Abstract: An image-inverting prism device with double use for a telescope includes a prism contained in a housing formed of two semi-housings. The housing has a first end for connecting a lens, the first end being provided with three different diameter threaded stepped surfaces. The housing has a second end provided with a male threaded surface. The prism device further has a small lens tube, a changeover tube, a large lens tube, so when the image-inverting prism device is to be combined with a telescope with a large lens or a small lens, the changeover tube is used for connecting a large cylinder or a small cylinder of a telescope, and a large lens or a small lens respectively engaging with different diameter threaded stepped surfaces so that the image-inverting prism device may be use with both a telescope of a large lens and a small lens.

Abstract: These and other objectives will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art have been achieved by providing an antimicrobial surface having formula 1: SS—(Ua—V+b1—W)b2dX?eformula 1 wherein: SS represents a modified solid surface that comprises a hydroxyl group in the unmodified state thereof; a represents 0 or 1; U represents —Y1T-; Y1 represents —O—, —S—, or —NQ-; Q represents H; a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 1-24 atoms; phenyl; or benzyl; T represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain having 1-24 atoms; V represents a positively charged moiety; b1 represents 1 or 2; b2 represents 1-3; W represents LZ; L represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain having 10-24 atoms; Z represents —H, —OH, —SH, —F, —Cl, —Br, —I, —OR, —HN(O)CQ, or —O(O)CQ; R represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 1-24 carbon atoms; phenyl; or benzyl; X represents an anion; d represents 1 or 2; and e represents 1-3; wherein b1×b2=d×e.

Abstract: A checking and focusing device for an telescope eyepiece includes an eyepiece barrel formed of an inner tube and an outer tube. The outer tube has at one end a clamping portion formed with multiple resilient segments in a radial shape. A locking ring is threaded onto the clamping portion so that rotating the locking ring can gradually constrict the resilient segments to clamp the eyepiece tightly without biasing its axis. A production process for the chucking and focusing device for an telescope eyepiece includes two steps. One step is to machine multiple lengthwise grooves in an inner surface of a metal tube, the thickness of the grooves being the same as the depth of the resilient segments. The tube is then machined until the grooves are exposed, forming a single elastic strip between every two grooves, forming the clamping portion of the tube.

Abstract: A motor carbon brush assembly is composed of an insulated holder, a first electrically conductive member, a resilient member, a second electrically conductive member, a carbon brush, a spring, and a rear cover. The resilient member includes a contact portion elastically deformable under pressure. The first conductive member and the resilient member are mounted respectively to the insulated holder. The second conductive member is held between the contact portion of the resilient member and the first conductive member to enable the first conductive member to be electrically connected with the second conductive member. The spring is connected with the carbon brush and the second conductive member. The second conductive member is held tight between the first conductive member and the resilient member to avoid disengagement from and imperfect contact with the first conductive member.

Abstract: A tape measure of the present invention includes a mounted wheel, a pivot portion, rotation members, transmission wheel and a blade container wherein the rotation members include a first gear and a second gear. The mounted wheel has a serrated portion being arranged around inner sides thereof. The pivot portion being fitted into the opening has an axis and a plurality of posts on a side thereof and a driving bar on another side thereof. The transmission wheel has an operation gear. By the first gear and the second gear respectively and cooperatively operate with the mounted wheel and the transmission wheel, the transmission wheel is therefore rotated four circles as the pivot portion is rotated one circle, so duration of reeling the measuring blade becomes less.

Abstract: A bipolar plate has a multi-layered structure including an inner metallic layer and at least one outer metallic, corrosion-resistant layer splatted, embedded, diffused and interlocked into the inner metallic layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for desalinating seawater utilizing a two stage seawater desalination system, a first stage including at least one high performance nanofiltration membrane to receive seawater feed pressurized by a first stage pump sufficiently and to produce a first permeate, and a second stage including at least one high performance nanofiltration membrane to receive the first permeate pressurized by a second stage pump to between about 200 psi and about 300 psi to produce potable water.

Abstract: A wine rack for holding a plurality of bottles is configured to follow the contour of a curvilinear structural wall, whether convex or concave. The wine rack has a frame for holding open-ended elongated compartments. The compartments are loosely attached together at their respective first ends. Unattached second ends of the wine bottle compartments are free to flex laterally such that their ends generally follow the contour of the curvilinear structural wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating and dispensing gift cards for an associated merchant. A customer enters a value for the gift card through a customer input pad, and pays for the card by swiping a credit card through a credit card reader. After authorization is received, a card transporter pulls a serialized gift card from a card stock hopper. The card transporter then moves the card to a gift card inspector, which determines whether the serial number of the gift card can be properly read. If not, the bad card is deposited in a bad card bin. If the serial number can be properly read, the card transporter moves the card to a good card dispenser, which dispenses the gift card to the customer.

Abstract: An adjustable optical apparatus adapter is disclosed to include a camera platform provided with a mounting screw and a wing nut for securing a camera to the camera platform, a telescope holder for holding a telescope, a holding down frame controlled by a lock screw to hold down a telescope in the telescope holder, and a camera platform lock mounted in the a horizontal sliding slot in camera platform and a vertical sliding slot in telescope holder for locking the camera platform to the telescope holder after position adjustment of the camera platform horizontally and vertically relative to the telescope holder to have the loaded telescope at the telescope holder in axial alignment with the loaded camera at the camera platform.

Abstract: A motor carbon brush assembly is composed of an insulated holder, a first electrically conductive member, a resilient member, a second electrically conductive member, a carbon brush, a spring, and a rear cover. The resilient member includes a contact portion elastically deformable under pressure. The first conductive member and the resilient member are mounted respectively to the insulated holder. The second conductive member is held between the contact portion of the resilient member and the first conductive member to enable the first conductive member to be electrically connected with the second conductive member. The spring is connected with the carbon brush and the second conductive member. The second conductive member is held tight between the first conductive member and the resilient member to avoid disengagement from and imperfect contact with the first conductive member.

Abstract: A tape measure includes an enclosure including an upper unit and a lower unit each defining a notch communicating with each other. The upper unit forms a protrusion. Poles are respectively formed on the upper unit and the lower unit adjacent the notches. The upper unit forms a pair of latches on opposite sides of the notch. The lower unit forms a pair of pivots on opposite sides of the pole. A springloaded tape cartridge is accommodated in the enclosure and includes a wheel, a gasket, and a gear. The first and second elastic members are respectively rotatably attached to the pivots of the lower unit. One end of each elastic member engages with the gear. The button is disposed at the notches of the enclosure. A pair of projections is formed on the button and presses opposite ends of the first and second elastic members respectively.

Abstract: A multi-mode paging system and method of selectively paging an individual through one of a plurality of paging mechanisms. An indication of a paging mechanism for each individual to be paged is stored in a memory device. When an input is received from a user to page the individual, a control processor retrieves the indication of a paging mechanism for the individual to be paged and determines which of the plurality of paging mechanisms is to be utilized to page the individual. The individual may be selectively paged through an on-premises paging system, a wide area paging system, or a telephone such as a cellular telephone. An autodialer may be remotely located and connected by a wireless link to the processor, or the system may dial out using a wireless subscriber unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating sepsis, including septic shock and ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), comprising administering an effective amount of a HMG1 antagonist. There is further disclosed a diagnostic method for monitoring the severity or potential lethality of sepsis or septic shock, comprising measuring the serum concentration of HMG1 in a patient exhibiting or at risk or exhibit sepsis or septic shock symptoms. Lastly, there is disclosed a pharmaceutical composition and method for effecting weight loss or treating obesity, comprising administering an effective amount of HMG1 or a therapeutically active HMG1 fragment.

Abstract: A back cover for a motor includes a shell body, two carbon brush holders and two covering caps. The shell body has two receiving holes cut through inside and outside walls thereof. The carbon brush holders are respectively mounted in the shell body for holding a respective carbon brush bar in the receiving holes. The two carbon brush holders each have a mounting plate located in one of the receiving holes, and a spring supported on the mounting plate for forcing the carbon brush bar toward an inside of the shell body. The covering caps are respectively mounted on the outside wall of the shell body to cover the receiving holes respectively.