Abstract: A pressure-sensing device includes an insert for insertion into a load-bearing article of clothing such as a shoe and a controller that receives analog electrical values representing an amount of load or pressure exerted on various portions of the insert. The controller incorporates an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a processor, and a signaling unit. The ADC converts the analog electrical values into digital values at a precision associated with the ADC. If the response of the insert and ADC to load is nonlinear, a transformation function is determined that is inversely related to a curve representing that response. Application of the function to the ADC's digital outputs cancels out the nonlinearity.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power apparatus wherein piezoelectric material forms one wall of a liquid-filled container. Water pressure within the container is made to rapidly vary either by a cam operated piston or a motor operated ball valve acting on a pressurized liquid flow. The piston reciprocates through a wall of the container to alternately increase and decrease the pressure in the liquid. The ball valve periodically interrupts the pressurized liquid flow to alternately increase and decrease the pressure in the liquid. In either case, the alternate increase and decrease in the pressure in the liquid creates pressure variations in the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A means of reducing fluid density in front of Savonius blades by installing magnus rotors to accelerate onrushing fluid away from the blade itself. Several magnus rotors are mounted on either external side of the centerline of each blade, so as the Savonius rotor is revolved by the surrounding fluid and the magnus rotors are revolved on either side of the centerline in opposite directions, then fluid pressure is reduced and the Savonius rotor's speed is increased. Also, if the magnus rotor is formed from a sheathed flexible shaft and attached to an underlying contoured surface of a vehicle, such as a racing car or a helical Savonius rotor, fluid resistance to the forward motion of the vehicle is reduced.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power apparatus wherein piezoelectric material forms one wall of a liquid-filled container. Water pressure within the container is made to rapidly vary either by a cam operated piston or a motor operated ball valve acting on a pressurized liquid flow. The piston reciprocates through a wall of the container to alternately increase and decrease the pressure in the liquid. The ball valve periodically interrupts the pressurized liquid flow to alternately increase and decrease the pressure in the liquid. In either case, the alternate increase and decrease in the pressure in the liquid creates pressure variations in the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A means of reducing fluid density in front of Savonius blades by installing magnus rotors to accelerate onrushing fluid away from the blade itself. Several magnus rotors are mounted on either external side of the centerline of each blade, so as the Savonius rotor is revolved by the surrounding fluid and the magnus rotors are revolved on either side of the centerline in opposite directions, then fluid pressure is reduced and the Savonius rotor's speed is increased. Also, if the magnus rotor is formed from a sheathed flexible shaft and attached to an underlying contoured surface of a vehicle, such as a racing car or a helical Savonius rotor, fluid resistance to the forward motion of the vehicle is reduced.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power apparatus wherein waterproofed piezoelectric material is located within a water-filled container. Water pressure within the container is made to rapidly vary either by a cam operated piston rotated by a water turbine or a motor operated ball valve. A flowing water current is made to operate the ball valve which interrupts periodically the water flow, or the continuous water flow is made to operate the piston through the agency of a water turbine-operated cam.

Abstract: A machine configured to travel across a surface is disclosed. A material removal mechanism is configured to remove material from the surface. A frame supports the material removal mechanism. A conveyor is configured to receive the material and to convey the material to a location off of the machine. A pivotal connection includes connectors connected to the frame and conveyor, respectively, which are configured to mate with one another to allow pivoting of the conveyor relative to the frame.

Abstract: A machine configured to travel across a surface is disclosed. A material removal mechanism is configured to remove material from the surface. A frame supports the material removal mechanism. A conveyor is configured to receive the material and to convey the material to a location off of the machine. A pivotal connection includes connectors connected to the frame and conveyor, respectively, which are configured to mate with one another to allow pivoting of the conveyor relative to the frame.

Abstract: Water tends to expand in volume when heated up and contract in volume when heat is taken out of it. This invention relates to systems where solar energy causes pressure changes in water occupying fully a rigid closed container. Pressure energy is allowed to escape the container in a controlled way to operate a reaction turbine and shafted D.C. generator to produce electrical energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of removal of contaminants from textiles and related fabrics and garments. The present cleaning compositions contain at least one vegetable oil ester or fatty acid ester and a surfactant in combination with water and rinse compositions which are also preferably employed in a method aspect comprise at least one glycol ether or glycol acetate and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light and heat reactive paint or polymer stripping compositions preferably employing biodegradable components such as conjugated terpenes and related polyenes in combination with an alcohol such as a phenyl substituted benzyl alcohol for use in removing polymeric materials from substrates, in particular, cured paint from hard and/or flexible surfaces. The compositions avoid the use of methylene chloride, phenol, corrosives and caustics, methanol, toluol or acetone. Compositions according to the present invention preferably have flash points above about 49.degree. C. (about 120.degree. F.) and a pH which is preferably neutral.Methods of stripping polymeric coatings from surfaces and methods of making these compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light and heat reactive paint or polymer stripping compositions preferably employing biodegradable components such as conjugated terpenes and related polyenes in combination with an alcohol such as a phenyl substituted benzyl alcohol for use in removing polymeric materials from substrates, in particular, cured paint from hard and/or flexible surfaces. The compositions avoid the use of methylene chloride, phenol, corrosives and caustics, methanol, toluol or acetone. Compositions according to the present invention preferably have flash points above about 49.degree. C. (about 120.degree. F.) and a pH which is preferably neutral. Methods of stripping polymeric coatings from surfaces and methods of making these compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photo-reactive substantially non-toxic, non-flammable safe compositions employing primarily biodegradable components such as conjugated terpenes and related polyenes in combination with solubilizing alcohol for use in removing polymeric materials from substrates, in particular, cured paint from hard and/or flexible surfaces. The compositions avoid the use of methylene chloride, phenol, corrosives and caustics, methanol, toluol or acetone. Compositions according to the present invention preferably have flash points above about 49.degree. C. (about 120.degree. F.) and a pH which is preferably less than about 9. Methods of stripping polymeric coatings from surfaces and methods of making these compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-toxic, non-flammable, safe compositions employing primarily biodegradable components for use in removing and stripping paint, varnishes and stains from hard and/or flexible surfaces. The compositions avoid the use of methylene chloride, methanol, toluol or acetone. Paint stripper compositions of the present invention have flash points above about 120.degree. F. and an absence of low-boiling VOC's comprising:a. about 10% to about 60% by weight of a terpene compound containing at least 10 carbon atoms;b. about 10% to about 50% by weight of N-methyl pyrrolidone or its equivalent; andc. about 2% to about 20% by weight of a terpene emulsifying surfactant.Compositions of the present invention may further comprise at least one of the following: about 5% to about 15% by weight of a solvent extender or bulking agent, about 10% to about 60% of a high flash point, high K.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-toxic, non-flammable, safe compositions employing primarily biodegradable components for use in removing and stripping paint, varnishes and stains from hard and/or flexible surfaces. The compositions generally avoid the use of methylene chloride, methanol, toluol or acetone.Paint stripper compositions of the present invention have flash points above about 120.degree. F. and an absence of low-boiling VOC's comprising:a. about 0% to about 60% by weight of a terpene compound containing at least 10 carbon atoms;b. about 10% to about 69% by weight of N-methyl pyrrolidone or its equivalent; andc. about 0% to about 20% by weight of an emulsifying surfactant.Compositions of the present invention may further comprise one or more of the following: about 5% to about 15% by weight of a solvent extender or bulking agent, about 5% to about 60% of a high flash point, high K.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-toxic, non-flammable, safe compositions employing primarily biodegradable components for use in removing and stripping paint, varnishes and stains from hard and/or flexible surfaces. The compositions avoid the use of methylene chloride, methanol, toluol or acetone. Paint stripper compositions of the present invention have flash points above about 120.degree. F. and an absence of low-boiling VOC's comprising:a. about 10% to about 60% by weight of a terpene compound containing at least 10 carbon atoms;b. about 10% to about 50% by weight of N-methyl pyrrolidone or its equivalent; andc. about 2% to about 20% by weight of a terpene emulsifying surfactant.Compositions of the present invention may further comprise at least one of the following: about 5% to about 15% by weight of a solvent extender or bulking agent, about 10% to about 60% of a high flash point, high K.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-toxic, non-flammable, safe compositions employing primarily biodegradable components for use in removing and stripping paint, varnishes and stains from hard and/or flexible surfaces. The compositions generally avoid the use of methylene chloride, methanol, toluol or acetone.Paint stripper compositions of the present invention have flash points above about 120.degree. F. and an absence of low-boiling VOC's comprising:a. about 0% to about 60% by weight of a terpene compound containing at least 10 carbon atoms;b. about 10% to about 69% by weight of N-methyl pyrrolidone or its equivalent; andc. about 0% to about 20% by weight of an emulsifying surfactant.Compositions of the present invention may further comprise one or more of the following: about 5% to about 15% by weight of a solvent extender or bulking agent, about 5% to about 60% of a high flash point, high K.sub.