Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for accurately calculating the spatial-temporal effects of a variety of environmental conditions on animal individual, population and community dynamics, given the animal's temperature-dependent behaviors, morphology and physiology, by running integrated microclimate and animal models to calculate the discretionary energy and water available to the animal and its activity time. The methodology requires relatively few, easily measured data to perform the calculations. The microclimate model translates a set of climate and other environmental conditions into a set of microclimate conditions experienced by an animal, given a set of the animal's characteristics. The animal model uses the microclimate conditions data and the set of animal characteristics data to solve for several animal conditions. Further calculations and several display options are available to a user, including spatial-temporal analyses.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical system and method for providing power to a truck's cab while the truck's engine is turned off. An already available primary power supply of the truck and a secondary power supply generally located on a trailer being hauled by the truck, are used to charge auxiliary power storage units. The secondary power supply is further used to maintain charge of the auxiliary power storage units while the truck's engine is off. The system may provide power to electrical devices within the truck as DC, or as AC by means of an inverter. The system may further include thermostatic controls to protect the secondary power supply when high-voltage electrical devices such as space heaters are being used. Separate operating circuits are employed that include switching means to enable an operator to, or to automatically, control operation of the system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sample holder that generates an intense magnetic field for inducing a signal proportional to the magnetic field in a molecular sample while enabling the simultaneous exposure of the sample to one or more measurement light beams. The body of the sample holder consists of a permanent magnet means for producing the intense magnetic field at a strength sufficient to induce the signal. The holder fits in the palm of a user's hand and enables manual manipulation of the holder by the user. A sample chamber and a beam channel are present in the sample holder. Versions of the holder are disclosed which orient the magnetic lines of flux parallel or perpendicular to the sample so as to induce MCD or MLD signals, respectively.

Abstract: A dual-function exercise device includes lower body exercise device, a frame, and a movable handle assembly. The movable handle assembly includes two independent pulling devices and a rotary shaft journalled on the frame. Each pulling device includes a pulley disposed rotatably on the frame, a pull cord wound on the pulley, a handgrip fastened to an end of the cord and movable to unwind the cord from the pulley, and a biasing unit for biasing the cord to wind around the pulley when the cord is pulled and is subsequently released.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stamp for forming a tactile-detectable warning surface in moldable concrete or asphalt and method for employing same. The stamp consists of a mold member having truncated dome shaped indentations distributed therein in a warning pattern, each indentation optionally having an air hole located centrally therein, and, form rails distributed between indentations on the lower surface of the mold member and projecting downward there from, so as to force an even and consistent distribution of the moldable material into the indentations when the form rails are worked downward into the surface of the moldable material to form truncated domes. The stamp may further comprise one or more handles and upper rails distributed on the upper surface of the mold member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for enabling the slow and direct measurement of fluorescence polarization using a liquid crystal variable retardance modulator. A polarization module comprises in combination a sample holder for holding a sample; an input polarizer located intermediate the sample holder and a light source emitting an excitation light beam, the input polarizer being fixed in position and intersecting the excitation light beam prior to its entry into the sample; a modulator means located intermediate the sample and an output polarizer and intersecting a fluorescence emission beam exiting the sample, the modulator means comprising a liquid crystal retardance modulator operating at an arbitrarily slow speed; and, the output polarizer located intermediate the modulator and a detector, the output polarizer being fixed in position intermediate the modulator and the detector, and intersecting the fluorescence emission beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separately boring precisely aligned opposing screw holes in individual frame members to be matingly joined at a miter joint. The apparatus comprises a first boring means for boring a first screw hole in the first frame member, a second boring means for boring a pilot screw hole in the second frame member, a carriage assembly on which the boring means are mounted and positioned relative to the miter-cut ends of the frame so that the separately bored first and pilot screw holes share a common centerline; and, a positioning means for supporting and precisely positioning the miter-cut end of the frame member in a repetitively consistent location to ensure that the first and pilot screw holes are identically located and aligned on each of the bored first and second frame members.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for marking an angles relative to a baseline, the apparatus comprising two elongate arms, one arm having a length greater than that of the other, the arms being pivotally joined at one end by a connecting means having an aperture and anchoring means attached to the other ends for anchoring the arms to a first marker at one end of the baseline and a second marker marking the other end of the baseline to a specified length. The baseline length determines the size of the angles given the constant lengths of the first and second arms. The method may be employed by a single unskilled user to mark angles of any size greater than 0 and less than 180 degrees. The apparatus may be sized and proportioned for use on projects of widely varying scales.

Abstract: A reversible display frame combination that may be pivotably mounted on a wall so as to enable its rotation while mounted to enable a user to selectively show the display item(s) contained therein from either side without a change in appearance of the combination, and method for employing same is disclosed. The display frame combination comprises a reversible display frame and a suspension device. The reversible display frame comprises generally a frame member and one or more suspension rings attached to the frame member. In one version, the suspension rings are retractable. The suspension device enables rotation at a wall assembly by means of a pivotally coupled upper and lower loop member.

Abstract: A utility vest enabling attachment of an at least one tool pouch having a generic tool belt type attachment means and method for employing same is disclosed. The utility vest comprises a vest portion having a back and two front side portions defining two armholes, a neck opening and a reinforced bottom edge along which are spaced a plurality of apertures and, one or more adapter portions comprising a rectangular staking plate on which are mounted two or more attachment means for securing the adapter portions to the reinforced bottom edge of the vest portion by inserting the attachment means into the apertures at a location selected by a user. The staking plate is sized in width to enable a tool pouch having a generic tool belt type attachment means to be fitted thereon prior to attachment of the adapter portion to the vest portion. Tool belt type tool pouches may be thereby attached to the vest at locations to distribute their weight properly so as to minimize strain to the user.

Abstract: A method and system for testing the speech intelligibility of a child comprises providing a set of target sounds as words in the presence and absence of competing sound(s) of a variety of types so as to enable an analysis of the aspects of competing sounds and their respective effects on the speech intelligibility of a child. Locations at which competing sound(s) is provided is varied to enable an evaluation of its effect on the spatial release from masking. The target words used in the test are first determined to be within the vocabulary of the child. The child is required to respond to the target word by selecting a picture representation of the target word from among several picture choices, thus providing an interactive aspect to the test. There may optionally be provided a positive or a negative reinforcement. The sound level at which the target words are presented may vary adaptively according to the child's responses, the change in sound level being determined by a set of rules.

Abstract: A compost bin fitted with closure devices to allow it to be readily opened to expose the compost pile for turning, amendment and movement to a new site. Commonly available closure devices are modified and put to a new use wherein they affect the easy opening and closure of the sidewall of compost bins. This new easily opening compost bin eliminates the need to remove compost from a bin for turning. Instead the bin is removed from around the compost. Once exposed the compost pile is readily and more easily accessible to turning and amending from all sides. No heavy lifting is required in order to move, rotate or empty a compost-filled bin. Both permanent attachment of the closure devices and removable attachment are possible. Removable attachment allows the easy construction of a compost bin from hardware mesh and other mesh materials. Design elements of the solid-walled version optimize aeration of the compost without turning.

Abstract: The present invention is an educational word game and method of playing same that may be provided in single or bi-lingual versions and that challenges players to form as many new words from a set of at least two base words as possible within a limited amount of time. The word game requires that the players define a set of rules for each game prior to play and by the random selection of round prize amounts and the letter length of the at least two base words, and thus the number and type of letters players may use to form new words. Base word letter length and prize amounts are determined by spinning a pointer on the board. Players fill in a game rules sheet. By requiring that two or more base words be used, the number, length, and sophistication of words a player may potentially make is greatly expanded.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling events taking place at a facility participating in a power control program prior to a transfer of electrical power supply by the open transition transfer method. Neither notification nor time delays are currently available to facilities participating in power control programs of this sort. The apparatus is a controller that provides notification to the facility that the load-shedding event is about to occur by a system of alarms, and enables it to provide a time delay during which it may prepare for the transfer between its primary power source and its secondary power source. Such preparation may include the testing of its secondary power source located on site of the facility, usually a generator, and allows time during which it may be repaired if need be.