Abstract: A system and method for monitoring remote equipment are provided. A sensor is in communication with a piece of remote equipment, and an interface unit, having a message generating mechanism, is connected to the sensor. A central computer server is in communication with the interface unit and is adapted to receive messages generated by the interface unit. When the sensor detects an exception condition in the piece of remote equipment, 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. Multiple outgoing exception messages may be forwarded to multiple communication devices in accordance with a user-defined message profile, or a single outgoing exception message may be forwarded in response to receipt of multiple incoming exception messages. The message profile is remotely configurable by the user.

Abstract: A method by which dredged sludge is used to make a new asphalt composition. The moisture content of the sludge is reduced by allowing the sludge to drain through a filter. The reduced-moisture-content sludge is heated and combined with asphalt mixture. The respective flow rates of the reduced-moisture-content sludge and the asphalt mix is controlled via a computer controller. The moisture-reducing step may include at least one of the steps of stirring, mixing, churning, and turning the sludge, and may also include blowing air onto the sludge. The invention also includes a system for performing the method. The system includes a drainage area, a filter at least partially surrounding the drainage area, a first bin adapted to receive sludge from the drainage area, a conveyor having an input at the drainage area and an output at the first bin, and a rotating drum in communication with the first bin for receiving a flow of the sludge from the first bin.

Abstract: A hardness tester is disclosed which conducts its hardness test through a penetrator impinging upon the surface of a test specimen. Enhanced accuracy and repeatability is achieved through the use of a closed loop system and directly mounting a load cell to the indentor, connecting a linear displacement transducer directly to the load cell and eliminating an elevating screw in initially positioning and applying load to the specimen to be tested.

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 hoop earring comprising a front portion and a back portion, where a post is attached to the front portion and a finding is hingedly connected to the back portion. When an earring is worn the finding is rotated about an axis of the hinge to cover the post. The front portion is designed in a way that allows it to be partially inserted inside an extended pierced hole, so that, when viewed from outside, such hole is not visible.

Abstract: A hinged hoop-style earring where a post is curved to conform to the outside shape of the back of the earring. In this design, when the earring is closed, the post, and a protruding end of the post, substantially follows the shape of a curved outer edge of the back of the earring. Thus, the post and the protruding end of the post is no longer positioned away from the surface of the earring. Instead, it substantially lies within or adjacent to the contour the curved shape of the back half of the earring and, therefore, will not distort its aesthetical appearance and will not be dangerous.

Abstract: An Electrospray probe which includes a replaceable or disposable micron size diameter Electrospray tip used for low flow rate Electrospray has been developed. The Electrospray probe assembly combines the use of a low pressure gas and electric fields to initiate and sustain the Electrospray process at low liquid flow rates. The operational flow rates of this probe range from below 25 nL/min to over 1 .mu.L/min, with total sample volume loaded ranging from less than 1 .mu.L to over 20 .mu.L. The Electrospray probe assembly includes axial and radial adjustment of the Electrospray tip position relative to the sampling orifice into vacuum and that tip position can be locked in place. The replaceable microtip can be safely removed from the Electrospray (ES) chamber without turning off high voltage within the ES chamber. Telescoping support ways have been included to prevent ES tip damage by guiding the Electrospray probe tip during removal from and insertion into the ES chamber.

Abstract: Systems for bone and spinal stabilization, fixation and repair include intramedullar nails, intervertebral cages and prostheses, remotely activatable prostheses, tissue extraction devices, and electrocautery probes. The intramedullar nails, intervertebral cages and prostheses, are designed for expansion from a small diameter for insertion into place to a larger diameter which stabilizes, fixates or repairs the bone, and further can be inserted percutaneously. Remotely activatable prostheses can be activated from an external unit to expand and treat prosthesis loosening. Tissue extraction devices, and electrocautery probes are used to remove tissue from desired areas.

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 present invention is a new composition of matter, which is a population of multiply charged ions, formed by dispersing a solution containing an analyte into a bath gas as highly charged droplets. The analyte is generally a compound of high molecular weight and is of biochemical interest. Additionally, the invention is a method for calculating the molecular weight of the analyte from the measured mass values of the highly charged ions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a seamless hollow comfort fit wedding band is provided, where precious metal is flattened into a metal sheet from which ring-size "washers" are punched out at a press-machine. The seamless comfort fit look is then achieved by forming thin concave and convex shaped rings out of the "washers", which are later slipped into each other and soldered at their side edges to form one comfort fit wedding band.

Abstract: A safety cap, having an inner cap for covering a container and an outer cap covering the inner cap for selectively rendering the inner cap child resistant, is provided. The inventive safety cap includes a fixing mechanism for selectively fixing the inner and outer caps together, the fixing mechanism being preferably movable from a first position to a second position. When the fixing mechanism is in the first position, the outer cap is rotationally fixed with respect to the inner cap, and when the fixing mechanism is in the second position, the outer cap is rotationally independent of the inner cap. Thus, when the fixing mechanism is in the first position, the inventive cap functions like a conventional non-safety cap. When the fixing mechanism is moved into its second position, the outer and inner caps are made rotationally independent, and thus the cap of the invention functions like a safety cap requiring simultaneous downward force and twisting to remove.

Abstract: A kit and method for retrofitting an R-12 air conditioner into an R-134a air conditioner are provided. The kit includes a first pressurized container of R-134a lubricant or oil sufficient to fully charge an automobile air conditioner. Preferably, the first container also contains pressurized refrigerant 134a to act as a propellant to deliver the lubricant in aerosol form. A second pressurized container may also be provided containing a full charge of R-134a for an auto air conditioner. The kit includes a service port adapter, configured to be convertible to the service port of an automobile air conditioner wherein both the first and second containers may be hooked up to the auto air conditioner via the same service port adapter.

Abstract: A system and method for storing and packing items are provided. Trays are provided with overlapping recesses conforming in shape at least partially to the perimeter of the items. The items are nested one within another on each tray, and each tray is nestingly engageable with other trays. Nesting thus occurs in at least two dimensions, and packing efficiency is maximized.

Abstract: A magnetic nerve stimulator system is comprised of a core constructed from a material having a high field saturation with a coil winding. A thyrister capacitive discharge circuit pulses the device. A rapidly changing magnetic field is guided by the core, preferably vanadium permendur. For task specific excitation of various nerve groups, specially constructed cores allow for excitation of nerves at deeper levels with higher efficiency than is possible with air-core stimulators. Among the applications possible with this invention are treatment of incontinence, rehabilitation of large muscle groups in the leg and arm, and excitation of abdominal wall muscle groups to aid in weight loss and metabolic rate increase. A C-shape is employed for focussing the stimulation as desired.

Abstract: A nail for fixing the position and shape of broken long bones is provided. The nail has a longitudinal shank defining a central main body and longitudinal extending, radially directed, ribs, preferably one or more. The nail and ribs are collapsed in diameter when inserted into the broken bone and then, by introducing a fluid into the hollow nail, the diameter of the nail increases such that the rib(s) contact the interior of the broken bone.