Abstract: A means for mixing drinking water stored in large storage tanks, preventing stratification of the water, detects incipient stratification of water along thermoclines, and, responsive to thermocline detection, generates large mixing bubbles toward the bottom of the tank, causing mixing of layers of water in the tank through turbulence created as the bubbles rise through the tank.

Abstract: A process and system mixes drinking water stored in large water tower type storage tanks, preventing stratification of the water, by generating large mixing bubbles in the tank's standpipe, causing mixing of layers of water in the tank through turbulence created as the bubbles rise through the tank. Embodiments of the present invention, adapted for use in storage tanks in which the standpipe serves as both water inlet and outlet, detect flow in the standpipe and provide mixing only when the standpipe is not serving as a water outlet.

Abstract: A means for mitigating or precluding formation of ice in water stored in large storage tanks generates large mixing bubbles toward the bottom of the tank, causing mixing of thermally stratified layers of water in the tank through turbulence created as the bubbles rise through the tank. Incipient stratification of water along thermoclines is detected and the mixer is engaged only when temperatures of portions of stratified water in the tank approach freezing.

Abstract: A device for liquid removal from a drilled hole equipped for gas production from an underground accumulation, under the conditions in which a downward liquid film flow on the tubing string wall occurs, the device comprising a long lower inner liner (4) whose upper end (b) is beveled, surrounded by an “M”-shaped short-circuiting pipe (7), provided with short vertical portions (j and k), which, at the lower side, are secured to elbows (l and m) of an “M”-shaped discharge path (8) which partially surrounds the lower inner liner, the elbows continuing to the lower side with long vertical portions (n and o) and short vertical portions (p and q) which communicate between them through a lower horizontal portion (r), one long vertical portion having a curved lower end (s) mounted in a window (t) cut into the lower inner liner and the other long vertical portion having an open end (u) located in an accumulation chamber (a).

Abstract: A shield produces a “dazzling” effect: disorientation and temporary and fully reversible blindness in subjects for the purpose of threat deterrence. The apparatus is comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) capable of intense illumination. Light emitted by each LED is further pulsed and focused by reflective optics to produce a dazzling effect. The shield further provides ballistic protection, chemical or electrical crowd control functionality, safety-glass breaking capability, optically propagated communications and an arm strap to further secure the shield.

Abstract: An apparatus produces a “dazzling” effect: disorientation and temporary and fully reversible blindness in subjects for the purpose of threat deterrence in both civilian law enforcement and military engagements without the use of lasers. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) capable of intense illumination is provided. Light emitted by each LED is pulsed and focused by reflective optics to produce a pulsed beam of sufficient intensity that the combined effect of the beams from the LEDs induces dazzling in subject viewers in the target range. Further included in or ancillary to the invention are a power source for powering the LEDs a signal source and controller for controlling their illumination and pulsing, and a shield suitable for protecting a user against projectiles.

Abstract: A container having a compartment for retaining personal objects such as eyeglasses comprises a transducer which activates the container in response to a specified user action in proximity to the container. In some embodiments, the transducer is a motion detector and is activated in response to user motion. In other embodiments, the transducer comprises a speech recognition module and is activated in response to the user's voicing a specified utterance. Some embodiments become illuminated upon activation. Some embodiments produce a sound upon activation, enabling the user to locate the container. Some embodiments have a normally closed lid which opens upon activation. Some lidded embodiments are normally locked and become unlocked upon activation. Some embodiments of the container further normally provide low level lighting, thereby enabling the container to serve as a night light.

Abstract: A process removes or eliminates altogether accumulations of solid and semi-solid, water immiscible materials adhering to walls, and equipment, particularly near the high liquid mark, in tanks of waste liquid lift stations. Compressed gas is used to generate large bubble masses of six inches to several feet in diameter within the waste liquid. As these large bubble masses rise through the liquid in the tank, convection currents generated by the rising bubbles agitate and loosen pieces of accumulations adhering to the tank and lift station equipment, resulting to in a slurry of waste liquid and immiscible materials which can then be pumped from the tank by lift station equipment for further processing. In some embodiments, continuous or frequent periodic generation of the large bubble masses prevents the accumulation of such materials altogether.

Abstract: An articulated action figure, in conjunction with a battery pack, is adapted for providing power to electrical accessories that may be removably attached to the figure. The battery pack, fashioned as an appropriately scaled accessory, provides for removable, electrically conductive attachment to a cooperating receiving area of the action figure. The action figure conducts current internally from the battery pack receiving area to conductive surfaces disposed on specific areas of the figure, such as extremities, fashioned for removable retention of accessories. Advantageously, the present invention provides a means of conducting current through the figure at its points of articulation without requiring flexing of conductors. Suitably fashioned electrical accessories, such as simulated laser guns, removably retained by the figure at the aforesaid specific areas, may be provided electrical power through cooperating points in electrical contact with the conductive surfaces of the figure.

Abstract: A system for wastewater treatment comprises a tank and includes a mixer that generates large mixing bubbles, for example a bubble having a largest dimension of 6 inches to 10 feet. In some embodiments, the mixer is located in the anoxic zone. The mixing bubbles are large enough to move wastewater as they rise to the surface and generate a mixing current in the wastewater. The mixing current mixes the wastewater, and bacteria and other microorganisms to promote the bacteria and other microorganisms' conversion of the pollutants contained in the wastewater. The system further comprises an Integrated Fixed-film Activating Sludge (IFAS) system.

Abstract: An apparatus to retain an infant's beverage container, such as a bottle or sippy cup, is designed to be removably fitted on the baby in the manner of a harness. The apparatus securely retains the container and allows snugging of the harness at such a location on the infant that the container is positioned so that it may be easily drunk from and manipulated by the infant. The apparatus further permits the infant to move about freely. Embodiments permit easy adjustment of the apparatus to fit both baby and container. Embodiments also permit easy cleaning of the apparatus. Embodiments are adaptable to retain other items used by the infant, such as toys or pacifiers. By employing this invention, the bottle, sippy cup or other retained item avoids contact with the ground and its consequent contamination, and yet the item is accessible to the infant at all times.

Abstract: A system and method of aerobic wastewater treatment provides large mixing bubbles along with small oxygenating bubbles supplied by diffusers. The mixing bubbles are large enough to move wastewater and generate a mixing current as they rise to the surface. The mixing current mixes the wastewater, bacteria and other microorganisms, and the small oxygenating bubbles from the diffusers to promote the bacteria and other microorganisms' conversion of the pollutants contained in the wastewater. The mixing provided by the large mixing bubbles enhances the efficiency of wastewater aeration provided by the small oxygenating bubbles.

Abstract: A coupling element (3) and a waveguide structure (4) are deposited on a common substrate (2) of an optical component (1). The coupling element (3) serves for the optical coupling of the waveguide structures (4) to a further optical component. The coupling element (3) contains a reflecting, curved surface (31.1-31.8) for deflecting and for collimation of light which propagates between the waveguide structure 4 and the further optical component. The coupling element (3) creates a standard for interfaces between the optical component (1) and a further optical component. The manufacture of the coupling element (3) is simple and inexpensive, may be standardized and directed to large batch numbers.

Abstract: A feathering fluid-driven turbine comprises impellers, arranged around the turbine axis and affixed to axles disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of the turbine, and further comprises a vane, such as a wind vane, which points in the current direction of fluid flow, mounted on an axis. The impellers are operatively engaged by a feathering mechanism, which, responsive to the direction indicated by the vane, rotates the impellers along their axles so that impellers on the windward side of fluid flow are aligned to present maximum aerodynamic resistance to fluid flow and impellers on the leeward side of fluid flow are aligned to present minimum aerodynamic resistance, thereby maximizing torque output of the turbine regardless of direction of fluid flow. The feathering mechanism comprises an offset cam affixed to the axis of the vane, moving in conjunction therewith as the direction of fluid flow changes. Fitted to the cam is a collar that is rotatable with the rotation of the turbine.

Abstract: In a lift for watercraft, a load translation mechanism balances load upon the actuator throughout the raising and lowering of watercraft, thereby greatly reducing load spikes. Embodiments of the improved lift employing an over-center locking mechanism further employ an elastic stop means to reduce jarring of the apparatus when it locks in the over-center position. In some preferred embodiments, adjustable telescoping booms allow the user to adjust the height of the lifted watercraft above the base of the lift.

Abstract: An image viewing system to permit viewing of three-dimensional images, wherein users wear a pair of eyeglasses to view displayed images. The pair of eyeglasses include lenses having LCD polarizing filters and a LCD controlling unit configured to adjust the polarization of the lenses based upon the orientation of the glasses. A sensing unit, located on the glasses, monitors the orientation of the glasses and when the orientation is skewed from a default orientation, the sensing unit notifies the controlling unit of the new orientation. Upon receipt of the new orientation, the controlling unit then initiates a change in the polarization of the LCD filters. Adjustment of the polarization allows users of 3-D viewing glasses to freely adjust head position relative to the displayed images without compromising the integrity of the viewed image.

Abstract: An adjustably mounted infrared device for an electronic device is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is a computer. The computer has a housing and an integral infrared device. The housing has a plurality of surfaces to protect at least a processor within the housing. The integral infrared device is mounted adjustably to the housing to permit positioning of the device in a desired direction independent of movement of the housing. Other embodiments of the invention include a computer keyboard, a computer printer, and a computer monitor, each having such an integral infrared device mounted adjustably thereto to permit position of the device in a desired direction without movement of the keyboard, the printer or the monitor, respectively.

Abstract: A modular keyboard is provided which can be repeatedly and conveniently transferred between a portable computer or a desktop computer without damage to the modular keyboard. Both the portable computer and the keyboard base for the desktop computer have a cavity therein for receiving the modular keyboard. The keyboard base has a numerical keypad and arrow keys adjacent the cavity. The modular keyboard is small enough so that the portable computer can be closed and carried in the conventional manner without interference from the modular keyboard. A removal mechanism is provided on each the portable computer and the keyboard base to facilitate removal of the modular keyboard.