Abstract: A retractable hardtop for use with a vehicle including a rear section pivotally coupled to the vehicle and a front section pivotally coupled to the rear section for movement of the hardtop between an extended position defining a roof over a passenger compartment in the vehicle and a retracted position at least partially stowed in a storage compartment. A balance link extends between one end pivotally coupled to the vehicle and an opposite end pivotally coupled to the front panel. A center panel opening is defined between the front and rear panels. A center panel is operatively coupled to the balance link for movement in and out of the center panel opening during movement of the hardtop between the extended and retracted positions, respectively.

Abstract: A hand-held surgical instrument is well-suited to fluoroscopic x-ray imaging. In needle-positioning forceps, an instrument according to the invention preferably exhibits a length of 8 inches or greater, and is constructed substantially from a radiolucent material, thereby enabling a user to navigate the article without being exposed to the beam. The radiolucent material may include a plastic such as a thermoplastic polymer or carbon fiber, and may be presterilized and disposable for one-time use. In the preferred embodiment, the length of the instrument is on the order of 12 inches or thereabouts, and is lordotically shaped for better conformance to patient curvature. The distal tip of the instrument, which is sufficiently strong to reliably grip a needle, may include a needle-dimensioned indent and/or a pair of opposing resilient pads. A radiopaque pointer may be provided to indicate the distal tip, and the pointer may be provided in the form of a removable adhesive strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating organic waste. The apparatus includes a tank having an interior chamber. A weir having a lower opening is disposed in the tank and this weir divides the tank into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The inlet chamber receives organic waste and an outlet discharges liquid to a waste disposal system from the outlet chamber. Microbes capable of biodegrading organic waste are introduced into the inlet chamber. A pump recirculates liquid from the bottom of the inlet chamber to the top of the inlet chamber.

Abstract: A driver advisory system is provided for use in a host vehicle and for transmitting to drivers of other vehicles information regarding the status of a driver of the host vehicle. The driver advisory system includes a sensor, a first processor and a communication unit. The sensor monitors a physical condition of the driver of the host vehicle. The sensor provides an output quantifying the physical condition of the driver of the host vehicle. The first processor receives the output provided by the sensor. The first processor calculates a risk factor as a function of the output provided by the sensor. The first processor provides an output signal having information concerning the condition of the driver of the host vehicle in response to the risk factor exceeding a predetermined threshold value. The communication unit receives the output signal from the first processor and transmitting the information for retrieval by the other vehicles in the vicinity of the host vehicle.

Abstract: A proton conducting polymer is formed by the copolymerization of a plurality of compounds, including a silicon compound comprising an organic chain, and a compound including at least one acid group. The polymer comprises a hybrid organic-inorganic matrix having acid groups linked through a linking group. The linking group may include one or more electron withdrawing groups. The electron withdrawing group may be a halogen.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling movement of a flying device, such as a kite. In controlling such movement, the apparatus comprises a series of force transmitting members associated with a control bar to be grasped by an operator. Such association minimizes interference of the force transmitting members with the control bar surface so as to heighten the level of control that the operator may exert over the kite. Such association also permits the operator to achieve, through movement of the control bar, selective adjustments in both the velocity and acceleration at which the kite and the operator are able to move in a single direction.

Abstract: A tube bending fixture having a frame. An upper and lower tube support are both pivotally mounted to the frame between a first and second pivotal position. A bar is slidably mounted to the upper tube support and movable between an extended and a retracted position. At least one lower mandrel is mounted to the lower tube support and is dimensioned to fit within one end of a tube to be bent. At least one upper mandrel is mounted to the slidable bar, and the upper and lower mandrels are aligned with each other when the upper and lower tube supports are in their first pivotal position. The upper mandrel is dimensioned to fit within the second end of the tube to be bent when the bar is in its extended position. A former is secured to the frame and includes a channel which engages a midportion of the tube and conforms to the desired shape of the tube when the first and second tube supports are in their second pivotal position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insect repellent isolated from Foeniculum vulgare fruit, and more particularly, to an insect repellent comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of fennel oil which is isolated from Foeniculum vulgare fruit, (+)-fenchone and E-9-octadecenoic acid. The fennel oil, (+)-fenchone and E-9-octadecenoic acid of the present invention are provided as insect repellent components due to their lack of toxicity to people.

Abstract: A retaining member 16 is provided for use with a frame 10 for packaging elongate members, such as sections of drill pipe. The retaining member 16 comprises a pressure plate 18 on which is mounted a pair of pivoting hooks 20 for engaging with protrusions 36 formed on the frame 10. The hooks 20 are connected to threaded rods 28 received in a sleeve 30. A ratcheted handle 34 allows selective rotation of the sleeve 30 to draw the rods 28 therein, and to pivot the hooks 20 to urge the pressure plate 18 against members received within the frame 10. A quick release mechanism is provided to allow easy release of the hooks 20 and the retaining member 16.

Abstract: A dipeptide or tripeptide carrier system for active agent delivery to cells has an N-terminus natural amino acid and an active agent covalently bonded to a side chain of one of the remaining amino acid bases. The system is amenable to formulation as an oral administrant. The active agent being a therapeutic, a fluorescent dye, or contrast agent where the active agent has a molecular weight of less than 500 atomic mass units. An optional linker is provided intermediate between the active agent and the linking side chain.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a movable convertible top includes a control device for controlling a convertible top motion and a device for the recognition of the convertible top position. The device for convertible top position recognition continuously monitors the position of the convertible top. The position of a defined element of the convertible top is determined by means of at least one acceleration sensor that measures the current acceleration in relationship to the acceleration of free fall.

Abstract: A center console for an automotive vehicle having a power outlet device, a wall and a bezel. The wall has a pair of channels that are spaced apart. The bezel has spaced apart and opposite sides. The sides of the bezel extend into the respective channels in the wall to constrain the bezel in a direction generally orthogonal to the bezel. The bezel also includes a retaining member that extends outwardly from an edge thereof. The retaining member is lockingly engagable with a tab extending outwardly from the wall to constrain the bezel in a direction generally parallel with the channels.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying traffic information in an automotive navigation system having a display, memory and a data receiver. The method includes the first step of storing in a traffic speed table in memory at least two speed threshold limits wherein each speed threshold limit represents a different traffic flow category. The receiver receives data representative of the vehicle speed on at least one road segment and compares that received vehicle speed data with the traffic speed table to determine the traffic flow category corresponding to the received speed data for the road segment. A visual indicator is then displayed on the display which corresponds to the traffic flow category for the road segment. The user is able to customize the speed threshold limits through a GUI. These speed threshold limits are further user modifiable as a function of weather, day of the week, road conditions, type of road, as well as other factors.

Abstract: A thin film semiconductor device such as a photovoltaic device is fabricated on a lightweight substrate material which is affixed to a layer of material which is in turn supported by a carrier. Following the fabrication of the device, the carrier is removed such as by an etching process, leaving the layer of material adhered to the substrate. The adhered layer provides a balancing force to the back side of the substrate which minimizes or eliminates the tendency of the semiconductor device supported on the opposite side of the substrate to cause the substrate to curl. Also disclosed are devices and structures made by this method.

Abstract: A beverage container and method for forming a beverage container having a straw pierceable portion in a wall. The beverage container has a port formed of a rigid frame having a membrane covering an aperture. The frame member is bonded to a flexible wall of a pouch. The membrane is mounted to the frame member to separate from the frame member when pushed by a straw. The frame guides the straw to the membrane. An alternative embodiment includes a dimple formed under heat and pressure in a mold pierceable by a straw.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound of formula (I): PtIV(N3)2X1X2Y1Y2, wherein X1 and X2 are the same or different and each one is a group NR1R2R3 wherein R1, R2 and R3 are the same or different and each can be any one of H and optionally substituted alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, acyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, alkenyl, aralkenyl, alkinyl, cycloalkenyl, or X1 and X2 together represent a group R1R2NR4NR1R2 wherein R1 and R2 have the same meaning as before, and R4 represents an optionally substituted divalent, saturated or unsaturated, alkyl chain, an optionally substituted divalent, saturated or unsaturated cycloalkyl or an optionally substituted divalent aryl, or R4 or two or more of R1, R2, R3 and R4 and the respective N atom(s) to which they are linked, represent an optionally substituted heterocyclyl having at least one ring containing said N atom(s); and Y1 and Y2 are the same or different or when cis together represent a divalent moiety Y3, wherein at least one of Y1 and Y2, or Y3, is a substantially labil

Abstract: The vehicle control system having an adaptive controller is provided that accomplishes unsupervised learning such that no prior extensive training is needed for every situation. The inventive controller system is based on a neural network evolved with genetic algorithm. The genetic algorithm will determine the parameters of the neurons, the connections between the neurons and the associated weights to yield the best results. The genetic algorithm evaluates current candidate structures for accomplishing the desired result and develops new candidate structures by reproducing prior candidate structures with modification that replaces the least fit former candidate structures until the system is well satisfied. The vehicle control system is well satisfied when the desired result is met or some failure condition is triggered for vehicle control system whereby the action is never repeated.