Abstract: Caulk tubes having caulk tube plungers with internally threaded apertures are described herein.

Abstract: Caulking systems and caulking system accessories are described herein.

Abstract: Some implementations can include a supplemental regenerative braking system comprising a power take-off section to receive mechanical energy, and an electric clutch to engage the power take-off section and transfer mechanical energy from the power take-off section to an output of the electric clutch. The system can also include a roller stop assembly coupled to the output of the electric clutch and constructed to transfer mechanical energy from the output of the electric clutch, and a generator coupled to the roller stop assembly. The system can further include a flywheel coupled to the generator.

Abstract: Some implementations can include a supplemental regenerative braking system comprising a power take-off section to receive mechanical energy, and an electric clutch to engage the power take-off section and transfer mechanical energy from the power take-off section to an output of the electric clutch. The system can also include a roller stop assembly coupled to the output of the electric clutch and constructed to transfer mechanical energy from the output of the electric clutch, and a generator coupled to the roller stop assembly. The system can further include a flywheel coupled to the generator.

Abstract: A flywheel based energy storage system which can include one or more flywheels and a motor/generator unit is disclosed. The system can include a universal joint connecting a suspended flywheel and motor/generator to another body (e.g., frame or mounting point on another structure). The universal joint permits automatic adjustment of an axis of the suspended flywheel to help reduce effects of gyroscopic precession on the flywheel system. A single flywheel is fixed to the drive shaft. Multiple additional flywheels are mounted to drive shaft via bearings to allow freewheeling. The fixed (or first) flywheel is fully charged before speed activated clutch engages second flywheel. All additional flywheels are started sequentially in like manner. During discharge, charged flywheels engage drive shaft via one-way ratchet type mechanism and non-charged flywheels continue to freewheel. A sectional drive shaft of one embodiment simplifies portability and assembly.

Abstract: A flywheel based energy storage system which can include one or more flywheels and a motor/generator unit is disclosed. The system can include a universal joint connecting a suspended flywheel and motor/generator to another body (e.g., frame or mounting point on another structure). The universal joint permits automatic adjustment of an axis of the suspended flywheel to help reduce effects of gyroscopic precession on the flywheel system. A single flywheel is fixed to the drive shaft. Multiple additional flywheels are mounted to drive shaft via bearings to allow freewheeling. The fixed (or first) flywheel is fully charged before speed activated clutch engages second flywheel. All additional flywheels are started sequentially in like manner. During discharge, charged flywheels engage drive shaft via one-way ratchet type mechanism and non-charged flywheels continue to freewheel. A sectional drive shaft of one embodiment simplifies portability and assembly.

Abstract: A flywheel based energy storage system which can include one or more flywheels and a motor/generator unit is disclosed. The system can include a universal joint connecting a suspended flywheel and motor/generator to another body (e.g., frame or mounting point on another structure). The universal joint permits automatic adjustment of an axis of the suspended flywheel to help reduce effects of gyroscopic precession on the flywheel system. A single flywheel is fixed to the drive shaft. Multiple additional flywheels are mounted to drive shaft via bearings to allow freewheeling. The fixed (or first) flywheel is fully charged before speed activated clutch engages second flywheel. All additional flywheels are started sequentially in like manner. During discharge, charged flywheels engage drive shaft via one-way ratchet type mechanism and non-charged flywheels continue to freewheel. A sectional drive shaft of one embodiment simplifies portability and assembly.

Abstract: Some implementations can include a liquid chamber disposed around the periphery of a flywheel. The liquid chamber can be equipped with one or more symmetrically spaced filling holes for introducing a liquid into the liquid chamber and expelling air there from, with corresponding counter balance weights as appropriate to maintain rotational balance. The liquid chamber also is fitted with one or more symmetrically spaced one-way restriction valves that allow the liquid to flow in the direction opposite of rotation of the flywheel body, again with corresponding counter balance weights as appropriate. When the flywheel encounters increased load conditions and slows its rate of rotation, the movement of the liquid closes the one-way restriction valves and prevents the liquid from slowing down or reversing direction. Thus, the kinetic energy stored in the liquid is released to meet the increased load demand.

Abstract: An inertial energy storage rotor having a reinforcement harness encompassing its outer circumference and sides, and having improved adjustable tensioning spoke elements extending from said harness and attaches to flywheel hub. The adjustable tensioning spokes allow the harness to be evenly torqued around the perimeter and sides of the rotor to provide additional reinforcement allowing the rotor to withstand centrifugal forces higher than otherwise able.

Abstract: A flywheel based energy storage system which includes multiple flywheels and a motor/generator unit. A single flywheel is fixed to the drive shaft. Multiple additional flywheels are mounted to drive shaft via bearings to allow freewheeling. Fixed flywheel is fully charged before speed activated clutch engages second flywheel. All additional flywheels are started sequentially in like manner. During discharge, charged flywheels engage drive shaft via one-way ratchet type mechanism and non-charged flywheels continue to freewheel. A sectional drive shaft of one embodiment simplifies portability and assembly. A Variable inertia flywheel of another embodiment further reduces charge-up time.

Abstract: A positive locking roller stop device includes two parallel disks; one is attached in a fixed position on a shaft while the other is mounted to same shaft via a bearing, allowing for rotation of this disk independent of the rotation of the shaft. One disk has one or more spring arm rollers attached to surface facing the second disk which has either an inclined notch(es) or inclined ramp(s) positioned to face the other disk and spring arm roller. Spacing between the disks allows the spring arm roller to engage the inclined notch(es) in the other disk when rotated in one direction thereby locking the movable disk to shaft while allowing free rotation of movable disk around shaft when rotated in opposite direction.

Abstract: Wind powers a rotor causing a shaft to rotate, thereby transmitting power to one or more pumps to pump colder sub-surface water from the depths, one or more flywheels to provide gyroscopic stability to the entire platform; and to a propeller to help the wind powered sea pump remain in a stationary position. A hull provides a sump for a single hose connector to feed water to the pumps from a pickup hose of desired diameter to a desired depth. The force of the wind powers the sea pump to transport colder water from a lower depth to the sea surface. A sea anchor provides a pivot point to keep the wind powered sea pump oriented directly into the wind and a weather vane helps with the wind orientation as well as providing space for use as an advertising bill board.

Abstract: The variable inertia flywheel is a wheel on an axle with a toroidal hollow tubular rim that is completely filled with a fluid. The tubular rim contains one of more one-way valves that allow the fluid to pass in the opposite direction of rotation. When torque is applied to the axle the wheel accelerates but the fluid lags in acceleration. The wheel has two components of inertia, the solid material of wheel and the fluid. The fluid lag lowers the effective moment of inertia of the total system compared to a solid flywheel of the same mass. After a period of time the fluid acquires the same speed as the wheel. The one way valves close on deceleration. The wheel now operates as a solid flywheel of the same total mass to deliver energy to the load.

Abstract: A free-standing universal scanner driving device includes a small, light-weight, portable, slow-speed, low memory processor with no monitor or keyboard, and programmed only to support a scanner; a memory having only enough capacity to hold a scanner driver; a slot for receiving an external storage medium; input and output ports; means for writing data on the external storage medium; a housing case; optionally an external numeric keypad; and one and only one push-button, touch pad, or touch screen for initiating an external optical scanner to scan a document placed in the scanner and then directly write the scanned electronic data into the external storage medium by pushing the button, without requiring any setup input from the user. The push-button, touch pad, or touch screen being integrally formed on the case.

Abstract: The Portable Multi-stack Flywheel Energy Storage Assembly stores energy from any electrical grid or other energy source such as wind turbines and photovoltaic solar power to a flywheel assembly. The invention is comprised of a motor/generator with a combination of multi-stacked flywheels, positive locking roller stops and speed activated clutches. The preferred embodiment would utilize variable inertia flywheels that has a liquid chamber which can be filled after assembly allowing greater portability than conventional flywheels. The rotating liquid provides the mass that spins up with less initial energy, requires lower operating speed for greater safety and reduced cost, and can be drained to move to another location if desired. When the power source is removed from the motor, the spinning flywheels cause the motor/generator to function in its generator mode, thereby supplying needed electrical energy back into the system.

Abstract: A wind powered sea pump comprises a propeller, rotor, one or more pumps and one or more flywheels. The present invention relates to a pump powered by the wind to move cold subsurface water from a lower level of the sea to the warmer surface water. The wind powers the rotor causing the shaft to rotate, thereby transmitting power to: one or more pumps, to pump colder sub-surface water from the depths; one or more flywheels to provide gyroscopic stability to entire platform and to a propeller to offset the force of the wind pushing back the wind powered sea pump. The hull provides a sump for a single hose connector to feed water to pumps from a pickup hose of desired diameter to a desired depth. The force of the wind powers the sea pump to transport colder water from a lower depth to the sea surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of flywheels or multi-stacked flywheels, ratchets or positive locking roller stops and speed activated clutches. The combinations allow the present invention to reduce the cut-in speed and reach rated speed sooner than existing technology, allowing the wind turbine to begin converting electricity sooner and reach rated capacity earlier to further improve the electrical generating output of the wind turbine. The multi-stacked flywheels of the present invention also capture excess energy above rated speed in small increments and store that energy to be released as the wind subsides allowing the wind turbine generator to maintain optimum speed longer and to continue to generate electricity for a period of time after the wind stops.

Abstract: The containment-reinforced flywheel is a simple device designed to increase a flywheels energy storage capability by placing as much mass as possible at the outer portion of the radius (rotor). The flywheel of the present invention comprises a rotor which may be either solid or hollow, and which is drawn to the hub by the tensioning straps of the containment portion of the device. In a preferred embodiment, the flywheel rotor is a hollow circular tube constructed of steel, titanium, or other metallic material; composite materials; rubber; or other materials suitable to withstand the loads and stresses of the intended use of the flywheel, but light enough to not add unnecessary weight to the combination. The interior of the flywheel rotor preferably is filled with a non-corrosive liquid such as water. The “fill ratio”, that is, the ratio of the fluid mass to the structural mass, determines the performance of the flywheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positive locking roller stop device having a rotational mechanism attached to a shaft that allows rotational motion to be transmitted to a work piece, such as a flywheel, in one direction at high rotational speeds but allowing for free-wheeling with minimal friction wheeling of a work piece such as a flywheel with minimal friction when the power source is reduced, preventing the slower shaft speed from reducing the speed of the work piece. The positive locking roller stop includes two parallel disks, one of which is mounted to a shaft and held in a fixed position while the other is mounted to the same shaft on a bearing allowing for rotation of the disk independent of the rotation of the shaft. The free rotation disk has a plurality of spring arm/rollers attached to the surface facing the fixed disk while the fixed disk has a plurality of inclined notches cut in the surface facing the rotating disk, or inclined ramps positioned above the surface facing the rotating disk.

Abstract: The variable inertia flywheel of the present invention is much simpler than prior art variable inertia flywheels and has very few moving parts. Movement of the liquid mass contained within the flywheel body is accomplished by the centrifugal force and friction of the rotating flywheel. The variable inertia flywheel of the present invention comprises a flywheel body with a liquid chamber disposed around the periphery of the flywheel body. The liquid chamber has an outer wall and an inner wall with one or more symmetrically spaced valves attached to a wall within the liquid chamber, and one or more symmetrically spaced external filling holes for filling a liquid into the liquid chamber. The flywheel body also includes a central hub for mounting the flywheel body to a shaft. Optionally, one or more manually adjustable vanes also may be attached by a central pin to the front and rear surfaces of the liquid chamber of the flywheel body.