Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing and diagnosing the operational condition and malfunctions of snow removal equipment. A diagnostic interface, coupled to the snow removal equipment and to an analysis module, retrieves and analyzes data and compares the data to a set of reference data. The apparatus further comprises a display module for displaying detailed information relating to the operational status of the snow removal equipment. Alternative embodiments of the present invention are mobile or facilitate servicing networks.

Abstract: An improved side saddle riding skirt is disclosed. The improved side saddle riding skirt includes a knee loop coupled to a knee dart of the skirt, and a strap coupled to the hem of the skirt. This strap is removably coupled through the knee loop to prevent the skirt from flying up. The side saddle riding habit further includes mechanisms for adjusting the skirt to a range of different sizes.

Abstract: A method and system for correlating an expected asset return of a portfolio to changes in future financial liabilities and also to other financial indices. Management of asset portfolios often requires precise matching of liability streams, such as is the insurance industry and for pension funds. The method selects the weight percentages of assets by achieving optimum statistical correlation between asset returns and liability returns.

Abstract: A relubricatable idler bushing assembly includes an idler bushing having a hub which is dimensioned to receive an idler pulley. The idler bushing is journaled to an inner bushing by bearings which are disposed in fluid communication with a lubricant passageway. The inner bushing is mounted on a spindle adapted to mount the idler bushing assembly to a support surface. The spindle includes and axial passageway and a radial bore communicating the axial passageway with the exterior of the spindle. One end of the spindle is adapted to be connected to a source of lubricant under pressure for supplying the lubricant to an axial passageway. The radial bore is communicated through a radial bore of the inner bushing with the lubricant passageway to allow lubricant supplied to the spindle to be flow to the lubricant passageway.

Abstract: Soy milk and beverage compositions together with methods for preparation, such compositions utilizing soy particulates of consistent micron dimension, either alone or in conjunction with high process pressures, to provide texture and taste characteristics.

Abstract: Hot melt thermoplastic adhesive is predeposited on a carrier strip having front and back release surfaces. The carrier strip is rolled into a coil compressing the thermoplastic hot melt into disks which may later be removed for use. The disks are spaced so that the carrier strip may be deformed to expose a single disk to a planar surface permitting simplified dispensing of the disks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical parameter monitoring device which allows the monitoring of a plurality of medical parameters from a remote location. The invention uses a central monitoring system which transmits and receives data parameters via RF from remote patient monitors. The monitoring systems utilizes a digital spread spectrum RF transceiver between the central monitoring system and the remote monitors. Forward error correcting, frequency hopping, and spread spectrum communications are employed to provide accurate trnsmission of data for a plurality of physiological parameters. Transmitted data can be automatically registered into storage int he central monitoring system.

Abstract: A method for creep cavity shrinkage and/or porosity reduction without applied stress. The thermal treatment is found to increase the rate of densification relative to isothermal annealing, allowing for more rapid recovery of desired theoretical density in a shorter time.

Abstract: A limited use medical probe is disclosed. The medical probe includes a memory storage component for maintaining a use value, representing either the number of uses and/or the duration of use of the medical probe. The medical probe is coupled to a medical monitoring device which prevents the performance of monitoring functions when the number of uses or the total duration of use reaches a predetermined threshold value, thereby preventing overuse of the probe.

Abstract: An internal combustion free-piston pump-engine provides pressurized fluid for a hydrostatic powertrain. The free-piston is reciprocably mounted in a piston bore and transfer combustion pressure directly into pressurized hydraulic fluid. Fast, computer controlled hydraulic two-way valves initiate the stepwise pressurization of the smaller face, the larger face, or both faces of the hydraulic end of the free-piston, controlling the piston movement and especially its top-end and bottom end positions. The control concept can be applied to a two-stroke, or four-stroke compression or spark ignition engine. A pressure wave charger, transfers the energy of the exhaust pressure wave into an air intake pressure wave. A cylindrical piston is reciprocally mounted in a piston bore of a housing. The exhaust pressure wave moves the piston from the top-end position to the bottom-end position, against the pressure of the intake air and the force of a return spring.

Abstract: A panel of biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer was examined in the saliva of a cohort of 1) healthy women, 2) women with benign lesions of the breast and 3) women with diagnosed breast cancer. Recognized tumor markers c-erbB-2 (erb), cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), and tumor suppresser oncogene protein 53 (p53) were found in the saliva of all three groups of women. The levels of erb and CA 15-3 in the cancer patients evaluated, however, were significantly higher than the salivary levels of healthy controls and benign tumor patients. Conversely, pantropic p53 levels were higher in controls as compared to those women with breast cancer and those with benign tumors.

Abstract: A key assembly for mounting an electronic component in the head of the key. The electronic component is mounted in either an opening such as a bore or recess formed in the key head, or a carrier connected to the heel end of the key shank. In the former case, a closure member such as a plug or adhesively backed panel member is employed to close off the opening. In the latter case, the carrier is encapsulated within a plastic key head.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of pool water with ozone at concentrations less than previously employed. Ozonation, as described herein, provides several distinct advantages including but not limited to inactivation of Cryptosporidium and other water borne microorganisms, reduction of combined chlorine concentrations and oxidation of chloramines.

Abstract: A system and method for hydroforming hose fittings for use with hose assemblies. Hose fittings of hydroformed metal provide variuos structural, performance and manufacturing benefits.

Abstract: A cleaning formulation containing an alkyl aromatic useful as a solvent. The alkyl aromatic generally is a a mono-, di-, or tri-alkylated aromatic. This cleaning composition has excellent balance between solvency, flash point and odor and is useful in a variety of cleaning situations.

Abstract: A dynamic control valve system adapted for inflatable restraint systems for vehicles includes a control valve having an inlet in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the air bag. The control valve includes a valve member actuatable between a flow preventing position and a position spaced away from the flow preventing position. The control valve supplies the high pressure fluid through the control valve to the inflatable restraint for inflating the inflatable restraint when the valve member is moved away from its flow preventing position. The control valve includes a valve spool which cooperates with a valve casing to define a plurality of flow paths. Consequently, the actuation of the valve member between closed and open positions is substantially independent of forces produced by flow of the high pressure fluid through the valve.

Abstract: A low-profile railway car retarder system comprising a fulcrum pin, an upper and a lower lever, and two braking assemblies, is disclosed. The levers are located beneath a horizontal plan drawn from the top of the rail, thereby preventing inadvertent contact with a passing car. The braking actuator comprises an air-tight bladder which is filled with fluid or drained of fluid to cause the frictional braking members to move between closed and opened braking positions, and provides greater control than prior art systems.

Abstract: The direct electrochemical oxidation of hydrocarbons in solid oxide fuel cells, to generate greater power densities at lower temperatures without carbon deposition. The performance obtained is comparable to that of fuel cells used for hydrogen, and is achieved by using novel anode composites at low operating temperatures.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve includes a valve body and a sleeve armature slidably mounted on the valve body for movement between a flow preventing position and positions away from the flow preventing position. In one embodiment, the sleeve armature and the valve body are configured and arranged to define flow diverters in fluid flow paths to provide flow balance. The movement of the sleeve armature between closed and open positions is controlled by first and second solenoid coils, and, the sleeve armature is maintained in the position to which it has been driven by residual magnetism. In another embodiment, a solenoid actuated valve includes a bias structure for urging the sleeve armature toward the closed position. The solenoid actuated fluid flow control valve is described with reference to an application for inflating inflatable restraints for an occupant of a vehicle.