Abstract: Thermal covers for backflow prevention assemblies disclosed to prevent freeze-ups have a cover body with a thermal top wall, opposed thermal side walls that flex toward and away from one another, opposed normally closed ends, a variable shaped bottom opening and an adjustable closure for said bottom opening. The side walls spread apart and said cover body fits down over said backflow prevention assembly with said bottom closure open. The bottom opening is closed by the bottom closure to a reduced size and fits around and against at least one of the vertical pipes connected to the backflow prevention assembly. A second embodiment has cover ends that are selectively opened and closed by adjustable end closures similar to the adjustable bottom closure. Opposed velcro-type co-operative first and second fastening members are used. The second embodiment opens up into a flat blanket-like configuration.

Abstract: An antenna system includes a ground plane, an aperture array of patch radiating elements and a feed structure. The feed structure has a first and second beam forming networks that each couple to selected radiating elements to form first and second antenna arrays. At least one and less than all of the radiating elements are shared by the first and second antenna arrays.

Abstract: Ultra-broadband thin planar antenna has a flat elliptical element and a spaced rectangular element co-planar with the elliptical element. The inner conductor of a coaxial cable connects to the elliptical element near a gap between the elements and the outer conductor of the coaxial cable connects to the rectangular element. A housing encases the elliptical and rectangular elements and the transmission line. The antenna functions electrically as an asymmetrical planar dipole having a special configuration or as an elliptical planar monopole with a co-planar finite rectangular ground plane.

Abstract: A downhole separator has a housing defining an interior cavity divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a flow restricting bearing housing. A shaft driven impeller pumps production fluid into the first chamber and to the bearing housing. The bearing housing generates a pressure drop in production fluid entering the second chamber, separating gas from liquid. A vortex generator in the second chamber segregates the liquid to the outside and the gas to the inside of the second chamber. A downhole separation method includes pumping production fluid into a first chamber, and generating a pressure drop in the fluid as the fluid enters a second chamber to separate gas and liquid.

Abstract: A guide for guiding a hand held saw is disclosed. The guide has a locating member for locating the guide relative to an edge and a guiding member that guides the saw. The guiding member can be locked at any angle between 0 and 90 degrees relative to locating member and is invertible so that angles between 90 to 180 degrees can be guided. The guide has an angle gauge and also stops for 45 and 90 degrees. A clamp interfits with the locating member to quickly secure the guide to the material to be cut.

Abstract: A downhole liquid and gas separator system has a pump, a separator and a motor, and a shroud around the pump, separator and motor. The shroud has a lower impermeable portion with a closed lower end and an upper porous portion. The upper end of the impermeable portion is above the inlet port for the separator so that production fluid flows upwards between the well casing and the shroud, over the upper end of the impermeable portion and downwards to the inlet port, generating a pressure drop and releasing gas before the production fluid enters the separator.

Abstract: A phase converter that converts single phase AC electric power to balanced three phase AC power. Two input terminals are connectable to a single phase AC power source, and connect directly to two output terminals of the converter. The phase converter has a storage capacitor, a charging circuit for controlled charging the storage capacitor and an output circuit for controlled discharge of the storage capacitor to provide single phase AC power to a third output terminal. The charging circuit controls input to the storage capacitor to provide a sinusoidal input current and to step up the voltage to the storage capacitor. The output circuit provides output power to the third output terminal of a predetermined phase and amplitude, relative to the other two output terminals, to result in balanced three phase AC power at the three output terminals.

Abstract: Heater system includes flexible heater modules connected by keyed quick connect connectors and connector cables. The heater modules include a heater element connected to two power wires, and an integrated ground layer. The connectors and connector cables connect heater elements together in an electrically parallel configuration and connect the ground layers together. The heater system design is independent of application and suitable for many construction applications.

Abstract: Snake repellents include a repellent composition, an inert carrier and an adjuvant. The snake repellents include an essential oil selected from a group of essentials oils or a reagent from one of the essential oils. Methods of repelling snakes include exposing snakes to the snake repellents by aerosol, vapor or fog.

Abstract: A container system for dispensing flowable materials includes a prefilled, disposable bag, a reusable outer support and a reusable cap. The bag fits into the outer support and has a flat top with a collar that is held between the cap and outer support. The cap includes a tube for dispensing the material. The tube punctures the top of the bag when the cap is assembled to the outer support.

Abstract: A blade sweep for a pulverizer having a grinding bowl to which the sweep is attached and a floor with a discharged outlet over which the sweep is moved. One blade sweep disclosed is mounted to the bowl skirt and another blade sweep disclosed is mounted to the underside of the bowl. The blade sweep includes a blade, a mounting base, and an axle extending along the mounting base. The axle is substantially horizontal and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the axle and pivot brackets are rigidly attached to the axle to allow the blade to swing up to a raised position to clear reject material. A biasing device urges the blade to return to the down sweeping position.

Abstract: A microstrip patch radiator has parallel conductive strips that are connected at opposite ends by conductive connecting strips and separated by slits. The slits are parallel to the direction of the desired patch currents, and perpendicular to the undesired currents, to provide a low impedance path for currents generating the desired antenna polarization, and a high impedance path for orthogonal currents generating the undesired, cross-polarized radiation of the patch.

Abstract: A structure means and method for protecting a windshield from damage and therefore the development of cracks due to stone or other impact on windshields around the peripheral area. An impact resistant barrier is placed around the periphery of the windshield. The barrier is preferably a clear polymeric film, but could be opaque, rubber, plastic or metal. The barrier is placed on the glass surface and in contact adjacent to the windshield molding. The width of the barrier is selected to eliminate the higher incidence of damage to the peripheral area. The barrier can be combined with a sunlight blocking ingredient to reduce degeneration of urethane which is used in mounting the windshield to the vehicle. A kit can be assembled with the elements needed to place the barrier on a windshield. The barrier can be applied in fluid form which achieves a film. The barrier can extend not only over the front surface, but also over the edge surface and the back surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a blood separation system that is fully mechanized to collect blood from a patient, separate waste portions of the blood, wash the blood, and redirect the usable portions to a device for reinjecting the usable portions into the patient. The present invention prevents accidental activation of an improper operation that could cause harm to a patient or a shut down of the system by requiring confirmation of each step by an operator. The invention provides screen displays with detailed setup instructions, eliminating the need for secondary documentation that might not be allowed in a surgical environment. The invention also instructs the operator at the appropriate times to do certain manual steps such as opening and closing clamps. Since the opening and closing of clamps is a highly critical operation, confirmation of these steps is also required.

Abstract: A method of playing a poker type card game includes combining and randomizing a composite playing deck including selected portions of a standard fifty-two card deck and selected portions of a pinochle deck to change the probability of occurrences of specific hand types from a standard deck. The method is applicable to live poker, electronic video poker games and casino table poker games.