Abstract: An electronic lock utilizes two microprocessors remote from each other for enhanced security. The first microprocessor is disposed close to an input device such as a keypad, and the second microprocessor is disposed close to the lock mechanism and well protected from external access. The first microprocessor transmits a communication code to the second microprocessor when it receives via the input device an access code that matches a preset access code. The second microprocessor opens the lock if the transmitted communication code matches a preset communication code. The dual-microprocessor arrangement is advantageously used in a voice controlled access control system and in a motorcycle ignition control system. The present invention further provides an electronic access control system which has a master electronic key having a preset number of access, and an electronic alarm system for a bicycle that has a remote control mounted in the helmet of the rider.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the blood oxygen level of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing having an interior surface of non-reflective material substantially surrounding an interior. A cooperating light source and detector are operatively positioned proximate the interior surface so as to emit and receive light projected within the interior of the housing. A material more conducive to light transmission, reflectance, or a combination thereof—as compared to the interior surface material—is positioned proximate the light source and/or detector.

Abstract: A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid-retention chamber for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid-retention chamber. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid-retention chamber by a liquid barrier.

Abstract: A device 10 for supporting and vertically adjusting the position of a picture or other object after the device 10 is secured to a support structure includes a first member 12 having an upper portion 14 that is secured to a wall or similar support structure, and a lower portion having a plurality of horizontally aligned and alternating ridges 42 and parallel arcuate depressions 44 that are adjacent and perpendicular to opposing vertical channels 22. The device further includes a second member 26 that is slidably secured to the first member 12 via skate members 28 inserted in the channels 22 of the first member 12. An annular hanger member 36 is joined to a lower end 38 of the plate portion 34 to removably receive a substantially “D” configured hanger 40 that supports the object.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a high power electrochemical energy storage device in a bipolar configuration, comprising at least n stackable cells in bipolar configuration wherein subgroups of m cells are electronically monitored. The storage cells have a lithium ion insertion anode and a lithium ion insertion cathode, a separator, an electrolyte system, and a leak-proof seal structure. A number of embodiments are disclosed, characterized by a favorable range of m values, in combination with the anode-to-cathode capacity ratio, electrolyte conductivity, and other battery key features, thereby providing a high power device providing long cycle life and excellent power performance over many thousand charge and discharge cycles while minimizing the cost for electronic monitoring.

Abstract: An objective for use in a night sight device has a front lens group and a rear lens group. The lenses of the front lens group have essentially equal diameters, whereas the lenses of the rear lens group have increasingly large diameters starting from the front end of the lens group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for cutting or welding tubes (3) or similar workpieces, said device comprising a guiding mechanism which is used to control the cutting or welding torch (17) along a pre-determined line and is provided with a stand-type portal (7). Said portal comprises a through opening (8) into which the workpiece (3) to be machined can be guided in the axial direction. A rotary part (14) can be rotated about the axis of the through opening (8) in a motor-driven manner, guiding a holding arm (16) therewith, which carries the cutting or welding torch (17) on the free end thereof. Said holding arm (16) is fixed to the rotary part (14) and embodied in such a way that the cutting or welding torch (17) moves radially in relation to the axis of the through opening (8) and can be brought into various angular positions in relation to the surface of the workpiece (3).

Abstract: A modular building comprising: a foundation floor having secured therein a plurality of anchor elements; a plurality of wall-retaining track elements adapted to engage wall panels of the building, the track elements being securable to the foundation floor so as to define the position of at least the load bearing walls of the building; wall panels locatable with respect to the track elements, each panel including at least one channel or duct formed therein parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof and at least one channel or duct formed therein disposed perpendicularly to and laterally of the longitudinal axis; and a plurality of securing members adapted to pass through and locatable within said channels or ducts, the securing members being anchored at each end thereof so as to maintain the panels in fixed relationship to one another.

Abstract: A system and method for providing increased capacity to a firearm having an actuator operably connected to a trigger assembly is disclosed. A magazine for holding a cartridge for use with the firearm includes a plurality of tubes, each tube being defined within the magazine and including an open end. The plurality of tubes being axisymmetric about a longitudinal axis of the magazine. A retainer, mounted about the open end of the tubes and being adaptive to impede release of the cartridge from the open end of the tube, being operably meshed with the actuator wherein the retainer and the actuator cooperate to permit removal of the cartridge from one of the plurality of tubes.

Abstract: A cylinder lock plug that utilizes an axially moving sidebar. The sidebar is displaced axially by a key positioning mechanism on the blade of a uniquely configured key. Also on the key are unique short grooves on the lateral sides of the key blade running substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the key blade. The short grooves are configured complementary to an inner surface of the axially moving sidebar. Only the properly configured key can receive the sidebar as the key is turned to rotate the cylinder lock plug and the short grooves receive the inner surface. The invention is meant to be used with additional locking mechanisms, such as, for example, tumblers.

Abstract: A synthetic grass assembly for installation on a supporting soil substrate includes a pile fabric with a flexible sheet backing and rows of upstanding synthetic ribbons representing grass blades, extending upwardly from an upper surface of the backing. An infill layer of two distinct graded courses of particulate material is disposed interstitially between the upstanding ribbons upon the upper surface of the backing and of a depth less than the length of the ribbons. A bottom course of intermixed hard sand and resilient rubber granules with substantially identical particle size distribution characteristics is installed upon the backing and a top course exclusively of resilient rubber granules is placed upon the bottom course.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing an action system for a firearm. The action system includes a primary roller-lock mechanism located rearward of an ejection port. The primary roller-lock mechanism includes a bolt and a first primary roller caged within the bolt. A bolt carrier ramp is attached to a bolt carrier. A barrel extension ramp is attached to a barrel extension. The first primary roller, bolt carrier ramp, and barrel extension ramp cooperate to effectively delay movement of the bolt and bolt carrier in response to firing of the firearm.

Abstract: An artificial grass surface (10) suited for bordering a runway (12) of an airfield in order to reduce the presence of birds in the airfield. The artificial grass surface (10) includes a pile fabric (14) having a plurality of pile elements (20) extending from a backing mat (18) and resembling grass. A water barrier (24) is provided for preventing water from percolating to the compacted soil surface. An infilled particulate material (22) is dispersed among the pile elements (20). A stabilizer is provided to resist dislodgment of the infilled particulate material (22) at the edges of the runways by the thrust of jet engines and to keep the particulate material (22) in the pile elements (20) when the edges of the runways are vacuumed to remove silt.

Abstract: A modular synthetic grass turf assembly includes a plurality of synthetic grass units which are transportable, adapted to be laid flat on a field and fit side by side to provide a flat and continuous synthetic grass surface for activities. Each unit includes a flexible base sheet preferably with drainage grooves and bores if it is for outdoor use. A synthetic grass turf with an infill layer of particulate materials disposed interstitially between synthetic grass fibers is superposed on the base sheet to provide a grass surface with a required quality, and be fixed thereto or simply retained in place by the weight of the infill. A number of units may have irregular shapes or can be painted with different colors to illustrate letters, marks or logos. The modular synthetic grass turf assembly is conveniently transported from a storage facility to a site.

Abstract: In this method, a braided fiber envelope is slid over the core of the hockey stick blade and a promoted resin is applied on the core and the fiber envelope. At least one pre-cured reinforcement panel is provided on at least one side of the blade. The resulting assembly is heat pressed so as to secure the reinforcement panel to the blade and shape the blade. A hockey stick shaft constructed in accordance with this method is also disclosed. This construction provides a lighter hockey stick blade with improved mechanical properties compared to previous ones.