Abstract:
A flow through pressure regulator apparatus and method for directing a flow of fuel within a fuel system. Present invention includes a lower housing having a fuel inlet where fuel flows through the fuel inlet and communicates with a valve biasing member through a fuel chamber and lower valve element with fuel passages. The valve biasing member permits or inhibits fuel flow through a fuel chamber by opening and closing a ceramic valve element. The valve biasing member comprises a flat disk having at least two reticulated concentric rings coupled by at least one bridge. The fuel flows past an open valve element through the lower valve element fuel passages to the valve biasing member. The valve biasing member then diffuses the flow of fuel. A fuel cover directs the flow of fuel from the valve biasing member to the fuel outlet.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an interactive intelligent toy that provides the appearance and experience of a toy hamster moving in, and interacting with, its environment and habitat. In an exemplary embodiment, the interactive intelligent toy comprises an intelligent motive and control component enclosed by a cover resembling a hamster, with fur coat, eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and whiskers. The motive component includes a drive mechanism and circuitry operable to control the drive mechanism, monitor and detect user and event inputs, and detect and decode embedded codes from a pathway and perform predetermined actions or generate predetermined sounds in response. The motive component moves along and through a pathway component having one or more embedded codes detectable by the motive component, the embedded codes providing information to the motive component to direct desired action of the motive component.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method of sequestering carbon dioxide and water in a desert environment. In a first step heat that would otherwise cause thermal expansion of the ocean and resultant sea level rise is extracted to produce energy. A portion of the energy is used to desalinate seawater. The desalinate water is pumped into a desert environment and vegetation is planted in the irrigated desert portion. The vegetation sequesters carbon dioxide. The seawater extracted for desalination further reduces sea level rise. Irrigation water moderates the day and nighttime temperature fluctuations of hot deserts. Lowering the daytime temperature increases the deserts potential to sequester water. The commercial and arable potential of the desert is augmented by the enrichment of its soil by composted vegetation, its irrigation and the moderation of its diurnal temperature fluctuations.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an isolator particularly adapted for use with a rail anchor utilized in an application where railroad rail is installed on concrete ties. The isolator protects the concrete tie from contact with the rail anchor caused by longitudinal movement of the rail due to train acceleration of deceleration or expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. In one embodiment, the isolator is comprised of a structural plastic material and includes a front face section and a rear face section. The front face section and rear face section each comprise a generally rectangular structure, having a top edge, bottom edge, and side edges. A center section joins the front face section and rear face section and forms part of the top of the isolator. Ribs extending from the front face and the rear face to aid in positioning the isolator. In another embodiment, the front face section and the rear face section each include positioning tabs projecting therefrom to aid in positioning the isolator.
Abstract:
Systems and/or methods are presented that facilitate determining the contextual influence of a user in referrals of products or services, and determining an amount of compensation for successful referrals based on the contextual influence of the user. A central service component can track activity and receive data associated with referrals, including data related to the number and type of referrals, and the number of successful referrals. An evaluation component can analyze referral data associated with the user and can determine a conversion ratio as the number of successful referrals compared to the total number of referrals. The evaluation component can utilize the conversion ratio to facilitate determining an amount of compensation that can be awarded and distributed to the user based on the influence of the user within the context of the product or service referred by the user.
Abstract:
A novel strategy for monitoring the location of a transgene in a mammal is disclosed. A sodium iodide symporter is genetically fused to either the N-terminus or C-terminus of the product of a transgene through a linker peptide which bears the recognition sequence of a host cell protease. Expression of the transgene confers the activity of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS)to a host cell which expresses the transgene. Subsequent administration of labeled iodine results in transport of the labeled iodine into the cell bearing the NIS, which can then be localized and measured using standard imaging techniques. The system is particularly useful for monitoring the location of therapeutic transgenes and tissue-specific distribution of the therapeutic gene product.
Abstract:
A method for defining arrays of specific areas of porous nitrocellulose based pads on a substrate directly without the need for removal of nitrocellulose in unwanted regions; covering said substrate with a removable frame constructed out of 3-4 mm silicone rubber; using a dispensing station, consisting of a XYZ robot, multi-channel syringe pump, and dispensing head comprised of an array of flat hypodermic syringe needles, to spread the nitrocellulose-based solution in a programmed fashion onto said substrate covered by said removable frame.