Abstract: There is described a novel tool and method for the isolation and pressure-testing of connections, such as welds, between a vessel and a nozzle or branch pipe. The nozzle testing tool comprises an improved seal that expands into sealing contact as testing pressure is increased. The tool can also be easily adjusted in order to accommodate variations in nozzle configuration.

Abstract: A secondary drainage funnel for use in combination with a laundry box having a bottom wall with a drain opening formed therein includes a generally hollow body having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end includes an inlet opening for receiving a secondary drainage discharge tube. The lower end has a discharge opening formed therein and is shaped to be supported on the lower wall of the laundry box proximate the drain opening with the discharge opening in fluid communication with the drain opening while leaving sufficient access to the drain opening to allow a laundry drain hose to be inserted therein.

Abstract: A universal input voltage device is presented which may receive a wide range of regulated and unregulated input voltages, both DC and a wide range of variable frequency AC, and output a desired regulated current at a desired voltage independent of the fluctuation of input voltage and frequency. The circuit includes a preconditioning input circuit, a Buck converter circuit with over voltage protection, flyback and boost circuits, and a shutdown circuit configured to drive a predetermined electrical or electronic device.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, systems, and data structures for providing a music-subscription service customer with a portable music device that has been preloaded with customer-selected music. A music-subscription service provider receives a customer order to purchase a portable music device, and also receives the customer's selection of less than all of the music available on the music-subscription service provider's music database. The music-subscription service provider uses a computer to download the customer-selected music to the portable music device ordered by the customer. The music-subscription service provider then provides to the customer the portable music device that has been preloaded with the customer-selected music. The steps may be performed over the Internet and/or at a retail location.

Abstract: An alert system and apparatus for an emergency alert system is provided to disseminate emergency information to the public utilizing a universal paging system through a personal alert device such as a cellular telephone, pager, PDA or E-FOB. The alert system utilizes an emergency alert system signal from the NOAA alert system to broadcast the alert message to cellular devices in a specified alert area. The broadcast message provides information related to the alert level. The E-FOB may be a passive device which is activated by a NOAA alert signal and then listens for a cellular message. If the E-FOB is within the alert area, the E-FOB provides information to the user. If the E-FOB is not within the alert area, the E-FOB returns to a passive state.

Abstract: A system for attaching a siding panel to a wall uses tubular fastener guide pins supported in spaced relationship by a fastener guide strip. The guide pins extend from the guide strip and through elongate slots in the securement flange of the siding panel. The spacing of the guide pins corresponds to the spacing of centers of elongate slots in the siding panel such that fasteners driven through the tubular guide pins are evenly spaced and allow the panel to slide relative to the guide pins. A layer of insulating foam may be positioned behind the siding panel and with pins sized to extend through the siding panel and foam.

Abstract: An unloader system for a reciprocating gas compressor includes an unloader valve assembly which may be installed as the suction valve assembly or the discharge valve assembly of the compressor. The valve assembly includes a valve seat having one or more seat passages formed therethrough and a valve guard having a number of valve members movably mounted thereon equal to the number of seat passages. One of the valve guard and valve seat is rotatable relative to the other. The rotatable member is driven by a constant torque motor or other power source which stalls when a retarding force caused by pressure differentials across the valve members overcomes the torque supplied. Once pressures across the valve members equalize, the rotatable member can resume rotation. A method of unloading a compressor using the unloader system includes selecting a rotational speed for the rotating member to allow backflow.

Abstract: Disclosed is an advanced process that relates to the enhanced production of energy using the integration of multiple thermal cycles (Brayton and Rankine) that employ multiple fuels, multiple working fluids, turbines and equipment. The method includes providing a nuclear reactor, reactor working fluid, heat exchangers, compressors, and multiple turbines to drive compressors that pressurize a humidified working fluid that is combusted with fuel fired in at least one gas turbine. The turbine(s) provide for electrical energy, processes or other mechanical loads.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for cooling the under-car channel of a tunnel kiln while minimizing migration of air between the above-car and under-car channels involves controlling or equalizing the mass flow of cooling air directed through the under-car channel and in particular through individual undercarriage cooling zones which can match individual heating zones of the tunnel kiln.

Abstract: A chemical application line is provided having a core chemical application carrier to dispense a desired chemical into a target environment over a period of time. The chemical application line includes a degradable film or paper covering the carrier to provide protection from the chemical when handling. The chemical application line also includes a degradable rope surrounding the carrier to provide strength and durability to the line.

Abstract: A method for controlling a process variable as it approaches a predetermined value (setpoint) so that the setpoint is not exceeded. The method employs a time domain polynomial equation in a feedback configuration and utilizes a controller that acts as an On/Off controller until the process variable approaches setpoint. As the process variable approaches setpoint, the controller acts as a fast responding analog controller thereby “tailoring” a control variable to precisely bring the process variable to the setpoint without exceeding or overshooting the setpoint.

Abstract: An accessory mount for a rifle for mounting a scope at an offset angle and a flashlight without obscuring the open sight of the rifle.

Abstract: An offset tube clamp includes a base having a pair of feet with generally coplanar bottom surfaces and a notch between the feet. A post extends upwardly from the base, and at least one tube cradle is formed on the post at a position spaced apart from the base. The tube clamp further includes a nailway having a fastener receiving opening for receiving a fastener. The fastener receiving opening intersects the notch in the base. The tube clamp is alternatively mountable to a building member in either a first orientation with the bottom surfaces of the feet flush against a surface of the building member, and in a second orientation with the notch in the base receiving a corner of the building member.