Abstract: Embodiments of a vehicle interior system are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the system includes a base with a curved surface, and a display or touch panel disposed on the curved surface. The display includes a cold-bent glass substrate with a thickness of 1.5 mm or less and a first radius of curvature of 20 mm or greater, and a display module and/or touch panel attached to the glass substrate having a second radius of curvature that is within 10% of the first radius of curvature. Methods for forming such systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Foldable apparatus comprise a foldable substrate comprising a substrate thickness. The second major surface of the foldable substrate faces an end portion of a first inner surface area of a first housing member extending along a first plane. The second surface faces an end portion of a second inner surface area of a second housing member extending along a second plane. A support is attached to at least the second housing member. The support contacts the second major surface when an angle between the first plane and the second plane ranges from about 80° to about 135°. The support is spaced from the second major surface when an angle between the first plane and the second plane ranges from about 0° to about 30°. In some embodiments, the foldable substrate comprises a neutral stress configuration at a parallel plate distance ranging from about 20 millimeters to about 200 millimeters.

Abstract: A pipe standing adapter is a device designed for placement on a round pipe to create a flat surface. An interrupting flange, offset from a center and extending parallel to a length of a pipe (between locations about semi-circular openings for a pipe) is on the otherwise flat surface designed for a base of a ladder to be abutted there-against. An acutely angled ladder can then be placed against the interrupting flange and a worker can climb down the ladder safely on to the platform which rests on the pipe.

Abstract: The invention's structure provides a device for removing stuck brake key screws from an aircraft's landing gear's wheels. The device generally comprises a base bottom, right and left side arms, a threaded rod, and a screw driver bit holder. The curvature of the base bottom preferably matches the curvature of a wheel hub opposite to the location of a stuck screw. When operationally used, the device provides for optimal or virtually optimal engagement of the device with the head of a screw to be removed.

Abstract: The present invention is a device, system and method for removing stuck brake key screws. Specifically, the invention is capable of ensuring a more effective means and method for removing stuck brake key screws from an aircraft's landing gear wheel hub half. More specifically, the invention provides for optimal or virtually optimal engagement of the device with the head of a screw to be removed, and which, it is the inventor's belief, allows for the virtually optimal transmission of screw removal torque to a screw, which should minimize the likelihood of stripping the head of the stuck screw and, if stripped, the need to expend the time and effort to drill out the screw.

Abstract: The present invention is a device, system and method for removing stuck brake key screws. Specifically, the invention is capable of ensuring a more effective means and method for removing stuck brake key screws from an aircraft's landing gear wheel hub half. More specifically, the invention provides for optimal or virtually optimal engagement of the device with the head of a screw to be removed, and which, it is the inventor's belief, allows for the virtually optimal transmission of screw removal torque to a screw, which should minimize the likelihood of stripping the head of the stuck screw and, if stripped, the need to expend the time and effort to drill out the screw.

Abstract: Pilates reformers, and exercise apparatus, are widely used by individuals of varying levels of fitness. The moveable carriage of the reformer onto which the person is to lie supine during exercise is difficult to mount for some individuals, such as the elderly or pregnant women. A replacement for the planar one-piece carriage is disclosed that is a two-piece platform having a seat portion and a back portion that pivots with respect to the seat portion. The individual can mount the exercise apparatus on the seat portion with the inclined back portion for support. The back portion can then be lowered to a completely horizontal position or slightly inclined, depending on the needs of the individual. An articulated platform has an extendible gas spring mounted between the back portion and a support structure. The gas spring assists the individual, or a trainer, to move the back portion up.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system are provided for authenticating the identity of a user registered with a computer system. The authentication method comprises generating a multi-dimensional array of elements that are addressable by respective sets of indices, generating a challenge code comprising a linear array of elements for addressing a first set of indices of the array of elements, transmitting the multi-dimensional array of elements and challenge code to at least one computing device associated with the user, receiving a response code from the user, and verifying the user's identity when the received response code matches a derived code obtained by retrieving elements from the multi-dimensional array at locations addressed by elements taken from the challenge code and a personal code stored at the computer system, wherein the personal code comprises a linear array of elements for addressing a different set of indices of the array of elements.

Abstract: A system and method for separating human waste and converting urine into potable water for drinking and use in a hand washing station (165). In one aspect a commode (100), a three-way valve (110) at the outlet of the commode, a urine reactants tank (145), a storage container (160), a pump (170), and a spigot (175) are used. A user turns an actuator (111) on the valve in one direction to direct feces and feces-plus-urine into a reactants tank for feces, and in another direction to direct urine into the urine reactants tank. The urine reactants tank contains a plurality of baffles (210) separating the tank into chambers. A first chamber contains algae and microorganisms supplied by a seed (150). These organisms absorb nutrients from the urine as they grow into a mass (152). A last chamber contains only purified water that flows from the tank into the storage container from which it can be pumped to the spigot.

Abstract: A system for converting urine into potable water for drinking and use in a hand washing station (165) comprises a commode (100), a three-way valve (110) at the outlet of the commode, a urine reactants tank (145), a storage container (160), a pump (170), and a spigot (175). A user turns an actuator (111) on the valve in one direction to direct feces and feces-plus-urine into a reactants tank for feces, and in another direction to direct urine into the urine reactants tank. The urine reactants tank contains a plurality of baffles (210) separating the tank into chambers. A first chamber contains algae and microorganisms supplied by a seed (150). These organisms absorb nutrients from the urine as they grow into a mass (152). A last chamber contains only purified water which flows from the tank into the storage container from which it can be pumped to the spigot.

Abstract: The invention relates to casings for portable communication devices. The casing is reusable with engines having different processing capabilities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes includes a deflectable arm of a microcantilever at least partially embedded within a sensing element. A gaseous or liquid medium which may include the analyte being detected is introduced to the sensing element. The sensing element undergoes volumetric expansion or contraction in the presence of the analyte sought to be detected, typically by adsorbing the analyte. The volumetric change of the sensing element causes the deflectable arm to deflect. The deflectable arm includes at least one measurable physical property which changes when the arm deflects. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property to determine the presence and amount of analyte present. An array of microcantilevers in which each microcantilever is dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes includes a deflectable arm of a microcantilever at least partially embedded within a sensing element. A gaseous or liquid medium which may include the analyte being detected is introduced to the sensing element. The sensing element undergoes volumetric expansion or contraction in the presence of the analyte sought to be detected, typically by adsorbing the analyte. The volumetric change of the sensing element causes the deflectable arm to deflect. The deflectable arm includes at least one measurable physical property which changes when the arm deflects. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property to determine the presence and amount of analyte present. An array of microcantilevers in which each microcantilever is dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting polynucleic acid polymerase activity, including DNA and RNA polymerase activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to casings for portable communication devices. The casing is reusable with engines having different processing capabilities.