Abstract: A method for identifying a leaking earth tap heat exchanger includes measuring an electrical resistance between the electrically conducting tubing of the earth tap heat exchanger and the surrounding soil or water to determine if the electrically insulating layer has an undesired opening in a portion thereof thereby exposing an adjacent portion of the electrically conducting tubing to the soil or water as indicated by a relatively low electrical resistance. Each earth tap heat exchanger preferably comprises electrically conducting tubing having an electrically insulating layer covering an exterior thereof. The method may also be used to test the integrity of the electrically insulating layer to avoid corrosion as may be caused by direct contact between metallic tubing and adjacent soil or water. Apparatus aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor for controlling a build material dispenser and a dispenser positioner to construct a three-dimensional article in successive layers based upon article defining data, and wherein the processor operates the dispenser to dispense a series of bursts of build material at a series of respective target positions as the dispenser is advanced along a predetermined path of travel. Each burst is defined by a plurality of droplets dispensed in relatively rapid succession so that the build material thereof combines at a respective target position. The build material dispenser is preferably a jet including a piezoelectric actuator for ejecting a droplet of build material responsive to a corresponding firing signal. Accordingly, the processor generates a predetermined number of firing signals for the piezoelectric actuator corresponding to a desired number of droplets in each burst. Method aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drainfield pipe support device includes a pair of elongated anchor members generally parallel to each other and separated for receiving drainfield pipe sections therebetween. The elongated anchor members penetrate a grade surface for holding the anchor members upright while supporting the pipe section within a clamp above the grade surface. The clamp is pivotally attached to the anchor member upper portion and holds a rib extending radially from the pipe section between jaws of the clamp for holding the pipe section from an upper portion of the pipe section. The device and method for installing drainfield pipe sections by supporting such sections from a pipe section top portion permits the sections to be held at desired positions for introduction of aggregate into an absorption area containing the drainfield pipe sections without displacing the sections from their desired location.

Abstract: A system provides a flexible control of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) for enclosed areas. The apparatus and method of the present invention measures selected internal environmental variables in the enclosed area including data from a motion sensor indicating the occupancy status of the area for automatically controlling the operation of the HVAC system. Control settings are made to meet desired temperature and energy consumption levels. A logic algorithm and microcomputer determine humidity levels. The humidity levels are controlled to minimize the occurrence of mold and mildew. Algorithm timing strategies optimize air drying initiated by an occupancy sensor.

Abstract: An object sensor and method using pulsed laser range imaging technology is adapted for determining the velocity and three dimensional profile of a vehicle passing the sensor for classifying the type of vehicle for use in Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems. A pair of scanned laser beams are provided by splitting a continuously pulsed laser beam from a transmitter and an optical receiver determines the presence of a vehicle in a predetermined zone such as a highway weigh station or toll booth. Range, angle and time data are collected and stored for use in determining the speed of the vehicle passing the sensor and its three dimensional profile. Forward and backward scanned beams are provided using alternate embodiments of a rotating mirror and using two transmitters/receivers in another embodiment. The pulsed energy is sent into the two divergent beams, which are received as reflective energy in a receiver.

Abstract: The wall hanger of the present invention is designed to minimize the damage done to a wall when hung thereon. The wall hanger has a plurality of narrow bores angling generally downward through which straight pins may be inserted to anchor the wall hanger. A variety of embodiments are provided, including hangers for pictures, plates, and curtains, and a combination frame-hanger unit. In addition, a mounting tool is disclosed that bores a hole in the wall through the bores in the hanger and then is used to push a straight pin through the bore and into the hole in the wall. A removal tool is also provided for removing pins from a mounted wall hanger. A kit is provided that consists of a wall hanger, a mounting tool, and a removal tool. In addition, methods are provided for mounting a wall hanger to a wall and for removing the wall hanger from the wall.

Abstract: Arcuate shield segments form a collar around the perimeter of a frying pan cooking surface while suspended within the pan side walls for containing splattering grease within the fry pan. Tabs extending from lower edge portions of the shield segments permit attachment to pans having various size openings. Multiple shield segments are removably attached to each other and aligned to surround the pan cooking surface. The segments are removably attached such that a handle removes all segments simultaneously or a single segment when access through the shield wall is desired. Each segment is dimensioned for convenience in cleaning and storage of the multiple segments.

Abstract: An absorbent material useful as an animal litter contains generally a wood product and clay particles. Specifically, the wood product in the preferred embodiment is wood particles from Western Red Cedar trees, which are nontoxic and nonaromatic. The clay particles are crystalline clay particles comprising calcium montmorillonite, sodium bentonite, attapulgite, and calcium bentonite. The material has the properties of being nontoxic, nonallergenic, nonaromatic, natural, and deodorant. The material further has the properties of enhancing clumping and coating solid material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing preassembled drainage line units comprises feeding a length of perforated vent pipe along a direction of manufacture longitudinally through a tubular mandrel, feeding a continuous sleeve of netting concentrically over the vent pipe along the direction of manufacture from a front end of the mandrel and continuously supplying quantities of artificial aggregate into the space between the sleeve of netting and the vent pipe. A low friction coating is applied to the inside surface of the mandrel to reduce the surface friction of the artificial aggregate caused by compaction, and to permit high speed manufacture.

Abstract: A composition containing an antimicrobial and a silicone-based emulsion is disclosed for treating heat exchange surfaces. The liquid formulation retards microbial growth and prevents debris from adhering to the surfaces, thus minimizing fouling. The composition does not form a film on the treated surfaces, but rather clings via ionic interaction; thus the heat transfer characteristics of the system are not substantially altered. In addition, the composition does not contain any volatile organic compounds, which can be harmful to a building's occupants. An application method is further disclosed that entails spraying the composition into the cooling coils to be treated, drawing the composition across the heat exchange surfaces in an air stream, and drying the surfaces. This method results in the formation of a low-friction antimicrobial deposit that will resist fouling and microbial growth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for reducing, stabilizing, and fixating a pelvic ring fracture. The apparatus is a modular device that includes a plurality of clamps mountable to an exposed fractured pelvis with bone screws, at least one clamp on either side of the fracture. The clamps and the fracture are spanned by an elongated rod that is sufficiently pliable to be shaped to conform to the contours of the pelvis and sufficiently strong to stabilize and fixate the fracture. The method of treating the pelvic fracture includes affixing at least one clamp on each side of the fracture, cutting and shaping the rod, and securing the rod within the clamps to fixate the fracture. The modularity of the apparatus provides that the rod can be easily removed for reshaping as needed, and that the clamps can be easily removed for repositioning as needed.

Abstract: A floway for cleansing the water of a waterway containing nutrients and other pollutants, utilizing growing attached algal turf, the floway utilizing at least two elongate curbs spaced apart in a parallel relationship. A growing surface for algae is disposed between the curbs, on which growing surface, selected algae are caused to grow and form an algal turf able to bring about bioassimilation of nutrients and pollutants, as well as the physical trapping of particulates contained in water caused to flow over the algal turf. Water from the waterway is directed to flow through the floway and over the algal turf. A mobile harvester is provided for removing mature algal turf containing nutrients and pollutants assimilated and trapped by the algal turf, such harvester being of a width commensurate with the spacing of the curbs, so as to be supported therefrom. The harvester contains a vacuum pickup system, including an intake plenum for harvesting mature algal turf.

Abstract: An electrical system for supplying power from a source of alternating current to a gauge system functions as a half wave rectifier below a selected current level. The system prevents the rise of current above the selected current level and once that selected level is reached, reduces the time that the current flows to approximately one-fourth of the waveform of the alternating current.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for continuously and automatically protecting an electrical device (22) from a potential threat of damaging voltage levels. The apparatus includes a detector (24) for the threat and a protection switching circuit (30) for grounding the electrical device and the detector upon detection. Grounding occurs for a predetermined time interval, after which the detector is again automatically re-activated. Embodiments of detectors include detectors which detect the degree of electrical changes in a surrounding field and detectors comprising a tuned radio receiver. One embodiment includes a device utilization monitor (222) and a detector disable circuit (224) for disabling the detector, and thereby precluding grounding, while a device such as a radio frequency transmitter is being utilized.

Abstract: A drain field and a drain field assembly for use with a sewage disposal system are provided that do not require the use of aggregate in the form of rock, gravel, shale, or the like. The assembly contains a distribution pipe having a plurality of holes disposed along its bottom half for receiving liquid effluent. Alongside and beneath the distribution pipe are positioned a plurality of void pipes having holes and slots therein that serve to retain and distribute the effluent received from the distribution pipe. Draped over the top and along the sides of the assembly is a protective sheeting that is impervious to soil and liquid permeable that serves to keep soil from entering the pipes and also to aid in evapotranspiration. The drain field of the present invention contains the assembly positioned within a trench and covered with backfill material.