Abstract: A method for processing wastewater includes the steps of introducing air and a liquid into a pump, and subjecting the air and liquid to high heat and pressure; delivering the heated and pressurized air and liquid from the pump to a gas and liquid separator to separate the air from the liquid; expanding the air from the gas and liquid separator through a nozzle to accelerate the air as it expands; injecting at least some portion of the wastewater to be processed into the air from the nozzle in an entrainment section downstream from the nozzle to entrain the wastewater into the air; passing the liquid portion from the gas and liquid separator through a valve to lower the pressure of the liquid to achieve flash evaporation of the liquid to produce water and steam; introducing the water and steam produced from the valve into the air and entrained wastewater in the entrainment section, to enhance entrainment of water into the air; and delivering the air and entrained wastewater from the entrainment section to an i

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The inventive apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The inventive coupling member may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis.

Abstract: An artificial tree apparatus having a plurality of tree trunk segments that couple together to provide electrical power to receptacles on each of the segments. An electrical line is connected to a first trunk segment electrical connector, such that when the first trunk segment is brought into juxtaposition with the second trunk segment, a detent on the first trunk segment can be brought into alignment with and slidably engage with a guide slot on the second trunk segment to permit connection of the first trunk segment electrical connector (socket) with the second trunk segment electrical connector (plug). The recessed location of the plug on the second segment protects the plug prongs, and connection with the corresponding socket on the first segment is only possible when the detent on the first segment has been aligned with the guide slot on the second segment.

Abstract: A method and device for improving the detection of a vibrotactile stimulus. Such method may include the steps of temporarily altering the threshold of vibrational detection prior to the onset of a vibrotactile stimulus. This allows the vibrotactile system to achieve improved detection of the intended vibrotactile alert or communication stimulus without necessarily increasing the vibratory displacement amplitude of the stimulus. A corresponding enhanced vibrotactile transducer device is able to produce, over a wide frequency range, or at multiple frequencies, a vibrational stimulus against the body of a user.

Abstract: A bust support device utilizing a pillow member having a top, a bottom, and a pair of curving side portions to permit the pillow to be placed in the cleavage area of the bust. The side portions adjoining the bottom of the pillow underlie the breasts. The pillow may be supported to a garment worn by the user, or directly to the torso of the user by a pair of straps.

Abstract: A golf training and simulation device measures a signal indicative of the displacement of a club and in an alternate embodiment, the detection of a golf ball after being struck. The measurement system can be used in conjunction with a golf simulator or as a golf training apparatus for diagnosing a golf swing. In one application, a putting stroke training device is described with the object to develop a smooth, consistent putting stroke by feedback to the golfer when the putter head has accelerated or decelerated too rapidly or when the golfer opens or closes the club face when striking a golf ball. Positive feedback can also be provided when the putting stroke is square at impact with the ball. The consistency in the repetition of a stroke may also be measured, statistically analyzed, recorded and displayed and thus used in advanced training.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging either a normal or a sulfated type of a storage battery includes a first charging stage, a second charging stage, and a final third charging stage. The first charging stage applies a pulsed voltage with a high peak and average voltage to the battery until an average current of about 12 amperes is attained, at which time transition into the second charging stage occurs. A pulse width modulator reduces the average voltage and average current to a safe level and continue to charge the battery for about 20 minutes. At that time transition into the third charging stage occurs wherein a low ripple 14.8 VDC steady state current-limited voltage is applied to the battery for a second duration of about four hours, after which charging is complete and the apparatus shuts itself off.

Abstract: A device that enables a user to install most any hardware item into any structure. The inventive apparatus includes a core portion with a standard female ACME thread so the core may be threaded onto a standard extension pole. At the upper end of the core is a cavity designed to accept wafers for various purposes. Hardware installing wafers are designed to accept pieces of hardware in a particular class and size such as eyebolts, hooks, right-angle hooks, and other suspension hardware. Tool wafers are wafers with various tools attached to them for performing different operations such as prying, lifting, nailing, tacking, threading, scrapping, grasping, cutting, drilling, marking, hole punching, and so on. Attachment wafers attach various implements and devices to the core.

Abstract: An improved tool for removal of fuel injectors from the cylinder head of a diesel engine includes a male threaded pulling shaft having a milled top, with a female threaded connector at the bottom for releasable connection to the male threads at the top of a typical fuel injector. A sleeve fits over the threaded pulling shaft so that the base of the sleeve rests against the cylinder head, and the top of the pulling shaft extends through the top of the sleeve. A drive nut engages the threads of the pulling shaft and can be threaded down the pulling shaft until the drive nut contacts the top of the sleeve, preferably adjacent an interposed washer. An open end wrench is then used to turn the drive nut against the sleeve, thereby lifting the threaded pulling shaft relative to the sleeve and removing the injector from the cylinder head. The injector can then be unscrewed from the female threaded connector.

Abstract: A prefabricated jig or tool (10) for use in positioning and aligning roof trusses (50) during frame construction includes a lateral brace portion (12) with a pair of downwardly-depending throat members (18.20), each adapted to releasably capture a truss component (e.g. constructed from 1½ inch nominal thickness lumber). The throat members are spaced apart on the lateral brace portion a distance equal to the desired truss spacing (e.g., 24 inches on center). Nailing holes (22) are provided in the brace portion above the throat members to enable temporary nailing of the tool to the truss component(s).

Abstract: An interlocking photovoltaic module mounting system that provides a one piece, integrated photovoltaic module frame portion that is directly mountable to a support structure and interlocks with separate adjoining photovoltaic module frame portions. The apparatus includes a frame member for enclosing the perimeter of a photovoltaic module, having an inside surface and outside surface, with the inside surface including a recess for capture of the panel. The frame member outside surface includes at least one interlocking means for affixation to the complementary outside surface of an adjacent frame-member. The frame member includes a height-adjustable foot portion for supporting the frame member on a roof, so that adjacent frame members may be interlocked to form an array, and the foot portion may be adjusted to level the formed array on the roof.

Abstract: A novel process of visual calibration of a computer display or the like in volves adjusting the appearance and relative appearance of targets and su targets displayed on the display. An objective method is provided for determining the precisely optimal brightness setting for CRT displays, which method is also applicable to the setting of the “Black Level” control on some FPDs. A precise method is provided to visually determine conformity of a display's tonality to a given standard tone curve, for example a gamma 1.8 curve, which is embodied in one of the preferred calibration target sets. The need to sense and therefore be able to control and to verify the correct gray balance of the entire tone scale of the display is met. The problem of verifying the similarity of the tone curve in the display profile and that of the actual calibration is solved. By converting a preferred RGB gamma target into CIE Lab image data through an ideal display profile of the correct gamma, a new kind of target is taught.