Abstract: Disclosed are one or more proximity sensors. At least one of the proximity sensors includes a first dielectric layer, an electrically conductive layer, and an electrode. The first dielectric layer includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The electrically conductive layer is positioned proximate to one of the inner surface or the outer surface of the first dielectric layer. The electrode includes an outer surface. The outer surface of the electrode is positioned proximate the inner surface of the first dielectric layer. The outer surface of the electrode and the electrically conductive layer define a gap.

Abstract: A multi-walled, tubular baseball bat has a barrel portion with a mid-section wherein the radial stiffness of the overall barrel wall varies along the barrel length to provide an enlarged sweetspot, improved soft feel and performance, plus unique sounds upon impact. The bat has a frame with a barrel portion of consistent diameter. A secondary member, or members, of tubular form extend internally along the barrel. The secondary member provides the required radial stiffness variation by: 1) variations in the thickness of the wall of the secondary member or by, 2) secondary members with unique geometric external surface profiles or by, 3) the presence of functional air cavities, with or without closed ends, between the main bat frame and the secondary member or members or by, 4) the presence of numerous annular secondary members located side by side less than one-half the length of the barrel portion.

Abstract: Tubular baseball bats comprised of an elongated handle portion and a striking or barrel portion wherein the barrel portion has variable stiffness along its length. One such bat has a circumferential low cost, low weight stiffener generally located in the sweetspot area designed to increase radial stiffness in a controlled manner which results in decreasing the bat performance to meet a changed bat performance standard and can be applied at low cost to both used field returned bats and bats being newly manufactured. Further, new tubular polymer composite bats can be designed with increased radial stiffness generally located in the sweetspot area or with radial stiffness graduated from highest, generally in the sweetspot area, to lowest at the barrel ends. All bats of the present invention result in calculated bat performance to meet applicable regulatory standards while also increasing the sweetspot size.

Abstract: This invention relates to nucleic acids encoding chimeric polypeptides comprising vacuole targeting sequences and plant-noxious sequences and especially pest control proteins. The polypeptides are useful in methods for targeting non-vacuolar harmful proteins to plant vacuoles. Chimeric polypeptides of the invention containing pest control proteins are useful for conferring pest resistance on plants and in the production of compositions useful as pesticides.

Abstract: A tubular baseball bat comprising a substantially full length core shaft of preferably constant cross-section, including a handle portion, and a barrel with a gap or separation between the core shaft and barrel, the core shaft and barrel being connected at two or more locations. Embodiments include bats with long barrels without taper sections, bats with taper sections integral with the barrels, bats with separate taper sections which may be of non-circular cross-section, bats with flexible circumferential connecting structures, bats with folded barrel end portions, and bats with resilient means between the core shaft and barrel. Such bats can have larger hitting areas, larger sweetspots, higher performance, and provide minimal sting to a player's hands.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of pre-delivery drug identification. The system and method is implemented where drugs are being administered, such as in a hospital or clinic, and identifies the drug being administered to the patient before the drug reaches the patient. After identification, the system and method is configured to cross-reference the identified drug with the patient's prescription and allergy information, and to prevent delivery to the patient, if necessary.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of pre-delivery drug identification. The system and method is implemented where drugs are being administered, such as in a hospital or clinic, and identifies the drug being administered to the patient before the drug reaches the patient. The system and method may utilize a sensor used for other physiologic monitoring to identify the drug. After identification, the system and method is configured to cross-reference the identified drug with the patient's prescription and allergy information, and to prevent delivery to the patient, if necessary. The system and method also utilizes data collected from the patient with a physiological monitor or a ventilator sensor to further determine whether the drug is appropriate for the patient. The method and system may also include an override system for medical personnel. The method described may be carried out by a software application.

Abstract: A tubular baseball bat comprising a substantially full length core shaft of preferably constant cross-section, including a handle portion, and a barrel with a gap or separation between the core shaft and barrel, the core shaft and barrel being connected at two or more locations. Embodiments include bats with long barrels without taper sections, bats with taper sections integral with the barrels, bats with separate taper sections which may be of non-circular cross-section, bats with flexible circumferential connecting structures, bats with folded barrel end portions, and bats with resilient means between the core shaft and barrel. Such bats can have larger hitting areas, larger sweetspots, higher performance, and provide minimal sting to a player's hands.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a Raman signal of a test sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first optical path, a second optical path, a first station, and a second station. The first optical path is adapted for coupling with a radiation source that produces a test beam at the first optical path. The first station is responsive to the test beam and is adapted to house a test standard. The second station is responsive to the test beam and is adapted to house the test sample. In response to the test beam, Raman radiation from the test standard and the test sample are combined and directed to the second optical path, which is adapted for coupling with a spectrometer and a detector for producing a Raman spectrum of the test sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to nucleic acids encoding chimeric polypeptides comprising vacuole targeting sequences and sequences encoding avidin or streptavidin. The nucleic acids are useful for conferring pest resistance on plants and in the production of compositions useful as pesticides.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved joint assembly comprising a deforming element that is compressed to secure a first member into the recess of a second member. Preferably the deforming element comprises angular projections and is made from a relatively soft material which allows for its deformation. The joint of the invention has the advantage of not requiring any heat or tool and is particularly useful for attaching a hockey stick blade to a hockey stick handle without the need of adhesives or other types of mechanical connectors. The invention also relates to a hockey stick blade and to a hockey stick incorporating the deforming element of the present invention.