Abstract: A cost effective and environmentally sound method of controlling hydrogen sulfide in a wastewater collection systems comprising administration of anaerobic sulfide oxidizing bacteria along with limited amounts of nitrate.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a hinge for a clamshell-type wireless communication device or other electronic device. In one embodiment, the communication device includes a base portion and a flip portion. A hinge mechanism movably couples the flip portion to the base portion so that the flip portion may pivot between a closed position and an open position. The hinge mechanism comprises first and second hinge parts, an indexing pin, and a spring. The indexing pin is rotatable relative to the first hinge part about a pivot axis. Additionally, the indexing pin is movable axially along the pivot axis. The second hinge part is non-rotatably engaged with the indexing pin and is rotatable about the pivot axis relative to the first hinge part between closed and open positions. The spring applies both an axial force and a rotational force to the indexing pin.

Abstract: A cooling garment including an inlet for receiving a cooling medium such as CO2. A series of conduits are associated with the garment. In a first cooling stage, the cooling medium or CO2 passes through the one or more conduits and undergoes a phase change where the cooling medium or CO2 changes from a predominantly liquid phase to a predominantly gaseous phase. In this first stage, heat is transferred from a living body having the garment disposed adjacent thereto the cooling medium or CO2. In a second stage of cooling, the cooling medium or CO2 assumes a substantial gaseous phase and the gaseous cooling medium or CO2 is dispersed onto the garment or the body resulting in the body being cooled through evaporative cooling.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a hinge for a clamshell-type wireless communication device or other electronic device. In one embodiment, the communication device includes a base portion and a flip portion. A hinge mechanism movably couples the flip portion to the base portion so that the flip portion may pivot between a closed position and an open position. The hinge mechanism comprises first and second hinge parts, an indexing pin, and a spring. The indexing pin is rotatable relative to the first hinge part about a pivot axis. Additionally, the indexing pin is movable axially along the pivot axis. The second hinge part is non-rotatably engaged with the indexing pin and is rotatable about the pivot axis relative to the first hinge part between closed and open positions. The spring applies both an axial force and a rotational force to the indexing pin.

Abstract: A cooling garment including an inlet for receiving a cooling medium such as CO2. A series of conduits are associated with the garment. In a first cooling stage, the cooling medium or CO2 passes through the one or more conduits and undergoes a phase change where the cooling medium or CO2 changes from a predominantly liquid phase to a predominantly gaseous phase. In this first stage, heat is transferred from a living body having the garment disposed adjacent thereto the cooling medium or CO2. In a second stage of cooling, the cooling medium or CO2 assumes a substantial gaseous phase and the gaseous cooling medium or CO2 is dispersed onto the garment or the body resulting in the body being cooled through evaporative cooling.

Abstract: A loading and unloading apparatus adapted for use on a wheel-supported trailer body is provided. The loading and unloading apparatus comprises a plurality of elongate support arms, a plurality of channels under the floor structure of the trailer body allowing the support arms to be mounted thereon and move longitudinally between a stored position and an operating position, at least one deck panel having two opposite end edge portions and means for securing the opposite end edge portions to the support arms. The opposite end edge portions are detachably mounted on the support arms.

Abstract: A tactile generator comprises an eccentric mass that imparts a vibration as it rotates about a rotational axis. The mass is radially movable with respect to the rotational axis such that the distance between the mass and the axis is variable. Varying the distance of the mass from the axis varies the amount of vibration generated when the mass is rotated. The amount of vibration may be controlled responsive to a detected level of ambient noise.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the sound pressure level (SPL) heard by a user of a mobile terminal, such as a cellular phone, when listening with an ear sealed to the mobile terminal and for providing adequate sound when the ear is not sealed to the mobile terminal. Some sound is laterally ported away from the ear-sealing region on the terminal such that the SPL heard with a sealed ear may be controlled to be within regulatory requirements. The need for mechanical or proximity switches may be reduced or eliminated. Adequate SPLs are provided when the ear is not sealed to the device by the combined use of distal and central ports. Excessive SPLs may be prevented for sounds such as alert signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the sound pressure level (SPL) heard by a user of a mobile terminal, such as a cellular phone, when listening with an ear sealed to the mobile terminal and for providing adequate sound when the ear is not sealed to the mobile terminal. Some sound is laterally ported away from the ear-sealing region on the terminal such that the SPL heard with a sealed ear may be controlled to be within regulatory requirements. The need for mechanical or proximity switches may be reduced or eliminated. Adequate SPLs are provided when the ear is not sealed to the device by the combined use of distal and central ports. Excessive SPLs may be prevented for sounds such as alert signals.

Abstract: A process for treating waste comprising the steps of (i) adding a first innoculum comprising sulfide-utilizing bacteria to a sulfide-rich organic waste to produce a lowered-sulfide waste, (ii) adding a second innoculum comprising organic digesting bacteria to the lowered-sulfide waste to produce a digested waste, and (iii) adding to the digested waste at least one of (a) a third innoculum comprising bacteria capable of converting a nitrogen-containing compound to N2 to produce a lowered nitrogen waste, and (b) a fourth innoculum comprising phosphorous absorbing bacteria to produce a phosphorous enriched bacteria fraction and a phosphorous depleted waste fraction.

Abstract: A cantilever latch mechanism includes a base and a pair of arms extending from the base. The arms are spaced a distanced apart and selectively positionable between an open orientation wherein an opening is formed between the arms, and a closed orientation where the arms are positioned in a closer relation. Each of the arms may include a jaw extending inwardly into the opening. Preferably, the jaws are positioned on different vertical planes on each arm such that they overlap when the arms are in the closed orientation.

Abstract: Two pivoting portions of a product are connected by a hinged detent. The hinged detent provides a snap feel when the product halves are closed or opened to an operable angle. It also allows for the placement of wires and connectors within the hinge. The hinged detent design further enables easy vertical axis assembly and provides for one of a multiple of operable angles to be factory-set. In adjustable hinge detents, a dial or similar mechanism can be rotated to adjust and set the desired operable angle to which the hinged product halves will be opened. Locating elements are forcibly disengaged from one set of adjusting recesses in the adjustable hinge, then rotated to different adjusting recesses of the hinge, and finally permitted to reengage the adjustable hinge in the new adjusting recesses. This mechanism permits a multitude of operable angles to be selected. Each time the product portions are reopened, they will automatically open to the previously selected angle.

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a body member defining a cavity and including at least two spaced apart, opposed, relatively displaceable arms. A latch structure is located on at least one of the arms. A deformable elastomeric core is disposed in the cavity to resist convergent displacement of the arms. The elastomeric core is responsive to convergent displacement of the arms to provide a spring force biasing the arms apart.

Abstract: Two pivoting portions of a product are connected by a hinged detent. The hinged detent provides a snap feel when the product halves are closed or opened to an operable angle. It also allows for the placement of wires and connectors within the hinge. The hinged detent design further enables easy vertical axis assembly and provides for one of a multiple of operable angles to be factory-set. In adjustable hinge detents, a dial or similar mechanism can be rotated to adjust and set the desired operable angle to which the hinged product halves will be opened. Locating elements are forcibly disengaged from one set of adjusting recesses in the adjustable hinge, then rotated to different adjusting recesses of the hinge, and finally permitted to reengage the adjustable hinge in the new adjusting recesses. This mechanism permits a multitude of operable angles to be selected. Each time the product portions are reopened, they will automatically open to the previously selected angle.

Abstract: An environmental sensor distinguishes between a plurality of different ambient acoustic environments and communicates with an audio gain circuit which automatically adjusts the audio characteristics of the speaker and microphone of a wireless communications assembly for more optimum audio performance. The wireless communications assembly preferably includes a hands free adapter coupled to a wireless communications device such as a cellular telephone. The adjustments to the audio characteristics are according to predetermined settings for the identified ambient acoustic environment which are preferably stored in memory associated with the audio gain circuit. In this manner, the audio characteristics are automatically adjusted for the actual ambient acoustic environment that the wireless communications assembly is operating in.

Abstract: A system connector for an electronic device such as a cellular phone is integrally molded with a mic cavity for receiving a device microphone. By incorporating the microphone into the system connector, overall device thickness can be reduced, providing a more efficient use of space than the previous use of separate connectors.

Abstract: An environmental sensor distinguishes between a plurality of different ambient acoustic environments and communicates with an audio gain circuit which automatically adjusts the audio characteristics of the speaker and microphone of a wireless communications assembly for more optimum audio performance. The wireless communications assembly preferably includes a hands free adapter coupled to a wireless communications device such as a cellular telephone. The adjustments to the audio characteristics are according to predetermined settings for the identified ambient acoustic environment which are preferably stored in memory associated with the audio gain circuit. In this manner, the audio characteristics are automatically adjusted for the actual ambient acoustic environment that the wireless communications assembly is operating in.

Abstract: A support stand includes a plurality of generally planar support members pivotally connected to one another. The stand attaches to the bottom of an electronic device. The support members are movable between a storage position in which all of the support members lie in a single plane against the bottom of the electronic device, and a deployed position in which the electronic device is supported in an inclined position. A latch retains the stand in the storage position when it is not in use.

Abstract: A power accessory for a powered device includes a retractable power cord. The power accessory includes a housing having an outlet opening, a power circuit contained within the housing, a power input connected to the power circuit, an outlet cord passing through the outlet opening in the housing having a first end connected to the power circuit and a second end adapted to connect to the powered device, and a retraction assembly contained within the housing for retracting the outlet cord into the housing when the power accessory is not in use. The power circuit is embodied in a printed circuit board. Both the power circuit and power input are mounted to said retraction assembly so as to rotate with the retraction assembly. Thus, there is no need for slip rings to make electrical connection between various electrical components.

Abstract: A clip is provided for releasably securing an article of personal use, the article having a stud with a head spaced from the article. The clip includes a base connectable to a strap and a spring member biased against the base. The base includes a recess hole adapted to receive the stud head. The spring member includes a slot therein extending to an end substantially aligned with the recess hole, with the aligned end of the slot having a first width less than a diameter of the stud head.