Abstract: A system and methods for performing calorimetric testing which includes a micro resonator that supports a plurality of whispering gallery mode resonant frequencies, a first waveguide that receives light and evanescently couples whispering gallery mode resonant frequencies from the first waveguide into the micro resonator, and a second waveguide evanescently coupled to the micro resonator such that a portion of the whispering gallery mode resonant frequencies are coupled out of the micro resonator and into the second waveguide. The system can also include a light source for providing a multitude of optical resonances and a reader for analyzing the resonances received from the second waveguide.

Abstract: A method is provided for in-situ gasification of coal wherein a network of fractures is formed by providing a substantially vertically disposed borehole and a plurality of substantially horizontally disposed boreholes in fluid communication with the substantially vertically disposed borehole, at least one substantially horizontally disposed boreholes being a fracturing borehole, at least one substantially horizontally disposed boreholes being an injection borehole and at least one substantially horizontally disposed boreholes being an injection borehole. An initial quantity of liquified gas is introduced into the at least one substantially horizontally disposed fracturing borehole whereby the liquified gas vaporizes forms fractures in the formation.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination squeegee (i.e., a scraper) and hand trowel tool. The tool can be conveniently used to first remove a material from a can, bucket or other material container and then used to spread the material evenly on a surface or substrate. The tool has a blade having a curved edge portion for removing material from cans or buckets and a separate notched edge portion (preferably with indentations or serrations) for evenly spreading the material on a surface. The invention further contemplates a method of using the tool to remove material from a can, bucket or container and applying the material to a surface.

Abstract: A spray nozzle that includes a nozzle body defining a first surface, a cap defining a second surface able to define an annular nozzle opening therebetween, and a turbine having a plurality of radially extending fins circumferentially positioned about the nozzle opening for directing the flow of fluid exiting the nozzle opening. The turbine is rotatably connected to the cap such that the nozzle opening is free of any portion of the turbine. The spray nozzle further includes a grinding member.

Abstract: A grappling hook blank for forming a grappling hook having a shaft, a plurality of arms and a connecting member. The grappling hook blank includes a piece of material having a shaft portion, a plurality of arm portions, and a connecting member portion. The shaft portion forms the shaft of the grappling hook. The plurality of arm portions forms each of the plurality of arms of the grappling hook. Each of the plurality of arms of the grappling hook is formed by moving each of the plurality of arm portions outwardly from the grappling hook blank. The connecting member portion connects the shaft portion and the plurality of arm portions wherein the connecting member portion forms a connecting member of the grappling hook such that the connecting member of the grappling hook connects the shaft and the plurality of arms of the grappling hook.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly is removably attachable to a receiver connected to a towing vehicle. The receiver has a rectangular port defining a receptacle. The trailer hitch assembly includes a support arm assembly and at least one hitch ball. The support arm assembly has a first support arm and a second support arm. Each of the first and second support arms are sized and dimensioned to be disposed in the receptacle for attachment to the receiver. The at least one hitch ball is supported by the support arm assembly.

Abstract: A device for filling an open trench with the dirt previously removed from the trench lying alongside the trench, using a skid-mounted frame having blades to initially fill the trench and leveling the dirt, followed by a compactor.

Abstract: An electric-field meter provided with a housing, an electrode assembly, a shield assembly, a movement assembly, a position detection assembly, a charge measurement circuit, and a leakage current compensation circuit. The electric-field meter can be characterized as a field mill, an induction voltmeter, an electrostatic fluxmeter or an agrimeter. The electrode assembly is selectively exposed to the electric field. The shield assembly alternately covers and exposes the electrode assembly to the electric field. The movement assembly has a source of motive force and a linkage operably connected to one of the shield assembly and the electrode assembly for alternately covering and exposing the electrode assembly to the electric field. The charge measurement circuit receives charge on the electrode assembly. The charge measurement circuit provides a charge detection signal indicative of the charge induced on the electrode assembly as the electrode assembly is selectively exposed to the electric field.

Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with an oversized sleeve. The sleeve has an inner diameter which is greater than the maximum diameter of a pot disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion, a skirt portion, with a linear or non-linear upper end, or with or without gussets in the lower end or sides. In the method the sleeve is secured about the pot by a crimping a portion of the sleeve having a bonding material thereon, or using a securing element.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to by physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

Abstract: A storage rack connectable to a mounting structure of a vehicle for supporting a load, comprising a load supporting structure, a swing arm assembly, and a lift assembly. The load supporting structure is adapted to support the load when the load is associated with the load supporting structure. The swing arm assembly is connected to the load supporting structure, the swing arm assembly being attachable to the mounting structure of the vehicle. The lift assembly is associated with the load supporting structure for facilitating lifting of the load to the load supporting structure whereby the load can be supported by the load supporting structure and thus the vehicle.

Abstract: A top entry check valve including a valve body with an access port. A compressible hanger body engages a portion of the valve body and is positioned in alignment with the access port of the valve body. A clapper is connected to the hanger body so that the clapper is movable between a closed position wherein the clapper engages a valve seat to occlude the passage of fluid through the fluid flow passage and an open position wherein the clapper is moved away from the valve seat to permit passage of fluid through the fluid flow passage. A closure member is connected to the valve body to close the access port of the valve body. The closure member has an abutment surface engaging the hanger body so that the hanger body is compressed between the closure member and the valve body.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a corrugated metal sheet is disclosed. The apparatus includes a table, a clamp assembly, and a cutting tool. The clamp assembly has a lower frame and an upper frame. A lower vibration absorbing pad is supported by the lower frame, and an upper vibration absorbing pad is secured to the upper frame such that the upper vibration absorbing pad faces the lower vibration absorbing pad. In an open position the lower and upper vibration absorbing pads are separated to permit the corrugated sheet metal to be positioned therebetween and in a closed position the corrugated metal sheet is clamped between the lower and upper vibration absorbing pads with at least one of the lower and upper vibration absorbing pads substantially conforming to the contour of an adjacent surface of the corrugated metal sheet.

Abstract: A child restraint apparatus having a base connectable to a vehicle. The base has a chassis with a back portion and a seat portion. /A U-shaped guard is pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child. A seat member of appropriate size is detachably connected to the seat portion of the chassis. A harness assembly is connected to the seat member. The harness assembly comprises a retractor assembly connected to the seat member and a torso strap having a lower end fixed to the retractor and a pair of upper ends connectable to a helmet via a latch assembly connected to the helmet. The helmet is adjustably connected to the chassis and has a rigid shell shaped to extend about at least a portion the head of the child.

Abstract: A shade panel assembly that covers the top and sides of a storage tank. Such assemblies might also include a water dispensation system to dispense water mist substantially in the area of the shade assembly in the region between the assembly and the tank or substantially onto the shade panels. The panel assembly, when in an operative position over a storage tank, serves as a pollution control technology and, as such, may qualify for such environmental incentives.

Abstract: A storage rack connectable to a mounting structure of a vehicle for supporting a load, comprising a load supporting structure, a bracket assembly, and a lift assembly. The load supporting structure is adapted to support the load when the load is associated with the load supporting structure. The bracket assembly is connected to the load supporting structure, the bracket assembly being attachable to the mounting structure. The lift assembly is associated with the load supporting structure for facilitating lifting of the load to the load supporting structure whereby the load can be supported by the load supporting structure and thus the vehicle when the bracket assembly connects the load supporting structure to the mounting structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective cover having a first panel superimposed over and connected to a second panel. The first panel is connected to the second panel such that the first panel is slidably moveable relative to the second panel so that the first panel will be sheared relative to the second panel upon the first panel being impacted by a force having a component which is non-perpendicular to the first panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel has a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The top sheet is connected to the bottom sheet to form an air chamber. A valve is disposed through the panels and manually operable between an open condition and a closed condition to allow air to be selectively removed from and drawn into the air chamber of the first panel. The air chamber is provided with a resilient, open-celled, foam panel to cause air to be drawn into the air chamber upon expansion of the foam panel from a collapsed condition.

Abstract: An optically-powered integrated microstructure pressure sensing system for sensing pressure within a cavity. the pressure sensing system comprises a pressure sensor having an optical resonant structure subject to the pressure within the cavity and having physical properties changing due to changing pressures within the cavity. A substrate supports the optical resonant structure. An input optical pathway evanescently couples light into the optical resonant structure. An output optical pathway collects light from the optical resonance structure. A light source delivers a known light input into the input optical pathway whereby the known light input is evanescently coupled into the optical resonant structure by the input optical pathway and a portion of such light is collected from the optical resonant structure by the output optical pathway.

Abstract: A grappling hook comprising a shaft, a head member, a plurality of blades, and a locking ring. The head member is secured to the first end of the shaft. Each of the blades has a distal end with a substantially v-shaped notch forming a pair of projections and at least one gripping tooth for gripping onto a desired structure. Each of the blades is pivotally connected to the head member such that each blade is movable between an operational position and a collapsed position wherein the blades are spread away from the head member and positioned to grip the supporting structure in the operational position, and wherein the blades are positioned adjacent to the shaft in the collapsed position. The locking ring is movable between an open position and a closed position wherein the locking ring secures the blades in the operational position when the locking ring is positioned in the open position, and wherein the locking ring secures the blades in the collapsed position when the locking ring is in the closed position.