Abstract: A method of inducing compressive residual stress of blading members integrally formed with a rotor. The method includes using a caliper-type burnishing tool such that the caliper arms of the tool are contoured and oriented for placing the burnishing elements on opposite sides of the blading member to be treated. The blading member is burnished to introduce a pre-determined pattern of residual compressive stresses in a selected area of the blade.

Abstract: The present invention is a positioning work stop for use with a machine tool for and having a signaling means that operates as a placement indicator effective for providing a signal if the work piece to be machined is in its proper position for machining or for signaling if the work piece has shifted out of position for machining. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the positioning work stop comprises a stop member having a stop surface, a switch element, a signaling means, and a power supply that are electrically coupled such that the signaling means activates when the work piece makes contact with the stop surface and operates as a placement indicator effective for providing a signal if the work piece to be machined is in its proper position for machining or for signaling if the work piece has shifted out of position for machining.

Abstract: The present invention is a new and novel wind generator system particularly suitable for both small and big wind applications that harnesses low velocity wind effectively. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wind generator system comprises a drive shaft; a plurality of blades attached to the drive shaft and extending radially outwardly therefrom; a generator assembly coupled to the drive shaft and effective for generating electrical power; and a housing having an inner chamber for receiving the plurality of blades and a wind directional apparatus coupled to a wind shield for reducing aerodynamic resistance on said blades.

Abstract: A metallic article with improved fatigue performance and resistance to corrosive attack and stress corrosion cracking is produced by treating a first area of a metallic article with a first surface treatment that induces a specified amount of cold work. A second, sacrificial area of the metallic article in electrical communication with the first area is treated with a second surface treatment that induces an amount of cold work higher than that of the first surface treatment. Due to the differences in cold work resulting from the different surface treatments, the second area of the metallic article is less noble than the first area and is therefore more susceptible to corrosive attack. As a result, the second sacrificial area will preferentially corrode leaving the first area protected from corrosive attack. Compressive residual stresses induced in the surface of the metallic article through the surface treatments improve the fatigue performance and resistance to stress corrosion cracking.

Abstract: Automated spine localizing, numbering and autoprescription system enhances correct location of diseased or injured tissue, even allow multi-spectral diagnosis. Externally located this tissue is facilitated by an integrated self adhesive spatial reference and skin marking system that is designed for a variety of modalities to include MRI, CT, SPECT, PET, planar nuclear imaging, radiography, XRT, thermography, optical imaging and 3D space tracking. The device ranges from a point localizer to a more multifunctional and complex grid/phantom system. The specially designed spatial reference(s) is affixed to an adhesive strip with corresponding markings so that after applying the unit to the skin/surface and imaging, the reference can be removed leaving the skin appropriately marked. The localizer itself can also directly adhere to the skin after being detached from the underlying strip.

Abstract: A threaded container closure assembly, comprising: a container neck (10) having an opening; a closure (12) for said neck, the closure having a base portion (22) and a skirt portion (24), a first screw thread on the neck said first screw thread comprising one or more first thread segments (16), and a second screw thread on an inner surface of the skirt of the closure, said second screw thread comprising one or more second thread segments (26); a first locking projection (44) on the container neck separate from the first thread segments (16) and a second locking projection (46) on the inner surface of the skirt of the closure separate from the second thread segments (26), said first and second locking projections being configured to resist unscrewing of the closure from the fully engaged position on the container neck after the closure has been secured or resecured on the container neck until a predetermined minimum opening torque is applied; wherein said first and second locking projections (44, 46) longitudin

Abstract: The present invention is a new and novel modular raised wall paneling system and method of manufacture that is economical, labor non-intensive, and can be easily constructed for a variety of room configurations and dimensions. The modular raised wall paneling system of the present invention comprises a plurality of individual panel sections having a joint there between, wherein a panel section includes a recess portion forming the appearance of a raised panel thereon. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the panel sections include along opposed longitudinal edges a tongue and a groove such that the panel sections can be disposed in parallel side-by-side mating relationship such that the tongue of one panel section is received in the groove of an adjacent panel section.

Abstract: A new and novel wind generator system particularly suitable for small wind applications that harnesses low velocity wind effectively. In a preferred embodiment, the wind generator system has a drive shaft; a plurality of blades attached to the drive shaft and extending radially outwardly therefrom; a generator assembly coupled to the drive shaft and effective for generating electrical power; and a housing having an inner chamber for receiving the plurality of blades and a wind directional apparatus that operates to adjust the speed of the wind and to channel wind along a desired flow pathway towards the plurality of blades.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transmission brake disengagement apparatus which eliminates the disadvantages of transmission brake disengagement apparatus having mechanical switches thereby improving the starting consistency of a drag race car. In particular, the present invention provides an improved transmission brake disengagement apparatus which incorporates a mechanical actuation switch for providing an electrical signal to effect the disengagement of an electrically actuated transmission brake of a drag race car, without the need of applying continuous pressure on the switch.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing the method of inducing compressive residual stress in blading members integrally formed with a rotor. The method includes using a caliper-type burnishing tool such that the caliper arms of the tool are contoured and oriented for placing the burnishing elements on opposite sides of the blading member to be treated. The blading member is burnished to introduce a pre-determined pattern of residual compressive stresses in a selected area of the blade.

Abstract: A metallic article with improved fatigue performance and resistance to corrosive attack and stress corrosion cracking is produced by treating a first area of a metallic article with a first surface treatment that induces a specified amount of cold work. A second, sacrificial area of the metallic article in electrical communication with the first area is treated with a second surface treatment that induces an amount of cold work higher than that of the first surface treatment. Due to the differences in cold work resulting from the different surface treatments, the second area of the metallic article is less noble than the first area and is therefore more susceptible to corrosive attack. As a result, the second sacrificial area will preferentially corrode leaving the first area protected from corrosive attack. Compressive residual stresses induced in the surface of the metallic article through the surface treatments improve the fatigue performance and resistance to stress corrosion cracking.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for improving resource allocation comprising the steps of identifying at least one criteria; Identifying sets of information wherein each set of information includes a unique unit of analysis (UOA-ID), a calendar/clock time (CCT), a CATVAR and a VAR Value; grouping each UOA-ID into an appropriate specific population (Type); identifying a Start Time wherein each UOA-ID has met said at least one criteria; forming at least one prospective or retrospective Cohort time segment for each UOA-ID based on their Start Time; placing the UOA-ID into the appropriate time segment; calculating an eligibility score for each UOA-ID for each time segment; calculating an Eligible Adjusted Variable Value; and generating at least one Output Expression.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for improving resource allocation comprising the steps of identifying at least one criteria; Identifying sets of information wherein each set of information includes a unique unit of analysis (UOA-ID), a calendar/clock time (CCT), a CATVAR and a VAR Value; grouping each UOA-ID into an appropriate specific population (Type); identifying a Start Time wherein each UOA-ID has met said at least one criteria; forming at least one prospective or retrospective Cohort time segment for each UOA-ID based on their Start Time; placing the UOA-ID into the appropriate time segment; calculating an eligibility score for each UOA-ID for each time segment; calculating an Eligible Adjusted Variable Value; and generating at least one Output Expression that can be subdivided by each CATVA.

Abstract: An apparatus for leveling and smoothing a surface that permits blades to be easily installed and removed from their corresponding trowel arms. The blades are formed such that attachment of a blade to the trowel arm is achieved by simply attaching the blade using one or more threaded bolts. Further, the blades of the subject invention are formed without the need of riveting or welding operations thereby significantly decreasing the manufacturing time and expense of the blades.

Abstract: A work holder capable of measuring the amount of distortion occurring in a part as the part is machined, processed, treated, or otherwise operated upon and methods of using the same for quality control and process monitoring purposes. Indirect measurement of the distortion occurring in the part eliminates the need to individually strain gauge each part.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and an article for performing the method of monitoring a surfactant. A preferred embodiment of the invention, an article comprises a substrate having an image and a surfactant thereon. The substrate is formed from various known fabrics or materials capable of absorbing and retaining a substantial quantity of the surfactant. During use, as the surfactant is dissipated, the image changes in appearance thereby indicating the quantity of surfactant remaining on the substrate. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method and article of the present invention is effective for encouraging and making washing enjoyable for children and includes the use of an epidermal surfactant, such as soap, detergent, or other active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of performing endotracheal intubation and a new and novel intubation device for performing the method. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the intubation device comprises an endotracheal tube having a forward open end and a rearward open end and an inner bore there between. The endotracheal tube is provided with a fitting having a neck portion for inserting longitudinally within the first end and an adaptor for connecting to a respirator or other ventilating apparatus. A stylet is telescopingly positioned within the inner bore and extends outwardly from the forward open end and includes a longitudinally extending soft and flexible guide portion. The stylet is adapted to move outwardly from the forward open end of the endotracheal tube such that during insertion of the endotracheal tube into the trachea of the patient the guide portion is positioned within the trachea and operates to direct the endotracheal tube within the trachea.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and a method of performing endotracheal intubation. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the intubation device comprises an endotracheal tube having a forward open end, a rearward open end, and an inner bore there between. The endotracheal tube is provided with a fitting for inserting longitudinally within the rearward end and an adaptor for connecting to a respirator or other ventilating apparatus. A stylet is telescopingly positioned within the inner bore and extends outwardly from the forward open end and includes a longitudinally extending soft and flexible guide portion. The stylet is adapted to move outwardly from the forward open end of the endotracheal tube such that during insertion of the endotracheal tube into the trachea of the patient the guide portion is positioned within the trachea and operates to direct the endotracheal tube within the trachea.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for the detection and quantification of joint and tissue inflammation (100) of the present invention comprises a sensing component (102) for obtaining and collecting data indicative of the surface or dimensions of the joint or tissue. The sensing component (102) comprises various components for obtaining measurements of the cardinal signs of inflammation. Preferably the sensing component (102) includes a device for detecting swelling (104), a color analyzing device (108), a temperature measuring device (110), a pain or tenderness detection device (112), an archival and retrieval device (114), and a display device (116).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for performing the method of inducing compressive residual stress along the surface of a part. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes burnishing or deep rolling a surface using a first and a second roller or ball burnishing members, whereby the first and second burnishing members may have a different diameter and/or modulus of elasticity. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the burnishing operations may be performed while the surface of the part is at different temperatures.