Abstract: A buoyant trim tab comprising a shell, wherein the shell comprises a top and a bottom, and an insert, wherein the insert comprises a foam section, wherein the foam section comprises a styrene acrylo nitrile foam and further wherein the foam section comprises a low-density subsection and a high-density subsection, and wherein the buoyant trim tab is capable of floating the buoyant trim tab, an actuator, and any components used to mount the buoyant trim tab to a boat.

Abstract: A wind and water barrier system for the protection of property is provided, wherein the barrier system is embodied in a singular device. The systemic device includes a flexible partitioned tube, each partition fillable with water to provide a flood barrier along a supporting surface around the property. A plurality of connections points is provided along a first longitudinal segment of the flexible tube, the connection points are anchored to the supporting surface. Along a second longitudinal segment a flap interfaces with an apron and is connected thereto by way of attachment points. The apron extends from the attachment points so as to be movable between a furled storage condition and an unfurled operable condition placed or installed over the property as a wind barrier. The line of force through the unfurled planar apron may intersect the interface of the stakes, the supporting surface, and the connection points.

Abstract: A passivation layer is deposited on a first portion of a region of the solar cell. A grid line is deposited on a second portion of the region. The passivation layer is annealed to drive chemical species from the passivation layer to deactivate an electrical activity of a dopant in the first portion of the region of the solar cell.

Abstract: A passivation layer is deposited on a first portion of a region of the solar cell. A grid line is deposited on a second portion of the region. The passivation layer is annealed to drive chemical species from the passivation layer to deactivate an electrical activity of a dopant in the first portion of the region of the solar cell.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone stereotactic biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a fiducial marker and three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument with detachable probe/thumb wheel probe to the biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions.

Abstract: A steering assembly for use in turning wheels of a vehicle includes a rack and a pinion. A yoke is continuously pressed against the rack by a yoke spring. A damper, preferably arranged in series with the spring, produces damped resistance to displacement of the yoke away from the rack. The damper produces a relative high magnitude of damped resistance to displacement of the yoke away from the rack and a lower magnitude of damped resistance to displacement of the yoke toward the rack.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for directionally degrading a paved surface. A substantially cylindrical rotary tool may include cutting inserts embedded within its cylindrical surface. The tool may be rotated about a rotational axis extending from a top end of the tool to its cutting head and may contact a paved surface such that the tool degrades the surface in a direction substantially normal thereto. The tool may be mounted to a motorized vehicle and adapted for independent movement to limit degradation to an isolated area, extend degradation beyond the width of the motorized vehicle, and/or avoid obstacles in the pavement.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone stereotactic biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a fiducial marker and three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument with detachable probe/thumb wheel probe to the biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions.