Abstract: A loudspeaker for audible sound is described having a sound emitting element mounted onto a support structure and at least one actuator adapted to rotate said sound emitting element around a hinge section, wherein the actuator is made of piezoelectric material. In variants the actuator forms part of the hinge section and the loudspeaker is capable of generating vibrations through its support structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for sonoporation for transdermal delivery of a microparticles suspension containing microencapsulated drugs includes a container containing said microparticles suspension and an ultrasound horn having a tip submerged in said microparticles suspension containing microencapsulated drug or the like. The ultrasound radiation is applied to generate cavitation bubbles, thus causing pores to be formed in the skin of a patient. The ultrasound radiation intensity and distance from the skin are also effective in generating ultrasonic jets driving the microparticles through the formed pores into the skin. The ultrasound radiation is desirably applied at a frequency other than a resonant frequency of the microparticles to avoid rupturing them.

Abstract: A loudspeaker comprising: a support, a sound-generating element mounted to the support for vibration to generate sound; and an electro-active device coupled between the support and the sound-generating element for vibrating the sound-generating element in response to an electrical signal. The electro-active device comprises a structure extending along a minor axis which extends in a curve around a major axis parallel to the vibration direction of the sound-generating element, the structure comprising successive electro-active portions arranged with electrodes to bend around the minor axis on activation in response to application of the electrical signal to the electrodes, and coupled together such that bending of successive portions causes concomitant rotation of adjacent portions around the minor axis adding incrementally along the minor axis, which rotation causes concomitant change of the axial length of the structure along the major axis.

Abstract: An email client and file manager provides combined file management and communications management in a single interface. An interface allows documents, email messages, contact information, web links or pages, and user-attached notes to be stored in the same folders. This facilitates communication by email and fax. The interface permits the user to combine this data in folders which the user categorizes according to a folder tree created by the user. In one embodiment of the invention, the client, in its email function, communicates with a dedicated host which in turn communicates with external servers according to standard internet protocol.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of using a computer to provide automated investment allocation advice, selection of investment securities, customization of the automated advice, execution of investment securities, maintenance/monitoring of investment portfolios and rebalancing of investment portfolios. A user is connected to the Internet. The user connects to the portfolio management program (PMP) host computer through the Internet. The user completes a questionnaire that the PMP uses to generate a suitable investment allocation and specific portfolio strategy recommendation. The user reviews the strategy and specific information about the strategy. The information is transmitted across the Internet to the user. The information transmitted includes historic and/or hypothetical performance, historical and/or hypothetical holdings, current securities selections of the strategy, and a description of the strategy's selection methodology.

Abstract: An equivalent to the spatial separation either side of a nominal median plane that is inherent in a bimorph (with one piezoelectric layer on one side, and the second on the other side of the plane) is attained by structurally shaping the cross-section of a simple, single piezoelectric layer (11) such that it has a multiplicity of piezoelectric portions arranged in two generally-planar groups one either side of a median plane, so that any dimension change undergone by a portion on one side of that plane will tend to bend the whole device in the opposite direction to the same sense dimension change undergone by a portion on the other side of that plane. The simple, single layer acts as though it were a bimorph if elongate and beam-like, bending along its length, one end moving up/down, or back/forth, relative to the other but with any need for an internal, electrode.

Abstract: Electro-active actuators (310) and methods of manufacturing such actuators are described with such actuators (310) having a plurality of electro-active segments (311) arranged along a curved line with each segment (311) being essentially planar and coupled to adjacent segments (311) through joint sections (312) placed at opposite corners of the segment (311). The actuators (310) exhibit a displacement in a different direction than the direction of displacement of a segment when seen in isolation. They can be made from a continuous tape of material, preferably by die punching.

Abstract: A method and system for improving fuel economy in a vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with an internal combustion engine, and a suspension air-spring automatic pneumatic control system. The internal combustion engine is controlled by an electronic engine control module. A load signal representative of the cargo load is generated and fed to the engine control module to cause the engine control module to enter a reduced horsepower mode of operation when the vehicle is less than fully loaded. Alternatively, the load signal is used as a basis for attenuating a fuel demand signal generated by the accelerator pedal deflection when the driver presses the accelerator pedal. The attenuated fuel demand signal is input to the engine control module, causing the engine control module to reduce the fuel consumed by the engine when the vehicle is less than fully loaded.

Abstract: The card game of the present invention is a seven-card stud poker game, played with at least one but preferably one standard deck of 52 cards plus at least one but preferably one Joker. Two or more players, preferably seven players, may participate in any given round of play. One of the players is the Banker whom other players play against. A Player who is not the Banker may play Poker Bet against the Banker's hand and/or Pair Of Aces Or Better Bet on the contents of the Player's own hand. After at least one wager is placed, each Player and the Banker is dealt seven cards. The Player's Poker Bet wager wins if the Player's best 5-card poker hand (selected from the Player's own seven cards) beats the Banker's best 5-card poker. The Player's Pair Of Aces Or Better Bet wager wins if the Player's best 5-card poker hand is a pair of Aces or a better hand. Poker Bet and Pair Of Aces Or Better Bet are two independent wagers and are settled separately.

Abstract: An apparatus for calling deer, and methods of its use; the apparatus having an adjustable sliding element moved longitudinally by the user to adjust the dimension x of a vibrating reed to vary the sound generated by the deer call. The device includes a barrel assembly having a cut-out opening in its side, with a vibrating reed mounted therein on a reed holder. A tone-adjusting slide assembly, manually accessible through the cut-out opening, has a reed contact band extending transversely and clampingly across the reed so as to clamp it at any of various selectable locations depending on the axial position of the tone-adjusting slide assembly. The pitch of the sound can be adjusted without disassembling the deer call.

Abstract: Various sensors use an electro-active device (11) electrically connected to a detector circuit. The electro-active device (11) comprises an electro-active structure in the form of a continuous electro-active member (12) curving in a helix around a minor axis (13) which is in itself curved for example in a helix around a major axis (14). On activation by relative displacement of the ends (16) of the device (11), the electro-active structure twists around the minor axis due to the fact that the minor axis (13) is curved. The continuous member (12) has a bender construction of a plurality of layers (21) and (22) including at least one layer of electro-active material so that concomitantly with the twisting the continuous member (12) bends generating an electrical signal detected by the detector circuit. The electro-active device (11) is advantageous as a sensing element in a sensor because it has a large displacement, high sensitivity and low compliance.

Abstract: An apparatus for calling deer, and methods of its use; the apparatus having an adjustable sliding element moved longitudinally by the user to adjust the dimension x of a vibrating reed to vary the sound generated by the deer call. The device includes a barrel assembly with a vibrating reed mounted therein on a reed holder. A metal slider mounted for longitudinal movement within the barrel assembly has a tab extending outwardly therefrom so as to be adjustable without disassembly of the device.

Abstract: The centerpiece of this invention is clusters. Clusters include taste signatures, which represent the tastes of a cluster. Users are enabled to find clusters that match their tastes, and artists are enabled to find the clusters where the users are who are likely be interested in their work. Clusters thus serve as hubs of activity for particular tastes; in most embodiments ratings of items of interest to those tastes can be viewed, and various embodiments may include various means for inter-user communication so that communities of people with similar tastes are formed.

Abstract: A camera (30) uses an electro-active device (11) to position a movable lens. The electro-active device (11) comprises an electro-active structure in the form of a continuous electro-active member (12) curving in a helix around a minor axis (13) which is in itself curved for example in a helix around a major axis (14). The continuous member (12) has a bender construction of a plurality of layers (21 and 22) including at least one layer of electro-active material so that it bends, on activation, around the minor axis (13). Concomitantly with the bending, the electro-active structure twists around the minor axis. Concomitantly with that twisting, relative displacement of the ends (16) of the device (11) occurs due to the combination of the twisting around the minor axis (13) and the fact that the minor axis (13) is curved. This structure of the electro-active device (11) is compact and provides for linear displacement, thereby making it suitable for positioning the lens of the camera (30).

Abstract: The invention is a six-card-stud poker game. A Player who is not a Banker may play Poker Bet playing against a Banker's hand, and/or one or up to seven side bets betting on the contents of the Player's own hand. From their six dealt cards, every Player and the Banker each then selects and keeps his best 5-card poker hand and discards one card. A Player's Poker Bet wager wins if the Player is dealt a hand of six-card 8 high or six-card Straight Flush, or if the Player's best 5-card poker hand ranks the same as or higher than the Banker's best 5-card poker hand. A Player's side-bet wager wins a Player's best 5-card poker hand is one of predetermined winning hands of the type of the side bet he bets on. The Poker Bet wager and seven side-bet wagers are eight independent wagers and are settled separately.

Abstract: A methodology is provided for designing traction surfaces intended to grip and provide traction on substrate surfaces. Fractal geometry is used to design tire treads, shoe treads, elastomeric traction surfaces, drive rollers, friction wheels for material locomotion or power transmission and belts for pulley drives, and such related devices requiring friction to transmit a tractional force. The methodology is performed empirically and/or analytically. The empirical method involves iterative design and testing of traction surfaces having fractal characteristics to maximize traction against a particular substrate surface. The analytical method uses analysis of substrate surfaces, and the design and development of appropriately scaled and contoured traction surfaces having fractal characteristics. The tread pattern generally contains design motifs spanning at least two doublings in linear dimension as to length, width and/or depth.

Abstract: Absorbent dressings, including highly-absorbent dressings having antimicrobial polymer attached thereto via non-siloxane bonds are disclosed. Bandages (i.e. wound dressing), sanitary napkins and the like are useful applications for the intrinsically bactericidal absorbent dressings whose method of manufacture and use are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An image display system provides a viewer with an experience of three dimensional images by presenting a composite image source. The system includes first and second image sources, a beamcombiner, a lens and a reflective element. The reflective elements reflects the image of the second image source to the beamcombiner. The first and second image sources, the beamcombiner, and the single lens present a foreground image and a background image, with the background image presented at a greater distance from the viewer than the foreground image. The viewer perceives the foreground image and the background image as part of a scene having depth.

Abstract: A flue liner insert with individually adjustable sides, which can be used to fasten to, extend and join two rectangular masonry clay flue tiles. Specifically, this flue liner insert fits into the interior of a clay tile and allows adjustable fastening to existing masonry clay tiles in a manner that can withstand common loads and also not interfere with the chimney draft. This flue liner insert can be used to extend masonry chimneys, join clay flue tiles, anchor ceramic chimney pots, partially or fully line existing chimneys, and mount standard or integrated chimney caps.

Abstract: The present invention is a seven-card-stud poker game, played with at least one standard poker deck of 52 cards, plus at least one Joker. Two or more players may participate in the game. One of the players is the Banker whom other players play against. A Player who is not a Banker may place a Poker Bet wager and/or a Pair Of Aces Or Better Bet wager; after at least one of two said wagers is placed, the Player has the option to place a Bonus Bet wager. Subsequently each Player and the Banker are each dealt seven cards, and then the Players and the Banker each then selects and keeps his or her best 5-card poker hand and discards two other cards from his or her own seven cards. To win a Poker Bet wager, a Player's best 5-card poker hand must rank higher than the Banker's best 5-card poker hand. To win a Pair Of Aces Or Better Bet wager, a Player's best 5-card poker hand must be a pair of Aces or better.