Abstract: One-stage power factor correction (PFC) with output electrical isolation. The converter has a configuration of combining a boost circuit and a forward circuit in one power stage. To relieve the voltage spike caused by the leakage inductance of the power transformer, two bulk storage capacitors are used. The same power switch is shared by the PFC circuit and the power conversion circuit. Due to its simplified power stage and control circuit, this converter presents a better efficiency (87%), lower cost and higher reliability. Detailed steady state analysis results show this novel converter has both good power factor correction and excellent regulation capabilities. With PSPICE simulation and experimental results, a measured power factor of 0.99 was obtained by this single switch converter.

Abstract: Process of adhering conductors such as bare copper wire, copper wire with polymide insulation, and multistrand Kapton wrapped superconductors to mount structures such as a cylinder of arbitrary cross sections, a saddle support, or steel tubes using adhesive layers of material such as BONDALL 16-H, 3M-2090 and T-164. The adhesive layers are subject to b-staging before being used, where it is heated to a temperature of approximately 60-100.degree. C. for approximately 1/2 hour to approximately one hour. The support surface can optionally be grooved to allow for better wire placement and no wire slippage.

Abstract: Holsters for supporting clipboards to cross-braces on hand trucks. A first version includes a rectangular box having a longitudinal slot for receiving the clipboard therethrough, the box has a solid base for receiving the bottom edge of the clipboard and interior bent metal tab for locking the clipboard within the box. A spring clip couples the box to an existing cross-brace on the handtruck. A second version has a second longitudinal slot in the bottom of the box so that the clip board passes through both the top and the bottom slots. Another version has a top box and a bottom box pivotally attached to one another by two parallel plates. The top box has a through-hole shaped longitudinal slot for allowing the entire clipboard to pass therethrough and the bottom box has an interior base for supporting the lower edge of the clipboard. A spring clip attaches the top and bottom boxes to a cross-brace on the handtruck.

Abstract: A process is provided for conditioning fly-ash present in flue gas which also contains sulfur dioxide and steam by subjecting the fly-ash containing flue gas to ultraviolet radiation so as to convert steam present in the flue gas into hydroxyl radicals which oxidizes about 5 to 10 percent of the sulfur dioxide in the flue gas into sulfur trioxide. This photo-produced sulfur trioxide conditions the fly-ash and renders it more easily separated in the electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: Disc wheel covers for forming optical illusions such as but not limited to clockwise and counter-clockwise rotating spiral patterns. The wheel covers have fasteners which interlock to mating fasteners on the outer ring of existing wheel hubs of a vehicle in place of hubcaps or attached directly to the outside of existing hubcaps. The fasteners can be extra strong interlocking mushroom shaped fasteners and or hook and loop fasteners. The matting fasteners allow the wheel covers to be detachable when needed but allow the covers to stay on the wheel hubs as the vehicle travels up to speeds of upto approximately 140 mph or more. The spiral patterns can be various color combinations, and be reflective. Alternatively, the wheel covers can have different optical illusions, solid reflective backgrounds, and/or include advertising symbols, logos, and business names.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography(OCT) and spectral interferometry imaging probe for the automatic screening and diagnosis of cervical and skin cancer in vivo. The probe eliminates the old techniques of having to perform Pap smears followed by a biopsy, known as colposcopy. The novel probe is cylindrical in shape and has a disposable outer plastic shield. Inside the probe is a motor driven rotatable casing having a planar optical fiber bundle array therein. The fiber bundle array has plastic light coupling lenslet arrays on both ends. The exposed end of the probe has one lenslet array disc that couples light between the probe and an interior of the cervix area being examined. Both the casing and the bundle array rotate relative to the outer probe walls. Inside the casing is a rotatable motor driven scanning mirror which couples passes light from an incoming second fiber bundle array to the lenslet array on the inside end of the rotatable casing fiber bundle array.

Abstract: Metal and wood composites are used to create framing members (studs and tracks, joists and bands, rafters, headers and the like.) for lightweight construction. Metal is utilized for its high strength, resistance to rot and insects, cost stability, and potentially lower cost through recycling. Metal that can be used includes roll formed steel approximately 18-22 gauge. Wood is used primarily for its lower thermal conductivity, and availability. The metal components form the primary structure while wood, either solid or other engineered wood, provides some structure and a thermal break. The invention connects J-shaped or triangular shaped metal forms to wood sections. The metal flange ends can have various J, C, L, right triangular, triangular, T and straight line cross-sectional shapes. The wood is fastened to the metal by machine pressing of the metal to wood. Alternatively the fastening includes nails, staples, screws, and the like, and also by adhesive glue.

Abstract: Debris removing screen basket and overflow apparatus embodiments for use in a storm collection sewer. The device has two embodiments, each including a central panel with foldable wings in each side of the central panel. During initial assembly, the wings are folded up around the central panel for insertion through a manhole cover. Each wing can have an optional extension panel. In the first embodiment, the wings, extension panels and the central panel form a single type panel that is inclined at a variable angle so as to suit various floor conditions at a particular location. Both wings and extension panels have angled deflector top portions, while the central panel does not. A screen mesh basket is supported behind the central panel. Storm water and debris fill up the area in front of the apparatus. The rising water when reaching the height of the deflector portions is forced over the central panel and into the basket.

Abstract: Novel tempered rust resistant steel wheels for installation on conventional in-line four wheel roller skates, parallel four wheel roller skates, and, in-line five wheel roller skates that convert traditional ground roller skates into ice skates. The novel wheels can have different diameters, thicknesses and varying concave edges. The diameters and sizes of the tempered rust resistant steel wheels must be the same as the roller skates' composition or rubber type wheels, except for the thickness of the wheels can be 1/4 inch, 3/16 inch for in-line skates and 1/4 to 1/2 inches for a parallel wheel roller skate. The heights of the sharpened concave edges for the steel wheels can be approximately 30/1000" to approximately 40/1000". Optional scraper bars can be used. The wheels can be used for making ice skates used for figure, dance, pair, freestyle, and recreational skating.

Abstract: A stacking arrangement for simultaneously microwaving plural food filled plates together. Hollow rings with outwardly sloping sides each having side oval through-holes and upper edge grooves are placed on food filled plates so that the plates can be stacked on top of each hollow ring. A cover with outwardly sloping sides has a handle with a lid and through-hole adjacent to the handle covers the top food filled plate in the stack. The stack can be placed in a microwave, heating oven, refrigerator or freezer. The through-holes in the rings and the cover act as vents to allow heat to be evenly dispersed about the food and to allow the food to be more evenly cooked when being microwaved. The cover and rings can be made of microwaveable plastic such as polypropylene. When not being used the rings can together be inserted into the cover for storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically controlling the activation of the throttle on a carburetor on the engine of a drag race car before the start of the race while staging the car. The apparatus eliminates some of the tasks a driver must perform during the process of staging and launching a race vehicle on the starting line(such as physically depressing the throttle pedal) using a starting line throttle actuation system for Pro tree and Full tree modes for controlling the throttle opening. In both Pro and Full tree modes, the staging process is simplified by allowing the driver to stage with the throttle pedal pre-depressed in the wide open down position, with the actual opening of the throttle controlled by the starting line throttle actuation control system. The apparatus has the driver use the same staging procedure for both Pro tree and Full tree races, thus eliminating separate training that has been required for Pro and Full tree races.

Abstract: Cargo boxes for trailers that support boats, jet skis, motorcycles, off road vehicles and power equipment A first embodiment has ninety degree angled channels in rectangular shape that are bolted to the front of a boat trailer frame or rear bumper of a towing vehicle. A hinged strap fits through the handle on five gallon gas cans or ice chests. One end of the strap is welded to the channels, the second end has a slot for fitting about a loop attached to a front channel. A key/combination padlock inserts through the loop locking the storage container to the channels A second embodiment has an I-Frame formed by two angled channels separated by telescoping adjustable plates wherein the storage containers, or a hinged box can be attached thereon by bolts, and BUNGEE.RTM. cords. The components of the cargo boxes can be formed from stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, molded plastic, fiberglass and the like.

Abstract: A power supply for maximizing the life of batteries such as but not limited to 12 volt DC batteries. Two batteries are preferably used. A timer is connected to the first battery output terminals. The timer regulates when a DC motor is turned on and off. The motor is connected to alternator connected to an output of the DC motor. The second battery is connected to and receives a charge from the alternator. An invertor outputs 115 volts at approximately 800 to approximately 1500 watts at 60HZ. The invention allows the first battery and the second battery to have an increased lifespan compared to being used separately. Embodiments for using the invention include computer set-ups, electrical golf carts, electrical car, medical devices, emergency backup power supply, and a portable canister supported container.

Abstract: An adjustable automatic starting line throttle actuation controller for use with a drag racing vehicle. The device controls the throttle from a preset partial throttle opening to a wide open throttle during the initial staging process of the race, while the driver holds the throttle in a wide open position. The device can control the opening of the carburetor linkage of the carburetor to a preset low r.p.m. at the starting line (during the staging process) before a race begins, and control the opening of the throttle for the first portion of the race after the race starts. A preferred version of the device has a dual piston cylinder having respective piston rods connected to the carburetor and one connected to the throttle pedal. An electronic activation assembly controls which piston rod is being actuated.

Abstract: A low cost method of adding time-resolving capability to commercial Fourier-transform spectrometers with a continuously scanning Michelson interferometer. This invention is specifically designed to eliminate noise and artifacts caused by mirror-speed variations in the interferometer. The method exists as two parts: 1) a novel timing scheme for synchronizing the transient events under study with the digitizing by an analog-to-digital converter, and 2) a mathematical algorithm for extracting the spectral information from the recorded data. The novel timing scheme is a modification of the well known interleaved, or stroboscopic, method. It achieves the same timing accuracy, signal-to-noise ratio, and freedom from artifacts as step-scan time-resolving Fourier spectrometers by locking the sampling of the interferogram to a stable time base rather than to the occurrences of the HeNe fringes. The necessary path-length-difference information at which samples are taken is obtained from a record of the mirror speed.

Abstract: An automatic fertilizer system apparatus having a liquid fertilizer dispenser for introducing the continuous addition of a selected amount of fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide type chemicals to sprinklers that use an outside waterline. The dispenser having an adjustable metering cap with different diameter through-holes for allowing the contents of the dispenser to be injected into the flowing stream of water which leads to the sprinklers in a selected precise manner. The system splits incoming water into the dispenser, and underneath the dispenser where an orifice having a inwardly facing bevelled through-hole along with the metering cap forms a point of lowest pressure region where the chemicals are injected into an output fluid flow to sprinkler heads in amounts selected and dependent upon by the different sized metering caps.

Abstract: Devices for dispensing condiments from a chamber. A push-valve extends from inside of the chamber through the bottom of the chamber. The valve has an up position which stores a preselected amount of the condiment, and a down position which dispenses the preselected amount of the condiment. The valve has an inner cylinder which slides within an outer cylinder. The inner cylinder has an indented area approximating a condiment teaspoon to be dispensed. The outer cylinder has a first hole located inside the chamber. The first hole is aligned with the indented area during the fill position. The outer cylinder has a second hole beneath the chamber so that the indented area is aligned with the second hole during the dispensing position. In the first embodiment, a plunger rod attached to the top of the inner cylinder has a spring wrapped around it. Depressing the plunger moves the inner cylinder from the fill to the dispensing position.

Abstract: A portable agricultural field and crop sprayer vehicle produces and applies ozonated water to a field of growing crops, such as but not limited to Vidalia onions, to treat or prevent various bacterial or fungal diseases. The tractor vehicle includes equipment which dissolves ozone in water while traversing a field and maintains the dissolved ozone at a desired concentration so that freshly ozonated water is sprayed directly onto the growing crops at an optimum selected concentration.

Abstract: Novel magnetic gel materials useful as toys, playthings and novelties and a method for making same. These materials should also prove useful in other fields where ferrofluids and other magnetic liquids have found use when the plastic mechanical properties of the gel are not a limitation. The novel invention produces a magnetic material that exhibits the soft, thixotropic properties of play gels. A gelatinous material such as a silicone gel has a fine magnetic powder dispersed throughout by kneading into a substantially uniform mixture at ambient/room temperature. The advantage of this method for producing magnetic gel over the alternative of adding a gelling agent to an existing ferrofluid are simplicity and the ability to choose the properties of the gelatinous material independently of the need for a carrier fluid. Various types of toy applications include resilient plastic covered forms, template action figure body forms, flowers, and volcanoes with various shaped openings.

Abstract: A model auto racetrack with interchangeable components that are modular and used to replicate a real racetrack environment and which are interchangeable with each other and selectively positionable so as to allow the model auto racetrack to replicate any racetrack desired by a user. The model auto racetrack includes a baseboard, at least one component module, component module mounting apparatus, a track module, and track module mounting apparatus. The at least one component module is interchangeably mounted at any position on the baseboard so as to replicate a real racetrack environment and is interchangeable with each other so as to allow the model auto racetrack to replicate any racetrack desired by the user. The at least one component module is at least one of at least one grandstand module, at least one cement wail module, at least one garage module, at least one concession stand module, at least one press box module, at least one landscape module, and at least one fence module.