Abstract: A file folder having an index tab and an interior pocket capable of containing loose papers within the file folder, wherein a front cover of the file folder may be inserted into the interior pocket to releaseably secure the file folder in a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a ballot marking device adapted to mark a ballot and either return the marked ballot to the voter or automatically deposit the marked ballot into a secure ballot box attached to the marking device. The device includes a presentation device operable to present to the voter a plurality of election choices and ballot handling choices, and an input device operable to receive from the voter at least one selection corresponding to the election choices and at least one instruction corresponding to the ballot handling choices. The device also includes a marking mechanism operable to record the received voter selection on the ballot, a transport mechanism operable to transport the ballot through the device, and a diverter operable to direct the ballot from the transport mechanism into the attached ballot box. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods configured to guide and manage laboratory analytical process control operations. A Biometric quality control (QC) process application is configured to monitor bias and imprecision for each test, characterize patient population data distributions and compare, contrast, and correlate changes in patient data distributions to any change in QC data populations. The Biometric QC process monitors the analytical process using data collected from repetitive testing of quality control materials and patient data (test results). The QC process identifies the optimal combination of, for example, frequency of QC testing, number of QCs tested, and QC rules applied in order to minimize the expected number of unacceptable patient results produced due to any out-of-control error condition that might occur. A method of determining an optimum frequency for bracketing patient data into batches using a minimum number of quality control samples is also provided.

Abstract: An ionic foot bath array for generating an ionic foot bath includes an upper rod support structure, at least one electrically non-conductive support structure leg depending downwards from the upper rod support structure and a plurality of generally cylindrical electrically conductive ionic rods each having the same diameter, the ionic rods being removably mounted and depending downwards from the upper rod support structure, each of the ionic rods extending generally parallel with one another in spaced-apart relationship in at least two generally parallel rows, the ionic rods having an intra-row spacing therebetween of no greater than two times the diameter of each ionic rod, the rows being spaced no greater than three times the diameter of each ionic rod, with at least one of the rows being positively charged and at least one of the rows being negatively charged.

Abstract: An adjustable weight system and method for adjusting the center of gravity and front and rear axle weights of a model race car. The adjustable weight system includes a cylinder having screw threads that are configured to form complemental threads in a surface surrounding a bore of an object that the cylinder is placed within. The cylinder is configured to engage a tool for adjustably positioning the cylinder within the bore and forming the complemental threads. The methods for adjusting the center of gravity and front and rear axle weights each include selecting a desired center of gravity location, front axle weight, or rear axle weight, placing at least a front or rear wheel of the car on a scale, and moving an adjustable weight on the car's chassis until the desired and actual center of gravity, front axle weight, or rear axle weight are approximately equal.

Abstract: A process for the selective oxidation of olefins to epoxides comprising the step of contacting the olefin (propylene or ethylene) with an oxidant (hydrogen peroxide) in the presence of a Lewis acid oxidation catalyst (MTO), organic base (pyridine or its N-oxide), in a solvent system comprising an organic water-miscible solvent (methanol). The system is pressurized using either the olefin itself or by adding an inert pressurizing gas (nitrogen) to increase the pressure between 230 and 700 psi at a temperature between 0.7 and 1.3 times the critical temperature of the olefin. The resulting increased solubility of the olefin in the organic solvent system increases the selectivity and yield of the desired epoxide (propylene oxide or ethylene oxide).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for sorting vials and small containers. The apparatus comprises a plurality of compartments, arranged linearly, with two agitation conveyor belts and a sorting conveyor belt running along the bottom of the compartments. Each compartment includes a rotatable brush, driven by a drive motor and a diverter piece to direct vials into receptacles on the sorting conveyor belt. Vials falling within the receptacles are ejected into vertical alignment so that the vials are sorted and oriented properly for packaging.

Abstract: A ballot marking system and apparatus for marking a paper ballot listing a plurality of candidates which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the marking apparatus. The marking apparatus includes a touchscreen device on which the voter can enter his selections. The touchscreen is pivotally mounted atop the ballot marking apparatus such that it fits within a recess in the apparatus housing when in its closed position, and is ergonomically presented to the voter when in its open position.

Abstract: A system and method to automatically implement quality control of a clinical diagnostic process are disclosed. Upon generation of an internal error flag, a confirmation rule automatically checks a questionable patient statistic alert by testing a quality control specimen, applying event-related quality control rules to the results of that test, and provides an alert to the operator only upon a confirmed patient signal. The automatic quality control process thus eliminates the uncertainty of operator reaction to an alert signal and implements the quality control run automatically, without operator intervention.

Abstract: A removable step used to climb a vertical surface. The step has first and second structural members and at least two brace members spacing the structural members. A coupler is rigid with one of the structural members and is operable to secure the structural member to the vertical surface.

Abstract: A jewelry device, for attachment to a French cuff, convertible cuff or a casual shirt of a type comprising a cuff, a cuff button and a cuff button hole, having a U-shaped frame. A hook shaped arm may connect the U shaped frame around the sleeve cuff. A pair of bars may station the frame, so that it does not become dislodged, offset or pivots from awkward movements. An alternate embodiment uses a removable pin to connect the U shaped frame to the sleeve cuff.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell comprises a membrane formed from a fluorocarbon ionic polymer material capable of being bonded to an acrylic, preferably a polymethylmethacrylate polymer, and at least one desirably electrically conductive plate bonded to an area of a face of the membrane via an acrylic plastic material. The bond may be accomplished by positioning a layer of the acrylic plastic material between a surface of the plate and an area of a face of the membrane. Alternatively, the plate may be constructed of the acrylic plastic material and a surface thereof may be bonded directly to an area of a face of the membrane.

Abstract: A method of converting a diesel engine to a natural gas engine comprising inserting a spark plug into a diesel fuel injector opening in a cylinder head; installing a throttle body on the diesel engine; installing a throttle body adaptor between a throttle body and an intake manifold of said diesel engine; and modifying a piston, whereby the compression ratio of said piston is decreased during operation of said piston. The method also includes installation of a waste gate and waste gate adaptor and a timing mask.

Abstract: A fabric for protecting a wearer thereof from an energy weapon. The fabric is made of a plurality of coupled strands. Bach strand is made from at least two fibers, an electrically non-conductive fiber and an electrically conductive fiber. The electrically non-conductive fiber at least partially encloses the electrically conductive fiber.