Abstract: A method of detecting and classifying mental states, comprising the steps of receiving bio-signals from one or more bio-signal detectors; generating multiple different representations of each bio-signal; determining the value of one or more features of the each bio-signal representation; and comparing the feature values to one or more than one mental state signature, each mental state signature defining reference feature values indicative of a predetermined mental state.

Abstract: A power distribution apparatus for distributing electrical power includes circuit breaker modules and remote operated devices mounted separately in a panel. The devices may be relays, circuit breakers, meters, dimmers or other devices for controlling a circuit. An I/O controller board is connected to the remote operated devices and controls those devices through a data rail. A control module may interface with the I/O controller board and may also interface with other I/O controller boards and with one or more networks. A serial communications line connects the I/O interface board with a number of remote operated devices. A separate select line runs from each remote operated device to the I/O controller board. To operate a particular device, the I/O controller board asserts the select line of that device, causing the device to listen for messages on the serial line. The relay executes commands contained in a message only of the select line for that device is asserted.

Abstract: A method of detecting and classifying mental states, comprising the steps of: detecting bio-signals from one or more than one bio-signal detector; transforming the bio-signals into one or more than one different representations; detecting values of one or more than one property of the transformed bio-signal representations; and applying one or more than one mental state detection algorithm to the detected properties in order to classify whether the bio-signals indicate the presence of a predetermined response by a subject.

Abstract: A method of detecting and classifying facial muscle movements, comprising the steps of: detecting bio-signals from a plurality of scalp electrodes; and applying one or more than one facial muscle movement-detection algorithm to a portion of the bio-signals affected by a predefined type of facial muscle movement in order to detect facial muscle movements of that predefined type.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fertilizer composition comprising a water-insoluble slow-release reacted nitrogen fertilizer and an effective amount of a water-soluble, non-aromatic poly(amino acid) of the group poly(aspartic acid), poly(glutamic acid), poly(glycine), poly(lysine) a copolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and a terpolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and aspartic acid, wherein the poly(amino acid) has a molecular size larger than that which can be absorbed by a plant. A method of making and using the fertilizer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A razor head has blade members with straight front cutting edges which are mutually parallel and lie in a cutting plane. Imaginary median surfaces of the blade members are continuously curved in the same sense away from the cutting plane, from the cutting edges toward the rear edges. The handle has a pair of fork arms, the distal ends of which are connected to the head at positions adjacent the respective ends of the head. Each fork arm has a groove allowing pivoting of the distal end about a pivot axis parallel to the head axis, the grooves being mutually aligned on the same side of the forked end portion of the handle. Each groove is filled with a resiliently deformable material which is deformed when a pivoting force is applied to the razor head during shaving and which restores the razor head to a normal position when the force is removed. The head has undercut apertures in rear abutment surfaces, and the distal ends of the fork arms have detent elements projecting forwardly from front abutment surfaces.

Abstract: The invention is a heated thermal probe suitable for use in micro- thermal analysis or other high resolution thermal measurements and actions. The probe is, in the preferred embodiment, a microfabricated cantilever with a sharp probe tip of a type used in Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPM's) which further includes an integral resistive heating element. The heating element is formed by doping regions of the cantilever with an ion implant process to make lower resistance connections and a higher resistance heating element. There is no spatial overlap between the base of the probe tip and the heating element or conductors.

Abstract: The invention is a method for fabricating a cell culture surface substrate, comprising the steps of a) forming a cell culture surface having a mechanical topography, b) forming a synthetic chemical pattern using a chemical pattern template, and c) combining the cell culture surface having a mechanical topography and the synthetic chemical pattern. Mechanical topography is defined as a pattern of mechanical structures with regular and specifically designed features. The synthetic chemical pattern is defined as a group of features of specific chemistry different from the chemistry of their surroundings that have regular and specifically designed features.

Abstract: A collapsible enfolding ladder arrangement comprising of: Channel Uprights, Pivotal Rungs, Hinges, Adapter Latches and Top and Bottom Levelers. Including Accessories: Lock bars, Retainers and Pins. When applied appropriately produce Step Stools, Step Ladders and Extension units. This invention considers numerous positioning patterns as it unfolds from a unique stowed berth. Usefully noted in both commercial and residential environments with obvious advantages for handling and storage convenience and answering savings in transportation needs.

Abstract: Antibacterial compositions effective against both gram positive and gram negative vegetative bacteria plus harmful gram positive sporeforming bacteria include propionibacterial metabolites in combination with two or more of the following: a lantibiotic; a lytic enzyme; and an organic acid or its salt. Methods of use are provided, as well as food products treated with these antibacterial compositions.

Abstract: A lift-up cleat assembly having a base member adapted for mounting on a mounting surface with the base having at least one downwardly depending hollow cylindrical guide tube which extends through the mounting surface and is connected to a liquid drainage conduit system. The cleat assembly includes a cleat member having a head adapted to be received by and seated on the cleat base and at least one vertically downwardly extending cleat post which is telescopingly received in the guide tube of the base member and reciprocally movable therein. A cylindrical shaped elastomeric keeper member is attached to the bottom end portion of the cleat post and frictionally engages the inside surface of the guide tube providing infinitesimal positions of adjustment. The elastomeric keeper member in one embodiment has a faceted cylindrical surface with longitudinally extending grooves between cylindrical surface sections to allow passage of liquids and debris from the cleat base to a discharge conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for compressing and automatically expanding an expandable luggage case 2 comprising a ratchet mechanism 8 and a bungee cord 32, that is used to bias a locking mechanism, in the form of detents 54 that mate with teeth 44, in a locked position, and to bias a jack mechanism 14 for automatic expansion. The bungee cord 32 biases the ratchet compressor system 8 in an expanded state. Thus, automatic expansion is achieved, in a very easy to use manner. In addition to being operated while the luggage case 2 is open, the ratchet compressor 8 is also operable from the outside of the luggage case 2 once the luggage case 2 has been packed and closed. A user may then compress the luggage case 2 simply by applying pressure to the lid 24. The ratchet compressor system 8 therefore provides a zipper-less, automated method of expanding a luggage case 2 as well as compressing the luggage case 2 once the luggage case 2 has been closed.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus for nanolithography and a process for thermally controlling the deposition of a solid organic “ink” from the tip of an atomic force microscope to a substrate. The invention may be used to turn deposition of the ink to the substrate on or off by either raising its temperature above or lowing its temperature below the ink's melting temperature. This process may be useful as it allows ink deposition to be turned on and off and the deposition rate to change without the tip breaking contact with the substrate. The same tip can then be used for imaging purposes without fear of contamination. This invention can allow ink to be deposited in a vacuum enclosure, and can also allow for greater spatial resolution as the inks used have lower surface mobilities once cooled than those used in other nanolithography methods.

Abstract: A custom-fitted orthotic device including a rigidizable panel emplaceable on a body part. A padding member is mounted on an inner surface of the curable panel between the panel and the body part. A fastening system is attached to an outer surface of the curable panel to secure the orthotic device on the body part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system for the drilling of a well bore in a given formation includes generating a geology characteristic of the formation per unit depth according to a prescribed geology model, obtaining specifications of proposed drilling equipment for use in the drilling of the well bore, and predicting a drilling mechanics in response to the specifications as a function of the geology characteristic per unit depth according to a prescribed drilling mechanics model. Responsive to a predicted drilling mechanics, a controller controls a parameter in the drilling of the well bore. The geology characteristic includes at least rock strength. The specifications include at least a bit specification of a recommended drill bit. Lastly, the predicted drilling mechanics include at least one of bit wear, mechanical efficiency, power, and operating parameters.

Abstract: The shaving composition, in particular a gel, is magnetic. The composition contains ferromagnetic particles, in particular magnetic iron oxide.

Abstract: The projection system includes a plurality of projection apparatus including a frame. The frames of adjacent projection apparatus are interconnected by at least one bracket connected to vertical members of the adjacent projection apparatus. Adjacent projection apparatus define a viewing area defined by the upper members of the frames of the projection apparatus, the lower members of the frames of the projection apparatus and the outer frame edges of each of the adjacent projection apparatus. A viewing screen is disposed over this viewing area.

Abstract: This invention provides caliper covers having vent openings, caliper cover kits, and methods for cooling caliper brake mechanisms that prevent brake fade and prevent brake malfunction caused by debris from the road, while improving the appearance of the caliper braking mechanism and preventing transfer of braking dust from the brake pads to the wheels.

Abstract: A lift-up cleat assembly having a base member adapted for mounting on a mounting surface with the base having at least one downwardly depending hollow cylindrical guide tube which extends through the mounting surface and is connected to a liquid drainage conduit system. The cleat assembly includes a cleat member having a head adapted to be received by and seated on the cleat base and at least one vertically downwardly extending cleat post which is telescopingly received in the guide tube of the base member and reciprocally movable therein. A cylindrical shaped elastomeric keeper member is attached to the bottom end portion of the cleat post and frictionally engages the inside surface of the guide tube. The elastomeric keeper member has a faceted cylindrical surface with longitudinally extending grooves between cylindrical surface sections to allow passage of liquids and debris from the cleat base to a discharge conduit.

Abstract: Many luggage cases have included mechanisms for helping fold garments for the traveler to help minimize wrinkling and to aid packing. Such mechanisms have included straps, bars and devices for holding hangers on which the garments are to be folded and hung. This invention includes a kit (4) for holding the bar (22) for receiving the hook portions (H) of hangers well above a vertically oriented lid portion (2) of the luggage case (1) and attachment devices (27, 38, 37) that permit the user to remove and replace this support mechanism within the lid shell of the luggage case. Also provided is a hanger bar which is moved into the lid of the case to permit the clothing on hangers to be easily placed in the luggage case, but is easily removed for more conventional packing.