Abstract: Provided are sizing compositions, and more particularly, sizing compositions comprising an epoxy and a carboxylate salt of an amine compound for the treatment of carbon fiber. The structure of the amine used to make the carboxylate salts is RnXmQ, wherein Q is an amine-containing group, X is a polyether group, and R is an aryl or alkyl group, either linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, or a combination thereof. m and n are integers greater than or equal to 0. The compositions reduce or eliminate sheen and luster on carbon fibers in finished goods. Carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials and carbon fibers incorporating said sizing compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated BZ9WM09-1663. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar BZ9WM09-1663. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar BZ9WM09-1663 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar BZ9WM09-1663 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated BZ9WM09-1663. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar BZ9WM09-1663. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar BZ9WM09-1663 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar BZ9WM09-1663 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: A secure memory device and method for obtaining and securely storing information relating to a life moment is disclosed. In the method, a parameter is received and inputted in a search heuristic. A search is made for the information according to the search heuristic and, upon finding the information, metadata is appended to the information. The information and metadata is then stored in a secure memory location. The secure memory location has a housing fabricated to withstand a predetermined stress, a detachable connection to a computer and a memory that stores the information and protects it from unauthorized deletion. In some embodiments, the stored information may be selectively deleted in a safe and controlled manner.

Abstract: A record button that facilitates audiovisual input into a computer system without requiring manual interaction (direct manipulation interaction) with software. The record button may be grouped with transport controls, a standalone button, or grouped with other controls. The record button may be actuated with different types of actuation techniques, each of which may correspond to a different audio and/or video operating mode, which may be user configurable. A record light may be provided to notify the user of the current recording mode via variable colors and/or flash patterns. The record button can work in conjunction with a camera button and with manual software switching of recording modes.

Abstract: A Swing-arm Integrated Exhaust Silencer is disclosed. The Silencer is designed to be incorporated within the conventional swingarm of a motorcycle. One version has a removable silencer cartridge that installs within the inner chamber of the motorcycle's swingarm. Another version allows the exhaust stream to be diverted from the conventional silencer and into the inner chamber of the swingarm. In either version, the swingarm has plurality of apertures formed in it to allow for exhaust gas exit. The invention includes an adapter device that splits the exhaust gas exiting the engine and redirects it into the swingarm-integrated silencer. The exhaust adapter device is somewhat flexible to allow for movement between the swingarm, the engine, and the conventional silencer's exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A secure memory device and method for obtaining and securely storing information relating to a life moment is disclosed. In the method, a parameter is received and inputted in a search heuristic. A search is made for the information according to the search heuristic and, upon finding the information, metadata is appended to the information. The information and metadata is then stored in a secure memory location. The secure memory location has a housing fabricated to withstand a predetermined stress, a detachable connection to a computer and a memory that stores the information and protects it from unauthorized deletion. In some embodiments, the stored information may be selectively deleted in a safe and controlled manner.

Abstract: A method for modifying the operation of a device responsive to the detection of a remote device is provided. In the method, the remote device is detected, and communications with the remote device are established responsive to the detection of the remote device. A determination is made as to whether a feature of the device is affected by the establishment of communications with the remote device, and an action with respect to the feature of the device is initiated.

Abstract: A method of producing coated carbon black pellets is disclosed and includes contacting carbon black pellets with a coating agent to at least partially coat the individual carbon black pellets with the coating agent. The amount of coating agent applied to the carbon black pellets is preferably from about 1% or less by weight to about 25% by weight based on the total weight of the coated carbon black pellets. Coated carbon black pellets produced by the method are also provided and exhibit excellent attrition resistance, excellent dispersibility in various elastomeric, polymeric, and other compositions, are substantially dust-free, and are free-flowing. Additionally, such coated carbon black pellets can confer beneficial processing properties on elastomeric compositions formed from the pellets, such as improved viscosity and resistance to mold fouling.

Abstract: A Step Attachment is disclosed. Also disclosed is a device that is strong enough to be used in the construction profession. The outside dimensions of the attachment are extremely compact, such that the device can be easily carried in conventional tool boxes and on tool belts. The attachment further provides additional slip-resistance for secure footing under a variety of conditions and use patterns. The device is further manufactured from standard stock components and is assembled extremely easily.

Abstract: A method of producing coated carbon black pellets is disclosed and includes contacting carbon black pellets with a coating agent to at least partially coat the individual carbon black pellets with the coating agent. The amount of coating agent applied to the carbon black pellets is preferably from about 1% or less by weight to about 25% by weight based on the total weight of the coated carbon black pellets. Coated carbon black pellets produced by the method are also provided and exhibit excellent attrition resistance, excellent dispersibility in various elastomeric, polymeric, and other compositions, are substantially dust-free, and are free-flowing. Additionally, such coated carbon black pellets can confer beneficial processing properties on elastomeric compositions formed from the pellets, such as improved viscosity and resistance to mold fouling.

Abstract: A data storage disk drive is provided with a spindle which supports a plurality of disks having at least one magnetic disk surface to form a spindle assembly for rotation of the disk surfaces about a common axis and a rotary actuator which supports magnetic transducers for movement in unison about respective disk surfaces. The disk drive includes a disk drive enclosure having die-cast generated predetermined zero draft geometries for mounting the spindle motor shaft and the actuator bearing shaft. The enclosure includes a base casting and a cover casting, each casting including structure for locating and retaining electrical connectors used for connecting to a planar electronics card located outside the drive enclosure. The disk drive includes an effective and easily manufacturable electrical path from a flex circuit to an actuator comb. The disk drive includes a tubular chemical breather filter arranged with integral housing and diffusion channels formed in the cover casting.

Abstract: Improved methods of propping a fracture in a subterranean zone whereby the subsequent flow-back of the proppant is prevented are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing proppant and a magnetized material in said fracture while maintaining the fracture open and then allowing the fracture to close on the proppant and magnetized material whereby the magnetized material clusters in voids and channels in the proppant bed formed.

Abstract: Heat blocker system and methods are provided for preventing heat flow into the passenger compartment (118) of a vehicle (10) to reduce a heat buildup therein. A hole (12) may be formed in the door jamb region (16) or other convenient place that is not visible. A tubular insertion member (66) may then be inserted through the hole (12) to an exterior panel cavity (26). Insulation material (68), such as liquid polyurethane resin or other suitable materials, is injected into the panel cavity (26) and allowed to expand and harden. The hole (12) is then anodized or otherwise cleaned. A plug (62 or 64) may be used to cover the hole (12). The type of plug chosen depends on the location of the hole. A heat reflective cover (110) is secured on the exterior surface (112) of the windshield (114) to prevent heat from entering through the windshield (114). The cover (110) has a heat reflective coating (116) such as a metallic silver coating.

Abstract: A training apparatus, method and kit for remotely and substantially instantaneously evaluating the alignment, settings and levels of the aiming devices of a howitzer gun.

Abstract: An apparatus including a support table defined by a first and second semi-cylindrical support plate, wherein the support plates are hingedly mounted relative to one another along contiguous and coextensive hinge lines, with a plurality of hinges mounting the plates relative to one another. Each support plate includes a semi-cylindrical opening in confronting relationship relative to each other to define a cylindrical opening to receive an umbrella shaft with an umbrella canopy mounted thereon. Each support plate further includes a cylindrical opening to receive a container therethrough. A modification of the invention includes polymeric sleeves formed with a convex exterior surface to receive containers therethrough for imparting insulation to the containers. Further, modified inserts are provided, wherein the modified inserts impart buoyancy to the support plates to effect flotation of the support table on a fluid medium.

Abstract: Circuitry which is capable of supplying a short-pulsewidth drive signal to a laser source, or the like. The circuitry comprises a plurality of VMOS transistors arranged to amplify both the voltage and current levels of an applied low-voltage, short-pulsewidth input signal, while maintaining the short pulsewidth thereof. Two embodiments are disclosed which employ either a plurality of parallel VMOS transistors in the output stage, or a signal VMOS output transistor, to drive the laser source. Pulsewidths of the drive signal are on the order of 20-40 nanoseconds with rise and decay times on the order of 2-7 nanoseconds. A first embodiment is capable of providing drive signals having peak power levels of about 90 watts utilizing an 80 volt power supply. A second embodiment is capable of providing drive signals having peak power levels on the order of 500 milliwatts.