Abstract: The present invention provides liquid crystals and compositions thereof (e.g., liquid crystal-based scaffolds). The present invention also provides the methods for generating said liquid crystals and compositions thereof (e.g., liquid crystal-based scaffolds) as well as uses thereof in cell-culturing and tissue-generating.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing multi-zone climate control for a vehicle. One system includes a power source, a plurality of switches, a first zone heating/cooling device, a second zone heating/cooling device, and an electronic controller. The electronic controller is configured to operate the plurality of switches to supply current bi-directionally through the first zone heating/cooling device, bi-directionally through the second zone heating/cooling device, or bi-directionally through a series connection of the first zone heating/cooling device and the second zone heating/cooling device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing multi-zone climate control for a vehicle. One system includes a power source, a plurality of switches, a first zone heating/cooling device, a second zone heating/cooling device, and an electronic controller. The electronic controller is configured to operate the plurality of switches to supply current bi-directionally through the first zone heating/cooling device, bi-directionally through the second zone heating/cooling device, or bi-directionally through a series connection of the first zone heating/cooling device and the second zone heating/cooling device.

Abstract: A system for issuing a hybrid structured preferred security within private capital markets, comprising an application server computer, a data analysis manager, a due diligence manager, a pricing manager, a transaction manager, and a plurality of data collection servers adapted to retrieve remote electronic tax data from a taxing authority. Upon receiving a request from an entity for a capital transaction, the application server receives a plurality of data elements pertaining to the entity. An automated due diligence process is conducted using tax data from the entity. The data analysis manager computes risk parameters pertaining to the transaction. The pricing manager computes deal parameters. On receiving from an investor an acceptance of a deal, the transaction manager issues hybrid securities comprising preferred equity shares and warrants to convert preferred equity shares into common shares.

Abstract: A wagon pull and an apparatus that is capable of pulling children and luggage that has an arm assembly having a sleeve or tube that slidably receives an insert; the insert has a connector having a connector, the connector is capable of receiving a handle therein; and the sleeve having a bar first portion extending therefrom, the bar first portion being connected to a support, and the support being connected to a belt.

Abstract: A method for selectively assembling a molecular device on a substrate comprises contacting the first substrate with a solution containing molecular devices; impeding bonding of the molecular devices to the substrate such that application of a voltage potential to the substrate results in assembly of the molecular device on the substrate at a rate that is at least 1.5 times the rate of assembly of the molecular device on a voltage-neutral substrate; and applying a voltage potential to the substrate so as to cause the molecular devices to assemble on the substrate. A nanoscale computing device is described that includes a substrate, a pair of conductive input/output electrodes carried on this substrate and disposed in spaced-apart relationship and a substantially disordered assembly of nanowires formed on the substrate in a region between the electrodes, thereby forming at least one programmable conductive pathway between the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of portraying project schedule history in graphical form which facilitates a rapid assessment of the success of a project and its leaders from the standpoint of performance against schedule. More specifically, this invention relates to an “Estimated Time to Completion” chart that is plotted against “Date” in a two dimensional chart, and points on the chart are created at periodic checkpoints for the duration of the project. When the points are connected, a line is created which slants toward the “Date” axis and intersects that axis at the actual completion date. Partially-completed charts are useful at the periodic checkpoints for graphically illustrating how well the project team is holding to the schedule. Completed charts are useful in evaluating performance of team leaders and for creating incentives for timely performance of projects. Methods of adapting the charts to changes in project scope are included in this invention.

Abstract: A tape dispensing device is able to neutralize a static charge on a piece of tape so that the tape will not curl up and become tangled. The tape dispensing device has a body member which houses a roll of tape. A cutting device is coupled to one end of the body member for cutting a piece of tape from the roll of tape. A neutralizing device is coupled to the body member and next to the cutting device for neutralizing a static charge from the piece of tape.

Abstract: A method for selectively assembling a molecular device on a substrate comprises contacting the first substrate with a solution containing molecular devices; impeding bonding of the molecular devices to the substrate such that application of a voltage potential to the substrate results in assembly of the molecular device on the substrate at a rate that is at least 1.5 times the rate of assembly of the molecular device on a voltage-neutral substrate; and applying a voltage potential to the substrate so as to cause the molecular devices to assemble on the substrate. More specifically, selective assembly can be obtained by providing a mixture comprising protected molecular devices in solution; removing protective groups from some of the molecular devices; activating the de-protected molecular devices; contacting the substrate with the solution; and allowing the activated devices to bond to the substrate such that the they assemble on the first substrate.

Abstract: A low-energy particle sensor includes current collection areas which take the form of diodes partially covering the substrate. In detection areas defined alongside the collection areas the small thickness of the material enables low-energy particles (in particular a particles or protons) to penetrate the substrate. The currents generated by particles forming electron-hole pairs in this substrate are collected by the diode regions and sent to a load circuit. Applications include sensors for detectors of products resulting from collisions brought about in particle physics research apparatus.

Abstract: A device for conveying thin workpieces for machines used in the printing technology field having at least one movable conveying element having an electrically insulating contact surface supporting at least one workpiece as it is being conveyed, the contact surface of the conveying element being formed with regions of varying charge density by electric charges applied thereto, and the workpiece being held on the contact surface by electrostatic forces, includes a multiplicity of contacts engaging the surface of the conveying element, the multiplicity of contacts including at least one given group thereof, the multiplicity of contacts being disposed transversely to a direction in which the thin workpiece is conveyable by the conveying element and being distributed across the entire width of the workpiece, the multiplicity of contacts being connected to at least one d.c. voltage source.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for a selector with a locking member, having devices for receiving at least one latching element. To actuate the latching element, a latching lever is actuated by outside force. To increase operating safety during the locking of the selector, a support on the latching lever holds the latching element in a first, locked position and another element for pivoting the latching element into a second, unlocked position.

Abstract: A selection system for an automatic motor vehicle transmission has locking system in which a toggle lever arrangement is connected with the selector element and is arranged to be movable thereby relative to a locking body. The locking body is arranged to be movable into the moving path of the toggle lever arrangement into a locking position which locks it and out of this moving path into an unlocking position which does not lock it and can be driven by the actuator arrangement for carrying out its movements. As a result, the selection system can be securely unlocked also by low forces of an actuator arrangement.

Abstract: A tool provided with a head tapering stepwise toward a front side. Each step of the head has a cylindrical area for calibrating a pipe end and, joining it, a conical area for deburring the pipe end. Each step of the head corresponds to a usual pipe size. When the head is pushed into a pipe end to be processed, the pipe end is first calibrated and subsequently deburred in one operation. The pipe end is centered in relation to the longitudinal axis of the head due to the calibration at the cylindrical area, which guarantees accurate deburring at the conical area. Each conical area has a plurality of cutting edges, which are formed by chip grooves. The tool is especially suitable for preparing pressed connections on composite pipes.

Abstract: Multiple frequency sources are used to apply a time varying signal to a scanning tunneling microscope and a current or voltage passing between the electrodes of the microscope is measured by a microwave spectrum/network analyzer which detects simultaneously at the multiple input frequencies and combinations thereof. This permits multiple substances to be monitored simultaneously. By choosing appropriate frequencies of input signals to be mixed or combined before application to the sample, it is possible to measure at a difference frequency which may improve signal to noise ratio and possible to match generating and reaction potentials and relaxation times to render detection possible. When applied to an array of Coulomb blockade devices used as a current standard, accuracy of the standard can be tested and the signal-to-noise ratio can be improved in the measurements, or the thresholds of the devices can be detected.

Abstract: An apparatus including valving structure to direct in a circular swimming pool a first conduit to effect a circular stream within the swimming pool, with a second conduit directed to a basket, and the second conduit having a nozzle directing fluid flow into the basket in association with the first conduit to direct debris from the swimming pool into the basket structure.

Abstract: A modularly structured mounting rack of vertical-type construction is proposed which is designed to receive electronic units or devices placed one above the other. The mounting rack substantially encompasses a rear wall module constituting a first constructional unit and a frame module constituting a second constructional unit. The rear wall module is of a substantially box-like structure to receive wiring and comprises a predetermined number of support elements arranged at individual wiring planes for supporting cables which are provided with plugs. At an end face of the rear wall module, specifically at the left-hand or right-hand side thereof, there are provided connection members arranged above each other which, in the assembled state of the two constructional units, are freely accessibly arranged for connection to appropriately laid external lines.

Abstract: The cementing collar described herein is designed primarily for cementing operations in oil or gas wells. The basic assembly includes a collar, an outer sleeve slidable in the collar, and an inner sleeve slidable in the outer sleeve. The collar and outer sleeve each have cementing ports therein. When the assembly is being run into the well casing, the collar and both sleeves are secured by shear pins in a position such that the cementing ports are closed. To open the cementing ports a trip bomb is dropped into the casing to engage a seat inside the outer sleeve. This causes the pins to shear and permits the outer sleeve to move down to a position in which the sleeve ports line up with the collar port. After cementing has been completed, a plug is flowed down the casing to engage the inner sleeve. Fluid pressure is applied behind the plug to shear the pins a second time. This moves the outer sleeve further down to a position in which the cementing ports are again closed.