Abstract: A pump monitoring system includes a monitoring device configured for attachment to a cable harness of a pump, a strain gauge configured to measure dynamic loading of at least one cable of the cable harness as the pump operates, a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the dynamic loading measurement, and an external device configured to receive the transmitted dynamic loading measurement.

Abstract: A method for measuring-road surface friction of a road surface uses a vehicle that moves across the road surface wherein (1) an auxiliary independent wheel assembly is towed behind the vehicle and is in contact with the road surface, an auxiliary wheel of the wheel assembly is freely rotatable by movement of the vehicle and is one or more of toed in or toed out with respect to a direction of travel of the vehicle so as to create an isolated axial force on the auxiliary wheel: (2) the axial force on the auxiliary wheel is measured while the vehicle moves across the road surface, and the measured axial force is correlated with the road surface friction. The independent wheel assembly is load isolated from the weight of the towing vehicle and the independent wheel assembly is loaded by placing ballast thereon.

Abstract: Electrosurgical tissue specimen recovery apparatus and system employing a multi-leaf capture component configured with pursing cables which are electrosurgically excited to define a cutting leading edge. To complete a capture, the cables are loaded in tension to purse and thus converge the tips of the capture component leafs together. The forward regions of the leafs are configured with a combination of a thin flat stainless steel region over which a polymeric cable guide is positioned. The polymeric cable guide and stainless steel leaf driving combination improves frictional aspects as well as the resulting aspect ratio of a recovered tissue specimen.

Abstract: An improved sieve bed design to manage breakthrough and the mass transfer zone by way of volumetric division. An empty space in the product end is separated from adsorbent-filled sieve space in the feed end by a mid-diffuser plate. The ratio of the empty product end void space to the adsorbent filled sieve space within a sieve bed may be determined by the relative percentages of the gasses to be separated and the bulk loading factor of the molecular sieve. A product end void space of the correct volume may ensure the maximum volume of nitrogen has been adsorbed before breakthrough occurs. In operation, pressure in the sieve bed empty space and sieve filled space may be equal at any instant. This contains breakthrough to the location of the mid-diffuser plate. The mass transfer zone may be static at the point of the mid-diffuser plate and as such, gas separation is a function of pressure within the bed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a portable apparatus for the manufacture of bowstrings that facilitates application of bowstring serving cord when producing new custom built archery bowstrings, particularly for compound bows. The invention provides a power driveable device for rotating and advancing a serving tool utilizing a winder head that is pivotable and stowable to allow use of a bowstring jig without interference from the winder power head when not needed and then pivoting the power head into a drive position when serving is to be wound around the bowstring. The power serving winder also provides for serving from both ends of a bowstring without remounting the string on a jig apparatus, and for applying tension to the bowstring while being manufactured.

Abstract: System and method for automatically broadcasting voice-based prompt warnings toward an embarkation and/or disembarkation location at which passengers such as students and others may or will be present. The method is multi-model providing voice messages during an approach mode, a stop mode and a standby mode. Recorded human voice messages are employed for the prompt and are the recorded voices of one or more people having voice characteristics generally recognizable by the passengers to an extent effective to supplement the function of the immature prefrontal cortex.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to a cradle for a musical instrument, which consists of a support having a figure-8 configuration including a pair of loops adapted to support the musical instrument without the use of any fastening device. The cradle also consists of a strap having a pair of ends, each of which is connected to a loop of the support. A buckle may be provided to adjust the length of the strap. In use, a musical instrument is positioned in the inventive cradle with the loops supporting the instrument. The strap is secured about a user so that the musical instrument is supported in a substantially horizontal position by the loops. Thereafter, the instrument is removed by lifted the instrument from the support.

Abstract: The front wheel suspension assemblies of an ATV are configured with translation assemblies aligned along a translation axis generally parallel with the vehicle axis. These translation mechanisms are engaged by pivotal follower assemblies attached to a ball joint which are moveable along the translation axis either by the pivoting action of the suspension control arms or by a motor driven system.

Abstract: Electrobiological stimulation is carried out transcranially by applying high frequency squarewave bursts exhibiting no d.c. term across the cranial region. Such stimulation is commenced employing ramp generators and positive and negative voltage converters which evolve the requisite baseform and burst frequencies having a voltage waveform which is square in nature. Both voltage and current are sensed and subjected to comparator logic in conjunction with predetermined thresholds and windows. Overcurrent detection and overvoltage detection is provided in hard wired fashion to assure rapid shutdown response. D.C offset detection is provided along with waveform balance tests to further assure the safety of the system. Diagnostic procedures as well as therapeutic procedures may be carried out with a system version which provides for the application of a stimulus in conjunction with safety monitoring and controller based development of stimulating waveforms, all of which exhibits no d.c. term.

Abstract: Method and System for dissipating thermal energy from conduction-cooled circuit card assemblies in which thermal energy is directed into proximate heat sink assemblies and additionally is conveyed by heat pipes to one or more remote heat sink assemblies configured for the transfer of thermal energy to a flow of air and located within a chassis at a position remote from the system thermal load.

Abstract: A method of communicating among wireless devices includes providing a frequency hopping schedule to a target device. The frequency hopping schedule includes a sequence of frequencies. The method also includes, at the target device, alternately sleeping and listening on a frequency in the sequence of frequencies according to the frequency hopping schedule, exchanging time base information between the target device and the transmitting device, at the transmitting device, using the time base information to determine a current frequency of the target device, from the transmitting device, and transmitting a packet of information uniquely addressed to the target device.

Abstract: The present invention describes an improved commercial process for the production of carotenoid-cyclodextrin complexes and formulation of the complex for human ingestion. Complexation with cyclodextrins (e.g., ?-cyclodextrin, ?-cyclodextrin, ?-cyclodextrin, or HP-?-cyclodextrin) significantly improves the uptake of carotenoids (e.g., lycopene, lutein, or zeaxanthin) and their mixtures in vitro. The method for making such complexes includes forming a carotenoid/cyclodextrin complex; freezing drying said carotenoid/cyclodextrin complex; and blending said freeze-dried carotenoid/cyclodextrin complex with a mixture of lecithin and a vegetable oil or a vegetable oil suitable for soft gelatin capsules. The cyclodextrin/carotenoid complex can be formed in a molar ratio of between about 0.5:1.0 and 10:1. In vivo, in a human study, the lutein/?-cyclodextrin complex formulated in lecithin-oil or oil showed a better absorption of lutein, as compared to the free lutein-oil formulation.

Abstract: System method and apparatus for accurately carrying out the in situ heating of a targeted tissue. Small implants are employed with the targeted tissue which exhibit an abrupt change of magnetic permeability at an elected Curie temperature. The permeability state of the implant is monitored utilizing a magnetometer. The implants may be formed as a setpoint temperature determining component combined with a non-magnetic heater component to enhance the tissue heating control of the system. With the system, a very accurate quantum of heat energy can be supplied to a neoplastic lesion or tissue carrying infectious disease so as to maximize the induction of heat shock proteins. The system also may be utilized in conjunction with non-magnetic arterially implanted stents for the hyperthermia therapy treatment of restenosis and in conjunction with the mending of boney tissue.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is an adhesive composition formed from two packs. One pack includes an isocyanate-functional prepolymer formed by reacting a polyisocyanate with an alcohol (e.g., polyol). The isocyanate equivalents from the polyisocyanate exceed the hydroxyl equivalents from the alcohol. The second pack is an aqueous polymer emulsion. These two packs are combined to form the novel adhesive composition. Another aspect of the invention is a method for joining together two surfaces of wood products by application of an adhesive thereto. The first step in this method is to mist with water the wood product surfaces to be joined. An adhesive composition then is applied to the misted wood product surfaces. Alternatively, the water misting can be replaced with an aqueous emulsion being part of the adhesive composition. Finally, the adhesive composition is cured.

Abstract: A method for concentrating trans-xanthophyll esters from marigold oleoresin, which includes blending the oleoresin with a solvent and a co-solvent of lower alkanols and recovering a precipitate enriched with trans-xanthophyll esters at a temperature of above 22° C. The recovery of the trans-xanthophyll esters is greater when using the alkanol blend than when using only a lower alkanol from the said blend. The said process is most useful using a lower-grade, commercially available oleoresin, thereby helping small producers, who do not have access to higher-grade oleoresin made through backward integration to marigold cultivation and harvest.

Abstract: System and method for emanating fragrance vapor into a region. Fragrance liquid within a receptacle exhibits a liquid phase-vapor phase interface surface when in a quiescent state. Utilizing sub-pressure generators such as fan driven systems, the pressure above the interface is lowered to promote the escape of vapor molecules for dissemination into the atmosphere. The surface area of the fragrance fluid may be increased through the use of a bubbling technique to derive an effective area permitting a larger vapor molecule escape.

Abstract: A weight lifting power cage for use by a weight lifter includes a frame assembly including a pair of side frames and a rear lateral frame interconnecting the pair of side frames. A carriage is carried by the side frames and is movable simultaneously vertically and front to back. The carriage retains a weight bar mount for retaining a weight bar spanning between each side frame. The weight bar is movable by the carriage vertically and front to back. The movable carriage also carries a pair of vertical weight rack bars. An engagement mechanism enables the weight lifter to rack the weight bar from a weight lifting position without stepping forward or backward.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for determining a fluid level. The system comprises a sensing rod assembly comprised of releasably connectable rod segments. Each rod segment carries a processor and a plurality of inductors. Each inductor generates a position signal responsive to a float signal. A float assembly comprises a housing containing a circuit having an integrally formed coil periodically energizable by a processor to emit the float signal. A control assembly receives the generated position signals and determines the fluid level. The method comprises providing releasably connectable rod segments with inductors that generate a position signal responsive to a float signal, determining a sensing rod assembly length, forming the sensing rod assembly, disposing it within a container, providing a float assembly periodically actuated to generate a float signal, generating position signals responsive to the float signal and analyzing those signals to determine the fluid level.