Abstract: Apparatus, system, method and computer-readable media for organizing a listing of key pairs to increase the likelihood that key pairs more likely to satisfy database queries will be examined in the course of the query execution before key pairs that are less likely to satisfy a database query.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to fabricate nano-device and semiconductor device structures and features by controlling a coherent or near coherent particle beam to directly deposit, or direct write, onto a preselected deposition site of a substrate and into a predetermined shape is provided. Evanescent wave plates are optionally included to increase the order of the particle beam prior to interaction with a photonic lens. The photonic lens is holographically generated by means of a source laser and an optical lens to focus the atomic beam onto the deposition site by means of Lorenz force interaction between light fields of the photonic lens and dipole moments of the atoms of the atomic beam.

Abstract: A helmet backpack is provided to carry a helmet. A helmet enclosure combined with strapping form the helmet backpack. A helmet is inserted through an opening of the enclosure and secured with a zipper assembly, buttons and buttonholes, hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO strips, a drawstring assembly and/or other closure. The strapping is used by a wearer to position and hold the enclosure on his or her back. The strapping may be adjustable in length for greater user comfort. Detachable straps are also allowed for, whereby the helmet backpack strap or straps may be removed or strapped in typical backpack style or worn across the wearer's chest in a bandoleer style. Certain models include pouches which may be located either internal or external to the helmet or to the enclosure. Padding is utilized to increase protection to the helmet and to reduce discomfort to the user.

Abstract: A hole plug and method of installing the hole plug to seal and repair a hole in a wall of a pipeline, tank or other physical structure is provided. The hole plug has a bolt with a bolt head and a threaded shank, where two or more adjacent notched washers, one or more sealing washers and an exterior washer are secured about the threaded shank and between the bolt head and a threaded nut. The present invention includes an internal sealing washer and/or an external sealing washer. The sealing washers and the exterior washer are selected to provide a surface area larger than the hole. The hole is prepared by establishing a solid, clean edge. The bolt head, a length of the threaded shank, the notched washers and an optional internal sealing washer, are passed from the exterior side of the wall and through the hole. Insertion of the notched washers is accomplished by tipping the washers at an angle to the wall and rotating the washer through the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to efficiently clean a mat or a screen. The screen or mat is placed on or within a frame and within an enclosure; large volumes of pressurized water and/or cleaning solvent are simultaneously directed towards one or more sides of the screen or mat. Temperature sensors in combination with a heating element and ph detectors are controlled by a pre-programmed system controller to insure that the temperature of the water is maintained within a specified range and that the water recycled within the apparatus is within an acceptable limit of contamination. A preferred design of the apparatus includes a mobile frame that is moved to the initial location of the mat and then returned to the enclosure while bearing the mat. The mobile frame reduces a risk of injury to cleaning personnel. A truck may be configured to carry one or more apparatus from site to site to allow customer based site cleaning opportunities.

Abstract: A gun sight mount is provided that enables the accurate and secure positioning of an optical sighting device onto a weapon or other equipment. The mount includes a base and a front and rear ring assemblies. The base is attached at at least two points to the weapon or equipment. The separate front and rear ring assemblies capture the weapon or equipment. The ring assemblies are secured to the base, whereby a secure mounting is acheived.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the alleviation of an undesirable fluid accumulation in a body area of a patient is provided. The apparatus, or static reaction system has enclosure containing a multiplicity of particles that are pressed against the body area. The shape of the enclosure and the physical qualities of the particles affect the suitability of specific versions of the invention to particular conditions and body areas. Pockets are included in some versions of the enclosure to capture and isolate subsets of the multiplicity of particles. An optional directional flow pattern feature is established by the orientation, sizes and shapes of the optional pockets and thereby affects the rate at which the fluid accumulation is reduced. Lightweight and flexible materials are used to manufacture various comfortable, transportable and storable models of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hair removal are provided. A hand held, manually operated depilatory device removes hairs located along a length of a linear axis. A string-like, elongate element is positioned within a frame and may be removed for cleaning or replacement. Hair is engaged with and captured by a moving twisted engagement of an elongate, string-like element and pulled away and removed from the skin of a subject. The elongate element is removable and replaceable which improves hygienic maintenance and performance adjustment of the apparatus. The length of the twisted engagement and the number of its twists are adjustable by a user.

Abstract: An inspection tool for verifying the relative planarity of a flat surface or for verifying whether a first planar surface is parallel to a second planar surface is described. The tool includes a dial indicator on the end of a flexible support arm which is rotatably mounted on a base with a planar bottom surface. The flexible support arm permits the dial indicator to be positioned in contact with the planar bottom surface of the base and the axis of rotation is adjustable with respect to the planar bottom surface which allows the device to be self-calibrating. One application of the device is verifying whether the ring carrier or probe card of a wafer prober is parallel with the wafer probe chuck. The planar bottom surface of the base is placed on the wafer probe chuck and the support arm is rotated with the dial indicator in contact with the ring carrier or the probe card. Any deviation in the dial indicator reading indicates that the surfaces are not parallel.

Abstract: A multi-position door security system that provides a primary locked position keeping a closed door secure and also providing varying degrees of secure openings to allow a user to see outside or accept envelopes and packages through an opening. The invention is formed of a cable and a locking bracket which is attached to the frame of the house. The cable is looped and secured around a door knob and is then passed through one or two keyway openings in the locking bracket. One or more locking fitting are rigidly attached to the cable. The locking fittings are sized such that they do not fit through the openings of the locking bracket. This allows the user to choose how far the door will open by choosing which of the locking fittings engage the locking bracket. The invention also allows for easy disengagement by the user in case of fire or emergency. Because of the design and materials used in construction, the invention is secure, economical and easy to install.

Abstract: Disclosed are means and method to implement a portable and fully functional audio data recording and processing system. Voice data is received, converted to digital representations, compressed and stored in solid state memories. Predefined and user defined data categories are established to enable the operator to efficiently organize data recording and retrieval actions. Data transmission means are provided, and transcription from spoken word to textual information is supported. The use of the present invention as a documentation instrument is described. The integration of the invention with a Charge Coupled Device for recording visual information is presented.

Abstract: An intrusion detection device that can be used singly or in multiplicity to immediately and silently alert the user of attempts to climb over a security fencing system. The invention consists of a base element which attaches to the security fencing, and an alarming arm. The alarming arm is equipped with barrier material, such as concertina wire or barbed wire. The alarming arm is connected to the base element both at a pivot point and through a tensioning means. Attempts to climb over the barrier material result in additional loading of the alarming arm which rotates transversely about the pivot point, and against the force of the tensioning means. This rotational displacement of the alarming arm enables an electrical sensing device which then signals that an intrusion is in progress.