Abstract: A container to receive a parcel for shipment to an intended recipient comprises a pouch having a pouch interior and a mouth, a closure movable between open and closed positions, and a protective insert structure removably disposed in the pouch interior to substantially envelop the parcel and reduce risk of damage to it during shipment. In another embodiment, the container comprises a container body, a closure and a air bladder disposed in the container body for receiving and substantially enveloping the items to reduce damage thereto during shipment. Methodologies are also provided for shipping a parcel from a shipper located at an origin address location to an intended recipient located at a destination address location.

Abstract: A method of supporting a transducer head in a read/write application provides an air bearing member that has a bearing surface area. The transducer is reciprocally supported on the air bearing member. Gas is flowed out of the bearing surface area so that the transducer floats on a resulting air cushion. The transducer is then reciprocated in a controlled manner while floating. The method may be accomplished by mounting the transducer on a carriage and floatably supporting the carriage on the air bearing member. The bearing member and the carriage may be keyed to one another, and the bearing member may be formed of porous material. Reciprocation of the bearing member may be accomplished electromagnetically. The transducer may be used to read or write data on a tape medium.

Abstract: An item of jewelry is provided to receive a fragrance composition. The jewelry piece includes a securement member, a setting, and a piece of porous material. The securement member supports the setting and enables the jewelry item to be worn by the person in the manner in which it is intended. In some embodiments, the setting supports the piece of porous material relative to the securement member such that ambient air may flow between it and the securement member, maximizing the exposed surface area of the porous material. The porous material is a ceramic that contains sintered aluminum oxide and receives a liquid fragrance producing composition such as perfume or cologne. A method for applying the fragrance to the piece of porous material is also provided and includes the step of washing the porous material with a solvent suitable to diffuse the carrier liquid of the fragrance producing composition.

Abstract: A fully adjustable universal safety harness or restraint for small children designed to secure them in various chairs, high chairs, booster seats, shopping carts or strollers, or to control their movement. The restraint comprises a harness which fits over the child's shoulders and around the chest and waist and includes a separate strap, swivel hooks, belt loops, and several D rings.

Abstract: A leak detection instrument may comprise a housing, a gas sensor supported relative to the housing, an AE sensor for generating a sound detection input signal upon exposure to gas leakage, processing circuitry for producing output signals, and an output device. The AE sensor may include an elongated mounting member, an AE sensor housing supported by the mounting member, and an AE sensor disposed therein. Improvements to leak detection instruments, an AE sensor mounting assembly and a method of monitoring a device to ascertain leakage of a target gas therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: A portable campfire apparatus has a base, a fire pan supported by the base, a gas manifold disposed in the fire pan and a quantity of low-density, non-flammable particulate material in the fire pan at a depth to cover the manifold. The fire pan and the base are substantially the same shape and size. A cylindrical spacer can be interposed between the fire pan and the base, and a lid of geometry similar to the base and fire pan is disclosed and rests on an inwardly projecting shoulder on the rim of the fire pan. When upright, the upper rim is parallel to the ground, but when tipped over the rim is at an angle of no less than ninety degrees to the ground. Different shapes of the base and fire pan are taught, and different configurations of the manifold are shown.

Abstract: A mechanical arm includes a base that mount on a selected support. A proximal arm member has a proximal end portion pivotally secured to the base and a distal end portion pivotally secured to a distal arm member. The base has a first fixed gear element disposed thereon, and a second fixed gear element is disposed on the distal arm member. A drive shaft is rotatably disposed on the proximal arm member and includes a first end portion provided with a first drive gear engaging the first fixed gear element and a second drive gear provided with a second drive gear engaging the second fixed gear element such that rotation of the drive shaft acts to pivot the arm members. A drive acts to rotate the drive shaft.

Abstract: A reusable labeling construction, and container incorporating the same to permit parcel shipment comprises a removable label and a label panel. The removable label includes strip material for receiving information corresponding to an address of an intended recipient and an adhesive layer. The label panel is adapted to be supported by the container body and includes a transparent surface portion formed of a material to which the adhesive will adhere sufficiently to retain the label on the transparent surface portion during shipment, yet from which it may be removed without tearing the strip material. A methodology of shipping parcels is also provided which contemplates preparation of a shipping package having such a reusable labeling construction.

Abstract: A transport assembly and method for containers includes an actuator arm coupled to the drive shaft of a motor and extending radially therefrom so as to be driven between two angular positions. A load arm carries a transport head that releasably engages a selected container at a first station. The load arm is coupled to the actuator arm and is driven in conjunction with a constraining mount that controls its motion. The transport head can grip the container such as with a vacuum. The transport head lifts the container from a first station, moves it to a desired location and places it in a second station. A cam-driven plunger assembly is also shown and operates to seat the container in the second station. The method includes steps performed by this structure, and the application of a seating force to mate a container in the second station.

Abstract: A clutch control system for a standard transmission includes a gearshift lever sensor that is mechanically coupled to the gearshift lever to sense the position thereof and produce a gear state signal. A monitor device is also provided to produce a signal corresponding to the vehicle's speed. A selectively actuable latch mechanism has an unlock state to permit the clutch to move from its transmission disabling state to an enabling state but may move to a lock state to prevent the clutch from moving to the enable state. A controller responds to the gear state signal and the speed signal to place the latch mechanism in the lock state when the speed of the vehicle is above a pre-selected maximum speed for the selected gear state. A method implemented by this system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for use in producing epothilones and analogs and derivatives thereof. A general method according to the present invention broadly comprises performing an aldol condensation of a first compound with a second compound thereby to form a third compound selected from the formulas: and stereoisomers thereof, and performing a macrolactonization of the third compound. The present invention also provides chemical compounds, and methods for producing such chemical compounds, that are useful in producing epothilones and analogs and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: An extendable bay for use with a human habitat, such as a slide-out for a recreational vehicle, includes a compartment sized to be received in an opening in the habitat's side wall. The compartment has a bottom, a top, a front panel and a pair of side panels. A cantilever portion extends from the top for a distance beyond the first and second side panels. A lower edge bearing is interposed between the lower edge of the opening and the bottom of the compartment. A cantilever bearing element is interposed between the cantilever portion and the ceiling of the habitat to support the cantilever portion against the ceiling for sliding movement. An automated drive may be provided to extend and retract the bay. Side bearing elements may be provided. Seal strips may also be used to seal the bay relative to the environment.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are described for investigating polymorphs of a material, isomers of a material which allow different isomeric forms to be resolved, different hydrates/solvates and/or different salts of a material. The apparatus comprises an assembly (2) of reactor devices (6) arranged within a reactor body (8) which incorporates a heating/cooling block (10) and a stirrer block (12). A vessel support block (14) supports respective sample vessels (15) below each reactor device (6) for recieving material from the reactor devices. The apparatus includes a control unit (4) which includes a computer (16) which controls a robot for delivering materials to the reactor devices; a heating/cooling unit (18); a stirrer control unit (20); and a pressure unit (22) which controls the passage of material from the reactor devices (6) to the sample vessels (15).

Abstract: A security device and fastener is used in a security system and method. The device has a body portion with a base, an outer surface, a cylindrical cavity and an inner radial flange defining a bolt hole that is coaxial with the cavity. The sidewall of the cavity is sized to have reduced radial clearance between a standard bolt head and a standard wrench socket to prohibit removal of the bolt except with a specially configured socket. The fastener includes this device and a nut and bolt combination. The system includes the fastener and the specialty wrench tool. The security device can be formed as part of a fixture that is adapted to secure a sign to a support, such as a post. The method includes the steps of providing a security device as disclosed, providing a specialty socket and securing a plurality of items together therewith.