Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides for an apparatus for detecting geophysical energy. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive geophysical energy and to convert the geophysical energy into a signal. The apparatus further includes a signal transport device configured to accept the signal and relay the signal to a remote location. The apparatus also includes a fluid conduit configured to contain a pressurized fluid, a production tubing, and an expansible section disposed inline in the fluid conduit. The expansible section is positioned between the production tubing and the receiver, and is configured to expand in response to an increase of fluid pressure within said conduit. When expanded, the expansible section presses against the production tubing and the receiver and thereby causes the receiver to be moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A flexible flying disk is described in which a body having a circular perimeter is formed about a central axis. The body includes a weighted annular margin at the perimeter, with an axial margin dimension. A central web spans the perimeter at one axial end of the margin and includes an axial web thickness less than the axial margin dimension. The web and annular margin are integral and are formed of a thermosetting molded and heat cured catalyzed silicone.

Abstract: An optical fibre arrangement has at least two optical fibre sections, each optical fibre section defining an outside longitudinally extending surface. The outside longitudinally extending surfaces are in optical contact with each other. The invention further provides for an amplifying optical device have an optical fibre arrangement as just described, and a pump source. The amplifying optical device is configured such that the pump source illuminates the amplifying optical fibre. A amplifying arrangement is also disclosed. The amplifying arrangement includes a plurality of amplifying optical devices as just described, and each amplifier also has at least one input fibre and a first multiplexer connected to the input fibre. Each amplifier is configured such that at least one of the amplifying optical fibres is connected to the first multiplexer. The amplifying arrangement also has a second multiplexer connected to each of the first multiplexers.

Abstract: A method of establishing continuity of a property which is interpolated over a surface defined by at least two primary nodes. The method includes identifying first and second portions of a boundary which defines a discontinuity in the surface. The method further includes defining the first and second portions of the boundary by at least one secondary node on each portion, and interpolating the property from a first primary node to a second primary node by utilizing the secondary nodes. When the property is characterized by determined values at primary nodes on the surface, the continuity of the property can be established as substantially the same value of the property at the selected secondary nodes. When the surface is characterized by a given gradient at each of the secondary nodes, the continuity of the property can be established as substantially the same gradient at the selected secondary nodes.

Abstract: A heat resistant spark plug extender is described, for joining a spark plug like ignition device to a spark plug wire. The extender includes an elongated body formed of heat resistant and electrically insulative material that extends between a spark plug engagement end and a spark plug wire connector end. A conductor is located within the body and includes a fitting, adapted to releasably electrically connect to a spark plug wire, and a receptacle, adapted for electrical connection to a spark plug. An adjustment part permits adjustable movement of the spark plug wire connector end relative to the conductive receptacle.

Abstract: A solar reflector for an evaporator in a heat pump system. The evaporator has heat transfer plates and is located in an outdoor environment. The solar reflector has a curved surface configured to reflect solar radiation to the heat transfer plates of the evaporator. The curved surface can be in the shape of a truncated parabola. The curved surface can also be curved in a dish-like shape defining an upper perimeter and a lower perimeter, and the lower perimeter defines a bottom opening configured to receive the evaporator. The solar reflector can also be made of a plurality of partially overlapping curved surfaces configured to reflect solar radiation to the heat transfer plates of the evaporator. In this case the solar reflector includes a hinge ring, and each of the curved surfaces are hingedly attached to the hinge ring. Preferably the hinge ring defines an opening to receive the evaporator.

Abstract: Lumber stacking apparatus which include sticker placing apparatus provide means of automatically placing stickers in a sticker tray and of removing stickers from a sticker tray. Lumber placing apparatus includes an actuating assembly that can be actuated to move a sticker support bracket that is operatively supported thereby in a substantially vertical direction and in a substantially horizontal direction during transferal, by the sticker support bracket, of a sticker from a sticker in-feed conveyor to a sticker tray.

Abstract: A heat pump includes a compressor having an inlet and an outlet, an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor thermal expansion valve. The heat pump further includes an auxiliary heat exchanger. An auxiliary fluid line and an auxiliary fluid pump circulate an auxiliary heat transfer fluid through the auxiliary fluid line. The compressor outlet, the indoor heat exchanger, the outdoor thermal expansion valve, the auxiliary heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the compressor inlet can be placed in respective serial fluid communication to thereby circulate a refrigerant fluid through the heat pump. The auxiliary heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant fluid and the auxiliary heat transfer fluid. The auxiliary fluid line is in thermal energy communication with a primary source of auxiliary heat. Preferably, the primary source of auxiliary heat is a fluid contained within a septic tank.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a subterranean structure, having a continuous ribbon slab having a plurality of flights fabricated from concrete. The ribbon slab defines periodic openings therein which generally align between adjacent flights. Another embodiment provides for a method of fabricating a subterranean structure. The method includes excavating soil to form a downward sloping ramp, and forming a concrete slab on the downward sloping ramp. The method further includes continuing to excavate soil to extend the downward sloping ramp to a location under the concrete slab, and continuing to form the concrete slab on the downward sloping ramp so that a subterranean structure is formed having an essentially continuous concrete slab with a first portion which is above and spaced-apart from a second portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the probable existence, location, and type of defects in a workpiece is described. The apparatus includes a sensor subsystem, an optimizer, a control subsystem, and a computer system having a processor and computer readable memory. The sensor subsystem senses a first section of the workpiece and produces signals corresponding to a physical characteristic of the workpiece. The computer system is configured to generate a workpiece model based on the signals produced by the sensor subsystem. In an alternate embodiment, a defect assembler can be provided to merge signals front a plurality of sensor subsystems. The defect assembler can also be configured to generate the workpiece data model. The optimizer is configured to generate workpiece segmentation recommendations based on the workpiece data model.

Abstract: Apparatus for reminding a person to perform a plurality of periodically repeating tasks includes a first and a second user-accessible interface each having at one least task switch. A first and a second signal device each correspond to the respective first and second user-accessible interfaces. A surface supported by the apparatus can be imprinted with first and second task identifications which are aligned proximate to the corresponding signal devices and user interfaces. The apparatus includes an electronic processor configured to set a first alarm interval and a second alarm interval in response to the at least one task switch of the respective first or second user-accessible interface being accessed by a user a single time. The processor measures the passage of time using an electronic timing device and activates the first or second signal device when the measured passage of time exceeds the respective first or second alarm interval.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for training a trainee to achieve or maintain proper throwing technique by attaining proper form, position, and movement of the legs, hips, torso, and shoulders of the trainee and without the use of the throwing arm of the trainee. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a harness to be worn about the torso of the trainee, wherein the harness is configured to releasably support thereon a training projectile which is configured to be launched from is supported position on the harness as a result of a training maneuver which does not involve the throwing arm of trainee. A method in accordance with the present invention includes providing a training projectile, releasably supporting the projectile proximate a throwing shoulder of the trainee, executing a training maneuver and launching the projectile as a result of the execution of the training maneuver.

Abstract: A clamped receiver array using tubing conveyed packer elements is disclosed and described. The receiver array can be used for borehole seismology as well as marine bottom surface seismology. The receiver array has a plurality of receivers connected together by a signal cable. The apparatus is further provided with a fluid conduit running essentially parallel to the signal cable. The fluid conduit has a plurality of receiver deployment sections which are located proximate to respective receivers. The receiver deployment sections are responsive to an increase in pressure within the fluid conduit, causing the receiver deployment sections to operate to press the receiver against the inside of a wellbore or to a marine bottom surface. In one example the receiver deployment section uses pistons disposed in openings in the fluid conduit to push the receivers away from the conduit as pressure in the conduit is increased.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying a product comprising placing the product on a first side of a support surface, and directing dry radiant heat toward the second side of the surface to heat the product. A sensor can be included to measure at least one characteristic of the product, such as the temperature or moisture content thereof. The temperature of the heat source can be regulated as a function of the measured characteristic. The support surface can also be made so as to be movable relative to the heat source. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of control zones are defined and through which the product is successively passed. Each of the control zones has at least one associated heat source and an associated sensor so as to regulate the temperature of the heat sources associated with each control zone independently of those associated with another zone.

Abstract: A board trimmer having pre-trimmer saws includes a selectively translatable upstream first pre-trimmer saw mounted on a near-side of a board flow path of a board transfer, upstream of a downstream multi-saw board trimmer. The pre-trimmer saw is selectively translatable by an actuator for translation linearly parallel to a near-side ended board on the board transfer. The pre-trimmer saw is perpendicular to the board when on the board transfer. A board elevator may be mounted below the board flow path and the pre-trimmer saw for elevating the board from a sequence of single boards from the board transfer into sawing engagement with the pre-trimmer saw once the pre-trimmer saw has been pre-positioned by the actuator into an optimized cutting path. Trimming of the board in the flow path is done according to an optimized solution for trimming the board.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of the accumulation fluids in a subterranean formation. The method includes the steps of determining a first velocity vector “Vx” for migration of fluid in a region of interest in the subterranean formation. The first velocity vector includes attributes of speed and direction of flow of fluid in a first direction in the region of interest. The method further includes determining a second velocity vector “Vy” for migration of fluid in the region of interest. The second velocity vector includes attributes of speed and direction of flow of fluid in a second direction in the region of interest. The velocity vectors are then extrapolated to identify the fluid accumulation location. The first and second velocity vectors are primarily functions of supplementary pressure “dP” in the region of interest, the permeability “c” of the region of interest, and the viscosity “u” of the fluid in the region of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an abrasive material includes a flexible base defined by a first end and a second end, and by a lower surface which supports the abrasive material and an upper surface opposite the lower surface. The flexible base is fabricated from a resilient material so as to assume an essentially flat shape when the ends of the flexible base are not acted on by external forces. A front frame is member attached to the flexible base proximate the first end, and a rear frame member is attached to the flexible base proximate the second end. An adjustable connecting link has a first end connected to the front frame member in fixed relation thereto. A second end of the adjustable connecting link is connected to the rear frame member by a variably positionable connection.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for fabricating a skating ring. One such apparatus is a curved element for skating rings which includes a plurality of vertical sup5 ports which are adapted to any curve shape. The apparatus further includes a plurality of horizontally arranged ribs and abutting double-curved shell segments made of several plane-like wood layers which are glued to each other. By being fixed to the support elements and ribs, the shell segments form a skating surface to be ridden on by skaters or the like. The shell segments are pre-shaped as at least one of single- or double-curves such that they can be fixed essentially stress-free onto the support elements and ribs. One method of the present invention includes a method for manufacturing shell segments for curve elements for skating rings. The shell segments include a plurality of plane-like layers of wood.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for filling a container with a liquid product. The apparatus includes various passageways which facilitate the evacuation of the container of atmospheric gases prior to filling as well as facilitating introduction of the liquid product into the container. The apparatus also allows for the introduction of a counter-pressure purge gas to be introduced into the container after evacuation to prevent reintroduction of atmospheric gases into the container during filling of the container with a fluid product. A method in accordance with the instant invention comprises substantially evacuating the container as well as introducing liquid product into the container.

Abstract: A fish hook remover is described which provides a shank that can include a handle. The shank has a spiral hook engaging flight. The spiral hook engaging flight is generated about an axis with a central hook shank receiving opening. A spiral line guide opening is defined by the flight that spirals into the central hook shank receiving opening such that a fish line engaged laterally by the flight will be guided into the central hook shank receiving opening.