Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical retractor system in which first and second retractor blades are maintained in spaced relationship by a third retractor blade engaged with the first and second retractor blades. The first and second retractor blades are moveable between a first position in which they are nearer one another and a second position in which they are further from one another. The third retractor blade is engageable with the first and second retractor blades in the second position to maintain the first and second retractor blades in the second position. The first, second, and third retractor blades define an open space between them in which a minimally invasive surgical procedure may be carried out.

Abstract: A user interface allows an operator to control the visual focus of digital, CG characters and/or physical robotic characters. An interface with one or more tiered shapes is overlaid on a video feed of the digital or physical character's surrounding environment. An operator can move the overlaid tiered shapes around the video feed with a standard input device like a mouse, stylus, or joystick to control the visual focus of the digital or physical character.

Abstract: Dry adhesives and methods of making dry adhesives including a method of making a dry adhesive including applying a liquid polymer to the second end of the stem, molding the liquid polymer on the stem in a mold, wherein the mold includes a recess having a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the second end of the stem, curing the liquid polymer in the mold to form a tip at the second end of the stem, wherein the tip includes a second layer stem; corresponding to the recess in the mold, and removing the tip from the mold after the liquid polymer cures.

Abstract: Double paneled door assembly providing RF shielding and soundproofing through the use of two door panels, i.e., back door panel and front door panel, as well as respective back door frame and front door frame. The door panels and door frames are joined together by door pins and door pin bushing as well as frame pins and frame pin bushings, and the double door panels are mounted on the double frames by heavy duty hinges. The use of two door panels and frame panels with a volume of sealed air or other inert gas between the panels aids the RF shielding and soundproofing properties of the door. The bushings act as damping mechanisms to reduce transmission of vibration from the front side of the door assembly to the back side of the door assembly that will ultimately reduce waves permeating into an enclosed room or area.

Abstract: An object-oriented, computer-based system for developing simulation models is provided. The system comprises one or more base objects and one or more graphical processes, wherein new objects are created from base objects by a user by assigning one or more graphical processes to the base object(s). New objects are created without the need for methods or computer programming. A model is built by creating objects that represent the physical components of the system being modeled into the model, and then running the model.

Abstract: A protective cover for lining one or more edges of an undermount sink is provided. The protective cover has a means for removably attaching the cover to one or more interior ledges of the countertop adjacent to one or more sides of the sink, and is formed of a pliable material such as vinyl. In one embodiment, the protective cover is shaped to protect the edge of the countertop adjacent to the sink, without means for attachment to the countertop.

Abstract: Secondary system for cleaning a belt running between conveyor pulleys comprised of a frame bar on which cleaning blades are mounted, two bracket assemblies to which the frame bar is adjustably mounted, and an adjustment system mounted on the external sides of the bracket assemblies. Bracket assemblies each can include a pair of slotted arms over which two or more clamps are joined together. Each bracket assembly can include an inner tube member that telescopes into two outer tube members and an upper member that can be adjustably clamped to the inner tube and a lower tube member to which the frame bar is mounted and attached to the upper member by the adjustment system. Frame bar and bracket assemblies have rectangular cross-section so that when mounted to each other, rotational movement of frame bar about its longitudinal axis is prohibited. This rotational prohibition is independent from the adjustment system.

Abstract: An in-ear stabilizer with a compression strut securely holds an in-ear communications device within the human ear. The in-ear stabilizer comprises an in-ear device housing which fits into the human ear and has a receiver and speaker. Attached to the in-ear device housing is a compression strut which extends, when in the human ear, across the crus of helix and fits securely under the antihelix in the upper concha of the ear. The housing of the in-ear device fits into the lower concha of the human ear. The compression strut exerts outward pressure when compressed, comfortably holding the in-ear device in place through pressure on the lower and upper concha of the human ear.

Abstract: Methods of using software to synchronize the control of a camera on portable media device with the photoflash on an external lighting apparatus. The Camera-Equipped Portable Media Device (CEPMD) utilizes an External Lighting Apparatus (ELA) as a light source to improve the lighting conditions for portable media device photography. Both ELA and CEPMD are controlled by software, which synchronize the photoflash image capture as well as post process the image to further enhance the image quality. Furthermore, in a preferred ELA embodiment, it acts as a protective case for the CEPMD.

Abstract: A separator for separating stacked sheets of lumber or other building materials. The separator comprises a substantially planar top and bottom surface; the top and bottom surfaces extending substantially parallel to one another. The separator further comprises two side surfaces, each with outwardly protruding side edges for preventing the separator from resting on either side surface; and a front side and a back side substantially parallel to the front surface. A plurality of channels extend into the top and bottom surfaces with the channels defining a plateau, coexistent with the top and bottom surfaces, between adjacent channels. Each channel has one or more apertures for creating a substantially vertical airflow passage between top and bottom surfaces of the separator.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present inventions encompass a variety of methods and devices for attaching labels, tags, or identification devices to hot metals.

Abstract: A personal vehicle comprises a frame with a seat, two large, non-drive wheels connected by an axle at one end of the frame, an elongated swing arm attached to the axle, a pair of caster wheels connected to the frame opposite the large, non-drive wheels and a main drive wheel mounted to a fork and connected to the swing arm. The main drive wheel is located central the vehicle frame, intermediate the frame sides and intermediate frame front and rear sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimally loading and conditioning materials for transport is provided. Specially, the invention, in a preferred embodiment, relates to loading ash-like materials which require treatment prior to loading onto a truck or vehicle to avoid slurry spillage, overload or airborne particulate during loading or transport. The system conditions the ash-like materials by liquid additions proportional to material flow rate, truck information, slump height and/or slump weight. The system further includes a slump height or weight indicator and a communication and integration system.

Abstract: An apparatus including a plurality of electrodes defining a trapping chamber of an ion trap, wherein at least one of the electrodes is a transparent electrode having at least a portion that is both optically transparent and electrically conductive; a controller connected to the plurality of electrodes, wherein the controller includes a memory containing computer readable instructions which, when executed, cause the controller to send control signals to the plurality of electrodes so that: the plurality of electrodes produce and maintain a trapping field in the trapping chamber, and the plurality of electrodes change the trapping field so that ions of a predetermined mass in the trapping chamber are selectively moved; and an optical detector oriented so that the portion of the transparent electrode that is both optically transparent and electrically conductive is between the optical detector and the trapping chamber.

Abstract: In an electrical distribution system for supplying power from an AC source to an adjustable-speed drive connected in a single-phase manner, a device for substantially eliminating harmonic currents in the supply lines of said system. The device includes a completely-passive parallel resonant circuit having three passive electrical branches connected in parallel and also having an almost infinite impendence at a third harmonic frequency of a fundamental frequency of said AC source to prevent the formation of only said third harmonic frequency so that there is no third harmonic current to remove or dissipate as heat. The three passive electrical branches comprise a first branch consisting of a capacitor, a second branch consisting of a reactor, and a third branch consisting of a resistor. The parallel resonant circuit is electrically connected to at least one supply line.

Abstract: An improved anchoring system for fastening an elastomeric membrane to a roof comprises an anchoring plate with a top planar surface, spaced apart, raised sidewalls over which the membrane may be laid and at least one aperture for securing to a roof. Each sidewall has a retaining lip that extends inwardly from the top planar surface for retaining a spacing insert, a top surface of which has raised flanges, each flange having a retaining lip with a plurality of longitudinally extending gripper ridges. Preferably, the retaining lips on the spacing insert extend over the top surface of the anchoring plate and taper toward one another at one or more areas between their end points. The system further includes a wedge for inserting into a cavity defined by the spacing insert.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a collapsible hanger and a method for using the same for supporting, among other things, cables from the ceiling of mines. The collapsible hangers of the present invention allow the cables to fall to the floor when tension, pressure, and/or weight is applied to the hangers, either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel formulation for fat-soluble drugs which self-emulsify in the presence of an aqueous medium with little agitation. More specifically, the invention is concerned with the formulation of a new dosage form for fat-soluble drugs in the form of a soft-gelatin capsule which forms emulsion instantly when the contents are released and mixed with gastrointestinal fluid. The formulation comprises a suitable mixture of drug with an appropriate oil and an appropriate surfactant system.

Abstract: A novelty golf club with a smoking pipe attachment adaptable for smoking. A pipe bowl assembly is inserted into the hollow shaft of a golf club, and a mouthpiece assembly is inserted at the top of the shaft. The hollow shaft carries pipe smoke from the bowl assembly to the pipe assembly.