Abstract: A heating pad having at least one heating element positioned within an encapsulation layer. Each heating element has a carbon fiber tape layer and a conductive sheath surrounding the carbon fiber tape layer. Within each heating element, an insulation layer can be positioned between the carbon fiber tape layer and the conductive sheath. The carbon fiber tape layer of each heating element can have opposing ends to which electrodes can be secured. Systems and methods of using and making the heating pad are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for capturing shockwaves from high voltage arcs from both human and natural sources and generating additional power therefrom is disclosed. The invention is comprised of three main parts: a first part being a shockwave chamber with a conductive channel having a gap therebetween; a second part being a sealed compression chamber with a pressure reduction system; and a third part being a pressure turbine. When the aforementioned high voltage arcs across the gap in the conductive material, the shockwave is captured within the shockwave chamber. The shockwave is then stepped down by the pressure reduction system and is then transferred to the turbine which rotates to provides additional mechanical energy.

Abstract: A buyer broker real estate rebate system for purchasing and leasing real estate. The system utilizes property databases and provides an interactive purchasing broker for offering, negotiating and accepting terms; preparing a contract and closing package; and for rebating the buyer/seller.

Abstract: A dipole microphone assembly for a nearfield sound source has a first microphone and a second microphone. The second microphone is out of phase with the first microphone so as to provide a dipole microphone assembly. Each of the microphones has a port, and a dipole spacing is defined as a distance from the center of the port of the first microphone to the center of the port of the second microphone. The dipole spacing is less than ¼ of a wavelength for the highest frequency of the sound of interest.

Abstract: A dipole microphone assembly for a nearfield sound source has a first microphone and a second microphone. The second microphone is out of phase with the first microphone so as to provide a dipole microphone assembly. Each of the microphones has a port, and a dipole spacing is defined as a distance from the center of the port of the first microphone to the center of the port of the second microphone. The dipole spacing is less than ¼ of a wavelength for the highest frequency of the sound of interest.

Abstract: A dipole microphone array is provided for an acoustical stringed instrument of the type having a body and a plurality of strings spaced from the body. The array includes a plurality of microphone assemblies each having a first and a second microphone. The second microphone is out of phase with the first microphone so as to provide a dipole microphone assembly. Each of the microphone assemblies is mounted on the body of the instrument in close proximity to one of the strings.

Abstract: A dipole microphone array is provided for an acoustical stringed instrument of the type having a body and a plurality of strings spaced from the body. The array includes a plurality of microphone assemblies each having a first and a second microphone. The second microphone is out of phase with the first microphone so as to provide a dipole microphone assembly. Each of the microphone assemblies is mounted on the body of the instrument in close proximity to one of the strings.

Abstract: A display portlet is incorporated into a portal page in a web-based environment. This display portlet presents the launch sequence of the portlets that are currently running on that portal page. The displayed launch sequence indicates the source of a launched portlet and displays any portlets that are launched by a portlet running on that portal page. The visual representations can be of various formats such as a spacial display or a tree representation. Each launched portlet has a stored record containing information about the portlet, the portlet that launched it and any portlets launched by the particular portlet.

Abstract: A display portal page in a web-based environment. This display portlet presents the message communication information between the portlets that are currently running on that portal page. The displayed message communication information indicates the portlet that is the source of a transmitted message and displays one or more portlets that receive the message. The visual representations can be of various formats such as a spacial display or a tree representation. Each communicated message has a stored record identifying the transmitting portlet and any portlet that receives the message.

Abstract: A task-like user interface is provided for Web-based applications. Preferred embodiments enable users to initiate multiple instances of tasks within a single Web application, where independent state information is retained for each instance. Each user-initiated task also has a prescribed life cycle with a definite start and end. Resources allocated to perform various activities can therefore be released when the activity ends. Optionally, contextual information can be passed to a task upon invocation. Support for persisting a currently-viewable work unit as a user-selectable favorite may optionally be provided.

Abstract: A storage system (10), including a transport assembly (18) for moving a plurality of cartridges (26) between a storage rack (12) and a tape drive (14) includes a guide (32), a transport mover (30), a transporter (28) and a cartridge mover (34). The guide (32) extends between the storage rack (12) and the tape drive (14). The transport mover (30) moves the transporter (28) along the guide (32) between the storage rack (12) and the tape drive (14). The transporter (28) selectively receives the cartridges (26) and includes a first transport receiver (36A) and a second transport receiver (36B) that can each receive and transport one of the cartridges (26). With this design, while one cartridge (26) is being used by the tape drive (14) the transport assembly (18) can retrieve another cartridge (26) from the storage rack (12) for immediate insertion into the tape drive (14) upon rewinding of the first cartridge (26).

Abstract: A storage system (10), including a transport assembly (18) for moving a plurality of cartridges (26) between a storage rack (12) and a tape drive (14) includes a guide (32), a transport mover (30), a transporter (28) and a cartridge mover (34). The guide (32) extends between the storage rack (12) and the tape drive (14). The transport mover (30) moves the transporter (28) along the guide (32) between the storage rack (12) and the tape drive (14). The transporter (28) selectively receives the cartridges (26) and includes a first transport receiver (36A) and a second transport receiver (36B) that can each receive and transport one of the cartridges (26). With this design, while one cartridge (26) is being used by the tape drive (14) the transport assembly (18) can retrieve another cartridge (26) from the storage rack (12) for immediate insertion into the tape drive (14) upon rewinding of the first cartridge (26).