Abstract: A portable electric heater possessing characteristics similar to a portable electric oil filled heater absent the use oil and its associated manufacturing and environmental problems. The device includes an electric heater, a rotatable plenum and an external housing providing space saving characteristics.

Abstract: A joystick for controlling the functions of machines and/or vehicles comprises an actuator which can be moved in different directions by means of a joint having preferably two degrees of freedom, wherein the back-and-forth motions of the actuator occurring in a first plane are subjected to an active force feedback in the form of an electromotor and a reduction gear, and the back-and-forth movement of the actuator which occurs in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane is subjected to a passive force feedback in the form of a sprung reset device. In order to make such a joystick which allows for a low-cost serial production, the invention proposes that the reduction gear is designed with low backlash and is connected on the output side to the actuator via a preferably leaf-spring assembly which connects a swing arm to a joint part.

Abstract: A steerable multi-linked device. The device includes a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. At least one of the first and second multi-linked mechanisms is steerable and includes a modular link assembly at an end thereof. The modular link assembly includes a base, and a tip removably connected to the base.

Abstract: A steerable multi-linked device may include a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. At least one of the first multi-linked mechanism and the second multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links, a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links and a reinforcing member. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link, and the reinforcing member may extend from a first end of a third one of the intermediate links toward a second end of the third one of the intermediate links.

Abstract: A security gate mechanism for a currency handling apparatus having a currency passageway includes a rotatable gate having a slit therein. The slit is aligned with the currency passageway when the rotatable gate is in an initial position. A drive wheel is coupled to the rotary gate for driving the rotatable gate in first and second directions, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction. A positioning member is selectively engageable with the drive wheel for positioning the rotatable gate in the initial position such that the slit in the rotatable gate is substantially aligned with the passageway. The positioning member is arranged to be engageable with the drive wheel when the drive wheel rotates the rotatable gate in the second direction, but it is not engageable with the drive wheel when the drive wheel rotates the rotatable gate in the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions and methods for trapping/capturing and/or destroying dangerous substances such as chemical and biological warfare agents. The present invention relates to dendritic polymers, specifically, to quaternary ammonium functionalized dendritic polymers and N-Halamine functionalized dendritic polymers. Such dendrimers are useful for the capture and neutralization of biological and chemical warfare agents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and surface conditioning objects using plasma are disclosed. One embodiment of the method discloses providing a plurality of elongated dielectric barrier members arranged adjacent each other, the elongated dielectric barrier members having electrodes coupled therein, providing a ground plane, introducing the objects proximate the elongated dielectric barrier members and the ground plane, and producing a dielectric barrier discharge to form plasma between the ground plane and the elongated dielectric barrier members for cleaning the objects. One embodiment of the apparatus for cleaning objects using plasma discloses a plurality of elongated dielectric barrier members arranged adjacent each other, a plurality of electrodes, each contained within, and extending substantially along the length of, respective ones of the elongated dielectric barrier members, and a ground plane proximate the plurality of elongated dielectric barrier members.

Abstract: Disclosed are new compositions consisting of polyphosphonates and specific additive compositions that exhibit superior resistance to degradation due to exposure to air, high temperature and air, moisture or combinations thereof. Also disclosed are polymer mixtures or blends comprising these polyphosphonates/additive compositions and commodity and engineering plastics and articles produced therefrom. Further disclosed are articles of manufacture produced from these materials, such as fibers, films, coated substrates, moldings, foams, fiber-reinforced articles, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning objects using plasma are disclosed. The apparatus provides a plurality of elongated dielectric barrier members arranged adjacent each other, a plurality of electrodes each contained within, and extending substantially along the length of, the plurality of elongated dielectric barrier members, and at least one buss bar for electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes to a voltage source.

Abstract: A powder-actuated fastener-driving device includes a barrel mounted in a housing. The barrel has a barrel wall formed with a through hole communicating with a radial vent hole. The through hole and the vent hole constitute an exhaust passage. A driving piston is mounted movably within the barrel, and has a rear end portion cooperating with an inner annular surface of the barrel wall to define an annular gap therebetween. A power adjusting unit includes an adjusting member disposed movably in the housing, and operable to move a control end portion thereof within the through hole so as to control an effective open area of the exhaust passage such that combustion gases discharge from a firing chamber defined between the driving piston and a rear end portion of the barrel through the gap and the effective open area, thereby controlling venting of combustion gases from the firing chamber.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of conducting a multi-level transaction includes receiving a primary call for proposals, receiving one or more primary bids by a computing system with respect to the primary call for proposals, receiving one or more secondary calls for proposals for each primary bid, receiving one or more secondary bids by a computing system with respect to the one or more secondary calls for proposals, automatically determining an estimate of a trustworthiness rating for each primary bid, receiving the selection of a primary bid based on the estimates of the trustworthiness rating, and displaying the selection of the primary bid. Each secondary call for proposals includes a job request associated with the primary bid. The estimate of the trustworthiness rating is based on a trustworthiness rating associated with the primary bid and one or more secondary bid trustworthiness ratings.

Abstract: A tray assembly for a print production resource may include a tray and a guide assembly. The guide assembly may include a first width guide configured to contact a first side of a media stack at a first location below a top sheet of the media stack such that a first distance exists between the top sheet and the first width guide. The guide assembly may include a second width guide configured to contact a second side of the media stack at a second location below the top sheet of the media stack such that a second distance exists between the top sheet of the media stack and the second width guide. The first side may be opposite the second side, and the tray assembly may be configured to be utilized with a top sheet feeder mechanism.

Abstract: A multidirectional control unit includes a lower body of main axis A, an intermediate part which is mounted to move relative to the body in a radial plane, radial displacement guidance means for the intermediate part, a handle of secondary axis B, which is supported by the intermediate part and which is linked to it in radial displacement, between a neutral central position and a plurality of radial actuation positions. The handle may be mounted to slide axially on the secondary axis B, between a top idle axial position and a bottom active axial position. At least one electrical switch may be able to change state when the handle is displaced towards its bottom active axial position. The handle is mounted to rotate freely, about the secondary axis B, relative to the body of the multidirectional control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a heart of a patient includes an actuator for wringing blood concurrently from both the right and left ventricles of the heart without contacting circulating blood of the patient. The apparatus includes a power source connected to the actuator to power the actuator. A method for assisting a heart of a patient includes the steps of powering an actuator in contact with the heart with a power source. There is the step of wringing blood concurrently from both the right and left ventricles of the heart without contacting circulating blood of the patient with the actuator.

Abstract: Methods and systems of processing print jobs are disclosed. A feasible route for processing each of a plurality of jobs is determined. For each feasible route, the time to process the job via the feasible route is determined. Each job is assigned to a first feasible route. A first objective function value is determined using a time to process each job assigned to each autonomous cell. A job is selected. A second feasible route is selected for the selected job. A second objective function value is determined by substituting the second feasible route for the first feasible route for the selected job. If the first value plus a threshold exceeds the second value, the second value replaces the first value, and the second feasible route replaces the first feasible route. Selection and substitution are repeated for each job. The jobs are then processed.

Abstract: Screening and diagnostic reagents, kits and methods for primary and/or metastatic stomach or esophageal cancer are disclosed. Compositions for and methods of imaging and treating primary and/or metastatic stomach or esophageal cancer are disclosed. Vaccines compositions and methods of for treating and preventing primary and/or metastatic stomach or esophageal cancer are disclosed.

Abstract: A flue gas adsorbent and method for making an adsorbent for mercury capture are disclosed. The adsorbent comprises an admixture of an adsorptive material and an additive that have been physically combined thereby eliminating the need for traditional impregnation. A method for removing mercury from a flue gas stream is also disclosed.