Abstract: A tube capper and decapper and method of using the same. The tube capper includes a handheld housing that supports a one-dimensional array of spindles. Each spindle is shaped to receive a cap. A drive mechanism rotates each spindle of the one-dimensional array in unison for capping or decapping a corresponding one-dimensional array of tubes.

Abstract: A tube capper and decapper and method of using the same. The tube capper includes a handheld housing that supports a one-dimensional array of spindles. Each spindle is shaped to receive a cap. A drive mechanism rotates each spindle of the one-dimensional array in unison for capping or decapping a corresponding one-dimensional array of tubes.

Abstract: A positive electrode material is provided which is a blended combination of lithium nickel cobalt oxide (and aluminum substituted compounds thereof) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide. Also provided Is a non-aqueous electrolyte lithium secondary battery having high specific capacity and good thermal stability characteristics.

Abstract: A marine vessel comprising: a command module; first and second buoyant tubular foils; and first and second struts for connecting the first and second buoyant tubular foils to the command module, respectively; wherein the first and second buoyant tubular foils provide substantially all of the buoyancy required for the marine vessel; and wherein the marine vessel further comprises first and second engines enclosed within the first and second buoyant tubular foils, respectively, and first and second propulsion units connected to the first and second engines, respectively, for moving the marine vessel through the water.

Abstract: A method of managing backup records is provided. A central server receives, across a network, the contents of a first backup catalog from a first backup server as well as the contents of a second (distinct) backup catalog from a second backup server. The central server also extracts backup records from the first backup catalog and the second backup catalog and places the contents of each extracted backup record into a central backup catalog on the central server. Software for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A step for a large pickup truck has a tubular extension member having a square cross section. The extension member is sized to fit within the tubular end of a receiver type hitch. A stepping platform is attached to the top of the extension member. The extension member extends from the side of the receiver type hitch a sufficient distance to function as a step to the tailgate or bed of the truck. A ring on the extension member prevents it from being inserted too far into the hitch. A chain connected to the ring is attachable to the hitch to prevent the accidental removal of the step. The chain and ring can be positioned to allow the step to be moved between extended and non-extended positions.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. The device includes an advancement unit for advancing the flexible elongated element toward the end of the device such that the elongated element may exit from the device with sufficient force to pass through the subject. The device also includes a curved die for imparting a looping configuration to portions of the flexible elongated element exiting the device, and a curved guide for receiving the looped flexible elongated element as it returns to the end of the device. A cutting mechanism is provided to permit the looped flexible elongated element to be separated from the remainder of the flexible elongated element. The cutting mechanism is adapted to deform the trailing end of the looped flexible elongated element so that the trailing end is forced distally, toward the subject being sutured.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. The device includes an advancement unit for advancing the flexible elongated element toward the end of the device such that the elongated element may exit from the device with sufficient force to pass through the subject. The device also includes a curved die for imparting a looping configuration to portions of the flexible elongated element exiting the device, and a curved guide for receiving the looped flexible elongated element as it returns to the end of the device. A cutting mechanism is provided to permit the looped flexible elongated element to be separated from the remainder of the flexible elongated element. The cutting mechanism is adapted to deform the trailing end of the looped flexible elongated element so that the trailing end is forced distally, toward the subject being sutured.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In an embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, as well as an advancement unit for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end such that a proximal end of the elongated element may pass from the distal end of said device with sufficient force to pass through the portions of the subject. The device also includes a securing unit for variably adjusting a securing force applied by the flexible elongated element to secure together the portions of the subject.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In an embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, as well as an advancement unit for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end such that a distal end of the elongated element may pass from the distal end of said device with sufficient force to pass through the portions of the subject. The device also includes a securing unit for variably adjusting a securing force applied by the flexible elongated element to secure together the portions of the subject.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. The device includes an advancement unit for advancing the flexible elongated element toward the end of the device such that the elongated element may exit from the device with sufficient force to pass through the subject. The device also includes a curved die for imparting a looping configuration to portions of the flexible elongated element exiting the device, and a curved guide for receiving the looped flexible elongated element as it returns to the end of the device. A cutting mechanism is provided to permit the looped flexible elongated element to be separated from the remainder of the flexible elongated element. The cutting mechanism is adapted to deform the trailing end of the looped flexible elongated element so that the trailing end is forced distally, toward the subject being sutured.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In an embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, as well as an advancement unit for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end such that a proximal end of the elongated element may pass from the distal end of said device with sufficient force to pass through the portions of the subject. The device also includes a securing unit for variably adjusting a securing force applied by the flexible elongated element to secure together the portions of the subject.

Abstract: Rechargeable composite polymer batteries are disclosed employing composite polymer electrolytes comprising an inorganic oxide, exemplified by fumsilic(SiO2), and an organic polymer, exemplified by poly(vinylidene fluoride)-hexafluoropropene copolymer (PVDF-HFP), gelled with Li-ion battery electrolytes. The composite polymer electrolytes are prepared by forming a suspension of the inorganic oxide in a solution of the organic polymer contained in a suitable carrier solvent, spraying the suspension onto the surfaces of Li-ion battery electrodes to form inorganic oxide-organic polymer composite films that adhere to the electrode surfaces, and gelling the films with Li-ion battery electrolytes in-situ to form composite inorganic oxide-organic polymer gel electrolytes. Li-ion battery cells are then constructed with the resulting electrode-polymer electrolytes.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In an embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, as well as an advancement unit for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end such that a proximal end of the elongated element may pass from the distal end of said device with sufficient force to pass through the portions of the subject. The device also includes a securing unit for variably adjusting a securing force applied by the flexible elongated element to secure together the portions of the subject.

Abstract: A lead-acid (SLI) battery desulfator which is powered by the batteries wh it is conditioning when a motor associated with the batteries is off. The desulfator activates whenever an alternator supplies charge to the battery then deactivates itself upon expiration of a set time or is reset upon starting of the motor.

Abstract: Apparatus for wrapping bales of hay includes a table with bale rollers disposed outboard of a centrally of a vertical axis extending through the table and about which the table rotates to receive a film of wrap to enclose the hay bale as the table rotates. Endless belts encircle the outboard bale rollers and cause the hay bale to rotate about its transverse axis as the table rotates about its vertical axis. The endless belts are replaceable by sliding laterally from the table without requiring disassembly of the table.