Abstract: A pump panel training device is provided and includes a plurality of simulated gages operable to imitate gages upon a fire truck pump panel, a plurality of simulated controls operable to imitate controls upon the fire truck pump panel, and a simulated water hose operable to imitate one of water temperature changes, water temperature pressure, and water hose vibration for the fire truck pump panel.

Abstract: Methods, articles and systems are provided to enable a human user to control particular functions of a processor-based mobile computing device by utilizing hardware actuators of the mobile computing device, such as when touchscreen or other capacitive controls of the computing device may be unreliable or unavailable based on an atypical physical environment or enclosure of the mobile computing device within an external device case. An executing mobile application may assign a first function of the mobile application and/or mobile computing device to a first hardware actuator of the mobile computing device, and assign a set of additional functions of the mobile application and/or mobile computing device to other hardware actuators.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel endophytic yeast strains capable of metabolizing both pentose and hexose sugars. Methods of producing ethanol and xylitol using the novel endophytic yeast are provided herein. Also provided are methods of fixing nitrogen and fertilizing a crop using the novel endophytic yeast strains provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel endophytic yeast strains capable of metabolizing both pentose and hexose sugars. Methods of producing ethanol and xylitol using the novel endophytic yeast are provided herein. Also provided are methods of fixing nitrogen and fertilizing a crop using the novel endophytic yeast strains provided herein.

Abstract: An improved non-isothermal aging process for aluminum alloys is disclosed. The non-isothermal aging process enhances the aging process for 7000 series aluminum alloys. In particular embodiments, the process involves continuous heating increasing at a linear rate of about 25° F. for about 11 hours and maintains high strength and corrosion properties. In an exemplary embodiment, a 7085 aluminum alloy containing 6 to 10 wt. % zinc; 1.2 to 1.9 wt. % magnesium; 1.2 to 2.2 wt. % copper, with magnesium begin less than of equal to the weight % of copper plus 0.3%; and 0.05 to 0.4 wt. % zirconium, the balance aluminum, incidental elements and impurities is aged.

Abstract: A light viscoelastic damping structure has a plurality of damping strips widely separated on the surface of a lightweight panel. The strips may be arranged parallel or at right angles to each other. Each damping strip includes a viscoelastic damping layer, a first honeycomb structure having opposing face sheets and attached to one surface of the damping layer, and a second honeycomb structure having face sheets on opposing sides thereof attached to the damping layer and to the panel.