Abstract: Tire pyrolysis systems and processes are provided which include feeding tire shreds to a pyrolysis vessel (40) and pyrolyzing the shreds in a pyrolysis vessel (40) to produce a pyrolysis gas and carbon black mixture. The pyrolysis gas processed by centrifugally separating entrained particles therefrom, separating the pyrolysis gas into a hydrocarbon condensate and a light vapor, removing entrained hydrocarbon condensate from the light vapor, and purifying and refining the hydrocarbon condensate. The carbon black mixture is processed by pulverizing the mixture to break up all strands and clumps of inorganic solids, cooling the carbon black mixture, separating the gross contaminants from the carbon mixture, and purifying and refining the carbon black. The hydrocarbon condensate is purified and refined by removing all remaining contaminants, removing any polycyclic aromatics to produce a clear, colorless plasticizer oil.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system is provided for cathodically protecting an metallic substrate against corrosion, where the system comprises a sacrificial anodic material containing, but not limited to, zinc, magnesium, aluminum or a mixture of these materials, with a ceramic magnet, coupled with a plug, embedded into the sacrificial anode in such a way as to take advantage of the magnetic flux for transfer of electrons from the sacrificial anode to the object being protected, the unit is affixed to the object being protected by use of an electrically-conductive adhesive. The electrical connection may be established via the combination of the ceramic magnet and the electrically-conductive adhesive. The magnet may be magnetized in the direction of its thickness.

Abstract: A wireless fire alarm door unlocking system includes a remote alarm panel interface to receive information from a central alarm panel interface over an RF channel. The central alarm panel interface monitors an output from an alarm control panel and, when an alarm condition is asserted, initiates an unlock signal that is sent to the remote alarm panel interface. It in turn causes the door with which it is associated to unconditionally release to allow unimpeded entrance and exit. The system also monitors the status of the remove alarm panel interface and raises an alert in the event of a malfunction. The interface may be implemented as a hardware and software modification to an access control system or as separate components that coexist with an access control system on a non-interfering basis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthotic appliance for the carpus of a human hand for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome using co-dynamic, rather than traditional static or dynamic, techniques. The appliance may apply a 2 pound dorsally directed force about the region of the pisiform bone in the neutral carpal position of a human hand upon co-contraction of the hand and up to 8 pounds dorsally directed during arc of motion in carpal flexion, as the wrist and hand is encouraged to actively move in all planes of motion without negatively affecting the normal activities of daily living. The appliance may comprise a biasing structure for applying the dorsally directed force and a base structure for maintaining the biasing structure in its proper configuration during normal hand motion.

Abstract: A system (10), process and apparatus are disclosed for purifying carbon black (15) containing sulfur and metal oxide impurities by digesting (20) the impure carbon black in an acid to extract the metal oxide (25). Sulfur (45) is then removed from the acid treated carbon black (30) by solvent extraction (35) with an organic aromatic solvent which is then recovered (50). The purified carbon black (40) is then suitable for use as a toner (60) by toner black processing (55).

Abstract: The present invention provides a manually powered drive assembly for a vehicle. A foot crank winds a helical torsion spring through a system of shafts and sprockets in a first direction. By releasing a brake applied to a wheel, or wheels, of the vehicle, the wound spring transfers a rotational movement from a spring shaft to a freewheel sprocket coaxially aligned with the axle supporting a wheel, so that the rotational movement upon the wheel assists a user in manually moving the vehicle. The drive assembly may be advantageously used with a wheelbarrow to assist in building up momentum for moving heavy loads.

Abstract: An extendable ramp apparatus is provided for automatically extending a ramp. The apparatus comprises a generally rectangular frame with a track for movement of a carriage pivotally connected to a ramp along the track. The ramp pivots downwardly as it is extends from the frame until it encounters a surface. A bidirectional motor is provided with a cabling arrangement to reciprocate the carriage and ramp along the track. Shock absorbers may slow the carriage movement as the ramp is extended so that hard contact of the ramp with a surface is minimized. An innovative capstan arrangement provides more rapid movement of the ramp as it retracts but provides more power during ramp extension, so that vertical movement of the ramp is slowed as the ramp is extended. The apparatus may find application in vehicles such as trucks, vans, and boats whenever it is desired to move goods or people between surfaces of different heights, such as a truck bed and the ground.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for alignment of a trailer hitch with a trailer tongue, so that the operator does not leave the cab of the towing vehicle in order to facilitate the alignment. The system may comprise a control assembly and a remote assembly, the control assembly further comprising a display unit and a receiver, and the remote assembly further comprising a video camera, a transmitter, and a light. The remote system may be removably attached to the rear end of the towing vehicle and positioned to provide a vertical view of the hitch area, and the control assembly may be removably attached to a surface within the cab. The transmitter provides a wireless video signal of the hitch area for reception by the receiver and subsequent display on the display unit. Power for the system may be provided by batteries, and in the case of the remote assembly, a plug adaptable for attachment to the standard cable socket for trailer braking and lights.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems, and computer program products for short term probability forecasting of selected weather-related events. These embodiments are adaptable for any geographical region that can be identified and for which a reasonable number of data points exist. The inventive method uses a data set of n observations of m parameters, where the parameters may be statistically correlated. A Principal Component Analysis may be performed, with the data set as input, to provide a reduced set of principal components that are uncorrelated and account for most of the variance in the input data set. An orthogonal transformation may be performed on the reduced set of principal components to provide a rotated set of principal components that are aligned with the corresponding parameters in the input data set.

Abstract: A stormwater drainage system capable of collecting, pretreating and disposing of the stormwater runoff into a dry well. Further capable of stopping the flow of stormwater into the dry well in the event hydrocarbons or other contaminants are present in the stormwater. The system is also capable of isolating stagnant water in the system to prevent the infestation of mosquito larvae.

Abstract: An aircraft designed with three wings located on either side of the fuselage. The forward wing has a downward angle with a curved top and bottom surface. The upper wing is located towards the rear of the aircraft and above the forward wing. The lower wing is located below the upper wing and slightly forward. It is also located to the rear and below of the forward wing. The outer ends of all three wings come into contact at one point. The forward wing uses the Coanda effect to increase the airflow across the top surface of the bottom wing. The aircraft can be designed so that it is large enough to carry people and/or cargo, or to be small enough to be flown as a toy aircraft. The like design can use any type of aircraft engine commonly used today. One embodiment of the aircraft has two turbines, shaft-coupled to a power source, located on either side of the forward end of the fuselage.

Abstract: An improved aircraft lens attachment system including a plurality of keyways in the lens, which intersect the edge of the lens and a resilient gasket with a plurality of keys located to correspond with the keyways of the lens, each keyway having an aperture passing through it. The improved lens attachment system eliminates the area of the lens, which is susceptible to fatigue cracking. It also provides a more flexible and efficient way to attach a lens to an aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting an implanted medical device such as a catheter or ostomy stoma from the force exerted by wearing a seatbelt or other strap by placing an annular shaped structure over the top of the medical device to bridge the seatbelt over the top of the device, thus transferring the force to the area surrounding the device. Alternate embodiments of the apparatus may contain a clip, loop, snap or other fastener to attach the apparatus to the seatbelt or other strap, thus holding the apparatus in place while in use.