Abstract: An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper System for wine and other liquid-containing bottles is installed during the manufacture of the bottle. The Integrated drip Proof Stopper System contains a shrink-wrap shell disposed about the throat of the bottle. The shrink-wrap shell has an opening strip that separates a shrink-wrap shell extension from a lower portion of the shrink-wrap shell. When pulled, the strip exposes an absorbent pad that is adhesively bonded to the bottom portion of the shrink-wrap shell. The absorbent pad captures drips that occur when wine or liquid is poured from the bottle, preventing damage to tablecloths or tabletops on which the bottle is placed. The upper portion of the absorbent pad has a plurality of slits and teeth forming a teeth-like structure adapted for expansion by the user to increase drip capture efficiency.

Abstract: A pants construction comprises an undergarment having a drawstring, elastic band or other securing mechanism on the waistband. The undergarment is attached to the inside of a pair of pants or shorts with a hook and loop type fastener, buttons, zippers, snaps, tie strings, temporary glue or the like. The attachment is concealed; and is arranged such that at least some of the upper portion of the undergarment is revealed above substantially the entire circumference of the waistband of the pants, and the waistband of the pants is below the waist of the wearer. This conveys a perception that the pants are far below the waist. A securing mechanism associated with the undergarment stabilizes the pants to prevent them from falling down.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing interactive audience participation at live spectator events. The method includes providing spectators with an interactive device that presents a promotional message and includes a user interface, broadcasting audio programming to the spectator through the interactive device, querying the spectators, wherein answers to the querying may be entered by spectators via the user interface of the interactive device, transmitting the answers to a central processor, storing the answers as spectator data, processing the spectator data into results, storing the results of the processing of the spectator data and broadcasting the results of the processing of the spectator data.

Abstract: A rotating, dynamoelectric machine, such as an electric motor, a generator, or a regenerative motor, comprises a stator assembly that includes a backiron section, a plurality of stator tooth sections, and a frontiron. The dynamoelectric machine has an axial airgap-type configuration. In addition, the electric machine has a high pole count that operates at high commutating frequencies, with high efficiency, high power density and reduced heating in the rotor. Low-loss materials employed in the dynamoelectric machine include amorphous metals, nanocrystalline metals, optimized Fe-based alloys, and optimized grain-oriented Fe-based materials or non-grain-oriented Fe-based materials.

Abstract: A baggage scanning system and method employ combined angular and energy dispersive x-ray scanning to detect the presence of a contraband substance within an interrogation volume of a baggage item. The interrogation volume is illuminated with penetrating, polychromatic x-rays in a primary fan beam from a source such as a tungsten-anode x-ray tube. An energy-dependent absorption correction is determined from measurement of the attenuation of the fan beam at a plurality of different energies. Radiation coherently scattered by substances in the interrogation volume is detected by an energy-resolved x-ray detector operated at a plurality of scattering angles to form a plurality of scattering spectra. Each scattering spectrum is corrected for energy-dependent absorption and the corrected spectra are combined to produce a scattering pattern. The experimental scattering pattern is compared with reference patterns that uniquely characterize known contraband substances.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaving an optical fiber waveguide comprises a support base, a fixed fiber support including a fixed fiber base and a self-aligning fiber holder, a fiber pull tension assembly including a tension assembly base and a rotatable pull clamp, a tension spring, and a scribing knife assembly. The self-aligning fiber holder and the pull clamp support the fiber in an adjustable tension applied by the tension spring. The knife assembly comprises a blade carriage reciprocally driven on a linear slide by a motor drive assembly through a crank and a crank actuator. On the blade carriage is mounted a scribing blade borne on a blade arm that is upwardly biased. A guide pin on the blade arm engages a generally parallelogram-shaped guide track in the fixed fiber base. The guide track has an upper track and a lower track. During forward motion of the blade carriage, the guide pin travels in the lower track, thereby depressing the blade arm.

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 digital sampling playback doorbell system has two or more doorbell buttons and a central unit with solid-state memory storage for multiple digitally sampled sound files. User assignment means are provided for assigning a particular sound file to a particular doorbell button. The digital sampling playback doorbell m has computer interface of RS-232, or USB, or infrared wireless connection type and relies on computer installed software to download digitally sampled sound files stored in the computer hard drive to the memory of the digital sampling playback doorbell system central unit. The digitally sampled sound files stored in the computer hard drive are obtained by accessing a web site through the Internet or capturing sound through an audio computer connection to a microphone, CD player or radio broadcast using software resident in the computer.

Abstract: A splicing stage for fusion joining two optical fibers comprises an electric arc welding system, a clamping and fiber position adjustment system, and an optional imaging optical system. The stage is preferably incorporated in a compact, low profile, modular fusion splicing system that employs a local injection and detection system to optimally align and position the fibers before fusion. The system is rugged, portable, and capable of operating in an adverse environment. Compact and low in profile, the splicing stage and system are operable with minimal clearance to adjacent equipment and structures and with only a minimal amount of free fiber slack available. Simplicity of design and operation enable accurate alignment and reproducible formation of low transmission loss spliced joints.

Abstract: A computer mouse pad comprises a rigid base and a plurality of paper sheets arranged in a stack and detachably fixed to the base. Each of the stacked sheet is detachably fixed to a sheet immediately below it in the stack. The sheets are provided with printed messages on upper surfaces thereof. A coating is applied to the upper surfaces of the sheets. The coated upper surfaces are resistant to being written upon, thereby preventing accumulation of carbon, graphite and ink markings, which tend to contaminate the roller ball, prevent proper mouse tracking and adversely affect curser control. When worn, the uppermost sheet is removed, thereby exposing the next sheet in the stack and its message, for use as the upper surface of the mouse pad. Timely refreshment of the upper surface is encouraged by provision of a mouse pad in which the information conveyed by successive sheet removal creates a serial effect.

Abstract: A miniature magnetic article surveillance system marker is adapted, when armed, to resonate at a frequency provided by an incident magnetic field applied within an interrogation zone. The marker comprises a magnetomechanical element having at least one elongated ductile strip of magnetostrictive ferromagnetic material disposed adjacent to a ferromagnetic element which, upon being magnetized, magnetically biases the strip and arms it to resonate at said frequency. A substantial change in effective magnetic permeability of the marker at the resonant frequency provides the marker with signal identity.

Abstract: A marker for remote detection of articles has an elongated sensor element with magnetic and electric properties. The elongated sensor element provides an electromagnetic reply signal when receiving an electromagnetic input signal. The elongated sensor element modulates the electromagnetic reply signal in response to an external magnetic modulating field. The marker also has means positioned in a vicinity of the elongated sensor element in the marker. The means is adapted to influence either the magnetic or the electric properties of the elongated sensor element in response to incident electromagnetic or magnetic energy, so that either the electromagnetic reply signal itself or the modulation thereof is substantially changed from an active state to a deactivated state.

Abstract: A drawn glass-coated metallic member has a thermal contraction coefficient differential such that the thermal contraction coefficient of the glass is less than that of the metallic member. The thermal contraction coefficient differential is maintained within a predetermined range during drawing. Drawn glass is placed under residual compression, interfacial bonding between said glass and said wire is substantially uniform, and surface cracking and bond breaks between metal and glass are substantially prevented. Optical properties of the glass coated microwire provide a basis for enabling multi-bit encoding capability. Advantageously data encoding is achieved optically, magneto-optically or using a combined magnetic and optical encoding mechanism. The duplex material constitution of the glass coated microwire permits imparting of data thereon by selection and processing of the glass. Data implantation is readily achieved in-line, during an initial drawing operation, or as a separate post-draw process.

Abstract: A compact, low profile splicing system for joining optical fibers produces durable, low transmission loss fusion splices. The system employs active optical techniques such as profile alignment or local injection and detection to achieve optimized alignment of the fibers prior to fusion. Light injected into one fiber is propagated across the interface to a second fiber. A detector senses the intensity of the injected light in the second fiber. After the relative position of the fibers is manipulated to maximize the transmitted intensity, the fibers are fusion spliced using an electric arc discharge. The accurate alignment achievable using the local injection and detection system to drive adaptive fiber positioning affords a method for reliably producing low splices. The present system is compact and low in profile, making it operable in cramped quarters with limited clearance to adjacent equipment and structures and with only a minimal amount of free fiber slack available.

Abstract: A chemical composition is applied to the surface of a substrate to significantly increase its slip resistance properties. The composition comprises a di-methyl silicone compound, an oxidizing agent, an evaporation modifier, a sequestering agent, a hydrotopic agent, a base, and an organic solvent. Advantageously, the composition is readily applied via spraying or the like. It dries rapidly, causing the substrate to become highly slip-resistant even when wet.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an electric device, such as an electric motor, a generator, or a regenerative motor, having a wound stator core made from advanced low-loss material. In preferred embodiments, the electric device is an axial airgap-type configuration. The invention provides an electric device having a high pole count that operates at high commutating frequencies, with high efficiency and high power density. Advanced low-loss materials exploited by the present invention include amorphous metals, nanocrystalline metals, and optimized Si—Fe alloys.

Abstract: A strong, lightweight, impact resistant helmet system protects the wearer from impact injury and minimizes bodily injury to other players brought into contact therewith during blocking and tackling events. Weight reduction is achieved by reinforcing inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell with long length, high strength fibers. Orientation of the fibers is such that the fiber lengths are aligned generally in the direction of tension and compression forces imposed on the helmet surface during impact. This reinforcement geometry permits use of a thin helmet shell. Efficient impact absorption by the helmet shell is accomplished by limiting the bend curvature produced at the impact location. The bend curvature reduction increases the contact area between the helmet shell and a pliable padded inner helmet made from energy absorbing polymeric foam disposed within the helmet shell in contact with its inner surface.

Abstract: An optical network unit is associated with a multi-wavelength optical fiber communications system carrying low-power digital signals bidirectionally transmitted at a first and a second wavelength and a high-power analog video signal transmitted at a third wavelength. The unit comprises a housing having a connection for the optical fiber; and an optical filter, first and second optical units, and a beam splitter mounted in the housing. The optical filter is interposed between the fiber termination and the second optical unit, and is adapted to block light of the third wavelength but bidirectionally transmit light of the first and second wavelengths. The system is readily implemented, and any combination of the data and video services may be selected. A high level of skill is not required for changing the combination of services procured.

Abstract: An apparatus fish's telecommunication or electrical wiring, optical cables or conduit behind walls without need for a plurality of drilled holes or cutting slots. The apparatus has a central drive shaft comprising a magnetic mouse; a string; and a permanent magnet. The magnetic mouse comprises a sheet cut from a soft magnetic sheet material, coated with a low friction surface finish. It is attached to the string and dropped through a first hole location in the wall into a common bay between joists behind the wall. Following insertion, the magnetic mouse is driven from the first hole location to a second hole location by a permanent magnet, which is translated over the ceiling or interior of the wall. Translation of the permanent magnet moves the magnetic mouse inside the ceiling or wall, carrying the string through the common bay from said second hole location to said first hole location, thereby establishing a fishing line.

Abstract: An accurate, fast-acting, wearable lightning strike hazard detector has a plurality of collecting plates for collection of arriving charged particles. The collecting plates are insulated from each other by an insulating mechanism. A connecting mechanism electrically connects the collecting plates to a bleeding circuit to bleed accumulated charges to a ground plane. The voltage within the bleeding circuit is determined by a voltage measuring mechanism. A voltage accumulation mechanism measures the accumulated voltage of each plate and its rate of voltage accumulation as a function of time. Voltage accumulation and voltage/time data are interpreted by an algorithm to determine lightning strike potential. A signal generating mechanism connected to the algorithm mechanism generates a signal when said voltage accumulation and voltage accumulation rate exceed preselected limits. The signal actuates an alarm mechanism, which provides an audible or visual alarm to warn against an impending lightning strike.