Abstract: A brace for concrete forms employing first and second form elements includes at least one attachment member adapted and constructed to secure the brace to at least one of the form elements. A span member is connected to the at least one attachment member, and has a length sufficient to hold the first and second form elements apart. At least one article securing mechanism secures the article associated with the concrete form to the brace.

Abstract: The oxine ligands 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquiniline and 5-sulfoxyl-8-hydroxyquinoline are covalently bound, using, for example, the Mannich reaction, to a silica gel polyamine composite made from a silanized amorphous silica xerogel and polyallylamine. The resulting modified composites, termed CB-1 (X?Cl) and SB-1 (X?SO3H), respectively, show a clear selectivity for trivalent over divalent ions and selectivity for gallium over aluminum. The compounds of the invention can be applied for the sequestration of metals, such as heavy metals, from contaminated mine tailing leachates.

Abstract: A modular, on-site, wastewater treatment system removes total nitrogen, phosphorus, BOD, and TSS. A flow equalization module provides a constant flow rate to the system eliminating the adverse effects from variations in flow rate throughout the day. Treatment modules are similarly sized to provide a compact, modular system. The nitrification module is a fixed-film, flooded packed bioreactor to facilitate bioconversion of ammonia to nitrate. Aeration of the module provides the oxygen needed for the bioconversion as well prevents clogging of the film. Solids from the nitrification process are removed in a first cone-shaped settling tank. De-nitrification where nitrate is converted to nitrogen gas takes place in an anaerobic fixed-film bioreactor. Carbon-based bio-film carriers provide a carbon source for de-nitrification. A final cone-shaped settling tank separates solids from the treated wastewater. Additional modules to address removal of phosphorous or other contaminants can be added to the modular system.

Abstract: Simulated log siding is formed of an engineered cementitious composite. Single or dual flanges on each log piece is used to apply siding units to a surface. Some siding members are molded into a three dimensional configuration to appear as a structural wood log. Individual end pieces and molded tail clusters when used with the siding provide the appearance of the characteristic stacked or staggered corners of a log structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of coatings in a vacuum comprising a plasma duct surrounded by a magnetic deflecting system communicating with a first plasma source and a coating chamber in which a substrate holder is arranged off of an optical axis of the plasma source, has at least one deflecting electrode mounted on one or more walls of the plasma duct. In one embodiment an isolated repelling or repelling electrode is positioned in the plasma duct downstream of the deflecting electrode where the tangential component of a deflecting magnetic field is strongest, connected to the positive pole of a current source which allows the isolated electrode current to be varied independently and increased above the level of the anode current. The deflecting electrode may serve as a getter pump to improve pumping efficiency and divert metal ions from the plasma flow.

Abstract: A water purifying and enhancement system of a modular construction designed as a built-in appliance located under the countertop or as a free-standing (stand alone) unit. The water appliance has a water inlet for obtaining water from a supply source, scale reduction device, booster or re-pressurization pump, pre-filtration, U.V. sterilization, R.O. filtration, de-ionization (CDI or mechanical), mineral injection system (for adding desired minerals into the purified water), water diagnostic and monitoring cells, post filtration, proprietary water enhancement reactor consisting of specially engineered and blended ores of ceramic components, and/or an electrolytic ionization chamber, and/or a magnetic chamber, a water outlet for delivery of the highly purified enhanced water product, and a outlet to grey water drain for reject water.

Abstract: A carbon-based biofilm carrier is formed of saturated fatty acids and saturated fatty alcohols. The carriers are shaped with a hollow center and have a length that ranges from bout 0.3 to about 1.5 times its outer diameter. The shape provides both maximum surface area and maximum protection during aerobic and anaerobic biological treatment of wastewater.

Abstract: A brace for concrete forms employing first and second form elements includes at least one attachment member adapted and constructed to secure the brace to at least one of the form elements. A span member is connected to the at least one attachment member, and has a length sufficient to hold the first and second form elements apart. At least one article securing mechanism secures the article associated with the concrete form to the brace.

Abstract: A sighting device for a weapon has a light gathering fiber optic that projects an image onto a partially reflective optical lens which reflects the image back to the shooter. The lens has a reticle to allow the shooter to align the image on the lens and sight the device onto the target.

Abstract: A solid state relay has independent charge pumps isolating each gate of a full bridge to achieve faster and proper gate turn on. The low side MOSFETs of the bridge are the current sensing device reducing loss and allowing a device controlled by the relay to achieve peak performance. Dynamic braking is achieved by the two low side MOSFETs being fully conducted and applying a load across the DC motor. Addition of a microprocessor to the device provides undervoltage sensing, current vs time readings, motor stall sensing, and motor temperature sensing. Motor temperature is detected by checking impedance of the motor at microsecond pulses to see if the motor is getting hot.

Abstract: A light-weight, portable photocuring device possesses a single multi-wavelength light emitting diode (LED). The single LED backed with a heat sink is driven by a driving circuit and controlled by a timing circuit. A temperature monitor can be included in a closed loop to feed back and control the driver. A multi-plexing device regulates the current to individual ports on the LED effecting the dies allowing the overall wavelength and intensity of the emitted light by the apparatus to be controlled. Lenses and/or light guides in the device act to further direct the light.

Abstract: Racemic mixtures and individual enantiomers of fluorine-18 or carbon-11 radiolabelled 2?-alkyl-6-nitroquipazine ligands are serotonin transporter (SERT) tracers for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The non-radioactive ligand forms possess therapeutic antidepressant in vitro and in vivo pharmacological binding profiles in rodent brain and cells expressing human serotonin transporter (hSERT). Twelve 2?-alkyl-6-nitroquipazine ligands potently bind in sub-nanomolar concentrations to the pre-synaptic SERT binding site where established antidepressant drugs bind and inhibit the re-uptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT). In vivo tracer studies in rats as well as monkey PET scan trial have demonstrated the fluorine-18 and carbon-11 positron radionuclide labeled tracers perform as quantitative tracers of specific binding the SERT protein in live brain.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable device trains a martial artist to kick. A riser extends vertically from a base plate and can move pivotally and slidably in relation to the plate. An arm pivotally extends from the riser and supports a kicking pad that moves linearly along the arm. The pad provides resistance to the user executing a kicking motion.

Abstract: A low friction top coat over a multilayer metal/ceramic bondcoat provides a conductive substrate, such as a rotary tool, with wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The top coat further provides low friction and anti-stickiness as well as high compressive stress. The high compressive stress provided by the top coat protects against degradation of the tool due to abrasion and torsional and cyclic fatigue. Substrate temperature is strictly controlled during the coating process to preserve the bulk properties of the substrate and the coating. The described coating process is particularly useful when applied to shape memory alloys.

Abstract: A support braces and secures an infant or small child in a seated position. A rigid padded upright back is flanked by a pair of rigid padded side wings. A belt encircles the back and wings drawing the wings toward the back to surround the child. The wings reach just under the armpits of the small child providing support to the torso and allowing even those children not old enough to sit up on their own to attain a seated position. A padded strap, attached to the bottom of the upright back runs between the child's legs and is also secured with the belt. When secured to a high chair by the belt, the support braces the child in a seated position and prevents the child from slipping from the high chair or from climbing out of the chair.

Abstract: A universal clamp allows a camera to be positioned at a variety of angles and then secured for a steady shot. A docking member supports the camera through its universal docking port. A positioning member is connected to the docking member at 90°. The position member engages an attachment member that is used to affix the clamp to an environmental support. A securing member locks all parts once the camera is in position.

Abstract: Racemic mixtures and enantiomerically pure forms of novel 1-[(2?-substituted)-piperazin-1?-yl]-isoquinolines are norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET) inhibitor compounds. Compounds of the invention are considered therapeutic agents for central nervous system (CNS) diseases and disorders, without limitation, including neurodegeneration, anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorders, drug dependency, and post traumatic stress disorder. Examples of the chemical syntheses of the compounds of the invention are provided. The isoquinoline compounds of the invention competitively bind at NET at nanomolar concentrations. The isoquinoline agents of the invention bind selectively to NET over other competitive transporter targets and receptor binding sites, including those of serotonin and dopamine, amongst others. The chemical syntheses of the invention are suitable for labeling with radionuclide atoms.

Abstract: A latching system including both apparatus and methods addresses the need for a reusable latch that is identical on either side of a container opening, thereby facilitating container manufacture. Also disclosed are apparatus and methods for assuring the quality of latch able container enclosed contents and enhancing the safety of container users by providing an unopened condition assurance element such as a tab that is removable from a reusable container latch. A novel latching system with a split insertion clement on a first latch side and unitary receptor element on a second latch side is also disclosed. A preferred embodiment involves an elastically obstructed latch as used on a squeeze-openable container.

Abstract: Racemic mixtures and individual enantiomers of fluorine-18 or carbon-11 radio-labelled 2?-alkyl-6-nitroquipazine ligands are serotonin transporter (SERT) tracers for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The non-radioactive ligand forms possess therapeutic antidepressant in vitro and in vivo pharmacological binding profiles in rodent brain and cells expressing human serotonin transporter (hSERT). Twelve 2?-alkyl-6-nitroquipazine ligands potently bind in sub-nanomolar concentrations to the pre-synaptic SERT binding site where established antidepressant drugs bind and inhibit the re-uptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT). In vivo tracer studies in rats as well as monkey PET scan trial have demonstrated the fluorine-18 and carbon-11 positron radionuclide labeled tracers perform as quantitative tracers of specific binding the SERT protein in live brain.

Abstract: An expandable stinger planter is described for attachment to an excavator type boom. The planter includes a frame arrangement that may be releasably secured to the boom, with a stinger depending therefrom. The boom may be selectively operated to drive the probes deep into the ground. The stinger includes a pair of elongated probes that have bottom ends configured to be opened and closed by operation of an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is selectively operable to shift the probes relative to one another between a closed position wherein the bottom ends are closed together, and an open position wherein the bottom ends are spaced apart from one another to form a plant discharge opening. The probes form an upwardly open internal plant receiving receptacle that is open to the plant discharge opening at the open position whereby a plant placed in the plant receiving receptacle may be discharged through the plant discharge opening as the probes are lifted by the boom.