Abstract: An electrostatically shielded toroidal plasma and radical source is provided. The plasma source includes a grounded metallic plasma source chamber that defines an interior for plasma generation. The plasma source chamber is configured from two L-shaped portions arranged to form rectangularly shaped enclosure. Dielectric breaks are defined by gaps between the two L-shaped portions. A drive inductor is configured such that the metallic plasma source chamber is positioned between loops of the drive inductor.

Abstract: The ribbon drive generation apparatus is comprised of a ribbon-like curved shape, composed either of metal or other suitable material, attached to a central axle with the complete apparatus being contained in a tube having a constant diameter for the length of the tube. A front portion of the tube has a pivot or tether and the rear portion of the tube has a drag means, such as fins, so as to cause rotation of the tube until it is oriented parallel to the flow. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrical output of the ribbon drive generation apparatus is connected to a storage battery so as to store energy in times of high flow and make up for generating deficiencies during times of lesser flow. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, plural generating stages are serially arranged to adapt to flow variation and provide smooth start-up. Bypass vents and coupling means are located between each stage.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for determining premium tables to produce annuity rates, where the annuity rates reflect client data pertaining to age, sex, medical conditions and high risk behavior. The annuity rate reflects potential medical and social advancement, prudence, interest, expenses, and commissions as well as other related factors in determining premiums to be paid by individuals.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine and method is disclosed wherein a separate compression cylinder and an adiabatic power cylinder are used and a regenerator or pair of regenerators is mounted between them to provide heat for hot-air ignition. The single regenerator embodiment operates as a two-stroke cycle engine and the embodiment with an alternating pair of regenerators operates as a four-stroke cycle engine. Improvements include a power transfer valve with an anti-backflow design using a recessed valve seat, a rapid leakdown lifter, and ceramic coatings to minimize blow-by, seal the power cylinder during the combustion process, and protect the valve. Additionally, the power cylinder piston, power cylinder head and power transfer valve are all either made from ceramics or have ceramic coatings to insulate the gases and prevent loss of heat from the gases to the cooling system. The lower pressures allows the soft spray of fuel without forming soot.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assessing the signal strength, quality and sources of interference in a wireless network. A drive test is performed using a receiving scanner in a geographic area that contains a plurality of base stations within a carrier's wireless network. The receiver and companion logic measure, analyze and record synchronization channels across all the frequencies used by the local base station. Signal quality is computed and expressed in the form of RxQual. Multiple readings are taken in a brief time period (˜480 msec) thus an average, representative quality is assessed. Signal fading, degradation, and interference are calculated using corelative techniques, for each used frequency. If the signal quality level is insufficient, then a scan for adjacent channel and co-channel interference is done. The data and analyses are used by the carrier to fine tune the wireless network system.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and system for conducting elections using a personal voting code enabled electronic device (PVCe-ballot) as the voting ballot. Voters maintain their vote selections in secrecy even if third parties observe vote casting. One or more computers or personal computers perform the functions of a pre-election computer, voting computer and an elections computer. Voters provide or enter voter verification information. If voter verification matches that stored in the PVCe-ballot, the voter is allowed to enter voting codes. Election selections are marked as affirmative when an entered voting code matches a stored personal voting code. Optional security features include the use of party access codes and tamper detection circuitry.

Abstract: The ribbon drive pump has an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils decreases from the first end to the second end of the cube. Liquid is collected at the first end, an axial component of velocity of the liquid is increased via the rotating ribbon, and the liquid is ejected from the second end to provide pumping of the liquid.

Abstract: The coin sorting apparatus includes a coin carrying vessel and a coin sorting plate. The coin carrying vessel has a plurality of coin carrying slots, and the coin sorting plate has a plurality of coin sorting slots. Each of the coin carrying slots consists of a large arc and a small arc, and therefore, a large coin is settled into the large arc, while a small coin is settled in the small arc. Accordingly, when a coin carrying vessel with the coin carrying slots formed therein revolves, a large coin drops into a large coin sorting slot, while a small coin drops into a small coin sorting slot. Thus the sorted and dropped coins are guided by a plurality of guides respectively, thereby making it possible to sort coins according to their sizes.

Abstract: A virtual interactive response (VIR) system mimics and enhances interactive voice response (IVR) technology by using humans to drive the voice recognition unit (VRU) speech recognition functionality. This VIR system initiates a dialogue with the customer by prompting the customer with an initial welcoming message. Calls from a customer are initially made in a first region having high labor costs, but are then directed to an overseas location using voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) or other voice communications technology. The calls are then directed to an appropriate human agent at the overseas location who then listens to the customer's query and makes a decision on how to respond to the customer.

Abstract: A capillary wick for use in capillary evaporators has properties that prevent nucleation inside the body of the wick, resulting in suppression of back-conduction of heat from vapor channels to the liquid reservoir. Use of a central liquid flow channel in the wick is eliminated, and pore size in the wick is chosen to maximize available pressure for fluid pumping, while preventing nucleation in the wick body. The wick is embodied with different geometries, including cylindrical and flat. A flat capillary evaporator has substantially planar heat input surfaces for convenient mating to planar heat sources. The flat capillary evaporator is capable of being used with working fluids having high vapor pressures (i.e., greater that 10 psia). To contain the pressure of the vaporized working fluid, the opposed planar plates of the evaporator are brazed or sintered to opposing sides of a metal wick. Additionally, a terrestrial loop heat pipe and a loop heat pipe having overall flat geometry are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing preservative-free allergen test solutions in a prepared sterile environment. A sterile environment is prepared by utilizing a disinfectant wipe and a sterile barrier field. An antigen is added to a diluent to form a solution of the antigen by dispersing or suspending the antigen in the diluent. The solution is subjected to triple filtration under specific and sequential conditions to provide consistent and preservative-free allergen test solutions. Shelf life is extended by storing the solution at a temperature below 5° F. or by lyophilizing the allergen test solution.

Abstract: A two-dimensional field of regard is scanned with a single plane mirror in the object space of a telescope, maintaining a fixed relationship between the rotational direction of scan and the projection of the telescope's focal plane. The two dimensional field of regard is covered by a series of conical arcs, each arc being scanned by rotation at constant angular velocity about the inner axis of the two-axis system. This scanning system accommodates applications such as TDI that require an opto-mechanical scan with a constant linear velocity (magnitude and direction) in the focal plane. Shading of IR images is mitigated by calibration at the ends of each scan line and by a scan geometry that minimizes changes in reflection angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coin separator which sorts and separates coins according to size, particularly to a withdrawal apparatus of a coin receipt tube for a coin separator, wherein a sloping structure having a rail is built on the rear part of a fallen-coin drawer, a roller at the lower part of a receipt vessel is laid on the rail of the above sloping structure, and the receipt vessel containing a coin receipt tubes is pushed upward by the slanting structure which slides toward the front when the fallen-coin drawer is opened, whereby the above receipt tube is protruded to the outside of the coin separator so that the withdrawal of a coin receipt tube from the receipt vessel is facilitated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to prevent malfunctions or sorting errors when supplying coins to coin separation holes in a coin separator. The coin separator includes a coin carrier vessel with a coin supply control vessel that can successively supply a small quantity of coins, and an automatic coin release mechanism that causes the above coin carrier vessel to rotate in the reverse direction instantaneously to prevent malfunction and then rotate in the normal direction again resume normal coin separation operations. The automatic coin release mechanism operates in response to any coin that gets caught in the coin carrier vessel during the operation of coin separation that causes the operation to come to a stop.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning sensors relative to one another and anatomic features in a non-invasive device for measuring and monitoring multiple physiological variables from a single site uses an earpiece incorporating a shielded pulse oximetry sensor (POS) having a miniaturized set of LEDs and photosensors configured for pulse oximetry measurements in the reflectance mode and located in the earpiece so as to position the POS against a rear wall of an ear canal. The earpiece also includes a thermopile of no larger than 7 mm. in diameter located on the earpiece to so as to position the thermopile past a second turn of an external auditory meatus so as to view the tympanic membrane. The thermopile includes a reference temperature sensor attached to its base for ambient temperature compensation.

Abstract: A point of sale system designed to read information from a consumer's check, credit card, or manual input with a subsequent debiting of a consumer's account and crediting merchant's account for the goods or services provided. Point of sale terminals are designed to accept a form of credit card with a consumer's bank account information encoded thereon or in the alternative to read the MICR number from a consumer's check in order to verify that a consumer has an appropriate balance to conduct the transaction with a given merchant. Thereafter the transaction of that information is transmitted to a central computer system which verifies the consumer's credit worthiness and stores the transaction event information for subsequent bank reconciliation via the ACH or other competing network. The invention eliminates the need for paper checks with all bank reconciliation being accomplished electronically.

Abstract: A zipper closure system is disclosed comprising one or more slider bodies with a reinforced bracing integrated with a lock eyelet, a closed bail, slider body top and bottom platforms and a slider body diamond. A releasing pull tab assembly comprised of a pull tab channeled to receive a pull tab connector attaches to the slider body. The connector's head portion encompasses the slider body's bail and the connector's lower portion is mated with the pull tab securely attaching connector to the pull tab. At a predetermined force, the connector will release from the pull tab, releasing the slider body with no loss of functionality. The other components are designed to withstand a force in excess of the predetermined force. This release prevents damage to other components. The predetermined release force ranges from 25 to 200 pounds in alternate embodiments. A consumer can easily repair the unit by mating the original or replacement connector piece with the pull tab.

Abstract: Disclosed is a finger tape for aiding bowling. The thumb, the middle finger and the ring finger are inserted into holes formed in a bowling ball. Upon bowling, a player grips the ball by inserting the thumb, the middle finger and the ring finger into the holes formed in the ball. For releasing and rolling the ball, the thumb is instantly slipped out of the hole, followed by the middle finger and the ring finger while spinning the ball. Accordingly, an elasticized cotton tape with gravure printed acryl resin adhesive having different effects depending on actions of the fingers is attached to the thumb, the middle finger and the ring finger to obtain effective bowling results, wherein the thumb tape slides easily and the finger tape provides better grip, based on differing amounts of hardener in the adhesive.

Abstract: A ribbon drive pumping apparatus and method for liquids is disclosed wherein the inherent centrifugal separation that occurs adjacent the pump inlet is used to remove contaminants. The pump has an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils decreases from the first end to the second end of the tube. Liquid is collected at the first end, contaminants are centrifugally separated and sorbed or bled off, an axial component of velocity of the liquid is increased via the rotating ribbon, and the purified liquid is ejected from the second end to provide pumping of the liquid. A central opening helps decrease cavitation and can be useful for pumping live fish.

Abstract: A multi-segment alphanumeric display, such as a seven-segment display, is described. The display comprises a body including at least seven discreet segments. A lens to covers each of the segments. A bottom section comprising at least two light sources per segment is attached to the body. Electric circuitry is connected with the light sources in each segment for selective actuation of the segments. The segments in the body comprise partitioning of sufficient depth to prevent light bleeding from one segment to another.