Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite structure has two molded outer polymeric layers spaced apart from each other and defining a cavity therebetween. Each molded outer polymeric layer defines a sealing surface extending about a periphery of the respective layer, and the opposing sealing surfaces cooperate to define a hermetic seal extending about a periphery of the cavity. One or more multi-directional fiber reinforcement layers are adhesively attached in a discontinuous manner to each outer polymeric layer, and define a first region of the cavity extending between each respective outer polymeric layer and adjacent fiber reinforcement layer, and a second region of the cavity extending between the fiber reinforcement layers. A core is located between the two outer polymeric layers, and is made of a resinous core material capable of exhibiting a foamed character and a resinous character.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite structure has two molded outer polymeric layers spaced apart from each other and defining a cavity therebetween. Each molded outer polymeric layer defines a sealing surface extending about a periphery of the respective layer, and the opposing sealing surfaces cooperate to define a hermetic seal extending about a periphery of the cavity. One or more multi-directional fiber reinforcement layers are adhesively attached in a discontinuous manner to each outer polymeric layer, and define a first region of the cavity extending between each respective outer polymeric layer and adjacent fiber reinforcement layer, and a second region of the cavity extending between the fiber reinforcement layers. A core is located between the two outer polymeric layers, and is made of a resinous core material capable of exhibiting a foamed character and a resinous character.

Abstract: An apparatus used to deliver light from overhead to stimulate plant growth in a controlled environment. The distance between tops of the plants and the lights can be adjusted to correlate with plant growth by a motorized assembly for raising and lowering a bar suspended from an upper support and upon which are mounted growth lights. Horizontal sway of the bar upon which the growth lights are mounted is minimized by a guiding structure for one end of the bar. When florescent growth lights are used, bulk and heat produced by their ballasts are eliminated by locating all ballasts remotely from the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides stabilizing formulations for maintaining and preserving the integrity of proteins and polypeptides present in a body fluid sample obtained ex-vivo and to be evaluated as a test specimen for either clinical, therapeutic, or research purposes. The stabilizing formulations may be prepared alternatively either as a dry, anhydrous mixture of powders or as an aqueous based liquid containing the dissolved ingredients in admixture. The invention also provides minimalist stabilizing formulations as well as fortified stabilizing formulations which meet specific uses and applications and may be advantageously employed over a wide variety of different time, temperature, and severity of conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant mycobacteria, particularly recombinant M. bovis BCG, which express heterologous DNA encoding a product (protein or polypeptide) of interest, such a protein or polypeptide (e.g., an antigen) against which an immune response is desired, or a cytokine.

Abstract: A boat portage dolly for a boat that includes mounting gudgeons (30) on the transom (34), the dolly having a bifurcated carriage (20) with downwardly distending legs (22) attached to an upright frame member (24). The upright member also contains a pair of apertures (28) and an axle (36) is attached between the distal end of the legs. A wheel (40), preferably including a pneumatic tire, is rotatably mounted on the axle. The dolly is mated to the boat by placing the apertures over the gudgeons and penetrating holes in the gudgeons with a bent rod (44) that is contiguous with the inner surface of the carriage, holding the dolly in place tightly against the transom of the boat. The boat is portaged to water by lifting the bow by a single person and wheeling the vessel wheelbarrow fashion. Other embodiments change construction techniques of the carriage and retaining means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant mycobacteria, particularly recombinant M. bovis BCG, which express heterologous DNA encoding a product (protein or polypeptide) of interest, such a protein or polypeptide (e.g., an antigen) against which an immune response is desired or a cytokine.

Abstract: A configuration for a telecommunications network is disclosed in which service requests from subscribers are received into the network in a service manager which distributes the requests to appropriate service modules for composition of network instructions usable by network elements for providing telecommunications services corresponding to the requests.

Abstract: A dual-mode successive detection amplifier for providing a first output signal corresponding to a logarithmic function of a RF input signal, and for providing a second limited RF output signal is disclosed herein. A RF input signal is applied to the first of a succession of amplification stages arranged along a RF signal path to cascade amplify the RF input signal into the limited RF output signal. A plurality of detector/limiter (D/L) circuits interposed between the amplification stages limit RF signal energy propagating along the RF signal path so as to prevent saturation of the amplification stages. The D/L modules also provide a succession of detection signals corresponding to video envelopes of the RF signal energy produced by each of the amplification stages. The detection signals are applied to a video summation line and therein summed to produce the logarithmic output signal.

Abstract: A computer-utilizing security system and method involving a collection of personally selected strong-reaction sensory and/or historical multimedia-type cues in combination with a related set of structured information. The cue combination is submitted by one or more individuals to be authorized to access a secure environment, so that when a multimedia cue along with a set of queries contained in and regarding the related information are presented for gaining entry to the secured environment, an authorized individual may readily respond to the queries with correct reactions based on strong personal recall.

Abstract: A power door operator for multi-passenger mass transit vehicles, typically buses, features electric actuation of dual swinging doors. A manual activator having an ergonometrically correct actuating plunger, for emergency door opening, operates a sleeved clutch. Fixed to the sleeve clutch is a drive bar with arms having individually adjustable lengths. The drive arms actuate outboard door shaft levers on individual door leaf through door drive rods intermediate the door arms and drive arms. Each rod incorporates spherical rod ends. The drive arms also actuate limit switches establishing door opened and door closed circuitry for energizing the electric drive system. The adjustable length clutch door drive arms provide a convenient device for controlling door leaf closing sequence and residual or door holding force when the doors are in a closed position.

Abstract: A method for constructing the Minkowski sum and derivative morphological combinations of arbitray polyhedra uses operations supported in current CAD/CAM systems. The method has application to three-dimensional modeling of very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits, their design and simulation of fabrication, and to automated mechanical assembly. The method also has application to n-dimensional modeling in robotics as well as other applications of CAD/CAM systems. In one aspect, an exact Minkowski sum of two polyhedra is obtained by a generalization of sweeping a face along an edge. More generally, according to a second aspect, the Minkowski sum of two polyhedra is computed as the union of linear translational sweeps enabled by the first aspect. The method implements techniques and formulas which greatly reduces the overall cost of the computation of Minkowski sums and, in particular, avoids computations involving non-transversal polyhedra.

Abstract: A grounding system and detection circuit comprising a dual grounding configuration having a first or primary grounding means and a second or default grounding means, and a detection circuit connected to both the first and second grounding means. The first or primary grounding means may be any conventional manual grounding system such as a grounding cable attached to the frame, body, or fuselage of an aircraft, vessel, or vehicle. The second or default grounding means is automatically attached to the aircraft, vessel, or vehicle during fueling or fuel transfer, with the detection circuit positively detecting whether the first or primary grounding means is conductively connected to that same aircraft, vessel, or vehicle. A supplemental detection circuit may be utilized to verify that the first or primary grounding means is connected to the aircraft, vessel, or vehicle prior to connection of the second or default grounding means.

Abstract: The invention concerns a foldable trolley for supporting apparatus such as computers, photocopiers or other office of medical equipment while being serviced.A foldable trolley has a base having two sides each having at a top thereof a support member, connecting members connecting the sides so that they can be moved towards and away from one another, wheel members on which the trolley base is mounted, and a detachable trolley top adapted in a horizontal working position to bridge and be supported on the support members when the trolley sides are spaced apart, and in a storage position to be suspended at one side of the folded trolley base.

Abstract: A structural composite material is provided. The material comprises a thermoplastic layer, a layer of fibrous material spaced from the thermoplastic layer and a foam core disposed in the space between the layers. A resin impregnates and holds the layer of fibrous material together to form a fiber-reinforced resin structure. The foam core and the fiber-reinforced resin structure are integrally formed from a core material capable of having both a foamed character and a resinous character. A process for manufacturing the composite and a boat structure formed from the material are also provided.

Abstract: A foreign object removal system is disclosed including a removal chamber projecting laterally from the combustion chamber of a fluid bed reactor and connected via a downwardly directed pipe to a material flow control plenum chamber, which includes means for fluidizing the mixture of inert bed particles and foreign objects at the bottom of the pipe for lateral movement into an air classifier, wherein the foreign objects are dropped to a collection tank and the fluid bed particles are carried upwardly by a stream of classifying air to a deentrainment chamber where their velocity is reduced and they are returned to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An automatic assembly apparatus or robot holds a pin in an instrumented gripper, moves open loop to the "detection region" in which airflow forces, primarily lateral forces, in the vicinity of the hole may be dependably sensed. Relatively large lateral airflow forces in the detection region are sensed and the pin is moved toward the hole. The airflow forces exhibit an abrupt force change as the pin reaches the insertion point within the "capture region" of the hole defined by the mechanical chamfer or significantly extended as a result of the virtual chamfer of airflow through the hole. The insertion point is the point where lateral X,Y force vectors balance to a null, where Z force readings change from complex X,Y,Z force vectors to simple Z force vectors.

Abstract: A fluidized bed process and apparatus for uniformly drying particulized wet wood material or waste, commonly called hog fuel, from in excess of 50% moisture content to a 30% level suitable for burning as boiler fuel without generating "blue haze" air pollution typical of conventional rotary dryers. The fluidized bed of this invention is divided into treatment zones by a baffle arrangement. The hog fuel flows substantially horizontally along a circuitous path through the treatment zones. Hot flue gases fluidize the bed of hog fuel and provide necessary drying heat. Fines portions from each zone are entrained by the drying gases and blown out of the vessel just as they achieve the desired level of dryness and before significant blue haze is generated. A cyclone recovers these fines as product. Gas pressure to each treatment zone is adjusted so that only the desired amount of hog fuel is blown from the bed with the balance proceeding to subsequent zones.

Abstract: A fluidized bed process and apparatus for uniformly drying particulized wet wood material or waste, commonly called hog fuel, from in excess of 50% moisture content to a 30% level suitable for burning as boiler fuel without generating "blue haze" air pollution typical of conventional rotary dryers. The fluidized bed of this invention is divided into treatment zones by a baffle arrangement. The hog fuel flows substantially horizontally along a circuitous path through the treatment zones. Hot flue gases fluidize the bed of hog fuel and provide necessary drying heat. Fines portions from each zone are entrained by the drying gases and blown out of the vessel just as they achieve the desired level of dryness and before significant blue haze is generated. A cyclone recovers these fines as product. Gas pressure to each treatment zone is adjusted so that only the desired amount of hog fuel is blown from the bed with the balance proceeding to subsequent zones.

Abstract: A seal for use in an underwater connector having first and second mating members each of which has a coacting mating surface with a plurality of fluid passageways for mating with the passageways of the other member. The seal is a resilient tubular member having threads on a portion of its outer diameter for connection to a passageway on one of the members. The seal includes a fluid sealing surface on its outer end for mating with the other member and the seal includes a fluid sealing surface on its inner end for sealing with the one member. The sealing point of the sealing surface on the outer end has a diameter at least as great as the diameter of the sealing point of the sealing surface on the inner end. The sealing surface on the inner end is formed by an O-ring seal in a groove in the annular resilient seal. The sealing surface on the outer end includes a ridge.