Abstract: The present invention describes a system wherein an RF ID card uses a user interface, such as a keypad, to input a password. The password is encrypted and sent to an RF ID reader. Since the password is not permanently stored on the RF ID card, someone stealing the RF ID card cannot use the RF ID card to impersonate a user.

Abstract: A device for establishing an optimal material flow rate through a material convey line in which a pressurized fluid flow is used to convey material entrained within the fluid passed through the convey line is disclosed. The device includes a plate defining an orifice therein, and a latching mechanism for detachably connecting the plate to an o discharge opening of the material convey line. A gasket is disposed on a first side of the plate and extends along the periphery thereof, and is adapted to be received on and sealed to the discharge end of the material convey line when connected thereto by the latching mechanism such that the fluid flow may pass through only the orifice within the plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermal insulating sleeve for a container that is easily converted from a generally planar configuration during periods of nonuse and into an expanded or open configuration for receiving a container during periods of use. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulating sleeve comprises a plurality of side panels defining a generally tubular body positioned about an imaginary longitudinal axis having an open first end and a second end forming a central cavity therein. Circumferential positioned about the open first end and equally spaced one from another, is a plurality of fingers that extend generally radially inwardly into the central cavity and are angled generally downwardly with respect to the tubular body and are effective for stabilizing the container within the central cavity and for providing an insulating layer of air between the container and the tubular body.

Abstract: A game device with a water reservoir having a plurality of openings for exit of water from the reservoir and blocking members adapted to either block the flow of water from the openings or permit the flow of water from the openings.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical system for use in a stable, temperature-insensitive birefringent crystal interferometer (BCI). The optical system includes a first block of light transmissive birefringent material having an input port and an output port, the material having in the spectral region of desired device operation a net retardance at a first temperature, and straining means for inducing a strain in one of the first block and a second block of light transmissive material optically coupled to the first block, the strain induced for maintaining the net retardance substantially unchanged from the net retardance at at least a second other temperature. Advantageously, the optical system uses a single variety of crystal, which is cheaper, more robust, and has better performance than BCIs having two crystal varieties.

Abstract: A method of bead coating a liquid composition onto the surface of a moving web is taught which provides uniform coatings over a wider range of operating parameters including new coating windows. In addition, the bead coating method typically demonstrates a reduction in coating sensitivity to vacuum pressure noise below the coating bead.

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner including one or more scraper blades and a scraper blade mounting assembly for removably mounting the scraper blades to a support structure. The scraper blades include a mounting base formed of elastomeric material having a generally T-shaped mounting flange and an arm. The scraper blade also includes a metal scraping element having a generally planar lower portion and a generally planar upper portion that are disposed at an angle to one another. The lower portion of the scraping element is embedded within the arm. The upper portion of the scraping element includes a scraping tip adapted to engage a conveyor belt and that is pivotal about a pivot axis that is offset from a plane containing the upper portion of the scraping element. The mounting assembly includes a cross shaft that is adapted to be mounted at each end to a support structure by a slide bracket having a support ridge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a centrifuge system, the centrifuge system including a rotor and a motor operatively coupled to the rotor, the apparatus including an accelerometer coupled to the centrifuge system so as to measure an acceleration of at least a portion of the centrifuge system during operation of the centrifuge system to provide an acceleration signal, a filter, that receives the acceleration signal and provides a filtered acceleration signal, and a controller that receives the displacement signal and controls the centrifuge system in response to the displacement signal.

Abstract: A collapsible chair (10), having a frame assembly (12) including a number of angled frame members (24). The upper ends of the angled frame members (24) are pivotally attached to upper connectors (64), and the lower ends are pivotally attached to feet (20). The frame assembly (12) as a whole is configured to expand outwardly from a central area (58). The frame assembly (12) further includes back support uprights (34) and rear corner upright members (32). Each of the upright members (32) has an upper end which is pivotally connected to one of said back support uprights (34) at a flexible joint (48). The chair (10) also includes a support surface (16), having a back portion (38) which is held in position by the back support uprights (34). The flexible joint (48) includes a resilient support assembly (30) which biases the back portion (38) to an upright position.

Abstract: An optical fiber amplifier employing a prism to optimally couple pump energy into the pump core of a dual clad fiber. The optical fiber amplifier consists of a dual clad fiber having an inner (e.g., signal) core, an outer (e.g., pump) core surrounding the inner core, and a cladding layer at least partially surrounding the outer core. Pump energy can be injected into the outer core through the prism located adjacent to the outer core in order to amplify signals propagating through the inner core.

Abstract: A device for maintaining or reestablishing a natural heart rhythm by generating an electrical stimulation signal. In particular a device in the form of an implantable heart pacemaker that displays at least one sensor arranged inside the patient's body for picking up a body-specific signal containing information concerning demand for heart performance, or another magnitude relevant to the heart. The device is characterized by the fact that connected downstream to the sensor is a processing unit that obtains from the measurement signal a body-specific rhythm signal whose periodicity is equal to or greater than the periodicity of the breathing activity, and thus lies above the periodicity of the heart activity, whereby the body-specific rhythm signal forms a control signal that influences the stimulation signal.

Abstract: An inventive rearview mirror assembly is disclosed in which a microwave antenna is mounted so as to receive transmissions from one or more satellites through the front windshield of the vehicle. The microwave antenna may be tuned to receive satellite transmissions from a position identification system constellation of satellites, such as GPS or GLONASS. Additionally, the microwave antenna may be tuned to alternatively or additionally receive transmissions from at least one communication satellite, such as a CD radio satellite. In addition to the inventive rearview mirror assembly, an inventive electrical control system is disclosed that may be used as a navigation system, an electrochromic rearview mirror control system, a head lamp control system, a tire pressure monitoring and display system, a temperature sensing and display system, a vehicle compass system, a vehicle data recorder system, and/or a vehicle odometer verification system.

Abstract: A method for resistance projecting welding the components of a current sensor is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a first blade having a projection extending outward and a first conductor, supporting the first blade and the first conductor, positioning the first blade adjacent to the first conductor so that the projection of the first blade contacts an opposed surface on the first conductor defining a contact area, supplying an electrical current of a predetermined magnitude and predetermined duration to the first blade and the first conductor to create a weld at the contact area and continually applying a compressing force of a predetermined magnitude to the first blade throughout the supplying step to resistance projection weld the first blade and the first conductor at the contact area. The present method overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art by providing an alternative method to fabricate current sensors.

Abstract: Improvements to personal vehicles including self-propelled and balancing personal vehicles. Ready detachability of a seat, footrest, seat back, control unit, wheels and caster assembly is provided using quick disconnect mechanisms.

Abstract: Composite particles made of a resin and filler material are provided for use in subterranean formations. The filler is finely divided mineral and optional fiber. The particles are proppants useful to prop open subterranean formation fractures. The particles are also useful for water filtration. Methods of making the composite particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of humidifying a gas that includes supplying a gas to a surface of a humidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readily releases moisture when exposed to a dry environment and generating turbulence in the gas as it passes over the surface of the humidification material.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and transporting heavy loads enables a single user to lift a heavy object, such as a safe or strong box, and move the object thereby assisting in delivery, installation and maintenance. Adjustable features enable reconfiguration of the apparatus to handle loads of varying dimensions. A frame-type structure, having an upper assembly supported by four downwardly depending legs, is supported by wheels. Each of the downwardly depending legs is comprised of at least two telescopically adjustable members and a leg adjusting mechanism which cooperate for simultaneously effecting axial extension and retraction of the four legs utilizing the benefits of mechanical advantage. A plurality of telescopically adjustable, downwardly projecting load-engaging members is supported by the upper assembly in a configuration that allows for spacing adjustment. The apparatus is may be specifically adapted for loading and unloading objects from the bed of a motorized vehicle, such as a flat bed truck or van.

Abstract: Small, easily transportable data storage cards in which the stored data is protected against external contamination. The structure of the cards provides two positions, a first position for sequestering the data, and a second position allowing physical access to the stored data during the writing and/or reading thereof.

Abstract: A method for categorizing, describing, and modeling types of system users where information from the models can be used in designing a user interface. Users may have improved performance using the user interface. A list of tentative behaviors of the users is created. This list is created by identifying the goals desired for the user interface or the user models, and listing expected and desired behaviors that are relevant to these goals. The list is revised to include only those behaviors that are important or frequent based on the goals. Categorizing the behaviors is performed by obtaining information from users regarding their characteristics and behaviors. Each user's behavioral information is then converted to a score or value. The users are then mapped or charted based on which behaviors they exhibit. The mapping or charting is analyzed to identify clusters of users. These clusters define groups of users that have similar behaviors. The groups are then analyzed to produce descriptions of each group.

Abstract: This disclosure presents the establishment of new cell lines from Trichoplusia ni eggs, in a commercial serum-free medium. These new cell lines were screened with wild-type Autographa californica multiple nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) and Trichoplusia ni single nuclear polyhedrosis virus (TnSNPV). In addition, selected cell lines from the initial screenings with the native baculoviruses, were further tested for their capacity to express recombinant proteins.