Abstract: A hydrostatic release for securing an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) to a shipboard surface to withstand high G-forces while having a release mechanism that if the ship were to sink will release the EPIRB at a pre-determined water pressure which is equivalent to depth of water. The hydrostatic release includes two shafts mounted end to end and clamped together under spring pressure by a slide that can be moved by a water pressure sensitive diaphragm when the hydrostatic device is underwater and experiences a pre-determined water pressure. The elongated shaft is connected at one end to an EPIRB housing and at the other end to the EPIRB housing cover. Once the cover is released by the water pressure, the EPIRB will float to the ocean surface.

Abstract: The present invention analyzes the impact of known or unknown events on the fulfillment of business goals. In light of a defined business strategy, a performance outcome related to the business goal is analyzed to determine the effect of an event on the business goal. For training evaluation, the actual impact of training given for particular skills on job and business performance is readily determined.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless audio headsets for use with communication applications such as softphone applications running on processor-based hosts for alerting a user of incoming calls and providing hookswitch control from the wireless headset are disclosed. The system generally includes a headset base for communication with a processor-based host executing a communication-headset application for interfacing between a network and the wireless headset system, and a wireless headset in wireless communication with the headset base. The wireless headset system may be configured to cooperate with the communication-headset application to answer an incoming call in response to a call answering activity and, upon the incoming call being answered, to transmit audio signals between the network and the wireless headset via the communication-headset application and the headset base.

Abstract: Wireless audio headset systems and methods for automatically activating target application programs on an attached processor-based host are disclosed. The system generally includes a headset base to communicate with the host executing a headset integrator application, a wireless headset in wireless communication with the headset base and configured to transmit audio signals to and from the headset integrator application via the headset base, and a program activation mechanism provided by the wireless headset that, upon activation of the mechanism, activates a target application program on the processor-based host via the headset base and the headset integrator application.

Abstract: A hurricane shutter escape mechanism for allowing fast and easy removal of conventional hurricane shutters from a window or door of a structure in the event of an emergency. The device comprises a release member, an anchor, a removable stud for engaging and securing the hurricane shutters, and a spring-actuated panel fastener that includes a leaf spring to engage and hold the removable stud in position. The release member includes a slot having a small aperture to hold the stud in position and a large aperture to release the stud from the anchor. From inside the building, the release member is pushed down to release the hurricane shutters so that the occupants of a structure can escape during an emergency, such as a fire. From outside the building, a rescuer can depress the leaf spring to remove the spring-actuated panel fastener, and thereby, also remove the hurricane shutter panel.

Abstract: A helix radiating element is disclosed. The helix radiating element includes a support, a base and a helix wire. The support is made up of a dielectric material including a PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) material. The base is coupled to the support and is made up of boron nitride. The helix wire is configured to be wrapped around the support and bonded to the base. The base is coupled to a ground plane. A boron nitride filled adhesive is used to bond the support to the base and bond the helix wire to the base. The boron nitride filled adhesive is also used to bond the base to the ground plane. Heat generated in the helix wire is transferred to the ground plane via the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for locating the direction and distance to a RF signal source from an avalanche beacon to find an avalanche victim. The system and method includes a RF signal locator and a graphical display residing on the signal locator. The receiver graphical display provides the searcher with an initial way point reading that includes directional and distance data associated with the beacon RF signal source from the avalanche beacon. The directional and distance data is based upon the received RF signals. A processor within the locator receiver receives and measures RF signals emitted by the RF signal source. The locator advantageously provides continuous subsequent way point readings for the user, where the subsequent way point readings include directional and distance data associated with the RF signal source. The distance data provided by the subsequent way point readings is based upon a path loss slope of the received RF signals from the avalanche beacon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing conflict assessments conducted by a software tool, which are particularly suited for monitoring internal conflicts of various countries are disclosed. An application of this method and apparatus to the international community is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of blocking stains on a substrate to be painted are disclosed, as are stain-blocking composites that are useful according to the disclosed methods. In a broad aspect, the methods include the steps of contacting a stained portion of the substrate with a dry film layer; applying pressure to the dry film layer to cause the dry film layer to adhere to the stained portion of the substrate and to at least a portion of the substrate adjacent the stained portion of the substrate; and subsequently coating the dry film layer and the adjacent substrate with one or more additional liquid coating layers.

Abstract: A tunable RF cavity resonator having reduced generation of passive inter-modulation, the tunable RF cavity resonator including a cavity body, a fixed tuning post at a first end of the cavity body, a dielectric rod in the fixed tuning post interior space with a first spatial gap between the dielectric rod outer surface and the fixed tuning post inner wall, a tuning screw connected to a first end of the dielectric rod, and a tuning element disposed on a second end of the dielectric rod so that the tuning element moves within the interior space of the fixed tuning post while maintaining a second spatial gap between the tuning element outer surface and the fixed tuning post inner wall. Accordingly, the tuning element forms a short section of very low RF impedance transmission line thereby preventing RF signal leakage through the interior space of the fixed tuning post.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for locating the direction and distance to a RF signal source from an avalanche beacon to find an avalanche victim. The system and method includes a RF signal locator and a graphical display residing on the signal locator. The receiver graphical display provides the searcher with an initial way point reading that includes directional and distance data associated with the beacon RF signal source from the avalanche beacon. The directional and distance data is based upon the received RF signals. A processor within the locator receiver receives and measures RF signals emitted by the RF signal source. The locator advantageously provides continuous subsequent way point readings for the user, where the subsequent way point readings include directional and distance data associated with the RF signal source. The distance data provided by the subsequent way point readings is based upon a path loss slope of the received RF signals from the avalanche beacon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pyrotechnic aerosol fire suppression compositions that burn rapidly, but coolly. The rapid burning of the compositions of the present invention produces a voluminous flame-suppressive aerosol that is useful in suppressing and/or extinguishing both small and large fires. The compositions of the invention contain at least one oxidizer and a fuel component comprising at least one organic acid salt, which combination produces a rapid burning composition that burns at low temperatures with little or no flame.

Abstract: A thin film transistor with a channel less than 100 angstroms thick, preferably less than 80 angstroms thick, preferably less than 60 angstroms thick. The very thin channel reduces variability of threshold voltage from one TFT to the next. This is particularly advantageous for TFT memory arrays. It is possible that an extremely thin channel restricts the size of grains, forcing many small grains to be formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for locating the direction and distance to a RF signal source, primarily for search and rescue. The system and method includes a RF signal locator and a graphical display residing on the signal locator. The receiver graphical display provides the user with an initial way point reading that includes directional and distance data associated with the beacon RF signal source. The directional and distance data is based upon the received RF signals. A processor within the locator receiver receives and measures RF signals emitted by the RF signal source. The locator advantageously provides continuous subsequent way point readings for the user, where the subsequent way point readings include directional and distance data associated with the RF signal source. The distance data provided by the subsequent way point readings is based upon a path loss slope of the received RF signals.

Abstract: A secondary reservoir for a power steering system includes a container having an inside volume configured to hold a fluid, a cover attached to the container, a float assuming a height within the container indicative of a level of the fluid within the container, and a vent valve configured to open the inside volume of the container to an outside atmosphere when the float is at a relatively low level within the container and to close the inside volume of the container when the float is above the low level.

Abstract: A propellant composition including a fuel, an oxidizer, and a latex binder and method of making, wherein the method of making eliminates the need for the large amounts of volatile, flammable solvents that are typically associated with the traditional process.

Abstract: Methods of blocking stains on a substrate to be painted are disclosed, as are stain-blocking composites that are useful according to the disclosed methods. In a broad aspect, the methods include the steps of contacting a stained portion of the substrate with a dry film layer; applying pressure to the dry film layer to cause the dry film layer to adhere to the stained portion of the substrate and to at least a portion of the substrate adjacent the stained portion of the substrate; and subsequently coating the dry film layer and the adjacent substrate with one or more additional liquid coating layers.

Abstract: Aqueous latex polymer dispersion compositions are disclosed characterized by their small particle size. The compositions are prepared by emulsion polymerization of one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of an alkyd seed containing sulfonate groups. Coatings based on these latex dispersions have improved advantages in film forming, gloss, hardness, low residual monomer content, less yellowing, and low VOC. The latex dispersions, having average particle sizes of 60-140 nm, are prepared by using a small ratio (i.e. about 2-15 wt. %) of an aqueous alkyd dispersion as the seed for latex particle growth. The waterborne alkyds are based on 5-sodiosulfo-isophthalic acid and either unsaturated or saturated fatty acids. The latex polymer dispersions thus obtained have improved film forming properties as well as low residual monomer content. The latexes are capable of forming clear, hard films at room temperature in the absence of external coalescents.

Abstract: A propellant composition including a fuel, an oxidizer, and a latex binder and method of making, wherein the method of making eliminates the need for the large amounts of volatile, flammable solvents that are typically associated with the traditional process.