Abstract: The present invention comprises an affixment system for securing wheel cladding to a vehicle wheel, with the wheel including a hub and a plurality of radial spokes extending between the hub and a wheel rim. Each wheel spoke includes at least one aperture for seating a mushroom head expansion clip mounted to the inner face of corresponding spokes of the wheel cladding.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes at least one fixed location monitoring station, a remote central station and a communications link interconnecting the monitoring station with the remote central station. The monitoring station includes a processor coupled to an input device for retrieving subject identification definition data and subject location definition data. The processor also retrieves physiological parameter sampling data from the subject and determines whether the physiological parameter sampling data lies within boundary limits of the identification definition data and also determines whether the location of the monitoring station lies within boundary limits of the location definition data. In the event the sampling data and the fixed location are within boundary limits, the processor may actuate an access control to permit the subject to enter or exit a controlled premises.

Abstract: The Harmony Hat is a musical instrument which greatly improves the portability of an electronic musical instrument by: (1) integrating the keyboard surfaces into the visor of a hat; and (2) deploying a portable battery supply so as to eliminate any need for alternating current supplies or AC wall sockets. Additionally, the Harmony Hat integrates all the electronic components of an electronic organ or synthesizer into a portable and wearable hat so that a musician can use the hat to experiment with musical notes in any environment, such as while traveling in a car or plane, and even while jogging or walking. The Harmony Hat includes additional electronic controls to adjust the octaves of musical notes available on the keyboard.

Abstract: A releasable coupling assembly for securing a wristband to a watchcase. A pair of lug members extending from a top and a bottom sidewall of the watchcase provides respective alignment slots. The respective ends of a flexible wristband include a rigid connector member and guide pins registrable with the alignment slots. The sidewall has a notched surface adapted for engaging a complementary raised surface of the connector member to securely position the wristband with respect to the watchcase. A locking pin is selectively insertable through an aperture in one of said lug members and threadably connected to the other of said lug members to form an integral connection with the watchcase.

Abstract: A method for determining the condition assessment and residual life span of bridge cables based on a parametric statistical model. The method includes random sampling of individual cable wires, mechanically testing the sampled wires, determining the probability of broken and cracked wires and the ultimate strength of cracked wires using fracture toughness and imputing the above data to simulate stress-strain curves for each wire in the cable, applying strain increments until reaching ultimate elongation. Assessing remaining service life of the cable by determining the rate of change of broken wires detected over a time frame, measuring the rate of change of fracture toughness over said time frame, and applying the rates of change to a time-dependent degradation prediction model.

Abstract: A target nerve or nerve plexus registration point is located utilizing a nerve stimulator needle positioned in a bore of a carrier. The carrier is configured with an electrically nonconductive smooth curved surface at a distal end of the bore. The needle tip is fixed in an operative cutaneous electrode position and the smooth curved surface of the carrier is forced against and compresses the epidermis, corium and subcutaneous tissue and traverses cutaneous surfaces to locate a target nerve or nerve plexus without physical penetration by the needle tip. The needle is then inserted at the located point, with or without the needle path being guided by the bore. In another embodiment, a subcutaneous portion of carrier is introduced and is pivoted about its introduction point to locate the target nerve.