Abstract: A hybrid lead acid electric storage battery uses conventional lead-acid secondary battery chemistry. The battery is a sealed battery or an unsealed battery. The battery has a set of positive battery grids (plates) having cores of thin titanium expanded metal with a thickness, if flattened, preferably in the range 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm and most preferably 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm. The grid cores are of a titanium alloy containing a platinum group metal. The cores are coated with hot dip lead and are not lead electroplated. The negative plates are carbon based assemblies. Each such assembly has a metal core, preferably a sheet of expanded copper, a corrosion shield sealing the metal core, and an outer layer primarily of activated carbon covering the shield.

Abstract: A chest protector, in sports medicine, adapted for players of the athletic games, is light in weight and reasonably comfortable to wear. It will protect the heart and chest cavity area of players in such games as lacrosse, field hockey, and baseball. The chest protector includes a shirt, preferably of two-way stretch fabric, having a large front pocket across its chest area. A protector plate is positioned within the pocket. The protector plate is an assembly of molded layers, comprising inner-most and outer-most layers of plastic, preferably polyethylene sheets; a central layer of a high impact polymer pad, preferably a dry polyurethane gel; and two layers of high impact resistant fabric of high tensile strength fibers, preferably para-aramid fibers, with the polymer pad being sandwiched between the two layers of impact resistant fabric.

Abstract: An improved electrode headset is provided for the acquisition of electroencephalographic (EEG) brain signals detected at the scalp of a human subject. The headset includes an elastic fabric cap having a chinstrap, which cap is fitted closely to the scalp. The cap has openings at those selected locations on the scalp to which removable and disposable electrodes are to be removably connected to the scalp. A positioning unit, of a generally flat and flexible plastic material, is attachable to the cap by corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners on the outer surface of the cap and the inner surface of the positioning unit. The positioning unit has a base portion and two opposite leg portions, each with slits. Flat beams are adjustably connected through the slits to the leg portions and base portion. Each beam carries a screw member which adjustably applies pressure to electrode holders and a flexible electrode extractor strap to which the electrode holder is attached.

Abstract: A lighting fixture provides a substantially uniform line of light (bar of light) for illumination or signage. It uses a linear array of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) which are relatively efficient, long-lasting and resistant to damage from vibration. The LEDs are arranged within a reflective shell within the fixture and one or more elongated cylindrical focusing lenses are positioned at a specific distance in front of the LEDs to focus the light into a line of light. A focusing lens may also be the protective window of the reflective shell.

Abstract: An electronic control system especially for non-linear loads, such as high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, includes an active power factor correction circuit (APFC). The system provides a power factor correction of above 0.95; total harmonic distortion (THD) below 5%; lamp crest factor (LCF) close to unity; efficient power consumption and reliable open circuit voltage (OCV) under all power line conditions. A ballast would include integrated circuits (ICs) and a four-arm transistor bridge which is directly driven by integrated circuits. The bridge generates reversal of polarity to the load. An approximate average current feedback is derived from a load current. A resistor divider in parallel with the load provides voltage feedback. The average current feedback and voltage feedback are added together to provide an approximation of power consumed by the load, without the complex circuitry required for a true power feedback of current multiplied by voltage.

Abstract: An efficient, objective testing method and system for evaluating changes in mental function is described. The method and system are based on measuring an individual's behavioral responses and brain function during a brief cognitive test battery and passive control conditions. The method and system is designed to assess an individual's fundamental cognitive functions, and whether those functions have been significantly affected by a variety of factors such as progressive disease processes, medication, stress, fatigue, training, or the passage of time. The method and system can be used to determine whether drugs being evaluated to treat diseases or conditions affecting cognitive brain function have a significant positive effect on delaying or improving the symptoms of such a disease or condition, especially during clinical trials for drug approval and subsequent marketing.

Abstract: A straight steel curb for the steel curb faced concrete curb of a roadway has a vertical sidewall and a horizontal portion. Two sheet metal or plastic benches, which lie on the floor of the trench, are aligned relative to a string line. Each bench has a bracket which supports a bottom edge of the steel curb at its two ends, to position the steel curb. The front plate and back plate of a bench are welded to the bottom plate by a weak weld which shears under the pressure of the expanding or contracting concrete or has a pleated base which contracts and expands. The bench has front and back flanges which, respectively, hold front and back concrete forms.

Abstract: A combination of medicines are administered daily for the relief of the symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder or an Adjustment Disorder With Anxiety. The combination comprises a centrally-acting beta-blocker which passes the brain blood barrier, preferably the beta-blocker betaxolol, and a serotonin-enhancer, for example, the serotonin agonist buspirone or the serotonin reuptake inhibitor sertraline.

Abstract: An industrial fastener, which may be secured or released by a one-quarter turn, includes a rotatable bolt. The bolt has a cam face on the underside of its head, a shank having opposite flats and a screw threaded end portion. A turning means, such as a handle member, slides on the bolt and has matching opposite flats to turn the bolt. The fastener also includes a spring which detents the handle member and an adjustable nut.