Abstract: A method of forming a film of carbon nanotubes on a substrate includes deposition a solution of electrically charged carbon nanotubes on the surface of a substrate, adsorption of the electrically charged carbon nanotubes onto a surface the substrate of opposite electrical charge through dip coating, using a material with a surface electrical charge opposite to that of the electrically charged carbon nanotubes, and formation of a film of carbon nanotubes on the substrate, wherein the film comprises a plurality of electrically charged nanotubes extending in varying orientations but parallel to a facing surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polymeric material for absorption of organic liquids which includes at least one cross-linked branched amide polymer for absorbing and retaining quantities of organic liquids equivalent to several times its dry weight.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of apple tree is described and which is somewhat similar in its overall characteristics to that of the ‘Honeycrisp’ apple tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,197) but which is distinguishable therefrom by producing fruit which are ripe for harvesting and shipment about 10 days later then the ‘Honeycrisp’ apple tree when grown under the prevailing ecological conditions which occur near Ephrata, Wash.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lantana plant named ‘Sunny Side Up’, characterized by its low growing, spreading growth habit; leathery, scabrous dark green foliage; continuous flowering; and yellow flower buds that open to yellow with a darker golden-yellow center and age to white with a yellow center.

Abstract: ‘NCORNSP-014BWPI’ is new and distinct variety of ornamental sweetpotato. ‘NCORNSP-014BWPI’ is an erect to semi-erect, bunch-type cultivar producing many short shoots. This ornamental sweetpotato variety is distinguishable from other cultivars by its toothed to slightly-lobed dark purple leaves, a compact habit and semi-erect mounding plant architecture. ‘NCORNSP-014BWPI’ has a very good vigor, is very well branched and is well suited for production as a landscape or containerized plant. The production of flowers by ‘NCORNSP-014BWPI’ is absent, even under short day conditions.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lily plant named ‘Sunny Cypres’, characterized by its upright and compact plant habit; vigorous growth habit; densely-foliated habit; freely flowering habit; upright flower buds; white and light red purple-colored flowers; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: Visor assembly (1, 21) consisting of an inner shield (6, 26) and an outer shield (2, 22). In the use position these shields are some distance apart. With this arrangement the inner shield (6, 26) is located within the peripheral confines of the outer shield (2, 22). The inner shield (6, 26) is provided with an elevation (7, 27) which extends close to the periphery thereof and which acts as a spacer with respect to the outer shield. This elevation (7, 27) is preferably made of silicone material which is snack to the inner shield (6, 26) but is not stuck to the outer shield (2, 22). Fixing to the outer shield (2, 22) takes place by means (10, 12) of mechanical fixing means.

Abstract: A board for mounting electronic circuit parts includes a first connection terminal group including a plurality of connection terminals densely formed on the top surface of a substrate having through holes formed therein, and a second connection terminal group including a plurality of connection terminals formed at at least the peripheral portion of a back surface of the substrate. The first connection terminal group is connected to the second connection terminal group by way of the through holes. A build-up multilayer interconnection layer having via holes is formed on the top surface of the substrate, so that the first connection terminal group is connected to the second connection terminal group through the build-up multilayer interconnection layer and the through holes.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a coin redemption system, in which a user deposits a batch of mixed coins of a plurality of denominations, comprises a coin input area for receiving a batch of mixed coins from a user of the coin redemption system, a coin processing unit coupled to the coin input area for determining the aggregate value of the coins received from the user, a controller for assigning a transaction number corresponding to the batch of received coins, a first printer for printing a receipt indicative of the determined value and the assigned transaction number, an output device disposed in a redemption area for displaying the assigned transaction number and the determined value.

Abstract: A self scanning photodiode array allows low signal pixels to accumulate charge for multiples of predetermined exposure time t0 before being read. The pattern of exposures, the integers Mi where I runs from 1 to N the number of pixels in the array, is chosen such that the pixels of interest accumulate as much charge as possible without exceeding saturation.

Abstract: Methods of identification or detection utilizing photoluminescent compositions containing photoluminescent phosphorescent materials and photoluminescent fluorescent materials whose emission signature lies partly or fully in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum onto or into objects for the purpose of identifying or detecting the objects. Methods of identification or detection utilizing photoluminescent compositions which are high in intensity and high in persistence. Methods wherein the identifying markings can be clandestine or otherwise, and methods wherein activation and detection can be decoupled spatially and temporally. Objects containing these photoluminescent compositions.

Abstract: The specification teaches a device for use in the manufacturing of microelectronic, microoptoelectronic or micromechanical devices (microdevices) in which a contaminant absorption layer improves the life and operation of the microdevice. In a preferred embodiment the invention includes a mechanical supporting base, and discrete deposits of gas absorbing or contaminant removing material on the base by a variety of techniques and a layer for temporary protection of the contaminant removing material on top of the contaminant removing material. Passages are created in the layer which expose the contaminant removing material to atmosphere. The device may be used as a covering for the microdevice as well.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and measuring the electrical, thermal and mechanical operating parameters of high voltage power conductors. A toroidal shaped housing, which can be mounted onto an energized conductor, contains all of the necessary electrical instruments to monitor the parameters associated with the conductor. Moreover, the housing includes the processing capability to analyze disturbance and fault events based on these parameters.

Abstract: The present invention enables to easily perform a graphic processing even when a touch panel is used. When a resistance film unit is pressed with a pen or a finger, output voltages associated with the X coordinate and the Y coordinate position are changed and these output voltages are transmitted as the X coordinate data and the Y coordinate data to a touch panel driver. According to the output from the resistance film unit, the touch panel driver generates an event for supply to a GUI handler. The touch panel driver includes a two-point specification detector which detects two point specifications and causes to calculate coordinates of the two points. The GUI handler generates a message corresponding to the GUI according to the event and supplies the message to an application. The GUI handler includes a processing mode modification block which differently interprets the event when a single point is specified and when two points are specified, thereby modifying the graphic processing mode.

Abstract: This invention relates to a karaoke CD format and a device for controlling audio signals utilizing the karaoke CD format which provides a user with selective reproduction of the voice of a player. The karaoke CD format includes a CD format divided into video sectors and audio sectors. The audio sectors are further divided into a part for recording accompaniment sound and playing sound at the same time and a part for recording accompaniment sound only. There is provided record coding information for distinguishing the parts.

Abstract: A telephone comprises a first body part with a first keypad and a second keypad located on opposite sides of the first body part, and a second body part having a display. As the first body part is swiveled to bring the second keypad to the front of the phone the processing circuitry may switch over to only accept input from the keypad that has been brought up. This input is used to control the applications currently running.

Abstract: A motion picture soundtrack reproduction system has a center front soundtrack channel and a plurality of other soundtrack channels. A volume control adjusts the gain of all the channels. The volume control has a range of settings from a minimum to a maximum, the gain of the center front channel having substantially a first relationship to the volume control settings and the gain of the other channels having substantially a second relationship to the volume control settings, the relationships being such that for a range of volume control settings less than a first setting the gain of the center front channel remains substantially constant while the gain of the other channels decreases as the setting decreases or decreases more gradually than the gain of the other channels as the setting decreases.

Abstract: An optical coupler is provided. It has a bundle of multimode fibers with a few-mode fiber in its centre. Such bundle is fused at one end which is the output end for the signal that is transmitted by the few-mode fiber. To make the coupler, this output end of the bundle is aligned and spliced with a large area core double clad fiber while preserving the modal content of the feed-through. A method for making such optical coupler is also provided. It includes the steps of bundling a central few-mode fiber with a plurality of multimode fibers and then fusing one end of such bundle and aligning it and splicing with a large core double clad fiber, while preserving fundamental mode transmission from one to the other.

Abstract: A barrier including a number of coils, and an inter-coil connector connecting two of the coils. Each of the coils is axially extensible, the coils are in substantially mutually parallel alignment, and each of the coils is in substantial direct contact with another one of the coils.

Abstract: Provided are a composite polymer electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery in which a composite polymer matrix multi-layer structure composed of a plurality of polymer matrices with different pore sizes is impregnated with an electrolyte solution, and a method of manufacturing the same. Among the polymer matrices, a microporous polymer matrix with a smaller pore size contains a lithium cationic single-ion conducting inorganic filler, thereby enhancing ionic conductivity, the distribution uniformity of the impregnated electrolyte solution, and maintenance characteristics. The microporous polymer matrix containing the lithium cationic single-ion conducting inorganic filler is coated on a surface of a porous polymer matrix to form the composite polymer matrix multi-layer structure, which is then impregnated with the electrolyte solution, to manufacture the composite polymer electrolyte. The composite polymer electrolyte is used in a unit battery.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplification method, and probes for use within the method are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene expression system in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, preferably plant cells and intact plants. In particular, the invention relates to an expression system having a RB47 binding site upstream of a translation initiation site for regulation of translation mediated by binding of RB47 protein, a member of the poly(A) binding protein family. Regulation is further effected by RB60, a protein disulfide isomerase. The expression system is capable of functioning in the nuclear/cytoplasm of cells and in the chloroplast of plants. Translation regulation of a desired molecule is enhanced approximately 100 fold over that obtained without RB47 binding site activation.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device which utilizes an active matrix substrate and its substrate, and which is provided with a novel method of manufacture which can reduce the manufacturing process of amorphous silicon thin film transistors of reverse stagger construction, and an electrostatic protection means which is created using this method of manufacture. In a thin film transistor manufacturing process, along with forming an aperture for connecting the contact hole and the external terminal in a manufacturing process for a thin film transistor, utilization is made of ITO film as the wiring. The electrostatic protection means is formed from a bi-directional diode (electrostatic protection element) which is composed utilizing an MOS transistor connected between the electrode (PAD) for connecting the external terminal, and the joint electric potential line.

Abstract: The insertion points for guide pins used in percutaneous vertebral fixation by pedicle screw are determined by establishing an approach path on a CT image, measuring on the CT image the distance from the intersection of the approach path and the skin of the patient's back to the patient's midline, and marking off the corresponding distance while visualizing the patient by anteroposterior fluoroscopy. An longitudinally expansible pedicle screw comprises a shaft with bone-engaging threads on a distal portion, machine screw threads on a proximal portion, and a tubular extension having wrench-engageable holes on a proximal face, and internal threads engaging the machine screw threads on the proximal portion of the shaft. An oval cannula accommodates an arthroscope and forceps simultaneously for intervertebral disc surgery.

Abstract: A linear detection method for determining correlation values associated with an estimated Pulse Repetition Interval (PRI) executed by a linear detection module of a correlation mask disposed on a digital signal processor is provided comprising: determining a correlation spread associated with a vector of Times-of-Arrival (TOA) data; determining a delta spread associated with the correlation spread; determining a first/next estimated PRI associated with the vector of TOA data; determining a first/next estimated PRI vector based on the first/next estimated PRI; determining a delta vector based on the first/next estimated PRI vector; determining a correlation weights vector based on the delta vector; determining a first/next correlation value based on the correlation weights vector; and in response to there being no additional PRIs to estimate, searching the correlation values for a highest correlation.

Abstract: An area efficient system that includes a first circuit to synchronize a clock signal and a data signal and a data retaining and processing device to receive data from said data bus to thereby generate a status signal indicating the receipt of data by said area efficient system; a reference bus address and said data bus. The system also includes a device to compare the reference bus address with the content of memory for generating an address matching signal and a control signal generator to govern the data write signal generation for said shifting means. The system further includes a sequencer to read and write data from/to said data retaining and processing device in a plurality of subcycles for efficiently accessing storage buffers and a direct storage access controlling means for generating interrupt signals and access request signals.

Abstract: A respirator apparatus including an improved helmet or headgear construction with a unique shield including a protective lens and cuff attachment therefor. The protective lens is a thin clear plastic sheet designed to be used as a lens with a (PAPR) respirator and the cuff is an attached fabric or similar material designed to form a facial seal around the wearer.

Abstract: A shirt for improving a swinging motion of a user wearing the shirt includes front and rear panels each having corresponding top, bottom and generally opposing side edges, wherein the front and rear panels are adjoined to each other by the top and side edges, defining an interior space of the shirt. The front and rear panels include sleeve cutouts formed on each side edge adjacent the top edge, and a neck cutout formed on the top edges of the front and rear panels. At least one tubular sleeve is permanently joined to the front and rear panels of at least one of the sleeve cutouts, the tubular sleeve defining an inside area, the inside area being fluidly connected to the interior space of the shirt. A member is substantially adjacent to the sleeve cutout and the side edges of both the front and rear panels.

Abstract: A garment comprises a body fabric having a durable water-repellent finish that substantially resists water entry pressure. At least one vent is provided in an opening in the body fabric. The vent comprises an exterior layer, an interior layer, and a spacer layer positioned between the interior layer and the exterior layer. The exterior layer and the interior layer include a durable water repellent finish that does not substantially resist water entry pressure. The spacer includes a plurality of air passages and separates the interior layer and the exterior layer such that the interior layer does not contact the exterior layer within the vent.

Abstract: A garment display frame that provides apparel with at least one display frame releasably incorporated into said apparel where the apparel has a part of a mating pair of fasteners and the display frame has the other part. The display frame has a border mounted to the edge of the display frame with a plastic transparent or translucent receptacle bound thereby having a pocket so that the user can insert a visual display of their choosing therein. Also, the apparel display frame has a receptacle that can be incorporated into any garment so that a user can selectively insert any picture, image, message, graphic or artwork as desired.

Abstract: An ergonomic curved athletic glove is provided. The glove comprises palm and back portions as well as four finger sheaths and a thumb sheath, each sheath having a front and back finger portion and one or more gussets. The thumb, pinky, and index finger sheaths may incorporate a “seamless” design that avoids seams where the glove comes in contact with a sporting implement and reduces potential gripping interference. The palm portion of the glove may comprise multiple sections connected with a stretchable palm gusset to minimize bunching when a sporting implement is gripped. The length of each front finger portion is shorter than the length of the corresponding back finger portion to provide the glove with a gripping curve. Providing the glove with a gripping curve minimizes bunching of the front finger portions, front thumb portion, and palm portion while a received hand grips the sporting implement.

Abstract: A nether garment has upper and lower sections and seams. Primary fasteners are attached to the lower section forwardly between the seams. Removable patches have inner and outer surfaces. Complementary fasteners attached to the inner surface of each removable patch are adjacent to and coupleable with the primary fasteners.

Abstract: A head suspension headband includes an elongated headband having a band length and configured to be disposed across a forehead of a user, and a plurality of suspension elements disposed along the band length and configured to contact the forehead of a user.

Abstract: A strap attachment for a helmet with a chin strap, a male quarter turn fastening member, a female quarter turn fastening member, a female fastening member cover plate and a polyfoam padding block. The chin strap has a plurality of apertures. The male fastening member has a dome shaped top portion and a centrally located post attached to its underside. The dome shape is trimmed inwardly creating a secure finger gripping location. The post terminates in an arrow shape. The female fastening member is attached to the inside wall of the sports helmet. The helmet wall has an aperture aligning with the male and female fastening member location. The cover plate placed over the female fastening member. The padding block covers the female fastening member cover. The male fastening member inserted into the female member and turned ninety degrees to lock the two fasteners together.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing material elements include heat management elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and may be directed towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user.

Abstract: An impact transfer device comprising a device body, an impact zone associated with a first body region, and at least one body contact associated with a second body region, each body contact comprising at least one contact surface, and at least one attaching means for attaching the impact transfer device to a person. At least a portion of a force applied to the impact surface is transferred to the second body region of said person through said contact surfaces.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning assembly having an outer body and an inner lid which, when attached to each other, may define an inner chamber and an outer chamber. Refill water may enter the inner chamber through a fluid flow path of an inlet. A cleaning agent disposed within the inner chamber may be partially dissolved upon contact with the water. The water with the dissolved cleaning agent begins to fill the outer chamber and exit out of the outlet of the automatic cleaning assembly. The outlet of the automatic cleaning assembly is positioned above the inlet of the automatic cleaning assembly such that water is retained within the outer chamber to prevent gas caused by the cleaning agent from escaping into the environment. Moreover, the automatic cleaning assembly may have a check valve to prevent water from back flowing into a ball cock of the toilet.

Abstract: A molded object made out of resin, plastic or other suitable scent absorbing material which is impregnated with an odor absorbing scent. The scent impregnated object which be in any shape such as the shape of an animal, a celestial body (star, moon, etc) or any other shape is retained onto the flexible retaining belt by which a rimmed cage retaining a deodorant block is retained onto the upper exterior rim of a toilet bowl. The rimmed cage retaining the deodorant block extends into the toilet bowl and the present invention odor absorbing object rests just above the rimed cage and provides a continuous source of scent to absorb fowl odors and mask fowl odors from the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A polymer gel enclosure that encompasses a bedpan to increase the comfort of the user and decrease the risk of irritation and injury thereto.

Abstract: A combination bathtub and spa includes a tub enclosure that is adapted to contain a quantity of water, a drain having a drain valve that may be opened to drain water from the tub enclosure or closed to retain water therein, a supply system for supplying water to the tub enclosure, and a lid that is adapted to removably cover the tub enclosure. The combination bathtub and spa also includes a pump having an inlet and an outlet, a suction line that provides a path for water from the tub enclosure to the inlet of the pump, a jet nozzle that is located in the sidewall of the tub enclosure, and a jet nozzle supply line that provides a path for water from the outlet of the pump to the jet nozzle. A filter is provided to filter the water that flows into the tub enclosure, as well as a heater for heating the water that flows into the tub enclosure. A control valve is adapted to open to allow water to flow through the filter or to close to stop the flow of water through the filter.