Abstract: Skis are manufactured so as to have a convex longitudinal curvature in the unloaded state. This ensures that the ski has good contact with the snow, keeps to the track and does not chatter during skiing, but impedes turning the skis and skiing through narrow curves. However, by securing two Z-shaped rigid levers (10) with a power arm (11) and a load arm (12) to a ski (1) such that the power arms (11) are positioned under the heel or toe of a ski boot and by variously distributing the weight (Gh, Gv) on the power arms (11), the tail (3) and/or tip (2) of the ski are/is lifted and the ski (1) obtains a concave longitudinal curvature.

Abstract: A modified poker card game allows a player to sequentially build a card hand after each round of play. The rules of play for the card game including dealing a first pair of cards to the player. The player then selects one of the pair of cards for the card hand, and discards the other card. The player repeats this process until the player has selected a predetermined number of cards that form the card hand. The resulting card hand is then compared to a predetermined winning schedule and/or to other players playing the modified poker game.

Abstract: A biological evidence collection apparatus provides contact-free drying, storage, identification, and protection against sample switch and contamination of collected biological samples. The apparatus may include the described forensic evidence collection kit which provides a set of tools for the collection and storage of biological evidence. The collection apparatus may also be used as part of a sexual assault evidence collection kit, or a kit for the collection of buccal swabs, and the like.

Abstract: A stereotactic device for use with an imager is disclosed, which permits an imaging scan to be taken with reference to a personal coordinate system (or PCS) that is independent of a machine coordinate system (or MCS). Methods using the device to obtain imaging scans are described such that the imaging scans are superimposable even if taken at different time periods using the same or a different imager. The device comprises a frame that can be reproducibly positioned on a subject and which is equipped with non-invasive affixing means and localizing means that provide the PCS. The device and methods of the invention are particularly well suited for routine initial or follow-up examinations, pre-surgical planning and post-surgical evaluation.

Abstract: The composite steel/concrete column comprises a longitudinally extending H-shaped steel assembly having a pair parallel flange plates and a web plate interconnecting the flange plates and defining two opposite channel-shaped spaces. A plurality of spaced-apart transversal tie bars are disposed along the steel assembly on each side of the web plate for interconnecting the flange plates. A mass of concrete is filling the channel-shaped spaces. The column steel concrete column is characterized in that the ratio of the cross-sectional surface area of the steel assembly with respect to the total surface area of the composite steel/concrete column is less than 9%, preferably 2% to 5%. The column is principally to be utilized in structural steel high-rise buildings which have the advantage of shop prefabrication resulting in rapid on site construction.

Abstract: A method of simulating future cash flow for a given asset allocation under a variety of economic conditions, measuring the frequency of failure of the cash flow to avoid one or more predefined risks. Assigning user-selected weights to avoidance of specified risks and alternative user-selected weights to maximization of rate of return, the invention utilizes the cash flow simulation to produce a performance index. By methodological testing through asset allocation adjustments, the optimum performance index is determined, thereby identifying the optimum asset allocation.

Abstract: The instant diagnostic system includes a measurement device including a laser diode and communicatable with a computer. The diagnostic system further includes a memory medium readable by the computer and storing computer instructions executable by the computer. The instructions include the following sequential, non-sequential, or independent steps. A template relating to a beam profile of the laser diode along a flow path of the measurement device is built. A fluorescent sample is captured by the measurement device. The sample is time-wise aligned to the template. The sample is normalized relative to the template. The normalized sample is integrated to determine a total amount of fluorescence in the sample.

Abstract: A computer implemented process prescribes second-order tetrahedral elements during simulation in the design analysis of structure. The computer implemented process includes the steps of defining a finite element model for an element including at least one tetrahedral element, and defining the at least one tetrahedral element as a combination of hexahedral sub-elements. The computer implemented process also includes the steps of executing the simulation, and evaluating the structure for structural integrity responsive thereto.

Abstract: Data transfer efficiencies of a frequency division and/or time division multiple access (FDMA/TDMA) communication systems are improved over prior art systems by distributing signalling and messaging activities over all return channels of a channel group, by varying forward to return channel data rate ratios, and by reducing message transport delays with respect to prior art communication systems, based on message traffic over such channel group. Return channels of a defined channel group are time division controlled and are generic to operate either in a signalling mode or in a messaging mode. Data rates for the forward channel and the return channels may be selected from predefined combinations of forward and return channel data rates.