Abstract: An automated mortgage fraud prevention method is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: maintaining a database in a computer system, the database containing data regarding a number of real properties, providing information on a mortgage application to the computer system, and analyzing the provided information and the data in the database to search for any abnormal situation therein, which may constitute a potential mortgage fraud scheme, wherein, when the abnormal situation is flagged, measures can be taken to prevent a mortgage fraud from occurring. The database includes an identification data, a valuation data, and a historical market activity data associated with each real property. An automated mortgage fraud prevention system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrahigh molecular weight polymer, such as ultrahigh molecular weight polyisobutylene, is used as an additive to enhance the coating properties of a solvent. The polyisobutylene has a molecular weight of at least 2.5-3.0 million daltons, preferably greater than about 6 daltons, and is provided in a preferred concentration of 0.05 to 0.3%. The solvent can be a medicinal grade mineral oil. Other suitable solvents include hydrocarbon oil and low viscosity, synthetic compositions. In all cases, the coating properties of the solvent are greatly enhanced by the addition of ultrahigh molecular weight polyisobutylene. In another aspect of the invention, ultrahigh molecular weight polyisobutylene is used as an additive to enhance the viscoelasticity of a mineral oil based sunscreen formulation. In still another aspect of the invention, the fibers of a fabric material are coated with an ultrahigh molecular weight polymer to greatly strengthen the fabric.

Abstract: A method for automatically processing a loan application where a real property is used as collateral is disclosed. The method comprises steps of (a) inputting the loan application into a computer system, (b) providing the address of a collateral property to an automated valuation model (AVM) system, (c) receiving valuation data for the corresponding property from the AVM system; (d) determining a maximum allowable loan (LoanCap) by applying a pre-set lending policy to the valuation data and information provided in the loan application, and (e) comparing a requested loan amount in the loan application to the LoanCap, so that, when the requested loan amount is within the LoanCap, the loan application can be approved, wherein the steps (b) to (e) are automatically carried out in the computer system. The computer system for automatically processing the loan application is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automotive ball screw rack assembly for positioning a road wheel is presented. The assembly comprises an actuator housing; a ball screw disposed within the actuator housing; at least one tie rod assembly connected to the ball screw and the road wheel; and a motor coupled to the ball screw and connected to the actuator housing for controlling the disposition of the ball screw within the actuator housing.

Abstract: A differential steering actuator having a driver input shaft mechanically communicable with a steering shaft, a sun gear in direct mechanical communication with the driver input shaft, an output gear, an idler gear/ring gear system in mechanical communication with the sun gear and the output gear, and an output shaft fixedly connected to the output gear and ultimately being cooperably connectable to the steerable wheels of a motor vehicle. The idler gear/ring gear system includes a ring gear, at least one idler gear rotatably mounted to the ring gear, and a differential motor configured to drive the ring gear. The sun gear and the output gear are both beveled and are positioned such that the faces thereof are in a parallel planar relationship. The idler gears are mounted to the inner surface of the ring gear, which is driven by the differential motor, and are positioned to engage both the sun gear and the output gear.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system for steering a set of road wheels is disclosed. The system comprises a controller and at least one actuator assembly connected to the controller and to the at least one wheel of the set of road wheels. The at least one actuator assembly comprises an electro-mechanical actuator connected to the controller, a crank arm connected to the electro-mechanical actuator, a steering arm connected to the at least one wheel of the set of road wheels; and a tie rod having a first end thereof connected to the crank arm and a second end thereof connected to the steering arm. The electro-mechanical actuator, in response to a signal from the controller, is operative to rotate the crank arm producing thereby a force acting through the tie rod so as to rotate the steering arm and the at least one road wheel to a desired position. The steer-by-wire steering system includes a backup system capable of assuming operative command of the steer-by-wire steering system.

Abstract: An isomer of ammonium octamolybdate (“AOM”) and method for producing the same. A new AOM isomer (“X-AOM”) is described which is characterized by a distinctive Raman spectral profile compared with other AOM isomers including &agr; and &bgr;-AOM. To produce the novel isomer, ammonium dimolybdate (“ADM”) is combined with molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) and water to yield a mixture. When mixing these materials, optimum results are achieved if at least one of the foregoing molybdenum-containing reagents is added in a gradual, non-instantaneous manner so that the selected reagent is not added to the mixture in a single large mass. This gradual delivery procedure, along with a carefully controlled prolonged heating stage (e.g. in excess of 3 hours) contributes to a maximum yield of high purity X-AOM.

Abstract: A removable cover for towing balls featuring, in its preferred embodiments: (a) a towing ball hitch cover; (b) locking apparatus for maintaining said towing ball hitch cover engaged on said towing ball and/or for preventing its unauthorized removal and theft; and (c) electrically operative apparatus capable of being plugged into a trailer plug connector and responsive to electrical current received therefrom.

Abstract: A novel isomer of ammonium octamolybdate ("AOM") and method for producing the same. A new AOM isomer ("X-AOM") is described which is characterized by a distinctive Raman spectral profile compared with other AOM isomers including .alpha. and .beta.-AOM. To produce the novel isomer, ammonium dimolybdate ("ADM") is combined with molybdenum trioxide (MoO.sub.3) and water to yield a mixture. When mixing these materials, optimum results are achieved if at least one of the foregoing molybdenum-containing reagents is added in a gradual, non-instantaneous manner so that the selected reagent is not added to the mixture in a single large mass. This gradual delivery procedure, along with a carefully controlled prolonged heating stage (e.g. in excess of 3 hours) contributes to a maximum yield of high purity X-AOM.

Abstract: A method and composition for improving the mechanical efficiency of a engine is provided. Ultra-high molecular weight polyisobutylene (PIB) added to the fuel changes the momentary mechanical properties of the fuel during induction. The additive provides a more uniform spray droplet size, increases the extensional viscosity of the fuel, and adapts other physical properties, under induction conditions.

Abstract: A method for producing purified MoO.sub.3 from MoS.sub.2. MoS.sub.2 is initially oxidized to generate an impure MoO.sub.3 product containing metallic contaminants and molybdenum sub-oxides. This product is then slurried with a primary water supply to yield a first slurry in which part of the contaminants are dissolved. Preferred slurry temperatures are 25.degree.-97.degree. C. The resulting solid intermediate MoO.sub.3 product is removed from the slurry leaving the dissolved contaminants. Next, the intermediate MoO.sub.3 product is slurried with a secondary water supply to yield a second slurry in which the remaining contaminants are dissolved. Second slurry temperatures of 150.degree.-250.degree. C. are employed in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas. These conditions oxidize molybdenum sub-oxides to yield MoO.sub.3. The resulting purified solid MoO.sub.3 product is then removed from the second slurry. This process is highly efficient and avoids using liquid reagents other than water (including acids).

Abstract: A fiber alignment apparatus includes a micro-machined nickel spring that captures and locks arrays of single mode fibers into position. The design consists of a movable nickel leaf shaped spring and a fixed pocket where fibers are held. The fiber is slid between the spring and a fixed block, which tensions the spring. When the fiber reaches the pocket, it automatically falls into the pocket and is held by the pressure of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system evacuation and fluid fill machine which utilizes a lightweight, compact filler head which is easily mounted on top of the vehicle master cylinder and a venturi type vacuum pump which effectively vacuums the air out of the vehicle brake system in order to allow brake fluid to enter and completely fill the brake system.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process of protecting galvanized metal from white rust corrosion which comprises treating the galvanized metal, i.e., zinc-containing coating, at a temperature above about 125.degree. C. with at least one silica compound.

Abstract: A composition containing a particulate, absorbent solid and particles of a rapid-dissolving, high molecular weight polymer in admixture is used to soak up and hold hydrocarbons and other organic liquids. The polymer dissolves in the liquid being absorbed and tends to seal the liquid within the absorbent particles and to bind the particles together thus facilitating clean-up.

Abstract: A filter assembly for an exhaust stack having a housing defining an interior chamber and an inlet and an outlet which are connected in series with the exhaust stack. A mounting frame is secured diagonally within the interior of the housing so that the mounting frame is interposed between the inlet and outlet of the housing. A plurality of filter elements are detachably secured to the mounting frame so that influent into the housing inlet passes through the filter elements prior to exhaust out through the housing outlet and to the atmosphere. The filter assembly is easily retrofitted to existing systems by severing and removing a portion of the stack and installing the filter assembly in its place.

Abstract: A filter assembly for an exhaust stack having a housing defining an interior chamber and an inlet and an outlet which are connected in series with the exhaust stack. A mounting frame is secured diagonally within the interior of the housing so that the mounting frame is interposed between the inlet and outlet of the housing. A plurality of filter elements are detachably secured to the mounting frame so that influent into the housing inlet passes through the filter elements prior to exhaust out through the housing outlet and to the atmosphere. The filter assembly is easily retrofitted to existing systems.

Abstract: A keyboard system having a plurality of actuable keys is coupled through a central processing unit to an indicia accessing unit for accessing indicia corresponding to said keys. An automatic repeat circuit also interconnects the keyboard system with the central processing unit and includes pressure transducer means responsive to actuating pressure on said keys for producing an amplitude variable signal which causes a signal convertor to produce a corresponding rate variable signal which when fed to the central processing unit causes repetitive accessing of the corresponding indicia at a selectable rate. Feedback from the central processing unit to the repeat circuit determines which key signals are to be operative for repetitive indicia access.