Abstract: A footboard desk designed to extend over the foot of a bed to provide for an efficient use of space while maintaining the aesthetically pleasing aspects of a room's décor.

Abstract: A device and method for collecting subject responses, particularly during magnetic imaging experiments and testing using a method such as functional MRI. The device comprises a non-metallic input device which is coupled via fiber optic cables to a computer or other data collection device. One or more optical switches transmit the subject's responses. The input device keeps the subject's fingers comfortably aligned with the switches by partially immobilizing the forearm, wrist, and/or hand of the subject. Also a robust nonmetallic switch, particularly for use with the input device.

Abstract: A method for erecting structures composed of rammed-earth. A method of rammed-earth building construction is disclosed wherein walls are post-tensioned to enhance the ability of the wall to receive lateral loading without failing in tension. Post-tensioning rods are anchored to a concrete footing, and temporary forms erected alongside the footing. A protective sleeve is disposed around each post-tensioning rod. An earthen mixture is placed between the forms and around the sleeves, and rammed by compaction in a series of stacked courses. When the rammed-earth wall has obtained the desired height, it is topped with a concrete bond beam through which the post-tensioning rods extend. Using the bond beam as a brace against which a retaining plate may push, retaining plates are disposed upon the bond beam and around the threaded upper ends of each rod. A nut is threaded upon each rod and tightened against the retaining plate to draw the rod into tension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically thinning crops, particularly those planted in rows. One or more crop thinning units are connected to the back of a tractor or other vehicle. Each of the units has the ability to sense plants and activate an arm which has a blade disposed thereon. An electronic control system enables data from several sensors to be evaluated such that plants may be selectively removed based on pre-established criteria. Sensors differentiate between weeds and plants, and maintain the cutting units above the crop rows.

Abstract: An explosive and method of making comprising one or more fullerene compounds. The fullerenes may be buckyballs, carbon nanotubes, or buckypaper.

Abstract: A method of drilling a bore hole into a stratum, wherein via the drill hole drilling fluid is introduced and fed to the drill head. In order to avoid dilution or leak-off of the drilling fluid the same is in accordance with the invention a magnetorheological drilling fluid, and when an undesirable pressure difference occurs between the drilling fluid at the height of the drill head and a fluid present in the stratum surrounding the drill head, a magnetic field is applied. The inventions also provide a permanent solution.

Abstract: A revolving door comprising an at least partly cylindrical shell wall, which has an entrance and an exit, and two rotating door leaves, which during normal operation are in place extended in the opposite direction of each other inside the shell wall. Between the shell wall and an end of at least one door leaf, which end can move near and along the shell wall, a sliding door is provided, which is suitable for closing off the entrance or exit, respectively, and during normal operation the end of the door leaf is constantly positioned near the sliding door and between its lateral edges.

Abstract: A kinetic pump and method of pumping a liquid comprising providing an acceleration tube for the acceleration of a liquid contained therein by an introduced high-pressure vapor or gas, receiving the liquid from the acceleration tube with a compressed-air surge tank, admitting the liquid from the acceleration tube into the compressed-air surge tank via a check valve, draining the liquid from the compressed-air surge tank from an outlet, and adding additional liquid to the acceleration tube via an inlet, wherein during each first half cycle of the method, the vapor or gas forces the liquid to accelerate in the acceleration tube, whereby a portion of the liquid is forced into the compressed-air surge tank, and wherein during each second half cycle of the pump, the vapor or gas is substantially removed from the acceleration tube and the liquid flows back to its original location and the additional liquid is added to the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile, in situ applicator system and method for remediating contaminated soils at a site without the removal of those soils. The applicator system comprises a vehicle, preferably a chemical treatment vehicle used in the oil and gas industry, and fluid dispensing components comprising a tank, hose, and pump for the application to contaminated sites.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disc for use in an apparatus for signal processing, which apparatus comprises a digital audio source and a record player with a turntable and an arm carrying a pick-up element which is arranged to play a conventional record. The disc during its use is placed on the turntable and is provided with a groove which can be lowered by the pick-up element, and which comprises a time-code signal wherein during use of the disc the said time-code signal controls the digital audio source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which enables an individual user to determine corners and other points of interest in a construction site layout. Basic trigonometric calculations are made based on a dimensioned drawing which enables corners or other points of interest to be located by measurement to a plurality of known locations which preferably lie away from the working are of the construction site. The worker or workers then take these measurements to the site and measures the calculated distances from the know locations to determine the location of the points of interest.

Abstract: A variable field of view optical system and method comprising providing a forward curved optical element, providing a rearward optical element comprising an axially gradient index material, providing a curved focal surface, and conveying an image on the curved focal surface to a flat detector surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for disinfecting or sanitizing a desired object. The apparatus includes a container for an aqueous solution; the container may be a spray bottle. The apparatus includes an electrolytic cell, containing an electrolyte, an electrical power source, a control circuit for providing an electric charge to the electrolyte to create an oxidant, and a fluid connection between the cell and container to permit introduction of the oxidant into the aqueous solution to create a disinfectant.

Abstract: A small emergency response vehicle having a wedge-shaped nose and triangular wheel base for improved accessibility to emergency sites previously inaccessible to conventional fire fighting vehicles. A main overhead tank and two modular auxiliary tanks provide 2400 liters of storage for water and/or surfactants. The front wheel provides a 360 degree turning radius. The vehicle can be air-lifted and air-dropped with a helicopter via attachment points on the heavy steel frame. An enclosed cab has a fire and impact resistant glass windshields and an air supply to the driver as well as to occupants in the tank compartment, when the tank is removed. A nozzle assembly is mounted on the nose of the vehicle to distribute the fire suppression materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrolytic cell that is completely sealed during the electrolysis operation during production of oxidant. Gasses generated within the electrolysis operation, primarily hydrogen that is liberated at the cathode surface, increase the pressure within the cell, and the gas pressure is ultimately utilized to expel the oxidant from the cell chamber.

Abstract: A clapping apparatus preferably having a knob like handle securely fastened to a clapping plate. The clapping plate preferably having a recessed area with air holes placed though the clapping plate enabling air to fill the void created when two contacting clapping plates are rapidly pulled away from one another.

Abstract: The present invention is of a method and apparatus for processing an image comprising a data set of size M (more generally, for determining the median of any data set of size M), comprising receiving each value of the data set as a weighted set of binary digits; adding together a first constant and binary digits of greatest weight of each value of the data set; dividing the result of the adding step by a second constant to generate a binary digit of greatest weight of a median of the data set; calculating for each value a remaining value clamp function for a next lower weight of binary digits; employing results of the calculating step to repeat adding and dividing steps for the next lower weight of binary digits to generate a binary digit of next lower weight of a median of the data set; and repeating the calculating and employing steps, if necessary, for each lower weight of binary digits of the values.

Abstract: An apparatus, software, and method for segregating out background signals from a signal of interest comprising sampling a signal that includes the background signals over one or more periods of time, forming a matrix from results of the sampling, calculating a matrix of basis functions via a singular value decomposition of the matrix from the forming operation, and determining a set of basis functions to employ to segregate out background signals. Also a corresponding wavelength modulation spectroscopy apparatus, software, and method.

Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument (for obtaining high resolution, wide field of area hyperspectral retinal images for various sized eyes) includes a fundus retinal imager, (which includes optics for illuminating and imaging the retina of the eye); apparatus for generating a real time image of the area being imaged and the location of the hyperspectral region of interest; a high efficiency spatially modulated common path Fourier transform hyperspectral imager, a high resolution detector optically coupled to the hyperspectral and fundus imager optics; and a computer (which is connected to the real time scene imager, the illumination source, and the high resolution camera) including an algorithm for recovery and calibration of the hyperspectral images.