Abstract: A marine propulsion unit utilizing a turbine engine is provided as a drop-in module. The propulsion unit includes a base which forms a part of the hull. The propulsion unit includes a drive unit which is mounted to the engine. Both the engine and the drive unit are moved with respect to the hull to change the angle of the propeller with respect to the hull. A hydraulic resistance system is provided to provide resistance to a turbine engine when in an idle condition. An auxiliary power transfer is provided to power an auxiliary genset and power unit. A main electrical power unit having an auxiliary engine is also connected to the power transfer unit. The auxiliary engine may be used to drive the vessel at low speeds and maneuvering conditions. One of the main engines may be used to drive both of the shafts through the power transfer unit.

Abstract: A barrel engine has an elongated power shaft defining a longitudinal axis. A plurality of cylinders surround the longitudinal axis, with each having a closed end and an open end. An intake system introduces a combustible mixture of air and fuel into each of the cylinders. The power shaft has an intake lobe and an exhaust lobe extending therefrom. The intake system includes an intake valve and an exhaust valve for each of the cylinders. A valve actuation mechanism includes an intake rocker arm with one end in mechanical communication with the intake lobe, the other end in mechanical communication with the intake valve, and a mid-portion that is pivotally supported. The mechanism also includes an exhaust rocker arm with one end in mechanical communication with the exhaust lobe, the other end in mechanical communication with the exhaust valve, and a mid-portion that is pivotally supported.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for optical coherence reflectometry, in particular for optical coherence tomography, wherein the apparatus for optical coherence reflectometry comprises a wavelength scanning laser source for providing a light signal, and splitting means for dividing said light signal into a sample light field and a reference light field, wherein the sample light field is directed to the sample being measured, and the light reflected from the sample is amplified without correspondingly amplifying the light reflected in the reference light field. Thereby, it is possible to direct substantially all light energy from the first reflected light field to the detectors, and to obtain fully the utilization of the amplification of the first reflected light field. The optica amplifier inserted in the sample reflected light field is different from the source so that the effect of the light source may be regulated independent of the degree of amplification.

Abstract: A headlamp includes a housing securable to a human appendage. Within the housing a battery is located. Upon activation of a switch, the battery forms an electrical circuit with a light source located within the housing and directed to project a light beam therefrom. The housing is formed as an animate head having a mouth portion aperture defined by a hingeably secured jaw portion such that a light beam emanating from the light source projects through the aperture. The housing modifies the shape of the light beam and creates an inducement for a child-pedestrian to use the headlamp.

Abstract: A rotary engine assembly having a three dimensional and substantially cylindrical shaped outer casing. A plurality of pistons are mounted in circumferentially traversable fashion within the casing, each including a male feature extending from one end and a recess defined within an opposing piston end and within which the male feature seats at selected stages during a rotary combustion cycle associated with the pistons. A valve is operable with each of the pistons and in order to communicate, to the associated piston, at least one air intake port and exhaust port extending through the casings and communicable with the pistons during discrete stages of the combustion cycle. A plurality of ratchet plates are operably engaged to the pistons and traversable therewith, the ratchet plates engaging and actuating in rotary fashion a central crankshaft.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for interconnecting components in a fluid system. The clamp assembly includes two interconnected clamp members each having a C-shape that form a channel, and a spacer disposed within the channel having a centrally located bore defining a part of a central passageway for the transmission of a fluid. The clamp assembly also includes at least one port member disposed in the clamp member channel adjacent the spacer having a center portion with a clamping portion at one end of the center portion and a connecting portion at the opposite end and a longitudinally extending bore defining part of a central passageway for the transmission of the fluid. The port member includes a flange extending radially from the port member clamping portion having a predetermined shape corresponding to that of the clamp member channel. A plurality of clamping forces from the clamp members are directed radially inwards from points of contact between the flange and the clamp members to provide cross loading.

Abstract: A lockout valve is provided having a valve body with an inlet conduit, a central chamber and an outlet conduit, to form a continuous passageway. The lockout valve also includes a slide mechanism slidingly disposed in valve slide channel to operatively control fluid flow through the passageway between an open position, an intermediate position and a closed position. The slide mechanism includes a plurality of flow apertures to restrict flow through the passageway. The front side of the slide mechanism includes a detent slot and the back side of the slide mechanism includes a longitudinally extending override slot having an upper portion positioned opposite the detent slot to form a continuous opening, and a lower portion that does not form a continuous opening. The valve further includes a detent mechanism for overriding the intermediate position of the slide mechanism including a detent override lever with a finger member extending from an edge of the detent override lever.

Abstract: Door-lock hardware is constructed of corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel. Such a material lacks magnetic properties to permit use in association with magnetic switches coupled to signal alarm and security systems. However, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, a door latch of stainless steel or other non-magnetic material includes a ferrous-coated tongue portion to maintain compatibility with such monitors and alarms while providing a higher level of rust- and corrosion-resistance.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for training pilots by simulating the operation of gauges in aircraft. The self-contained device can be installed into training aircraft to be used during instruction. Alternatively, the device can be used during classroom and ground school training. A switch box control panel simulates the controls and indicators of aircraft. A logic circuit and program simulate normal operations and common malfunctions of aircraft. During malfunctions the program and circuit will evaluate the pilot's corrective control input, continuing the malfunction if the pilot's response is incorrect. The device's ability to accept inputs and to emulate characteristics of specific aircraft increases the realism of the simulation and training.

Abstract: A door trim panel assembly is provided for an automotive vehicle. The panel assembly includes an armrest having an inner edge and an outer edge. The panel assembly also includes an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel has a support wall for supporting the inner edge of the armrest. The support wall has a distal end. The lower panel includes a support flange for supporting the outer edge of the armrest. The support flange has a distal end. A frangible connection extends between the distal ends of the support wall and the support flange. The armrest includes a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves. During a side vehicle impact, the grooves allow the armrest to deform transversely and the frangible connection breaks to absorb energy associated with the impact.

Abstract: A system and method for completing a check cashing transaction includes a computer readable and writeable media with a program operating platform and associated software program. The program includes a main menu screen and customer information screens containing records of each customer within the system. In the absence of an existing customer record, a new record can be created utilizing a keyboard, digital camera, scanner, and fingerprint unit. Information is displayed and printed out particular to checks presented by customers, including paid/refused status and additional check history. A network interconnects a plurality of individual and retail located systems in order for any one retailer to share information with any or all of the participating systems.

Abstract: The present cover is used for permanent sealing of an oval-shaped processing hole (7) in aluminum sheet metal (8) by means of an adhesive joint. The cover consists of a circular cover plate (1) of aluminum with a concentric cover edge (2) and a ring-shaped strip (3) of hot-melt adhesive applied within the cover edge (2). The interior region of the cover plate (1) is connected to a spring plate (5) aligned plane-parallel with the cover plate at a spacing of the thickness of the aluminum sheet metal (8). The outer edge (6) of the spring plate (5) has a contour that corresponds to the shape of the oval processing hole (7) and includes quarter-circular spring tongues (11) which are brought to a tight fit by spring force against the back side of the aluminum sheet metal (8) by a quarter turn of the cover plate to produce the necessary pressure on the adhesive strip (3).

Abstract: An air delivery device for use in delivering air from the outlet of a turbocharger to a carburetor. The device has an intake passage extending from an inlet through an appended portion extending to an outlet. A flow divider extends diametrically through the passage from the inlet to the outlet. The flow divider provides passage into an upper channel and a lower channel. The upper channel delivers air to the front barrels of a four-barrel carburetor and the upper channel delivers air to the rear barrels of a four-barrel carburetor. The intake passage has a frustoconical shape which increases in diameter from the inlet to the bend portion.

Abstract: Passive or active pixelized antenna structures are described in which the radio-frequency (RF) tuning of individual antenna pixel elements, the connections of individual antenna pixel elements to other antenna elements, and optionally the local phase of individual elements or groups of elements, is varied and controlled using tunable elements. Efficient and low-cost control of a large number of tunable elements is provided by matrix addressing techniques.

Abstract: A water-dispersible particle for delivery of nitrogen to a plant is disclosed. The water-dispersible particle also delivers an active ingredient such as a plant hormone to a desirable plant or a pesticide or herbicide to an undesirable organism. Methods for making and using the water-dispersible particle are described.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus using a newly defined nonlinear technology that more accurately describes the biological process of dose titration to calculate next agent dose(s) in single and multi-agent therapy. The overall proportion of each agent is determined by the amount of agent as it relates to the dosing range. The overall proportion as well as the intrinsic potency of the agent is used to determine the total proportional effect that each agent has on the surrogate marker. This parameter is then inserted into the four-parameter equation for calculating dose by adjusting the proportional change in marker that is attributed to the activity of the agent.

Abstract: A submersible gas compressor is described which has a ceramic high pressure piston in contact with a ceramic sleeve, a drive piston mounted to the ceramic high pressure piston and a crank in mechanical connection with the drive piston. The submersible gas compressor can be used as a second stage compressor in a gas delivery system that includes a first stage low pressure compressor, an absorption bed containing molecular sieve material, a second stage compressor to pressurize a gas stream to a pressure between 5000 and 10,000 psig, a cascade system for storing the pressurized gas stream between 3500 and 5000 psig, a control system, and an outlet for delivering the pressurized gas stream.

Abstract: A waterless hand cleaner formulation includes an organic solvent, a quantity of water and a surfactant present to form a gelatinous emulsion. The gelatinous emulsion is loaded with 0.1 to 25 total weight percent of a natural essential oil having topical antimicrobial activity. Oil of oregano is particularly well suited for this application.

Abstract: A shave tool holder for use with an automatic screw machine and for machining a rotatably driven workpiece. The tool holder includes a shank engageable with the screw machine and for providing reciprocating motion of the shave tool holder. A dovetail shaped recess is defined within a forward mounting portion of the shank and a corresponding dovetail shaped projection in an opposing surface of the body in order to engage the body with the shank in a vertically deflectable and adjustable manner. A roller is secured in vertically adjustable fashion to a forward facing location of the body. A tool post is releasably secured to the body, through aligning apertures formed in the body and the tool post, a mounting bolt inserting through the aligning apertures for securing the tool post to the body. A cutting insert is secured upon the tool post in a desired spaced relationship relative to the roller and so that the rotatably driven workpiece is adapted to being received between the roller and the insert.