Abstract: A rotary ram-in compressor for use in gas turbine engines and the like, having a plurality of vanes attached to discs, with the opposing parts of each two adjacent vanes defining a feeding channel in-between. In operation, working gases are rammed through the feeding channels, followed by positive displacement of the rammed-in gases to a receiver wherein pressurized gases collect. The pressurized gases are actively swept from the receiver by either a successive rotary ram-in compressor or a successive rotary ram compressor.

Abstract: A rapid escape system for buildings including at least one ride unit for a corresponding at least one building occupant to exit via an elevator-type shaft or tube or down the outside of a building at a rapid, predetermined and substantially constant descent velocity. The system includes a lightweight tuned open frame AC linear electromagnetic power generator with one active half fixed to a backpack/ride on which a person or other object/load can be securely fastened, the other active half fixed top to bottom to a tall structure. When coupled magnetically via the air gap and moving they form a tuned AC permanent magnet linear electro-magnetic generator.

Abstract: A portal-based system for ultraviolet disinfection (UV) of containers and appliances, the system including a container with a housing having at least one portal for receiving UV light input for transmission into the container. The portal is designed such that a fiber optic transmission line is removably connectable to it. This system may include at least one portal optical component positioned between the portal and the interior of the appliance, thereby producing an enhanced sterilization of microorganisms within the container and/or appliance.

Abstract: A knitted spacer material including the use of a stretch yarn component for stretch, compression resistance, decreased weight, and improved drape and/or conformability.

Abstract: A computer pointing device including a core electronic translator module and a housing, the core electronic translator module being axis-deflection-based and the housing including at least one input switch, at least one data transmission connection, a base, and a core electronic translator module axis extension, wherein the tracking movement of the device is effected by whole hand movement. The extension is designed to provide increased input sensitivity and low relief and includes a customizable and replaceable message space. The base includes thumb-activated selector switches to reduce the use of digital flexor muscles. The base also includes data transmission connections such that the device can be connected to a multiplicity of devices simultaneously.

Abstract: An articulating body protective device for protection from impact-based injuries, especially relating to sports activities, is provided by a composite body protector having a fabric outer garment and protective elements, in particular soft elements and semi-rigid and rigid elements, that are selectively provided in predetermined locations within the outer garment for protecting vital organs and other body parts from injuries related to impact during sports or athletic activities.

Abstract: A processing method for treating organics-containing fluids including a ultraviolet (UV) disinfection step and a biological processing step. The UV light source employed in the UV disinfection step is positioned outside the fluid to be disinfected and the fluid is disinfected via exposure to at least one UV dose zone outside the fluid being treated wherein UV light is projected into the at least one dose zone. The UV light source may be presented in a vertical riser configuration, wherein the UV light source is positioned above the fluid to be treated and projecting a UV dose zone downward toward and into the fluid to be treated, with the fluid moving upward toward the UV light source. At least one interface plate is used to provide a surface zone for UV disinfection above the fluid and to provide additional treatment means for balancing pH, affecting effluent chemistry, reducing organic chemicals, and the like.

Abstract: An ultraviolet disinfection (UV) system for gases including a UV light-ready gas purifier having at least one portal in the gas purifier for receiving UV light input from a UV light source, which is removably connected to the gas purifier via a connector at the portal, and positioned to provide a focused, controllable UV light output that has at least one UV dose zone for providing effective sterilization of microorganisms and disinfection within an interior of the gas purifier. The light source is positioned within a housing that is external to the gas purifier and capable of being connected thereto via optical connectors, such as fiber optic transmission lines. A method for UV disinfection of the interior of gas purifiers is also included in the present invention.

Abstract: An adjustable locking mount system permits rotation about at least one of x, y, and z axes. Methods provide for rotating and rocking the mount to obtain the desired position, fixing the mount in the desired position, and mounting an object onto the mount.

Abstract: A contact lens case containing design asymmetries sufficient to allow the ready distinction of the left and right wells by touch alone, but also containing optical asymmetries sufficient to aid in the distinction of left and right wells under poor vision conditions. Asymrnetries include large tactile asymmetries, such as curvature of the case; small tactile asymmetries, such as raised symbols; and grossly visible asymmetries, such as different well lid designs. The present invention also provides structural enhancements that improve the durability of the case and facilitate lens removal and insertion. Furthermore, the cases are manufactured in a variety of colors and designs, allowing the wearer to customize the cases in order to readily distinguish between different cases and, consequently, between different pairs of lenses.

Abstract: A system designed to detect and identify fixed utility objects, such as telephone pedestals, power transformers, man-holes, anchor cables, and the like, that are hidden by heavy overgrowth of vegetation. The system provides for automatic look-ahead detection of such objects during mowing and clearing operations with heavy machinery using passive radio frequency transponder technology to both detect the immediate presence of a tagged object as well as basic identification of the type of object replying to the interrogation. The operator can be signaled audibly and/or visually when a tagged object is detected. The transmitter and antennae are mounted in the cab of a mobile machine for protection from physical damage. An integrated microprocessor performs the requisite algorithms needed to process the reply form one or more RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags and generate the alert signals for the operator alerts.

Abstract: A small object-assistance device including a combination key/button/zipper assist device having a button/zipper assist device that releasably engages a key assist device thereby forming a multi-functional small-object assistance device. Also, methods for using the multi-functional small-object assistance device.

Abstract: A device and method for the surgical removal of tissue from a mammalian body, specifically arteriosclerotic plaques from human beings, including a photo-degradatory endoscope having a tip end and a tubular body connected to a power source, a light source, controls, and a viewer, which are remote from the tip end, the tubular body comprising a light-transmissive material such that catalyst-activating wavelengths emitted from the light source are transmitted to the tip end and through a tip into the body; and a photocatalyst for tissue degradation that is presented proximal the tip end for making a reaction with catalyst-activating wavelengths transmitted from the light source through the tubular body, through the tip, and into the body.

Abstract: A rotation transfer device comprising a first rotating element, a second rotating element, and a rotation coupling mechanism wherein the rotation transfer device transfers the rotational force from the first rotation element to the second rotation element and also allows free and independent rotational precession of the second rotating element with respect to the first rotating element. Thus, the device allows for bi-directional transfer of rotational power from the power gear to the driven gear, and allows free and independent rotational precession of the driven gear with respect to the power gear. Therefore, the device can be utilized in a variety of applications, most notably, the device can be used to provide a differential function to vehicles. The device can also be used for non-vehicular applications where uni-directional or bi-directional rotation transfer and slip or freewheeling are required.

Abstract: An ultraviolet disinfection (UV) system for appliances including at least one UV light-ready appliance having at least one portal in the appliance for receiving UV light input from at least one light source, which is removably connected to the at least one UV light-ready appliance via a connector at the portal, and positioned to provide a focused, controllable UV light output that has at least one UV dose zone for providing effective sterilization of microorganisms and disinfection within an interior of the appliance.

Abstract: An individualized patient electronic medical records system that provides unlimited patient access to her/his medical records, including text and other data. Additionally, the invention may include a benchmark against which medical treatments can be evaluated for compliance with reasonable standard of care or a prompt to indicate appropriate testing, medications, etc., based upon the patient's age, sex, etc. Also, the invention is applicable to human patients and to animal patients. Advantages of the invention include patient ownership, control, and access to her/his individual records at any time. Also, the patient can review and enter comments or questions on her/his data record for review and consideration by a physician. Furthermore, the patient can carry the medical record on her/his person so that the information is readily accessible in the event of an emergency or if s/he were traveling.

Abstract: A portable sign, easily insertable into the ground without the aid of any tools and bilaterally stabile, composed of a display inserted into and upheld by a rectangular frame that includes two spaced apart parallel horizontal bars and two spaced apart parallel vertical bars. The sign also includes two spaced apart depending posts connected to the frame and insertable into the ground, each post has at least one symmetrical stabilizer that also facilitates insertion, thereby allowing a person to easily and quickly insert and stabilize the sign. The combined functions of stabilization and insertion facilitator into one element make the sign of lighter weight and more easily manageable.

Abstract: A billiards game having at least one set of cards for directing game play, wherein the cards include picture-based depictions and/or descriptions for a given shot to be attempted by the game player(s). Scoring related to each shot is included on the respective card. Also, a method for playing a billiards game having at least one set of cards for directing game play, wherein the cards include picture-based depictions and/or descriptions for a given shot to be attempted by the game player(s) until the ball(s) are sunk into pocket(s) on the table.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system and method for treating fluids including a configuration and design to function effectively with at least one UV light source or lamp that is not submerged in the fluid. The UV light source is positioned outside the fluid to be disinfected via exposure to at least one UV dose zone outside the fluid being treated wherein UV light is projected into the at least one dose zone. The UV light source may be presented in a vertical riser configuration, wherein the UV light source is positioned above the fluid to be treated and projecting a UV dose zone downward toward and into the fluid to be treated, with the fluid moving upward toward the UV light source.

Abstract: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lady in Red’ is a lacecap with the sterile florets of the inflorescences maturing from pale pink to burgundy rose. It has lustrous reddish-purple leaf venation, petiole and stem color, and the foliage develops a red-purple fall color. The plant has high mildew resistance.