Abstract: A method of sensor conditioning is proposed for improving signal output stability and differentiation between responses to different gases such as exhaust from combustion processes. A square wave (or saw tooth) voltage pulses of opposite polarity and equivalent amplitude are applied between sensor electrodes. Pulses are separated by pauses, when charging power supply is disconnected from the sensor and sensor discharge is recorded. Useful information regarding concentration of analyzed gases can be extracted from two measurement methods.: 1. Measuring open circuit voltage decay during the pause immediately following voltage pulse. 2. Measuring the charging current during positive (negative) pulses and the discharging current during pauses following voltage pulses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cyclonic vacuum cleaner and, more specifically, to a cyclonic vacuum cleaner having a cyclonic station that maintains a vertical position when the vacuum is maneuvered across a floor space. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The proposed method and the installation are intended for application in systems of reduction of natural gas from high—e.g. in a borehole or in a main pipeline down to the pressure value required for the consumer. The essence of the proposed method is that in the known method of utilization of natural gas energy in the process of gas pressure drop from increased, e.g. in a gas main pipeline down to the required value by conversion of natural gas expansion energy to mechanical energy with the aid of the gas cooled down in the process of pressure drop as a cooling agent, the innovation is multi-stage gas pressure drop and multi-stage take-off of generated cold. The essence of the proposed method is that a utilization power installation the inlet of which is connected to high pressure gas borehole or main pipeline (3) and the outlet—to low pressure natural gas pipeline or to low pressure natural gas consumer (7, 9), comprises a gas expansion machine (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying an atomized liquid solution upon a person, comprising a spray enclosure booth; an exhaust vent located below an anticipated user's facial area zone, the exhaust vent disposed within the bottom tray or a lower area of at least one wall or a lower area of a door and configured for exhausting ambient atomized liquid solution from the spray enclosure booth; a rigid conduit support defining a central air flow conduit connected to a bottom tray and pneumatically connected to an exhaust vent and providing structural integrity to the enclosure booth; an atomizing spray head assembly movably connected to the rigid conduit support and physically supported by the rigid conduit support; and an exhaust system configured to exhaust ambient atomized liquid solution from the spray enclosure booth by drawing atomized solution into the exhaust vent then through and out of the rigid conduit.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided having at least one pocket or pouch for containing an attached waste bag. The waste bag has an upper end adapted for sealable closure. The disposable diaper includes an elongated slit which provides entry into an interior cavity that is adapted to contain an auxiliary waste bag. The disposable diaper is embellished with ornamentation, decorative patterns, and symbols so as to represent a particular theme.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electric knife is provided that includes a blade that is adapted to cut the pulp and shell of pumpkins and other fruits and vegetables but not readily cut the skin and flesh of humans. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electric knife also includes a shield that that is adapted to prevent fruit or vegetable matter from entering the housing of the electric knife.

Abstract: A pet chew toy for holding consumable treats comprises a body member having a plurality or ribs and a plurality of interstitial spaces formed between the ribs. The ribs and spaces cooperatively act to impinge a treat or treats inserted therein. The ribs and spaces may be disposed substantially parallel to the direction of the bore and a central axis, or may be disposed helically about the bore. The bore may be enclosed at one or both ends by threaded caps, heat bonded caps, or a combination thereof. A sound module may be provided within the bore for emitting a prerecorded or mechanically generated sound upon activation of the sound module.

Abstract: A massage device for providing cold or hot massage therapy including a liquid reservoir and a rotatable ball positioned in an open end of the reservoir. The reservoir is at least partially filled with a liquid that is heated or cooled. The liquid in the massage device is heated or cooled. The rotatable ball is heated or cooled through heat transfer between the liquid and the rotatable ball. Massage therapy can be provided using both the reservoir portion and/or the rotatable ball of the massage device.

Abstract: A cat litter product is provided and includes manufacture primarily from modified corn starch which is processed through mash distillation. The litter product is pelletized via an extrusion technology process so as to form particles the size of wheat grain. The litter product provides, collectively, a non-toxic and naturally safe, biodegradable, odor-eliminating, scented, anti-bacterial litter that clumps in a convenient size for easy disposal and which has little dust and reduces tracking by cats.

Abstract: A flexible fiber optic bronchoscope with one-way valve is provided in which a unidirectional flow control valve is inserted between the bronchoscopic manifold port and the sealing cap. A compressible diaphragmatic seal with radial slits separate resiliently returnable valve flaps that deformably compress around the shaft of any inserted conduit. A circumscribing housing for typically affixing along a lower receiving ring to the bronchoscopic manifold port to which the sealing cap would normally be attached. An upwardly extending, annular attachment protuberance thereby provides the attachment for the conventional sealing cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to umbrellas and, more particularly, to an umbrella having a reflective shaft comprising batteries for powering a plurality of illuminating tubes surrounding the shaft. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A thin flat body of clear plastic with a key pad (20) on the inside back base (12), and a chord scale (22) on the outside front of the base (10). The chord scale is fitted with braille nodules (24) for guiding the proper placement of the fingers on the EZ chord. On the bottom or lower side of the base (10) (12) is a gripping angle (14) for the learning chord device. On the top or upper side, and bottom or lower side of the base (10) (12) are gripping angles (14) (16) for the universal chord device. One EZ chord is a device that when manipulated by a human hand, or an artificial hand, is pressed and positioned onto the guitar neck, fret and strings to form and sound guitar chords and/or notes. The EZ chord devices can be used by mentally, physically, or visually handicapped people as well as non-handicapped people, to play and/or learn to play the guitar.

Abstract: The invention relates to physical chemistry and can be used for adjusting the rate of autocatalytic hydrogenation reactions. The method for producing a palladium-containing hydrogenation catalyst consists in reducing divalent palladium from the initial compound thereof and precipitating the thus reduced palladium on a carbon material, wherein, according to said invention, the initial compound is embodied in the form of tetra aqua-palladium (II) perchlorate. The reduced palladium is precipitated on a nano-carbon material which can be embodied in the form of fullerene C60, carbon nanotubes, cathodic deposit and the mixture of C60 and C70 fullerenes at the following ratio thereof: 60-80 mass % fullerene C60 and 20-40 mass % fluorine C70. The invention makes it possible to develop the method for producing a palladium-containing hydrogenation catalyst which exhibits a higher catalytic activity and operates in softer conditions (at a room temperature and a normal (atmospheric) pressure).

Abstract: A practical intelligent assist device is provided that eliminates the complex use of force sensing weigh cells and vector interpreting software. By simplifying the input to a series of traditional voltage inputs, i.e. 1-4 volt signals, the use of standard available control componentry becomes available. Utilizing a series of such simplified inputs, including a load angle feedback, the processing of the vector math can be accomplished within a programmable logic controller (PLC). Outputs can then be simply generated to control a series of 0-60 Hz digital signals to drive direct drive motors.