Abstract: An electronic circuit for a hot water heating system conserves fuel consumption and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. A heating system includes a burner that heats water and a room thermostat. The electronic circuit comprises an override thermostat which has a setting for a lower temperature limit and an upper temperature limit below those of the room thermostat. The override thermostat is operable to activate continuous operation of the burner when the indoor temperature falls below the lower temperature limit of the override thermostat and until the upper temperature limit of the override thermostat is reached. The electronic circuit further comprises a timer operable to deactivate and reactivate the burner while the room thermostat is calling for heat.

Abstract: A natural gas fueled, direct carbon fuel cell produces electricity and hydrogen. It adds to an existing direct carbon fuel cell a carbon dioxide injection port to the cathode compartment; a natural gas feed port to the anode compartment, a hydrogen extraction port from the anode compartment, and a carbon dioxide extraction port from the anode compartment. To improve hydrogen generation efficiency, the anode compartment may have a louvered baffle dividing the anode compartment into an ante-chamber and a main chamber. The louvered baffle preferably has an upper section with slats angled from bottom to top and a lower section with slats angled from top to bottom. A heat exchanger is preferably included to pre-heat natural gas feed from hot hydrogen effluent. A second heat exchanger is preferably included to pre-heat oxygen-containing gas with hot nitrogen and carbon dioxide effluents.

Abstract: A tool for removal of a reverse osmosis membrane from a high-pressure vessel (150) includes a plunger (105) fitting within the high-pressure vessel (150); a clamp to secure the tool to the outside of the high-pressure vessel (150); a drive hub (135) secured to the clamp such that an internally threaded passageway (405) in the hub is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure vessel (150); and a drive rod (115) threaded to advance within the drive hub (135) through the threaded passageway (405) and push the plunger (105) along the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure vessel (150). Preferred embodiments include a bearing plate (110) affixed to the plunger (105) to spread the load from the drive rod (115) and one or more extension rods (125) to extend the length of the drive rod (115).

Abstract: A musical instrument support strap is integrated with a tuning sensor having of a body configured at one end for attachment to the musical instrument. The body carries the pitch of a musical note struck on the musical instrument and is detected by a pickup. A printed circuit board converts the detected pitch for display on a liquid crystal display module, preferably having a needle indicator and a color indicator. The sensor may be provided independently for attachment to an existing strap. The method of using the strap for tuning a musical instrument includes attaching the musical instrument support strap to a musical instrument; striking a note on the musical instrument; reading the measurement of the frequency of vibration on the liquid crystal display module; and, adjusting the musical instrument to change the frequency of vibration.

Abstract: A dish rack comprises a tubular hub with a bottom segment and an outwardly flared top segment. An inner ledge supports a funnel and a flat-panel grate. The funnel may be molded together with the hub, eliminating the ledge. The rear of the hub is a vertical splash guard rising above the height of the front of the hub. A removable drainage tray is configured to slide into the bottom segment at the front of the hub. Cutouts on the bottom segment define hand-hold cavities. Handles are located on the exterior of the flared top segment to also serve as dish towel drying bars. The flat-panel grate is preferably configured with a slot to support and cradle a dish edge. An optional utensil holder is preferably configured to be supported by the flat-plate grate at the inner periphery of the flared top segment.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for training a person in slow motion to hit a ball at the sweet spot on a sports implement. The device includes a housing and a plate. The housing preferably comprises a tube; a rod slidably fitting within the tube; a stop affixed to the end of the rod; a compression spring surrounding the rod; and a ball on the rod at the end opposite the stop such that the end of the rod protrudes from the ball. The plate is affixed to the sports implement at its sweet spot and has a center hole of sufficient size to contain the end of the rod protruding from the ball. In the preferred method, a player swings the sports implement in slow motion towards the ball on the housing engaging the plate at the center hole over the protruding rod.

Abstract: A traffic signal system has a main housing unit that encloses three nested arrow signals pointed towards the top, namely, a red arrow signal, a yellow arrow signal nested within the red arrow signal, and a green arrow signal nested within the yellow arrow signal. Each arrow signal is made with a plurality of LEDs. A smaller satellite housing unit, preferably one-third to two-thirds the height, is attachable to the main housing unit to provide a left or right turn signal also comprised of three nested arrow signals. Arrow signals are preferably removably installed. A removable cover provides access to the back of the three arrow signals. Both housing units are preferably waterproof and have hinged closures. An electrical terminal block provides for electrical connections. Removable visors shade the light from the LEDs. Water drain knockouts to the visor and housing units facilitate water removal.

Abstract: A magnet configuration for a power microwave tube with a resonant cavity comprises a permanent magnet (110) with an axis-aligned through-bore (135) of sufficient size to contain the resonant cavity. The permanent magnet has an inner chamber (140) that is centered on the axis (130) with opposite magnet poles aligned along the axis. The magnet configuration further comprises an electromagnet coil (120) fitting in the chamber and encircling the axis such that the coil produces a magnetic field that reinforces the magnetic field from the permanent magnet. An optional protrusion (125) spanning the through-bore narrows an air gap between the poles. The method provides a magnetic field in a power microwave generator by combining a permanent magnet with an electromagnet in accordance with the magnet configuration and energizes the electromagnetic coil, which may be by pulsing the coil current.

Abstract: A method for tracking user internet surfing involving a first step of providing a computer hosting contents from content hosts. The computer is configured with the required software and hardware to control all interfacing with the user; and, to request and receive data from the content hosts. Additional steps include storing on the computer storage medium an identification of the user to enable the user to log in to the computer; enabling a logged-in user to access the computer through the requesting client to view a content in the plurality of contents; maintaining a user list comprising the surf-code reference of the content viewed by the logged-in user; enabling the logged-in user to access the user list to identify the content viewed by the logged-in user; and, presenting the content viewed by the logged-in user to the requesting client based on the user list.

Abstract: The invention relates to a synchronous electromechanical transformer that can be used as a multi-phase motor and generator, has a high specific torque, a small or negligible stop moment, a small moment irregularity, can be quietly operated, and has good heat permeability between the windings and the housing. It contains a rotor having uniformly distributed magnetic poles (4), and two stators (2) with concentrated windings (8) of at least two electrical phases. The individual stator contains the same number of similarly arranged electromagnetic poles (9) of each of at least two electrical phases arranged in related groups (7) of at least two electromagnetic poles of the same electric phase. The stator poles (9) can contain magnetically permeable polar cores and can be uniformly or non-uniformly distributed.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is the reduction of the impairment in current transfer from the contact plate (112), forming part of the electrode support arm (11), to the contact block (12), interacting with the electrode, caused by deposits between the contact plate (112) and the contact block (12) due to erosion during the fusion operation. Said aim is achieved, whereby the contact block (12) which may be brought into planar contact against a partial region of the electrode (21), is provided with a medial passage (124), running to the support arm (11), for removal of at least the large part of the erosion, said passage having a continuation (111) in the support arm (11).

Abstract: A non-invasive means and method locates a target spinal segment on a patient prior to surgery. An apparatus comprises a frame; a plurality of laser diodes projecting planar beams and mounted on the perimeter of the frame; a radio-opaque cable attached to the frame at the location of a laser diode; optionally, a weight is attached to the cable; optionally a rod extends from the frame perimeter; and optionally a bombsight is included within the frame marked with crosshairs. The method comprises the steps of marking a patient's skin; placing the frame on the patient; turning on the laser diodes; rotating the frame until the until a line of visible light is perpendicular to the patient's spine; aligning the cable with the planar laser beam; providing an X-ray source; aligning the X-ray source with the planar laser beam and obtaining an X-ray.

Abstract: An ammonia and fertilizer production process is based on partial oxidation of fossil fuel, which co-produces polycarbonsuboxide. The four step process is low-cost and low-carbon-dioxide emission. It comprises the steps of reacting fossil fuel with oxygen in air and steam in an electric discharge plasma to produce a gas exit stream of polycarbonsuboxide, hydrogen with associated nitrogen (110); cooling the gas stream to condense and separate the polycarbonsuboxide as a solid polymer (120); compressing the gas stream to pressures for synthesis of ammonia (140); and, converting the gas stream to ammonia by employing a catalytic converter (150). Optional steps involve gas cleanup, which include removal of contaminants from the gas stream and adding hydrogen or nitrogen to the gas stream to adjust the ratio of hydrogen to nitrogen to three to one, respectively, prior to converting the gas stream to ammonia (130).

Abstract: An electric vehicle for personal transportation has an inflatable body that can be deflated and the electric vehicle collapsed to a storage or transport configuration that is compact and light-weight. At least one front wheel and one rear wheel are attached to the inflatable body. An electric motor is attached to a wheel and preferably there is an electric motor for each rear wheel to power and brake the vehicle. A battery pack provides vehicle propulsion and provides structural support. An electronic control unit controls the electric motor and also provides structural support. A steering assembly includes the front wheel that is structurally connected to a rear wheel by the inflatable body, a steering column, handle bars, and braking and speed controls operable by a person sitting on the inflatable body.

Abstract: An arcade game machine of physical exertion, skill and chance for a player wherein a player uses a fist to hit a cushion that is connected to a lever mechanism within the game machine. The lever mechanism is composed of three elements about a fulcrum attached to the game machine. Upon impact with the cushion, the lever mechanism launches a ball vertically. A reflector diverts the launched ball into the playing field. One or more player-movable paddles within the playing field may be manipulated by the player to send the ball to a target within the playing field. Successful manipulation may be awarded a prize.

Abstract: An apparatus and means for a game of physical skill for two or more players composed of a central hub (110) capable of supporting the weight of the players; and, tethers (140). Each tether clips to the hub on one end, secures around the waist of a player and is capable of supporting the weight of that player. The game is played by at least two players who start from a standing, upright position. Each player begins by securing one end of a tether around his or her waist and clipping the other end on to the hub. Then the players simultaneously begin leaning away from the center of the hub to an off-balance slanted position supported by their tether and the counterbalancing weight of the other players. Then, all players simultaneously, thrusting their bodies forward to regain a vertical balanced position without touching, holding anyone or anything else, or being held. The game is won when the players regain their freestanding vertical position and are balanced and under their own center of gravity.

Abstract: A heat engine includes a turbine (10), compressor (20), heat pump (30) and combustion source (40) and uses heated and compressed air as a motive fluid in an open Brayton cycle. In the process of the invention, the compressor pressurizes air (21) from the environment. A closed-cycle heat pump (30), having a high-temperature condensation side (33) and a low-temperature evaporation side (35), increases the energy in the compressed air through heat exchange with the high-temperature condensation side (33) of the heat pump. Upon heating in a constant pressure process, the motive fluid is expanded through the turbine (10). The combustion source (40), which is isolated from the motive fluid, further heats the low-temperature evaporation side (35) of the heat pump.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for dynamic reordering an online list is disclosed. An embodiment of the invention provides the user with the ability to change the position of an item displayed on the list and this change is seen by all users who are browsing this list. The user provides information on the selection of the item for which the position is to be changed. The user also provides information on the new position for the item. The list is reordered based on the new position information of the item provided by the user, such that the selected item is at the new position. This reordering of the list is in real-time. The view of all users browsing through the item list is affected. Alternatively, an updated list is displayed to users after a fixed interval of time. The user can be billed every time the item is repositioned.

Abstract: A plastic-coated fabric shipping bag, which after use for shipping an item in commerce, can be turned inside out and transformed into a re-usable, plastic-lined, fabric tote bag.

Abstract: An illuminating apparatus shows music effects with light sequences in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a support structure that is installable on an electrical socket. A switch on the base structure activates the apparatus. A transparent container with cut-outs surrounds the base structure and includes a white light activated by the switch. A direct current motor has an axle configured to rotate the base structure within the container. A circuit board is attached to the axle enables rotation of the circuit board within the container. The circuit board can activate sequences of light upon detection of a music signal and can detect a signal from a remote control. Light emitting sources are operably connected to the circuit board to rotate with the circuit board and to project light through the container. A remote control comprises buttons for controlling apparatus operational functions.