Abstract: Robotics platforms in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can be utilized to implement highly dexterous robots capable of whole body motion. Robotics platforms in accordance with one embodiment of the invention include: a memory containing a whole body motion application; a spine, where the spine has seven degrees of freedom and comprises a spine actuator and three spine elbow joints that each include two spine joint actuators; at least one limb, where the at least one limb comprises a limb actuator and three limb elbow joints that each include two limb joint actuators; a tracked base; a connecting structure that connects the at least one limb to the spine; a second connecting structure that connects the spine to the tracked base; wherein the processor is configured by the whole body motion application to move the at least one limb and the spine to perform whole body motion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for filtering sequence clusters during a process of merging a newly generated nucleotide or amino acid sequence with a set of previously clustered sequences. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for assigning newly generated nucleotide or amino acid sequences to presumptive species called operational taxonomic units. In yet another embodiment, the sequences are derived from the cytochrome c oxidase I gene.

Abstract: Robotics platforms in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can be utilized to implement highly dexterous robots capable of whole body motion. Robotics platforms in accordance with one embodiment of the invention include: a memory containing a whole body motion application; a spine, where the spine has seven degrees of freedom and comprises a spine actuator and three spine elbow joints that each include two spine joint actuators; at least one limb, where the at least one limb comprises a limb actuator and three limb elbow joints that each include two limb joint actuators; a tracked base; a connecting structure that connects the at least one limb to the spine; a second connecting structure that connects the spine to the tracked base; wherein the processor is configured by the whole body motion application to move the at least one limb and the spine to perform whole body motion.

Abstract: A closed-loop system for cleaning vessels containing drilling fluid residue. High pressure jets of water-based cleaning fluid are used to clean the interior of a vessel. The resulting slurry is sent to one or more solids/liquid separation stages to remove drill cuttings and other drilling fluid solids. The substantially solids-free cleaning fluid discharge is recycled.

Abstract: The portable concrete striking device comprises an elongated portable screed, a handle mounted to the screed for allowing a worker to manually pull the screed towards an upstream direction and an auger rotatably mounted to the screed and located upstream of the screed. A motor is linked to the auger for rotating the auger. The auger is capable of directing excess concrete upstream of the screed towards an excess concrete discharge location which is located at a determined position along the elongated screed.

Abstract: The portable concrete striking device comprises an elongated portable screed, a handle mounted to the screed for allowing a worker to manually pull the screed towards an upstream direction and an auger rotatably mounted to the screed and located upstream of the screed. A motor is linked to the auger for rotating the auger. The auger is capable of directing excess concrete upstream of the screed towards an excess concrete discharge location which is located at a determined position along the elongated screed.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for monitoring the activities and/or locations of wireless units in a wireless network independent of location-based service preferences of those wireless units. That is, a system and method is provided that allows an authorized requester override location-based service preferences (e.g., privacy settings) that may be set for a wireless unit. In this regard, an authorized entity may be able to effectively locate and/or monitor the activities of a wireless unit associated with an individual of interest. Furthermore, if proper authorization exists, such monitoring may be done surreptitiously without the wireless unit user's knowledge and/or consent. For example, in some instances, law enforcement agencies may be authorized to monitor call traffic and/or the location of persons utilizing wireless units.

Abstract: A closed-loop system for cleaning vessels containing drilling fluid residue. High pressure jets of water-based cleaning fluid are used to clean the interior of a vessel. The resulting slurry is sent to one or more solids/liquid separation stages to remove drill cuttings and other drilling fluid solids. The substantially solids-free cleaning fluid discharge is recycled.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for attaching a pressure washing device to a storage tank that allows adjustment of the location of the pressure washing device. One embodiment includes a mounting plate adapted to be connected to a tank opening, a second plate hingably attached to the mounting plate, and a pressure washer attachment plate hingably connected to the second plate. The hinged connections may be arranged such as to allow rotation about two axes that are substantially perpendicular to each other. Linear connection apparatus may also be provided to control the relative location between the plates. A roof mounted system includes a vertical extension arm that is suspended from a roof-mounted manway. The vertical extension arm supports a primary pivot point about which a first extension arm deploys. The first extension arm carries a telescoping extension arm that has a secondary pivot point about which pivots a wash head arm having a wash head mounted on the end.

Abstract: A compact golf accessory which may function as a cigar holder, golf club rest or golf ball retriever. The golf accessory is conveniently carried in a golf bag.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for attaching a pressure washing device to a storage tank that allows adjustment of the location of the pressure washing device. One embodiment includes a mounting plate adapted to be connected to a tank opening, a second plate hingably attached to the mounting plate, and a pressure washer attachment plate hingably connected to the second plate. The hinged connections may be arranged such as to allow rotation about two axes that are substantially perpendicular to each other. Linear connection apparatus may also be provided to control the relative location between the plates. A roof mounted system includes a vertical extension arm that is suspended from a roof-mounted manway. The vertical extension arm supports a primary pivot point about which a first extension arm deploys. The first extension arm carries a telescoping extension arm that has a secondary pivot point about which pivots a wash head arm having a wash head mounted on the end.

Abstract: A compact golf accessory which may function as a cigar holder, golf club rest or golf ball retriever. The golf accessory is conveniently carried in a golf bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting apparatus which can be used to quickly and easily mount implements and/or accessories to storage racks of all-terrain vehicles (“ATV's”). A slot is provided on the item to be attached to the ATV storage rack. A mounting bracket is provided which has a concave section, a flat section and a bore passing through the flat section. The mounting bracket is positioned so that the concave section is engaged against the lower surface of a tubular member of an ATV storage rack, the flat section of the mounting bracket is in close proximity to the slot on the item to be mounted, and the bore passing through the flat section of the mounting bracket is aligned with the slot. A bolt or other fastener is disposed through said slot and mounting bracket and secured in place.

Abstract: The heat recovery reflector has a channel-like extrusion comprising a web and flanges bordering the web. The web has a heat reflective surface thereon and the flanges have a substantial depth relative to the thickness of the web. The distances between the flanges is similar to the height of the back surface of a baseboard heat convector. The channel-like extrusion is mountable behind a baseboard heat convector for defining with the back surface of the baseboard heat convector a closed space for maintaining the heat reflective surface in a dust free environment. In another aspect of the invention, each flange has serrations of the inside surface thereof. A pair of caps is provided for covering the ends of the channel-like extrusion. Each cap has tabs extending therefrom and each of the tabs has at least one notch which is engagedly mountable in one of the serrations on the flanges.

Abstract: Cargo racks for use with all terrain vehicles (“ATV's”) are disclosed. The racks have a generally horizontal base and upwardly extending vertical side walls which, together with the base, form a cargo area. One or more of the upwardly extending vertical side walls are hinged at the base, and can open in an outward direction to form a lift gate. When such a lift gate is in a lowered position, support chains or arms are not required to ensure that the lift gate remains fully extended. When closed, the lift gate is latched in place to prevent inadvertent opening of the lift gate. One or more of the vertical walls, including the lift gate, can be completely removed from the rack as desired.

Abstract: The heat recovery reflector has a channel-like extrusion comprising a web and flanges bordering the web. The web has a heat reflective surface thereon and the flanges have a substantial depth relative to the thickness of the web. The distances between the flanges is similar to the height of the back surface of a baseboard heat convector. The channel-like extrusion is mountable behind a baseboard heat convector for defining with the back surface of the baseboard heat convector a closed space for maintaining the heat reflective surface in a dust free environment. In another aspect of the invention, each flange has serrations of the inside surface thereof. A pair of caps is provided for covering the ends of the channel-like extrusion. Each cap has tabs extending therefrom and each of the tabs has at least one notch which is engagedly mountable in one of the serrations on the flanges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light emitter device comprising an integrated component having a laser section provided with an oscillator section designed to supply a laser wave, and a modulator section. In order to control the light frequency of the emitted modulated wave, an electronic circuit controls the current of the laser section in response to a measurement of the amplitude of the modulation of the voltage induced across the terminals of the laser section by the modulation section.

Abstract: An optical preamplifier device for a light receiver, the device including a first optical amplifier. The first optical amplifier is coupled to an input of an optical filter centered around a fixed wavelength .lambda..sub.o via a wavelength conversion device for converting wavelength to the fixed wavelength .lambda..sub.o of the filter, thereby enabling the device to be made independent of the wavelength .lambda..sub.i of the signal.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead system is used in areas which have shallow water producing sands. A first string of casing extends from the sea floor through a section of conductor pipe and below the conductor pipe to a point above the water sand. An external wellhead housing having flow ports is supported at the upper end of the conductor pipe. A valve sleeve is located on the exterior of the external wellhead housing. The valve sleeve is movable to a closed position, closing the flow ports. A second string of casing is installed to a point below the water producing formation. An internal wellhead housing is secured to the upper end of the second string of casing, which lands within the external wellhead housing. During cementing of the second string of casing the flow ports are open. After cementing, the valve sleeve is moved to the closed position.

Abstract: An input signal provided by a generator is applied to a laser emitting diode via a predistortion circuit for improving the linearity of the response of the source. The predistortion circuit includes a linear pi attenuator member constituted by resistances and a non-linear compensating element constituted by a Schottky diode connected in parallel with said attenuator member. The invention is particularly applicable to making light transmitting cable heads for optical fiber telecommunications systems.