Abstract: A hollow flanged joist comprises a center web section and top and bottom flange sections containing hollow channels. The center web section has two parallel vertical webs and at least one horizontal web extending perpendicularly between the vertical webs. The top and bottom flange sections each extend outwardly and perpendicularly from each end of the center web section and consist of a horizontal end web, two vertical side webs extending inwardly from the far ends of the end web, two horizontal inner webs extending between the inner ends of the side webs and center vertical webs, and, optionally, a number of vertical support webs extending between the end web and the outermost center horizontal web or the inner webs. Preferably, the hollow flanged joist is made from moisture resistant materials and is dimensioned comparably to wooden joists.

Abstract: The present invention provides fully tunable photonic band gap (PBG) materials. These materials are periodic composite materials comprising a high refractive index dielectric material and another optically anisotropic, birefringent, electro-optically tunable, or magneto-optically tunable material with a lower dielectric constant in which the photonic band structure can be globally or locally changed in a controlled manner by application of an external electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic field, whereby changing the refractive index properties of one or more of the dielectric constituents by application of the field modulates the photonic band structure. In one aspect of the invention, when an optically birefringent nematic liquid crystal is infiltrated into the void regions of full bandgap (PBG) material based on an inverse opal, the resulting composite material exhibits a completely tunable PBG.

Abstract: Hollow polymeric structures with unique morphologies are manufactured with a rotational spinning technique wherein phase separation of soluble solutions is induced within a filled mold as it is rotated. As phase-separation occurs, an increase in density of one phase results in sediment at a periphery under centrifugal forces and after or during sedimentation, gelation of phase-separated particles fixes a tube morphology. By controlling the rotational speed and the formulation chemistry, the tube dimensions and wall morphology can be manipulated. The method requires small quantities of starting material, permits multi-layering of tubes, is applicable to diverse polymers and results in highly diffusive hollow structures while maintaining good mechanical strength.

Abstract: A nanocomposite material having a plurality of core particles formed of a core material. The core material has a first glass transition temperature. A shell encapsulates each core particle. The shell is formed of a shell material that has a second glass transition temperature less than the first glass transition temperature. When subjected to a temperature greater than the second glass transition temperature and less than the first glass transition temperature, the shells form a continuous matrix surrounding the core particles. The shell material includes a functional component that can be activated in response to an external excitation. This functional component can include either photosensitive, semiconductor, magnetic, piezoelectric or electro-active components just to mention a few. The different components may be chemically or physically bound to the shell or cores. These nanocomposite materials are used as storage media.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly branched block copolymers comprising branched soft segments with a low glass-transition temperature (Tg) and hard segments with a high Tg or crystalline melting point that exhibit thermoplastic elastomeric properties. More particularly the invention provides a highly branched block copolymer of a polyisoolefin and a polymonovinylidene arene characterized by having thermoplastic elastomeric properties wherein the aforesaid block copolymer comprises a highly branched polyisoolefin block and some of the branches of the aforesaid polyisoolefin block terminate in polymonovinylidene arene endblocks.

Abstract: A control system is adapted for use In association with a therapeutic motion and splinting device. The therapeutic device has at least one component that is monitored. The system comprises the steps of defining the range of motion, defining the maximum reverse on load, monitoring the reverse on load and moving the device through its range of motion. A first and second maximum limit of range of motion in a first and second direction are respectively defined. A maximum reverse on load is defined and is monitored whereby the deformation of the at least one component is monitored and the load created is interpreted. The device is cycled between a first and second position defined by one of the first maximum limit and the maximum reverse on load and one of the second maximum limit and the maximum reverse on load respectively.

Abstract: Linear copolymers of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon monomers. The present invention provides linear copolymers and terpolymers of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon monomers, and particularly the invention provides a linear copolymers, of fluoromonomers, such as tetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, or vinylidene fluoride, with hydrocarbon monomers, such as vinyl acetate, acrylic acid ethyl acetate or tertiary butyl acrylate. The copolymers were synthesized by polymerization by a free radical mechanism in supercritical carbon dioxide and they are linear because of synthesis in carbon dioxide. The copolymer composition was controlled by the monomer feed concentration to have between 7 and 71 mol % TFE. Additionally, new and predominantly linear co- and terpolymers were prepared by hydrolysis and trans-esterification of the latter copolymers. Furthermore, neither surfactants nor dispersing agents are required to produce the linear copolymers, but may be used.

Abstract: A novel multimode fiber structure with modal propagation characteristics tailored to facilitate the creation of narrowband, high reflectivity, fiber Bragg gratings is disclosed. The fiber structure comprises concentric cylindrical shells of higher and lower refractive index material. A full vector, second order finite element method is used to analyze the proposed multimode fiber structure. Simulations of the modal profiles show that high order modes are localized to particular high refractive index shells. We present the theoretical characterization of the modal propagation constant as a function of inner shell radius, shell separation, and harmonic mode parameter. It is shown that a fiber with a minimum inner shell radius of at least 25&lgr; (where &lgr; is the vacuum wavelength), and a minimum shell separation of at least 10&lgr; provides a reasonable trade off between fiber size and grating performance.

Abstract: A wave generating apparatus for generating waves in, for example, beds, chairs and the like. The wave generating apparatus can be constructed to include a motor and crank assembly connected to a flexible sheet and a stationary inertial member. The apparatus includes a flexible member and an oscillatory drive attached to the flexible member. The oscillatory drive includes a crank assembly having an axis of rotation and at least two link members each having opposed first and second end portions. The two link members are spaced apart a first pre-selected distance from each other and each is rigidly attached at their respective first end portions to the flexible member; and at least one elongate beam.

Abstract: A method for conducting clinical trials for a medication uses a unique identifier, a clock and an smart memory associated with the medication. Information regarding a method of calculating a next take time is received. It is determined if an identifier field on the smart memory is empty and, if empty, the unique identifier is written onto the smart memory. If not empty, it is determined if the identifier in the identifier field is not the unique identifier and if not then exiting. On the other hand, if the unique identifier is present in the identifier field, then calculating the next take time; storing a next take time; and prompting at the next take time. The time on the clock is stored as a take time. In addition, a subject diary form is displayed and subject information in regard to subject diary form is stored.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluidized bed for dispensing small quantities of powders. The fluidized bed is made using a porous housing to permit injection and removal of fluid through the surrounding walls to improve the operation of the bed particularly for small particles of the group C size, including significantly reducing powder adhesion to the walls. In one aspect of the invention the fluidized bed housing is rotated about its longitudinal axis, which may be oriented at any suitable angle. A system for changing the volume of the bed is described as is a system for incorporating injection nozzles within the bed for constant agitation and prevention of powder adhering to the walls of the housing.

Abstract: A paper shredder for cutting sheet material includes a first and second blade and a sheet feeding assembly. The first blade has a cutting edge along one side thereof and the cutting edge has a non-straight profile. The second blade has a cutting edge that meshes with the cutting edge of the first blade and the first and second blades are movable relative to each other. The sheet feeding assembly moves the sheet material towards the first and second blade such that the direction of motion is generally orthogonal to each cutting edge. The cutting edge profile may have a variety of shapes, including a zig zag, a wave or a combination thereof. The paper shredder is used for making packing material that includes a plurality of pieces of shredded generally planar sheet material, each piece having two elongate outside edges with non-straight profiles.

Abstract: A lint collector and safety system for the clothes dryer. The lint collector removes lint. The safety system determines whether the flow of exhaust air is above a pre-set level, and causes an interruption of electrical power to the clothes dryer if there is not. The invention provides for more efficient drying of clothes and reduces risk of fires. The system may also include an interruption of electrical power for other malfunctions of clothes dryer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple design for a temperature-insensitive extrinsic polarimetric strain sensor. The sensing element is a thin sheet of photoelastic material that is bonded to the test object. It is illuminated with linearly polarized light with the polarization direction at 45 degrees relative to the strain-induced fast and slow axes in the photoelastic material. The sensor measures the difference between the strains along these two orthogonal directions. The reduced sensitivity of the sensor to temperature results from the fact that the illumination is perpendicular to the surface of the test object. All polarization components that are parallel to the surface will experience identical refractive index changes due to thermal effects. Consequently, a measurement of the difference in strains along two directions in the surface plane is insensitive to temperature.

Abstract: A limb-positioning device is adapted for use in an operating room and is attachable to an operating room table. The limb-positioning device includes a full motion arm, a patient-receiving surgical device and a tension controller. The full motion arm has a plurality of pivotally connected arms with a plurality of joints therebetween. One end of the full motion arm is adapted to be attached to an operating room table. The patient-receiving surgical device is attached to a block joint at the distal end of the full motion arm. There is a tension controller for each joint. Preferably the tension controller concurrently controls the tension in each joint. The patient-receiving surgical device may be a forearm tray, a lower leg tray, a distraction harness or a Chinese finger trap assembly. There is provided a method of using the limb-positioning device. In addition, a patient-receiving surgical device includes a patient-receiving portion and a bar attached thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser processing and autofocusing system that measures the position of the work-piece at the machining spot, to allow the laser processing of work-pieces which are not flat and have surface variations, with the autofocusing system being able to compensate for these variations. During laser machining, it is desirable to keep the laser focus at the same height with respect to the surface of the sample for the best possible machining quality. Not all samples are flat, though, and it thus becomes necessary to map the surface of the sample accurately and to correct the focusing of the laser beam on the fly. The system includes a processing laser beam directed onto the surface at normal incidence and a light line projected onto the surface in the vicinity of the area being machined but at an angle with respect to the surface normal. The focusing optics for the machining laser and light line generator are fixed relative to each other on a positioning stage.

Abstract: A plug cutter is for use in association with a drill, drill press and the like and is for producing a plug. The plug cutter includes a shank, a body portion, an outside cutter and an inside cutter. The shank has a longitudinal axis and is adapted to engage the drill. The body portion is integrally attached to the shank and extends downwardly therefrom. The outside cutter extends downwardly from the body portion and the inside cutter extends downwardly from the body portion and is spaced from the outside cutter. The outside cutter may have an outside cutting edge with a positive rake. The inside cutter may have an inside cutting edge with a positive rake.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photonic band gap (PBG) materials and more specifically, it describes a new type of photonic crystal structure which exhibits a large and complete three-dimensional PBG. This PBG is highly robust to the effects of disorder. The photonic crystal has a tetragonal or hexagonal lattice symmetry and is comprised of a lattice of polygonal spiral posts of a high refractive Index material in a low index background. The corresponding inverse structure comprises a lattice of low refractive index posts in a high refractive index background also has a very large PBG. These new photonic crystals exhibit very large (up to 23.6% when made of silicon and nearly 29% when made of germanium) complete 3D photonic band gaps. The posts exhibit a spiral profile and all the spiral posts wind in phase with each other. The identity of the winding phase from one post to the next makes the present invention amenable to micro-fabrcation using the Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and devices for time division multiplexing of a fiber optic serial Bragg grating sensor array containing more than one Bragg grating. The device provides a pulse read-out system that allows for a reduction in system noise and an increase in sensor resolution and flexibility. In one aspect the optical signals reflected from the Bragg grating sensor array are gated by an electronically controlled optical modulator before any wavelength measurement is performed to determine the sensor information. This offers significant advantages since the sensor information is encoded into the wavelength of the optical signal and not its intensity. Therefore the sensor signal information is not distorted by the gating.

Abstract: A method of laser processing or laser modification of materials. The combination of ultrafast laser pulses and high-repetition rate (>100 kHz) bursts (or continuous operation) defines a new and unexpected regime for material processing. The high repetition rate controls thermal and/or other relaxation processes evolving between each ultrafast laser pulse that ‘prepares’ the sample surface or bulk to alter the interaction with subsequent ultrafast laser pulses and thereby improve or optimize the process, or enable a new process, that are not available at lower repetition rate. The addition of this laser-controlled thermal component, and/or the general control of relaxation processes, overcomes several current limitations of ultrafast laser processing at lower repetition rates (<100 kHz), providing means to further harness the many attributes of ultrafast lasers for general material processing and material modification applications.