Abstract: A collapsible footrest for universal use with similarly collapsible outdoor chairs comprising a fabric footrest panel supported vertically by a first pair of crossed support members and supported horizontally in relation to a chair by a second pair of crossed support members affixed to the chair at its base. The ends of the second crossed support members are joined by bi-directional couplings and hinged couplings that allow the footrest to fold into and collapse with the associated chair for storage while also limiting the motion of the footrest during use such that the foot rest panel is optimally positioned in an upright position to comfortably support a seated user's legs.

Abstract: An assembly for controlling a vehicle, including a fluid contact surface constructed and arranged to act against a fluid passing over the fluid contact surface; and a support structure coupled to the fluid contact surface. The support structure is constructed and arranged to expand or contract between a first position and a second position, such that a first dimension of the support structure changes during movement of the support structure between the first position and the second position, while a second dimension of the support structure remains substantially constant during the movement of the support structure between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A method for making a hydraulically applied mulch using a natural biofiber material preferably comprising of 100% cotton byproduct or a mixture of cotton byproducts and other biomaterials selected such as, hay, grass, kenaf, straw, coconut, bamboo, hemp, bagasse and plant residue (cereal grains, rice, soybeans, grass seed, wood, sawdust, wood pulp, paper, or mixtures thereof). These fibers bear a natural waxy coating. The method includes the optional step of introducing the shredded biofiber composition into a first steaming chamber to stem the biofiber composition, followed by shredding the biofiber composition, and then introducing the shredded biofiber composition into a second steaming chamber to steam, break down and create porosity in the waxy coating of the fibers causing the fibers to become more hydrophilic. The biofibers are steamed followed by drying causing them to curl or physically deform.

Abstract: A voting booth that is easily transported between a polling-facility and a storage facility, easy to set up, and efficiently stored with other voting booths when not in use. The voting booth comprises an inclined private semi-enclosure and a leg assembly in a nesting configuration. The leg assembly optionally includes a plurality of casters. The voting booth components are configured to allow modular grouping and nesting with voting booths of like construction. The voting booth is light-weight and has a high degree of mobility. The nesting ability provides for efficient storage by minimizing the space needed to store multiple voting booths.

Abstract: A fluid contact surface actuation system for a vehicle, including a first fluid contact surface constructed and arranged to act against a first fluid passing over the first fluid contact surface; and a first fluid actuator coupled to the first fluid contact surface to move the first fluid contact surface between a first position and a second position to enable control of the vehicle in a predetermined manner, the first fluid actuator having a first resilient bladder that receives a second fluid such that pressure of the second fluid moves the first bladder between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Consensus testing of electronic system. A tester (112) for testing an electronic system (100) includes: a traffic interface (114) to receive traffic (102) from a test of an electronic system (100); an element comparator (118) to extract a value from an element of the traffic (102) and to compare the extracted element value with an element value (110) obtained from another test of another electronic system (104, 106, 108); and a test result generator (122) to generate consensus information (124) on the interoperability of the electronic system (100), based on comparing (120) the extracted element values of the electronic system (100) with the element values obtained from the other test of the other electronic system (104, 106, 108).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a di-(4-vinylpyridine) metal phthalocyanine compound in which 4-vinylpyridines as ligands are included in a phthalocyanine having a metal, a composition comprising the same and a preparation method thereof. The di-(4-vinylpyridine) metal phthalocyanine compound has an excellent UV blocking effect together with low surface resistance and is prepared but by charging a powder phase with nitrogen, not by dissolving raw materials in an organic solvent as in the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for providing businesses with comprehensive gas book management capabilities, inclusive of a process for authorizing and tracking gas book expenditures, as well as software for accounting, reconciling and reporting. An overseer runs the software and enters pertinent Request data into a database. The software prints two hard copies of the gas Purchase Order each bearing a unique auto-generated Purchase Order number. One copy is given to the requestor, and one is filed. When purchasing gas, the Requestor exchanges their Purchase Order with a receipt for gas. The requestor returns this receipt to the overseer, who enters pertinent Receipt data into the database. This allows the business to periodically reconcile the database against charge statements received from credit card issuers or gas stations, better manage gas usage, and identify fraud, excessive gas spending, and charge mistakes.

Abstract: An ergonomic single-line compact laser bar code scanning system having a compact housing for hand-held disposition at a counter. The scanning system is automatically-activated and includes a bar code symbol reading mechanism contained within a hand-supportable housing having a manually-activatable data transmission switch formed integrally in the housing. During symbol reading operations, the bar code symbol reading mechanism automatically generates a visible laser scanning pattern for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object during a bar code symbol reading cycle, and automatically generating a new symbol character data string in response to each bar code symbol read thereby. During system operation, the user visually aligns the visible laser scanning pattern with a particular bar code symbol on an object (e.g., product, bar code menu, etc.) so that the bar code symbol is detected, scanned, and decoded.

Abstract: A bandpass filter (BPF) configured in 3-D structures for filtering signals of ultra wide bands is disclosed, the BPF comprising sequentially stacked first to fourth dielectric substrates, wherein the first dielectric substrate is formed at a bottom surface thereof with a first ground pattern, the second dielectric substrate is formed at an upper surface thereof with a second ground pattern, and a stripline pattern is formed between the first and second dielectric substrates. The fourth dielectric substrate is formed thereon with a filter pattern and input/output coupled line patterns.

Abstract: A system and method for immobilization of the human breast in a prone position during imaging and radiotherapy. The system includes a vacuum-assisted breast immobilization cup comprising two layers joined together with an air space between. The inner layer has densely perforated holes while the outer layer is airtight. When a negative vacuum is applied to the intermediate airspace the breast tissue is sucked against the mesh wall of the inner layer to preventing sliding. In addition, the cup assembly is locked into a fixed position against the patient torso via a body fixture, as well as against the patient support structure. The established geometric relationship among the cup, chest wall, imaging/treatment table or couch may be accurately repeated. The system further includes a three-dimensional localization system to uniquely place the breast in a coordinate system having fixed geometric relationship with the breast immobilization cup.

Abstract: A injection conversion body with internal injector compartment for converting a normally carbureted internal combustion engine to a fuel injected engine while concealing the fuel delivery system. The original engine carburetor is removed. The plenum assembly is mated to the original engine intake manifold and a suitable throttle body is mated to the intake apertures which are oriented to permit installation without modification to the vehicle body work or relocation of other engine components. Air drawn through the throttle body is mixed with fuel from fuel injectors inside the plenum as it is directed to and exits the fuel air exhaust opening and enters the engine intake manifold. Interchangeable restriction plates are provided for insertion into the plenum fuel air exhaust opening to tune the fuel/air mixing characteristics to match the needs of the engine with which it is mated. Fuel is delivered to the fuel injectors through an internal, concealed fuel rail and fuel lines.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for producing ozone by electrolysis of water. The apparatus comprises a pair of frames facing each other, and an anode and a cathode oppositely arranged between the two pieces of frames. Between the anode and the cathode is provided a solid polymer electrolyte membrane for transferring hydrogen ions formed during electrolysis. In addition, an auxiliary electrode is provided between the cathode and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane such that a scale can be formed on the surface of the auxiliary electrode. A spacer 60 is inserted between the anode and the cathode. Tap water as well as pure water and cation-exchanged water can be used as a raw material water to produce high-concentration ozone water. A uniformity of pressure between the electrodes and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane can be achieved, thereby providing for a stable operation.

Abstract: A lighting system for delivering a dynamic, fully customized, and automatic illumination to a subject. The lighting system comprises a programmable light unit for emitting a programmed pattern and spectra of illumination, a sensor pod comprising an array of sensors for detecting ambient lighting conditions and subject characteristics, a control unit for allowing a user to program the lighting system, and a processing unit for analyzing data from the sensor pod and control unit to construct an optimal lighting profile in accordance therewith. The lighting system generates light in accordance with the lighting profile which is fully optimized in spectrum, intensity, color, contrast, temperature, angle, and focus for any given environment, subject and task.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for on-line coal flow control in vertical spindle mills comprising a plurality of independently adjustable flow control elements and positioning rods that adjust the positioning of those flow control elements. Each flow control element is positioned within the discharge turret of the vertical spindle mill along the outer wall of the discharge turret proximate the entrance to its corresponding coal outlet pipe. The adjustable rods are seated on the side of the discharge turret of the coal pulverizer and are connected to the flow control element horizontally. The flow control elements can be independently rotated by +/?90 degrees about the positioning rod axis, and can also be moved back and forth in the horizontal plane. Therefore, each flow control element has two degrees-of-freedom: rotational and linear displacements. The apparatus improves boiler performance by making it possible to operate the boiler with reduced pollutant levels (e.g. NOx, CO) and increased combustion efficiency.

Abstract: Paintball targets including a battleship having an array of smaller targets pivotally mounted on a base that is shaped to resemble the shape of a ship's hull. The smaller targets are designed to swing back on a hinge to display an image of fire and destruction, upon the impact of a paintball projectile on the target's face, thus visually providing the user with the satisfaction of knowing that he/she has destroyed the intended target. A vortex drive track is also disclosed having multiple spinning targets each carried on a corresponding cord that is suspended at a slight angle. When a target is hit by a paintball projectile it spins on its cord. This vertical rotation, along with the downward slope of the cord, and the assistance of gravity will force the target to progress down the cord.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bottle holding apparatus comprising two, short, cylindrical sections, two or more struts fixedly connected between the two cylindrical sections, and a handle and support rib fixedly attached to two of the struts. The bottle holding apparatus of the present invention provides a means for any user to reliably grasp any large, “handle-less” bottle, without causing any inappropriate deformation of the plastic, while dispensing its contents. The present invention's design is simple and scalable, and can be economically manufactured and sold.

Abstract: An ultrasonic field-portable system for accurately measuring hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin concentration (HGB) in small food samples. The system includes an analyzer (10) that allows extremely accurate measurements of blood hematocrit from only one or two drops of +>>d collected in a disposable sampling device (12) that is then inserted into the analyzer (10). The system is compact enough to package into a point of care device, making it a point of care device with accuracy comparable to larger CBC lab equipment.