Abstract: A system and method for monitoring remote equipment are provided. An interface unit, having a message generating mechanism, is capable of receiving signals from sensors. A central computer server is in communication with the interface unit and is adapted to receive and preferably store messages generated by the interface unit from a variety of different data transports. If a sensor detects an exception condition in a piece of remote equipment, the sensor transmits a signal to the interface unit, and the interface unit generates an incoming exception message and forwards the message to the server. The server forwards at least one outgoing exception message to at least one predetermined user-defined communication device based on the incoming exception message. The interface unit may in addition or instead transmit normal status messages if the equipment and/or interface unit is functioning properly. The message profile is remotely configurable by the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) into Atmospheric Pressure Ion sources (API) including Electrospray (ES) and Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI) sources whereby the sampling and spray needles are one and the same. The sampling and spray needle configured with an autoinjector apparatus or used in manual injection is introduced directly into a mating ES or APCI probe configured in an API source. Such a sampling and spray needle eliminates the need for injector valves, transfer lines or additional fluid delivery systems in FIA into API sources interfaced to mass spectrometers or other chemical analyzers. The use of a sampling and spray needle configuration reduces component costs, liquid dead volume, sample dilution effects, and minimizes cross contamination effects, solvent consumption and waste while increasing sample throughput.

Abstract: A unitary hose connection for servicing an automobile air conditioning system is provided. A first connector is disposed at one first end and is connectable with a low pressure service port of an automobile air conditioning system. A second connector is disposed at the other end of the hose and is selectively connectable with both a pressure gauge and a can tap valve. The can tap valve is attachable to a can of compressed refrigerant. When a pressure gauge is attached to the second connector and the first connector is attached to the service port, the pressure of the refrigerant in the automobile air conditioning system can be measured. When the second connector is attached to the can tap valve, the compressed refrigerant in the can may be introduced into the automobile air conditioning system to thereby service the system. The hose connection, pressure gauge, can tap valve, and can of refrigerant may be packaged together in a kit.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring remote equipment such as HVAC equipment, are provided. A sensor is in communication with a piece of remote equipment. An interface unit, having a message generating mechanism, is capable of receiving signals from the sensors. A central computer server is in communication with the interface unit and is adapted to receive and preferably store messages generated by the interface unit from a variety of different data transports. When a sensor detects an exception condition in a piece of remote equipment, the sensor transmits a signal to the interface unit, and the interface unit generates an incoming exception message and forwards the message to the server. The server forwards at least one outgoing exception message to at least one predetermined user-defined communication device based on the incoming exception message.

Abstract: A jewelry device having interchangeable ornaments is provided. A main base of the device has a recess adapted to receive a removable ornament. The main base has a flange formed on an interior of the top side within the recess. The flange retains an ornament and prevents it from falling out of the top of the device. A securing door is attached to the bottom side of the main base. The securing door has a top side facing the recess and a bottom side opposite the top side. The securing door is movable between a closed position substantially in contact with the main base and an open position. A leaf spring is attached to the top side of the securing door. The spring is adapted to bias against a removable ornament disposed in the recess when the securing door is in the closed position and thus prevent it from rattling, becoming misaligned, or falling out. The device also contemplates the use of multiple ornamental inserts for disposal within the recess of the main base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transcranial magnetic brain stimulation. The apparatus allows transcranial stimulation at higher power efficiency and lower heat generation than prior available magnetic stimulator coils without an iron core. Use of the apparatus allows an improved method for active localization of language function. The device can also be used in rapid rate transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of depression.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicular and pedestrian traffic, which combines a variety of concepts into an integrated operating system for traffic management in cities. The design elements of this system include a combination of the dynamic checkerboard arrangements of alternating bands in paired sets of two or three bands for one-way and two-way streets respectively, the recessed crosswalks, the configuration of the flow pattern for bikeways on one-way grid, the opening of crosswalks on the left side of moving green bands at two-way grid intersections, the placement of bikeways between the sidewalk and the parking lane, and the creation of a separate phase for the movement of bicycle traffic on one-way streets.

Abstract: A multipole ion guide which begins in one pumping stage and extends continuously into one or more subsequent pumping stages has been incorporated into an atmospheric pressure ion source mass spectrometer system. Ions delivered into vacuum from an Electrospray, Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization or Inductively Coupled Plasma ion source are guided and focused into a mass analyzer with high efficiency using the multipole ion guide. The background pressure over a portion of the multipole ion guide length is high enough to cause kinetic energy cooling of ions traversing the ion guide length due to ion collisions with neutral background gas molecules. This ion kinetic energy cooling lowers energy spread of ions traversing the multipole ion guide length. The multipole ion guide DC offset potential can be used to adjust the mean ion energy and the ion guide an and qn values can be set to reduce or expand the range of ion mass to charge which will be transmitted through the ion guide.

Abstract: A multipole ion guide is configured to improve the transmission efficiency of ions which traverse the length of one ion guide and enter either another multipole ion guide such as a quadrupole mass analyzer or a three dimensional ion trap. The ion transfer multipole ion guide radial dimensions are reduced such that the pole assembly and an appropriately shaped exit lens can be positioned within a portion of the internal space defined by the larger radius second multipole ion guide poles. Ions exiting the first ion guide of reduced size find themselves inside the second ion guide close to the centerline. In this manner ions can be efficiently transferred from one ion guide to another, even for those ions with low kinetic energies. In a second embodiment of the invention, the exit region of a multipole ion guide is configured such that the multipole ion guide poles can be extended into a counterbore of a three dimensional ion trap end cap electrode.

Abstract: The invention is an on-line business method which will enable on-line retailers to offer the following on-line financial guarantee services to their customers: the financial guarantee of a secure credit card transaction; the financial guarantee of a genuine product at the advertised purchase price; the financial guarantee of the delivery and return policy of the item being purchased; and the financial guarantee that the implied or specific warranty of the item purchased will be honored. All of the above services are offered as a one-click point of sale solution.

Abstract: A hooded towel is a garment/gown for a baby after bathing that provides for drying and for warmth. The towel has a bottom closure and overlapped front panels or lapel-shaped sections which provide an opening through which the baby may be placed. The panels extend over the front of the baby to keep the baby warm. The panels will not open even if the baby squirms and moves about. A hood covers the baby's head.

Abstract: A unitary prong setting for multiple gemstones and a multiple gemstone combination are provided. The setting includes a first set of prongs, each of which contacts and is adapted to fold over ends of two adjacent gemstones. The first set of prongs press the gemstones together and thereby securing the gemstones to the setting. Each of the first set of prongs is interconnected by a set of respective bars connecting each of the first prongs to a point substantially central to the first prongs; the first set of prongs presses the gemstones together and against the set of bars. The invention preferably further includes a second set of prongs projecting from the main base. The second set of prongs are adapted not to fold over the gemstones. The secondary prongs may provide ancillary support to the gemstones from underneath, or they may merely be decorative.

Abstract: A composite stone is formed of individual stones in which the faceting of the stones as viewed from the top is substantially identical. Providing a uniform faceting for each of the individual stones and substantially identical faceting for such stones provides an overall enhanced brilliance for the composite stone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for displaying photo-realistic three-dimensionally projected views of real objects in real scenes and enabling the viewer to manipulate these objects and the scene with several degrees of freedom, such as rotation, zooming, or otherwise “handling” them as though they were physically manipulated.