Abstract: A mechanical grasping system that is both simple to fabricate and operate and robust. A multi-fingered hand may be driven by a single actuator, yet can grasp objects spanning a wide range of size, shape, and mass. The hand may be constructed using polymer-based Shape Deposition Manufacturing, with joints formed by elastomeric flexures and actuator and sensor components embedded in tough rigid polymers. The passively compliant, adaptive hand has superior robustness properties, able to withstand large impacts without damage and capable of grasping objects in the presence of large positioning errors, appropriate for use in unstructured and/or human environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds of formula (1) wherein R is hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-40alkyl; where X is O, S, or NR1 where R1 is a hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-40 alkyl, C2-40 alkenyl or C2-40 alkynyl group, an aryl, a heteroaryl or C1-40 alkylaryl or alkylheteroaryl group and where one or both of C and D is OR2, SR2, NR3R4 where R2, R3 and R4 are each independently hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-40 alkyl, C2-40 alkenyl or C2-40 alkynyl group, an aryl or C1-40 alkylaryl group or a linear or branched C1-40 alkyl NR5R6 chain where R5 and R6 are each independently hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-40 alkyl; or an optionally complex metal ion Mn+/n wherein n is an integer from 1 to 8; or where one or both of C and D are amino acids or nucleic acids attached via either N, O or S; and wherein m is an integer from 1 to 8; and wherein either: I) A is a known aryl or heteroaryl fluorescent group and B is hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-40 alkyl, C2-40 alkenyl or C2- 40 alkynyl group, an ar

Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds of Formula 1: [(O3/2)Si CH2CH2SX]a [Si(O4/2)]b[Si(O3/2V)]C wherein X is selected from CH2A,[CH2CH2NR1]pR2, CHCOX1CH2COX2,(CH2)eCO Y[(CH2)eSCH2CH2Si(O3/2)]m[CO2(CH2)eSH]n wherein A is the residue of an amino acid or derivative or salt of an amino acid of formula CHNR1R2COX3; R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-20alkyl, and C1-20alkylaryl C1-12acyl R is selected from hydrogen, metal ion, C1-5alkyl, P is 1 to 100 and e is 1 or 2; X1 and X2 are independently selected from OR and NR1R2; X3 is selected from OR, NR1R2 or known amino acids and proteins or derivatives thereof; and Y is the residue of polyol having z or fewer hydroxyl groups substituted and m+n+1 is less than or equal to z; the free valences of the silicate oxygen atoms are saturated by one or more of silicon atoms of other groups of Formula 1, hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-12-alkyl group or by end groups R33M1O1/2 or by cross-linking bridge members or by polymer chains R3qM1(OR4)gOk/2 or AI

Abstract: A storage and work place apparatus used in conjunction with a wheelbarrow or similar item. The apparatus includes an housing having a bottom portion and a side portion extending outwardly to form a open chamber the bottom portion is intended to a lie atop a wheelbarrow a cover is used in conjunction with the open chamber and is hinged attached to the housing in order to extend laterally from the housing. At least a first leg attainably connects to the housing and extends outwardly to contact a ground surface adjacent the wheel barrow. At least a second leg is rotatable attached to the cover and also extends outwardly therefrom to support the cover above the ground surface when the leg contacts the ground surface.

Abstract: A storage and work place apparatus used in conjunction with a wheelbarrow or similar item. The apparatus includes an housing having a bottom portion and a side portion extending outwardly to form a open chamber the bottom portion is intended to a lie atop a wheelbarrow a cover is used in conjunction with the open chamber and is hinged attached to the housing in order to extend laterally from the housing. At least a first leg attainably connects to the housing and extends outwardly to contact a ground surface adjacent the wheel barrow. At least a second leg is rotatable attached to the cover and also extends outwardly therefrom to support the cover above the ground surface when the leg contacts the ground surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds of Formula 1: wherein R, R1, are each independently hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-40 alkyl, C2-40-alkenyl or C2-40-alkynyl group, an aryl or C1-40-alkylaryl group; X is H, OH, O(MnN)1/n or R4 where M is a metal ion derived from a lanthanide, actinide, main group or transition metal and V is a substituted C1-40-alkyl, C2-40-alkenyl or C2-40-alkynyl group or an aryl group or C1-40-alkylaryl sulfide, sulfoxide, sulfone, amine or a polyalkyl amine or phosphine or other phosphorous containing group; R4 is a linear or branched C1-40-alkyl, C2-40-alkenyl or C2-40-alkynyl group, an aryl or C1-40-alkylaryl group; e is an integer from 0 to 2; f is an integer from 1 to 100; n is an integer from 1 to 4: the free valences of the silicate oxygen atoms are saturated by one or more of: silicon atoms of other groups of Formula 1, hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-12-alkyl group or by cross-linking bridge members or by polymer chains (R2)2Si(OR3)1O1/2 or (R2)2SiO2/2 or (R2)3SiO1/2

Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds of Formula (1): wherein Q is selected from CXYR? and RC(Z) wherein Z is selected from oxygen, hydrogen, OH, NR2 and NNR2R3, and wherein X and Y are each selected from hydrogen, RC(Z), CN or C(O)W and W is selected from OH, OR6, O(M+?)1/? and NR2R3 and R, R?, R2, R3 and R6 are each selected from hydrogen, an optionally substituted linear or branched group selected from C1-40-alkyl, C2-40-alkenyl, C2-40-alkynyl group, an aryl and C1-40-alkylaryl group and M is a metal ion derived from a lanthanide, actinide, main group or transition metal and V is selected from an optionally substituted linear or branched group selected from C1-40-alkyl, C2-40-alkenyl, C2-40-alkynyl group, an aryl group, a C1-40-alkylaryl, sulfide, sulfoxide, sulfone, amine, a polyalkyl amine, a phosphine or other phosphorous containing group; and n is an integer from I to 4.

Abstract: A system for message storage and retrieval that includes a first data repository, and a first communication manager configured to obtain an identifier and a message from a first user, create a first message mailbox associated with the identifier in the first data repository after receiving the message, store the message in the first data repository, relate the message with the first message mailbox associated with the identifier, and retrieve the message from the first message mailbox associated with the identifier provided by a second user.

Abstract: A fade resistant, colored sheath/core bicomponent fiber can be made from a core formed of a melt dye-containing, dye soluble core polymer and a sheath formed of a dye-free, dye insoluble sheath polymer.

Abstract: A method for producing a capped poly(arylene ether) having a low concentration of metal impurities is described. The method includes treating a solution of a capped poly(arylene ether) with a chelant to bind the polymerization catalyst metal, and separating the chelated metal from the capped poly(arylene ether). Capped poly(arylene ether)s prepared by the method are also described, as are curable compositions that include them.

Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds of the formula, wherein R and R1 are each independently hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-40 alkyl, C2-40 alkenyl or C2-40 alkynyl group, an aryl or C1-40 alkylaryl group or an optionally complex metal ion Mn+/n wherein n is an integer from 1 to 8; the free valences of the silicate oxygen atoms are saturated by one or more of: silicon atoms of other groups of the formula, hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-12 alkyl group or by cross-linking bridge members R3qM1(OR2)mOk/2 or Al(OR2)3-pOp/2 or R3Al(OR2)2-rOr/2; where M1 is Si or Ti; R2 is linear or branched C1-12 alkyl group; and R3 is a linear or branched C1-6 alkyl group; k is an integer from 1 to 4 and q and m are integers from 0 to 2; such that m+k+q=4; and p is an integer from 1 to 3; and r is an integer from 1 to 2; or other known oxo metal bridging systems; x, y and z are integers such that the radio of x:y+z, varies from 0.

Abstract: A self-actuating robot or vehicle tether capable of moving itself, remaining free while traversing around obstacles, and free itself is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a valve is mounted to the tether or robot. An inflow conduit attached to or in the tether is connected to the valve. A fluid flows through the tether and the valve is opened and closed to create a waterhammer effect in the inflow conduit. The forces created on the tether from the waterhammer effect result in motion of the tether and in freeing of the tether from obstructions. Closing and opening the valve further creates pressure changes in the tether, thereby causing momentary dimensional changes in the tether. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of valves are placed along the tether. Pulsing of the plurality of valves while a fluid flows through the tether results in the tether effectively moving itself.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides a multilayer hose comprising an inner layer surrounded by a first layer of reinforcement material around which is formed a second layer of reinforced material and over which is placed an outer cover, in which the two reinforcement layers have an intermediate layer of elastomeric material applied as a water-based emulsion.

Abstract: A flame retardant moldable thermoplastic resin composition consisting of a thermoplastic resin and a flame retardant consisting of a combination of a low molecular weight phosphate having a molecular weight of about 500 to about 2000 and a high molecular weight phosphate having a molecular weight of about 2300 to about 11,000 and to articles molded therewith. The composition has a high heat deflection temperature, good impact resistance, excellent flame retardancy and good flow for easier processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to new compounds of the formula, wherein R and R1 are each independently hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-40 alkyl, C2-40 alkenyl or C2-40 alkynyl group, an aryl or C1-40 alkylaryl group or an optionally complex metal ion Mn+/n wherein n is an integer from 1 to 8; the free valences of the silicate oxygen atoms are saturated by one or more of: silicon atoms of other groups of the formula, hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-12alkyl group or by cross-linking bridge members R3qM1(OR2)mOk/2 or Al(OR2)3-pOp/2 or R3Al(OR2)2-rOr/2; where M1 is Si or Ti; R2 is linear or branched C1-12 alkyl group; and R3 is a linear or branched C1-6 alkyl group; k is an integer from 1 to 4 and q and m are integers from 0 to 2; such that m+k+q=4; and p is an integer from 1 to 3; and r is an integer from 1 to 2; or other known oxo metal bridging systems; x, y and z are integers such that the radio of x:y+z, varies from 0.

Abstract: A tent having a fabric body defining an internal volume and a door for entering and exiting the internal volume and for providing ventilation to the internal volume. A continuous zipper is located on the periphery of the door and on the door opening. A pair of zipper slides is configured for traversing the continuous zipper enabling the door to completely open, completely close and open partially in any one of a number of orientations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cast liner that provides improved comfort over prior known cast liners. The cast liner provides several layers of material having functions which functionally complement one another. The inner layer comprises a soft highly breathable material with a first layer comprising a high wicking nonwoven material overlying the inner layer and a second layer comprising a stitch bond fabric which is relatively stiff but open and compressible to support the body through the underlying inner and first layers.

Abstract: This invention relates to making nonwoven fabrics which are durable for machine washing and durable for other wet and hard use or abusive applications. The inventive fabrics comprise two layers of fabric sheet bonded together at closely spaced locations where the bonding includes fibers from both fabrics thoroughly involved with the binder. The inventive fabrics retain the qualities of a spunlaced nonwoven fabric which include low cost, comfort, drapability, softness, absorbency, breathability and others while having the durability comparable to traditional knitted or woven fabrics.

Abstract: A new and improved dome-type tent with a membrane suspended from a plurality of flexible tent poles. The membrane has a plurality of O-rings distributed about its outer surface in a plurality of paths separated one from the other with one of the flexible poles extending through the O-rings along each path of O-rings and with the pole being securely attached at one of its ends to the membrane in such a manner that the end remains attached to the tent membrane even when the tent is in the unassembled state for storage.

Abstract: A backpack device including a flexible enclosure for containing a load to be supported and carried by a wearer and a frame for supporting the flexible enclosure. Shock absorbers are pivotally connected to the frame and to a waist belt for absorbing shock between the flexible enclosure and the wearer.