Abstract: Acidic groups such as those in the sulfonic acid family have been successfully linked onto the surface of carbon used as catalyst support. Electrodes made using such sulfonated catalysts as used in electrochemical cells improve the performance of the cells, more so than cells fabricated from electrodes using an unsulfonated electrode.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for identifying objects in an image and automatically generating of object recognition code. First, an image is segmented and coded in a first plane in at least one segmentation domain to create a first set of uniform fields or regions having interior and exterior information. Then the image is segmented and coded in a second plane, again in at least one segmentation domain, to create a second set of uniform fields or regions having interior and exterior information. The relationship of the boundaries of the first and second sets of fields is then determined. Information representative of the uniform fields is analyzed and/or communicated horizontally and vertically for relationships of objects among the planes. The system is then queried, forming object definitions, in order to recognize objects in the image. The objects can also be displayed on a common image domain. The image can also be resegmented, each field being coded by a multi-bit (e.g.

Abstract: A rolling kneepad having a weight transfer support assembly with swivel casters to support a user, a kneepad cushion provided above the support assembly to comfortably receive a user's knee, and a shin guard peripherally attached to the support assembly and extending outwardly therefrom. The elongated shin guard has a distal end which abuts the upper surface of a user's shoe or boot. Consequently, when the user moves from a kneeling to a standing position, the weight of the rolling kneepad is supported on the top surface of the user's shoe or boot. Downward slippage of the rolling kneepad along the user's leg is prevented and manual reposition of the rolling kneepad prior to the user resuming a kneeling position is avoided. Straps having hook and loop fasteners at the ends are typically used to affix the rolling kneepad to the body of the user.

Abstract: A fuel cell using a neat alcohol such as neat 2-propanol, as its fuel is described. The fuel that is purposely not mixed with any amount of water is oxidized directly at the fuel cell anode. The fuel cell can support a higher current density than a fuel cell using 1 M 2-propanol aqueous solution. The energy density of a fuel cell using a neat fuel is much higher than that of one using dilute fuel aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A human-powered, electrical generation system for intermittently receiving mechanical energy from a human and storing that mechanical energy. The stored mechanical energy is used to turn a generator that produces electrical power that is stored in a rechargeable battery. An optional inverter converts the DC power stored in the battery to AC power. A mechanical energy controller is provided to regulates the release of the stored mechanical energy. This allows intermittent energy release so that an intermittent electrical load may be properly supplied over a relatively long period of time without need for repeated energy input from the human. Mechanical energy may be stored in a spring arrangement or in a pressurized hydraulic reservoir. Hand cranks, levers, and pedals in optional combination with a gear box or multi-speed hub may be provided to add energy to the mechanical energy storage apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided an improved putting training apparatus and method wherein a golfer may observe, analyze, and record their putting swing. A putter supports two detachable, vertically aligned lasers, each adapted to selectively cast a beam towards a target disposed substantially perpendicular to the face of the putter. A first laser is momentarily illuminated when the putter head address the golf ball. The second laser is illuminated continuously both during the preparation for and during the putt. The second laser records on the target a complete transition of the club head during the time it is illuminated. A camera connected to a computer records the first and second laser traces on the target and provides feedback to the golfer regarding his putting swing. Putter head velocity is thereby easily determined. The lowest point in the arc may be readily compared to the actual point of impact with the ball.

Abstract: A pusher mechanism for attachment to the carriage, saw guard, or other appropriate point of a rotary-blade stone slab saw. Using either signals from a controller of a modern slab saw or self-generated sensor information, the pusher is actuated at a precise time in the cutting process and applied an outward pressure on the severed slab to ensure that the slab is directed away from the saw blade. While a pneumatic cylinder is typically used, either hydraulic, electro-mechanical, or mechanical mechanisms may also be used to accomplish the push-away function.

Abstract: A new class of polymers with a highly ordered state having unique electrical, electronic, optical, ferromagnetic, piezoelectric, ionic, or superconducting properties are achieved. The polymers are highly crystalline, exhibiting both long and short range order, and an associated nanoscale lattice parameter. The polymers are fabricated by forming a conductive set of nanoscale waveguides (composed of functional molecules and charge carriers, i.e., polarons, bipolarons, superpolarons, spins, ions, copper pair electrons) throughout a polymer lattice. These “molecular waveguides” are characterized by a width or diameter comparable to the size of the lattice cell.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for a fifth wheel trailer tube and foot pad that is both functional and accessible. A tee handle is made with curved ends and a smooth finish, making it comfortable to grip when lowering or raising the foot pad assembly. A telescoping tube is hollow, allowing a cable to be guided through it and around a pully to an eye bolt that is attached to the foot pad. A cover is provided over the pully to keep the cable securly in the pully groove and direct it to the foot pad using the slotted cutouts in the cover. A main “L” shaped bracket allows the telescoping tube to be mounted at an angle, making it easier for operator reach.

Abstract: An improvement to inventor's prior art loudspeaker crossover filter invention is described. A substantially flat network input-impedance characteristic across the audible frequency range is provided by the addition of at least one series connected constant resistance network at the input terminals of the crossover filter system. By relaxing certain infinite slope filter parameters, more uniform acoustic polar response of the loudspeaker system is obtained. Specifically, infinite slope methods are used for the upper (higher frequency) band-edge of low-pass and band-pass filters, and optionally, for high-pass filters. Infinite slope characteristics, however, are relaxed for the lower frequency slope of band-pass filters and, optionally, for high-pass filters. In addition, the crossover network uses fewer components than infinite slope crossovers of the prior art.

Abstract: The invention is a method for automatically determining the dialing sequence that is required for local, local long distance, ten digit local and long distance, long distance, and international dialing from an initial dialing database that contains no information about local telephone company dialing requirements and requires no or minimal human interaction. The method contains a database for logging call attempts, failures, and successes and an analysis algorithm to determine which dialing sequences are potentially failures and which are potentially successes and which are certain successes. Data from previous dialing attempts and analysis are used to determine dialing sequences for future calls to each area code and exchange. Each area code and exchange pair is quickly optimized without the need for purchasing or maintaining a third party dialing database and without manual definition of dialing sequences.

Abstract: A Unified XML integrated voice and data application delivery system includes a switch coupled to a first network and at least a second network, wherein the first network includes distinct voice and data applications and the second network includes one or more user devices, such as a cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. The switch transfers voice and data between the applications and the user devices. A controller coupled to the switch includes a finite state machine controlling the interaction between the voice and data applications and the user devices. The finite state machine controls the transfer of voice and data between the applications and the user devices by the switch to enable a user to interact with the integrated instance of the voice and data applications simultaneously via the user devices.

Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing carbon supported, ternary alloy composition core-shell PtVFe nanoparticles for use as fuel cell electrocatalysts. These catalysts have been found particularly useful for oxygen reduction reactions. The alloy nanoparticles can be assembled on carbon supports which then may undergo subsequent activation and/or calcination treatments. The method, combined with new synthetic feed and processing conditions, provides core-shell PtVFe alloy nanoparticles of 1–3 nm size. The catalyst-produced high monodispersity, controlled composition are highly dispersed, and have a uniform distribution. Finally, the correlation of the preparation and treatment parameters to the ORR catalytic activities of the prepared nanoparticles is described. The catalysts exhibit ORR in the range of 2 to 4 times more than a standard Pt/carbon catalyst.

Abstract: A signaling apparatus including a substantially transparent panel, a light emitting element attached to a surface of the transparent panel, substantially transparent means for delivering power to the light emitting elements, and means for selectively controlling energization of the light emitting elements. The signaling apparatus being substantially transparent when the light emitting elements are not in an energized state. The light emitting elements might be LEDS, organic LEDS (OLEDs), electroluminescent displays, LCDs, or incandescent bulbs. The signaling apparatus is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle window for providing selectable patterns, variable rate flashing, changeable colors, textual or graphic messages, strobe lights, and other types of displays. Cooling channels or a cooling plenum may be provided to allow higher power (e.g., high intensity) operation.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a land grid array connector for a printed wiring board is disclosed. The process does not require electroplating precious metal overlays. Therefore, no commoning bar is required. Another benefit of the invention includes a connector design using only a flash, soft gold application in the outer surface of the connector. Physical hardness and durability are derived from a thin palladium layer lying beneath the flash gold layer.

Abstract: There is provided a molded polymeric coupling device incorporating integral hinges, latches and strain-relief features adapted to receive an electric match having a protective chamber, and a quickmatch fuse of a pyrotechnic device. After the quickmatch fuse is suitably placed in the coupling device, it is latched in a closed position around the quickmatch fuse. A piercing structure such as a cone forms an opening in the outer layer of the quickmatch fuse so that, upon ignition of the electric match, flame therefrom is directed into and ignites the central blackmatch core of the quickmatch fuse. The coupling device allows rapid and accurate attachment of an electric match to a quickmatch fuse at the fireworks display site by persons of limited skill and/or experience. The electric matches are protected by the coupling device, preventing unexpected ignition from impact, friction, ESD, or other similar ignition sources.

Abstract: The invention features a miniature, second-order, microcrystalline silicon microphone diaphragm formed using silicon microfabrication techniques. The diaphragm is composed of two or more rigid diaphragm elements hinged to one another providing second- or higher-order response depending on the number of diaphragm elements used. The response of the differential diaphragm has a response that is highly dependent on the direction of the incident sound. The diaphragms are useful for constructing highly innovative microphones that have far greater directionality, better sensitivity, wider frequency response, and lower noise than is achievable with current technology.

Abstract: A surgical headlamp containing dual lamp housings, each containing one or more LED light sources is featured. Both lamp housings may be adjusted so that light beams emitted by each may be selectively converged at a spot a predetermined distance in front of the lamp housings. Each lamp housing typically contains, in addition to the LED(s), one or more reflectors to gather and direct light generated by the LED(s) forward to an illuminated work area. Batteries, preferably rechargeable, mounted either on the headband supporting the headlamp on a user's head or external to the headband, are used to power the LED(s). Switch and/or dimming circuitry may be provided. Hot swapping, a capability whereby batteries may be interchanged during a lengthy surgical procedure, is also provided.

Abstract: A computerized orientation method that automatically extracts the three bounding box size values of CAD objects and then copies the values into the appropriate length, width and thickness columns of a grid or table. The process uses data stored in an orientation tag of three defined positions and three defined variables and compares the three bounding box distance values to each other.