Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hierarchical data storage and retrieval system implemented using a computed statistically unique signature for the content of given computer data as its basis. The data storage and retrieval system can be used to catalog computer information for easy indexing and retrieval. The signature is computed by any number of techniques so long as it is able to produce a statistically unique signature, one example being the SHA-1 algorithm. The system is able to reduce the amount of data that is stored and the time required for retrieving the data. Provide a way to move electronic data in an encrypted secure manner that requires the complete data set being moved for decryption of the data. Even if a portion of the data is compromised that portion would still remain secure. The data is encrypted and separated into two or more portions all of which would be needed to decrypt the data.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a designated rotational direction is disclosed, wherein an entire area having a width 85% of a total tire width and a center area having a width 30% of the total tire width are defined in a tread portion. A center main groove is positioned on a tire equatorial line and extends in a tire circumferential direction. Subsidiary main grooves are positioned on two sides of the center main groove and extend in the tire circumferential direction. Angled and lateral grooves extend at an angle, in a direction opposite the rotational direction towards an outside in the tire width direction. Lateral grooves extend from each subsidiary main groove. Sub grooves extend from the lateral grooves towards the rotational direction. A total length of a block edge in the center area is from 40% to 60% of a total length of a block edge in the entire area.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided which comprises a base configured to support the exercise device, an arcuate path extending from the base, a limb support configured to receive a limb of a user and which moves along the arcuate path, and a resistance member attachable to the limb support and configured to provide resistance against movement of the limb support along the arcuate path.

Abstract: A selectively absorptive, mulitlayer wire-grid polarizer for polarizing incident light includes a stack of thin film layers disposed over a substrate, including a wire-grid array of elongated metal elements having a period less than half the wavelength of the light. One of the layers can include a thin film layer with a refractive index greater than a refractive index of the substrate. One of the thin film layers can include a dielectric array of non-metal elements. One of the layers includes a material that is optically absorptive to the incident light.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a low phase noise oscillator circuit using a current-reuse technique to reduce power consumption and improve phase noise, where the oscillator circuit comprises a first VCO coupled to a second VCO, and the outputs of the first and second VCOs are coupled with passive elements, such as capacitors. The overall power consumption of both the first and second VCOs is about the same as a single VCO. Furthermore, the phase noise is lowered by around 3 dB. Thus, the phase noise performance is improved without increasing the power consumption of the oscillator circuit.

Abstract: A support structure is disclosed comprising a longitudinally extending hollow member configured to receive a support tube therein. The longitudinally extending hollow member comprises an approximately flat surface opposite an internal corner of the longitudinally extending hollow member. The invention further comprises a support tube configured to be removably inserted within the longitudinally extending hollow member and a mechanism for forcing an outer corner of the support tube into the internal corner of the longitudinally extending member.

Abstract: Methods for wafer-scale fabrication of needle arrays can include mechanically modifying a wafer to produce a plurality of vertically-extending columns. The columns are etched to round and reshape the columns into substantially uniformly shaped needles. Needle arrays having needle width non-uniformity of less than about 3% and length non-uniformity of less than about 2% can be produced.

Abstract: Materials, devices, and methods for enhancing performance of electronic devices such as solar cells, fuels cells, LEDs, thermoelectric conversion devices, and other electronic devices are disclosed and described. A diamond-like carbon electronic device can include a conductive diamond-like carbon cathode having specified carbon, hydrogen and sp2 bonded carbon contents. In some cases, the sp2 bonded carbon content may be sufficient to provide the conductive diamond-like carbon material with a visible light transmissivity of greater than about 0.70. A charge carrier separation layer can be coupled adjacent and between the diamond-like carbon cathode and an anode. The conductive diamond-like carbon material of the present invention can be useful for any other application which can benefit from the use of conductive and transparent electrodes which are also chemically inert, radiation damage resistance, and are simple to manufacture.

Abstract: Training symbol formats are provided for use in a MIMO based wireless communication system that uses adaptive power loading. In at least one embodiment, power loading information is used to calibrate constellation points for user data.

Abstract: A process and system for producing an effluent gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen is presented. The process includes introducing a fuel gas including a hydrocarbon and a reformer gas into a reactor system. The reformer gas may include steam, CO2, or a mixture thereof. Under steam reforming temperatures and pressures, the gases are reacted in the presence of reactant solids. The reaction process produces a carbon monoxide and hydrogen containing effluent, which may be withdrawn from the reactor system.

Abstract: A device and system is provided for a prosthetic device having an articulating joint for a leg amputee. The device includes a joint housing forming a chamber, and the chamber has a first opening. A rotary hub can be disposed within the joint housing and configured to act as the articulating joint. One or more vanes can extend outwardly from the rotary hub, and the vane is configured to actuate fluid flow through the first opening.

Abstract: A vehicle tire cleaning system comprises a support grate, configured to enable positioning of a tire of a vehicle thereupon. The support grate is capable of supporting a load of the tire thereupon while the tire is mounted to the vehicle. A plurality of openings is formed in the support grate. A carrier is moveable with respect to the support grate. A plurality of abrading elements is coupled to the carrier and each is extendable through the openings. The abrading elements are operable to abrade the tire supported by the support grate as the tire and the abrading elements move relative to each another.

Abstract: The illumination of a display of a religious, meditative, or ceremonial image is coordinated with sound produced and associated with the use of the image, such as a chant associated with the image. The sound can be produced by the device of the invention in which case the device coordinates the illumination with the sound produced by the device, or the sound can be produced by a user of the device in which case the device coordinates the illumination with the sound produced by the user. The device includes a display for illuminating and displaying the visual image and circuitry for coordinating the illumination of the visual image and the sound associated with use of the image.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to disinfectant or sterilant compositions, which are human safe, e.g., food grade or food safe. In one embodiment, an aqueous disinfectant or sterilant composition can comprise an aqueous vehicle, including water, from 0.001 wt % to 50 wt % of a peracid, and from 0.001 wt % to 25 wt % of a peroxide. Additionally, from 0.001 ppm to 50,000 ppm by weight of a transition metal based on the aqueous vehicle content can also be present. The composition can be formulated to include only food-grade ingredients. Alternatively or additionally, the transition metal can be in the form of a colloidal transition metal.

Abstract: A surgical device 10 with an ergonomic handle 12 and, an elongated tubular portion 18 extending from the ergonomic handle 12 to a functional end 22. The elongated tubular portion 18 has a longitudinal axis 19, and a finger actuator 16 is positioned substantially in line with this axis. Furthermore, the surgical device 10 may also include a rod 20 functionally disposed within the tubular portion 18 along the longitudinal axis 19. The rod 20 may be coupled proximally to the finger actuator 16 and distally to the functional end 22, such that bidirectional pressure applied by the user's finger to the finger actuator 16 along the longitudinal axis 19 manipulates the functional end 22 in a bidirectional manner in response to or in a common direction to the bidirectional pressure. The surgical device 10 may further comprise a ratcheting mechanism 24 to lock the finger actuator 16 in a fixed position, thus locking the functional end 22 in a fixed position.

Abstract: A frictional holding pad for removably attaching items, such as a cell phone or sunglasses, to a vehicle surface, such as a dash or console, to allow storage of items on the pad to prevent the items from shifting or sliding due to the movement of the vehicle. The holding pad includes a top surface having an uppermost contact surface configured to contact and frictionally cling to the item and a bottom surface having a lowermost contact surface configured to contact and frictionally cling to the vehicle surface. The top and the bottom surfaces are configured to provide a greater frictional engagement between the lowermost contact surface and the vehicle surface than the uppermost contact surface and the item. Protrusions or indentation can be formed in the top and bottom surfaces of the pad.