Abstract: A circumferential shaft seal segment includes a radial outer face, a radially inner face, a first axial face extending from the radial outer face to the radial inner face and a second axial face axially spaced from the first axial face and extending from the radially outer face to the radially inner face. The seal has a bleed slot in the radially inner face extending from the first axial face toward the second axial face, and there are first and second recesses in the radially inner face in communication with the bleed slot that extend from circumferentially opposite sides of the bleed slot.

Abstract: A ring seal for a shaft includes a plurality of arc-shaped ring segments, each of the plurality of ring segments having a radially outer face, a radially inner face, a first axial side face, a second axial side face, a first end and a second end, a spring holding the plurality of arc-shaped segments in an arch-bound configuration, and at least one circumferential ramp in the radially inner face of each of the plurality of ring segments configured to generate an air cushion when a shaft rotates inside the ring seal. Also a ring sealing system including the ring seal and a shaft.

Abstract: A ring seal for a shaft includes a plurality of arc-shaped ring segments, each of the plurality of ring segments having a radially outer face, a radially inner face, a first axial side face, a second axial side face, a first end and a second end, a spring holding the plurality of arc-shaped segments in an arch-bound configuration, and at least one circumferential ramp in the radially inner face of each of the plurality of ring segments configured to generate an air cushion when a shaft rotates inside the ring seal. Also a ring sealing system including the ring seal and a shaft.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving transaction data in an authorization request message from an access device, where the transaction data is associated with a merchant and a transaction location. The method also includes analyzing the transaction data to determine if a location database comprises location data corresponding to the merchant associated with the transaction data, and adding the transaction location and information regarding the access device to the location database.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving transaction data in an authorization request message from an access device, where the transaction data is associated with a merchant and a transaction location. The method also includes analyzing the transaction data to determine if a location database comprises location data corresponding to the merchant associated with the transaction data, and adding the transaction location and information regarding the access device to the location database.

Abstract: A circumferential shaft seal segment includes a radial outer face, a radially inner face, a first axial face extending from the radial outer face to the radial inner face and a second axial face axially spaced from the first axial face and extending from the radially outer face to the radially inner face. The seal has a bleed slot in the radially inner face extending from the first axial face toward the second axial face, and there are first and second recesses in the radially inner face in communication with the bleed slot that extend from circumferentially opposite sides of the bleed slot.

Abstract: A system and method may create a user interface where a first account may be lined up in relation to a second account and a transfer may move value from the first account to the second account.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving transaction data in an authorization request message from an access device, where the transaction data is associated with a merchant and a transaction location. The method also includes analyzing the transaction data to determine if a location database comprises location data corresponding to the merchant associated with the transaction data, and adding the transaction location and information regarding the access device to the location database.

Abstract: The Pulsating Permanent Magnet Powered Engine was designed and built as a new energy source by harnessing the strong magnet fields developed by magnets. Emphasis added when using Rare Earth Neodymium magnets. In this development the need to insulate, isolate and contain those magnet force fields became a challenge. This lead to the development of the bellcrank system. To gain horse power, the rating requires moving 550 pounds at a rate of 1 foot per second. The bellcrank system enables both the distance and the pound requirements to be met as qualifications for horse power. The principles of thermodynamics, stated as power in and power out do not apply here. Permanent magnets are charged with a very high electrical current, much like charging a battery but the battery power depletes with use, while the magnet does not, but both were charged to begin with.

Abstract: This brace supplies a helping hand to those persons that for one reason or another can not have knee surgery. Bone infections, allergic reaction to materials, even cost they can't afford all prevent the repair. The intent here is to do something no other brace does, it separates the joint just slightly so that the bone on bone does not rub each other and so gives relief from swelling and pain. The mechanism that does all the work without putting pins in bones for traction, is versitile. Used on an operating table the modified cam can assist in anything from back surgery to joint and bone surgery. The advantage of traction is there but without the use of the drilled and pinned bones. This makes for quick prep and shorter recovery time.

Abstract: A method of evaluating material volatility characteristics. A pulse of current flux is delivered through a material sample to simulate a lightning strike. A pressure produced by the sample during the pulse is measured. The measured pressure is used to measure volatility of the material. An apparatus for evaluating the volatility of materials includes a pulse power supply and a test cell through which a pulse is delivered and in which pressure produced by a sample during the pulse is measured. This apparatus and method can reduce the costs of material selection and can shorten development time for new products.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing device has an excitation coil with a plurality of conductor ribbons attached to a flexible membrane. A frame supports the membrane and incorporates wheels for translation across a surface to be inspected and resilient suspension for maintaining the membrane with the excitation coil and wheels in intimate contact with the surface, the membrane flexing to maintain contact with a smoothly curved surface as found in aircraft structures. A magnetoresitive (MR) array is supported within the frame inserted in the membrane to be in close proximity to the surface. The MR array detects the magnetic field resulting from the eddy currents created by the excitation coil for identification of cracks or features beneath the surface under inspection.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing device has an excitation coil with a plurality of conductor ribbons attached to a flexible membrane. A frame supports the membrane and incorporates wheels for translation across a surface to be inspected and resilient suspension for maintaining the membrane with the excitation coil and wheels in intimate contact with the surface, the membrane flexing to maintain contact with a smoothly curved surface as found in aircraft structures. A magnetoresistive (MR) array is supported within the frame inserted in the membrane to be in close proximity to the surface.

Abstract: A method of evaluating material volatility characteristics. A pulse of current flux is delivered through a material sample to simulate a lightning strike. A pressure produced by the sample during the pulse is measured. The measured pressure is used to measure volatility of the material. An apparatus for evaluating the volatility of materials includes a pulse power supply and a test cell through which a pulse is delivered and in which pressure produced by a sample during the pulse is measured. This apparatus and method can reduce the costs of material selection and can shorten development time for new products.

Abstract: The windproof umbrella of the present invention comprises a central shaft, telescoping ribs and a canopy, as well as an optional vent cap. The ribs comprise a base and a telescoping portion that result in a frame that is substantially windproof. Compared to the structure of a typical single rib, the telescoping nature of the ribs of the present invention provides a structure that is much stronger than a normal rib. The overall result is a windproof umbrella that is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to operate.

Abstract: Apparatus for digesting a liquid sample has sealed housing (18) containing a source (20) of ultra violet radiation, such as a medium pressure mercury discharge lamp, for irradiating a liquid sample being conveyed through a conduit (24) also in the housing (18). The source (20) emits ultra violet radiation, in a first frequency band, for generating ozone in the sample and in a second, lower frequency band for breaking chemical bands, and creating free radicals in the sample. The apparatus may include an analyser, such as an ion chromatograph (12) connected to the sample digester.

Abstract: A rivet gun system includes a rivet gun frame having two ends. A die is coupled to one end, and a force sensor coupled to the rivet gun frame. The force sensor detects force applied to the die and generates a force signal in response to the force. A holding coil defines a channel within the rivet gun frame and generates an electromagnetic force along the channel. The channel includes an end defined by an end stop and an end defined by the die. A main coil further defines the channel between the holding coil and the die. The main coil also generates an electromagnetic force along the channel. A plunger slides through the channel in response to the electromagnetic forces. A force sensor electronics controller receives the force signal from the force sensor and activates the holding coil and the main coil in response to the force signal above an activation threshold.

Abstract: Olfactory neuron cultures and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The olfactory neuron cultures may be used to study oxidative stress-related disorders and diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The olfactory neuron cultures may be used to screen candidate compounds for those which reduce, inhibit or prevent oxidative stress or damage. The compounds which reduce, inhibit or prevent oxidative stress or damage may be used to treat Alzheimer's disease and other oxidative stress-related disorders and diseases.

Abstract: Olfactory neuron cultures and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The olfactory neuron cultures may be used to study oxidative stress-related disorders and diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The olfactory neuron cultures may be used to screen candidate compounds for those which reduce, inhibit or prevent oxidative stress or damage. The compounds which reduce, inhibit or prevent oxidative stress or damage may be used to treat Alzheimer's disease and other oxidative stress-related disorders and diseases.