Abstract: A plant identification marker has a leaf-shaped body with a pointed stem depending from the body for insertion in the ground. The lower portion of the leaf is covered by a mating front cover that is ultrasonic welded to it on the sides only, thereby creating a confining pocket having upper open slot, and a lower open slot enabling water drainage from the pocket. The top and bottom of a conventional thin plastic plant marker tag are cut off the middle portion. The upper slot in the plant identification marker is wide enough to receive a middle portion of the plant I.D. tag or a portion of a seed packet for partial storage in the pocket, while allowing a small upper portion bearing plant identification to be displayed.

Abstract: A system for disposing of municipal solid waste provides commercially-available equipment that is modified to initially remove identifiable unwanted components from the waste, and then chop the waste into small pieces of a size suitable for handling, separation and combustion. The moisture content of the waste is reduced in a closed system by passing dry air through the waste in a confined space to absorb moisture and produce moist air, which is then dehumidified via refrigeration equipment. The dehumidified air is recycled through the waste repeatedly through the closed system until the water content has reached the predetermined amount. The waste is stored in a bunker for later use or is immediately combusted in a two-step process by first gasifying the dried waste to produce combustible syngas and then immediately or later combusting the gas in a gas turbine or other engine to produce electricity that is partly used to power the process and partly sold commercially.

Abstract: Aerobic and anaerobic contamination is removed from a slurry by a sterilizing process and apparatus (10). A slurry piping circuit (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) interconnects a supply tank (12), three serial heat exchangers (16, 18, 20) and a storage tank (14). The circuit and storage tank are sanitized by flushing with mist of hydrogen peroxide (44) and nitrogen (50). One heat exchanger (16) transfers heat from the sterilized slurry to the unsterilized slurry. A closed hot water piping circuit (60, 62, 64) interconnects a hot water boiler (22) and the other two heat exchangers (18, 20). The slurry is sterilized in an insulated manifold (24) interconnecting the other two heat exchangers (18, 20). Slurry is pumped through the piping and heated by hot water in the manifold to kill the bacteria, and is covered by a layer of nitrogen (54) in the storage tank (14).

Abstract: A rotating transfer tape dispensing device mounts to a table top surface to allow application of transfer tape to a sheet of “weeded” vinyl for use in the sign industry. The device is a rotating assembly of four spaced rods that each accept any combination of different-width transfer tape rolls up to 120? in total width. Each rod is rotatable to, and lockable in, a left- or right-hand dispensing position. The rods are mounted for quick insertion and removal to enable rapid change of tape rolls.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for enabling on-site calibration of an instrument, which measures vibration in a machine to assure that the instrument functions within instrument performance specifications, eliminates the need for shipping the instrument to a remote lab for calibration. In one embodiment a CD containing a database that includes the calibration procedure is provided for use with a laptop computer located on site with the instrument. The laptop is connected to the instrument and the procedure displayed on the laptop is followed to calibrate the instrument. Upon successful completion of the procedure, the laptop is connected to a printer which prints out a certificate of completion of calibration. In an alternative embodiment, the database and procedure are available on a remote computer, which is accessed via an internet connection that is password protected.

Abstract: A subcutaneously implantable power supply is a device for powering implantable medical devices. The device has one or more thin photovoltaic cells contained in a case formed of a lamination of a plurality of thin plastic layers. Each layer is translucent in the area covering said cell, such that the power supply is sufficiently flexible to conform to body contours. The device is lightweight, flexible, has improved sealability, and has improved internal battery longevity.

Abstract: A safety electrical plug has two-part prongs. Each prong has a distal portion that is electrically insulated and a proximal portion that is conductive. Substantially full insertion of the plug into a receptacle is required to establish an electrical connection between the prongs and the receptacle contacts. This limits the chance of electric shocking by human or animal engagement of the exposed portions of the prongs subsequent to only partial insertion of the plug into the receptacle, and signals the partially-inserted condition when subsequent attempts to operate an electrical appliance connected to the plug fails. The conductive prong portions may be inserts in a nonconductive base, or be the entire proximal portions, which may optionally mount a strip of non-conductive material along their edges.

Abstract: A high frequency, low loss, power, laminated magnetic material includes alternating magnetic plates of low hysteresis loss material and electrically insulating films. The multi-layer structure allows for independently and simultaneously controlling and reducing hysteresis loss and eddy current loss, and maintaining a high resistivity, while operating at high frequencies and at high flux density levels, resulting in extremely low net loss density for the composite material. Methods of making this material include co-firing of the magnetic plates and thin insulating films, making the magnetic plates (of low hysteresis material, such as a ferrite) and insulating films separately, and using heat and/or pressure and/or adhesive or making a stack of magnetic plates with spacers in between them and dipping in a molten or liquid insulating material.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling patrons at large venues, such as spectator venues, convention halls, or airports, which have identifiable delivery locations, to utilize hand-held, wireless communication devices to self-order food, drink, souvenir items or services from remote order fulfillment locations within the venue for delivery to the identified delivery locations. Verification of available service level is provided. Hierarchical menus can be provided for visual display or audible presentation of items or services for purchase on the devices, or for presenting other information. A delivery location identification code is provided with the order, which is acknowledged. Automatic electronic payment for the order occurs by prearranged means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating an individual living organism by recognizing a unique internal electric and/or magnetic and/or acoustic characteristic, which comprises a biometric signature, involve presenting a body part to a sensing device that senses the signature. The sensed presented biometric signature is compared to a known biometric signature to authenticate the individual. This authentication can then be used to authorize any of a wide variety of actions by the individual, such as accessing equipment or an area, or to perform actions, such as conducting financial transactions. A card having sensors is used to sense the biometric signature which is read by a card reader and sent to a local or remote reader for biometric signature comparison.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling patrons at large-scale events at confined venues utilizes conventional or special hand-held, wireless communication devices to self-order food, drink and souvenir items from remote order fulfillment locations within the venue for delivery to the patrons' seats. Hierarchical menus are provided for display of items for purchase on the devices. Patrons transmit a seat identification code with the order, which is acknowledged, and send a confirmation code upon receipt of order delivery, which causes automatic electronic payment for the order by prearranged means.

Abstract: A folding trailer has pivotally connected front, main and rear sections movable from an unfolded condition to a folded condition, in which the rear section pivots 270° to lie atop the main section, and the front section pivots 90° to nest within the main section. This provides a folded compact arrangement approximately 48?×80?. When unfolded, the trailer produces an inside dimension of approximately 60?×96?, enabled by the front section thin walls that are interiorly nearly as wide as the main and rear sections. An extensible handle facilitates folding and unfolding the rear section.

Abstract: A Cycle Wheel Safety Light System uses double-sided shaped A-C electro-luminescent light panels, spaced about the wheels of a bicycle. A DC battery powers the panels via a DC-AC inverter. Alternatively, an alternator mounted between the wheel axle and frame utilizes the bicycle rider's motive power as the source of energy. Another variation combining the best features of both the battery and inverter is use of an alternator to charge (via a rectifier) a smaller battery or other energy storage device such as a ‘supercap’. The panels may be of various colors to improve the “WOW!” factor and encourage adolescent use.

Abstract: A crossbow having an open-top track mounts a protective shield for a loaded arrow. The shield is an upwardly convex elongated cover of sufficient length to substantially overlie the portions of a loaded arrow which are not already covered. The cover has a flat portion that mounts to a bracket on the crossbow. The cover shape spaces the shield from the loaded arrow so as to not affect the flight of the arrow when fired and extends sufficiently forward to cover and protect the tip of the loaded arrow from engagement by external objects to prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the arrow from its loaded position. The cover mounts a quiver atop the cover for storing spare arrows.

Abstract: A system for disposing of municipal solid waste 10) provides commercially-available equipment that is modified to initially remove identifiable unwanted components from the waste (12), and then chop the waste into small pieces (16) of a size suitable for handling and combustion. The moisture content of the waste is reduced in a closed system (20) by passing dry air through the waste in a confined space (30) to absorb moisture and produce moist air, which is then dehumidified via refrigeration equipment (34). The dehumidified air is recycled (30, 40) through the waste repeatedly through the closed system (20) until the water content has reached the predetermined amount. The waste is stored in a bunker (41) for later burning, or is immediately burned in a furnace (24) to produce heat that is used to produce steam (50), which drives a generator (26) to produce electricity (52) that is partly used to power the process and partly sold commercially.

Abstract: A convertible top operating mechanism includes a bi-directional hydraulic pump which is selectively connected to top-operating hydraulic cylinders and tonneau-operating hydraulic cylinders by a two-way, 5-condition control valve to selectively raise and lower the top and tonneau. A mechanical linkage connects the top-operating cylinders with a movable rear bow and is co-operable with a spring during operation of the top-operating cylinders when fully extending and initially retracting to move the rear bow to enable tonneau operation and to seal the top on the tonneau.

Abstract: A retractable hard top for convertibles, in particular for four-seated convertibles, includes, sequentially, a first, front section, a second section, a third section and a fourth, rear section. Each section has a front, first edge portion and a rear, second edge portion The first and the second sections substantially form the roof ceiling in the closed position of the hard top, while the third section forms the C-pillar and is open rearwardly, and the fourth section includes the backlite and closes the opening in the third section. The sections are pivotally connected by a linkage which compactly folds the top for storage in a storage compartment. All four sections are inverted and nest within one another, with their respective first edge portions being positioned in the longitudinal vehicle direction behind the second edge portions.

Abstract: A system for reducing the drag on a trailer comprises a series of air ducts mounted beneath the trailer which each have an intake located beneath the trailer. The duct is connected to a plurality of vertical pipes, each having vertically-spaced pipes air discharge holes. Movement of the trailer forces air to flow into the inlet, through the ducts and out the outlets. Preferably, the duct inlets face the front and the side of the trailer, and the ducting forces all inlet air into a common plenum, through a venturi and out through a series if outlets spaced about the rear surface of the trailer. A vortex generator may be used and a spoiler is fitted. The entire system is designed to be retrofitted to existing trailers without loss of cargo space.

Abstract: A composite endless power transmission belt has a resilient plastic outer tubular member with a cylindrical bore, and an inner coil spring member extending wholly and slidably within the cylindrical bore and endlessly through the bore. Assembly is by inserting the spring into the tubular member and screwing a reduced diameter end of the spring into the larger diameter spring end to form an endless belt. The lengths of both members are selected such that when uninstalled, the outer member is in compression and the inner member is in tension, yet when installed, the outer member is partially or completely decompressed and the inner member is in optimal operating tension.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, recycling a metal by melting it to remove it from metal-containing scrap through the use of a tiltable, swivel rotary furnace, which is swiveled to a first station for receiving metal-containing scrap, tilted back and rotated while heating to melt the metal, swiveled to a second station where it is stopped and forward tilted to quickly pour off the molten metal into a holding apparatus. The furnace is swiveled to a third station where it is further forward tilted and rotated to discharge the residual scrap, and then leveled and swiveled to the first station while still hot to receive metal-containing scrap, thereby reducing the amount of energy required to reheat the furnace to melting temperature. The furnace comprises a hollow elongated drum having a tapered snout, a door closing the front opening, a power rotary drive to rotate the drum, which is mounted for tilting about a transverse axis, and for swiveling about a vertical axis, and a heater.