Abstract: Disclosed herein are interface devices and systems. In one aspect, a haptic interface device includes at least one position detection module configured to determine positional data for determining a position of at least one portion of at least one body part of the user; at least one tensile element or compressive element coupled to the at least one body part and configured to produce at least one of: a predetermined range of motion and applied force to a coupled body part; and at least one haptic feedback module configured to produce force feedback or tactile sensation to the at least one body part, the feedback module comprising: at least one motion control module configured to control motion of the at least one body part; and at least one force sensor configured to determine applied force data generated from the at least one body part. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the disclosed devices and systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are interface devices and systems. In one aspect, a haptic interface device includes at least one position detection module configured to determine positional data for determining a position of at least one portion of at least one body part of the user; at least one tensile element or compressive element coupled to the at least one body part and configured to produce at least one of: a predetermined range of motion and applied force to a coupled body part; and at least one haptic feedback module configured to produce force feedback or tactile sensation to the at least one body part, the feedback module comprising: at least one motion control module configured to control motion of the at least one body part; and at least one force sensor configured to determine applied force data generated from the at least one body part. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the disclosed devices and systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are interface devices and systems. In one aspect, a haptic interface device includes at least one position detection module configured to determine positional data for determining a position of at least one portion of at least one body part of the user; at least one tensile element or compressive element coupled to the at least one body part and configured to produce at least one of: a predetermined range of motion and applied force to a coupled body part; and at least one haptic feedback module configured to produce force feedback or tactile sensation to the at least one body part, the feedback module comprising: at least one motion control module configured to control motion of the at least one body part; and at least one force sensor configured to determine applied force data generated from the at least one body part. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the disclosed devices and systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are interface devices and systems. In one aspect, a haptic interface device includes at least one position detection module configured to determine positional data for determining a position of at least one portion of at least one body part of the user; at least one tensile element or compressive element coupled to the at least one body part and configured to produce at least one of: a predetermined range of motion and applied force to a coupled body part; and at least one haptic feedback module configured to produce force feedback or tactile sensation to the at least one body part, the feedback module comprising: at least one motion control module configured to control motion of the at least one body part; and at least one force sensor configured to determine applied force data generated from the at least one body part. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the disclosed devices and systems.

Abstract: A method and systems for controlling a thrust output of a gas turbine engine are provided. The system includes a first sensor for measuring a first engine operating parameter, a second sensor for measuring a first engine condition parameter, and a processor programmed to determine an expected value of the first engine condition parameter and determine a first variance value using a difference between the expected value of the first engine condition parameter and the measured first engine condition parameter. The processor is further programmed to determine a trim value using the first variance value and a first engine operating parameter demand and to determine a modified operating parameter demand based on the nominal operating parameter demand and the determined trim value. The system also includes a controller coupled to the processor for controlling engine thrust based on the modified demand of the first engine operating parameter.

Abstract: A method and systems for controlling a thrust output of a gas turbine engine are provided. The system includes a first sensor for measuring a first engine operating parameter, a second sensor for measuring a first engine condition parameter, and a processor programmed to determine an expected value of the first engine condition parameter and determine a first variance value using a difference between the expected value of the first engine condition parameter and the measured first engine condition parameter. The processor is further programmed to determine a trim value using the first variance value and a first engine operating parameter demand and to determine a modified operating parameter demand based on the nominal operating parameter demand and the determined trim value. The system also includes a controller coupled to the processor for controlling engine thrust based on the modified demand of the first engine operating parameter.

Abstract: A method for estimating engine thrust, wherein the method includes obtaining information about an initial dynamic state of the engine and updating the information about the initial dynamic state of the engine to reflect a second dynamic state of the engine. The method also includes generating engine thrust estimates, wherein the thrust estimates facilitate implementing direct thrust control.

Abstract: A weight-supporting arrangement includes a weight-supporting device including a vertical support member including a top end and a bottom end, a base arrangement disposed at the bottom end of the vertical support member when the device is in an operating position, and a connector disposed at the top end of the vertical support member when the device is in an operating position, the connector being adapted to be connected to a weight.

Abstract: A weather-resistant lighting fixture primarily designed for use in outdoor environments. The fixture is comprised of a lighting device attached to a bracket assembly and at least partially enclosed by a light shelter. In the preferred embodiment, the bracket assembly includes a base plate and a channel bracket that extends outward from the base plate. The light shelter has a retaining lip designed to engage the bracket to create a substantially watertight seal. In the preferred embodiment, the lighting device is enclosed on the top and sides but remains open at the bottom to allow cooling air to circulate within the fixture.

Abstract: A hanging light fixture that incorporates an adjustment mechanism that allows the body of the light fixture to be easily rotated and adjusted to facilitate maintenance and enhance the light fixture's visual effect. The preferred embodiment of the light fixture is comprised of a stem assembly that extends through the fixture body and engages a retaining washer that is welded to the distal end of the stem assembly. A set screw, extends through the fixture body and frictionally engages the retaining washer to maintain the rotational position of the hanging light fixture body relative to the stem assembly. The lighting fixture is adjusted by disengaging the set screw and rotating the light fixture body to an adjusted position, and then re-tightening the set screw to lock the fixture body in the adjusted position.

Abstract: A modular sign for use in a business conference environment where there is a need identify specific people or groups having a base, a vertical support member and additional vertical and horizontal member all of which are arranged to carry and display a display member. The display member has a signage face on each side. The sign is easily broken into individual horizontal and vertical member for storage and travel.

Abstract: A method for producing a therapeutic treatment effect by a biologically active macromolecule through topical application to the skin of a human or other mammal is provided. One step of the method is providing a composition which includes the biologically active macromolecule and at least one essential oil. The biologically active macromolecule is present in an amount to produce the therapeutic treatment effect, and the essential oil is present in an amount to effect transdermal delivery of the biologically active macromolecule. The following step is applying the composition onto the skin of a human or other mammal to effectuate the transdermal delivery of the biologically active macromolecule evidenced by a resulting therapeutic treatment effect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring colorimetric, gloss and registration data on a substrate exiting a printing machine. A detector using a series of red, green, and blue filters collects image data and maps the collected data to absolute color coordinates. The apparatus is factory calibrated to the specific colorants used in the printing machine. Gloss measurements are made using the same apparatus. Registration data between the various color separations is also obtained and feedback delivered to the various imaging modules. The detector allows on the fly data to be obtained and machine specific corrections to be made.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a moving web, particularly in an electrophotographic printing machine of the type having an endless photoreceptor belt supported by a plurality of rolls and arranged to move in a predetermined path through a plurality of processing stations disposed therealong the web being of the type which is supported by a plurality of rolls. A roll for supporting the web and in frictional contact therewith is adapted for rotational movement about a first axis. A roll support in the form of a dead shaft allows the roll laterally move to pivot about a second axis in a direction substantially normal to the predetermined path direction. This is accomplished by supporting the dead shaft on a V-groove roller which rides in a track substantially along the arc of rotation normal to the predetermined path direction.

Abstract: A combined syringe and hub assembly in which the syringe comprises a hollow barrel and a slidable plunger therein. The hub comprises a body with an open cavity and a cannula in fluid communication therewith. A mating detent mechanism is provided on the syringe and the hub for connecting same in a snap-fit relationship. This detent mechanism also provides for the connection of the hub to the syringe in a tight fit relationship for an essentially non-separable functional union of the syringe and hub components. A shield is preferably removably connected to the hub and serves to protect the cannula prior to use of the syringe.

Abstract: A decorative roach trap including a rectangularly shaped hollow housing having the front wall thereof formed with a window behind which is removably mounted a decorative insert displaying a selected scene. The housing is formed in one end with a transversely extending slot into which is inserted a poisonous card impregnated with roach poison. The walls of the housing are formed with roach entry doors and the back of the housing is formed with adhesive pads for suspending the housing from a room wall to thus present a decorative appearance while concealing the true purpose of the roach trap.

Abstract: An improved thrust control system is provided for controlling thrust output of a gas turbine engine in a manner which automatically compensates for engine deterioration and corresponding changes in engine performance. The system is further adapted to control the thrust output with at least a pair of thrust-indicating parameters, such as engine speed and temperature.

Abstract: A thrust control system is provided for varying the thrust output of a gas turbine engine. The system is adapted to control the thrust output of the engine in a first mode in accordance with at least a pair of thrust-indicating parameters. The system is further adapted to control thrust output of the engine in a second mode in accordance with one of the thrust-indicating parameters.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for recovering oil products from oil shale and like materials, controlled amounts of raw oil shale are delivered into an upper inlet of a downwardly sloping retort chamber that is constructed as readily portable. The raw oil shale is first moved in a direction countercurrent to gravity flow and crushed in the retort chamber by means of a rotating member that also serves to retain the oil shale in the retort chamber until a satisfactory recovery is completed. The crushed oil shale is confined to a relatively thin, downwardly moving layer in contact with a heated, inner, annular wall surface and moves by gravity flow between the inlet and a lower outlet to produce oil product vapors that rise to an upper portion of the retort chamber. The moving layer of the oil shale becomes spent as it passes through the retort chamber and finally is selectively discharged through the lower outlet.

Abstract: A process is described for making optical circuits on LiTaO.sub.3 substrates. The process involves putting down an epitaxial layer of LiNbO.sub.3 on the LiTaO.sub.3 substrates. Growth is preferably carried out on certain planes of the LiTaO.sub.3. These optical circuits are unique in that they are smooth, uniform in thickness and have a refractive index significantly larger than that of the substrate. This is advantageous in optical circuitry, since the optical modes in the circuits are quite distinct and can be coupled separately using such light sources as lasers and light emitting diodes.