Abstract: An asthma/allergy inhaler holster has a main body part comprising an elongated sheath. A holding mechanism attached proximal to an open end of said main body part, and extending over the open end secures an inhaler within the holster. A grommet is affixed to the main body part and positioned off center proximal to a closed end of the sheath. The grommet is adapted to attach the inhaler holster to a member, such as a key chain, ring, or the like, passed therethrough. The holster substantially envelops the inhaler, to protect it from contamination by dirt and debris. Its construction affords immediate access to the medicament in the inhaler. Adjustment and holding mechanisms cooperate collectively to enable the holster to accommodate differently sized inhalers. The convenience afforded by the grommet decreases difficulties presented when the user forgets the holster during travel away from the home.

Abstract: A pool cover drain substantially completely drains collected rainwater without use of pumps or electrical hookups. The pool cover drain is non-centrally located in a pool cover. It is attached to a flexible hose that directs the water to a swimming pool sidewall drain outlet. A sealed weighted tubular element creates a conical depression in said swimming pool cover. The sealed weighted tubular element is placed atop the pool cover in close proximity to said pool cover drain. Collected rainwater is directed along the outside walls of the weighted tubular element, and into the pool cover drain. Sand weights on an end of the sealed weighted tubular element proximate the pool cover drain facility a gravity feed of collected rainwater into the pool cover drain. The sealed weighted tubular element is optionally provided with right-angled projections to prevent rolling and displacement thereof during high velocity wind gusts. A filter in the pool cover drain prevents clogging by debris and the like.

Abstract: A compact scanning apparatus includes an optical system to deliver a beam of pulsed infrared laser light that illuminate an interrogation area of a surface. The illumination has sufficient intensity and duration to cause selective ablation of molecules of a contraband substance present on the surface without substantially damaging the surface. A collection system collects at least a portion of the ablated molecules and transfers them to a chemical analysis system having a detector. In response to the presence of a wide variety of contraband substance molecules, the detector outputs an electrical signal that activates an audible or visible alarm. Automated screening is provided in an accurate, reliable manner that virtually eliminates the vagaries of human performance. False alarms are reduced. Detection efficacy is increased. A traceable residue of the detected contraband is left on the article for subsequent forensic analysis.

Abstract: A high efficiency electric motor has a generally polyhedrally shaped bulk amorphous metal magnetic component in which a plurality of layers of amorphous metal strips are laminated together adhesively to form a generally three-dimensional part having the shape of a polyhedron. The bulk amorphous metal magnetic component may include an arcuate surface, and preferably includes two arcuate surfaces that are disposed opposite to each other. The magnetic component is operable at frequencies ranging from about 50 Hz to about 20,000 Hz. When the motor is operated at an excitation frequency “f” to a peak induction level Bmax, the component exhibits a core-loss less than about “L” wherein L is given by the formula L=0.005 f (Bmax)1.5+0.000012 f1.5 (Bmax)1.6, said core loss, said excitation frequency and said peak induction level being measured in watts per kilogram, hertz, and teslas, respectively.

Abstract: A copper-nickel-silicon quench substrate rapidly solidifies molten alloy into microcrystalline or amorphous strip. The substrate is composed of a thermally conducting alloy. It has a two-phase microstructure with copper rich regions surrounded by a network of nickel silicide phases. The microstructure is substantially homogeneous. Casting of strip is accomplished with minimal surface degradation as a function of casting time. The quantity of material cast during each run is improved without the toxicity encountered with copper-beryllium substrates.

Abstract: Streaming media, such as audio or video files, is sent via the Internet. The media are immediately played on a user's computer. Audio/video data is transmitted from the server more rapidly than it is played out by the user system. The audio/video data in the user buffer accumulates; and interruptions in playback as well as temporary modem delays are avoided.

Abstract: Transformer cores, especially those of wound or laminated annealed amorphous metals which include support assemblies are disclosed. Methods for their manufacture, and their use in assembled transformers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for providing interactive audience participation at live spectator events enhances enjoyment for a plurality of spectators. Participating spectators employ wireless interactive devices that present a promotional message and include user input and output interfaces. Spectators are queried, and enter answers via the user input interface. The answers are transmitted to a central processor, stored as spectator data, and processed into results. A visual display or the user output interface announces the results to the spectators.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rational, multi-tier approach to the administration of growth factor proteins in the treatment of heart disease. Also disclosed is a method to evaluate the effectiveness of the administration of growth factor proteins comprising the clinical assay of CPK-MB levels in a patient undergoing treatment with growth factor proteins. In addition, there is disclosed a method for treatment of heart disease comprising administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a growth factor protein by oral inhalation therapy.

Abstract: A metallic glass alloy ribbon consists essentially of about 70 to 87 atom percent iron. Up to about 20 atom percent of the iron is replaced by cobalt and up to about 3 atom percent of the iron is replaced by nickel, manganese, vanadium, titanium or molybdenum. About 13-30 atom percent of the element balance comprises a member selected from the group consisting of boron, silicon and carbon. The alloy is heat-treated at a sufficient temperature to achieve stress relief. A magnetic field applied during the heat-treatment causes the magnetization to point away from the ribbon's predetermined easy magnetization direction. The metallic glass exhibits linear DC BH loops with low ac losses. As such they are especially well suited for use in current/voltage transformers.

Abstract: Methods for the manufacture of assemblies which included brazed components and in which nickel/chromium-based filler metals are used wherein the manufactured assemblies are characterized by low leaching rates of nickel in water and water-based fluids, are disclosed. More specifically, there are disclosed methods for the manufacture of a heat exchanger or other assembly which method includes a brazing step, as well as a post-brazing conditioning step for treating the heat exchanger or other assembly. The manufactured heat exchangers and other assemblies are particularly useful in the handling of materials intended for human consumption such as water, beverages or food as the manufactured heat exchangers or other assemblies are characterized by reduced leaching rates of nickel into fluids passed through the heat exchanger. Brazing compositions useful in such manufactured assemblies are also described.

Abstract: A high performance bulk magnetic component includes a plurality of layers of crystalline, ferromagnetic metal strips adhesively bonded together to form a polyhedrally shaped part. When the component is excited at an excitation frequency “f” to a peak induction level Bmax, it exhibits a core-loss less than “L” wherein L is given by the formula L=0.0135 f (Bmax)1.9+0.000108 f1.6 (Bmax)1.92, said core loss, said excitation frequency and said peak induction level being measured in watts per kilogram, hertz, and teslas, respectively. Performance characteristics of the high performance bulk magnetic component of the present invention are significantly better when compared to silicon-steel components operated over the same frequency range.

Abstract: An arm and safety switch for ammunition rounds, such as a 120 mm multipurpose tank round, senses launch detonation pressure. The switch will not arm the projectile if the pressure detected is less than or equal to a first predetermined pressure characteristic of a misfire, and will arm if the detected pressure is greater than or equal to a second predetermined pressure characteristic of a successful launch. An efficient, reliable method and mechanism operate to discriminate between successful and unsuccessful projectile launch and use that information to arm or not arm the projectile.

Abstract: A bulk amorphous metal magnetic component for an electric machine such as a motor or generator is described. The component may include a plurality of substantially similarly shaped laminations stamped from ferromagnetic amorphous metal strips, stacked and bonded together in registry, wherein the laminations include a plurality of tooth-shaped sections. In an alternate implementation, the component may be constructed by first stacking a plurality of layers of amorphous metal strips, laminating the layers and then cutting the object to form the component. The bulk amorphous metal magnetic component when operated at an excitation frequency “f” to a peak induction level Bmax has a core-loss less than “L” wherein L is given by the formula L=0.0074 f(Bmax)1.3+0.000282 f1.5(Bmax)2.4, said core loss, said excitation frequency and said peak induction level being measured in watts per kilogram, hertz, and teslas, respectively.

Abstract: A bulk amorphous metal inductive device comprises a magnetic core having plurality of low-loss bulk ferromagnetic amorphous metal magnetic components assembled in juxtaposed relationship to form at least one magnetic circuit and secured in position, e.g. by banding or potting. The device has one or more electrical windings and may be used as a transformer or inductor in an electronic circuit. Each component comprises a plurality of similarly shaped layers of amorphous metal strips bonded together to form a polyhedrally shaped part. The low core losses of the device, e.g. a loss of at most about 12 W/kg when excited at a frequency of 5 kHz to a peak induction level of 0.3 T, make it especially useful for application in power conditioning circuits operating in switched mode at frequencies of 1 kHz or more. Air gaps are optionally interposed between the mating faces of the constituent components of the device to enhance its energy storage capacity for inductor applications.

Abstract: A bedside butler unit dispenses hypoallergenic, antibacterial wet wipes and accommodates their disposal, following use. In one embodiment, the unit provides a safe, quick and discrete means for freshening up and readily disposing of clean-up materials. The unit is adapted to be placed on a vanity table or other easy to reach location near the bedside. It contains a sealed inner unit having a plurality of compartments. One of the compartments contains the hypoallergenic, antibacterial wet wipes, and another of the compartments serves as a disposal unit into which the wipes are conveniently placed after use. Additional compartments may be provided for dispensing dry wipes, and storing personal effects. In another embodiment, the unit is especially suited for use in hospitals, nursing homes and other patient care facilities to minimize the care provider's contact with soiled wipes, and thereby prevent the spread of infectious disease.

Abstract: Integrated Devices enable the integration of the Internet with the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). A device can place a telephone call to an Integrated Device via dialing on the PSTN and have the call consummated over the Internet via a mechanism of messaging between the associated devices and systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for finely pulverizing lawn debris has a central drive shaft driven by a gasoline or electrical power source. Lawn debris is drawn into a sucking chamber by a fan impeller blade mounted on the central drive shaft. The fan impeller blade initiates pulverization of the debris in the suction chamber. A grinding blade is mounted for rotation on the central drive shaft below the fan impeller blade. The grinding blade carries a plurality of blade elements operative to effect additional pulverization of the initially pulverized debris. A distributing plate mounted for rotation on the central shaft has a plurality of inclined apertures therein for dispensing a high velocity stream of the pulverized debris uniformly over said lawn.

Abstract: A plurality of Integrated Devices are provided with an Internet connection and a telephone number. The Internet connection has an associated Internet protocol (IP) address permanently or dynamically assigned. It is initiated when one device calls the telephone number of a called device via telephones on a public service telephone network (PSTN). The telephone number has associated telephone connectivity via a telephone line, such that the Integrated Devices can be connected to by dialing the associated telephone number via telephones on the PSTN. An Internet connection is associated with the calling device; the called device is an Integrated Device. An IP address for a first one of the calling or called devices is obtained and provided to the other device, which initiates an Internet connection therewith by sending an Internet message to the IP address thereof.

Abstract: A harmonic responsive electronic article surveillance marker is associated with a central, non-recorded region and/or a peripheral non-recorded region of an optically recorded or recordable media. The marker comprising at least one elongated strip, optionally having an arcuate configuration, and composed of soft magnetic material adapted to generate a harmonic signal voltage in the presence of an applied magnetic field which provides the marker with signal identity. Advantageously, the marker is inexpensive to construct. It is readily attached to or embedded in the non-recorded region and/or the peripheral non-recorded region, and generates a high amplitude, harmonic signal voltage having significantly increased detection sensitivity. With these attributes, the marker is especially suited for electronic surveillance of recorded media such as compact disks, digital video disks, laser disks and the like.