Abstract: A self-draining, valve for fluid flow control. Upon removal of fluid supply pressure from the valve, the valve automatically reverts to a partially open state allowing fluid in the valve to drain. The disclosed valve is particularly useful in applications where draining of fluids with bio-matter or other contaminants is desired after removal of supply pressure in order to reduce contamination buildup and/or permit thorough cleaning.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions containing resins (particularly linear crystal polymers) and carbon (particularly impervious graphite) that are made through injection molding and like processes. The compositions produced have enhanced anisotropic thermal conductivity, can have complex shapes as produced by molding that includes lost cores, and are corrosive resistant. The enhanced thermal conductivity can be utilized in applications such as heat exchangers.

Abstract: A fountain which allows interaction by the viewer which alters the fountain's water display. An apparatus and method are disclosed wherein a person viewing the fountain may provide a control indication which causes the fountain display to vary. The preferred embodiment uses an ultrasonic sensor to determine the height of a viewer's hand above a sensor and the water pressure delivered to the fountain is adjusted according to position of the viewer's hand. The invention may use a single or a plurality of sensors to control different groups of jets thereby allowing a large variety of fountain design options.

Abstract: A novelty flashlight with a clear body. The front half is cone shaped and houses a light bulb, 2 AA batteries and a switch, and is covered with an attractive soft material. The rear half houses a liquid (e.g. water) and ornamental elements. An opaque cap is provided which, when placed over the front end of the flashlight, blocks light from escaping other than toward the rear end of the flashlight to illuminate the liquid and ornamental elements, acting as a nightlight for kids. The front end is surrounded by a reflective/opaque coating under the soft material. The bulb support, which is usually a reflective parabolically shaped piece in a typical flashlight, is transparent to allow light to pass backward into the rear end of the flashlight. Light is also conducted through the clear flashlight housing.

Abstract: A fountain control system capable of synchronizing a water, light, and sound performance. The fountain control system includes a plurality of variable speed pumps which are used to control the flow of water through the discharge conduits and ultimately the height of the stream of water projected by the discharge outlet. The fountain control system is capable of varying the speed of the pumps in accordance with an audio input signal and thereby control the height of the stream of water without the use of valves. The light and sound aspects of the performance are delayed to compensate for mechanical delays in the system to ensure a synchronized performance. The fountain control system has the added ability of providing a unique performance based on different pieces of music without the need of reprogramming.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for use in cooling and dehumidifying an interior space while rejecting heat to several alternative sources. The system incorporates three primary heat transfer coils in a mechanical refrigeration cycle to provide comfort cooling to an interior space while rejecting heat to one of the two primary condensing mediums. In addition the beat transfer system of the present invention functions by transferring heat from the atmosphere to a pool, thereby functioning as a pool heater. In a first operating mode heat transferred from an interior space to the ambient atmosphere. In a second operating mode heat is transferred from an interior space to pool water. In a third operating mode heat is transferred from the ambient atmosphere to pool water. A refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger is disclosed having a gas trap for isolating corrosive gases from the metallic heat exchanger components, and further including a sacrificial zinc anode for corrosion protection.

Abstract: A removably attachable musical instrument and illuminator positioning accessory is disclosed which comprises at least one laser beam emitter which serves to generally illuminate a particular portion of the instrument, and to particularly illuminate the area surrounding the point of contact between the musician's fingers and the instrument.

Abstract: A method of producing and using a solution for extending the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables after they are harvested which includes the steps of extracting juice from fruits or vegetables, filtering the juice, disintegrating the peel, extracting enzyme from the disintegrated peels using a solvent without denaturing the enzymes, removing the disintegrated peels and mixing the remaining ingredients with the extracted juice.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method that kills, or renders organically inactive, the bacteria and enzymes, as well as any other non-pathogenic microorganisms present in fresh squeezed citrus and non-citrus fruit juices and fruit juice blends, as well as fruit pulps. The method includes the steps of bottling the product, dipping the bottle in a heated bath whereby the product is heated, capping the heated product, and allowing the product to cool to form a vacuum seal. The method produces the aseptic packaging of natural juice products having a shelf life extending from two to three years without the need for refrigeration, and without the use of artificial preservatives or additives. The process also preserves the natural taste, colors, and odors typically found in fresh squeezed juices and juice blends, an citrus pulp.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for cooking food. There is a plastic housing with air flow holes, heating elements, a metal conductive pan with additional holes to allow airflow to enter the cooking chamber, a cylindrical riser, and a lid.

Abstract: A flexible heat transfer device for heating or cooling a surface such as the skin has an envelope formed from two sheets. The envelope contains a high thermal capacity first material such as a freezing gel that is flexible when frozen for good surface contact, A pouch within the envelope contains a high thermal capacity second material that may have different physical properties than the first material. The pouch may be segmented, or there may be multiple pouches. The device is more versatile in its applications and provides for more prolonged heating and cooling, The pouch may be in two parts within a frangible partition that generates heat or cold when the partition is ruptured and the two parts mixed.

Abstract: A flexible heat transfer device 1 for heating or cooling a surface such as the skin has an envelope 2 formed from two double walled sheets 3 and 4. Each sheet contains within the double wall a first high thermal capacity material 11 such as a freezing gel that is flexible when frozen for good surface contact. The space 13 between the double walls contains a second high thermal capacity material 12 that may have different physical properties than the first material. This may be in the form of a removable pouch insert 24 that may be heated or cooled separately. The device is more versatile in its applications and provides for more prolonged heating and cooling.

Abstract: A floating beverage holder for use in water sports. The beverage holder contains a plurality of cavities for holding cans or bottles, and has sufficient volume to provide the required buoyancy and which can support the beverage holder on water when the beverage holder contains combinations of cans and bottles. The design of the beverage holder makes the floating beverage holder virtually un-tipable. A housing is provided in the larger beverage holders for storage of food, ice, or bathing supplies.