Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for simulating strategic planning and operations uses an operations control language (OCL) which has the characteristics of: (a) a target expression, (b) a condition expression, (c) an integer hierarchical priority level, (d) at least one penalty expression, and (e) a value expression. The OCL is a high level programming language for describing operating policies for simulation models, such as those used in water resources management. The OCL of the invention is written into a simple text file. The OCL has syntax, keywords and Boolean and arithmetic operators.

Abstract: A foldable support structure having at least three interconnected rigid annular rings. The first ring is formed for service as a base. A second ring is formed for service as a load bearing support above the base. A third ring is formed for service as a connector to connect the first and second rings and to support the second ring above the first ring. A first releasable load-bearing hinge is mounted to hingedly join adjacent portions of the first and third rings. A second releasable load bearing hinge is mounted to hingedly join adjacent portions of the second and third rings, wherein the hingedly joined adjacent portions of the first and third rings being oppositely disposed from the hingedly joined adjacent portions of the second and third rings.

Abstract: A strainer apparatus capable of being installed within an Acme type coupling of the kind used in a pipe connecting a transport gas tank to a gas storage tank comprises a perforated disc and a retainer ring. The outer surface of the retainer ring has a smooth portion and an adjacent knurled portion. The disc acts as a strainer and is permanently fixed inside of the Acme coupling by means of the retainer ring knurled portion being press fitted against the inner surface of a coupling counterbore within which both the disc and ring are installed. The Acme coupling after being fitted within the strainer disc is installed in the pipe line leading between a gas transport tank and a gas storage tank to prevent debris from being pumped through the pipe coupling and towards and possibly to the gas storage tank.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for assembling a curtain wall, which is anchored at one end to a floor and at an opposite end to a primary structure in a sliding relation thereto in order to allow relative vertical flexibility in case of severe vertical deflection due to loading. This sliding relation permits the building sections to move under wind, live load, dead load or seismic forces with a minimum of damage transferred to the curtain wall. The apparatus is a bracket with a first plate for mounting to the primary structure and a second plate for mounting in sliding relation to the wall studs. The second plate is formed with slots which are vertically oriented, and a fastener with a spacer are fastened through each slot.

Abstract: A novel clip for connecting each of a series of metal studs in a building wall to a metal channel passing through an opening formed in each stud. The clip is formed of a plate bent into a right angle. One section of the plate forms a saddle portion adapted to straddle and be secured to the channel. A second section of the plate is adapted to be attached to a wall stud. In a first embodiment, the second section has a pair of plates offset from each other so that one of the plates resides behind and the other plate resides in front of the web of the stud to which the plates are assembled. In a second embodiment, the clip has a single plate which is attached to the stud. A third embodiment includes a stiffening rib formed on each of two plates to improve the rigidity of the clip. The saddle portion and the plates in all embodiments are secured to a respective channel and stud by a screw, rivet or the like.

Abstract: The fishing rig of the present invention is an assembly of a round cylindrical weight and two beads threaded on a stiff wire member. The cylindrical weight has two flat ends and an axial hole perpendicular thereto. The wire member is made with a free length of about 3 times the length of the weight. By the unique shape of the weight, the stiffness of the wire and the ratio of length of the wire to the weight, a fishing rig which casts more accurately and which gets snagged on underwater obstructions less frequently is achieved.

Abstract: The battery of the invention includes at least one electrochemical cell for use and recharging underwater, particularly seawater, at a pressure at or greater than atmospheric pressure. The battery has an anode, a cathode, an associated electrolyte in a housing, and a pressure compensation fluid which has a density greater than water, but preferably between the density of water and the density of the electrolyte. Preferably the pressure compensation fluid has a density of about 1.2 g/cm.sup.3, and is non-conductive. Apparatus to compensate for changes in volume are provided, as are components for the escape of internally generated gases.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a flow cytometer or fluorescence microscope and for quantitating binding proteins, such as antibodies. Populations of microbeads are provided which are in equilibrium with a saturating amount of fluorescently-labeled protein. The microbeads may have an incorporated fluorescent dye which has a strong signal in a selected channel of a flow cytometer, but no signal in other channels.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch heat based apparatus and method converts a quantity of particulate soil having a first set of engineering properties into a selected number of smaller quantities each having improved engineering properties differing from the first set of engineering properties and makes practical utilization of the smaller quantities for applications in which the first set of engineering properties were not suited. The apparatus includes a rotatable kiln which is positionable at an angle to horizontal such that soil is received in an upper end and discharged at a lower end thereof. The kiln is heated to a controlled temperature based on the properties of the soil before treatment and the desired improved properties after treatment to meet application requirements.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention has a float portion, a drain head portion, and an outlet pipe portion which are sequentially connected. The float pivotally supports the drain head slightly below the surface of water in a sediment basin. The outlet pipe is connected rigidly to the drain head at the inlet end and flexibly to a drain line at the outlet end. As the water fills and is drained from the sediment basin, the float and drain head are gradually raised and lowered and the outlet pipe approaches horizontal. The float surrounds the drain head and has a debris guard which is pivotally mounted to keep a gap preventing debris from entering the outlet pipe closed. An orifice within the outlet pipe and an air vent connected thereto are variable to control the water flow rate from the basin.

Abstract: A framework is provided for a tent canopy which is capable of being erected and collapsed quickly and simply. A cart is able to support the tent framework during erecting and collapsing and is used for transporting between erection sites. The framework has a center post which is pivotally attached to four roof beams which are oriented at 90 degree increments. Each roof beam is pivotally attached to a leg and each leg to two side bars, which side bars are linearly connectable to a mating side bar mounted on an adjacent leg. Each leg pivots to a vertical orientation and rests on the ground. The framework uses a cord and pulley apparatus for collapsing the cloth canopy which covers the framework.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for shrinking portions of a shrinkable film beneath leading and trailing transverse end seams of a film wrapped product. First and second controllable sources of heated fluid are connected to first and second nozzles positioned beneath a conveyor on which the film wrapped product is conveyed. The nozzles are arranged to travel back and forth below the conveyor and their travel is timed such that the heated fluid from the first nozzle heats only the leading seam and the heated fluid from the second nozzle heats only the trailing seam.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for cutting and heat sealing a film with a smooth seam which extends substantially the transverse width of a wrapped package utilizes a mechanism having a cool clamping portion and a hot sealing portion which are sequentially actuated. The clamping portion, with segments upstream and downstream of a sealing position, is activated to firmly hold the film against a base plate. The sealing portion is located between the upstream and downstream segments of the clamping portion. The heated sealing portion is brought into contact with the film as a cutting member cuts the film. The sealing head is retracted as the clamping portion holds the film to allow longitudinal film shrinkage and prevent transverse film shrinkage of the film. The clamping portion separates and the next package in a succession of film-enclosed packages is moved downstream of the sealing position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for transplanting seedlings from a starting tray into soil. The plant starting tray is positioned on a table surface and moved so that a first column of seedling cells is aligned over a slot formed through the table. A plant pusher unit pushes a seedling from its seedling cell into a transfer tube. A pressure differential is used to move the seedling from the transfer tube through a flexible seedling valve into a prepared hole in soil.

Abstract: A convertible carrying case and work platform for small electronic devices, particularly notebook computers, which is adapted to be used as a carrying case for the electronic device as well as a work platform. The carrying case has a case structure which holds the electronic device and a flexible top cover portion capable of forming a rolled portion that elevates the case structure when the case is supported in the wearer's lap and used when the wearer is sitting. The top cover, or a releasable bottom piece, may be rolled to form a rolled portion for use as an elevating device in sitting work platform position. A strap arrangement for the case permits a wearer to support the case over his shoulder to transport the device, or to position the case in a generally horizontal position in front of and against the abdominal area of the wearer.

Abstract: An automated timed manual performance (TMP) system which includes a base unit having attached manual dexterity test components. Connected to the base is a reaction sensor which allows determination of the exact time of beginning and ending the manual dexterity task(s). The sensor is also connected to either a personal computer or a direct readout device. The system also optionally includes software to guide an operator through administration of a TMP test, and to display and analyze the results of the test.

Abstract: A plumb apparatus is described in two embodiments having common operational and construction features. In a first embodiment, a beam projector is mounted within an upper end of an elongate pipe which is slidingly fit in an angularly pivotable mounting. The lower end of the pipe is formed with a point adapted to contact a target point on a supporting surface when a base in which the angularly pivotable mounting is held is placed on the surface. A bi-axial level is attached to the upper end of the pipe to ascertain vertical orientation of the pipe, which orientation is maintained by the weight of the base structure which is in contact with the supporting surface. The beam projector is activated to project a beam to a target point on the ceiling above. According to the second preferred embodiment, a beam projector is mounted into an upper end of a pipe, the lower end of which is mounted into a ball. The ball is placed into a cup which is engaged by a clamp cover having an opening through which the pipe extends.