Abstract: An ignition synchronization system and method of using the same are provided for the ignition systems of internal combustion engines. The system retains all of the parts of the vehicle's original ignition system. The system adds a new ignition device having a new spark energy generating coil. In addition, a spark energy signal converter is also provided. The spark energy signal converter and the new ignition device are connected in series, respectively, between the original coil and the vehicle's original elements for distributing the spark energy. The firing signal from the vehicle's electrical system triggers the original coil to generate a spark energy pulse. The spark energy signal converter absorbs the spark energy from the original coil and generates a signal indicating that the original coil pulsed. The converter, in turn, sends a firing signal to the new ignition system, which generates spark energy for the spark plug.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an electromechanical transducer for producing sound in response to an audio signal. The transducer has a generally rectangular enclosure, a diaphragm, a cylinder, a drive shaft, a lever means, and a motor means. The diaphragm is associated with the cylinder. The outer diameter of the diaphragm is substantially similar to the inside diameter of the cylinder. The diaphragm is slidably associated with the cylinder. The motor has the characteristic of rotating in response to the application of electric current from an audio source. The characteristic of rotating is limited to an arc having an angle of less than 180 degrees. Thus the motor can make only fractional rotations upon the application of electric current. A method for producing sound in response to an audio signal is also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a female power connector for connecting to a power cable. The power connector is designed to couple a male surface connector to a downhole pumping system. The power connector has a substantially cylindrical piece of pre-molded insulating material, a substantially tubular bushing designed to engage a coupling nut, a coupling nut for engaging a surface connector, and a sleeve. The cylindrical piece has a longitudinal axis, an outside surface defining an outside diameter, a first end, a second end, and a means for creating a fluid tight barrier adjacent to the second end. The cylindrical piece further defines a plurality of substantially circular cavities extending from the first end to the second end parallel to the longitudinal axis. Each channel has an inside surface defining an inside diameter. The bushing engages the coupling nut and the sleeve when the secondary molding is in place.

Abstract: A pallet and a method of operation is provided with electrical signal and power connections so that burn-in and other quality assurance testing can be completed without removing the product unit from the pallet and the pallet can be redirected to subsequent, modified production operations based upon the results of the testing. The pallet is also fitted with a memory device that retains inventory and testing information related to the product unit placed on the pallet. The memory device can be read by, or written to, a router at various locations along the assembly process. The router can access the inventory and testing information about the product unit and can write unit-specific instructions to the memory device to redirect the product unit for subsequent unit-specific production operations. The pallet is also provided with electrical, fluid, and gas connections in order to facilitate testing of the product units placed on the pallet.

Abstract: This nautical buoy is used to monitor the surface projection of a deployed anchor by floating above the anchor. This is accomplished by a connecting tether-line (16) from the buoy to the trip-eye of an anchor (48) attached using a shackle (18). As the anchor is lowered using the vessel's normal ground tackle, the tether-line (16) is deployed by unreeling from the buoy until the anchor rests on the bottom. The tether-line (16) is then secured from further deployment using a tether-line restraining tab (19) and the buoy is tossed overboard so as to float above the deployed anchor. A steady or flashing, light can be affixed to the top of the buoy to identify its location in subdued-light conditions. The buoy can also assist in retrieving an anchor, while aboard the vessel, that has been fouled on bottom vegetation, rocks, and/or other debris. Retrieving the anchor is accomplished by pulling on the tether-line (16), thus applying tensional forces nearly opposite to the frictional forces fouling the anchor.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting tubing into a well having a tubing storage means and an injector device with a means for applying variable pressure to the coil tubing. The injector device is designed to accommodate tubing with couplings and other downhole tools without damaging the tubing. Also provided is a method of injecting and retrieving a length of coil tubing having couplings and other downhole tools that is tubing friendly.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method of use for a new simply constructed bioreactor made at least partially of gas permeable materials. The bioreactor is useful for culturing cells and tissues in suspension in a liquid nutrient medium with minimum turbulence. The bioreactor may include ports for easy access to the vessel culture, allowing the growth substrate to be varied for optimum performance. A method for culturing cells using the disclosed bioreactor is also described.

Abstract: A lateral connector for a tube assembly has a modular unit which can be used to establish a lateral connection through the sidewall of a tubular member positioned around it. The modular unit has a carrier ring, a coupling element, and a carrier body. The coupling element can move radially but not axially. The carrier ring has generally cylindrical inside and outside surfaces. The coupling element is carried by the carrier ring. The coupling element has a longitudinal axis which is generally radially positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the carrier ring. The coupling element has an inner end and an outer end and the outer end has a sealing face.

Abstract: A camera support for holding a camera in front of a user having a first U-shaped section. The first U-shaped section is connected to a second U-shaped section which is in turn connected to an arm portion that has a camera mount. The first U-shaped section has a first end and a second end and is formed from a pair of generally straight leg portions and a generally arcuate connecting portion. The first U-shaped section is adapted to fit around the user's neck so that the legs rest on the user's chest. The second U-shaped section has a first end and a second end with the first end being rotatably connected to the second end of the first U-shaped section. The arm section has a first end and a second end, where the first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the second U-shaped section by a first pivot. The camera mount is pivotally connected to the second end of the arm section by a second pivot.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a tubular assembly having a lateral connection. The assembly comprises a spool body, a carrier ring, penetrators, and an urging means.The carrier ring is built to carry the radial penetrator(s) for the carrier body. The carrier ring is mounted in sliding relationship, concentric with the carrier body. The ring is spring loaded down relative to the carrier body, against a stop shoulder (device) there. This fixes or at least stabilizes the ring on the body during running into the spool body or retrieving from the spool body.The carrier ring fits into the spool body and seats on a stop in the spool body. The carrier body also seats in the spool body, but on a different stop.Radially extending penetrators are mounted in radial ports or passages in the carrier ring, and are fixed to control fluid lines which conduct the fluid down into the well. The penetrators can move radially relative to the ring, but not axially.

Abstract: There is provided a microwave waste sterilizer comprising an upper outer shell, a lower outer shell, an upper means for guiding microwave energy, a lower means for guiding microwave energy, an upper means for dispersing microwave energy, and a lower means for dispersing microwave energy. There is also provided a method for sterilizing waste materials with dual sources of microwave energy. Further there is provided a method for dispersing microwave energy into a chamber such that the dispersed microwave energy creates a flux field of substantially uniform flux.

Abstract: Non-abrasive pads are attached to the at least one side of concrete elements with nylon rivets that are embedded into the concrete when the latter is soft. A flexible rope is laced through the center of each element in two directions to form a mat in a row-column array. Adequate spacing is provided between each element to allow the mat to conform to an uneven seabed and cover the underwater installation. The non-abrasive pads separate the concrete elements from the underwater installation to prevent the concrete elements from scratching and ablating the delicate underwater installations. Grooves are provided in selected elements, and loops are provided at the outer edges of the mat to enable several mats to be linked together.

Abstract: A modular series of square or tubular rails are joined to together by rigid or flexible connectors to provide a playing surface in-line skates and skateboards. The rails are separated from the earth or other surface by support columns. The rails themselves can be straight, curved, or can be equipped with a number of bends. Single column supports are preferred for permanent installations where the column can be bolted onto a surface or can be partially buried in the earth. Dual-column supports that form a triangular pattern that enable the rails system to be portable, yet allows skaters to impart horizontal as well as vertical loads on the rails safetly. Both columns allow the use of tubular or rectangular rails. Joints between the rail may be flexible to allow a broader range of skating maneuvers.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method of use for a new simply constructed bioreactor made at least partially of gas permeable materials. The bioreactor is useful for culturing cells and tissues in suspension as well as attached to the inside surface of the bioreactor in a liquid nutrient medium with minimum turbulence. The bioreactor may include ports for easy access to the vessel culture, allowing the growth substrate to be varied for optimum performance.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling device is provided having a male and female valve body. The female valve body, a plurality of boltholes extending therethrough, and a plurality of boreholes extending therethrough. The female valve body further defines a first cavity traversing the female valve body. The male valve body has a plurality of flange pairs and a plurality of boreholes aligned with the boreholes in the female valve body. There are a plurality of tie bolts attached to the female valve body through the plurality of boltholes. The tie bolts are received by the plurality of tinge pairs on the male valve body. There are a plurality of shear pins. Each one of the plurality of shear pins intersects each flange pair and each one of the plurality of tie bolts at an angle perpendicular to the tie bolts thereby connecting the male valve body to the female valve body. There are plurality of guide pins closely received by the boreholes in the male valve body and the female valve body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a door locking device that attaches to a door and can be used and stored easily. This invention further relates to a device that provides more support for hollow core doors. The construction of the device provides a leg having a slot which is received by a pin between two brackets. This construction allows for ease in use and storage while securing a door in a closed position.