Abstract: The present invention includes a sol-gel supported catalyst for the dehydrogenation of lower alkanes, the catalyst comprising at least one active metal and at least one promoter metal attached to a sol-gel mixed oxide support. The sol-gel mixed oxide support arises from the polymerization of at least one precursor. The active metal and the promoter metal have been attached to the sol-gel mixed oxide support by the active metal and the promoter metal having been co-precipitated with the precursor of the sol-gel mixed oxide support. The invention also includes a method of making the above mentioned catalyst and a method of using the catalyst to dehydrogenate lower alkanes to produce lower alkenes.

Abstract: A system and method for creating capacitor-based electrical energy storage modules and electrical energy storage systems assembled therefrom. Submodules having a plurality of capacitors capable of storing electrical energy are used in different combinations to create electrical energy storage modules. Preferably, a number of submodules are placed into corresponding receptacles within an enclosure or cabinet, wherein the submodules become electrically connected. The number of submodules installed in a cabinet is determined by the power output desired, and the space constraints of the area in which the cabinet will be located. One cabinet of one or more submodules, or a plurality of interconnected cabinets of one or more submodules, may form an electrical energy storage module. The module may be designed to output either DC or AC electric power, and is preferably equipped with a power conversion system and/or communication and control electronics to control the charging and discharging thereof.

Abstract: An exterior covering for buildings and the like is described. The present invention relates to vinyl siding panels for building exteriors that are easy to install, and which prevent a collection of moisture along the building exterior.

Abstract: A system of compression molding a synthetic wood formulation into a commercially useable synthetic wood component is described. Surprising results are achieved when the dry formulation is placed under heat and pressure. Many different components may be made using the present invention, such as by example, wood-like trim components for the housing construction industry.

Abstract: Cast metal parts are created for use in making machinery. When these parts are formed, unwanted material remains in the openings of the parts. This material, called flash, must be removed. In the method of the present invention, the cast parts are placed on a platen of a trim press that has multi-part punches attached thereto that are configured to self-align with the openings in the cast part and operative to evenly remove the flash. The invention also relates to a punch that initially breaks through the flash with a stationary punch that removes a majority of the flash inside the opening of the cast part. Next, a moving or self-centering punch self-aligns to the opening in the cast part and operates to remove the remaining flash. The inventive punch may also include a mounting base for attachment of the multi-part punches to the plate or platen of the press.

Abstract: An air supply control device for use in the heating, cooling, and conditioning of an air supply to a predetermined temperature. The device includes a cooling unit that is adapted to cool the air passing through the unit. The device incorporates a variable speed cooling fluid pump that pumps cooling fluid through a heat exchanger in the cooling unit, and a variable frequency drive (“VFD”) that is electrically connected to the pump and which can vary the speed of the pump. The device also incorporates a temperature sensor that is positioned to detect the temperature of the air after it has passed through the cooling unit. A programmable logic controller (“PLC”) is included in the device and is in electronic communication with the temperature sensor and the VFD. The PLC is programmed to vary the speed of the cooling fluid pump to adjust the temperature of the air passing through the cooling unit to the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A columnar race game having columns that move in a vertical direction. The object of the game is to hit a target causing actuation of the column in the vertical direction. The first column to reach a uppermost point activates a detection device which stops the game and signals the winner of the game.

Abstract: The present invention includes capacitive film thickness measurement devices and measurement systems used in machines or instruments. A capacitance measurement device and technique useful in determining lubricant film thickness on substrates such as magnetic thin-film rigid disks. Using the present invention, variations in lubricant thickness on the Angstrom scale or less may be measured quickly and nondestructively.

Abstract: A hip assembly and method are described in which a femoral head cap component secured to the femur with at least one screw is engaged with an acetabulum shell component affixed to the acetabulum with at least one screw, and a trochanteric osteotomy plate is secured to the femur with screws. The assembly further includes a psoas recess in the acetabulum shell for allowing freedom of movement of the illiopsoas tendon, countersunk cancellous screws for securing the components to the bones, and fins mounted on the femoral cap to prevent rotation in the bone.

Abstract: An extrudable wood composite which includes cellulosic material and a powdered thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A hybrid electric propulsion system for powering a vehicle using a natural fuel engine and an electric motor. The hybrid electric vehicle is comprised of a drive train; an electric motor for driving the drive train; an auxiliary power unit (APU); an electric energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric motor; and wherein the auxiliary power unit and the electric energy storage system provide energy for powering the vehicle. An electric bus is directly connected to both the auxiliary power unit and the electric energy source and the voltage across the electric bus is substantially the same as the voltage across the electric energy source so that a change in voltage of the electric bus results in the same change to the voltage across the electric energy source. A power management controller is programmed to control output power of the power unit to maintain the energy storage system between a predetermined high voltage set-point and a predetermined low voltage set-point.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for authenticating users and services communicating over an insecure network. Each user and service has a pass-phrase used for authentication. However, the pass-phrases are not revealed during the authentication process as challenge-response techniques are used to keep the pass-phrase secret. In addition, the users and services do not need to know nor do they learn each other's pass-phrases making the process useful in a distributed environment. Pass-phrases are known by an authentication entity with which the service communicates to authenticate both users and services. Users may have identities in and services may support a number of realms, each of which may be viewed as large collection of users (e.g., CompuServe.com). Users choose the realm in which they would like to be authenticated.

Abstract: An electricity distribution system such as a power strip that has adjustable outlets. The adjustable outlets have no fixed position within a housing. The power strip comprises a power cord/cable that is adapted to receive an input of electricity. One end of the power cord/cable may be terminated with an electrical connector. The opposite end of the power cord/cable is connected to a bus system which may be mounted inside of a housing. The system further includes at least one other power cord/cable that is connected to the bus system. As a result, each additional power cord/cable is adapted to be in electrical communication with the power cord/cable that is adapted to receive the input of electricity. Each of the additional power cord(s)/cable(s) may also be terminated with an electrical connector. In this manner, the present invention may provide at least one adjustable power outlet.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for initiating and guiding an electrical discharge arc. This method preferably comprises the steps of: providing a laser beam through a predetermined gas comprising molecules amenable to vibrational excitation by a laser beam so as to cause vibrational excitation of the molecules and to define a beam path in a direction of desired electrical discharge; and propagating an electrical discharge arc so as to intersect the beam path, whereby the electrical discharge arc is directed along the beam path.

Abstract: The present invention includes antenna connectors, antenna connecting devices, and antenna connecting systems. This invention also includes machines or electronic devices using these aspects of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved laser welded work piece, such as an automotive body panel, and a system and method for the manufacture thereof. The invention is also directed to an improved system for manufacturing the welded work piece including an improved laser welder and a laser weld inspection device and system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor and packaging apparatus, as well as packaging conveyance and packaging methods for irregularly shaped articles and packages, such as for packaged food products as in the case of conical packages for ice cream confections and the like. In the present invention, pairs of manufactured articles having irregular profiles are moved along a conveyor system. Each of a given pair of articles moves along an independent conveyor path toward a predetermined destination. Each article may undergo a change in alignment along its path such that it is in a preferred orientation upon leaving the conveyor system. In a preferred embodiment, pairs of conical articles are oriented with the narrow ends in opposing directions (interlaced) upon leaving the system so as to minimize the amount of space required for packaging of the two articles when placed adjacent one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved laser welded work piece, such as an automotive body panel, and a system and method for the manufacture thereof. The invention is also directed to an improved system for manufacturing the welded work piece including an improved laser welder and a laser weld inspection device and system.