Abstract:
A hand held-type apparatus for fracturing a gate or riser from a casting subsequent to a foundry pouring process. The apparatus operates off of a driven piston assembly, which upon a stroke of such causes a hammer end of the piston assembly to extend from the apparatus and contact the casting, thereby causing the fracturing of the gate or riser from the casting. The apparatus also includes an assembly for decelerating the driven piston assembly upon a stroke of such, as well as an apparatus for isolating the linear motion of the apparatus from the operator thereof.
Abstract:
An automated cat toy comprises a belt circulated by a motor between a drive shaft and an idler pully, and an extension that is alternately flung outward from the belt and then withdrawn into the toy. The belt is formed by joining one end of a strap to an intermediate attachment point thereof, with the remainder of the strap becoming the extension. A pet proximity sensor, such as a PIR sensor, enables a controller to monitor proximity and movements of a pet. An operating mode of the toy can be varied according to the sensed pet movements, and/or instructions and/or a designated pet personality type received wirelessly from a user. Usage data, such as calories burned, can be transmitted wirelessly to the user. RFID tags worn by pets can enable the controller to optimize the operating mode and report usage data separately for each of a plurality of pets.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a nanostructured material comprising defective carbon nanotubes chosen from impregnated, functionalized, doped, charged, coated, and irradiated nanotubes, and combinations thereof. The defective carbon nanotubes contain a defect which is a lattice distortion in at least one carbon ring. Also disclosed is a method of purifying fluids, such as liquids, including water, as well as gases, including the air using, this nanostructured material.
Abstract:
Novel compounds are provided which are 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitors. 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitors are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases requiring 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitor therapy. These novel compounds have the structure: or stereoisomers or prodrugs or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein W, L, R3, R3a, R3b and R4 are defined herein.
Abstract:
Novel compounds are provided which are 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitors. 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitors are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases requiring 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitor therapy. These novel compounds have the structure: or stereoisomers or prodrugs or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein G, L, Q, Z, R6, R7, and R8 are defined herein.
Abstract:
The invention provides novel modulatory polypeptides of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. The invention also provides methods for screening modulators of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. The methods comprise first screening test agents for modulators of a novel modulatory polypeptide of TRAIL-induced apoptosis and then further screening the identified modulating agents for modulators of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. The invention further provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modulating apoptosis of cells and for treating diseases and conditions such as cancers.
Abstract:
A molded article comprising (a) a rigid support, e.g., a rigid seat support (10), having a plurality of perforations, and (b) a molded flexible hollow thermoplastic member (20), e.g., a flexible thermoplastic seat cushion, fixedly attached thereto is described. A portion of the flexible hollow member (b) extends through at least some of the perforations of the rigid support (a), embedding the edges of the perforations therein. The flexible material extending through the perforations forms an attachment element, e.g., an attachment head, that serves to fixedly attach the flexible hollow member (b) to the rigid support (a). Also described is a method of preparing the molded article of the present invention, in which the flexible hollow member (b) is fixedly attached to the rigid support (a) during the blow molding formation of hollow member (b).
Abstract:
A real-time snow load measuring system, for determining when an unsafe condition exists upon a roof top surface of a dwelling, having a sensor unit and a control unit. The sensor unit is mounted on the roof top surface, and includes a frame having a base plate and a sensor plate. A fluid substance is located between the base plate and sensor plate, such that the fluid substance is compressed, creating a fluid pressure, upon the presence of a snow load upon the sensor plate. A transducer is in communication with the fluid substance, and is capable of measuring the fluid pressure and producing a transducer output which is proportional to actual snow loading upon the sensor plate. The control unit receives the transducer output, provides a calibrated output on its display unit reflecting average snow loading on the roof top surface, and can also produce a warning when a predetermined maximum permissible roof loading level has been exceeded.
Abstract:
The smart DC outlet and plug system described in this patent aims to revolutionize power distribution by improving efficiency and safety compared to traditional AC outlets. By supporting variable DC voltage, integrating safety features, enabling demand control, and utilizing Power Line Communication for connectivity, the system offers a more advanced solution for powering devices. The smart outlet employs plug identification to determine the priority level and required voltage of the plugged-in device and then sets it to that level. Since DC electricity is produced by solar and used in batteries, by transitioning the in-home power distribution to DC, power is not lost converting from DC to AC and back to DC. Additionally, the outlet includes safety features not found in AC outlets. A power meter box or other central controller can deactivate less critical devices, enabling fine-grain demand control as a better alternative to rolling blackouts.
Abstract:
A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions employing a mouse type control. The remote controller includes an IR LED which is operated as a modulated transmitter to control conventional remote functions and in a substantially continuous mode for tracking operation. The remote control system and method images the controller to detect the LED in tracking mode for control of a cursor or other GUI interface with mouse type functionality.