Abstract: A plasma generator, reactor and associated systems and methods are provided in accordance with the present invention. A plasma reactor may include multiple sections or modules which are removably coupled together to form a chamber. Associated with each section is an electrode set including three electrodes with each electrode being coupled to a single phase of a three-phase alternating current (AC) power supply. The electrodes are disposed about a longitudinal centerline of the chamber and are arranged to provide and extended arc and generate an extended body of plasma. The electrodes are displaceable relative to the longitudinal centerline of the chamber. A control system may be utilized so as to automatically displace the electrodes and define an electrode gap responsive to measure voltage or current levels of the associated power supply.

Abstract: A tool assembly is provided comprising a tool retainer having a bore formed therein and a tool disposed within the bore and extending outwardly from the tool retainer. The tool includes a radial groove formed at an end of the tool disposed within the bore that extends around the entire circumference of the tool. A locking mechanism is disposed within the bore and includes a ball biased into the groove for locking the tool to the tool retainer. The groove has a sloped face terminating in a cup portion. The cup portion and groove are shaped to receive the ball. The locking mechanism includes a passage extending from a side of the bore for receiving the ball. The passage is formed at a slight angle to the sloped face of the groove.

Abstract: A self-closing resealable package material formed from paper, plastic, laminate or Tyvek® that is cohesively coated for initially sealing the package and where the material further includes a pressure sensitive adhesive for a second sealing of the same package and a liner to protect the pressure sensitive adhesive during the initial sealing of the package and prior to its use.

Abstract: A method of inventory management is described. Upon activation of a button on a wireless device, the wireless device having a light source and a transceiver with a unique media address corresponding to a unique product, the device broadcasts a first signal including an order command and the unique media address by the transceiver via a wireless medium. A central controller then receives the first signal, identifies the unique media address included in the first signal, and using a database, identifies the unique product associated with the unique media address.

Abstract: A device for loading cargo into the cargo bay area of mini-vans and similar vehicles comprises a frame, a winch, and a cart. The frame is disposed partially in the cargo bay area of the vehicle and extends outside the vehicle therefrom. The frame is anchored inside the vehicle by removably attaching to anchor rods in the floor of the vehicle that normally hold the rear and/or middle seats in place. The frame defines a pathway on which the cart can travel, pulled by the winch. The frame is collapsible and stowable in the vehicle. The cart comprises a base, a collapsible handle, and, optionally, an extensible ramp, enabling use of the cargo loader with a motorized personal vehicle such as is used by disabled persons. The winch is powered, optionally, both by a motor and manually.

Abstract: A two-part fastening mechanism employing (1) a continuous metal strip having attachment slots whose axes are oriented parallel to the length of the strip, and (2) a single preformed metal connector piece having a longitudinally-oriented hook for gripping one end of a tile and a stem portion insertable into one of the slots in the metal fastening strip and bendable over the slot and back upon itself for retaining the connector piece attached to the continuous metal strip. When installed, the fastening mechanism holds each tile in two places: at a first end via the hook, and at an opening in the tile where the connector piece passes through.

Abstract: A two-part fastening mechanism employing (1) a continuous metal strip having attachment slots whose axes are oriented parallel to the length of the strip, and (2) a single preformed metal connector piece having a longitudinally-oriented hook for gripping one end of a tile and a stem portion insertable into one of the slots in the metal fastening strip and bendable over the slot and back upon itself for retaining the connector piece attached to the continuous metal strip. When installed, the fastening mechanism holds each tile in two places: at a first end via the hook, and at an opening in the tile where the connector piece passes through.

Abstract: A vehicle cowl adapted to conceal a windshield wiper assembly to eliminate the drag associated with exposed wiper assemblies. The assembly includes an enclosure having a top access door formed so as to be flush with the hood in a lowered inoperative position, and a bottom panel formed so as to effect an extension of the windshield in an elevated operative position. A windshield wiper assembly includes a motor mounted on the vehicle body, a wiper arm reciprocally pivotally mounted on the motor, a wiper blade pivotally connected to the wiper arm and seated on the bottom panel for movement therewith. Suitable power and lift apparatus serve to vertically raise and lower the enclosure, thereby raising the wiper blade by pivoting the wiper arm, to become aligned with the windshield.

Abstract: A method for making sulfur-containing organosilanes of Formula (I):(R.sup.1).sub.3 -Si-R.sup.2 -S.sub.n -R.sup.2 -Si-(R.sup.1).sub.3wherein each R.sup.1 is independently selected from the group consisting of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, a C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, a C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkoxy, a phenyl group, or a phenoxy group, a benzyl group or a benzyloxy group; R.sup.2 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; and n is a number from 3-4. The method comprises (a) dissolving an alkali metal in a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alcohol to provide an alkali metal alcoholate, (b) reacting hydrogen sulfide with the alkali metal alcoholate of step (a) to provide an alkali metal hydrosulfide, (c) reacting an alkali metal with the alkali metal hydrosulfide of step (b) to provide an alkali metal sulfide, (d) reacting sulfur with the alkali metal sulfide of step (c) to provide an alkali metal polysulfide, and (e) reacting a compound of Formula (II): X-R.sup.2 -Si(R.sup.1).sub.3, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.

Abstract: A cowl adapted to conceal a windshield wiper assembly to eliminate the drag associated with exposed wiper assemblies. The assembly includes an enclosure having a top access door adapted to being flush with the hood in its lowered position, and a bottom panel adapted to effecting an extension of the windshield in its elevated position. A windshield wiper assembly includes a pivotally mounted wiper arm, with a wiper blade that is seated on the bottom panel for vertical movement therewith. Suitable power and lift apparatus serve to vertically raise and lower the enclosure in association with a plurality of fixed brackets that serve to guide the lift apparatus during its vertical movements.