Abstract: A gravity gradiometer having quadrupole responders in which a mass quadrupole is supported by a torsional spring forming a flexure allowing rotation of the mass quadrupole about its center of mass. The flexure can be a pair of spaced apart posts. The flexure can be made from glassy metal having at room temperature a high elastic limit, high stiffness, high strength and low internal damping. The flexure can alternatively be a web made of glassy metal.

Abstract: A tracking system for monitoring cleaning frequency has a home unit mounted where a broom or other cleaning device is stored, at least one track recording device mounted on any normal cleaning or sweeping device, a series of beacons which comprise infra red or radio frequency emitters located throughout an area to be monitored such that they illuminate the area, and a data collection unit for storing sweep track data and producing risk management reports based on the stored data. The track recording device has a receiver for detecting each beacon and storing the identification of the beacon along with a time stamp as the cleaning device is moved through the area. The stored information is transmitted to the home unit each time the cleaning device is returned to the storage area, and the cleaning history is provided to the data collection unit.

Abstract: A bait station for use in the elimination of termites when detected comprises a hollow body having a plurality of apertures therein and occupying substantially the entire interior of the hollow body in a cellulosic matrix containing a termiticide. The bait station is adapted for attachment to a detector station or a termite infested structure via an exposable aperture by a communicator tube extending between an interior region of said bait station and an interior region of said detector station or said structure to provide a termite pathway between said cellulosic matrix and a termite colony.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments, methods and apparati, which determine jitter are described. In one example embodiment, a method includes receiving a signal, wherein the signal comprises a first data pattern which was generated at a first bit rate. The method also includes sampling the signal at a second bit rate to generate a second data pattern. The period of the second bit rate is different from the period of the first bit rate. The method also includes comparing the first data pattern and the second data pattern to determine differences between the first data pattern and the second data pattern. Furthermore, the method includes determining jitter in the signal according to the differences between the first data pattern and the data second data pattern. In other embodiments, by using two different bit rates to determine jitter, jitter can be determined in communication systems in a convenient and cost effective manner.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an incentive to a customer of a store to return a shopping cart to a cart return location. The system generates a cart return signal. The system determines whether a cart is being removed from or returned to the cart corral. Alternatively, a radio frequency identification system may be used to detect return of a cart. The shopper is credited with points or credits in a frequent shopper or reward program for returning the shopping cart to the cart return location. The cart return system may be readily configured to integrate with a wide range of existing, or new frequent shopper or loyalty programs.

Abstract: A carrying strap and method of making wherein the strap is adapted to support a load and includes a flexible webbing material and a spring element that dissipates and attenuates the shocks and vibrations caused by bouncing of the load as it is carried. One embodiment of the carrying strap includes (1) an elongate length of flexible webbing material and (2) a spring element including a resilient material positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the flexible webbing material such that each of the resilient material and the section of flexible webbing material has a corrugated profile. In response to the load causing a shock force on the carrying strap, the spring element expands and contracts to absorb, attenuate, and/or dissipate the shock force caused by bouncing of the load as it is carried.

Abstract: A handgun retention device for a holster includes a catch that extends into a handgun receiving cavity defined by a body of the holster where the catch engages a trigger guard of a holstered handgun to retain the handgun in the cavity. A lever is operably coupled to the catch and extends below the grip of the holstered handgun and aft of its trigger guard, typically behind a rear margin of the holster, where the lever can be depressed to move the catch and release the handgun. The position of the release lever may promote safe gun handling. In a preferred embodiment, the catch and lever are formed of a resilient injection molded resin in a unitary structure with a spring arm that flexes when the lever is pressed inwardly toward the user's body.

Abstract: A system and method for bit error rate testing optical components comprises providing an optical testing unit, which measures a bit error rate of an optical device under test (DUT) over an operating range of the DUT. The optical testing unit includes an optical transmitter, which transmits an optical test signal that is transmitted to the DUT; an optical receiver, which receives an input signal from the DUT; a graphical user interface, which provides an interface with a user; and a controller, selectively coupled to the transmitter, the receiver and the graphical user interface, wherein the controller provides a central control of the transmitter, the receiver and the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for connecting a front end 21 of a low-loader trailer to a tow vehicle 10 is disclosed. The hitch assembly includes: a first mount 22 located at the front end 21 of the trailer; a second mount 25 longitudinally spaced towards the rear end of the trailer from the first mount 21; a gooseneck frame 40 having a front end and a rear end, the front end connectable to the tow vehicle 10; a latch connectable 50 to the front end 21 of the trailer by engagement with the first and second mounts 22 and 25, the latch 50 pivotally connected to the rear end of the gooseneck frame 40; and a means for rotating the latch 50 with respect to the gooseneck frame 40. The assembly is such that in use, the front end of the trailer 21 is liftable by the action of a force couple imparted entirely through the latch 50 to the first and second mounts 22 and 25.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming an active area or flat panel in an X-ray detector device. The method comprises forming at least one flat form factor panel in a first size on a substrate of a second size and extending at least one contact of the at least one flat form factor panel. The method further comprises trimming the substrate to the first size forming the at least one flat panel.

Abstract: A system and method for testing the sensitivity of optical components comprises providing an optical testing unit which measures the sensitivity of an optical device under test (DUT). The optical testing unit includes an optical transmitter, which transmits an optical test signal that is transmitted to the DUT; an optical receiver, which receives an input signal from the DUT; a graphical user interface, which provides an interface with a user; and a controller, selectively coupled to the transmitter, the receiver and the graphical user interface, wherein the controller provides a central control of the transmitter, the receiver and the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A security hood assembly for a holster includes a hood that is movably supported in association with a holster body so that the hood extends over a portion of a holstered handgun or other service item when the hood in a closed position, to prevent unauthorized removal of the service item. A lever may be operably coupled to the hood for driving the hood toward an open position, to allow the service item to be removed from the holster. In some embodiments, a latch mechanism releasably engages when the hood is in the closed position to prevent the hood from being opened through direct manipulation of the hood. The hood is preferably formed of a substantially rigid material, such as injection molded plastic. Holsters including the security hood assembly may also include internal retention devices, hood biasing mechanisms, and electronic devices responsive to opening of the hood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for protecting acoustic devices. In particular embodiments, barrier are useful for preventing a variety of solid, liquid, and vapor contaminants from modifiying or damaging the performance of acoustic transducers, while at the same time providing essentially an acoustically transparent passage of sound.

Abstract: A modular front loadable low loader trailer 20 for transporting large vehicles is disclosed. The trailer 20 includes: a rear axle module 110 for supporting ground engaging wheels; a rear cross-member module 100 removably connected to the rear axle module 110; a front cross-member module 26; and a pair of deck modules 80 and 90, each removably connected between the front and rear cross-member modules 26 and 100. Each of the modules are separable for transport. Pin joints are provided between adjacent modules. The pin joints include interleaved plates held together by removable transverse pins 81. In an alternative embodiment, the rear cross member 100 is permanently connected to the axle module.

Abstract: A method for detecting specific DNA sequences and discriminating single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using fluorescently labelled oligonucleotide probes is disclosed. Oligonucleotide probes are labelled with a reporter molecule preferentially attached to an internal nucleotide residue. The fluorescence emission of oligonucleotide probes varies significantly when in single-stranded and double-stranded states despite the absence of quencher moieties, allowing reliable detection of complementary DNA targets. The melting temperature of probe/target duplexes permits discrimination of targets that differ by as little as a single nucleotide residue, such that polymorphic targets may be discriminated by fluorescence quantitation and Tm.

Abstract: Hydraulic control assemblies for controlling the operation of one or more downhole tools. In one embodiment of the invention, a hydraulic control assembly (10) includes a tubular member in the form of tubing (12), which carries axial chambers (14), each coupled to a downhole tool and carrying a flow controlling shuttle valve (24) and a gear rod (34). Tool control fluids inlets and outlets (18, 16) are provided in communication with each chamber (14), and flow through the chamber (14) to a downhole tool to control the tool. The shuttle valve (24) is movable by the gear rod (34) to selectively allow flow of control fluid to the tool. The gear rod (34) is movable in response to applied fluid pressure.

Abstract: A downhole valve assembly (10) comprises a tubular body (12), and a valve comprising a valve member (18) and a fluid actuated valve control mechanism (14) adapted to be selectively actuated to move the valve member between an open and a closed configuration, for selectively allowing fluid flow through the body (12). A first hydraulic control conduit (41) is in fluid communication with the valve control mechanism (14) for permitting actuation of the control mechanism to move the valve member (18) to the open configuration, by application of a first control fluid. A second hydraulic control conduit (41) is in fluid communication with the valve control mechanism (14) to move the valve member (18) to the closed configuration, by application of a second control fluid.

Abstract: A modular front loadable low loader trailer 20 for transporting large vehicles is disclosed. The trailer 20 includes: a rear axle module 110 for supporting ground engaging wheels; a rear cross-member module 100 removably connected to the rear axle module 110; a front cross-member module 26; and a pair of deck modules 80 and 90, each removably connected between the front and rear cross-member modules 26 and 100. Each of the modules are separable for transport. Pin joints are provided between adjacent modules. The pin joints include interleaved plates held together by removable transverse pins 81. In an alternative embodiment, the rear cross member 100 is permanently connected to the axle module.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for connecting a front end 21 of a low-loader trailer to a tow vehicle 10 is disclosed. The hitch assembly includes: a first mount 22 located at the front end 21 of the trailer; a second mount 25 longitudinally spaced towards the rear end of the trailer from the first mount 21; a gooseneck frame 40 having a front end and a rear end, the front end connectable to the tow vehicle 10; a latch connectable 50 to the front end 21 of the trailer by engagement with the first and second mounts 22 and 25, the latch 50 pivotally connected to the rear end of the gooseneck frame 40; and a means for rotating the latch 50 with respect to the gooseneck frame 40. The assembly is such that in use, the front end of the trailer 21 is liftable by the action of a force couple imparted entirely through the latch 50 to the first and second mounts 22 and 25.

Abstract: A downhole valve assembly (10) comprises a tubular body (12), and a valve comprising a valve member (18) and a fluid actuated valve control mechanism (14) adapted to be selectively actuated to move the valve member between an open and a closed configuration, for selectively allowing fluid flow through the body (12). A first hydraulic control conduit (41) is in fluid communication with the valve control mechanism (14) for permitting actuation Of the control mechanism to move the valve member (18) to the open configuration, by application of a first control fluid. A second hydraulic control conduit (41) is in fluid communication with the valve control mechanism (14) to move the valve member (18) to the closed configuration, by application of a second control fluid.