Abstract: The invention provides a backrest mounting system to mount a backrest to a wheelchair post. The mounting system comprises a locking peg that is receivable within a peg receiver. The peg receiver comprises a lock assembly comprising a locking member adapted to engage with the locking peg in a locked position. The locking peg comprises a latch pin housing extending along at least a portion of a length of the peg and also comprises a latch pin within the latch pin housing. The latch pin is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position in which the latch pin engages with and holds the locking member in an unlocked position to allow the locking peg to be readily retracted from the peg receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat, backrest, lateral support bracket, and footrest that are able to be adapted to suit the needs of a physically disabled user. In general, the seat comprises a base frame, a seat base that is supported by the base frame, and a backrest. The backrest may be adapted to tilt with respect to the seat base and comprises a backrest angle adjustment system including a vertically extending angle adjustment slot located centrally on the backrest support and a pair of links pivotally attached to the seat frame and the angle adjuster wherein the angle adjuster comprises a lock with a projection through the angle adjustment slot and a fastener that engages with the projection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat, backrest, lateral support bracket, and footrest that are able to be adapted to suit the needs of a physically disabled user. In general, the seat comprises a base frame, a seat base that is supported by the base frame, and a backrest. The backrest may be adapted to tilt with respect to the seat base and comprises a backrest angle adjustment system including a vertically extending angle adjustment slot located centrally on the backrest support and a pair of links pivotally attached to the seat frame and the angle adjuster wherein the angle adjuster comprises a lock with a projection through the angle adjustment slot and a fastener that engages with the projection.

Abstract: A wireless electronic signal measurement and generation device is presented. The device enables a host computing system, such as a smart-phone or PDA having standard wireless networking capability, to wirelessly connect to a multitude of wired electronic systems for test and measurement, such as an electronic thermometer or motor. The electronic systems under test are connected to the device by wire or probe. The device wirelessly connects to a host computing system by standard wireless network protocol, such as Bluetooth or IEEE802.11 Wi-Fi. The device supports direct unfiltered relay of measured analog data, detected digital data, and generated analog or digital signals between the host computer and connected electronic systems under test bi-directionally. The device can be embodied as a single module including a housing, wire connection ports, and a wireless connectivity module.

Abstract: An object of interest in a cloud of objects is identified by RF and IR sensing. The RF and IR signals are separately discriminated to determine the probability that the RF tracked object is one of a predetermined number of possible object types, and the IR tracked object is one of the possible object types. Joint probabilities are calculated for all pairs of RF and IR signals and all objects, and the joint probabilities are normalized. Marginal probabilities of the joint RF/IR discrimination results are calculated to produce a vector set of marginal optical probabilities. The vector set is normalized over all object types to thereby produce a vector set of normalized marginal optical probabilities. The object of interest is selected to be the IR object of said vector set of normalized joint optical probabilities with the highest probability of being the object type of interest.

Abstract: Current targeting approaches involve guiding to a spatially derived guidepoint of a group of objects likely to be the preferred object. This method may not allow the intercepting missile to contain the preferred, or other probable object(s), within its divert capability. The guidepoint is shifted closer to the preferred object using specific energy and angular momentum, constants of orbital motion, which describe properties of an object's trajectory. Guiding to the specific energy derived guidepoint does not offer significant benefit over guiding to the spatially derived guidance point. However, computing the spatial rate of change of specific energy within the plane formed by the guidance objects establishes a vector pointing close to the preferred object. This is the direction to shift the guidepoint in order to contain the preferred object within the interceptor's divert capability.

Abstract: A method of selecting a sub-set of a plurality of available sensors to guide an interceptor to a target is described. The method includes characterizing a quality of position estimate received from each of the plurality of available sensors, projecting the positioning errors of the sensors onto a plane normal to a line-of-sight of the interceptor, and selecting the sub-set of the plurality of available sensors based on the projection of positioning errors.

Abstract: Compositions including a thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanizate derived from a styrenic block copolymer having a reactive or crosslinkable hard block including aromatic vinyl repeat units and also preferably a crosslinkable soft block, and a non-olefin thermoplastic polymer or copolymer and preferably a compatibilizer such as the reaction product of a non-olefin thermoplastic polymer and a functionalized polymer such as a maleic anhydride functionalized styrenic block copolymer that is compatible with the styrenic block copolymer having a reactive or crosslinkable hard block, and optionally a linking compound. The vulcanizates are prepared by crosslinking the styrenic block copolymer in the presence of the non-olefin thermoplastic polymer and a suitable crosslinking agent, and optionally the compatibilizer, preferably utilizing dynamic vulcanization.

Abstract: Compositions including a thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanizate derived from a styrenic block copolymer having a reactive or crosslinkable hard block including aromatic vinyl repeat units and also preferably a crosslinkable soft block, and a non-olefin thermoplastic polymer or copolymer and preferably a compatibilizer such as the reaction product of a non-olefin thermoplastic polymer and a functionalized polymer such as a maleic anhydride functionalized styrenic block copolymer that is compatible with the styrenic block copolymer having a reactive or crosslinkable hard block, and optionally a linking compound. The vulcanizates are prepared by crosslinking the styrenic block copolymer in the presence of the non-olefin thermoplastic polymer and a suitable crosslinking agent, and optionally the compatibilizer, preferably utilizing dynamic vulcanization.

Abstract: Compositions including a thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanizate derived from a styrenic block copolymer having a reactive or crosslinkable hard block including aromatic vinyl repeat units and also preferably a crosslinkable soft block, and a non-olefin thermoplastic polymer or copolymer and preferably a compatibilizer such as the reaction product of a non-olefin thermoplastic polymer and a functionalized polymer such as a maleic anhydride functionalized styrenic block copolymer that is compatible with the styrenic block copolymer having a reactive or crosslinkable hard block, and optionally a linking compound. The vulcanizates are prepared by crosslinking the styrenic block copolymer in the presence of the non-olefin thermoplastic polymer and a suitable crosslinking agent, and optionally the compatibilizer, preferably utilizing dynamic vulcanization.

Abstract: Toughened thermoplastic compositions comprising a thermoplastic polymer toughened by the inclusion of a thermoplastic elastomer derived from a particulate rubber dynamically vulcanized in the presence of a matrix polymer. The toughened thermoplastic composition exhibits properties including toughness, improved impact resistance, and improved hardness. The compositions are utilized wherever toughened, high performance polymers are desired. A method for forming the toughened polymer compositions is also described. Processing methods, such as rotational molding, utilizing the toughened polymer compositions are described.

Abstract: A compatibilizer including a first portion compatible with a fluoropolymer and a second portion compatible with a polyolefin. Compatibilized compositions comprising a polyolefin, a fluoropolymer, and a compatibilizer are also disclosed. Methods for forming both the compatibilizer and the blends contained in the compatibilizer are described. The compatibilized compositions of the present invention exhibit desired mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation. The flame retarded compatibilized blends exhibit desirable dielectric properties, are flame resistant and exhibit low smoke emission.

Abstract: Compositions including a thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanizate derived from a styrenic block copolymer having a reactive or crosslinkable hard block including aromatic vinyl repeat units and also preferably a crosslinkable soft block, and a non-olefin thermoplastic polymer or copolymer and preferably a compatibilizer such as the reaction product of a non-olefin thermoplastic polymer and a functionalized polymer such as a maleic anhydride functionalized styrenic block copolymer that is compatible with the styrenic block copolymer having a reactive or crosslinkable hard block, and optionally a linking compound. The vulcanizates are prepared by crosslinking the styrenic block copolymer in the presence of the non-olefin thermoplastic polymer and a suitable crosslinking agent, and optionally the compatibilizer, preferably utilizing dynamic vulcanization.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery of useful combinations of fully cross-linked thermoplastic vulcanizates with styrenic block copolymers. The new combinations of the invention can provide a synergistic effect. Specifically, the compositions formed thereby can be both softer and more elastic than would be expected on the basis of the properties of the individual components. Such compositions can be used in numerous applications, including, for example, any application for which a soft material with very good recovery is desired.

Abstract: A compatibilizer including a first portion compatible with a fluoropolymer and a second portion compatible with a polyolefin. Compatibilized compositions comprising a polyolefin, a fluoropolymer, and a compatibilizer are also disclosed. Methods for forming both the compatibilizer and the blends contained in the compatibilizer are described. The compatibilized compositions of the present invention exhibit desired mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation. The flame retarded compatibilized blends exhibit desirable dielectric properties, are flame resistant and exhibit low smoke emission.

Abstract: A compatibilizer including a first portion compatible with a fluoropolymer and a second portion compatible with a polyolefin. Compatibilized compositions comprising a polyolefin, a fluoropolymer, and a compatibilizer are also disclosed. Methods for forming both the compatibilizer and the blends contained in the compatibilizer are described. The compatibilized compositions of the present invention exhibit desired mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation. The flame retarded compatibilized blends exhibit desirable dielectric properties, are flame resistant and exhibit low smoke emission.

Abstract: Toughened thermoplastic compositions comprising a thermoplastic polymer toughened by the inclusion of a thermoplastic elastomer derived from a particulate rubber dynamically vulcanized in the presence of a matrix polymer. The toughened thermoplastic composition exhibits properties including toughness, improved impact resistance, and improved hardness. The compositions are utilized wherever toughened, high performance polymers are desired. A method for forming the toughened polymer compositions is also described. Processing methods, such as rotational molding, utilizing the toughened polymer compositions are described.

Abstract: The use of polytetrafluoroethylene micropowders having a particle size of generally less than about 20 microns as an additive for polyvinyl chloride or polyolefin unexpectedly produces compositions which are melt processable. Other unexpected properties include that the micropowder is deformable under shear and acts as a flame retardant.