Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing a user to use the same mechanism to connect a container to another object and to open a normally-closed opening in the container. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a closure body having an opening therein; a stopper that closes the opening; and a carabiner that comprises a spine that is fixed to said body and a gate that is operably connected to said stopper. In use, this embodiment of the invention is operated by moving the gate to a full open position, which causes the stopper to move away from the opening.

Abstract: A seed treated with a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination and a seed assembly comprising a seed and a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination. The fungal/bacterial antagonist combination comprises a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist for controlling plant pathogens as a biocontrol agent, bio-pesticide or bio-fungicide. In preferred embodiments, the invention produces an increase in plant yield. Control of early and late season stalk and root rot caused by fungi such as Fusarium, Phythium, Phytophthora and Penicillium in tomatoes, peppers, turf grass, soybeans, sunflower, wheat and corn is achieved.

Abstract: A unidirectional valve for venting moisture from a window having at least two panes or lights, the panes or lights defining an air space therebetween, is provided. The valve includes: an elongated body having an interior passage formed lengthwise therein, wherein at least a portion of the elongated body is adapted to be inserted directly through a window pane and into the air space formed between the panes; at least one resilient plate pivotally connected to the elongated body; wherein the resilient plate moves in response to changes in fluid pressure within the air space formed between the panes of the window, and wherein the movement of the plate opens the interior passage for allowing moisture-laden air to pass therethrough and out of the air space or closes the interior passage for preventing air from flowing back into the air space between the panes.

Abstract: An organizer and utility apparatus that can be attached to a chair comprises a generally horizontal elongate support which can be in the form of a tube or channeled block. The elongate support has one or more holder attachments that can be joined in a permanent fashion or mutually engaged and disengaged and located according to user preference. The elongate support can be supported directly on a desk, or with an attachable generally vertical support, supported above a floor or desk; Or with such attachable vertical support, engaged to a chair that has a chair attachment mechanism. If the organizer is either freestanding or attached to a chair, it can be converted into a work station by the use of an engageable plane-attachment accessory. If free standing, the vertical support is attached to a stand base. An embodiment of the apparatus has a wire conduit that permits electrical and electronics wire protection and management.

Abstract: A system and method for applying a material, such as a polymer composition, to a substrate, the method comprising mixing the material with a heated carrier gas stream, spraying the material through a nozzle, and radiant and convective heating of the material during transport. Preferred embodiments of the system and method can be used to spray polyetherimides, polyimides, polyamides, thermoset resins (e.g., and epoxies, polyesters and silicones), liquid crystal polymers, compositions comprising a blowing agent, compositions comprising a binder, compositions comprising a metallized material, compositions that produce an open cell foam, and compositions that produce a closed cell foam.

Abstract: Asymmetrical joint systems, structures having interlocking joints, methods of fabricating asymmetric joint systems and methods for fabricating structures having interlocking joints. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a structure that incorporates a rotational diamond-shaped bracing system. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of assembling such a structure.

Abstract: By using letters, this invention provides telephone numbers that contain the actual initials or name of the recipient. With business subscribers, each company's stock marker ticker symbol is their telephone number, such as ‘GE’ for General Electric. With most individual accounts, the telephone number consists of the subscriber's initials plus date of birth. Custom programming routes a call with the simple dialing input of only the recipient's initials or name. Only one well-defined area code is needed per State, such as ‘AZ’ for Arizona. The same number is used for landline, facsimile, internet, and cellular connections.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for coordinating apparel production. In preferred embodiments, the invention is a business model and system for the apparel industry in which production channels and marketing channels are comprehensively coordinated by a central operating center via the Internet. By interacting with a website, registered clients (e.g., apparel businesses, wholesalers, retailers, etc.) articulate what their specific detailed requirements are in terms of production, delivery and other aspects. Then, data on these clients' orders are forwarded to each of the production channels through the central operation center which performs the tasks of comprehensive coordination, management and business operation.

Abstract: A method for mixing fluids and/or solids in a manner that can be varied from maintaining the integrity of fragile molecular and biological materials in the mixing vessel to homogenizing heavy aggregate material by supplying large amounts of energy. Variation in the manner of mixing is accomplished using an electronic controller to generate signals to control the frequency and amplitude of the motor(s), which drive an unbalanced shaft assembly to produce a linear vibratory motion. The motor may be a stepper motor, a linear motor or a DC continuous motor. By placing a sensor on the mixing vessel platform to provide feedback control of the mixing motor, the characteristics of agitation in the fluid or solid can be adjusted to optimize the degree of mixing and produce a high quality mixant.

Abstract: An apparatus and/or method for routing telephone calls to a communications device of a particular subscriber within an area code. A preferred embodiment is a system for routing a telephone call from a caller to a specific communications device situated in an area identified by an area code, said system comprising: means for assigning a first telephone number to a particular subscriber; and means for routing the telephone call to the specific communications device of the particular subscriber; wherein said area code is a two-character U.S. postal state abbreviation.

Abstract: An improved grommet assembly for repairing a sandal having a foot retainer attached to a sole at least one terminus of the foot retainer includes a flange having a cross-sectional width substantially greater than a cross-sectional width of the at least one terminus. A bore extends axially through the flange, defining an opening of sufficient size to accommodate insertion of the terminus therethrough. A securing mechanism adapted and constructed to secure the grommet to the at least one terminus. The flange can be used in association with a sandal repair kit.

Abstract: Asymmetrical joint systems, structures having interlocking joints, methods of fabricating asymmetric joint systems and methods for fabricating structures having interlocking joints. In a preferred embodiment, the invention a joint system comprising an asymmetrical mortise into which an asymmetrical tenon fits. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a quadrilateral structure that incorporates a diamond-shaped bracing system. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a quadrilateral structure that incorporates a rotational lockdown component.

Abstract: A bow sight comprising: a main body having a plurality of grooves; a first support structure having a first ring clamp that is linearly slidably mounted in one of said grooves; a first sight ring that is rotatably coupled to said first support structure; a first sight pin that is fixedly mounted on said first sight ring; a second support structure having a second ring clamp that is linearly slidably mounted in another of said grooves; a second sight ring that is rotatably coupled to said second support structure; and a second sight pin that is fixedly mounted on said second sight ring.

Abstract: An item of footwear for a wearer, the item of footwear comprising a flexible sole structure that comprises a heel segment having horizontal upper and lower surfaces combined with other sole segments having arch (instep) and toe upper surfaces that are horizontal when unloaded, but that assume a negative upper surface slope when loaded, and with arch and toe lower surfaces that have a negative lower surface slope with unloaded, but that assume a horizontal position when loaded. In use, the item of footwear is operative to reduce the likelihood that a wearer having one of a variety of anatomical leg forms would fall outwardly (laterally) from his or her vertical plane.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for assessing aquatic environments. Initially, the user measures biological, geomorphological and physiological parameters, quantitatively, semi-quantitatively and qualitatively in the field, guided by the computer software of the present invention, and enters the data obtained from such measurements entered into a handheld computer processing means running the computer software of the present invention. Then, the data is transferred into a desktop computer processing means for automated analysis, processing, reporting of field data, and production of various user reports through the synchronized, compatible desktop software of the present invention.

Abstract: A regenerable, high-capacity sorbent for removal of mercury from flue gas and processes and systems for making and using the sorbent. A phyllosilicate substrate, for example vermiculite or montmorillinite, acts as an inexpensive support to a thin layer for a polyvalent metal sulfide, ensuring that more of the metal sulfide is engaged in the sorption process. The sorbent is prepared by ion exchange between the silicate substrate material and a solution containing one or more of a group of polyvalent metals including tin (both Sn(II) and Sn(IV)), iron (both Fe(II) and Fe(III)), titanium, manganese, zirconium and molybdenum, dissolved as salts, to produce an exchanged substrate. Controlled reaction of a sulfide ion source with the one or more polyvalent metals that are exchanged on the silicate substrate produces the sorbent. The sorbent is used to absorb elemental mercury or oxidized mercury species such as mercuric chloride from flue gas containing acid gases (e.g.

Abstract: This disclosure is a system which includes processes, machines, articles of manufacture and compositions of matter required to construct a habitable structure comprised of a cementitious product, preferably autoclaved aerated concrete (“AAC”), formed in unique blocks, panels and beams. This results in an extremely environmentally friendly habitable dwelling, residential or commercial, which, due to the resultant synergy of embodiments, when compared to a similar structure employing prior art and/or current industry's standard materials and methods of construction, is structurally superior and simultaneously yields substantial savings in labor, time and costs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing fluids and/or solids in a manner that can be varied from maintaining the integrity of fragile molecular and biological materials in the mixing vessel to homogenizing heavy aggregate material by supplying large amounts of energy. Variation in the manner of mixing is accomplished using an electronic controller to generate signals to control the frequency and amplitude of the motor(s), which drive an unbalanced shaft assembly to produce a linear vibratory motion. The motor may be a stepper motors a linear motor or a DC continuous motor. By placing a sensor on the mixing vessel platform to provide feedback control of the mixing motor, the characteristics of agitation in the fluid or solid can be adjusted to optimize the degree of mixing and produce a high quality mixant.

Abstract: Advanced Islet Separation Technology incorporates an automated method, automated control methodology, process control interface, and automated apparatus to separate (isolate) and process pancreatic islets in a tissue suspension in physiologic process solution, utilizing microprocessor controllers and computer control and software programming to interface and control the process temperature, process flowrate, percent hydrogen concentration, dissolved oxygen concentration, endotoxin concentration, dissolved nitric oxide concentration, nitric oxide synthase concentration, proteolytic enzyme activity, and pressure of the islet containing physiologic process solution, including real-time process data acquisition and recording of the process variables.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the temperature of a bed environment. In preferred embodiments, the invention is a self-contained, forced air bed warmer which pre-heats the interior sheets and covers of a bed to provide a controlled micro-environment that facilitates relaxation into restful sleep on cold nights. Preferred embodiments include an air conditioning section comprising a body portion and a handle portion, said air conditioning section having an exterior surface that is adapted to receive an edge of a bed cover between said body portion and said handle portion; a fan; a heat transfer element; a temperature sensor; a control circuit connected to said temperature sensor; a timer mounted within said air conditioning section; and an elongated air delivery section having two ends with an air entrance at one end and a primary air exit at the other end.