Abstract: The present invention provides systems and apparatuses for dynamically controlling the operational modes of a single luminaire or a group of networked luminaires configured to deliver an illumination pattern having a decorative colored glow surrounding a central region of substantially uniform brightness. A control module for the luminaire is configured to drive three dimmable fluorescent ballasts, as well as a LED module. A variety of operational modes including different schemes for color mixing and color cycle control can be selected by a user and implemented by a microcontroller. A group of luminaires is connected in a standard communication protocol-based master-slave configuration, where the slave units respond to commands received from the master unit, and the last slave unit automatically engages terminating and biasing resistors for proper operation of the network.

Abstract: A variable position catalyst comprises a catalyst housing (7) accommodating a catalyst body (1) and an actuator member (9) for moving the catalyst body (1) with respect to the catalyst housing (7) such that the catalyst body (1) can be moved to an active catalyst position (35) or to an inactive catalyst position (14). The variable position catalyst is incorporated in the exhaust line of an internal combustion engine upstream of a turbocharger. The variable position catalyst can be controlled such that the catalyst body (1) is moved to the active catalyst position (35) when the engine is in a predetermined first operation state, and the catalyst body is moved to the inactive catalyst position (14) when the engine is in a predetermined second operation state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for controlling access to a storage unit having one or more lockable compartments, at least one locking/unlocking apparatus for the one or more lockable compartments, a unit controller and a power supply electrically connected to the at least one locking/unlocking apparatus and the unit controller. The unit controller is communicably coupled to the locking/unlocking apparatus and receives a message from a remote controller and controls the locking/unlocking apparatus based on the message. The modular storage unit may include an overhead storage unit, a storage pedestal, a storage cabinet, a lateral storage unit, a file cabinet or a desk drawer. The remote controller may include a user device, network device that stores one or more security profiles containing user access data for one or more authorized users, one or more trigger event/action protocols, other access activity information or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A roll cover particularly suitable for a fuser roll has an intermediate layer on the roll body and an outer surface layer including heat transfer bodies therein. The intermediate layer is a graphite sheet having legs extending along the axial extent of the roll body. The outer layer has graphite fibers embedded therein, the graphite fibers extending axially with respect to the roll.

Abstract: A grounding brush for mitigating static electric charge on a motor shaft includes a plurality of filaments secured to an annular frame around the shaft, with tips of the filaments disposed in a channel defined by the frame. Conductive powder can be provided in the channel to improve current flow from the shaft to the filaments.

Abstract: The vacuum assisted liner system is for use with a prosthetic device to be attached to a residual limb. The liner system includes a hypobaric prosthetic liner, and a porous wicking material layer to surround at least a portion of the residual limb and define a regulated vacuum environment between the hypobaric prosthetic liner and the residual limb. The hypobaric prosthetic liner has at least one passageway therethrough defining at least one vacuum port, such as an inlet port and outlet port, in fluid communication with the regulated vacuum environment. Internal liner passageways may connect the inlet and outlet ports to the regulated vacuum environment. A vacuum regulation device may include an electric vacuum pump or a motion activated pump connected to the outlet port.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a moveable catch. An automatic tape measure has a housing and a tape assembly. The tape assembly is supported in the housing and contains a tape switch, a reel, a drive, the movable catch, and a tape adapted to extend and retract from the front wall of the housing. The movable catch is coupled to a distal end of the tape. The movable catch includes a body, a spring, and a tongue. The tongue is pivotably coupled with the body via an axle. Thus, when the tape is extended, the tongue can pivot about the axle when it encounters an object in its path. The spring is positioned around the axle and causes the catch to return to its original, generally perpendicular position once the tongue passes the object.

Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.

Abstract: A static charge neutralizer for a moving component of an apparatus includes a plurality of filaments on a conductive strip, with tips of the filaments disposed adjacent but spaced from the moving component. The filaments induce ionization in the presence of an electrical field from the statically charged surface of the moving component.

Abstract: A system and method of establishing an offshore exploration and production system is disclosed, in which a well casing is disposed in communication with an adjustable buoyancy chamber and a well hole bored into the floor of a body of water. A lower connecting member joins the well casing and the chamber, and an upper connecting member joins the adjustable buoyancy chamber and a well terminal member. The chamber's adjustable buoyancy enables an operator to vary the height or depth of the well terminal member, and to vary the vertical tension imparted to drilling and production strings throughout exploration and production operations. Also disclosed is a system and method of adjusting the height or depth of a wellhead while associated vertical and lateral forces remain approximately constant. A variety of well isolation members, lateral stabilizers and anchoring means, as well as several methods of practicing the invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for controlling access to a cabinet having one or more lockable compartments, at least one locking/unlocking apparatus for the one or more lockable compartments, a user access device communicably coupled to the locking/unlocking apparatus and a power supply electrically connected to the at least one locking/unlocking apparatus and the user access device. The user access device includes a user interface, a data storage device and a processor. The user interface receives user access data. The data storage device stores the received user access data, other access activity information and the user access data for one or more authorized users. The processor compares the received user access data with the user access data for the one or more authorized users and controls the locking/unlocking apparatus based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for controlling access to a cabinet having one or more lockable compartments, at least one locking/unlocking apparatus for the one or more lockable compartments, a computer or wireless interface communicably coupled to the locking/unlocking apparatus and a power supply electrically connected to the at least one locking/unlocking apparatus and the computer or wireless interface. A computer, PDA, phone, handheld computer or RFID device receives user access data, stores the received user access data, other access activity information and the user access data for one or more authorized users on a data storage device, and compares the received user access data with the user access data for the one or more authorized users and sends a message to the computer or wireless interface based on the comparison.

Abstract: Functional yet decorative luminaires intended to create distinctive environments within specific areas of a space in which one or more luminaires are used, the luminaires of the invention visually tie to architectural elements of the space by providing a customizable glow of color surrounding a typically white light that acts to illuminate the space functionally. A downlighting luminaire configured according to the invention as one example is typically configured to utilize two separate reflectors, usually reflectors having concave reflective surfaces and being mounted concentrically within a housing, an inner reflector directing light centrally through an aperture of the luminaire with the light so directed typically being white light useful for illumination intended to facilitate usual activities within the space.

Abstract: A system and method of establishing an offshore exploration and production system is disclosed, in which a well casing is disposed in communication with an adjustable buoyancy chamber and a well hole bored into the floor of a body of water. A lower connecting member joins the well casing and the chamber, and an upper connecting member joins, the adjustable buoyancy chamber and a well terminal member. The chamber's adjustable buoyancy enables an operator to vary the height or depth of the well terminal member, and to vary the vertical tension imparted to drilling and production strings throughout exploration and production operations. Also disclosed is a system and method of adjusting the height or depth of a wellhead while associated vertical and lateral forces remain approximately constant. A variety of well isolation members, lateral stabilizers and anchoring means, as well as several methods of practicing the invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A patterning method allows for separate transfer of a complementary reticle set. In one embodiment, for example, the method includes etching a phase shift mask (PSM), then etching a cut mask for a cPSM mask. Moreover, a decoupled complementary mask patterning transfer method includes two separate and decoupled mask patterning steps which form combined patterns through the use of partial image transfers into an intermediate hard mask prior to final wafer patterning. The intermediate and final hard mask materials are chosen to prevent image transfer into an underlying substrate or wafer prior to the final etch process.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a wellbore completion method includes disposing an expandable screen assembly into a wellbore, in which the expandable screen assembly includes a base pipe, an intermediate expansion system, and a screen element. The method further includes radially expanding the base pipe and radially expanding the intermediate expansion system after radially expanding the base pipe.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a wellbore completion method includes disposing an expandable screen into a well bore and disposing a fluid into an annular space between a wall of the wellbore and the expandable screen. The fluid contains a plurality of near neutrally-buoyant particles. The method further includes radially expanding the screen, whereby the near neutrally-buoyant particles exert a force against the wall of the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to herbicide resistant N2 fixing bacteria. The bacteria are useful for effecting N2 fixation, nodulation, growth and yield of herbicide resistant or tolerant leguminous plants treated with herbicide. The bacteria are particularly useful for providing competitive advantage to superior N2 fixing rhizobial strains over non-resistant indigenous rhizobia for nodulation of herbicide resistant or tolerant leguminous plants.

Abstract: A grounding brush for mitigating static electric charge on a motor shaft includes a plurality of filaments secured to an annular frame around the shaft, with tips of the filaments disposed in a channel defined by the frame. Conductive powder can be provided in the channel to improve current flow from the shaft to the filaments.