Abstract: A disclosed example embodiment of a gauge wheel tire includes a first polyurethane sidewall portion, a second polyurethane sidewall portion, a polyurethane ground-engaging portion, and a polyurethane axial support portion. The first polyurethane sidewall portion is spaced apart from the second polyurethane sidewall portion, and the polyurethane ground-engaging portion extends from the first polyurethane sidewall portion to the second polyurethane sidewall portion and is adapted to contact a ground surface as the gauge wheel tire rotates about an axis of rotation. The polyurethane axial support portion extends from the first polyurethane sidewall portion to the second polyurethane sidewall portion, and is spaced apart from the polyurethane ground-engaging portion to form a gap that allows radial movement of the polyurethane ground-engaging portion relative to the polyurethane axial support portion.

Abstract: Geographical mapping and linking of security and risk indicator data. Cross-references are created between location indicators and geo-spatial areas based on a statistical algorithm, in accordance with geo-spatial data. The cross-references are stored in a first data table. A credit risk indicator (CRI) is generated for each geo-spatial area based on other data, forming CRI data that is stored in second data table. A security associated with one of the location indicators is identified among security data. A first link is created between the security and a geo-spatial area based on the cross-references in the first data table. Based on the first link, a second link is created between an indicator among the CRI data in the second data table and the security. The second link is used to form instrument-level data for the security that includes the indicator. The instrument-level data is stored in a third data table.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure ionisation source comprising: an ionisation chamber, comprising an aperture for receiving at least the distal end of a capillary into the ionisation chamber in use, the aperture having a capillary axis; a desolvation heater having a nozzle, for directing a stream of heated gas onto the distal end of the capillary in use, the nozzle having a nozzle axis; a corona discharge device including a corona pin having a corona axis, the corona pin for ionizing a sample in the ionisation chamber in use; and an inlet cone of a mass spectrometer arranged in the ionisation chamber, the inlet cone defining a cone entrance having a cone axis, wherein the cone axis is substantially coaxial with the corona axis and the capillary axis is substantially perpendicular to and intersects with the nozzle axis.

Abstract: A wear pad that is adapted to be attached to a grouser plate of a track-type machine includes a polyurethane pad having a first surface region that is adapted to engage a contact patch between the polyurethane pad and a ground region, the first surface region having a first area. A reinforcing member is at least partially embedded within the polyurethane pad and has a second surface region that faces the first surface region, wherein a second area of the second surface region is greater than fifty percent of the first area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for controlling a robot via a foot-operable controller. The foot-operable controller includes a grid of large pressure-sensitive tiles that are responsive to being stepped on. Signals from the pressure-sensitive tiles are provided to a controller interface that converts the signals to control messages compatible with existing robot control interfaces, such as a universal serial bus. The foot-operable controller may be used to control various robots, including for example a robot equipped with a claw arm or a robot equipped with a ring launcher.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decontamination robot. The robot includes a decontamination box including at least two arrays of ultraviolet LEDs, the two arrays arranged to irradiate an object placed inside the decontamination box from at least two independent directions, the decontamination box further including an interior surface with at least 90% reflectivity of ultraviolet light. The robot also includes a drivetrain including four swerve-drive units, each swerve-drive unit capable of rotating a wheel on an axis of the wheel and capable of orienting the wheel in a plane defined by the axes of the four wheels of the four swerve-drive units, whereby the four swerve-drive units coordinate to generate translational motion of the decontamination robot on a working surface.

Abstract: A disclosed example embodiment of a gauge wheel tire includes a first polyurethane sidewall portion, a second polyurethane sidewall portion, a polyurethane ground-engaging portion, and a polyurethane axial support portion. The first polyurethane sidewall portion is spaced apart from the second polyurethane sidewall portion, and the polyurethane ground-engaging portion extends from the first polyurethane sidewall portion to the second polyurethane sidewall portion and is adapted to contact a ground surface as the gauge wheel tire rotates about an axis of rotation. The polyurethane axial support portion extends from the first polyurethane sidewall portion to the second polyurethane sidewall portion, and is spaced apart from the polyurethane ground-engaging portion to form a gap that allows radial movement of the polyurethane ground-engaging portion relative to the polyurethane axial support portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a flood barrier designed for the dry-flood proofing of door and window openings in a building. The flood barrier includes a rigid frame, preferably formed of metal extrusions. To this frame are clamped a water-impervious barrier and a sacrificial bladder to protect the water-impervious barrier from impacts by wind- or water-borne, debris and impacts. A number of webbings may be provided on the side of the water-impervious barrier opposite the sacrificial bladder to further support the water barrier layer. Sealing gaskets are provided on the rigid frame where the frame contacts the building, or in case of a door opening, also the floor. The sacrificial bladder permits water to accumulate between the sacrificial bladder and the water-impervious layer thereby utilizing the non-compressible nature of the water to attenuate the impacting force.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wear pad comprises a polyurethane pad, a reinforcing member, and at least one first fastener. The polyurethane pad may have a first surface region that is adapted to engage a contact patch between the polyurethane pad and a ground region, the first surface region having a first area. The reinforcing member may be at least partially embedded within the polyurethane pad and have a second surface region that faces the first surface region and to which polyurethane of the polyurethane pad is bonded, wherein a second area of the second surface region is greater than fifty percent of the first area. The at least one first fastener may be associated with the reinforcing member and may be adapted to engage at least one second fastener associated with a grouser plate of a track-type vehicle so as to secure the wear pad to the grouser plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a flood barrier designed for the dry-flood proofing of door and window openings in a building. The flood barrier includes a rigid frame, preferably formed of metal extrusions. To this frame are clamped a water-impervious barrier and a sacrificial bladder to protect the water-impervious barrier from impacts by wind- or water-borne, debris and impacts. A number of webbings may be provided on the side of the water-impervious barrier opposite the sacrificial bladder to further support the water barrier layer. Sealing gaskets are provided on the rigid frame where the frame contacts the building, or in case of a door opening, also the floor. The sacrificial bladder permits water to accumulate between the sacrificial bladder and the water-impervious layer thereby utilizing the non-compressible nature of the water to attenuate the impacting force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a holster to a belt worn by an individual. The holster includes straps that wrap around the belt to secure the holster to the belt. The straps each include an opening formed through the strap intermediate snap members attached to the strap. The opening interlock with a tooth extending from the holster such that the strap is secured in place on the belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flexing a concealed holster to secure the contents of the holster in the holster. An elongate substantially rigid elastically flexible sling is secured to a side of the holster such that the elongate member and side of the holster can be partially separated so the wearer's shirts can be inserted therebetween to conceal the holster. The lower end of the sling can be flexed outwardly away from the side of the holster such that a portion of the outer side adjacent the lower end is, when the sling is flexed outwardly to insert the wearer's shirt, flexed inwardly to compress a pistol in the storage compartment.

Abstract: A polymeric, surgical clip having first and second curved leg members joined at their proximal end by a hinge portion and movable from an open position to a closed position for securing and maintaining a desired amount of tension on a suture. A ridge protrudes from a portion of the inner surface of one leg and a groove is formed in a corresponding portion of the inner surface of the other leg. An eyelet extends through the ridge to engage a portion of a suture.

Abstract: A polymeric, surgical clip having first and second curved leg members joined at their proximal end by a hinge portion and movable from an open position to a closed position for clamping a vessel between curved opposing inner surfaces which are substantially parallel when the clip is closed. An interlocking mechanism is formed by a portion of the inner surfaces of the first and second legs. The interlocking mechanism may be a tongue-in-groove mechanism, formed by a lip or tongue protruding from a portion of the inner surface of one leg and a groove formed in a corresponding portion of the inner surface of the other leg, or a lock-step mechanism, formed by complementary L-shaped notches wherein a notch is provided in a portion of the inner surface of each leg. The interlocking mechanism acts to impede longitudinal movement of the clip relative to the vessel being clamped.

Abstract: A process for impregnating at least one porous part with an impregnant is provided comprising: (a) immersing the porous part(s) in impregnant; (b) measuring at least one parameter indicative of the buoyancy of the porous part(s) as the impregnant impregnates the parts; and (c) interrupting impregnation when the measured parameter(s) indicates a predetermined level of impregnation is achieved. An apparatus for impregnating porous parts comprises a vessel for holding the porous part(s) and an impregnant, and a measuring device for measuring at least one parameter indicative of the buoyancy of the porous part(s) immersed in the impregnant within the vessel.

Abstract: A process for impregnating at least one porous part with an impregnant is provided comprising: (a) immersing the porous part(s) in impregnant; (b) measuring at least one parameter indicative of the buoyancy of the porous part(s) as the impregnant impregnates the parts; and (c) interrupting impregnation when the measured parameter(s) indicates a predetermined level of impregnation is achieved. An apparatus for impregnating porous parts comprises a vessel for holding the porous part(s) and an impregnant, and a measuring device for measuring at least one parameter indicative of the buoyancy of the porous part(s) immersed in the impregnant within the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for impregnating porous parts comprises a vessel for holding at least one porous part and an impregnant, and a measuring device for measuring the change in weight of the part(s) immersed in the impregnant within the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for impregnating porous parts comprises a vessel for holding at least one porous part and a fixed volume of impregnant, and at least one device for measuring the change in effective volume of the impregnant within the vessel.

Abstract: A process for impregnating at least one porous part with an impregnant comprises: (a) immersing at least one porous part in a fixed volume of impregnant, (b) measuring at least one parameter indicative of the effective volume of the impregnant as the impregnant impregnates the porous part(s), and (c) interrupting impregnation when the measured parameter(s) indicates a desired level of impregnation is achieved. An apparatus for impregnating porous parts comprises a vessel for holding at least one porous part and a fixed volume of impregnant, and at least one device for measuring the change in effective volume of the impregnant within the vessel.