Abstract: A synergistic biocide comprises a tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine or a tetrakis (hydroxymethyl)phosphonium salt and at least one non-surfactant biopenetrant, such as a polymer or copolymer having a plurality of quaternary ammonium groups, a hydrotrope or a syntan, together optionally with a surfactant.

Abstract: A method for effective weight loss without negative or harmful side effects as well as for the treatment of ailments in human patients. Treatment is achieved using a combination of acupuncture and magnets. The method includes the steps of placing several acupuncture needles into specified locations on the human body, removing the acupuncture needles, and placing several magnets onto the same locations that the needles previously occupied. Another important object of the present invention is to provide and effective method of coping with and managing diabetes.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the remaining life of a light bulb, which includes a device for determining cold filament resistance of the light bulb while the light bulb is in a non-operating mode, a comparison device for comparing the cold filament resistance of the light bulb to a reference near an end of its life filament resistance, and a device for displaying an indication of a life expectancy for the light bulb. The system may be integrated into a vehicle or may be portable.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system that determines a threshold to distinguish between binary signals. The system includes a bit wise threshold determination device coupled to receive an input signal and that delays the input signal, averages the input signal and the delayed input signal, and outputs the average to an output node. The average represents a threshold value. This system can be used in any system that must determine a threshold between binary values.

Abstract: A system is shown, which when attached to an internal combustion engine, will charge the air/fuel mixture or fuel mixture and oppositely charge the spark plug such that the air/fuel mixture or fuel mixture will be attracted to the opposite charge of the spark plug in the combustion chamber resulting in fewer exhaust emissions.

Abstract: A needleless injector system including: a first injector assembly; a gas capsule disposed within the first injector assembly and containing pressurized gas, with a pierceable surface at the forward end thereof to provide an injection source; a gas capsule piercing member disposed within the first injector assembly, where the piercing member and the gas capsule are movable relative to each other; a second injector assembly containing a medical treatment fluid and having a forward facing injection orifice for injecting the medical treatment fluid into a patient; and a resilient seal mounted between the gas capsule and the first injector assembly to contain all pressurized gas within a forward end of the first injector assembly after pressurized gas is released from the gas capsule following piercing of the gas capsule, in order to cause an immediate increase in pressure in the medical treatment fluid contained within the second injector assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum platen assembly for a fluid-ejection device of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed includes a platen that has a number of vacuum holes. Each of at least one of the vacuum holes has sidewalls with anti-clog profiles at least substantially prevent collection of media debris and aerosol on the sidewalls.

Abstract: A self-energizing brake for a motor has a moving brake section, including a brake friction material located on a portion of a face thereof perpendicular to its axis of rotation which is automatically urged toward a brake mating surface upon the motor coming to a stop, thereby automatically energizing the brake, and which is automatically urged away from the brake mating surface upon the motor beginning its rotation, thereby automatically de-energizing the brake.

Abstract: A pair of vertical axis wind turbines are arranged in close proximity to each other so that their vortices interact with each other to provide enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. The wind turbines are spaced as closely as possible while providing for machine and personnel safety. Adjacent wind turbines rotate in opposite directions to enhance the coupled vortex effect. The vertical axis wind turbines may be located underneath a row of horizontal axis turbines in a “bush-tree” configuration to provide greater energy extraction from a parcel of land. The vertical axis turbine includes a simple, redundant, fail-safe braking system that self-resets after a fault condition clears. The braking system includes mechanical and aerodynamic braking and also includes a speed governor that stops the wind turbine even in the event that the primary brake fails.

Abstract: The present invention is a modified HFPB polymer for use in propellants and explosives that is chemically degradable and also is compatible with commonly used energetic plasticizers. The HFPB polymer of the present invention contains ester linkages formed in the backbone of the polymer from a dicarboxylic acid containing either oxymeythylene or oxyethylene moeities. The ester and ether linkages change the polarity of the polybutadiene to make it compatible with polar energetic plasticizers. The ester linkages along with either oxymethylene or oxyethylene moeities make the polymer degradable to basic solutions while still maintaining the structural integrity necessary for a polybutadiene type binder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for operating a self-cleaning oven in which a gas sensor, such as for measuring concentrations of CO gas, is located remote from, yet in gas communication with, an exhaust flue of the oven. The gas sensor is located at the end of an outlet tube which extends from the exhaust flue. A sample gas flow is provided to the gas sensor through the outlet tube to isolate the sensor from the heat of the oven and a filter device is located in the outlet tube for filtering the sample gas flow. A valve may be provided at the inlet to the outlet tube. The rate of change (slope) of successive readings of gas concentrations may be used to determine when the combustion of food material is complete, in order to terminate a self-cleaning cycle.

Abstract: Correcting a mask pattern includes accessing a record associated with an uncorrected pattern that comprises segments. The record associates each segment with a correction grid of a number of correction grids, where each correction grid comprises points. A segment is selected, and an optimal correction for the segment is determined. A correction grid associated with the segment is determined. The segment is snapped to a subset of points of the associated correction grid, where the subset of points is proximate to the optimal correction, to form a corrected pattern of a mask pattern.

Abstract: A method for treating a relatively low permeability formation containing heavy hydrocarbons in situ may include providing heat from one or more heat sources to a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a selected section of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section. A mixture of hydrocarbons may be produced from the selected section. In some embodiments, the permeability of a portion of the formation may be increased relative to an initial permeability of the portion.

Abstract: A rear cover of a radio handset having a scooped recess for improving the ergonomics of the phone for single-handed operation.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for monitoring and detecting seat belt usage, having an enforcement device with an enforcement circuit board and a vehicle device with a vehicle circuit board. Each of the enforcement circuit board and the vehicle circuit board has a transformer and a receiver and a pair of antennas for transmitting and receiving a first signal and a return signal. The enforcement device and the vehicle device communicate a properly fastened state or an improperly fastened state for a seat belt.

Abstract: An assembly for storing a compact spare tire in a motor vehicle in which a second tire of regular size (larger than the compact spare) is secured at a predetermined space adjacent or within the vehicle on a second plane distal from the plane of the storage location of the compact spare, after the compact spare tire is removed and the regular tire is replaced, for example, in the event of a flat. The assembly includes first and second brackets cooperatively oriented to secure the tires in first and second separated planes.

Abstract: A hand-held, PCMCIA cellular radio modem card is described which uses a non-standard power output level. The non-standard power output is defined as the maximum RF power attainable such that the current drawn by the power amplifier does not exceed 400 mA. This definition permits the use of the wireless modem inside hand-held computing devices without the use of an additional battery pack extension.