Abstract: Devices, apparatus, and methods of using a modified scalpel tool that is removable from a polyurethane mated sheath for use in carpal tunnel surgeries and the like. The modified scalpel tool has an elongated stem with a flat blade at the distal end and an elongated handle at the proximal end. The sheath has a cavity for allowing the elongated blade to be inserted therein, two slots to receive two metal studs and a handle at its proximal end. The flat blade tool when combined (mated) with the polyurethane sheath produces a stable configuration that allows motion in only one rotational plane and with an arc of 90-95 degrees.

Abstract: A series of NAT connection rules are revised in a dynamic manner such that a pool of ports is available to connect a plurality of remote users to local virtual compute resources over one or more public IP addresses. Once a connection is established, an entry is made in a firewall state table, associating IP addresses, ports and protocol types, such that the firewall state table allows uninterrupted use of the established connection. After an entry has been made in the state table, or the routing rule has timed out, the port associated with the original NAT routing rule is removed and the same port can be re-used to establish another connection without disrupting active connections. A connection between a virtual compute resource and a local compute resource can be associated with multiple ports and multiple protocol types.

Abstract: A series of NAT connection rules are revised in a dynamic manner such that a pool of ports is available to connect a plurality of remote users to local virtual compute resources over one or more public IP addresses. Once a connection is established, an entry is made in a firewall state table, associating IP addresses, ports and protocol types, such that the firewall state table allows uninterrupted use of the established connection. After an entry has been made in the state table, or the routing rule has timed out, the port associated with the original NAT routing rule is removed and the same port can be re-used to establish another connection without disrupting active connections. A connection between a virtual compute resource and a local compute resource can be associated with multiple ports and multiple protocol types.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, and methods of using a modified scalpel tool that is removable from a polyurethane mated sheath for use in carpal tunnel surgeries and the like. The modified scalpel tool has an elongated stem with a flat blade at the distal end and an elongated handle at the proximal end. The sheath has a cavity for allowing the elongated blade to be inserted therein, two slots to receive two metal studs and a handle at its proximal end. The flat blade tool-polyurethane when combined (mated) produces a stable configuration that allows motion in only one rotational plane and with an arc of 90-95 degrees.

Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: A method for measuring the bacteria content of fluids such as urine and blood, in which a glycoprotein or glycopeptide is attached to the bacteria and a label attached to or inherent to the glycoprotein or glycopeptide provides a means for determining the amount of bacteria present. A preferred glycoprotein is alkaline phosphatase, which is an enzyme capable of attaching to all bacteria present in the fluid sample and inherently includes a label moiety in that color can be developed by addition of known reagents.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein address the need in the art for a relatively small multi-band antenna. In one aspect, an antenna poise comprises an element, one edge of which is tapered from the connection point of a counterpoise to a second edge of the element. In another aspect, multiple elements are included in the poise, which may include tapered or rectangular poise elements. In yet another aspect, a quarter-ellipse poise is deployed. In yet another aspect, a poise element with an edge formed according to y=1/(m*x) is formed, where m is any number. A poise may be folded, or deposited on a folded substrate. Various other aspects are also presented. These aspects have the benefit of providing desirable frequency response characteristics over a wide frequency range, selectable by design, along with suitability for deployment in a relatively confined space.

Abstract: A method of processing an explosive molding powder. The method comprises providing a nonaqueous slurry comprising at least one nitrate compound, an inert fluorocarbon medium, and, optionally, a water-reactive additive. The at least one nitrate compound comprises at least one nitramine, at least one nitrate ester, at least one nitrated aromatic, or mixtures thereof. A lacquer system comprising at least two organic solvents, at least one binder, and, optionally, at least one plasticizer is also provided. The organic solvents in the lacquer system may comprise at least one binder-soluble organic solvent and at least one binder-insoluble organic solvent. The nonaqueous slurry and the lacquer system are combined to form granules of the explosive molding powder. A lacquer system and solutions used in processing the explosive molding powder are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for measuring the bacteria content of fluids such as urine and blood, in which a glycoprotein or glycopeptide is attached to the bacteria and a label attached to or inherent to the glycoprotein or glycopeptide provides a means for determining the amount of bacteria present. A preferred glycoprotein is alkaline phosphatase, which is an enzyme capable of attaching to all bacteria present in the fluid sample and inherently includes a label moiety in that color can be developed by addition of known reagents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a card game and a card game in combination with action figures having removable parts, wherein each removable part has a corresponding card.

Abstract: Apparatus for machining workpiece made of an explosive material, the apparatus including: a drive system and a cutting tool assembly for cutting a workpiece made of an explosive material; an elongate member carried by, and projecting along an axis from, the drive system for holding the workpiece at a machining location while being rotated about the axis by the drive system; and a first shield element interposed between the machining location and the drive system for protecting the drive system against damage in the event of explosion of the workpiece.

Abstract: Fired ceramic article, which exhibits a uniform, porous sheath and a core. The porous sheath or outer layer of the article can be filled with various infiltrates, e.g., catalysts, in order to provide the article with useful properties. The article can be prepared by treating a fired ceramic article with a leachant, e.g., hydrofluoric acid or a precursor thereof.

Abstract: A recuperated gas turbine engine fuel governor which controls fuel flow in response to both mechanical and electronic input signals.

Abstract: A recuperated gas turbine engine control and method which provides improved idling and limits both turbine inlet temperature and recuperator inlet temperature to different, preselected maximum levels.

Abstract: A control system for a gas turbine engine includes provisions for adjusting fuel flow in relation to gas generator speed, and for adjusting guide vane position in relation to power turbine speed.

Abstract: A recuperated gas turbine engine fuel and guide vane control which controls fuel flow and guide vane position during engine idling and acceleration to minimize fuel consumption while providing fast acceleration for a ground vehicle.

Abstract: Refractory catalyst supports are secured in metallic containers having different coefficients of thermal expansion by providing at least one layer of a resilient thermally resistant inorganic sheet material or paper between the support and casing and securing the paper and catalyst support in the container by foaming an inorganic material in the space between the sheet material or paper and catalyst support. A further layer of sheet material or paper may be provided adjacent the support with the foam between the separate layers of sheet material.

Abstract: Refractory catalyst supports are secured in metallic containers having different coefficients of thermal expansion by providing at least one layer of a resilient thermally resistant inorganic sheet material or paper between the support and casing and securing the paper and catalyst support in the container by foaming an inorganic material in the space between the sheet material or paper and catalyst support. A further layer of sheet material or paper may be provided adjacent the support with the foam between the separate layers of sheet material.