Abstract: A bicycle sprocket crank assembly is comprised of first and second crank arms joined to a spindle. One of the crank arms and the spindle may be fabricated as a unitary structure, or both cranks arms may be formed as separate structures and joined together. In either case the spindle has at least a first coupling end with an internally tapped axial bore defined therein and the second crank arm forms at least a first socket at its axle end. At least a first wedging sleeve is provided and is disposed about the first coupling end of the spindle. The first wedging sleeve conforms to the shapes of both the first coupling end of the spindle and the hollow cavity in the first socket. Either the coupling end of the spindle or the hollow cavity is axially tapered, and the wedging sleeve is tapered to match.

Abstract: An improved ocean energy converter having a semi-submerged device designed to harvest energy from the ocean. Each device is connected to others to form long lines forming an interconnected array of ocean energy devices that are anchored at right angles to the prevailing ocean waves. The front and back sections of each energy module have internal ballast. Each device has a submerged inverse curved wing sections attached to floating stabilizer tubes. The trailing edge of the wings has several struts attached which support propellers that drive internal air compressors. The air compressors are connected together and connected to the other air compressors in the array of devices and those in turn are connected to a high pressure line leading underwater to an onshore air turbine electric generator connected to the local power grid.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket crank assembly is comprised of first and second crank arms joined to a spindle. One of the crank arms and the spindle may be fabricated as a unitary structure, or both cranks arms may be formed as separate structures and joined together. In either case the spindle has at least a first coupling end with an internally tapped axial bore defined therein and the second crank arm forms at least a first socket at its axle end. At least a first wedging sleeve is provided and is disposed about the first coupling end of the spindle. The first wedging sleeve conforms to the shapes of both the first coupling end of the spindle and the hollow cavity in the first socket. Either the coupling end of the spindle or the hollow cavity is axially tapered, and the wedging sleeve is tapered to match.

Abstract: A device for applying a time-varying magnetic field to a human or animal body for therapeutic purposes comprising a magnetic body (72), housed in a free moving member (80), which is it-self housed within the device. The device is powered by a small electric motor that drives the free moving member (80) and magnetic body (72) to rotate about an axis of first rotation. The magnetic body is further caused to rotate around an axis of second rotation through angular forces imparted on it either mechanically or magnetically. Mechanical angular force is imparted by a gear and tooth arrangement or other similar tactile interaction with a roller member (106). Magnetic angular force is imparted by stationary magnets (110) as the magnetic body (72) rotates past them. The two rotational movements of the magnetic body (72) are oblique to one another and produce both a time-varying field of magnetic flux density and a time varying field of angular flux displacement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus architecture for detecting gases, particularly hazardous gases which should be detected in miniscule amounts. High sensitivity detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is set forth with very low probability of false positives (PFP) by the use of an innovative laser-photoacoustic spectrometer (L-PAS). Detection of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP), a decomposition product of Sarin and a relatively harmless surrogate for the nerve gases, is made in the presence of other gases that are expected to be interferences in an urban setting. Detection sensitivity for DIMP in the presence of these interferences of better than 0.45 ppb, which satisfies current homeland and military security requirements is shown as well as the first analysis of optical techniques for the detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) in real world conditions.

Abstract: An improved tidal and river energy converter having a semi-submerged device designed to harvest energy from the tidal and river sites. Each device is connected to other like devices to form an interconnected array of tidal and river energy devices that are anchored to the shore at right angles to the prevailing tidal and river current. Each device is composed of a supporting floatation hull attached to a submerged strut supporting an air compressor driven by a slow rotating propeller. The air compressor is connected through a streamlined mooring system to the other air compressors in the array and those in turn are connected to a high pressure line leading underwater to an onshore air turbine electric generator connected to the local power grid.