Abstract: The method of performing parallel search optimization includes the steps of: providing a master computer and N slave computers; randomly generating L possible solutions to a computerized process on the master computer; transmitting L/N possible solutions to each slave computer; and simulating the computerized process on each of the slave computers for each respective set of L/N possible solutions. The results of each simulation are transmitted to the master computer, and a set of solutions within a threshold are selected. The master computer determines if a single solution is an optimal solution to the process, and if a single optimal solution is found, the single optimal solution is utilized by the master computer as an input to the process, but if a single optimal solution is not found, the selected set of solutions is divided and transmitted to the slave computers to repeat the method from the step of simulation.

Abstract: The 555 timer-based phase-to-voltage converter is a circuit that can be used for phase-to-voltage conversion for phase angles in the range between 0 and 2?. A first input signal triggers the 555 timer. A second input signal resets the 555 timer, and thus an output signal having a pulse width proportional to the phase difference between the first and second input signals is formed at the output of the 555 timer. A low pass filter may be placed at the output to pass a DC voltage having a magnitude proportional to the phase difference between the first and second input signals for phase angles between 0 and 2?.

Abstract: The hash functions with elliptic polynomial hopping are based upon an elliptic polynomial discrete logarithm problem. Security using hash functions is dependent upon the implementation of a computationally hard problem, and the elliptic polynomial discrete logarithm problem provides enough relative difficulty in computation to ensure that the produced hash functions, as applied to message bit strings, are optimally secure. The hash functions are produced as functions of both the elliptic polynomial as well as the twist of the elliptic polynomial, particularly using a method of polynomial hopping.

Abstract: The method of promoting olefin polymerization uses a nanoparticle filler to increase the activity of a metallocene catalyst for in situ polymerization of polyolefins. The filler may be nanoparticles of manganese, or nanoparticles of manganese-doped titanium dioxide. The method includes the steps of (a) mixing a metallocene catalyst, e.g., zirconocene dichloride, with nanoparticles of the filler in an organic solvent, e.g., toluene, in a reactor to form a reaction mixture; (b) immersing the reactor in a temperature bath for a period of time sufficient to bring the mixture to an optimal polymerization reaction temperature; (c) adding monomer to the mixture in the reactor; (d) adding methylaluminoxane (MAO) as a co-catalyst to the reaction mixture to initiate polymerization; and (e) quenching the polymerization, e.g., by adding methanol containing 5% hydrochloric acid by volume to the reactor.

Abstract: The voltage-controlled dual-slope square and triangular waveform generator is an electronic circuit that includes a plus-type second-generation current conveyor operably connected to a single operational amplifier. At the input stage to the operational amplifier, two metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors are configured as switches. Three resistors and a grounded capacitor are included in the electronic circuit, thereby maintaining a low component count. The leading and trailing slopes of the waveform are independently adjustable by selection of the voltages V1 and V2 that are selectively connectable to the y-input of the CCII+ via switching action of the MOS transistors. The frequency of the waveform is adjustable via the voltage divider ratio between the output and noninverting input of the operational amplifier. The simple and elegant nature of the circuit design provides a low-cost waveform generator that can be adjusted both for frequency and for independent leading edge and trailing edge slopes.

Abstract: The two-stage air filter is formed of a nonwoven glass fiber first or inlet filter element and a second or outlet filter element formed of nonwoven fiber. The outlet filter element is preferably formed of either polyester material, or a blend of polyester and cotton fiber material. The first or inlet filter element is coarser than the second or outlet filter element, with the first element serving to capture larger particles while allowing smaller particles to pass therethrough to be captured by the finer second filter element. The two filter elements have a continuous and unbroken, homogeneous interface therebetween, with the attachment of the two filter elements with one another being solely at their mutual peripheries by a peripheral frame. Additional air freshening and cleaning, deodorizing, odor neutralizing, scent applying, fungicidal, bactericidal, and/or germicidal chemicals or materials may be applied to either or both filter elements.

Abstract: The scent sprayer is a device for attracting animals. The device incorporates a scent spray dispenser. The dispenser includes an optionally camouflaged housing with a wind vane for rotating the sprayer in the direction of the wind. A radio frequency (RF) receiver is enclosed in the housing. The receiver is connected to a circuit that operates an electromechanical coupler to release a scent from the scent spray dispenser that attracts game. The scent sprayer also includes an RF transmitter that transmits a control signal on the same frequency as the RF receiver to trigger release of the scent. The scent contained in the scent spray dispenser may be urine, blood, pheromones, or any other scent suited to the game being hunted.

Abstract: The fuzzy logic-based control method for helicopters carrying suspended loads utilizes a controller based on fuzzy logic membership distributions of sets of load swing angles. The anti-swing controller is fuzzy-based and has controller outputs that include additional displacements added to the helicopter trajectory in the longitudinal and lateral directions. This simple implementation requires only a small modification to the software of the helicopter position controller. The membership functions govern control parameters that are optimized using a particle swarm algorithm. The rules of the anti-swing controller are derived to mimic the performance of a time-delayed feedback controller. A tracking controller stabilizes the helicopter and tracks the trajectory generated by the anti-swing controller.

Abstract: The gas fill device for multiple pane windows includes a tube installed through the peripheral spacer bar between two glass panes in an insulated glass assembly for a window, door glass, skylight, or the like. An elbow is pivotally attached to the external end of the tube. A supply of an inert, insulating gas may be attached to the elbow to refill the space between the two panes with the insulating gas, as needed. Two such tubes may be installed in each multiple pane window assembly, one to refill the space with insulating gas and the other to vent air from the space to the atmosphere as the space is refilled with the insulating gas. When the multiple pane window has more than two panes, the tube may be branched and supplied through a common elbow.

Abstract: The sports equipment hanger is a receptacle for storing and transporting sports gear or equipment. The receptacle includes a member fabricated from duck cloth. The member has opposed planar surfaces. A plurality of pockets, each constructed from open mesh material, is disposed on the opposed surfaces. Barrel locks are provided to close the pockets. A structure is attached to the top of the receptacle for hanging the receptacle when desired.

Abstract: The method of auctioning license plates provides for the public auctioning of state-issued, motor vehicle license plates. The method includes the step of first establishing a market value data set for a plurality of license plates. Next, the market value data set is stored in a market value database, which is recorded in computer readable memory associated with an auction server. An online auction is then established for at least one license plate to be sold. Once up for auction, bidders bid on the at least one license plate. Once bidding has closed, the at least one license plate is sold to the highest bidder, and funds are transferred from buyer to seller. Following the sale, transfer of ownership of the at least one license plate is recorded in a motor vehicle administration database, and both sales and property taxes associated with the sale of the license plate are assessed.

Abstract: The modular construction block is a modular construction element for forming structures such as earth retaining walls, for example. A plurality of modular construction blocks are provided for the formation of the desired structures, with each block being hollow so as to fill the structure with concrete. Rather than acting as a removable form for the construction of a concrete wall, for example, the blocks are left in place, forming part of the permanent structure. Each modular construction block includes a hollow parallelepiped frame having first and second laterally opposed walls secured to a pair of laterally opposed ends of the hollow frame. The upper end, the lower end and a pair of longitudinally opposed ends of the hollow frame all remain open for receiving poured concrete. Both horizontally and vertically adjacent ones of the blocks are secured to one another to form the structure.

Abstract: The padded edge cover has a hemispherical top portion and a cylindrical bottom portion extending from the top portion, the two portions forming a core of cushioning material. Prongs extend from a rear face of the bottom core portion to insert into hollow extruded metal frame members. The padded edge cover is resilient in order to cushion physical contact of personnel with the frame members. The padded edge covers are easily removable from the frame members and can be stored on a metal bracket designed specifically for the covers. Alternative embodiments of the padded edge covers are substantially rectangular and have either prongs or magnetic members to retain the padded covers to the frame members.

Abstract: The method of providing location-based information from portable devices allows for the tracking of the location of portable devices (14), such as cellular telephones, for example, for the recordation and subsequent analysis of demographic, location-based information. The method includes the steps of: determining (200) a geographic location of at least one portable device (14); recording geographic location coordinates (250) of the portable device (14) in computer readable memory (140); establishing a set of public geographic regions (20) and a set of non-public geographic regions (30) within a geographic area in which the portable device (14) is located; and dividing each non-public geographic region (30) into a plurality of geographic non-public zones (52), where if the portable device (14) is located within a non-public geographic region (30), the geographic location coordinates are replaced (260) with a generalized set of geographic coordinates associated with the non-public geographical region (30).

Abstract: The hash functions using elliptic curve cryptography are hash functions that are produced using both an elliptic curve and a twist of the elliptic curve. Hash points are assigned values that either correspond to points on the elliptic curve or to points on the twist, depending upon whether the scalar value of the corresponding message block produces a quadratic residue or a quadratic non-residue when substituted as the x-value into the elliptic curve equation. The corresponding hash point x-coordinates are concatenated to form the hash bit string. The hash points may be doubled, and the hash functions may be applied to multimedia data by applying a media compression method to the message data before computing the hash points.

Abstract: This system and method for producing nanomaterials allows for the production of relatively high concentrations of nanoparticles with a minimum of expense, time and energy. Ultrasonic waves, produced at a power of approximately 50 W with a frequency of 26.23 kHz, are projected on a material sample while, simultaneously, a fluid stream jet is projected on the material sample. The ultrasonic waves, in the presence of the fluid jet, create cavities that explode at the surface of the solid material, leading to creation of cracks in the material surface. With the increase in the number of cracks in the material, the solid material erodes. The eroded material, which is on the nanometer scale, is collected on a suitable substrate, such as silicon. This method allows for the preparation of nanoparticles from any solid material, in particular very hard materials, such as diamond, silicon carbide and the like.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding, abrading or otherwise opening the shell and, may be permanent or reversible. The substance may be released in one location while the device is stationary or along a path while it is traveling, self-powered by the shape memory material activator. In addition, the substance may be delivered to an object upon contact with its surface. The self powering abilities allow these devices to be used as substance delivery devices as well as actuators, transporters, and energy conversion systems with modular characteristics and growth potential.

Abstract: The handcart has various embodiments, each embodiment having a pair of larger wheels at the back of the load-carrying platform and a rear axle located above the plane of at least the forward portion of the platform. Smaller caster wheels are mounted on arms extending forward and outward from the forward corners of the platform. The outward ends of the arms are displaced upwardly to place the platform bottom only very slightly higher than the bottoms of the forward casters, thus increasing stability by lowering the center of gravity of the cart and contents, and facilitating loading and unloading of the cart due to the very low platform. The cart need not be tilted rearward to lift the platform from the floor, but may be pushed over the underlying surface with the load-carrying platform remaining level and with all four wheels rolling over the underlying surface.

Abstract: The automated bid ask spread negotiations method is a computer process and system for negotiating transactions combining a bargain sale strategy with the normal negotiating process. The system effectively adds a bonus to the package of benefits, thereby closing the gap from a previous nominal price asked and bid, but payable to a charity of the seller's choice, over a long term and at a favorable rate of interest, at the same time, providing a tax deduction for the seller, as well as an interest deduction for the buyer of the asset or services.

Abstract: The double-deck covered roadway (5) has an upper road (30) for light vehicle traffic and a lower road (25) for heavy, industrial vehicle traffic. The roadway is an intelligent system, having an access control computer (ACC) (55) limiting access of the roadways to the appropriate vehicles. Signal emitters, receivers and/or repeaters (40) for microwave, cell phones short-range radio, or the like may be provided. The roadway is covered, and has a slanted roof structure (7). Solar panels (10) are disposed atop the slanted roof structure (7). Spindles (8) may be provided that can pull off or pull on an optional protective cover for the solar panels (10). An indoor services module (50) houses the ACC (55) and other service systems. The underside of the upper roadway (30) can provide attached or embedded monitoring systems, road lighting, signal light boards (60) to communicate with drivers, etc.