Abstract: Surface-penetrating radar (SPR) is used to obtain images of a vehicle's undercarriage and employ these to identify the vehicle (or vehicle type or class). In particular, a vehicle may have a unique undercarriage SPR “signature” that remains largely stable over time, since it is not significantly affected by buildup of dirt, moisture or light debris. Even if the signature is not sufficiently differentiated from those of similar vehicles, it can be used to identify the vehicle within a class, which may be adequate for many purposes.

Abstract: A system for assembling a novelty button having a magnet inserted between the back cover and the front plate includes a first rotary table of a non-ferrous material having one or more receiving cups. Each receiving cup is sized to receive one magnet from a vertical stack of magnets. A stationary, non-ferrous shearing removes a bottommost magnet from the stack when the first table rotates. A second rotary table made from a non-ferrous material having at least one non-ferrous lower die fixture receives a subassembly consisting of a back cover and a magnet arranged on interior face of the back cover. A modified button press having a non-ferrous upper die set crimps a front plate to the back cover.

Abstract: A device, system, and method are disclosed that supplements a human spinal column's structure by replacing a damaged intervertebral disc with a machined spacer comprising a movable pair of blades that rotate to expand from the spacer in-situ to interlock with a patient's vertebras, and a locking system that provides secondary protection from blade movement within the spacer.

Abstract: A system for assembling a novelty button having a magnet inserted between the back cover and the front plate includes a first rotary table of a non-ferrous material having one or more receiving cups. Each receiving cup is sized to receive one magnet from a vertical stack of magnets. A stationary, non-ferrous shearing removes a bottommost magnet from the stack when the first table rotates. A second rotary table made from a non-ferrous material having at least one non-ferrous lower die fixture receives a subassembly consisting of a back cover and a magnet arranged on interior face of the back cover. A modified button press having a non-ferrous upper die set crimps a front plate to the back cover.

Abstract: A frame receives a portable media player. The frame includes connection elements to provide electrical connection between the portable media player and a vehicle media system, and a guide to align the portable media player with the connection elements. A case for a portable media player has an interior space configured to accommodate different configurations of portable media players, and an exterior configured to fit within a receptacle of a vehicle. A cup has an interior space configured to receive a portable media player and a coupler to provide electrical connection between the player and a media system. Sending a command to the portable device causing the portable device to enter a sleep state when the vehicle off, reducing a level of drain by the portable device from a power source of the vehicle. A portable media player may be controlled by the vehicle media system.