Abstract: A modular binocular-like vision assembly (300) has individual interconnecting inner (320, 330) and outer (310, 340) optical modules. Each module is separately sealed and self-contained and includes image intensifier means for converting incoming light to an intensified visible image for presentation to the eyes of the observer in low light conditions. Electrical connectors are provided between the modules for permitting free flow of electrical power and information between the modules. Attaching system is provided for removably attaching the outer modules to the inner modules to deliver a panoramic field of vision and removal of any single module from the assembly will not break any pressure seals or degrade the optical performance of the removed module or the remaining modules.

Abstract: A method for increasing the strength of concrete, including applying a coating of high- silica glaze to porcelain aggregate pieces, dispersing the glaze-coated porcelain aggregate pieces in a Portland cement matrix, bonding the high-silica glaze to the porcelain aggregate pieces, bonding the high-silica glaze to the Portland cement matrix, and curing the Portland cement matrix to yield high-strength concrete. The high-silica glaze further include silica and flux. The molar ratio of silica to flux is at least about 5 to 1 and the flux further comprises RO and R2O. The molar ratio of RO to R2O is at least about 7 to 3. RO is selected from the group including CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, FeO, PbO and their combinations and R2O is selected from the group including Li2O, Na2O, K2O, and their combinations.

Abstract: To lubricate a length of track, a plurality of lubricating nozzles are provided. Each nozzle is fed by the output of a single positive displacement pump, and all the pumps are controlled by a computer. Vibration sensors, sound sensors, or L/V ratio sensors detect physical qualities which occur as a train passes a given point, and another detector measures the time between successive wheels on the truck of a car as it passes a given point to measure train speed. The computer compares the output readings measured by the detector to a table of outputs in its memory that are indicative of a lubricated track to determine if lubrication is needed.

Abstract: An assembly for providing illumination to an automobile wheel having an at least partially transparent wheel covering. The assembly includes a bracket nondestructively secured to a non-rotating portion of an automobile wheel, a light emitting array connected to the bracket, and a power source electrically connected to the light emitting array. The light emitting array is positioned to intermittently shine light through the at least partially transparent wheel covering. The bracket is adjustably positionable relative the non-rotating portion of the wheel.

Abstract: An assembly for boarding swimming animals into a boat having a boat ladder, and having an elongated ramp with a sidewall. A plurality of apertures is formed through the sidewall, and a connection assembly is connected to the ramp. The connection assembly includes a cross member, at least one hooked support member extending therefrom for engaging the boat ladder, at least one pivotable grip member pivotingly connected to the hooked support member, a biasing member operationally connected to the pivotable grip member to urge the pivotable grip member in a first direction, and an elongated lanyard member operationally connected to the pivotable grip member. A positioning assembly is to the ramp for positioning the ramp relative the boat ladder and may be connected to the ramp through any desired apertures.

Abstract: An improved basketball training aid comprising a barrier over which a basketball shot must be lofted in order to pass through the basketball goal. The basketball training aid is intended for attachment to a basketball backboard and basketball goal. The basketball training aid comprises a shield formed into a substantially semi-circular shape or a substantially semi-elliptical shape with a gripping means affixed to each end of the shield. In use, each of the gripping means is attached to the front surface of the basketball backboard. The shield is held in place by the gripping means slightly above and substantially parallel to the basketball goal solely by the gripping means, with the upper surface of the shield is positioned above the top surface of the basketball goal and outside the front edge of the basketball goal. The basketball training aid is removed from the front surface of the basketball backboard by detaching each gripping means from the front surface of the basketball backboard.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking and controlling a hunting dog, including a remote assembly to be carried by the hunting dog and a handset assembly to be carried by a hunter. The remote assembly includes a power source, an electronic controller electrically connected to the power source, a transceiver in electric communication with the electronic controller and the power source and an annunciator electrically connected to the electronic controller. The handset assembly includes an electronic controller, a interface assembly operationally connected to the electronic controller, a transceiver electrically connected to the electronic controller, and a power source electrically connected to the electronic controller and the transceiver. The transceivers are adapted to wirelessly communicate with each other. The remote assembly is adapted to generate a proximity tone within a predetermined distance of the handset assembly and is adapted to receive commands from the handset assembly.

Abstract: A method for producing high-alumina bodies with superior chemical properties at reduced sintering temperatures, including the steps of providing an alumina powder precursor, adding about 4 weight percent magnesia powder precursor, homogenizing the resultant green powder precursor, pressing a green body from the green powder precursor, removing residual moisture and organic material from the green body, and firing the green body to about cone 13, wherein the resulting high-alumina body is substantially non-vitreous, has a substantially uniformly sized grain structure, is very resistant to dissolution in molten aluminum, and has superior resistance to chemical attack over substantially the entire pH range.

Abstract: A sprayed-on phosphate cement coating formed from the combination and reaction of a phosphoric acid solution and a base metal solution. The acid solution and base solution may be intermixed prior to spraying, during spraying, or on a substrate. The curing reaction rate of the phosphate cement coating and its final physical properties may be controlled by adding various retardants, accelerants, reducers, wetting agents, superplasticizers, buffers, water reducers, adhesive agents, hardening agents, and/or sequestrants to the precursor solutions. The curing rate and properties of the cement coating may be further controlled by adjusting the temperature of the precursor solutions and/or the target substrate.

Abstract: The depth of a cryogenic liquid in a Dewar may be ascertained by inserting a measurement probe into the container. The measurement probe includes a hollow tube having a proximal end and an open distal end, a heater operationally connected within the tube and positioned substantially adjacent the distal end, a pressure sensor operationally connected within the tube and positioned substantially adjacent the proximal end, and a microcontroller in electric communication with the heater and with the pressure sensor. The distal end of the measurement probe is placed against the bottom of the container, liquid from the container enters the tube, and is evaporated by the heater. The gas pressure in the tube between the heater and the pressure sensor is increased, until the gas pressure in the tube is equal to the pressure exerted by the liquid in the Dewar.

Abstract: A method of controlling the physical properties of cement by adding a predetermined amount of a second phase to a first phase cementitious precursor. The second phase is added in the form of seed crystals having controlled sizes, shapes, and compositions. The seed crystals provide growth sites upon curing the cement for a second phase in the cement body. The curing is accelerated by the presence of the seed crystals. Control of the microstructure of the resulting cement body through controlled distribution and growth of the seed crystals enables the formation of a cement body having precisely controlled physical properties.

Abstract: A combination of a casket and reattachably removable hardware for lifting the casket, including an aperture formed through a casket sidewall, a generally circular plate defined between a first radius and a second radius, an elongated lifting member having a first end, an internally threaded cavity formed in the first end, and an externally threaded connecting member. The plate is positioned adjacent the aperture and when the externally threaded connecting member extends through the aperture, the first end of said elongated lifting member rotatably removably engages the connecting member to detachably connect the elongated lifting member to the casket.

Abstract: A traction belt, including a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion oriented generally parallel to the first elongated portion and connected thereto, a first plurality of biasing members operationally connected to the first elongated portion, and a second plurality of biasing members operationally connected to the second elongated portion. Each biasing member is oriented generally perpendicular to a respective elongated portion. Each biasing member is adapted to provide a biasing force through a respective elongated portion.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a ceiling fan has one or more blades located in the same semicircle of rotation so as to produce a center of rotational gravity that lies outside the vertical axis of the rotating fan. A ceiling fan has a counter balancing stabilizing member located in another semicircle of rotation to stabilize the rotating weight of the blade(s) so that during operation of the fan, the center of rotational gravity lies on the fan's axis. A single bladed ceiling fan has a blade with an elongated arcuate body that tapers from one end to its other end. A stabilizing member depends from the blade. There is an opening in the stabilizing member for creating drag when the blade rotates. A cover is provided for covering the opening.