Abstract: A Rapid Deployment Modular Carrier (RDMC) that incorporates a unique locking system and auxiliary control systems for the loading, transportation, and unloading of Rapid Deployment Modules (RDM's). The locking system has a hinging powered arm, linear driven pin, and rotating locking clip. The auxiliary systems has an electronic control panel that manages the engagement and disengagement of the locking system. The control panel also manages the suspension components of the RDMC, adjusting ride height and handling characteristics as needed.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning tapered towers such wind turbine towers. A semicircular member hugs the tower surface. A plurality of nozzles affixed to the semicircular member sprays high pressure cleaning fluid on the tower surface as the semicircular member is raised and lowered. The spray nozzles are kept at a constant distance from the tower surface by a plurality of wheels affixed to the semicircular member. At least one constricting structure is used to force the plurality of wheels to be in constant contact with the tower surface. The constricting structure can be a spring loaded scissor apparatus and/or a bungee cord with rolling beads. A brush can be optionally added to the semicircular member to aid in cleaning.

Abstract: A Rapid Deployment Modular Carrier (RDMC) that incorporates a unique locking system and auxiliary control systems for the loading, transportation, and unloading of Rapid Deployment Modules (RDM's). The locking system has a hinging powered arm, linear driven pin, and rotating locking clip. The auxiliary systems has an electronic control panel that manages the engagement and disengagement of the locking system. The control panel also manages the suspension components of the RDMC, adjusting ride height and handling characteristics as needed.

Abstract: A tool for pulling a first and second tire bead off of a wheel assembly. The tool is inserted between the bead to be removed and the rim edge, and engages the bead to be removed with a grappling structure and pulls the bead over the rim edge by a linear drive assembly disposed inside a tubular structure affixed to the grappling structure. Simultaneously an angled stay is positioned on the rim which is pressed in an opposite direction of the pulling motion. A second embodiment pulls the rim from a second bead of a tire. A hook is inserted between the rim edge and the second tire bead and hooks onto the lower rim edge. A linear drive assembly provides a pulling motion to pull the rim over the second bead, while a push plate simultaneously pushes the tire side wall in an opposite direction from the pulling motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for demounting tires from wheel assemblies with a swiveling dual hook assembly and a prying foot. The tool has two holding hooks that grasp the tool to the wheel and a foot that is attached to the holding hooks, and a bearing pivot point that allows the demounting tool to easily and safely remove the tire from the wheel with no damage to the wheel or tire. The tool can be used for all types of tire and wheel types. One tool is for large truck and trailer tires and a second too is for light truck, trailer and automobile tires. A third tool is designed for low profile, stiff sidewall tires and includes a telescoping structure to raise and lower the dual hooks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for demounting tires from wheel assemblies with a hook assembly and a prying foot. One tool has two holding hooks that grasp the tool to the wheel and a foot that is attached to the holding hooks, and a bearing pivot point that allows the demounting tool to easily and safely remove the tire from the wheel. The tool can be used for all types of tire and wheel types. One tool is for large truck and trailer tires and a second too is for light truck, trailer and automobile tires. A third tool is designed for low profile, stiff sidewall tires and includes a telescoping structure to raise and lower the dual hooks. A forth embodiment is for demounting a first and second bead using a fixed pivot hook, sized prying feet and a telescoping assembly for pulling the bead from the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for managing electronic files and tasks in a way that is intuitive to the users, mimicking their environment, but “Process-Blind’. The system and method comprise a configurable structure that facilitates the accurate filing and subsequent locating of electronic files in underlying document/record management applications. The manager enables users, with permissions, to communicate with each other regarding these files and their work through ad-hoc workflows that are created by the user as needed, then retained as documentation of events. The manager provides an efficient, secure, auditable handling of unstructured data that is free of predetermined inflexible processes and is not dependant on specific underlying document management software.

Abstract: A controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system is shown. The controller receives a start signal generated when a milking apparatus is attached to a cow. A first sensor is operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum and for producing a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. The controller includes a processor having a comparator for comparing the first signal to a stored reference of predetermined vacuum ranges and for generating a control signal when the designed pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside of a predetermined vacuum range. A control circuit signals that the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside of the predetermined vacuum range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centering a tire on a wheel for concentrically mounting the tire on the wheel. The tire and wheel assembly are placed on an arched member which gravitationally centers assembly on the arched member. Further, the arched member is also a rest for the tire sidewall to seal the bead of the tire on the wheel. A tire stand for handling, positioning and assisting in seating a bead is also provided. The tire stand also has an arched member to center the tire on the wheel. Two forks cradle a vertically positioned tire to initially position the tire and wheel assembly over the arched member. The tire stand is configured to be tilted to a horizontal position with the tire and wheel assembly inserted, thereby centering the assembly on the arched member. A beading device can then be activated to the concentric tire and wheel assembly.

Abstract: A tool for pulling a first and second tire bead off of a wheel assembly. The tool is inserted between the bead to be removed and the rim edge, and engages the bead to be removed with a grappling structure and pulls the bead over the rim edge by a linear drive assembly disposed inside a tubular structure affixed to the grappling structure. Simultaneously an angled stay is positioned on the rim which is pressed in an opposite direction of the pulling motion. A second embodiment pulls the rim from a second bead of a tire. A hook is inserted between the rim edge and the second tire bead and hooks onto the lower rim edge. A linear drive assembly provides a pulling motion to pull the rim over the second bead, while a push plate simultaneously pushes the tire side wall in an opposite direction from the pulling motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing a dense liquid such as diesel fuel from being dispensed into a storage tank that contains a less dense liquid, such as gasoline fuel and vice versa. The unloading process happens by gravity through a vertical down hole. The invention uses the gravitational flow of the fluid, a movable float that is moved by contact with a fluid of a predetermined density, and a magnetic member to activate the stopping feature.

Abstract: An automated flowback system allows control and operation of the system from a remote location away from the dangers of high-pressure gases or abrasives traveling at high velocities that cause damage or failure to equipment piping valves. The system provides techniques and mechanical components installed in flowlines in any position without having to cut and thread, weld or fabricate pipe to fit. This system includes an expansion sub with axial adjusting lengths adequate to compensate for variations between two points. The expansion sub is secured and installed into position eliminating field cut and threading, welding or fabrication. The system also includes a blast barrel with an installed choke nipple, choke bean or choke insert with a chosen orifice size for multiple chambered ports. The blast barrel retracts between two fixed points without having to dismantle any connections or be removed from the fluid flow.

Abstract: Robotic external pipeline crawler system employs the use of logic control to provide a system capable of constantly and accurately maintaining a position at the vertex of the pipe. This apex positioning can be maintained as it traverses the length of the pipe being inspected. This system is adaptable to both straight and curved pipe, multiple pipe diameters, and will substantially reduce set up time and vertical pipeline support crossing time. The crawler system also employs an advanced bracketry system which allows quick disconnecting and auxiliary powered movement allowing for decreased cycle time across pipe supports. The unique tire interface allows for additional surface area contact making extreme environmental conditions possible.

Abstract: A portable bow press apparatus and method for compressing an archery compound bow for relieving the tension from the cables and/or the bowstring. The method and apparatus are used for replacement or maintenance purposes of the archery compound bow. The preferred apparatus is mounted to a vehicle receiver hitch for field use and is designed to accommodate all styles of compound bows. Compression is provided to the bow press by any type of standard vehicle jack. The bow press is compartmentalized for stowage purposes.

Abstract: An underground combination service entrance apparatus for temporary and permanent service comprising two enclosures. A utility enclosure contains a meter socket and the second enclosure contains a breaker panel. The breaker panel on the customer side and the meter on the utility side meet NEC requirements and the local utility company regulations. An optional section in the utility enclosure provides a raceway space for routing wiring. Knockout holes are provided on the utility enclosure for installation of a hub for running wires to and from the service apparatus. The enclosures can be semi-flushed mounted. The two enclosures are isolated from each other, fastened together, and mounted on a wall. A removable hood is provided to weatherproof the customer enclosure for temporary use.

Abstract: New polymeric materials and their fabrication methods that are electrically active in terms of sensing and actuation are invented. These materials are comprised of solid-state ion-conducting materials such as polyethylene oxide (PEO) and its derivatives or imbedded in a family of mixed polymer systems such as polydivinylbenzene (DVB) and polystyrene polymers. Such materials suitably electroded with conductive materials such as gold, platinum and silver exhibit large deformation (both two and three dimensionally) under low electric fields of 10's V/mm. Conversely, if these materials are deformed, they produce 10's of mV/mm electric fields that can be used as means of sensing or electromechanical powering devices for batteries. The method of fabricating the new polymeric materials comprises the steps of providing a polyelectrolyte material, mixing the polyelectrolyte material with a conductive material and affixing at least two electrodes to the mixed polyelectrolyte material and conductive material.

Abstract: Soft, multi-fingered resilient robotic fingers for selectively assisting heart ventricles or other organ to produce internal pressure and to pump blood, in synchrony with the systolic contraction of the ventricle or organ, as well as providing arrhythmia control of a beating heart. The apparatus is electrically-controlled and implantable. The plurality of soft fingers monitor and gently squeeze the heart (systole) or organ to enhance blood circulation and assist the heart or organ. The soft fingers work in harmony, by means of a micro-processor controlled solenoid or other linear robotic actuators such as metal-hydride actuators or polymeric artificial muscles, and a resilient body or a spring, to close once the solenoid is powered to retract away from the heart or organ when the solenoid is not powered. Monitoring electrodes can be affixed to the soft fingers. The power supply for the implanted device can be transcutaneously rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: The system contains an infill for drainage by using crusher fine to absorb and dispense water to a piping system that releases the water into a leech field system, using a final pipe to dispense the water out of the artificial turf covered field. The specified crusher fine not only adds to the absorption and the drainage, but it also has the ability to give which enables the turf to have the ability to be safer and drain faster. The drainage system also has perforations in the turf for drainage which is installed with nailers over the prepared filed. In addition, specific mixtures of non-compacting silica sand and a symmetric rubber grind make up the infill system.

Abstract: Generating and frequency tuning of modulated high current electron beams and a specific efficient, high current, frequency-tunable device for generating intense radio frequency (RF), microwave electromagnetic fields in a rectangular waveguide. Current multiplication of a modulated seed electron beam is created by an energetic electron beam impacting a thin foil surface. The transmissive-electron-multiplier foils also mitigate both space charge expansion and improve beam propagation effects, by shorting of the radially directed electric field at the axial location of the foil(s). Foil thinness and intensity of the exit fields provide for a multiplication process occurring in a fraction of an RF period. Also included are both a self-excited microwave generator and an amplifier, using a temporally modulated laser to generate a modulated seed electron beam that is amplified. Methods to tune the oscillator are described that allow tunability over a full waveguide band.

Abstract: A front end loader attachment with a deck of exaggerated length, low height, and narrow width which remains constant in proportion from the front to the back. The attachment has a backplate that has a tool engagement comprising a mechanical quick coupler that facilitates fast and convenient removal of the attachment that conforms to the articulating arms of the skid steer loader or other such front loading handling equipment. The attachment is designed to be used in inaccessible places due to limitations or safety reasons such as conveyor systems in mining operations.