Abstract: An RV roof frame and cover system protects an RV during storage. The system comprises a roof frame and a cover. The frame has a ridge pole member having two sets of rafter members extending downwardly therefrom. The rafter members are attached at their lower ends to one of two horizontal members which can be moved towards and apart from one another to adjust the width of the frame. The rafter members are rotatably attached to both the ridge pole member and the lower horizontal member. The horizontal members are tied to one another by tie beam members which have an adjustable length to accommodate the movement of the horizontal members towards and away from one another. The tie beam members may be provided on legs which extend downwardly from the horizontal members.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improving the resolution and quality of an image formed by signals from an array of receivers. Multiple receivers introduce variations in arrival times that can be less than the period of an operating signal, and also less than the period associated with a sampling operation. Thus, multiple receivers allow sampling of fine features of reflected signals that would be considered beyond the resolution associated with the operating signal. Use of multiple receivers also provides an effective sampling rate that is greater than the sampling rate of an individual receiver. Similar advantages can be obtained using multiple transmitters. Such advantageous features can be used to obtain high resolution images of objects in a medium in applications such as ultrasound imaging. Sub-Nyquist sampling is discussed. Accounting for the effects of refraction on pathlengths as a signal passes between two regions of different sound speed allows improved calculation of focus distances.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improving the resolution and quality of an image formed by signals from an array of receivers. Multiple receivers introduce variations in arrival times that can be less than the period of an operating signal, and also less than the period associated with a sampling operation. Thus, multiple receivers allow sampling of fine features of reflected signals that would be considered beyond the resolution associated with the operating signal. Use of multiple receivers also provides an effective sampling rate that is greater than the sampling rate of an individual receiver. Similar advantages can be obtained using multiple transmitters. Such advantageous features can be used to obtain high resolution images of objects in a medium in applications such as ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high fat to protein ratio egg yolk product and a method of preparing same. More particularly, the invention pertains to a dried high fat to protein ratio egg yolk product which substantially maintains the functional characteristics of whole egg yolk, is convenient to use, and has a long shelf life. The present invention also relates to a method of utilizing such a high fat to protein ratio product in making egg containing bakery products, mayonnaise and other food products. A process for preparing a dried high fat to protein ratio egg yolk which comprises: (a) separating an egg yolk from a whole egg; (b) concentrating the fat to protein ratio of the egg yolk so that the ratio is greater than 2.0:1, and (c) drying the concentrated egg yolk.

Abstract: A method of leaching copper from copper sulphide-containing concentrates, such as chalcopyrite, includes using pyrite as a catalyst for ferric reduction in order to eliminate passivation of the chalcopyrite surface, the process being carried out under conditions whereby the pyrite is not materially oxidized, for example by maintaining the operating solution potential at a suitable level. The leaching is carried out in an acidic sulphate medium and may include oxidation by oxygen-containing gas. The leached copper is then recovered, for example by solvent extraction and electrowinning. The leaching process can result in the virtually complete extraction of copper at atmospheric pressure in as little as four hours.

Abstract: In one of its aspects, the invention provides a cover for a body of water, the cover comprising one or more tiles. Each tile comprises a generally flattened tile body floatable atop the body of water to cover a surface area thereof. The tile body defines an enclosure wherein at least a portion of the tile body that defines the enclosure is deformable. Each tile also comprises a ballast having a density greater than water and a port for conveying a fluid having a density less than water into and out of the enclosure. Upon conveying the fluid into the enclosure via the port, the portion of the tile body deformably expands to increase a volume of the enclosure and increase a buoyancy of the tile and, upon conveying the fluid out of the enclosure via the port, the portion of the tile body deformably contracts to decrease the volume of the enclosure and decrease the buoyancy of the tile.

Abstract: A suspension for a tracked vehicle includes a bogie wheel assembly which has a pair of bogie wheels mounted to a walking beam. The walking beam is coupled to a body of the vehicle by a transversely-extending arm. The arm may be coupled to the body by a spherical bearing which permits angular rotation in at least two directions. The walking beam is connected to the body by shear members arranged in an inverted-V configuration. The shear members may be elastomeric springs.

Abstract: An abdominal mat has a raised section which may be positioned to support the lumbar region of the user's back. At least one sensor is associated with the raised section for producing a signal in response to force applied to the raised section by the user. A feedback device is coupled to the sensor for providing feedback to the user based on the force applied to the raised section. A user may use the device to test the strength of his or her abdominal muscles, and/or to monitor the force applied to the raised section of the mat when the user is exercising his or her abdominal muscles. The raised section may comprise an inflatable bladder connected to be automatically inflated and deflated by an electronic pump to accommodate different body types, therefore establishing a consistent starting point.

Abstract: A framing system for use in a building structure includes a track having a longitudinally-extending web and a pair of spaced apart legs which extend from the web to form a channel between the web and the legs. One or more longitudinally-extending studs are coupleable to the legs of the track. Each leg of the track comprises a deformable portion, the deformation of which is accompanied by movement of the one or more studs toward or away from the web.

Abstract: Fiber distribution characteristics such as the bulk average orientation of fibers in composite fibrous materials can be evaluated based on the variation in the speed with which polarized electromagnetic signals propagate through the material as a function of angle. The electromagnetic radiation may comprise terahertz radiation. The composite fibrous materials may be wood-containing materials such as oriented strand board or particle board.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improving the resolution and quality of an image formed by signals from an array of receivers. Multiple receivers introduce variations in arrival times that can be less than the period of an operating signal, and also less than the period associated with a sampling operation. Thus, multiple receivers allow sampling of fine features of reflected signals that would be considered beyond the resolution associated with the operating signal. Use of multiple receivers also provides an effective sampling rate that is greater than the sampling rate of an individual receiver. Similar advantages can be obtained using multiple transmitters. Such advantageous features can be used to obtain high resolution images of objects in a medium in applications such as ultrasound imaging. Sub-Nyquist sampling is discussed.

Abstract: A system for mounting a prefabricated construction unit in an aperture in a building structure comprises a plurality of clips. The clips have exterior ends adapted to be affixed to a frame of the construction unit and interior ends adapted to be affixed to the building structure. The exterior ends may be bent to provide deep grooves which receive a flange of the construction unit. The clips permit a construction unit to be installed without the need for a worker to insert fasteners through the flange from outside the building structure.

Abstract: A telescopic tube includes an upper section tube and a lower section tube that are provided coaxially with each other. A plurality of connecting rods is provided between the upper and lower section tubes in parallel to the axis of the tube. Via the connecting rods, the upper section tube or the lower section tube can slide telescopically in the axial direction of the tube, thereby extending or retracting the tube.

Abstract: A pneumatic retractable syringe has a plunger having an interior retraction lumen. The plunger and syringe barrel have cooperating locking elements so that the plunger is locked after use within the syringe barrel. After injection of medicament is completed, the needle is retracted into the lumen by compressed gas that is released from a gas cell within the syringe when the gas cell is ruptured just before the plunger reaches the end of its downstream path of travel.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel paint brush with a removable bristle pack and a cantilevered bristle clamping panel. The paint brush provides ready cleaning after use by depressing one end of the cantilevered bristle clamping panel to release the bristle pack in order to rinse all of the bristles in a cleaning solution. A paintbrush comprising: (a) a paintbrush body and handle, the body having formed therein a cavity open on one side for receiving a bundle of parallel bristles and a bristle holder; (b) a bristle holder holding a bundle of parallel bristles, the holder fitting into the cavity; and (c) a panel mounted in cantilever manner over the cavity, the panel at a first end gripping the bristle holder and bristles when in a first position and when in a second position releasing the bristle holder and bristles.

Abstract: A foot, toe, and ankle exercise device provides variable resistance to movements in multiple directions. The device comprises a flexible forefoot support to allow for full toe and foot range of motion. The forefoot support includes a raised surface under the toes used to help align anatomical landmarks to delineate the resistance for the toes from that of the foot/ankle. Resistance may be provided by elastic banding or tubing that is mounted on an octagonal frame. Tensioners are provided to adjust the magnitude of the resistance. A height adjustable heel cup is mounted on a horizontal track to adjust the apparatus for use by different users with different size feet. A vertical track is provided to raise or lower the forefoot support and system of elastic banding or tubing so that full range movements are possible. In another version of the invention, inelastic banding along with weights is used to provide resistance.

Abstract: This application relates to the production and characterization of a mutant strain of Aspergillus fumigatus. The application also relates to a method for inhibiting siderophore biosynthesis in Aspergillus fumigatus and an assay for identifying drug candidates or other agents having potential inhibitory activity. The method may comprise, for example, the step of inhibiting an enzyme catalyzing siderophore biosynthesis, such as L-ornithine N5-oxygenase. In one embodiment the siderophore is a hydroxamate siderophore, such as N?N?N??-triacetylfusarinine C (TAF) or ferricrocin. A method of preventing or treating fungal infections in a patient is also described comprising administering to the patient an agent suitable for inhibiting fungal secretion of siderophores. The method is particularly useful for immunocompromised patients susceptible to fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, such as pulmonary aspergillosis.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a chair attachment assembly adapted for attachment to a chair at a location under a seat of the chair and configured to extend outwardly therefrom. A pair of leg supports are pivotally coupled at first ends thereof to a pivot point on the chair attachment assembly. Each leg support is independently moveable between a contracted position and an extended position. A leg holder is coupled to each leg support near a second end thereof. A resistance element is pivotally coupled between each leg support and the chair attachment assembly. Each resistance element is configured to provide resistance against both outward movement of the associated leg support from the contracted position to the extended position and inward movement of the associated leg support from the extended position to the contracted position.