Abstract: A low free energy method for more rapidly diffusing an impurity as exemplified by boron, into a natural or synthetic diamond or other crystalline element in powdered or granular form, without degradation of the crystalline structure. The present method includes the steps of providing a mixture of the diamond or other crystalline element and the impurity in a solid phase; treating the mixture to bring the impurity into conforming contact with the outer surface of the crystalline element; and heating the mixture to a temperature between about 200° C. and about 2000° C. As an example, a diamond is disclosed having boron as an impurity diffused into the crystalline structure thereof by the present method, at a ratio of from about 0.1 part of the impurity per 1 million parts of the diamond to about 600 parts of the impurity per 1 million parts of the diamond.

Abstract: A device for honing blind bores in parts, a blind bore including a cylindrical bore open at one end and closed adjacent to the opposite end including a honing mandrel for mounting on a honing machine that produces rotation thereof, the mandrel having a cylindrical honing portion adjacent one end which portion and the adjacent portion of the mandrel have spaced axially extending slot therethrough to enable the honing portion of the mandrel to expand and contract in size, the honing portion having a portion adjacent to the end thereof which is somewhat larger than the rest of the honing portion when the honing portion is expanded for honing in the blind hole, the end portions of the mandrel between the spaced slots being elastically expandable from a retracted position which is less than the diameter of the surface to be honed to enable insertion therein to a more expanded condition wherein the diameter of the honing portion at the largest point is the diameter at which the mandrel will hone the blind hole.

Abstract: A method for reducing wrinkles and discoloration on human tissue skin cells which involves forming a nuclease solution and applying the nuclease solution to portions of a subject's body where the subject desires to have wrinkles or discoloration reduced or removed. The nuclease solution is comprised of a nuclease or nucleases, water, and co-factor of nuclease.

Abstract: A material comprised of two different polymers so that the material exhibits anisotropic properties. The anisotropic properties exhibit hardness and wear resistance along with flexibility. The anisotropic material is made up of a hard segment polymer and a soft segment polymer having contact with each other. This anisotropic material can be used to make seals, which exhibit these same properties and are therefore appropriate for use in high-pressure situations, where they will have a longer life than seals currently on the market.

Abstract: The present fluid cylinder includes a cylinder body having a cylindrical internal cavity therein with a longitudinal axis therethrough, the internal cavity being adapted for disposition of a piston and rod assembly for axial movement therein. The cylinder includes a member such as an end cap enclosing an axial end of the internal cavity, the member having a sensor port or passage therethrough extending between an internal opening communicating with the internal cavity and an external opening. A sensor is disposed in the internal opening of the sensor port or passage, and a sensor electronics module is disposed therein between the sensor and the external opening. The sensor is operable for sensing an axial distance of the piston or the rod from a predetermined location when disposed in the internal cavity and outputting signals representative of the distance to the sensor electronics module which includes circuitry for retrieving the signals.

Abstract: A display device convertible between a cave configuration and a wall configuration. The present display device includes a first display module having a display screen including first and second opposite peripheral edges and a first video projector for displaying an image on the display screen.

Abstract: A trailer tongue jack system which in an exemplary embodiment has separable upper and lower housings which must be coupled together to form a complete operable system, and a driveshaft with a recessed non-standard coupling which must be coupled in order to allow the housings to be coupled.

Abstract: The present invention is for a three-dimensional device for teaching the important structures and functions of an organ in a body in order to increase an individual's understanding of the organ and possible medical problems involving the organ. An individual places the glove-like or mitten-like three-dimensional device on his hand and positions his hand in such a way as to accentuate the three-dimensional aspect of the device, then places that hand on his own body to indicate the general location of the organ of interest.

Abstract: A carburetor having a plurality of orifices at different locations adjacent to the sidewall of the airflow passage therethrough and connecting passages communicating the orifices with a fuel source, such that different airflow conditions through the airflow passageway will generate different negative pressure conditions in the respective orifices and connecting passages, such that fuel will be drawn to the airflow passageway through the orifice or orifices and connected passage or passages with the greatest negative pressure conditions therein, a primary operational result being fuel delivery capable of rapidly changing corresponding to rapidly changing airflow conditions in the airflow passageway corresponding to changing operating conditions.

Abstract: The portable animal shelter includes a platform having an upper surface on which the animal can sit or lie, and at least one receptacle on or in the upper surface adapted for receiving a heat transfer medium adapted for cooling or warming the animal. In another aspect of the invention, the portable animal shelter includes the platform, and a canopy positionable over at least a portion of the upper surface defining an at least partially enclosed space for receiving the animal.

Abstract: A bill validator for detecting the presence of a bill comprising a bill passageway having a first side and a second side, a light source positioned at the first side, the light source for emitting light across the passageway, a reflecting surface positioned at the second side, and a detector device positioned at the first side, the detector device for receiving light reflected from the reflecting surface.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling off-line credit vend transactions are provided, including a vending system having a vend selection and delivery portion operable off-line, an associated credit card reader, and a transaction controller operatively connected to the card reader to receive information read from an inserted credit card and operatively connected to the vend selection and delivery portion to enable operation thereof. The system is operable, while off-line, to determine acceptability of an inserted card and the current availability at such system of off-line credit for an acceptable credit card, to enable operation of the vend selection and delivery portion if credit is authorized, and to be responsive to vend completion by the vend selection and delivery portion to store transaction information for the credit vend. The credit vend transaction information can later be downloaded and utilized for credit billing purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing concrete from the interior surfaces of a concrete mixing drum, the drum including an open end and at least one interior surface facing away from or opposite the open end, the apparatus including an elongate probe having a longitudinal axis and an axially extending forward end adapted for insertion into the drum through the open end thereof; a vertically adjustable support structure supporting a guideway support, the guideway support including at least one bearing adapted for supporting the probe for movement of the forward end thereof into and out of the drum through the open end thereof; and at least one fluid nozzle mounted to the probe in position for discharging a stream of fluid against the at least one interior surface facing opposite the open end under sufficient pressure to dislodge accumulated concrete therefrom as the probe is moved in the drum.

Abstract: A sharpening guide assembly for use in sharpening ski and snowboard edges includes an angle member and at least one riser member. The angle member includes at least a first outer surface and a second outer surface, an inner edge of the first outer surface adjoining an upper edge of the second outer surface. The riser member is positioned on the first outer surface of the angle member such that a top portion of the riser member extends above the first surface of the angle member. The angle member is formed of a first material and the riser member is formed of a second material, wherein the second material has a hardness which is greater than a hardness of the first material. During a sharpening operation, a sharpening tool is supported on the riser member such that the sharpening tool such as a file member is positioned above the first outer surface of the angle member so as to avoid potential wear causing contact therewith.

Abstract: The feel bumper includes a plunger disposed for movement by an input device along a predetermined path, and at least one damper element disposed to engage the plunger when in a predetermined initial position along the path corresponding to a desired operating position for exerting a first opposing feedback force against the plunger in opposition to movement thereof along the path in a first direction, the at least one damper element being yieldable to the plunger when moved in the first direction past the predetermined initial position and exerting a second opposing feedback force against the plunger in opposition to the continued movement of the plunger in the first direction through subsequent operating positions.

Abstract: A protective cover member for a guide block on a drive belt includes an inner portion shaped to substantially conform to at least a portion of the outer surface of the guide block. The cover member is attached to the guide block by bonding the cover member to the guide block, mechanical fasteners such as screws or bolts, and/or using an interference design whereby the cover member is retained by frictional forces or by snapping around a portion of the guide block. The outer surface of the cover member is shaped and sized to be engaged by drive members associated with a drive wheel. The cover member may be constructed of material that is capable of withstanding higher temperatures and forces compared to the material of the guide blocks.

Abstract: A method of installing a belt driven accessory on an internal combustion engine in which consists in an OEM dual alternator installation having two OEM alternator mounting brackets, each bracket configured to receive an alternator. The accessory is attached to an adapter. The adapter is attached, with the accessory attached thereto, to one of the two alternator mounting brackets, in place of an alternator which might have otherwise been attached to said one bracket; and a single drive belt is placed in operative position to drive the accessory attached to one OEM alternator mounting bracket and an alternator attached to the other OEM alternator mounting bracket.

Abstract: The control system and method includes a plurality of clutch actuators adapted to be connected to clutches disposed for connecting members of the transmission to an input or output, respectively; first and second electrical motor/generators connected to respective members of the transmission and operable in a motor mode for controllably rotating the members and in a generator mode controllably rotated by the members to generate electrical energy; a sensor for sensing a speed representative of a rotational speed of the input or output; and a processor operably connected to the sensor, the motor/generators and the clutch actuators, the processor being operable for operating one of the motor/generators in the generator mode while operating another of the motor/generators in the motor mode powered by the one of the motor/generators so as to controllably rotate selected of the members of the transmission at speeds corresponding to a sensed rotational speed of the input or output for disconnecting one of the select

Abstract: The present automatic clearance adjuster mechanism maintains a predetermined maximum brake clearance regardless of the wear condition of the brake. The brake includes a longitudinally extending rod mounted to the brake housing external to the piston element. The present automatic clearance adjuster mechanism includes a sleeve element disposed about the rod, and a biasing element disposed for releasably holding the sleeve element against the rod for preventing movement thereof along the rod to limit the retraction of the piston element to a predetermined distance relative to the sleeve element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a mold having a micro-textured surface, wherein the mold can be used to form an elastomeric seal having a micro-textured surface. The resulting seal will hold an amount of lubricant that is released with time, the release of the lubricant will result in decreased friction between the seal and a surface contacted by the seal.