Abstract: A number of methods for testing an HVAC system for a building structure from a remote location outside of the building structure are disclosed. Generally, the HVAC system has a primarily active component and a primarily dormant component. The method includes the steps of transmitting a test request to the HVAC system from the remote location, performing a test on the primarily dormant component of the HVAC system in response to the test request, and producing a test result. The test result can then be transmitted to a location outside of the building structure.

Abstract: The low-profile back plane interconnection device includes a back plane, a daughter card, and a shroud. The back plane includes an optical fiber. The optical fiber of the back plane includes a terminal end. The terminal end of the optical fiber of the back plane has a terminal surface that is oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal length direction of the optical fiber of the back plane. The shroud is mounted to the daughter card. The shroud includes an optical fiber, and a lens. The optical fiber of the shroud has a terminal end. The terminal end of the optical fiber of the shroud is in optical communication with the terminal end of the optical fiber of the back plane via the lens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at systems and methods for detecting flue blockages in an HVAC system without the addition of numerous additional sensor elements, wiring, and connections that can unduly increase the cost and possibly reduce the reliability of the HVAC system. In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, changes in the output of a flame sensor are used to detect when a likely flue blockage exists.

Abstract: The low-profile back plane interconnection device includes a back plane, and a shroud. The back plane includes an optical fiber. The optical fiber of the back plane includes a terminal end. The terminal end of the optical fiber of the back plane has a terminal surface that is oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal length direction of the optical fiber of the back plane. The shroud includes an optical fiber. The optical fiber of the shroud has a terminal end. The terminal end of the optical fiber of the shroud is in optical communication with the terminal end of the optical fiber of the back plane.

Abstract: An anti-static, anti-reflection, transparent coating for a transpatent substrate, the coating including at least one electrically conductive layer, wherein the sheet resistance of the coating is less than about 1010 ohm/square. The coating is preferably higher transparent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disinfecting wipes or pads that can be use to treat or clean glass or other glossy surfaces. The disinfecting wipes or pads do not depend upon quaternary ammonium compounds for disinfection, but instead depend upon relatively low solvent levels and basic pH or relatively high levels of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

Abstract: The invention is a sensor pod for mounting on the top surface of the fuselage of an aircraft. The pod it supported by right and left front supports and right and left rear supports that attach to the fuselage on either side of the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. A fifth structural support, aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, has a first end attached to the fuselage of the aircraft a second end attached to the sensor pod the aircraft.

Abstract: There is provided a drum head assembly. The drum head assembly has an outer member and an inner member. The outer member has an L-shaped step on its inside surface with posts extending outward from the base of the step. The depth of the inside edge of the outer member determines the amount of tension on the head. A die cut head or skin with holes punched to match the posts is inserted into the outer member. The inner member with holes that match the posts in the outer member is pressed onto the underside of the outer member. The pressure forces the inner member into the inside edge of the L-shaped inside surface of the outer member. There is also provided a method in which the die cut head or skin gets pulled at the same time, thus creating tension. While the assembly is still under pressure, a heated mandrel melts the post ends onto the inner member, thus holding the three components of the assembly in place.

Abstract: A system and method is described for identifying T cell and other epitopes and the like.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) are antibacterial agents: wherein Z represents a radical of formula —N(OH)CH(═O) or of formula —C(═O)NH(OH), and R1-R4 are as defined in the specification. A method for the treatment of bacterial or protozoal infections in humans and non-human mammals, which comprises administering to a subject suffering such infection an antibacterially or antiprotozoally effective dose of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salt, hydrate or solvate thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ophthalmic lens elements and eyewear having wide field of view, low distortion, improved astigmatism correction where required and enhanced eye protection properties. Series of lens elements have steeply curved spherical reference surfaces. The edged lenses of the series have approximately consistent aperture size, shape and hollow depth across a range of common prescriptions. Novel sunglasses, laser protective eyewear, and lens edgings, coatings and frames are included in the invention.

Abstract: An anti-static, anti-reflection, transparent coating for a transpatent substrate, the coating including at least one electrically conductive layer, wherein the sheet resistance of the coating is less than about 1010 ohm/square. The coating is preferably higher transparent.

Abstract: There is provided a musical instrument according to the present invention having body wall with a single welded seam on the underside opposite the striking or playing side. This construction method allows for a vibrating surface of continuing proportions producing a sound that is very articulate, yet retains a nice balance of overtones. In addition, there is a cost savings in manufacturing musical instruments according to the present invention. The musical instruments of the present invention are also more durable.

Abstract: An actuator system comprising a rotary actuator having an input member, a first output and a second output, the first and second outputs being arranged to move at substantially the same regular speed upon rotation of the input member, a drive shaft coupled to the input, and first and second output shafts coupled, respectively, to the first and second outputs. The invention also relates to a rotary actuator for use in the actuator system.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device (10) comprises a porous silicon region (22) adjacent a bulk silicon region (20), together with a top electrical contact (24) of transparent indium tin oxide and a bottom electrical contact (26) of aluminum. The device includes a heavily doped region (28) to provide an ohmic contact. The porous silicon region (22) is fabricated by anodizing through an ion-implanted surface layer of the bulk silicon. The silicon remains unannealed between the ion-implantation and anodization stages. The device (10) has a rectifying p-n junction within the porous silicon region (22).

Abstract: There is provided a musical instrument according to the present invention having body wall with a single welded seam on the underside opposite the striking or playing side. This construction method allows for a vibrating surface of continuing proportions producing a sound that is very articulate, yet retains a nice balance of overtones. In addition, there is a cost savings in manufacturing musical instruments according to the present invention. The musical instruments of the present invention are also more durable.

Abstract: A software-implemented, automated claims fulfillment system for fulfilling insurance claims. The claims fulfillment system aggregates claims fulfillment volume from multiple insurers for future periods, and reverse auctions the aggregated claims fulfillment volume to suppliers.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a musical and/or toy shaker made with a thermoplastic material. The shaker is injection or blow molded in the form of a substantially continuous body that defines an internal, hollow portion. In addition, the body defines a hole or vent that communicates with the hollow portion, thus allowing a fill material to be passed through the vent and deposited in the hollow portion. Significantly, the body in formed with a duct surrounding the vent. Upon filling the hollow portion, the duct is melted in order to seal the vent.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device (10) comprises a porous silicon region (22) adjacent a bulk silicon region (20), together with a top electrical contact (24) of transparent indium tin oxide and a bottom electrical contact (26) of aluminum. The device includes a heavily doped region (28) to provide an ohmic contact. The porous silicon region (22) is fabricated by anodizing through an ion-implanted surface layer of the bulk silicon. The silicon remains unannealed between the ion-implantation and anodization stages. The device (10) has a rectifying p-n junction within the porous silicon region (22).