Abstract: One embodiment of an orbital sign assembly, allowing for attachment to and full pivot or orbit capability of the attached signage around a horizontal run of span wire or other support member. Any one traffic signage is supported from a horizontal run of a span wire or other support member by a orbital sign assembly comprising a sign bracket (10) with attachment points at opposing ends and center, a pivot attachment (2) allowing 360 degree pivoting of the sign, which adjoins the sign bracket (10) to the a cable saddle (1) which contains two pivot attachment rails (3) for limiting side to side movement of the pivot attachment on its track. Conventional U-bolts (5) are located within the cable saddle and are used to clamp down to the span wire while still allowing traffic signal cables to be inserted through a cable slot (4) within the cable saddle (1). A cant tilt slot (11) is located on the sign bracket for leveling signage.

Abstract: A device and methods for harvesting submersed wood are provided. The device comprises, a machine operatively associated with a movable boom member rotatably attached. A telescoping stick having a first and second end is pivotally attached to the movable boom in a mid portion of the stick. The second end of the telescoping stick is attached to a wood gripping-cutting head. The telescoping stick is moveable to an operative position so that the second end extends below a plane defined by a surface the machine is located upon. When in use, the second end may extend into water located below the plane defined by the surface the machine is located upon. The device may be used on land, a dock, and a wharf adjacent a water edge, or the device may be located on a floating platform.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing, if not completely eliminating, the systematic bias present in an MR system used for DTI is disclosed. A test object or “phantom” of the present invention is scanned with a desired DTI protocol. The eigenvalues measured with the phantom are compared to the actual values that should have been measured, and a parametric map that links measured eigenvalues to actual eigenvalues is calculated, which is applicable to the desired protocol. Future eigenvalue measurements using this protocol can be recalibrated to actual eigenvalues using this map.

Abstract: The invention relates to a golf training aid comprising a frame, having retaining means, and a bar retained by the retaining means so that in use the bar can move only in a fixed plane. The bar is arranged to be coupled to a user in such a way that in use the user's shoulders are constrained to move in or parallel to the fixed plane. This allows a user to correctly learn a pendulum putting stroke.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing phosphonic compounds and compounds thereof. Stable compositions of unsaturated phosphonic acid monomers are also described. Additionally, the synthesis and use of new polymers produced from phosphonic acid monomers are presented.

Abstract: Security tokens contain data that is each uniquely encrypted based on a unique biometric identifier of an authorized user of that token. Decoders receive the token and the user's biometric identifier, convert the biometric identifier to a biometric key, and apply the biometric key to decrypt the token. In this way, the decoders authenticate the users without performing a biometric identifier comparison. In some embodiments pieces or sets of the data are stored in designated data compartments, which are individually encrypted based on authority keys, and all of the encrypted data compartments are collectively encrypted based on the biometric key to create the token. The decoders store only the authority keys corresponding to the data compartments which they have authorization to open. In addition, in some embodiments the token and the biometric identifier are encrypted and sent to a remote authentication server for decryption of the token.

Abstract: Wax is a key ingredient in engineered wood composites, such as oriented strand board (OSB) and oriented strand lumber (OSL), to prevent and reduce swelling caused by water uptake. Wax, normally a byproduct of oil refining and lube production, is now considered a precious feedstock for producing higher margin product such as fuel or diesel. Disclosed herein are suitable alternative waxes to petroleum wax for use as sizing agents in producing engineered wood composites.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing fuels and solvents from fatty acid resources. In general, the pyrolysis products of fatty acids are extracted in order to remove residual fatty acids and produce very pure hydrocarbon compositions composed of alkanes and alkenes. The fatty acids removed from the extraction step can be further pyrolyzed to produce additional hydrocarbons or, in the alternative, the fatty acids can be isolated and used in other applications. Also disclosed herein are fuels and solvents produced by the methods described herein.

Abstract: A composite wood panel having a first and a second longitudinal edge comprising an essentially parallel first surface and second surface, a core, a spacer integrally formed in or attached in the core on at least the longitudinal edges wherein the spacer extends from an edge a pre-determined distance whereby upon placing one panel adjacent to a second panel a spacer of the first panel will abut a spacer of or an edge of a second panel thereby forming at least a first aperture between the adjacent panels wherein an aperture is located between adjacent edges of the panels. A spacer can push into its panel upon linear expansion of a panel. The spacer can be, e.g., a tongue, edge profile, or separate spacing material. Methods for making and using panels are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for imparting liquid repellency and dry soil resistance to fibers. The compositions are composed of (a) a silsesquioxane, (b) a wax, (c) a surfactant, and (b) water. Also disclosed are kits comprising (a) a first aqueous composition comprising a silsesquioxane and a first surfactant and (b) a second aqueous composition comprising a wax and a second surfactant. Finally, fibers and articles treated with the compositions and methods described herein are provided.

Abstract: A fluorescent sensor compound based on a perylene core is described and disclosed. The fluorescent sensor compound for detecting mercury can have a structure I: where A and A? are linking groups, B and B? are binding ligands which are selective for binding with Hg2+, and R1 through R8 are side groups. These fluorescence sensor materials are robust against photobleaching, while still providing exceptional detection sensitivity and selectivity.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-storage media provide for the monitoring of hand washing by people entering a room. A person is detected entering a room and an image of the person is captured. The person is identified as an employee using various employee identifiers or is identified as a visitor. The image may be used to identify distinguishing features of the visitor to be compared to an image subsequently during hand washing to verify the identity of the hand washer as the person who entered the room. Similarly, the employee identifier is used to verify the identity of a hand washer as the employee that entered the room. If any person entering the room remains for a threshold period of time without activating the soap dispenser, then a notification that includes the person's identity is provided within the room to remind the person that hand washing is required.

Abstract: The present invention is an engine, which includes a positive displacement compression process, a variably fueled, continuous combustor and/or heat exchanger, and a positive displacement, work-producing expander. This arrangement avoids the traditional stochiometric mixture requirements utilized in spark-ignition based engines and the emission problems associated with diesel engines.

Abstract: A multi-use micro-sampling or lancing device having an outer housing, a lancet holder that engages a lancet and constrains the lancet along a controlled and pre-defined path of travel during the lancing stroke, and a drive mechanism with a pair of opposed, off-axis torsion springs working in tandem to drive and return the lancet holder through its lancing stroke.

Abstract: A system and process for reclaiming nickel and cadmium from a feed source such as Ni—Cd batteries. The feed source is shredded to produce feed particles, screened to size the particles, magnetically separated to remove non-metallic materials, and induction heated to generate nickel and cadmium products.

Abstract: A method of providing moisture therapy to a subject by applying a moist therapy compress against a treated body portion. The moist therapy compress includes a fluid-permeable shell, a flexible backing fastened to the shell to define an enclosure, and silver-retaining hydrophilic zeolite fill granules loosely contained within the enclosure. The therapy compress is exposed to a source of moisture to cause absorption of water into the silver-retaining hydrophilic zeolite, and the moisture is delivered from the silver-retaining hydrophilic zeolite through the fluid permeable shell to the treated body portion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter for an intrathecal drug delivery system and a stylet having a curved forward end. Preferably, the curved forward end has a shape in the form of a “J” or a “C.” Also preferably, the catheter has a distal end that conforms to the curved forward end of the stylet. Thus, the present invention provides a catheter having a blunt forward end that minimizes the risk of penetrating the substance of the spinal cord. Additionally, the curved forward end of the stylet can be formed of a springy material so that it straightens out during the processes of insertion through a guide needle and retraction from the needle.

Abstract: An electrical wire bracket including a body having an open loop and at least one mounting foot coupled to the body. The bracket also includes at least one hole through the at least one mounting foot for securing the bracket to a mounting surface. A user can pull electrical wire through the open loop of the body and then allow the body to support the electrical wire.