Abstract: The waveform generator includes a free-running ring oscillator, an algebra module, a switching module and an output module. The free-running ring oscillator includes a plurality of delay elements connected in a loop and a plurality of taps disposed between the delay elements, with each tap providing a uniquely phased, oscillating transition signal. The algebra module generates an output signal indicating a first rising edge of the arbitrary waveform in response to an input signal. The switching module includes a switch input port in electrical communication with the algebra data output port, a plurality of switch tap input ports in electrical communication with the free-running ring oscillator taps and switch output port. At the switch output port, the switch module provides a first transition signal selected from one of the plurality of free-running ring oscillator taps in response to the signal indicative of a first rising edge received at the switch input port.

Abstract: A method for purifying high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, comprising the steps of providing one or more raw hyaluronic acid sources; extracting hyaluronic acid from the source; precipitating hyaluronic acid extracts; dissolving extract precipitates in water; extracting enzyme inhibitors from the dissolved precipitates with chloroform, and centrifuging to isolate an aqueous portion; adding one or more protein hydrolyzing enzymes to the aqueous portion in a reactor; adding a solution of CPC and NaCl to the reactor; filtering reactor contents through at least one membrane filter; filtering membrane filtered solution through at least one diafilter having a molecular weight cutoff of about 30 kDa; precipitating the diafiltered solution and isolating purified hyaluronic acid precipitate; and formulating isolated precipitate to about 10 mg/ml hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: A tuning mechanism for a superconducting radio frequency particle accelerator cavity, wherein the cavity comprises a number of axially aligned cells held by a frame, with at least one active cell that is axially stretchable to tune the resonant frequency of the cavity. The tuning mechanism comprises a lever arm having a center of rotation, one or more mechanical members coupling the lever arm to an active cell, and a motor adapted to move the lever arm, to thereby move the active cell through the mechanical members.

Abstract: A method of forming an interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising providing a connector frame defining an opening, casting uncured elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) material onto the connector frame spanning the opening, and curing the ECPI in the presence of a magnetic field, to integrally couple the ECPI to the connector frame, and create a series of spaced conductive columns through the ECPI thickness.

Abstract: Self-contained wrap for a gift comprising, a first panel; a second panel, having a perimeter, fixed to the first panel along a first portion of the perimeter, so that a cavity is formed between the first panel and the second panel which is adapted to enclose the gift therein, and so that at least one opening to the cavity is defined along a second portion of the perimeter which is adapted to allow the gift to be passed through the opening into the cavity; and at least one flap, fixed to the second panel, which is adapted to fold over the opening and to adhere to the front panel; and method for using the wrap.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the device of the invention, which is adapted to be applied circumferentially about a phallus, having a perimeter, and to facilitate intracavernosal anesthesia, generally comprises: a strip having a length at least slightly greater than the perimeter of the phallus, and a first end and a second end; and a hook and loop closure for releasably fixing at least a portion of the strip proximate the first end to a second portion of the strip

Abstract: A catapult device for a catapult game, including a projectile-throwing mechanism, and a projectile catch member. The projectile release angle of the mechanism, and the projectile throw force of the mechanism are adjustable. The throwing mechanism is automatically released upon the impact with sufficient force of a projectile on the projectile catch member. Also disclosed is a game system and a game playing method using a number of such devices.

Abstract: A method is presented for calculating a force to apply to components in a computer simulation to simulate the effect that an extinguishing agent stream (e.g., water or foam from a nozzle) should have on airflow in the vicinity of the stream, thereby affecting the movement of other components of the simulation. The method is designed to work in real-time as part of a virtual reality, augmented reality, or other real-time 3-D graphics simulation. In addition to the preferred embodiment of calculating forces to apply to a fire and smoke plume, the invention also contemplates calculation of a force to apply to aerosols and particles that are not part of a fire and smoke plume.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for instrumentation of a firefighter's vari-nozzle for motion tracking and measurement of pattern selector and bail handle positions. In the embodiment presented here, brackets and associated hardware attach (1) a position tracking device to the nozzle to measure its 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) position and orientation, and (2) potentiometers to measure the angular positions of the two main, moving components (the bail handle and the pattern selector) of the nozzle. The mounts are attached to the brass nozzle with holes drilled into the main body of the nozzle. One application of this instrumentation is control of an augmented reality or virtual reality water stream, or other extinguishing agent. The electronic signals from potentiometers in the instrumentation permit a computer to calculate and display graphical representations of water flow from the nozzle for virtual reality and augmented reality applications.

Abstract: This invention features a disc refacing system, comprising a rotatable platter for holding a disc thereon, a grinding pad assembly, and a polishing pad assembly. Each pad assembly can be rotated at high speed. Each pad assembly can be alternately engaged with the disc on the platter. The platter and a pad assembly can be alternately engaged and disengaged, to allow a disc to be loaded and unloaded from the platter. There is a source of grinding compound, which can be applied to the grinding pad assembly.

Abstract: A ball comprising a plurality of interwoven rings, preferably each of generally polygonal shape.

Abstract: A surgical radiofrequency needle point electrode for delivering both coagulating and cutting currents, comprising, at least one housing member; at least one needle point electrode having a surgically active region that is adapted to deliver both coagulating and cutting currents; and a telescoping member for at least temporarily maintaining the surgically active region of the electrode in the housing member.

Abstract: A moldable, extrudable, thermally crosslinkable composition of matter containing 50-99% by weight fluoropolymers, in which 50-95% of the polymer content of the blend is an FKM fluoroelastomer and 5-50% of the polymer content of the blend is one or more thermoplastic PVDF polymers or copolymers containing at least 70% by weight vinylidene fluoride monomer units, and the crosslinked articles derived from processing and curing the subject composition of matter.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket for a lacrosse head having a scoop and opposing sidewalls. The pocket includes a pocket member comprising one or more thin, flexible portions. The pocket member is connected to the scoop and at least a portion of the sidewalls.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for an augmented reality-based firefighter training system. The system includes hardware for motion tracking, display, and vari-nozzle instrumentation. System software includes a real-time fire model, a layered smoke obscuration model, simulation of an extinguishing agent, and an interface to a zone fire model. Physical modeling and graphical elements in the software combine to create realistic-looking fire, smoke, and extinguishing graphics. The hardware and software components together contribute to a realistic, interactive training experience for firefighters.

Abstract: An interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising a connector frame and an elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) integrally coupled to the connector frame, the ECPI defining a series of spaced conductive columns through its thickness. Also described is a method of forming an interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising providing a connector frame, casting uncured elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) material onto the connector frame, and curing the ECPI in the presence of a magnetic field, to integrally couple the ECPI to the connector frame, and create a series of spaced conductive columns through the ECPI thickness.

Abstract: A bracket for attaching a wheelchair footrest or leg rest to the front side of a wheelchair frame, wherein the wheelchair frame front side carries a pair of vertically-spaced attachment pins, the invention comprising a support post; a single bracket assembly, coupled to the support post, for mechanically coupling the support post to the wheelchair frame's front side, and defining a first opening for accepting one attachment pin; and an annular member fitted around the support post, and vertically adjustable with respect to the support post, defining a second opening for accepting the other attachment pin, to allow the bracket to be used with wheelchairs having attachment pins with different vertical spacing and different diameters.