Abstract: A brace hosiery apparatus including a hollow, cylindrical brace covering disposed about at least a portion of an orthotic brace and a first connector that when removably connected to a second connector secures the brace covering to the orthotic brace.

Abstract: An automated process for color-balancing a series of oblique images captured from one or more positions and from one or more orientations. The automated process includes the step of selecting a series of color-balanced images to use as reference images. Then, on an oblique image by image basis (1) a portion(s) of a reference image(s) that overlaps the oblique image is located, (2) multiple color-balancing transformations are created that approximately matches the color distribution of the oblique image to the color distribution of the overlapping portion(s) of the reference image(s), (3) pixels in the oblique image are transformed according to the multiple color-balancing transformations created for that oblique image; and (4) the transformed pixel value is transformed in the oblique image or a copy of the oblique image.

Abstract: A method for securing an accessory to a firearm. The method includes providing a body with an undercarriage portion which is shaped to matingly receive at least a portion of the undercarriage of the firearm, a trigger guard portion shaped to engage at least a portion of the trigger guard firearm, and a firearm connector portion which is constructed of a resilient deformable material which forms a snap-fit with a portion of the firearm in order to secure the body to the firearm. The body also has an accessory connector portion shaped to secure an accessory to the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for evacuating exhaust from an exhaust pipe of a vehicle having an external turbine and an internal turbine connected to the external turbine such that when the external turbine rotates the internal turbine rotates.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph oven including a housing, a capillary tube and a thermal control assembly. The housing defining a capillary tube receiving space and having at least one outlet port to permit the passage of a fluid from the capillary tube receiving space of the housing. The capillary tube is positioned in the capillary tube receiving space of the housing and has a gas inlet end connectable to a gas injector and a gas detector end connectable to a gas detector. The thermal control assembly is in fluid communication with the capillary tube receiving space of the housing and is connectable to a source of a temperature regulating fluid.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A method of containing a floral grouping or potted plant in a sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve has first and second panels, and at least a portion of at least one of the first and second panels is constructed of at least two layers of material. At least a portion of the at least two layers of material may be connected.

Abstract: A flare stack that preferably comprises a burner assembly, an exhaust stack, an housing, and a fuel line. The burner assembly burns a fuel to generate thermal energy and combustion byproducts. The exhaust stack is cooperatively associated with the burner assembly to direct the thermal energy and combustion byproducts away from the burner assembly. The housing at least partially defines a fluid-receiving chamber in thermal communication with the exhaust stack. The fluid-receiving chamber has a heat-transfer fluid disposed therein. The fuel line is in fluid communication with the burner assembly to deliver fuel to the burner assembly. At least a portion of the fuel line is in thermal communication with at least one of the exhaust stack, housing, or heat-transfer fluid to permit fuel in the fuel line to absorb thermal energy before reaching the burner assembly.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon fluid compositions comprising a liquid hydrocarbon, an aluminum soap, a hydrocarbon foaming agent and a gas. The fluids can be used in various oil field operations.

Abstract: Low temperature activity and high temperature ammonia selectivity of a vanadium-free selective catalytic reduction catalyst are controlled with a mixed oxide support containing oxides of titanium and zirconium, and a plurality of alternating layers respectively formed of a metal compound and titanium oxide present on the surface of the mixed oxide support. The metal compound is selected from the group consisting of manganese oxide, iron oxide, cerium oxide, tin oxide, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A system for providing secure access to mechanical data associated with the mechanical properties of a concrete mass. The system includes a logger associated with the concrete mass and having at least one sensor adapted to measure physical properties of the concrete mass and generate sensor data indicative of the physical properties of the concrete mass. The logger also has a microprocessor adapted to receive the sensor data and calculate mechanical data associated with the concrete mass and an outbound data transfer device. The system includes a reader adapted to receive the mechanical data associated with the concrete mass from the outbound data transfer device of the logger. Lastly, the system includes a computer receiving the mechanical data from the reader and distributing the mechanical data to one or more users via the Internet, a world-wide network of information sharing computers, or using the world-wide web.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering a titanium dioxide product from a titanium oxide-containing roasted mass of the type derived from roasting an ilmenite, anatase or perovskite ore by exploiting an organic acid, such as mixture of oxalic acid and ascorbic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an erectable and/or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to an erectable or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a floral easel for holding and/or supporting a floral object. In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to methods of shipping a floral easel, methods of using a floral easel, methods of storing a floral easel, and methods of placing a floral object on a floral easel.

Abstract: Compositions for inhibiting RNA binding proteins, as well as methods of producing and using same, are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A dual purpose portable apparatus is provided for carrying a harvested game animal or for providing a protective shelter for a person. The apparatus includes a housing formed of a flexible, foldable material defining a chamber therein, the chamber adapted to receive a body and head portion of the harvested game animal or the person seeking shelter therein. Openings are provided for receiving the hind and fore legs of the harvested game animal and a gap formed in a forward end of the housing allows for passage of the antlers. Edges of the housing are disposed above the openings when the housing is in a closed configuration so as to substantially retard leakage of fluid through the openings and between the edges of the housing.

Abstract: Contemplated herein is an automated microscope slide antigen recovery and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments for individually and independently processing a plurality of individual microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually heatable heating plate. Each slide support element preferably supports a single microscope slide. Each microscope slide can be enclosed within an individual pressurizable reaction compartment. Pressures exceeding 1 atm or below 1 atm can be created and maintained in the reaction compartment prior to, during or after heating of the slide begins.

Abstract: A subsurface drainage assembly for directing fluid drainage from a surface is disclosed. The subsurface drainage assembly includes a plurality of drain structure panels linked together in a manner that permits movement of one drain structure panel relative to the adjacent drain structure panel. The drain structure panels have a laterally extensive backing grid and a plurality of spaced apart tubular support members projecting therefrom. The tubular support members are tapered so that the tubular support members are nestable with the tubular support members of an identical drain structure panel when the drain structure panels are stacked.

Abstract: A method of preparing stable, transparent photocatalytic titanium dioxide sots is disclosed which involves thermal treatment of a suspension of amorphous titanium dioxide in the presence of certain alpha-hydroxy acids. The sots comprise titanium dioxide particles in the anatase form having a crystallite size less than about 10 nm and exhibit excellent stability and transparency at basic, neutral, and acid pH.

Abstract: A method of using a stimulation device to emit a medium to an appendicular region and/or rectal region of a user for treatment of a gastrointestinal disorder is described. The method includes placing the stimulation device into the appendicular region and/or rectal region, and delivering the medium, wherein the medium stimulates at least a portion of the enteric nervous system. Additionally, apparatus and delivery devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A low-defect-density crystalline structure comprising a first crystalline material, a layer of second crystalline material epitaxially grown on the first crystalline material, and a layer of third crystalline material epitaxially grown on the second layer such that the second layer is positioned between the first crystalline material and the third crystalline material. The second and third crystalline materials cooperate to form a desirable relationship. The crystalline structures of the second crystalline material and third crystalline material have a higher crystalline compatibility than the first crystalline material and third crystalline material. The layer of second crystalline material is sufficiently thick to form the desirable relationship with the third crystalline material but sufficiently thin for the layer of second crystalline material to be strained. The layer of third crystalline material is grown to a thickness beyond a thickness had the third layer been grown on an unstrained second layer.