in each of the microchannel plate, the scintillator, and the mirror. A photomultiplier tube is coupled to the detector for receiving photons reflected by the mirror. A coaxial bipolar time-of-flight mass spectrometer incorporating the detector is also described.

Abstract: A detachable seat for a vehicle, includes a seat cushion, a seat leg mechanism for supporting the seat cushion, the seat leg mechanism including a base member on which the seat cushion is carried, and first and second spaced apart leg members pivotally connected to the base member, a seat back pivotally mounted to the base member of the seat leg mechanism, a first cooperating mechanism on the first and second leg members and a vehicle floor for causing the seat to be releasably locked with the vehicle floor, and a second cooperating mechanism on the base member and the seat cushion for causing the seat cushion to be removably or detachably mounted with respect to the base member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion which has a frame structure and a cushion member combined with the frame structure, the frame structure including a pair of spaced apart side frame members, a front frame member fixed to forward end portions of the side frame members, a connecting shaft extending between rearward end portions of the side frame members and interconnecting the rearward end portions of the side frame members, a plurality of zigzag springs stretched between the front frame member and the connecting shaft, the cushion member being laid on the zigzag springs, and retainers mounted on the connecting shaft, the zigzag springs being engaged at one terminals thereof with the retainer.

Abstract: A weeder includes a longitudinal shaft having a predetermined length and a longitudinal bore, a chuck mechanism provided at a lower end portion of the longitudinal shaft for pinching and pulling out weeds in the ground, the chuck mechanism including first and second pinching members for pinching the weeds therebetween, a first remover member combined with the chuck mechanism for forcedly removing the weeds and/or mud from the first pinching member, a second remover member combined with the chuck mechanism for forcedly removing the weeds and/or mud from the second pinching member, an operating lever mechanism provided on an axis of the longitudinal shaft for actuating the first and second pinching members and the first and second remover members, and a towing wire inserted and extending within the longitudinal bore of the longitudinal shaft, and coupling the chuck mechanism and the operating lever mechanism.

Abstract: A circular transducer array (30) is provided for use in recording a sound field. The array (30) comprises a plurality of microphones (31a–31h), a digital signal processor (33), frequency compensation filters (34) and a sum and difference network (35). The digital signal processor calculates the Fourier transform of sampled output signals from the transducers to produce a plurality of sound wave components specifying the sound field. The frequency compensation network (34) equalises each component using Bassel functions to flatten the apparent response of the array (30) and the sum and difference network (35) then combines the equalised components to provide a plurality of audio signals which represent the sound field.

Abstract: The application discloses markers associated with organ transplant rejection and associated conditions, and in particular provides materials and methods for the diagnosis, prognosis or treatment of chronic rejection of transplanted organ such as heart and kidney. Examples of the markers include ribosomal protein L7, ?-transducin, 1-TRAF (also known as TANK) or lysyl-tRNA synthetase, or antibodies against these antigens.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of calculating uncertainty in the system represented as two or more modules comprising the steps of passing uncertainty information from each module to at least one further module; and calculating uncertainty in the measurement result from the information exchanged between the modules. The invention also provides a method of propagating uncertainty in a measurement system and also provides related systems for calculating uncertainty and propagating uncertainty.

Abstract: An axial motor (100) driven by opposed pistons/cylinder (101a–105b, 111a–115b) pairs arranged in a circular array about a central axis of the motor (100). The opposed pistons (101a, 101b; 102a, 102b; 103a, 103b; 104a, 104b; 105a, 105b) in each pair are linked by a corresponding connecting rod (106–110), which transfers the thrust from the pistons (101a–105a) to an output shaft via a power transmission apparatus (300) and z crank (114) arrangement. Reciprocating couplings disposed in the transmission apparatus (300) connect the connecting rods (106–110) to the apparatus (300). During operation, the reciprocating couplings oscillate to retain the connecting rods (106–110) substantially aligned with the corresponding piston pair to reduce side thrust on the pistons.

Abstract: A gating circuit switches the responsivity of a photomultiplier tube between ON and OFF states by modulating the voltage bias of the one or more of its electrodes. The gating circuit capacitively couples a voltage pulse to the photocathode or other electrode of the photomultiplier tube in response to a low-voltage gating triggering signal. The voltage divider network and high-voltage power supply used to statically bias the photomultiplier tube also power the gating circuitry and source the gating voltage pulse, thus circumventing the need for a separate high-voltage power supply. The gating circuit represents a near-inconsequential burden on the power supply, as it draws practically negligible current from the voltage divider network. The electrode gating pulse characteristics, including rise- and fall-times, voltage swing amplitude and duration, can be modified by adjusting resistor and capacitor values and Zener diode characteristics of the gating circuit and voltage divider network.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating assembling of a covering sheet onto a cushioned padding for a seat, the covering sheet being formed into a three-dimensional shape and having tensioning cords provided therein, the cushioned padding having a central portion, bulged portions formed at both sides of the central portion, and grooves formed in the central portion, the tensioning cords of the covering sheet being to be received in the grooves of the cushioned padding at the time of fastening of the covering sheet to the cushioned padding, and being to be fastened to the cushioned padding, the apparatus including a base table, a supporting member mounted on the base table for receiving and supporting the cushioned padding at the time of the assembling of the covering sheet onto the cushioned padding, hooking arms arranged at both sides of the base table for causing the bulged portions of the cushioned padding on the supporting member to be pulled away from each other and causing the grooves of the cushioned padding to

Abstract: A system for constructing image slices through a selected object, the system comprising an identifiable fiducial reference in a fixed position relative to the selected object, wherein the fiducial reference comprises at least two identifiable reference markers. A source of radiation is provided for irradiating the selected object and the fiducial reference to form a projected image of the selected object and the fiducial reference which is recorded by a recording medium.

Abstract: A check valve assembly for the forced gas cooling system of a vacuum heat treating furnace is disclosed. The check valve assembly includes a check valve for installation on the exterior of a hot zone wall in a vacuum heat treating furnace. The check valve includes a valve body forming an inlet, an outlet, and a channel extending longitudinally through the valve body. The valve body has an inner wall that forms a recess near the inlet. The channel contains a flap pivotally supported on a shaft that extends through the recess. The flap pivots in and out of the channel to permit a cooling gas to flow through the valve body in one direction while substantially preventing the flow of gas through the valve body in the opposite direction. The flap is operable between a closed position in which the flap extends into the channel to obstruct the channel, and an open position in which the flap is pivoted out of the channel and into the recess.

Abstract: A system and method are useful for tracking two or more objects moving by separate transport paths to a destination and associating the objects at the destination. Object and check smart tags are associated respectively with each object to be tracked and with an associated check object. Each smart tag includes at least an electronic memory from which information man be transmitted and/or into which information may be stored. Smart tag control units (reader and/or writer) and antenna arrays along the transport path communicate with the smart tags and/or communicate directly or indirectly with one or more processors that process the information. Object and check smart tags are read and compared for matching the object and check object at the destination.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back supported to a body floor of a vehicle, a seat cushion pivotally supported to the seat back so as to be tipped up relative to the seat back, a leg member pivotally supported to a lower portion of the seat cushion, at least one spring member for biasing the leg member in such a direction as to be away from a bottom surface of the seat cushion, at least one stopper member for stopping the leg member against an action of the spring member and keeping the leg member vertically standing from the bottom surface of the seat cushion, and a mechanism for causing the leg member to be operatively folded and then laid on the bottom surface of the seat cushion against the action of the spring member, synchronously with the tipping-up of the seat cushion relative to the seat back.