Abstract: An automation tool for resource managers to effectively schedule on-site visits and manage information obtained thereby. An embodiment of the present invention, the Automated Tool for Monitoring Archaeological Sites (ATMAS™), automates the process by which cultural resource (CR) managers on various installations prioritize and schedule CR sites for monitoring. Other applications for use by resource management include: environmental, safety, security, military, educational, emergency management, land use, fish and wildlife management, construction and maintenance of highways and waterways, mining, exploration, manufacturing, recreational management, urban restoration and the like. Embodiments of the present invention increase efficiency and reduce cost, while accurately and timely preserving and integrating information. Embodiments of the present invention are useful for post-processing as well as scheduling, analysis, and pro-active direction of ongoing monitoring.

Abstract: A seat assembly for an occupant of a vehicle possibly subjected to upsetting forces generally consisting of a base member mountable on a body portion of the vehicle, an occupant seat means for restraining an occupant positioned on the seat, means operatively interconnecting the base member and the seat for guiding the seat along a line of travel when the seat is displaced relative to the base member, means operatively interconnecting the base member and the seat for dampening a force imposed on the seat in first direction along the line of travel and means operatively interconnecting the base member and the seat for dampening a force imposed on the seat in a second direction along the line of travel.

Abstract: A laminated contact lens according to the present invention includes at least a first contact lens and a second contact lens coupled to each other via the peripheral edge of each respective contact lens. The two contact lenses include a proximity zone depth and/or proximity zone width different from one another such that one or more chambers are formed between the two contact lenses. Various materials and/or components may be housed within the chamber to provide, among other things, vision correction tools, medicament administration, and/or cosmetic improvements to the user.

Abstract: A floor sanding vacuum is designed to be used in conjunction with floor sanding machines to provide a near dust free process for sanding floors. A displacement blower is driven by a gasoline or electric motor which creates a high vacuum that draws air through the sanding machine via a flexible hose connected to a cyclone separator where the sanding debris drops into an integral hopper. After the cyclone, the air is drawn through an air filter to the blower where the cleaned air is discharged through either an optional integral silencer built into the base of the vacuum or a commercially available silencer for noise reduction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contact lens design and methods of manufacturing, fitting and using such lenses. As an example, the contact lens may be designed to be used in an orthokeratology treatment program. The contact lens according to the invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art, and provides a design which allows proper fitting of a patient, whether for corrective contact lenses or for use in an orthokeratology treatment program. The ability to properly fit a patient will alleviate, at least to a great degree, corneal abrasions from poorly distributed bearing, corneal warpage from decentered lenses, edema from tight fitting lenses and discomfort. The design allows a great deal of flexibility to the fitter to enhance the functionality of the lens. The lens of the present invention includes a central zone and first annular zone located adjacent to and concentrically around the central zone.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a contact lens design and methods of manufacturing, fitting and using such lenses. The contact lens may be designed for use in a corneal refractive therapy (CRT) program. The lens provides a design which allows proper fitting of a patient, whether for corrective contact lenses or for a CRT program. Due to the rational design of the lenses according to the present invention, a minimal number of lens parameter increments can be identified to cover the range of common corneas. It is therefore possible to provide pre-formed lens buttons or blanks which are easily formed into a final design, thereby simplifying and speeding up the treatment process. Further, any adjustment of the lens design which may be required based upon trial fitting or the like, is easily envisioned and implemented by the fitter.

Abstract: A container having a port for holding a liquid medium and a reactant that interact to produce a change in gas levels within the container. A removable stopper for insertion into the port creating an airtight seal. A tube extending through the stopper into the container having a distal end for being submerged in the liquid medium for receiving the liquid medium and monitoring a change in the level of the liquid medium within the container. A controller is provided extending through the stopper into the container for setting the liquid medium at a level within the tube, wherein the controller is operable to direct the liquid medium into the tube to a desired level so that a change in gas levels caused by the interaction of the reactant with the liquid medium can be monitored through a change in the level of the liquid medium within the tube.

Abstract: The present invention includes a radiation collector configured to collect incident radiation. The radiation collector includes a radiation directing component configured to redirect the incident radiation, a buffer component configured to receive the radiation redirected by the radiation directing component, and a propagation component configured to receive the radiation from the buffer component and to propagate the radiation towards a first end of the propagation component.

Abstract: A print medium is encoded with information bearing indicia. A transparent layer or substrate which receives the printed information during printing has a first surface, a second surface and a leading edge. A strip of tape is applied to the first surface. A machine readable information bearing indicia is applied to at least one surface of the tape strip. The indicia is formed by a pattern of fluorescent material which upon excitation by radiation of a given spectral excitation range emits radiation in a fluorescent spectral range. The tape reflects radiation in the given excitation spectral range and in the fluorescent spectral range. In another embodiment, the strip of tape is applied to the first surface of the layer of the print medium, and has a top surface which is exposed when the tape strip is applied to the print medium and a bottom surface adjacent the first surface of the print medium. A first machine readable information bearing indicia is applied to the top surface of the tape strip.

Abstract: A floor sanding vacuum is designed to be used in conjunction with floor sanding machines to provide a near dust free process for sanding floors. A displacement blower is driven by a gasoline or electric motor which creates a high vacuum that draws air through the sanding machine via a flexible hose connected to a cyclone separator where the sanding debris drops into an integral hopper. After the cyclone, the air is drawn through an air filter to the blower where the cleaned air is discharged through either an optional integral silencer built into the base of the vacuum or a commercially available silencer for noise reduction.

Abstract: A piezoelectric fuel injection system and a method of controlling same are provided which include a piezoelectric fuel injector having a piezoelectric element, a power source adapted to provide power to the piezoelectric element to actuate the piezoelectric fuel injector, and a controller adapted to charge the piezoelectric element to an initial voltage to begin said injection event, to decrease the voltage from the initial voltage to an intermediate voltage, and to increase the voltage from the intermediate voltage to a primary voltage to thereby control the injection rate shape. The initial voltage level is at least approximately equal to said primary voltage level and preferably approximately equal to a maximum voltage rating. The initial voltage duration, the intermediate voltage duration and the magnitude of the intermediate voltage can be changed or varied to modify the injection or rate shape.

Abstract: A manhole system including a cover, a frame receiving the cover and at least one security device securing the cover to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for measuring corneal characteristics and distortions to determine one or more appropriate designs for one or more corrective lenses used to reshape the cornea of an eye. The method includes measuring and/or mapping the topology of the cornea, identifying a desired new shape for the cornea, comparing the current shape of the cornea to the desired shape, and configuring one or more corrective lenses to apply force to the cornea to change its shape. The process of measuring and/or mapping, comparing, and configuring may be repeated until the cornea takes on the desired shape.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for improving vision by reshaping the cornea of an eye. The systems and methods include two or more contact lenses configured to be at least temporarily worn on the cornea at the same time, and to exert force on the cornea to change its shape. After the shape of the cornea has been appropriately changed, a contact lens with the appropriate configuration may be worn as needed to maintain the new shape of the cornea.

Abstract: The present invention includes corrective lenses for reshaping the cornea of an eye to improve vision, and methods of designing such corrective lenses. In accordance with various embodiments, the corrective lenses include a central portion, a periphery portion, and a junction region joining the central portion and the periphery portion comprised of a semi-rigid and/or flexible material. The corrective lenses are designed such that localized forces (e.g., lid forces and/or fluid forces in the eye) act on the corrective lenses to draw the periphery portion of a corrective lens to the corneal surface, which causes the junction region and/or central portion to apply pressure on the cornea to change the shape of the cornea. Because different individuals may require a different adjustment to their corneas to correct their particular problem, a corrective lens in accordance with the present invention may be specially designed to reshape the cornea of each user according to his/her particular needs.

Abstract: Provided are methods for reducing transfer of fluid between liquid samples subject to consecutive instrument controlled filter sampling. Transfer of fluid between subsequent samples is reduced by decontaminating surfaces of the instrument. The methods reduce sample contamination so that any remaining unused sample may be subject to diagnostic analysis without less concern that the outcome will be the result of sample cross-contamination.

Abstract: A circuit and system is disclosed for driving one or more inductive loads, or one or more electrical loads including one or more inductive components. A control computer is configured to selectively supply a boost voltage to the one or more inductive loads, and to controllably commutate energy stored in one or more of the inductive loads back to a rechargeable source of the boost voltage.

Abstract: A directional coupler sensor is provided for measuring the moisture content of a substrate, such as hair. The sensor incorporates a high frequency directional coupler having a pair of generally parallel plates defining a coupling gap therebetween. A high frequency signal generator generates an electromagnetic field across the gap with the substrate placed across the coupling gap. The coupled power relates to the moisture content of the substrate. A pressure sensor is provided to ensure that the desired compactness of the substrate across the coupling gap is achieved to obtain accurate, reliable and consistent results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for operating a self-cleaning oven in which a gas sensor, such as for measuring concentrations of CO gas, is located remote from, yet in gas communication with, an exhaust flue of the oven. The gas sensor is located at the end of an outlet tube which extends from the exhaust flue. A sample gas flow is provided to the gas sensor through the outlet tube to isolate the sensor from the heat of the oven and a filter device is located in the outlet tube for filtering the sample gas flow. A valve may be provided at the inlet to the outlet tube. The rate of change (slope) of successive readings of gas concentrations may be used to determine when the combustion of food material is complete, in order to terminate a self-cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A directional coupler sensor is provided for measuring the moisture content of a substrate, such as hair. The sensor incorporates a high frequency directional coupler having a pair of generally parallel plates defining a coupling gap therebetween. A high frequency signal generator generates an electromagnetic field across the gap with the substrate placed across the coupling gap. The coupled power relates to the moisture content of the substrate. A pressure sensor is provided to ensure that the desired compactness of the substrate across the coupling gap is achieved to obtain accurate, reliable and consistent results.