Abstract: The present invention is an improved energy harvester or generator based on a yoked magnet array design based on a plurality of magnets arranged into at least two spaced apart linear or circular magnet arrays. The spaced apart magnet arrays are juxtaposed with each magnet in one array attractively interacting with the corresponding magnet in the other array across a small gap. The magnetic flux across the gap is further enhanced by having adjacent magnets in each array having alternate magnetic orientation and by providing a magnetic yoke of magnetically permeable material for the magnet ends of each array that do not face the gap. The gap is provided to allow a conductor in the form of a coil fit between the magnets. Relative motion between the coil and the magnets results in maximal generation of electrical power by the coil.

Abstract: A utility vehicle with space utilization features is disclosed. The space utilization features provide storage and access to components.

Abstract: A vehicle (100) is disclosed. The vehicle may include a base portion (104) and a modular portion (112). The base portion may be a four wheel vehicle having an operator area (114) with seating for at least two occupants in a side-by-side arrangement. The modular portion may be coupled to the base portion resulting in a six wheel vehicle. The wheels (102) of the modular portion may be powered by an engine (500) of the base portion.

Abstract: A utility vehicle (100) with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. The ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features enhance the utility of the vehicle.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to methods and apparatus for dispensing liquids to and aspirating liquids from a container. In particular, one aspect is directed to a liquid level sensing system that includes a probe constructed and arranged to be moved relative to a liquid sample, a signal source coupled to the probe to apply an applied signal to the probe, at least one detector coupled to the probe to detect at least one detected signal, the detected signal being related to the applied signal and having a rising edge and a falling edge, and a controller coupled to the detector and configured to detect presence of a noise signal based on at least one of the rising edge and the falling edge of the detected signal.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments are disclosed which display modularity for accomplishing multiple modes of operation for a utility vehicle. The utility vehicle (100) may include a rear cargo platform (450), a plurality of connection points (460) disposed in matrix and adapted to couple an item to the rear cargo platform, and three or more couplings (490) for adding a subsection (470) in a non-pivotable manner or pivotably coupling the rear cargo platform. The vehicle may be a four-wheeled vehicle that coverts to a six-wheeled vehicle by the addition of the subsection. The utility vehicle may include a subsection cargo platform which may be coupled to the rear cargo platform and may pivot rearward. The utility vehicle may include couplings for adding a second subsection.

Abstract: A utility vehicle with space utilization features is disclosed. The space utilization features provide storage and access to components.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating consistent management of a repeatable procurement process within an organization is disclosed. The system enables various members of the organization to follow a set of defined core processes to engage stakeholders by understanding the stakeholder's business and building a trusted advisor relationship. Further, the core processes define an analysis stage that includes an opportunity assessment, development of a strategic plan, development of a commodity profile, and finalizing a sourcing plan. Sourcing includes obtaining sponsorship, assembling a sourcing team, selecting suppliers for an RFP, and selecting a supplier based on a proposal. The core process for performing negotiations and contracting includes developing a negotiation strategy, performing the negotiation, selecting suppliers, and obtaining funding.

Abstract: A method and system for shielding bearings from foreign materials such as soil, weeds, plant residue and moisture during the operation of farm equipment. A rotating bearing shield for a bearing includes a cover member having a first end shaped to match the external shape of a bearing housing, including a means for coupling said cover member with an inner race of said bearing and a means for accepting an axle there through. The rotating bearing shield can be pressed onto the inner race of the bearing assembly to form a shielded bearing assembly. Additionally, the shield can be sized to maintain an appropriate press-fit that does not compress the inner race beyond an acceptable inside diameter.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for measuring a capacitance between a probe and a liquid, pausing movement of the probe based on a rate of change of the capacitance, further measuring the capacitance while the probe is paused, and, based on the further measurements, performing one or more of: resuming movement of the probe, determining a position of the probe, aspirating liquid into the probe, and dispensing from the probe. Resuming movement of the probe can include returning iteratively to measuring a capacitance, and the further measuring can be performed for a time interval that can vary based on the further measured capacitance(s), a probe movement characteristic, and/or a sampling rate.

Abstract: The present methods and systems include aligning at least two sensors with one or more known locations, selecting at least two of the at least two sensors, electrically driving the probe, based on signals received by the selected sensors, determining whether the probe is aligned with the known location(s), and, optionally adjusting the probe position based on the determination. The methods and systems also include repeatedly returning to electrically driving and positioning the probe until the probe is aligned with the selected sensors, and/or repeatedly returning to selecting at least two of the at least two sensors. The relative position of the probe with respect to the selected sensors may also be determined.

Abstract: An elongate sleeve retention device adapted to securely retain an elongate sleeve on a post-like structure about which it is disposed. In a preferred embodiment, the retention device of the present invention is configured to interface between a bollard and a bollard cover, and cause the bollard cover to resist inadvertent dissociation from the bollard.

Abstract: A sample holder for use in an EPR spectrometer is extruded using a material having a low dielectric constant. The extruded sample holder has a plurality of channels formed in it for holding sample material for testing. The shape and orientation of these channels are such that losses due to the high dielectric constant of the sample are minimized. Sample holders for cylindrical and rectangular cavity resonators and uniform field cavity resonators are disclosed, as well as for two-gap and four-gap loop-gap resonators.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inductively coupling electrical power to a plasma in a semiconductor process chamber. In a first aspect, an array of wedge-shaped induction coils are distributed around a circle. The sides of adjacent coils are parallel, thereby enhancing the radial uniformity of the magnetic field produced by the array. In a second aspect, electrostatic coupling between the induction coils and the plasma is minimized by connecting each induction coil to the power supply so that the turn of wire of the coil which is nearest to the plasma is near electrical ground potential. In one embodiment, the hot end of one coil is connected to the unbalanced output of an RF power supply, and the hot end of the other coil is connected to electrical ground through a capacitor which resonates with the latter coil at the frequency of the RF power supply.

Abstract: A wireless handheld device such as a Palm computer configured to download G-code instructions to a Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machine is disclosed. The G-code instructions can be edited and loaded onto the handheld device from a stationary PC. The handheld device communicates with the CNC machine using a specialized serial cable.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inductively coupling electrical power to a plasma in a semiconductor process chamber. In a first aspect, an array of wedge-shaped induction coils are distributed around a circle. The sides of adjacent coils are parallel, thereby enhancing the radial uniformity of the magnetic field produced by the array. In a second aspect, electrostatic coupling between the induction coils and the plasma is minimized by connecting each induction coil to the power supply so that the turn of wire of the coil which is nearest to the plasma is near electrical ground potential. In one embodiment, the hot end of one coil is connected to the unbalanced output of an RF power supply, and the hot end of the other coil is connected to electrical ground through a capacitor which resonates with the latter coil at the frequency of the RF power supply.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inductively coupling electrical power to a plasma in a semiconductor process chamber. In a first aspect, an array of wedge-shaped induction coils are distributed around a circle. The sides of adjacent coils are parallel, thereby enhancing the radial uniformity of the magnetic field produced by the array. In a second aspect, electrostatic coupling between the induction coils and the plasma is minimized by connecting each induction coil to the power supply so that the turn of wire of the coil which is nearest to the plasma is near electrical ground potential. In one embodiment, the hot end of one coil is connected to the unbalanced output of an RF power supply, and the hot end of the other coil is connected to electrical ground through a capacitor which resonates with the latter coil at the frequency of the RF power supply.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of osteoclasts comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a statin to a mammal in need thereof as well as pharmaceutical compositions, kits for containing such compositions comprising a statin or a method of treating or preventing a disease state selected from the group consisting of: osteoporosis, Paget's disease, osteolysis, hypercalcemia of malignancy, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoarthritis, alveolar bone loss, side effects of immunosuppressive therapy, and side effects of chronic glucocorticoid use by inhibiting the formation of osteoclasts comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a statin to a mammal in need thereof.

Abstract: An anonymous trading system which enables derivative dealers to setup credit preferences based upon their own models and provides counterparties, end-users and dealers with the option of choosing to remain anonymous during a derivative trading bidding process. Additionally, the systems and methods restrict derivative trading activity with counterparties where there is an existing banking relationship. Using the system and methods, end-users will be able to obtain prices from multiple dealers without the problems inherent in using a voice-based system by utilizing an electronic reverse auctioning process to anonymously obtain derivative trading bids simultaneously from one or many participating derivative dealers.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates efficient negotiations of trade terms and the generation of an electronic trade ticket in the trading of financial instruments. The negotiation process is preferably conducted through a secure online chat program using point-to-point messaging, though the negotiations can take place using the tradition exchanges of phone calls and faxes outside of the confines of an electronic trading system. Once the trade terms have been agreed upon by both parties, then the parties enter an electronic trading system in accordance with the present invention to select the traded financial instrument and generate an electronic trade ticket with can be stored by the trading system and/or the each of the trading parties.