Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of producing a composition containing a polymer having undergone phase inversion, the method comprising the step of: effecting phase inversion of a phase invertible water insoluble polymer in an aqueous composition and the composition comprises a mixture of at least two different substances, one of which is a water insoluble dispersible polymer having undergone phase inversion while the other is optionally a contaminant.

Abstract: A log hauling device is provided which includes a frame member; a connection means at one end of the frame member for connection of the frame member to a tow vehicle; a log carriage slidably mounted on the frame member; and a retaining member for retaining a log in the log carriage. The log carriage is slidably mounted on the frame member for movement from a log loading position adjacent a proximal end of the frame member to an extended position adjacent to a distal end of the frame member.

Abstract: One development described herein relates to a mechanical sensing arrangement, particularly suitable for use in crash detector devices, which converts mechanical motion to a reduced scale compatible with the signal characteristics of a low-grade commercial sensor. Another development described relates to a sensing system which determines optimum deployment conditions for automotive or vehicle safety systems, such as air bags, in the event of a collision or impact.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a sensor array having at least one field-measuring sensor and at least one curvature-measuring sensor within a flexible substrate, the field-measuring sensors capable of providing orientation data of the flexible substrate relative to a field and the curvature-measuring sensors capable of providing relative orientation data within the substrate, for measuring dynamic and static shapes and vibration of geotechnical, structural and biological bodies.

Abstract: A mounting structure, for attachment to a building, for mounting articles such as satellite dishes, flags and other articles, comprises a unitary rectangular substantially flat panel having top and bottom flanges, side edges and an inner surface. Bosses are formed in each flanged spaced apart and adjacent side edges. A central embossed portion extends up from the flange at top and bottom. A central protrusion, and two side protrusions, extend inwardly from the inner surface of the panel, in lateral alignment. An inclined portion extends inwardly from the inner surface of the panel at each side and bending into the side ends of the upper flange. Flange portions extend between the central embossed portion and the bosses and between the bosses and the side edges at the top and bottom flanges. In position, the flange portions, central protrusions and the side protrusions contact the siding.

Abstract: A protective heat absorbing and heat reflective covering material comprising an open mesh weave of scrim material, the mesh having warp and weft strips forming a substantially thin layer having opposed major surfaces, where at least one of the warp or weft strip materials is a heat absorbing or heat reflecting material, and at least one of the major surfaces of the scrim material has a discontinuous coating having heat reflecting or heat absorbing properties opposite to that of the warp and or weft strip, the discontinuous coating thereon at least partially covering the surface.

Abstract: A method of unobtrusive evaluation of structural material integrity without requiring physical contact for referencing integrity values, comprising: directing an impact source at said structural material; obtaining signal information from the structural material by optical reflectometry; and, processing the signal information to determine physical properties of the structural material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for treating produced water from a heavy oil thermal recovery unit to achieve water recovery and recycle levels of greater than 80% and as high as 100% to achieve zero discharge criteria. The method includes the initial steps of capturing the waste heat energy from the high pressure steam separator located downstream of the steam generators. Further, transferring the heat energy into a heated separator and reboiler exchanger to distill oil reservoir produced water and recover distilled water and a concentrated brine or solid product. The heated separator concentrated stream is circulated through the reboiler exchanger to maintain from 1% to about 50% mass vapour in the stream returning to the heated separator and prevent fouling and scaling. The apparatus includes a low pressure waste energy separator, heated separator and vapour compressor in combination with a forced circulation circuit to generate the distilled water.

Abstract: A liquid mist fire extinguisher, comprising a container for holding a gas and a liquid under pressure. The extinguisher has valve assembly at the upper end of the container, a valve for simultaneously releasing said gas and said liquid separately from the container, and a hose for feeding said gas and said liquid separately through a nozzle. The nozzle assembly includes means for feeding said gas and said liquid separately through a mixing chamber, and exiting orifices in an end surface of said nozzle assembly for issue of mixed gas and liquid in a fine mist.

Abstract: The production of multidirectional or instantaneous live virtual surround sound broadcasting is obtained by positioning a plurality of microphones on an oval frame in a predetermined pattern and with a predetermined orientation, connecting the microphones to a virtual surround semiconductor chip and connecting outputs from the semiconductor chip to a pair of speakers.

Abstract: A self contained field sampling system for measuring engine exhaust emissions includes a mini-dilution tunnel adapted for the collection of proportional samples of emissions to be analyzed, an engine air intake flow measurement instrument, a system controller and data acquisition system, and an optionally portable generator to provide electrical power. Several probes withdraw dilute and undiluted exhaust for emission analysis. Various engine emissions may be isolated. As well, engine emissions mass rate may be calculated by reference to engine RPM, inlet flow rate, exhaust temperature and emissions output rate.

Abstract: A process for preparation of nutritionally upgraded oilseed meals which are protein and lipid-rich and have a reduced fiber content, and plant oils from oilseeds for use in fish or other non-human animal diets or human foods comprising the steps of: providing a source of oilseed; subjecting the oilseed to heat treatment to substantially reduce the concentration of at least some antinutritional components normally present in the oilseed to obtain heat-treated seed; dehulling the heat-treated seed to produce a meat fraction, a hull fraction or a mixture thereof; and cold pressing the meat fraction or the mixture to yeild the plant oils and the protein and lipid-rich meals.

Abstract: A pet toilet suitable for use indoors, including a housing having electronic sensors built within the walls of the housing, which in operation, the electronic sensors are adapted to determine the ingress and egress of a pet, after which the sensors automatically relay a signal to flush the housing via conventional household drains. The drain of the housing is covered by a moveable drain cover or plate controllable by the sensors. The pet toilet further includes water and electricity supply lines and feeds such water and electricity through suitable water distribution and electronic distribution lines which are within the walls of the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a horizontal omni-directional windmill comprising a rotor including an upper platform and a lower platform, a plurality of identically configured blades, wherein each of the blades is of a substantially aerodynamic configuration, each of the blades being oriented at a broad angle relative to the radius of the rotor, the blades being oriented in a generally vertical orientation relative to the upper and lower platforms.

Abstract: Particles in a fluid flow are concentrated by a combination of electrical charging and focussing and passage through a virtual impact concentrator. The fluid is passed through an electrical charging section and an electrical focussing section and then to a virtual impact concentrator. The majority of charged particles in a selected size range are collected through a minor discharge passage extending axially from the virtual impact concentrator. The invention is particularly suitable for sampling engine exhaust gases and ambient aerosols.

Abstract: A touch pad for controlling electronic equipment includes a deformable touch surface and a compressible pad body in contact with the touch surface. The compressible body is formed from a material which scatters or diffuses light within the material. Multiple sources of light or other wave energy are directed into the interior of the substrate to form multiple illuminated cells inside the pad body. Each illuminated cell forms an integrated cavity within the pad body. A detector in communication with the compressible material detects light intensity within the integrated cavity. A processor receives signals from the detector and converts the signals into useable information relating to the position of regions of compression of the pad.

Abstract: A protective winter covering for swimming pools including an open mesh weave of scrim material, the mesh having warp and weft strips forming a substantially thin layer having opposed major surfaces, where both the warp and weft strip materials are of a heat absorbing material, and at least one of the major surfaces of the scrim material has a discontinuous coating having heat reflecting properties opposite to that of the warp and weft strip, the discontinuous coating theron at least partially covering the surface.

Abstract: A folding structure supports a duct in a generally horizontal orientation, and permits sweeping and serpentine movement of the duct. The structure is foldable for storage and transport. The structure comprises an array of panels hinged together, with the structure biased upward from its base to its free end for counteracting the weight of the loaded duct.

Abstract: A multi-position binding system for snowboards having at least two preset positions, including a first position where the user is able to control the snowboard under conventional use, and a second position where the user is able to rotate the binding systems to extend a guide blade through a slot from a recessed position within the core of the board. The blade when in use projects from the bottom surface of a snowboard to provide guide means to aid the user in controlling the direction of the snowboard during forward movement.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting changes in a variety of conditions is provided, including temperature, chemical conditions including pH and ion levels, biological antigens, radiation levels, electrical field and pressure applied to the sensor. The sensor body is formed from a material which incorporates an evenly dispersed matrix of light-scattering elements. A light source emits light into the body to form an effective optical cavity in which the light is scattered by the matrix. One or more receivers detects the intensity of scattered or integrated light inside and/or outside of the optical cavity. The matrix and/or the sensor body are composed of materials which reduce or increase the density of light-scattering elements, depending on the conditions applied to the matrix. An increase in the density of the light-scattering elements results in a corresponding increase in the integrated intensity of light received by the receiver, when the receiver is positioned within the optical cavity.