Abstract: A system is provided for use with an insulated boom section of a bucket truck. The system includes a source of high volume and pressure, dry air; one or more interior air diffusers connected to the source of high volume and pressure, dry air to direct the air into an interior of the insulated boom section. One or more exterior air diffusers connected to the source of high volume and pressure, dry air direct the air to along an exterior surface of the insulated boom section. A method is also provided for cleaning or drying both the interior and exterior surfaces simultaneously of an insulated boom section of the boom of a bucket truck. The boom of a bucket truck is further provided in another aspect that includes at least one insulated boom section, a source of high volume and pressure, dry air, one or more interior air diffusers and one or more exterior air diffusers. A pre-heating air heater may be removably mounted into the boom.

Abstract: A system and process determine the 3-dimensional position, the course line and possibly the speed of an energy source. Embodiments use an antenna array system that includes receiver transducers positioned to form an equilateral triangle with a receiver transducer at each point of the triangle. Each transducer is independent, and there may be no electrical connection between each transducer in the antenna array. Each transducer may be connected directly to a computer for signal analysis to provide for case decision and display of the appropriate information and steps to follow to determine the appropriate action required by the computer operator. By detection of a single signal from a sound or light source, the 3-dimensional position and a course line of that signal source can be determined under certain circumstances.

Abstract: A magnet may move within a coil-wrapped set of concentric tubes. The magnet may be moved from one end to the other by energizing solenoids located on each end of the set of tubes. The power consumed by the solenoids may be less than the power generated by the movement of the magnet.

Abstract: A method of cross-linking a polynucleotide to a target compound. The method comprises (1) providing a polynucleotide and a target compound, and (2) contacting the polynucleotide and the target compound with a photoreactive cross-linking agent under conditions that allow cross-linking of the polynucleotide to the target compound. Also disclosed is a kit comprising a polynucleotide and a photoreactive cross-linking agent for cross-linking the polynucleotide to a target compound.

Abstract: Detection devices for multianalyte detection on a solid substrate, methods for the preparation of the devices and their use in analytical and diagnostic procedures are described. The detection devices include a solid substrate fabricated with an array of detection spots, the detection spots having an analyte sensor bound to the substrate by a universal binding ligand. The universal binding ligand is capable of binding multiple analyte sensors to create a multifunctional array. A process for producing the detection devices and assay methods employing microprinting technology are also described.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a pair of fuser rollers for fusing toner onto the surface of recording sheets. The apparatus further includes an oil applicator mounted for dispensing oil onto at least one of the fuser rollers. The oil applicator includes a tank for holding oil, a pad disposed adjacent to one of the rollers for applying oil thereto, and an oil reservoir mounted adjacent the pad and connected to the tank for receiving oil therefrom. The oil reservoir includes an ejection port that permits oil within the reservoir to be dispensed to the pad. A flexible diaphragm extends over at least a portion of the oil reservoir, and a seal is secured to the diaphragm. At least one piezo element is secured to the diaphragm for moving the diaphragm and seal between two positions in response to the piezo element being selectively operable between engaged and non-engaged states.

Abstract: The level of powdered toner in a toner reservoir of a printer or copier is determined by ascertaining the time that it takes a stirring paddle to rotate from a second of two fixed ridges adjacent the top of the reservoir until the toner is engaged. A sensor, which is preferably a piezoelectric element or a strain gauge, is preferably mounted on the end of the stirring paddle to engage each of the two fixed ridges. When the sensor flexes after engaging each of the ridges, two closely spaced electrical pulse are produced. When the sensor engages the toner, another electrical pulse is produced, and the time between the second and third pulses is used to determine the level of the toner in the toner reservoir. If the stirring paddle is flexible, it may engage the ridges and the toner so that the sensor could be mounted on the stirring paddle to not engage the ridges or the toner but only to sense flexing of the stirring paddle for producing the electrical pulses.