Abstract: A new lighting system is provided that is particularly useful in projecting light to a deck where pilots use night vision goggles (NVGs). The system comprises a pair of subsystems that project light with different, complementary spatial distributions. One subsystem projects light with one spatial distribution, and the other lighting subsystem projects light with another spatial distribution that supplements the light from the first subsystem, so as to provide a system that effectively illuminates an entire target. The system is designed to substantially filter light so that the light does not interfere with NVGs. The system includes new optical projection structure that minimizes the overall size of the projection structure, and maintains good efficiency.

Abstract: A golf putter with a new and useful head configuration is provided. The putter head is designed to facilitate a golfer's ability to effectively contact and project a golf ball along a desired path on a putting surface. The head is designed to enable a golfer to effectively align the putter head with a golf ball as the golf ball is addressed, and easily and effectively swing the putter, to propel the golf ball along a desired path on the putting surface.

Abstract: A pair of plasma beam sources are connected across an AC power supply to alternatively produce an ion beam for depositing material on a substrate transported past the ion beams. Each plasma beam source includes a discharge cavity having a first width and a nozzle extending outwardly therefrom to emit the ion beam. The aperture or outlet of the nozzle has a second width, which second width is less than the first width. An ionizable gas is introduced to the discharge cavity. At least one electrode connected to the AC power supply, alternatively serving as an anode or a cathode, is capable of supporting at least one magnetron discharge region within the discharge cavity when serving as a cathode electrode. A plurality of magnets generally facing one another, are disposed adjacent each discharge cavity to create a magnetic field null region within the discharge cavity.

Abstract: A new and useful device and method is provided, for sighting an arrow being shot from a bow. A sight pin adjustment mechanism is associated with a plurality of sight pins, and is uniquely configured to be manipulated to simultaneously adjust each of the sight pins according to a predetermined trajectory formula that is at least partially related to the speed of an arrow as it leaves the bow. In one preferred form of the present invention, the sight includes an arrow speed calibration scale that is selectively moveable relative to an archery bow, and the plurality of sight pins are simultaneously moveable relative to the arrow speed calibration scale, and according to the predetermined trajectory formula. Also in a preferred form of the present invention, the sight pin adjustment mechanism comprises a shaft that is supported on the housing and has a plurality of lead screw portions, each of which is coupled with a respective sight pin.

Abstract: An exercise mitt is provided for a hand or foot, and which is particularly useful in an exercise form such as yoga in which a practitioner maintains a pose or shifts body position while his/her hand or foot is in contact with a support surface. The exercise mitt is specially configured to address the problem of slippage when the practitioner is practicing an exercise form such as yoga, where the practitioner exerts pressure on a support surface in both downward and outward directions as the practitioner is practicing the exercise form. The mitt comprises a sleeve configured to fit snugly about a portion of a human extremity while permitting portions of the human extremity to extend out of the sleeve.

Abstract: A new and useful barrier device for a utility system cover is provided. The barrier device is designed to be coupled to a utility system cover (e.g. a water meter cover), in a way that effectively seals the opening in the cover against ingress of dirt, debris, animals, etc. Moreover, the barrier device also provides a structure that enables a hook like tool to engage and manipulate the coupled barrier device and cover, while maintaining the barrier against ingress of dirt, debris, animals, etc. The barrier device includes a hood with a border that at least partially flattens against a utility system cover as the baffler device is coupled to the utility system cover, so that the border of the hood and the utility system cover combine to form a baffler to materials and objects near the border of the hood. A stem extends from the hood, and is pressed into the utility system cover, in a way that effectively couples the baffler device with the cover.

Abstract: A unique, new and useful structure and method is provided for effectively and efficiently engaging and manipulating a crossover tube of a gas turbine. The tool is manipulated to a gripping position in which it securely engages the spring loaded locks of a crossover tube while applying a reaction force to a portion of the burner basket that is associated with the crossover tube, so that manipulating the handle manipulates the crossover tube that is engaged by the tool. A preferred version of the tool has specially designed structure for coupling a handle with the gripper and follower structure such that the tool can effectively and efficiently reach and manipulate crossover tubes that are in particularly difficult to reach areas of a gas turbine.

Abstract: A plasma source which includes a discharge cavity having a first width, where that discharge cavity includes a top portion, a wall portion, and a nozzle disposed on the top portion and extending outwardly therefrom, where the nozzle is formed to include an aperture extending through the top portion and into the discharge cavity, wherein the aperture has a second width, where the second width is less than the first width. The plasma source further includes a power supply, a conduit disposed in the discharge cavity for introducing an ionizable gas therein, and at least one cathode electrode connected to the power supply, where that cathode electrode is capable of supporting at least one magnetron discharge region within the discharge cavity. The plasma source further includes a plurality of magnets disposed adjacent the wall portion, where that plurality of magnets create a null magnetic field point within the discharge cavity.

Abstract: This invention focuses on electrooptic devices and in particular on electrochromic devices with many aspects directed towards automotive EC mirrors. There are several ways to improve these products and their processing using this invention and some of the prominent ones are outlined below. This invention improves on the devices by disclosing new compositions for electrodes and methods of depositing them. It also addresses novel ways to provide busbars to power these devices in order to improve their performance. The device processing attributes and performance are also improved by adhesive compositions and solid electrolytes disclosed herein. In addition sensors are also disclosed which are novel for use in electrochromic mirrors. The invention also discloses how the electrolytes comprising ionic liquids have no adverse effect on attributes of commercial EC mirrors and often result in improved performance and/or feature enhancements.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a Penning discharge plasma source. The magnetic and electric field arrangement, similar to a Penning discharge, effectively traps the electron Hall current in a region between two surfaces. When a substrate (10) is positioned proximal to at least one of the electrodes (11, 12) and is moved relative to the plasma, the substrate (10) is plasma treated, coated or otherwise modified depending upon the process gas used and the process pressure. This confinement arrangement produces dramatic results not resembling known prior art. Using this new source, many applications for PECVD, plasma etching, plasma treating, sputtering or other plasma processes will be substantial improved or made possible. In particular, applications using flexible webs (10) are benefited.

Abstract: A new and useful preformed, self supporting article is provided, which can function as a tile substrate. The tile substratum has inherent durability, strength and ease of application and reduces the installation process for building tile to such a degree as to be significantly easier and faster than built up substratum and in addition requires no other structural components such as wood or plywood. The tile substrate is formed of lightweight cast or preformed mixture of cement/expanded polystyrene and water, which individually or when assembled together, provide a complete, ready to tile substratum. Individually or in assembly the substratum units are self-supporting, and require a minimum of modification to complete their installation. The units are lightweight by design. Individual units are designed and manufactured to address the majority of common tiled counter top configurations with easy modification or cutting to size.

Abstract: A closed drift ion source which includes a channel having an open end, a closed end, and an input port for an ionizable gas. A first magnetic pole is disposed on the open end of the channel and extends therefrom in a first direction. A second magnetic pole disposed on the open end of the channel and extends therefrom in a second direction, where the first direction is opposite to the second direction. The distal ends of the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole define a gap comprising the opening in the first end. An anode is disposed within the channel. A primary magnetic field line is disposed between the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole, where that primary magnetic field line has a mirror field greater than 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus, based on the use of a neural network (NN), for (a) predicting important groundwater/surface water output/state variables, (b) optimizing groundwater/surface water control variables, and/or (c) sensitivity analysis, to identify physical relationships between input and output/state variables used to model the groundwater/surface water system or to analyze the performance parameters of the neural network.

Abstract: An exercise device and sparring apparatus that includes a supporting base, a biasing mechanism coupled to, and supported vertically above, the base, a shaft attached to the biasing mechanism, and an arm member disposed in substantially perpendicular arrangement with the shaft, with the arm member further including a cushion disposed upon a punching end of the arm member.

Abstract: A new and useful wireline extensometer is provided that uses a tensioned cable extending between a supply spool and an anchor (e.g. of a type connected to a slope mass), measures movement of the cable to reflect movement of the anchor (e.g. due to movement of the slope mass), and includes a magnetic brake configured to provide a predetermined constant non-frictional braking force on the supply spool. The preferred wireline extensometer is designed to (i) minimize the risk of the extensometer reporting data that suggest slope movement where the slope mass has not moved to an undesirable extent, (ii) measure slope movement at relatively slow rates as well as rapid rates, and to (iii) measure slope mass movements continuously, and in a manner that can be efficiently and effectively communicated to responsible personnel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a substrate having a plurality of microfeatures that provide a high surface area and are open to provide ready access to fluids and components therein. Methods of making the high surface area substrates are described and include generating microfeatures and/or microstructures on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A new and useful Dome Kit, dome shaped structural system and method of assembling a dome shaped structural system are provided. The Dome Kit and method are used to form a dome shaped structural system comprising a compression ring, a lower ring that is larger than the compression ring and spaced below the compression ring, and a plurality of ribs connected with the compression ring. The lower ring, the compression ring, lower ring and connected ribs form a dome shaped structural system; i.e. a structural system with a dome shaped appearance.