Abstract: An apparatus and method wherein ozone layer-damaging dichlorodifluoromethane is substituted with a mix of less environmentally damaging refrigerants chlorodifluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane in dichlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems. While less environmentally damaging than dichlorodifluoromethane, the substitute refrigerant has a temperature-pressure relationship similar to that of dichlorodifluoromethane, making the substitute refrigerant suitable for use with dichlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems. The substitute refrigerant can be used alone or in combination with dichlorodifluoromethane. In either event, it is mixed with a relatively small percentage of a hydrophobic lubricating oil which is compatible with both the substitute refrigerant and with dichlorodifluoromethane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing sanitized water in a bottled water dispenser includes a reservoir and one or more dispensing spigots. An ozone generating system generates ozone for sanitizing the water. Ozone is generated and collected within an ozone generator housing. A blower transmits air to the housing, the air carrying the ozone through flowlines to an air diffuser that is positioned inside the reservoir of the water dispenser. The flowlines can be used to sanitize one or more of the reservoir, spigot(s), and/or channel that connects the reservoir and spigot(s). A return flowline or lines can return ozone from the spigot to one or both of the channel and/or reservoir for further use in sanitization.

Abstract: An adjustable height table has a frame with spaced apart side portions spanned by a horizontal tray with a knee area below the tray. Each side has a foot that engages the floor or like support surface. Each side includes a lower non-elevating base part and an upper elevating “lift” part. The non-elevating and elevating portions each have an outer wall, a hollow interior and vertical slots that face in opposite respective directions for a given side (including a non-elevating portion and an elevating lift portion). A gear mechanism interfaces the upper “lift” and lower “base” parts. When the table is in an extremely elevated position, roller supports minimize lateral translation. The roller supports fit shaped rails on the elevating parts. The frame can receive any of three selected mechanisms. Each mechanism features a horizontal shaft contained within the tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for structurally reinforcing a tubular member, or an assembly of tubular members in a marine environment is provided. The assembly includes a smaller diameter inner flow casing and a larger diameter outer conductor pipe, providing an annulus in between the flow casing and the conductor pipe. The method first dewaters the annulus places a plurality of lug anchor points in the annulus, in between the smaller diameter flow casing and the larger diameter conductor pipe. A volume of a first grout product is then pumped into the annulus at a selected lower elevational position. A volume of a second grout product is then pumped into the annulus at a position above the first grout product. A jacket is placed around the larger diameter conductor pipe, the jacket preferably being of variable diameter sections so that a larger upper section can receive a reinforcement cage. A reinforcement cage can be placed in between the larger diameter conductor pipe and the jacket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing sanitized water in a bottled water dispenser uses a refrigeration system to cool the water and an ozone generating system to generate ozone for sanitizing the water. Ozone is generated and collected within an ozone generator housing. A blower transmits air to the housing, the air carrying the ozone through a flow line to an air diffuser that is positioned inside the reservoir of the water dispenser. A time deactivates the refrigeration system and at about the same time activates the ozone generator and the blower. The blower continues to pump air for a selected time period after the ozone generator is shut down, the water in the reservoir having been sanitized. This action dispenses any ozone odor. The pump then shuts off and the refrigeration system resumes operation of cooling the water in the reservoir.

Abstract: An improved lift boat includes a hull, a plurality of legs (preferably three), a plurality of pads, one pad attached to each leg, and a jacking mechanism for moving each upward and downward. Recesses in the hull receive the pads when the lift boat is underway. Preferably, the total bottom surface area of the pads is at least 30% of the surface area of the deck of the lift boat Preferably, the total bottom surface area of the pads is large enough such that, when the boat is loaded to capacity and is jacked up, the pads exert pressure of less than 7 p.s.i. on the sea floor. Preferably, the pads are partially recessed into the hull and extend laterally outward from the hull when the boat is underway to provide increased stability to the lift boat when it is underway.

Abstract: A method of administering fluids to an animal such as a pet (dog, cat, etc.) zoo animal, research animal, or exotic animal, includes the initial step of forming one or more openings in the animal's skin, at least one of the openings being preferably positioned proximally on the animal's body. An elongated catheter that includes a wall, a lumen and proximal and distal end portions is then placed into a subcutaneous space that extends proximally to distally on the animal's body. The catheter is preferably provided with a plurality of openings that are preferably positioned distally and through the catheter wall. The proximal portion of the catheter is anchored to the animal's skin externally and at the proximally positioned opening. Fluids are then transmitted to the animal via the catheter by removably connecting a fluids containing vessel to the catheter and then discharging the fluids from the vessel into the subcutaneous space via the catheter.

Abstract: A parade throw and its method of use are disclosed. The parade throw includes a bag having an open top and a contained support member that can be in the form of a disk, ring, or plastic “Frisbee®” like member. The combination of bag and support disk are assembled together. In one embodiment, the disk is hollow, providing a hollow interior or cavity that can receive substantially all of the bag for storage when it is to be thrown. The disk can be made of cardboard or other disposable material so that the user simply removes the internal support and uses the bag for storing articles once it is retrieved. In other embodiments, the support disk may be in the form of a toy that can be a throwable disk or ring.

Abstract: A novel materials technology has been developed and demonstrated for providing a high modulus composite material for use to 1000° F. and above. This material can be produced at 5-20% of the cost of refractory materials, and has higher structural properties. This technology successfully resolves the problem of “thermal shock” or “ply lift,” which limits traditional high temperature laminates (such as graphite/polyimide and graphite/phenolic) to temperatures of 550-650° F. in thicker (0.25″ and above) laminates. The technology disclosed herein is an enabling technology for the nose for the External Tank (ET) of the Space Shuttle, and has been shown to be capable of withstanding the severe environments encountered by the nose cone through wind tunnel testing, high temperature subcomponent testing, and full scale structural, dynamic, acoustic, and damage tolerance testing.

Abstract: A height adjustable table includes a frame that has a pair of spaced apart, generally vertical frame sections, each supported upon a foot, a transverse, generally horizontal section that connects at its end portions to the vertical sections and a pair of lifts that are supported by the vertical frame sections to. elevate between extended, higher elevational and retracted, lower elevational positions. The lifts support a table top with a work surface. The frame is in the form of a universal base that accepts a number of different mechanism including, for example, a counterbalance mechanism, a motor drive mechanism, and a manually operable mechanism. These mechanisms can be selected by a user, depending upon the type of table that is to be manufactured. This enables the user to pick and choose a mechanism so that the manufacturer can use the same universal base in the construction of three different table designs. A plurality of panels are provided that cover the frame.

Abstract: A well capping apparatus for capping a generally vertically positioned well pipe includes a body that provides an upper surface and side wall portions as well as a lower surface portion that includes a downwardly facing socket that generally conforms to the upper end portion of the well pipe at the well head and protectively covers it. The body includes an annular portion that encircles the upper end portion of the well pipe and preferably contacting the outer cylindrically shaped surface of the upper end portion of the well pipe. A central cavity is provided within the body having a water conveying function through the body. A pair of larger diameter apertures are provided on the body, each communicating with the central cavity at spaced apart positions on the body. A plurality of smaller diameter apertures are on the body, each communicating with the central cavity.

Abstract: The development of polymer composite liquid oxygen (LOX) tanks is a critical step in creating the next generation of launch vehicles. A composite LOX tank will weigh significantly less than conventional metal tanks. This benefit of reduced weight is critical to enable future launch vehicles to meet required mass fractions. The high strength and low weight of a composite tank allows for a lighter weight craft and/or higher payload capacity which results in lower costs per pound to place an object in orbit. The unique, nontraditional idea described here is to use resin-based composite materials to make such a composite tank or other oxygen carrying component such as a feedline. Polymer composites have traditionally been regarded as being more flammable than metals and therefore deemed not oxygen compatible. However, PEAR (polyether amide resin) composites, due to their low flammability and high toughness, could be made into liquid oxygen tanks.

Abstract: The development of polymer composite liquid oxygen (LOX) tanks is a critical step in creating the next generation of launch vehicles. A composite LOX tank will weigh significantly less than conventional metal tanks. This benefit of reduced weight is critical to enable future launch vehicles to meet required mass fractions. The high strength and low weight of a composite tank allows for a lighter weight craft and/or higher payload capacity which results in lower costs per pound to place an object in orbit. The unique, nontraditional idea described here is to use resin-based composite materials to make such a composite tank or other oxygen carrying component such as a feedline. Polymer composites have traditionally been regarded as being more flammable than metals and therefore deemed not oxygen compatible. However, several halogenated composites have been tested for their ability to withstand ignition in the presence of oxygen, and have shown to be resistant to ignition.

Abstract: A method of extracting and purifying recombinant protein(s) from transgenic sugarcane is disclosed. Fractioning of sugarcane juice that has been extracted from the cane stalks is obtained by using a multiple stage filtering process that uses multiple stages of decreasing porosity (preferably screening) followed by preferably membrane type filters, ion exchange, membrane adsorber, and chromatographic processes.

Abstract: An irrigation pump for use in irrigating small fields or supplementing larger irrigation systems can also be used for portable water supply for emergency, military, or for underdeveloped countries. The pump system is designed to be light-weight and semi-portable and can be powered with a small engine or electric motor. The apparatus uses a down well impeller that is driven by a flexible vertical shaft and a vertical shaft motor drive or engine. The pump impeller incorporates its own thrust and journal bearings for the pump shaft. The bearings are water lubricated. The main drive shaft is flexible and elongated and is supported over its entire length with a flexible shaft guide sleeve. The flexible drive shaft is surrounded by a convoluted well pipe so that the drive shaft and the well pipe can be removed from the well casing bore as a unit and then coiled for storage. The drive shaft accepts couplings at each end and a seal at its upper end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a soft-solid elastomer custom ear device into which electronics are embedded provides a completely in-the-ear hearing aid with a soft body. This technology replaces hard acrylic ear molding. This hearing aid by virtue of its soft-solid design, meets the needs of the dynamic human ear canal which cannot be met with conventional hard acrylic molding. This hearing aid provides improved comfort and sound quality by better adapting to the dynamic changes in the ear canal which occur during everyday activities. This soft custom body also provides for ear-worn configurations of all subminiature electronic devices requiring discrete coupling to the human ear. These devices include digital telephones, cellular telephones, pagers, two-way communication systems, clocks, recorders, and many other subminiature technologies.

Abstract: An irrigation pump for use in irrigating small fields or supplementing larger irrigation systems can also be used for portable water supply for emergency, military, or for underdeveloped countries. The pump system is designed to be light-weight and semi-portable and can be powered with a small engine or electric motor. The apparatus uses a down well impeller that is driven by a flexible vertical shaft and a vertical shaft motor drive or engine. The pump impeller incorporates its own thrust and journal bearings for the pump shaft. The bearings are water lubricated. The main drive shaft is flexible and elongated and is supported over its entire length with a flexible shaft guide sleeve. The flexible drive shaft is surrounded by a convoluted well pipe so that the drive shaft and the well pipe can be removed from the well casing bore as a unit and then coiled for storage. A flange on the outlet fitting can be used to bolt the entire assembly of engine and outlet fitting to the well head at a well casing flange.

Abstract: A bottled drink carrier apparatus is provided for supporting a bottle containing a drink product at a position upon a user's neck or shoulder or attached to a belt loop. The apparatus includes a strap assembly forming a loop having upper and lower end portions, a cable having ends that are attached to the lower portion of the strap assembly. The cable forms a closed noose with a slide below the strap. A slide is provided for tightening the noose about a bottle to be supported, the slide frictionally engaging the cable at least in the locking position.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus enables a user to cook (boiling, steaming or frying). The apparatus includes a burner having a base that is specially shaped to cradle a pot. An upper section above the support surface of the burner for engaging the sidewall of the pot should the pot be tipped inadvertently. The burner can include upper members that are supported above the bottom of the pot and a lower member that engages an underlying supporting surface. Alternatively, the burner frame can have a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending legs. Struts are shaped and cradle the bottom of the pot and its sidewall respectively.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve includes a valve housing and a drop-shaped body with a conical valve surface that cooperates with a conical valve seat at an upwardly directed blow-off opening of the valve housing. The drop-shaped body is connected to a lifting disc in the housing. The inner configuration of the housing provides an annular passage around the lifting disc which is smaller in area when the lifting disc (and drop-shaped body) is in its uppermost, fully open positioning as compared to its lowermost, closed positioning.