Abstract: A system may include first and second louvers and a drive system. The first louver may be movable between first and second positions. The second louver may also be movable between first and second positions. At least one of the first and second louvers may be positioned proximate an opening in a vehicle, such as a grille, to control airflow therethrough. The drive system may drive at least one of the first and second louvers between the first and second positions. The drive system may include a first member connected to the at least one of the first and second louvers, and a rotatable member having a first arcuate guide. The first arcuate guide may slidably engage the first member. The rotatable member may rotate to cause movement of the at least one of the first and second louvers.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides for a pedicle screw system including a bone anchor, linkage rod, tulip, set screw, and detent plate. When the set screw is fully tightened against the detent plate, pluralities of ridges on opposing faces of the detent plate and set screw cooperate by providing catches to prevent unwanted loosening of the set screw, which could lead to unwanted rod slippage and instability in the orthopedic fixation unit.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft (IP), an output shaft (OP), a single planetary gearset (SP), a compound planetary gearset (CP), shifting elements. The single planetary gearset is arranged before the compound planetary gearset, and the shifting elements comprise at least two brakes (B1,B2), the first clutch (C1), the second clutch (C2), the third clutch (C3), and all the shifting elements are positioned between the single planetary gearset and the compound planetary gearset, which has compact arrangements, and can reduce the power transmission length. The transmission also includes an one-way clutch (OWC) acted on the compound planetary gearset.

Abstract: A computer system buys and sells virtual shares on behalf of investors, usually investing small sums, in order to reduce the dealing costs for small transactions. The system thus maintains a notional level of shares held on behalf of all the investors who participate in the system. A monitoring process runs continually checking exposure on individual shares, and the system buys and sells blocks of real shares in the market to keep the exposure to individual companies at an acceptable level. By buying and selling larger blocks of real shares on a more infrequent basis than the virtual share transactions, the smaller transactions are effectively consolidated together, with associated cost savings.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement for an electron collector of an electron beam tube has a plurality of solid dielectric spacers surrounding the corrector with an electrically insulative and thermally conductive dielectric liquid in gaps between the spacers. A water cooling system is arranged in thermal contact with the spacers and the liquid dielectric to provide cooling by water circulation. The cooling arrangement is a hybrid of oil and water cooling systems in which the electrically non conductive oil is arranged in gaps between dielectric spacers, the dielectric spacers provide a support for the surrounding water coolant system and ordinary water may be used to be pumped through the water cooling system.

Abstract: A vascular access device may form part of an extravascular system and function as an adapter including a gas permeable vent. A method of venting a medical device may include providing a vascular access device as part of an extravascular system, providing a gas permeable vent within the vascular access device, venting gas from the system through the vent, and closing the vent.

Abstract: A fuel system and powertrain for a flexible fuel system vehicle utilizes a controller system to control variables in an engine and the final drive optimize operating efficiency of the vehicle while using an alcohol-gasoline blend. The controller system regulates engine operating variables such as fuel pressure, fuel flow, air-fuel flow, air-fuel temperature, and valve timing. The controller system regulates engine operating variables such as transmission gear selection and gear changing as well as differential ratio changes.

Abstract: A fuel system and powertrain for a flexible fuel system vehicle utilizes a controller system to control variables in an engine and the final drive optimize operating efficiency of the vehicle while using an alcohol-gasoline blend. The controller system regulates engine operating variables such as fuel pressure, fuel flow, air-fuel flow, air-fuel temperature, and valve timing. The controller system regulates engine operating variables such as transmission gear selection and gear changing as well as differential ratio changes.

Abstract: An integrated ensemble for personal protection and comfort. The integrated ensemble may generally include one or more multifunctional layers. Each layer may include functionality directed to provision of specific types of protection and/or personal comfort. A liner may be generally capable of providing immersion protection, cooling, and cold weather protection. A shell may be designed for wear in cooperation with the liner. The shell may be capable of providing protection against flame, acceleration, and other environmental factors, as well as providing cooling and gear carriage. The disclosed integrated ensembles are generally low-bulk to facilitate movement.

Abstract: To manage a fleet of vehicles efficiently, data is obtained concerning vehicle condition; some of this data is recorded in a data packet format on a vehicle and transmitted by radio from the vehicles to a base station, and under some circumstances, transmitted by the internet to a central data station where it is used to determine what should be done with the vehicles, such as for example to determine if the battery of a vehicle must be charged. The data may be transmitted from one vehicle to another vehicle before reaching the base station or the central data station. The data packets can indicate the vehicle to which the data applies, if the battery needs to be charged or replaced and can establish a priority schedule for the charging or replacement of the battery.

Abstract: A weapon accessory integrates multiple illumination sources and a mechanism for dispensing a chemical irritant within a single housing for attachment as a fore grip to a firearm. The weapon accessory has selectable microprocessor-controlled multi-modes of operation for providing illumination, sighting or target debilitation. Switches on the outside of the housing enable user setting and control of the multiple modes of operation, which include one or a combination of (i) activating high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate an object or human subject with either visible or infrared light, (ii) activating a visible or infrared laser for sighting a target, (iii) activating a frequency modulation mode that alternates pulsing white and blue LEDs at three superimposed frequencies to temporarily disable, distract and degrade the vision of a human subject, and (iv) activating the chemical irritant dispenser.

Abstract: A device for infusion or aspiration that includes a base and at least one needle positioned within the base, where the base includes one or more locators for positioning the infusion device in relation to one or more predetermined anatomical features. A device for infusion or aspiration that comprises a drive assembly and a plurality of needles positioned within the drive assembly. A method for performing infusion or aspiration that includes the steps of establishing the location of the surface of a bone using the tip of a needle and then driving the needle into the bone a predetermined distance from the established location of the surface of the bone.

Abstract: A method for modelling loans comprises allowing a user to enter parameters relevant to the loan, including the loan amount, loan term and interest rate, and then visually displaying information indicating the repayments due over the term of the loan. The user can also select one or more of the following options: low-start or fast-start loans; regularly increasing repayments; lump sum repayments at specified dates; reduced repayments for a specified period; and variable repayments over different months of the year. The information indicating the repayments due over the term of the loan is displayed in some easily-understandable visual representation, such as a graph, bar chart, or table.

Abstract: The invention relates to scissors. Hitherto scissors have been formed with rigid and identical handles to allow use in either hand, but with some discomfort to the user, or with handles specifically shaped to suit a right-handed or a left-handed user, but not both. The object of the invention is to provide a pair of scissors able to be used in comfort by both right-handed and left-handed users, an objective met by a construction comprising blades and associated handles pivotally secured together, the handles forming respective finger and thumb bows that are symmetrical about the center plane at the mid-point through their thickness, at least one (thumb) bow being formed as a rigid structure from the forward end towards the pivot to a point along the length of that bow, from where the at least one (thumb) bow has a rearward part formed from a form-stable but resilient and/or flexible material.

Abstract: A configuration where a wide range of current can be sensed accurately in spite of using a magnetic material with non-linearities and limited hysteresis. This configuration includes: a strip line current carrier, an IC chip containing a GMR sensor element, an integrated drive coil, like an isoloop. Field produced by current in the strip line is detected by the sensor. Feedback field is produced by current in an on-chip coil to counteract spurious fields from the strip line.

Abstract: A method of providing self service banking to a customer, e.g. over the Internet or through interactive television). The customer is presented with a display containing icons representing a number of accounts, and icons representing money in a selected account. When the customer transfers money from the currently selected account to another account, this transfer is displayed graphically by one or more of the money icons moving from the selected account to the destination account. The transfer may be made by dragging and dropping the money icons on to the icon representing the destination account, or by selecting the amount to transfer and the destination account and then confirming the transfer.