Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing corrosion in post-tension construction is described. An anchor base having an aperture with at two continuously opening surfaces is used with a post-tension tendon. A sheath surrounds the anchor and includes a cylindrical extension having a contact end distal from the anchor base for contacting the tendon as the tendon is inserted through the cylindrical extension and the anchor base aperture. The method positions an anchor base in a selected location so that a tendon end can be inserted into the anchor base to engaged the contact end distal from the anchor base. The tendon is threaded through the anchor base until a selected length extends through the base. The tendon is tensioned, a segment of the tendon sleeve is removed proximate to the anchor base, and a wedge is anchored between the tendon and the anchor base.

Abstract: An omni-directional, planar folded dipole antenna and related quadrature phase shifter implemented on printed circuit boards (PCBs) having differing properties that are perpendicularly engaged. The planar antenna segment is implemented on a single-sided inexpensive PCB and a quadrature phase shifter and system electronics are implemented on more expensive multi-layer PCBs. The invention reduces cost and improves system reliability because coaxial or like connectors of varying material and installation quality are not required between a planar antenna and a quadrature phase shifter. Planar antenna transmits radio frequency signals in an omni-directional pattern and is capable of receiving signals from remote dipole antennas positioned in arbitrary physical orientations. The quadrature phase shifter provides both phase shifting functions and also converts an unbalanced radio frequency transceiver output signal into a balanced input signal to the planar antenna.

Abstract: An improved game controller. D-pad keys are positioned above a printed circuit board-with plungers guided by housing apertures. The D-pad key is top-loaded into contact with the housing to simplify manufacture and operating reliability. The D-pad key can be depressed downwardly until it contacts a pivot supported by a pivot post. The combination of elements permits significant design flexibility in the orientation and shape and operation of a D-pad key. Front mounted triggers replace front mounted buttons attached to a separate vertical printed circuit board. The triggers function with the main printed circuit board, thereby reducing cost and enhancing product reliability.

Abstract: A portable game controller for operating an electronic game device. The controller communicates between a person and the game device with a radio frequency sender and receiver. Signal transmission is communicated over the same channel with time domain multiplexing, and can be sent over one or more channels to expand the number of controllers operable in a system. Signal transmission can be delivered in short intervals to conserve battery power. Multiple persons can deliver signals through multiple senders or through a common radio frequency sender, and signals can be transmitted from the radio frequency receiver to the radio frequency sender.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating an electronic display such as an LCD. A single hot wire is connected to multiple capacitors each dedicated to a cold cathode fluorescent tube, and multiple tubes are incorporated to illuminate the electronic display. Multiple hot wires are eliminated to eliminate excessive electrical losses and to reduce manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A portable, battery operated electronic device for facilitating battery exchange. The electronic device housing has an opening for containing the battery. The opening has first and second apertures for permitting the battery to be pushed directly into contact with a retainer. Access to the battery is unobstructed to expedite battery exchange and to permit movement of the battery in different directions through the housing opening. The method of the invention permits quick exchange of batteries so that continuous operation of the electronic device is not encumbered. By sliding the battery against electrical contacts within the opening, the contacts are automatically cleaned during battery replacement. Visual contact with the battery permits continuous display of battery charge strips attached to the battery exterior case.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus comprises a housing for facilitating battery exchange therein. The housing has an opening for containing the battery. The opening has first and second apertures for permitting the battery to be pushed directly into contact with a retainer. Access to the battery is unobstructed to expedite battery exchange and to permit movement of the battery in different directions through the housing opening. Multiple retaining arms can have arcuate surfaces for holding the battery. The housing can have multiple retaining arms having complementary battery holding surfaces and can have two housing sections attached to the multiple retaining arms. Each of the two housing sections can be attached to retaining arms each having an arcuate surface for contacting the battery, and the retaining arms can be oriented in an interleaved configuration.

Abstract: A cable termination for connecting cable armor strands to a cable housing end. Individual wire strands are inserted through apertures in an inner hub and are engaged with the inner hub. An outer hub is connected to the inner hub and the housing for selectively tensioning the wire strands. The outer hub can have apertures for engagement with a second set of wire strands, and can be moved relative to the inner hub to selectively balance the tension in the first and second sets of wire strands. The wire strand ends are connected to the hubs at a selected radial distance from the cable center to strengthen the connection, and different structural combinations between the wire strands and the inner and outer hubs can be constructed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for anchoring a seismic geophone to soil. The apparatus comprises a base having a base section for engagement with the geophone. The base also has an anchor end attachable to the soil to restrict movement of the geophone after said base section is engaged with the geophone and after said anchor end is attached to the soil. A latch can detachably secure the base section to the geophone or to a seismic cable attached to the geophone, and the base can comprise a biodegradable material. The method of the invention attaches the base anchor end to the soil so that the base section engages the geophone to restrict movement of the geophone from the desired location relative to the soil.

Abstract: A marine seismic housing having cleats for anchoring geophone sensors to the seafloor, and a method for placing the geophone sensor on the seafloor. The housing is attached to the bottom cable and is lowered into contact with the seafloor. The cleats puncture the seafloor upper surface to improve the coupling between the sensor and the seafloor. The cleats can have different shapes and lengths, and can be integrated within the housing or can be detachable. The housing exterior surface can comprise multiple flat surfaces for enhancing the housing coupling to the seafloor and for increasing the housing stability relative to the seafloor.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying electrical current to biological tissue such as skin, bone or muscle. A portable housing can be powered with a battery or attached cord leading to an alternating current or direct current power supply. An extendible arm permits a person to apply the treatment without assistance, and the housing can be operated with a single hand. An amplifier generates a high voltage direct current, and a controller generates a high quality square waveform output. Such waveform comprises an output to an electrode assembly in electrical contact with the biological tissue. The electrode assembly comprises at least one negative electrode and at least one positive electrode which generate an electric current through the biological tissue between the positive and negative electrodes. The electrode assembly is movable relative to the biological tissue so that the current path is continually changing.

Abstract: A game controller for communication between a user and an electronic game device transmitting signals to a receiver. The game controller identifies weakness in signal strength or operation and permits adjustment to a more effective operating frequency. The game controller comprises a portable housing, game controller keys attached to the housing for permitting the user to generate signals, a radio frequency sender engaged with the game controller keys for transmitting the signals to the receiver; and a controller attached to sender for determining a selected parameter regarding the signals and for communicating the parameter to the user. The radio frequency sender is capable of transmitting signals over multiple frequencies and preferable operates with the Remote Band frequency range. At least one of the keys can be operable by the user to change the signal frequency or the controller can automatically change the signal frequency to a more effective frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for integrating acoustic pods within marine seismic streamers. The integrated acoustic pod eliminates the attachment and detachment of acoustic pods from the streamer exterior surface when the seismic streamers are deployed into and retrieved from the water. Control electronics are integrated within the streamer interior and receive electric power from a streamer electrical conductors and receive control signals from a streamer control wire. The control electronic components can be integrated within the streamer interior or within modules connecting each streamer section. Acoustic transducer elements can extend through the connector module or can be attached to the connector module exterior. The acoustic transducer elements can be oriented to steer transmission of acoustic energy into the water, such as in a horizontal azimuth, and to permit correction of the steering direction.

Abstract: An expandible diverter for use in marine seismic operations. The diverter is stored in a retracted position for transport and handling, and is expandible to increase the amount of surface area in contact with the water. The diverter can be formed with two or more moving components, and can comprise an expandible body. A controller can increase or decrease the amount of surface area in contact with the water to meet different conditions, and can control movement of the diverter as seismic vessel tows the diverter through the water.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting vertical blinds used in covering window and door openings. The carrier has a clip with an inner space for permitting a vane to translate relative to the clip as the vane rotates to close the opening. The clip inner space can be U-shaped to provide a self-centering function for the vane. A horizontal wing is attached to the clip to provide a rotating force against the end vane. By providing this force, gaps between the vertical vanes are eliminated so that the opening is completely sealed. The end vane can overlap the blind control wand to eliminate gaps between the wand and end vane. A cord lock can automatically prevent loosening of the end vane relative to the adjacent vane.

Abstract: An improved controller for opening and closing a vertical blind over a door or window opening. A rotatable mechanism pivots individual louvers or vanes in the window blind. A cord has first and second lengths ending in a looped end retained by a bar. A handle is engaged with a cord lock for selectively grasping the cord for moving the vanes horizontally across the opening. The rotatable mechanism can comprise a hollow cylinder to permit reciprocation of the rotatable mechanism relative to the handle. The cord is substantially enclosed within the handle and the rotatable mechanism so that the looped end of the cord is not accessible to persons adjacent the window blind.

Abstract: A cord lock engaged with a vertically moveable handle for selectively engaging and disengaging a cord for transporting vanes in a blind. A rotatable mechanism is proximate with a vertically moveable handle. An extension is attached to the rotatable mechanism, and a cord lock is engaged with the upper end of the extension so that rotation of the rotatable mechanism and extension operates the cord lock to selectively engage the cord. Following such engagement, the handle can be pulled to move the cord and to transport the vanes. The rotatable mechanism can be rotated in the opposite direction to disengage the cord lock from the cord.

Abstract: A marine vessel having backup power storage in the event of primary power source failure. The invention applies to different marine vessels and is particularly suited to vessels used in marine seismic operations. A rotating mass energy storage provides stored energy which can be distributed to the vessel following primary power source failure. A pulsed generator charges the energy storage means, and the pulsed generator can comprise a homopolar generator or a compensated pulsed alternator.

Abstract: A system for selectively tuning the buoyancy of a marine seismic streamer or underwater cable. Trimming weights are positioned along the streamer cable and can be integrated within a solid buoyancy member or can be located within an outer streamer sheath. The weights overcome the flotation forces provided by an internal buoyancy section to control the elevation of the streamer section. The outer streamer sheath can be opened to permit the removal or addition of trimming weights to the streamer section, and can be resealed to prevent water from intruding into the streamer interior. A single trimming weight can be positioned along the buoyancy member, or a plurality of trimming weights can be used. The trimming weights permit a tight buoyancy range to be accomplished without increasing water drag forces or noise as the streamer is towed.

Abstract: A video monitor attached to a refrigerator for combining visual graphic display with the functional capability to store and access refrigerated products. Near continuous workstation operation can be conducted while permitting access to refrigerated food and beverage products. Access to the refrigerator interior can be made through a moveable video screen or through a side door. A controller can be engaged with the video monitor for transmitting graphic data, and a keyboard can provide interactive control over the displayed information. The video monitor and refrigerator can be portable to extend the flexibility of workstation operation.