Abstract: A system and method for mounting photovoltaic solar panels onto a roof. The system includes first and second strut rails spaced from the roof employing a series of standoffs, the strut rails having a length, cross section, a base and side walls, side walls terminating with first and second turned in edges. First and second mounting fixtures are attached to the photovoltaic solar panels which are of a type and geometry enabling the solar panels to be removably appended to the strut rails. The first and second mounting fixtures can be applied to the photovoltaic solar panels before being elevated to a roof.

Abstract: A fluid conditioner for a fluid traveling through a conduit, the conduit having a longitudinal axis and substantially circular cross-section. The fluid conditioner includes a static mixing element and a straightener plate. The preferred static mixer is one having a flat generally rectangular central portion having first and second sets of ears affixed on opposite sides of the central portion. The sets of ears include first and second ears bent respectively in upward and downward directions relative to the plane of the central portion wherein each pair of ears located diagonally opposite one another across the central portion are bent in the same direction relative to the plane of the central portion.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for providing GPS positioning determinations from a single set of Doppler measurements from a plurality of satellites in conjunction with satellite ephemeris data and a rough GPS time estimate. Measured Doppler velocities are compared with Doppler velocities calculated from ephemeris data and used to estimate the receiver position.

Abstract: A sound generating instrument having at least three resonant struts, each resonant strut having a length, terminal ends, longitudinal axis along said length and cross section. At least nine tension elements are provided causing the resonant struts to be compressively connected to other resonant struts by attachment of the tension elements at at least two points along the longitudinal axis of each resonant strut. A striker element is provided for selectively contacting the resonant struts for generating sound.

Abstract: Clock compensation for GPS receivers. A receiver in accordance with the present invention comprises a Radio Frequency (RF) portion, and a baseband portion, coupled to the RF portion, wherein the baseband portion comprises a crystal, an oscillator, coupled to the crystal, wherein the oscillator generates a clock signal based on a signal received from the crystal, a counter, coupled to the oscillator via the clock signal, a comparator, coupled to the counter, a controller, at least one logic gate, coupled to the comparator and the controller, and a combiner, coupled to the at least one logic gate, the controller, and the counter and producing an accurate clock signal therefrom.

Abstract: A stiffening spine for use in a selectively inflatable kayak. Inflatable kayaks are characterized as having an elongated pneumatically inflatable peripheral tubes which, when inflated, define a passenger compartment and relatively narrow bow and stem sections. A flexible cover extends between and at least partially encases the elongated pneumatically inflatable peripheral tubes to provide a floor for the kayak. A spine for stiffening the inflatable kayak is provided in the form of a relatively rigid longitudinal member and end caps fitted to both ends thereof. The longitudinal member is sized to be removably inserted within the flexible cover so that when installed, the end caps are positioned proximate the bow and stem sections of the inflatable kayak.

Abstract: A shipping container having side walls, a bottom and a top defining an internal volume. The top is selectively displaceable for gaining access to the internal volume and for sealing the internal volume of the container. A valve drawing a vacuum on the internal volume from outside of the container is provided. The side walls are capable of contracting and expanding as a result of the pressure within the internal volume.

Abstract: A device for locating vertical wall features and for translating those features onto drywall board or sheeting material to be placed onto the vertical wall. The device includes a main body having a top edge and a bottom edge, at least one channel, the at least one channel being substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge. A rail is provided having first and second terminal ends sized to be slidably and selectively retained within the at least one channel and a lock that selectively prevents sliding of the rail within the channel The rail is of a length such that as its first terminal end locates the features, the second terminal end translates the position of those features onto drywall board to be later placed upon the vertical wall proximate the features.

Abstract: Training device to improve tennis skills. The training device includes an umbilical having a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to a wristband for encircling the wrist of a user and the second end is attached to a tennis racquet. The umbilical is under constant tension during use to encourage the movement of a user's hands in unison in carrying out the tennis stroke.