Abstract: A composite material comprises a layer of fibres conjoined to a matrix, where one of the matrix and fibres comprises a first component which exhibits auxetic behaviour for loading along a first direction, and the other of the matrix and fibres comprises a second component which exhibits non-auxetic behaviour for loading along the first direction.

Abstract: A composite material comprises a layer of fibres conjoined to a matrix, where one of the matrix and fibres comprises a first component which exhibits auxetic behaviour for loading along a first direction, and the other of the matrix and fibres comprises a second component which exhibits non-auxetic behaviour for loading along the first direction.

Abstract: A brush for use on sensitive surfaces comprising twisted a wire core having a handle end and a bristle end, a plurality of bristles extending radially outward from a portion of the wire core, the plurality of bristles defining a bristle block, and a protective tip integrally formed on the wire core at the bristle end for preventing the brush from damaging sensitive surfaces, wherein the wire core and the protective tip are formed from the same material.

Abstract: A mobile information network browser device with audio feedback and adaptive personalization capability that is capable of transmitting a request for information via a wireless communication interface from one or more servers in an information network. The browser device further includes an audio interface capable of receiving data from the wireless communication interface that is responsive to the request for information. The browser device interfaces with a wireless communication network so that it may be used in a mobile vehicle, such as an automobile. The order in which individual pieces of content in the requested information is presented to the user is modified based on indicators of the user's interest in a topic during previous sessions. Such indicators can include whether the user input a command to skip, fast-forward, rewind, or request more detail about a category, subcategory, or topic of information. The adaptive personalization capability can also prevent redundant content from being presented.

Abstract: A mobile information network browser device with audio feedback capability that is capable of transmitting a request for information via a wireless communication interface from one or more servers in an information network. The browser device further includes an audio interface capable of receiving data from the wireless communication interface that is responsive to the request for information. The browser device interfaces with a wireless communication network so that it may be used in a mobile vehicle, such as an automobile. Receiving the requested information in audio format relieves the user from having to view an output display screen to receive the information while trying to operate the mobile vehicle.

Abstract: Processes for removing endogenous Vitamin B12 and folate are provided. The albumin preparations produced by the process are suitable for use as reference control samples in assays for determining these analytes in a test sample. Kits and methods related to the albumin preparations are also provided.

Abstract: A developer cartridge for containing a developer and for delivering the developer to a developer hopper of an electro-photographic machine. A developer containment portion includes a first portion having an at least partially closed volume configured to contain the developer and a second portion adjacent the first portion and having an opening configured to deliver the developer to the developer hopper. A sealing gasket is disposed adjacent the second portion of the developer containment portion and surrounds at least a portion of a circumference of the opening. A first cover is disposed adjacent the second portion of the developer containment portion and is positionable between an open position for delivery of the developer and a closed position for preventing delivery of the developer. The sealing gasket contacts the first cover to prevent undesired leakage of the developer therebetween.

Abstract: The invention features a self-contained, portable apparatus for performing precision grinding operations on metal disks of up to, e.g., 54 inches in diameter. The apparatus can be attached to the surface of the disk to be refinished and is leveled using special precision leveling adjusters. During operation, the adjusters are turned in precision increments to set the depth of cut. The grinder is then rotated on an arm about the center of the disk, by the use of a hydraulically driven speed reducer, rotor, bearing assembly. In a further aspect, the invention includes a dressing assembly for performing dressing-truing on a vitreous wheel when the wheel is in grinding position. The in position dressing assembly dresses a grinding wheel at up to 0.00125-inch increments.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for use with a ball throwing machine (e.g., baseball/softball pitching machines, tennis ball serving machines and the like) that may be employed for practice at hitting and/or catching balls thrown. In many conventional systems, such machines have a fixed position and are unable to vary the direction (horizontal) or angle (vertical) at which a ball is thrown. The present invention provides a simple, cost-effective device by which conventional machines may be adapted to provide randomly variable movement of the machine so as to enable a ball to move about a target location in order to simulate a competitive environment.

Abstract: The invention features a self-contained, portable apparatus for performing precision grinding operations on metal disks of up to, e.g., 54 inches in diameter. The apparatus can be attached to the surface of the disk to be refinished and is leveled using special precision leveling adjusters. During operation, the adjusters are turned in precision increments to set the depth of cut. The grinder is then rotated on an arm about the center of the disk, by the use of a hydraulically driven speed reducer, rotor, bearing assembly. In a further aspect, the invention includes a dressing assembly for performing dressing-truing on a vitreous wheel when the wheel is in grinding position. The in position dressing assembly dresses a grinding wheel at up to 0.00125-inch increments.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a patent specification has a form (100) with fields (110-180) for acquiring descriptions of different pieces of information concerning an invention. Respective portions of the acquired information are concatenated with predetermined text to form a prototype patent specification, which can be reviewed and revised as necessary by a patent attorney in order to produce a patent application for patent office filing. The form may be displayed on an internet website, the information may be transmitted over the internet and the prototype patent specification can be produced automatically. As part of this process a patent application form can also be produced automatically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removal of organic pollutants from aqueous effluent streams. The present invention provides a method of destructively oxidising an organic compound present in an aqueous solution, the method comprising oxidising the organic compound in the presence of a catalyst which contains uranium. The catalyst may comprise a uranium oxide. The reaction may be carried out at low temperature, e.g. ambient temperature. The method may be used to treat aqueous effluent streams to remove organic compounds from the stream.

Abstract: Composites from a semi-crystalline polyolefin and nanometer sized fillers with improved modulus, tensile strength and crack growth resistance are disclosed. The nanometer sized fillers are first functionalized with an aminosilane. Thereafter, a carboxylated or maleated polyolefin is grafted to the filler through an amine-carboxyl reaction. The resulting modified filler is dispersed in a semi-crystalline polyolefin (eg. polyethylene or polypropylene). Co-crystallization between the carboxylated or maleated polyolefin and the semi-crystalline polyolefin can improve interaction between the filler and semi-crystalline polyolefin.

Abstract: A computer system connector panel including EMI filtering on the computer system housing connector panel instead of on the system motherboard so that I/O signals are filtered just before being transmitted out of the computer system housing thereby reducing EMI affects on external A/V devices.

Abstract: A carpet iron adapter plate of the type primarily intended for attachment to the sole plate of a carpet iron for extending the working surface of the iron so that wider carpet tape can be used. The adapter plate comprises a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface has a recessed portion formed therein that is configured to receive at least a portion of the sole plate of the carpet iron therein. The adapter plate has at least two arms attached to the top surface of the base, each arm having first and second ends. The first end of one of the arms is attached proximal to one edge of the base and the first end of another one of the arms is attached proximal to an opposing edge of the base.

Abstract: The method of making a print head of the type that includes a piezoelectric transducer positioned within a metal housing having an annular channel in its inner surface that is sealed by a thin metal diaphragm to form an annular ink chamber. The transducer is in mechanical engagement with the inner surface of the diaphragm. The sudden removal of a voltage applied to the transducer expands the disk to reduce the volume of the ink chamber, rupture the meniscus, and force a droplet of ink from the printing orifice.The housing is formed with an internal taper which permits a groove to be cut readily either by a casting or by a tool entering from the larger end of the central opening in the housing. An aluminum mandrel is tapered to match the taper on the inner surface of the housing and provided with an annular groove that corresponds to the groove in the housing. The mandrel is plated with nickel that will later form the diaphragm. The housing and mandrel are then plated with indium.

Abstract: A continuous flexible web includes a flat flexible insulation substrate, copper cladding on at least one major surface of the substrate and a film of photoresist material adhesively bonded longitudinally to the copper cladding. Prepunched holes are formed in and through the web to ultimately provide through-hole connections between printed circuits formed on opposite sides of the substrate.Successive sections of the web are indexed through an apparatus where the sections are positioned adjacent to a circuit pattern master and exposed to resist-developing ultraviolet rays. A photocell system cooperates with through-slots formed selectively in the web to precisely align the web sections with the circuit pattern master prior to exposure to the ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: This invention relates to reciprocating piston engines using single acting pistons operating in liquid cooled and lubricated cylinders, said pistons have piston extensions slightly smaller in diameter than the main power pistons and the length of the stroke, operating inside slightly larger, insulated, hot cylinder extensions. Operating in co-operation with a cold air blocking system which fills the clearance space between the piston extension and the hot cylinder wall liner with cool air when the piston is at or near top dead center. Thus keeping the hot pressure fluid medium from coming in contact with the liquid cooled and lubricated cylinder walls in which the main power piston operates. Thereby cutting down the heat losses to the cooling medium.

Abstract: This invention comprises improvements in combustion products pressure generators of the continuous burner type or expansion chamber type and reciprocating piston engine or turbines which uses the combustion products the expansion chamber produces for power and to drive the air compressor, which supplies combustion air to the expansion chamber.The intent is to produce a multi-fuel propulsion unit suitable for vehicles, boats and ships, locomotives, etc;, where the load varies widely and rapidly.These power units are very economical on fuel and virtually emission free. They will burn most any free flowing liquid fuel, are instant starting, and burn no fuel when idle.The system compresses air with a reciprocating piston compressor controlled by variable volume means and or unloaders. This compressed air goes through an exhaust heated preheater to 800 degrees F, then to the combustion chambers where it is heated to 1600 degrees F by one or more burners at the volume required.

Abstract: A hinged, folding box-shaped device for controlling the water flow between fields, such as rice fields, including crop fields, divided into separate specific areas by dirt comprised checks, levees, and ditches. The box has a generally rectangular configuration and is constructed of generally medium-weight aluminum. It has a generaly square, horizontal floor member, contiguous vertical side panels attached by hinges, generally rectangular, vertical side flaps contiguous to the vertical side panels, attached by hinges and horizontal, generally rectangular bottom flaps contiguous to the horizontal floor member attached by hinges. One vertical aluminum channel is positioned midway on each side panel interior for adjusting or removing the water control panel, generally comprised of wood, which regulates the water flow, as required, through the box.