Abstract: A microprocessor preprogrammable autonomous device with biofouling control and method for monitoring aquatic environment by disposing environmental sensors in a sensor chamber which programmably opens for allowing direct communication between the sensors and the fluid of interest for sampling and which is closed after the sampling sequence is completed to create an anti-fouling environment in the sensor chamber by dissolving a biocide salt in the chamber and exposing the sensors to the anti-fouling environment for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A microprocessor preprogrammable autonomous device with biofouling control and method for monitoring aquatic environment by disposing environmental sensors in a sensor chamber which programmably opens for allowing direct communication between the sensors and the fluid of interest for sampling and which is closed after the sampling sequence is completed to create an anti-fouling environment in the sensor chamber by dissolving a biocide salt in the chamber and exposing the sensors to the anti-fouling environment for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a uniflow fluid engine having at least one cylinder having at least one high-pressure input and at least one low-pressure output. In some embodiments, the engine includes piston-operated valves that are related to the piston shaft and pistons that may also act as exhaust valves. In some embodiments, a valve is slidably positioned within the cylinder on the piston shaft, the valve being movable between a first position allowing input fluid to be conveyed through a first passage and blocking input fluid from a second passage, and a second position allowing input fluid to be conveyed through the second passage and blocking input fluid from the first passage.

Abstract: A microprocessor preprogrammable autonomous device with biofouling control and method for monitoring aquatic environment by disposing environmental sensors in a sensor chamber which programmably opens for allowing direct communication between the sensors and the fluid of interest for sampling and which is closed after the sampling sequence is completed to create an anti-fouling environment in the sensor chamber by dissolving a biocide salt in the chamber and exposing the sensors to the anti-fouling environment for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The device with biofouling control for monitoring aquatic (or gaseous) environment encloses an environmental sensor instrument in a sensor chamber which programmably opens for allowing direct communication between the sensors and the water of interest for sampling and which is closed after the sampling sequence is completed to create an anti-fouling environment in the sensor chamber by adding a biocide into the chamber and exposing the sensors to the anti-fouling environment for a predetermined period of time. The monitoring device includes a microprocessor which is preprogrammed prior to deployment of the device (and which may be re-programmed from a remote host computer during the deployment) into the aquatic environment and which controls the operation of the entire device for a long deployment (up to several months).

Abstract: The device with biofouling control for monitoring aquatic (or gaseous) environment encloses an environmental sensor instrument in a sensor chamber which programmably opens for allowing direct communication between the sensors and the water of interest for sampling and which is closed after the sampling sequence is completed to create an anti-fouling environment in the sensor chamber by adding a biocide into the chamber and exposing the sensors to the anti-fouling environment for a predetermined period of time. The monitoring device includes a microprocessor which is preprogrammed prior to deployment of the device (and which may be re-programmed from a remote host computer during the deployment) into the aquatic environment and which controls the operation of the entire device for a long deployment (up to several months).

Abstract: A clinometer includes a cylindrical cavity having a conductive cylindrical wall and a vertical annular wall having a high resistance resistor uniformly distributed thereon. A freely moving, heavy conductive ball, which may be solid or liquid such as mercury, seeks the lowest point in the cavity. The conductive ball contacts both the conductive cylindrical wall at a point along the resistor, thereby defining the resistance between a terminal connected to one end of the resistor and another terminal connected to the conductive cylindrical wall. This resistance is a function of the inclination of the clinometer. A reference voltage is applied to the end terminal of the resistor. The terminal connected to that conductive cylindrical wall may be coupled to a circuit that converts a voltage across the resistance into a digital voltage that represents the inclination of the clinometer.

Abstract: A clinometer includes a cyclindrical cavity having a conductive cylindrical wall and a vertical annular wall having a high resistance resistor uniformly distributed thereon. A freely moving, heavy conductive ball seeks the lowest point in the cavity. The conductive ball contacts both the conductive cylindrical wall and a point along the resistor, thereby defining the resistance between a terminal connected to one end of the resistor and another terminal connected to the conductive cylindrical wall. This resistance is a function of the inclination of the clinometer. A reference voltage is applied to the end terminal of the resistor. The terminal connected to the conductive cylindrical wall is coupled to a circuit that converts a voltage across the resistance into a digital voltage that represents the inclination of the clinometer.

Abstract: An orthodontic face bow lever arm for applying torque to a lingual or palatal side orthodontic appliance comprising a rigid (e.g., hard acrylic) tray with an inner softer surface (e.g., thermoplastic) contoured to act as a cushioned fulcrum pivoting about the teeth wherein a pair of wire lever arms are embedded in the rigid hard acrylic portion. The intraoral extension of the wire lever arms terminate in a hook that fits between the teeth and the archwire of the lingual orthodontic appliance while the extraoral extension of the wire lever arms project outwardly and upwardly terminating in a second set of hooks which attach elastically to a conventional high pull orthodontic headgear. Such a face bow is particularly useful in applying a lever arm torque effect to the lingual appliance, thus forcing the root of the tooth rearward (i.e., tooth root tips back).