Abstract: A system for generating rate and payment information for a customer receives an inquiry type from a customer relating to a loan or mortgage. The system also receives a value specific to the potential loan or mortgage. In combination with a product and policy database and a pricing/fee database, relevant financial products are determined and provided to the customer. The inquiry type can include buying a property, refinancing a mortgage, improving a property, and/or using funds from a property.

Abstract: The MPD thruster improvements described here apply to coaxial gas-fed quasisteady self-field devices without auxiliary magnetic fields.

Abstract: A foam propellant system can be transportable and used by individuals to suppress a fire or cover a spill area. The system may include a water and/or foam concentrate source and a compressed air source. The water and/or foam concentrate may be mixed together with the compressed air in a mixing tube under pressure producing an expanded fluffy foam that can be propelled into the desired area.

Abstract: A blood pumping system for supplementing distal blood perfusion comprising a blood pressure altering device in the form of a blood pump (1) having an inlet (10) and an outlet (9) which also includes an upstream end (2) and a downstream end (4). The blood pressure altering device (1) cooperates with a circulatory system of a patient (15) to promote blood flow throughout at least one or more distal regions including limbs, a brain region of a patient by altering vascular blood pressure. The blood pressure altering device (1), when in use, is positioned in series with the normal blood flow of the circulatory system of a patient (15).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving both adhesion between substrate and polymer layers and the durability of such composite structures; while maintaining the malleability and preferred characteristics of the original substrate. Quite unexpectedly, the application of a layer or film upon an uncured, encapsulated base substrate which has been encapsulated by the shear thinning methods of the present invention, results in superior adhesion of multiple layers when compared to conventional layering, coating or composite manufacturing methods. Moreover, the uncured or at most, semi-cured, polymer composition applied to the base substrate ensures that the substrate maintains maximum flexibility for subsequent shaping into composite articles prior to curing. The methods described herein produce multiple layer composite articles that are lighter, stronger, more flexible and utilize less material, than composite articles produced by conventional techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving both adhesion between substrate and polymer layers and the durability of such composite structures; while maintaining the malleability and preferred characteristics of the original substrate. Quite unexpectedly, the application of a layer or film upon an uncured, encapsulated base substrate which has been encapsulated by the shear thinning methods of the present invention, results in superior adhesion of multiple layers when compared to conventional layering, coating or composite manufacturing methods. Moreover, the uncured or at most, semi-cured, polymer composition applied to the base substrate ensures that the substrate maintains maximum flexibility for subsequent shaping into composite articles prior to curing. The methods described herein produce multiple layer composite articles that are lighter, stronger, more flexible and utilize less material, than composite articles produced by conventional techniques.

Abstract: A detonator operated by signals derived from a piezoelectric transducer element when subjected to mechanical pressure wherein the piezoelectric transducer element has a resistivity of less than about 5 .times. 10 inches .OMEGA.cm.