Abstract: An adjustable framing system for three-dimensional objects which has a three-dimensional shimming system and an access door in the rear. The access door allows objects to be easily inserted, and then temporarily removed for examination, and subsequently easily replaced. The framing system has a deep compartment for holding publications having a variety of sizes. The framing system is designed to accommodate varying sized publications by using matting in the front of the event programs, and a three-dimensional shimming system which includes vertical and horizontal shimming on the sides of the event program, and thickness shimming on the rear of the event program. An internal wall provides depth for an internal cavity which provides room for publications or other objects that vary in thickness. Separate display compartments may be provided for displaying tickets or descriptive labels for the objects in the frame.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a computer program product are provided for accurately determining the vertical speed of an aircraft in a manner independent of signals provided by an air data computer, an inertial reference system and an inertial navigation system. Initially, a first vertical velocity of the aircraft is determined based upon a pressure altitude value associated with the aircraft. A second vertical velocity of the aircraft is also obtained from a GPS receiver carried by the aircraft. The first and second vertical velocities are then combined to determine the vertical speed of the aircraft. In this regard, the first and second vertical velocities are combined by complimentarily filtering the first and second vertical velocities. More particularly, the first vertical velocity is typically low pass filtered to remove high frequency noise that is attributable to the relatively low resolution of the first vertical velocity value.

Abstract: A shock-resistant coupler for a vehicle includes a substantially hollow draft gear tube and a coupler head. The draft gear tube has an inside surface, and the coupler head has a flexible, substantially hollow shank portion. The shank portion has a distal end that extends into one end, or mouth, of the draft gear tube. A collar on the distal end features a predetermined number of longitudinally extending relief grooves. Formed in the shank portion adjacent the distal end thereof are at least two slots that extend longitudinally from the collar. These slots enable the distal end of the shank portion to be compressed inwardly so that the shank portion may be inserted into the draft gear tube. A plurality of shear bolts, directed radially through openings in the draft gear tube and corresponding threaded holes in the collar, enable the shank portion to be secured against the inside surface of the draft gear tube.

Abstract: A system and method for finishing a series of golf balls is disclosed herein. The system automatically transfers each of the golf balls from station to station on the system. The system has at least one coating station that has at least one spray gun that moves in relation to a golf ball being conveyed through the coating station. The spray gun moves in a track extending from a position below the golf ball to a position above the golf ball. The system has a transfer means that includes a series of transport pucks. Each transport puck has a plurality of shafts with spindles attached to the top of each of the shafts. Each spindle holds a golf ball for processing through the system. The spindles are rotated at relatively high rates during the coating process. In order to reduce tip marks on the finished golf ball, the golf balls are transferred from each spindle utilizing a high pressure gas. The system may be used to coat each golf ball with a basecoat, an indicia and a topcoat.

Abstract: A hair dryer holder for supporting a hair dryer from a bathroom vanity drawer includes a generally planar horizontal support member having an aperture formed in a first end thereof for releasably receiving the nozzle of the hair dryer. Forwardmost and rearmost drawer engagers extend downwardly from the horizontal support member spaced apart from each other generally proximate the opposing second end of the horizontal support member. The rearmost and forwardmost drawer engagers extend along opposite sides of a drawer front. The upper surface of said horizontal support member extends under the vanity countertop as the drawer is closed.

Abstract: The formation and/or growth of dendrites emanating from Cu or Cu alloy lines into a bordering open dielectric field are prevented or substantially reduced by chemically removing a portion of the surface from the dielectric field and from between the lines after CMP by spraying the wafer with a chemical agent. Embodiments include removing up to 60Å of silicon oxide by spraying the wafer with an acidic solution, such as a solution comprising acetic acid and ammonium fluoride.

Abstract: A pattern of in-laid conductors is formed by a method utilizing electroplating and chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP). Embodiments include a first step of selectively filling recesses formed in the surface of a substrate with a metal by localized electroplating at a reduced thickness, planar-surfaced overburden or blanket layer thereon, and planarizing the surface by CMP utilizing a relatively soft CMP pad. Embodiments also include an apparatus comprising a porous pad applicator for selectively electroplating recesses formed in the surface of a workpiece.

Abstract: A handheld computer which contains an LCD display having a digitizing surface to allow pen input. Internal storage takes several forms, such as a large flash ROM area, battery-backed up RAM and an optional hard disk drive. Several alternative communication paths are available, such as the previously mentioned modem, a parallel printer port, a conventional serial port, a cradle assembly connected to the host computer, and various wireless short distance techniques such as radio frequency or infrared transmission. The computer can readily communicate with other sources, particularly to a host desktop computer, to allow automated synchronization of information between the host and the handheld system. Preferably the remote synchronization is performed at several user selectable levels. When the handheld computer is in a cradle and actively connected to the host computer, automatic capture of updated data in the host computer is performed.

Abstract: Esters of estolides derived from oleic acids and C-6 to C-14 saturated fatty acids are characterized by superior properties for use as lubricant base stocks. These estolides may also be used as lubricants without the need for fortifying additives normally required to improve the lubricating properties of base stocks.

Abstract: An improved construction panel is diclosed comprising a foam core with thin metal skins attached to top and bottom surfaces of the foam core having am improved snap together joint. The joint includes a sealant pocket and stabilizing members. The sealant pocket further includes a bead or a protrusion to positively define a vertical sealant space between adjacent and connected construction panels.

Abstract: A reelable cat toy for entertaining a cat. The reelable cat toy includes a rod measuring approximately 2½ feet long and having a first handle member at one end thereof and also having a plurality of eyelets spaced along and securely attached to the pole, and also includes a reel member having a housing which includes a first compartment and a second compartment being separated by a first end wall with the first compartment having an open end which is closeable with a cap member, the first compartment being adapted to store lures therein, the reel member further having a spool member journaled inside the second compartment, a spool release member engageable with the spool member, and a second handle member which is connected to the spool member, and further includes a plurality of lures storable in the first compartment and resembling a mouse, a spider, an edible worm, and a feather duster.

Abstract: A solid mercury-releasing material and a method of dispensing precise amounts of mercury into the light emitting chamber of a discharge lamp without introducing the other dispenser components into the chamber are disclosed. The solid material includes an amalgam of one or more metals and mercury in the form of particles of high purity, uniform size and uniform composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating modifiable and combinable Speech Objects for use in an interactive voice response (IVR) environment. Each Speech Object is for acquiring a particular type of information from a speaker during an interaction between the speaker and a speech recognition mechanism. A Speech Object is an instantiation of a user-extensible class that includes properties, such as prompts and grammars, associated with the corresponding type of interaction. A Speech Object further includes logic for controlling the interaction with the user when executed in a processing system. A Speech Object can be subclassed to add additional properties and functionality to create customized Speech Objects, or such properties can be altered at runtime. Multiple Speech Objects, each for acquiring a particular type of information, can be combined to form a compound Speech Object.

Abstract: An improved process for separating a hydrocarbon bearing feed gas containing methane and lighter, C2 (ethylene and/or ethane), C3 (propylene and/or propane) and heavier components into a fraction containing predominantly C2 and lighter components and a fraction containing predominantly C3 and heavier hydrocarbon components including the steps of cooling and partially condensing and delivering the feed stream to a separator to provide a first residue vapor and a C3 containing liquid, directing a portion of the C3 containing liquid into a heavy-ends fractionation column wherein the liquid is separated into a second hydrocarbon bearing vapor residue, a second C2 containing liquid stream, and a C3 containing product.

Abstract: An earthquake resistant frame structure which is shippable in a fully populated condition has a base member, a plurality of support members extending from the base member, a top portion disposed over the ends of the support members, a extension member disposed over the top portion, side stiffeners positioned perpendicularly between the support members, and a tie down assembly system positioned between the base member and a flooring surface. The extension member has a platform section and at least two legs depending substantially perpendicularly therefrom that slidingly engage the support members. The two legs have slots therethrough configured to receive fasteners that, when secured to support members, secure and maintain the extension member in position. First and second panels protrude laterally from the frame structure to form an extension area, from which a bracket hingedly depends. A variety of pin arrangements are used to prevent the removal of the bracket from the hinge.

Abstract: A diaper changing pad preferably includes a top sheet, a bottom sheet, and a liquid-absorbent region between the top and bottom surfaces. The top sheet preferably is permeable to liquid. The bottom sheet preferably is impermeable to liquid. The bottom sheet also preferably includes traction bumps along the bottom side to prevent the diaper changing pad from sliding.

Abstract: A valve control apparatus for generating an anticipatory output response for controlling a fluid flow in a fluid flow line includes a valve provided inside the fluid flow line, at least one sensor for providing at least one input signal, the at least one input signal responsive to properties of the fluid flow in advance of the valve, and a letdown back-pressure controller receiving the at least one input signal and providing a tunable output signal for selectively opening and closing the valve to vary flow in the flow line responsive to the at least one input signal.

Abstract: An earthquake resistant frame structure which is shippable in a fully populated condition has abase member, a plurality of support members extending from the base member, a top portion disposed over the ends of the support members, a extension member disposed over the top portion, side stiffeners positioned perpendicularly between the support members, and a tie down assembly system positioned between the base member and a flooring surface. The extension member has a platform section and at least two legs depending substantially perpendicularly therefrom that slidingly engage the support members. The two legs have slots therethrough configured to receive fasteners that, when secured to support members, secure and maintain the extension member in position. First and second panels protrude laterally from the frame structure to form an extension area, from which a bracket hingedly depends. A variety of pin arrangements are used to prevent the removal of the bracket from the hinge.

Abstract: The device is for attaching a syringe or other type of dispenser to a container containing pharmaceutical. The device preferably includes a rubber band and a syringe holder. The syringe holder preferably includes an attachment lip, a bracket, and a clamp. The attachment lip and bracket preferably frame the rubber band, which is used to hold the attachment lip against the container. The clamp preferably is used to engage and hold the syringe.

Abstract: A method for the selection of hypotheses for modeling physical phenomena, includes detecting if selected features are present by analyzing actual sensed data and parameter values of an initial physical phenomena model; comparing feature estimating hypotheses to the actual data for determining a belief probability assignment value (bpa) for each of the hypotheses which indicates the likelihood that the selected features exist in the actual data and the likelihood that such selected features cannot accurately be determined as existing due to the presence of noise; selecting a set of the hypotheses most accurately modeling the physical phenomena based on the bpa of each selected hypotheses meeting a predetermined criteria; generating evidential support values and lack of evidential support values for subsets of the set having non-zero subset bpa's; ranking the subsets having non-zero subset bpa's in order of decreasing subset bpa; unioning subsets of the power set for forming unioned subsets and determ