Abstract: A method of purifying fluids in which a filter is disposed at sufficient depth in a channel, a fluid is electrolyzed to produce a gas, and expansion of the gas is used to raised the filtrate upwards. The methods are contemplated to be particularly useful with salty or brackish feed fluids, and in which the channel provides a head pressure equivalent to a depth of at least 100 meters, or more preferably several hundred meters. The electrolysis preferably employs a catalyst, and produces hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: A microprocessor is used to control various components of a carpet cleaning machine to improve its functionality. In various aspects of the invention, the microprocessor is software controlled, and can provide sequential operating instructions to the operator, enforce start-up and shut down sequences, store an electronic record of operating parameters for future use, provide auto- and remote diagnostics, and provide remote control. In another aspect of the invention the microprocessor can affect the operation of the entire system by dynamically controlling the speed of the motor. In another aspect of the invention, a more effective muffler can be attached to the exhaust of the motor, thereby greatly reducing the noise level. In still other aspects of the invention, the microprocessor can operate an ignition kill switch to the motor, solenoid and/or clutch controls for the fluid and air pumps, an energy cutoff switch for the heater, and software updates via modem.

Abstract: High temperature polybenzazole and polyether polymer electrolytes are provided. High temperature polybenzazole polymer electrolytes may comprise a benzobisoxazole, a benzobisthiazole, a benzobisimidazole, a difluorodisulfonated phenyl ring or a sulfonated bisphenylether. High temperature polyether polymers comprise a persulfonated phenyl ring, and a substituted phenyl ring or a substituted bisphenylsulfonyl ring system.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a low dielectric constant structural layer is produced having increased mechanical strength and having a plurality of voids that comprises a substrate layer; a low dielectric structural layer juxtaposing the substrate layer; and an infiltrating layer comprising an infiltrating material having a volatile component and a reinforcing component juxtaposing the structural layer and coating at least some of the plurality of voids. Also, methods are provided in which the mechanical strength of a structural layer having a plurality of voids is increased by a) depositing the structural layer on a substrate layer; b) providing an infiltrating material having a volatile component and a reinforcing component; c) introducing the infiltrating material into at least some of the plurality of voids; and d) treating the infiltrating material such that the structural strength is increased by a substantial amount.

Abstract: A weight bearing element having a web, and a chord connected to the web, the chord perimeter having a cross-sectional shape of a closed multi-sided figure having at least 5 sides, at least two of which are substantially parallel to the web. Some members may have chords which have a pentagonal cross sectional shape, and/or may include load transferring members or end-caps.

Abstract: Nanoporous polymeric materials are fabricated in which polymeric strands are crosslinked via ring structures. Preferred ring structures are formed de novo during crosslinking, and at least some of the ring structures are preferably included in the backbones of the strands. At least one of the ring structures may advantageously comprise an aromatic structure, and may more advantageously comprise a benzyl moiety. Especially preferred polymers comprise a poly(arylene ether) synthesized from a difluoroaromatic portion and an aromatic bisphenolic portion. In another preferred aspect, the difluoroaromatic portions of the poly(arylene ether) carry at least two different crosslinking functionalities. In an even more preferred aspect, the crosslinking functionalities comprise an ethynyl and a tetracyclone. Nanoporosity is preferably introduced by thermolyzing one or more thermolabile portions in the crosslinked polymer. An especially preferred thermolabile portion comprises ethylene glycol-poly(caprolactone).

Abstract: Electrodes are manufactured using a fire-retardant solvent and a polymerizable monomer. Electrodes according to the present invention are contemplated to find applicability in substantially any electrode containing device, including batteries. A preferred class of fire-retardant solvents includes solvents that generate a fire-retardant gas upon decomposition. One subclass includes compositions that produce carbon dioxide upon decomposition. Other subclasses include species that generate non-CO2 gases upon decomposition, such as CO, SO2, SO3, NO, N2O, NO2, or N2. A second preferred class of fire-retardant solvents include solvents that are fire-retardant without generating a fire-retardant gas upon decomposition, and are electrochemically inactive. Subclasses here include the many phosphates, phosphazenes, borates, siloxanes, fluorinated carbonates and fluorinated ethers that are already known to be included in a fire-retardant electrolyte.

Abstract: Urine is tested for presence of malondialdehyde by mixing it with a reagent consisting of about 90-110 parts 20% acetic acid, about 13.5-16.5 parts Ingredient A, and about 4.5-5.5 parts Ingredient B, wherein Ingredient A is comprised of sodium metabisulfite, phosphoric acid and deionized water in the proportions of about 18-22 grams sodium metabisulfite, 9-11 ml of concentrated phosphoric acid, and about 450-550 ml deionized water, and Ingredient B is comprised of basic fuchsin and Ingredient A in the proportion of about 0.45-0.55 grams basic fuchsin to about 90-110 ml Ingredient A. A color change is observed when malondialdehyde is present in the urine in a concentration greater than about 2 ppm.

Abstract: Recycling liquid waste and rendering particulate substances suitable for handling, transportation, or use. More specifically, preferred embodiments provide methods for recycling waste liquids such as latex paint by using them as an agglomeration agent to increase the particle size for particulate substances such as ash, dust, powders, sands, sludge, and fines.

Abstract: A self-contained, battery powered, cableless starting device provides high DC power levels for short durations. Preferred devices have a battery, a connector terminal assembly, and a monitor/control circuit that indicates the voltage available, and limits the device output to safe voltage levels so the battery is not damaged. The connector terminal assembly preferably has 2 or more contacts, sized and dimensioned to electrically contact (mate) with selected electric starter auxiliary power input terminals. In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the coupling mechanism physically prevents the contact surface(s) from being positioned more than 5 feet from the battery. Commercial devices may advantageously include multiple batteries in a small carrying case, and have the appropriate capacity, voltage and connectors for starting a specific type of engine. For example, an especially preferred device has connectors suitable for starting a 12V or 24V powered aircraft.

Abstract: A method is provided in which particulate matter is dried in a high velocity cyclonic dryer having inner and/or outer ring deflectors. Contemplated initial air stream velocities are at least about 100 feet per second, with more preferred velocities at least 300 feet per second, and still more preferred embodiments at least 500 feet per second. In one aspect of preferred embodiments the combination of high velocity air flow and ring deflectors advantageously provides significant drying of the particulate matter using both relatively low temperatures and relatively short transit times. Contemplated temperatures of the air stream entering the dryer are between about 50.degree. F. and about 300.degree. F., with more preferred temperatures between about 60.degree. F. and about 150.degree. F., and still more preferred temperatures between about 70.degree. F. and about 120.degree. F.

Abstract: A bracket is used to maintain a unitary seat in a motor vehicle in a stowed position such that the rear of the seat is tilted upwards and the front of the seat is tilted downwards. Preferred brackets have a support arm attached to the bottom of the seat, and a floor brace that rests on the floor of the vehicle, and is pivotally coupled to the support arm at a pivot that is positioned no more than 12 inches from a closest point on the seat. Also in preferred brackets the floor brace has a slot, and the support arm and the floor brace are releasably coupled to each other via a connecting arm and a slidable connecting member positioned in the slot. A levered set screw may advantageously be employed to releasably couple the support arm and the floor brace.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided in which nanoporous polymeric materials are produced via stable, polymeric template strands having reactive groups that can be used for forming crosslinking functionalities and/or adding thermolabile groups, wherein at least some of the thermolabile groups are thermolyzed to produce voids. The template strands preferably comprise aromatic systems and vicinal keto groups, such as a polybenzil formed from fluorene bisphenol or 3,3'-dihydroxytolane with 4,4'-difluorobenzil. At least some of the reactive groups preferably react using an addition-elimination reaction. Especially preferred thermolabile groups comprise poly(propylene oxide), and especially preferred crosslinkers comprise ethynyl-moiety and tetracyclone moieties.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving the laser scanning process by supplementing data obtained by laser scanning with data obtained through photogrammetry. More specifically, both a laser scanning visual database and a photogrammetry visual database are obtained, and color values from the photogrammetry visual database are used to provide color values for the points in the laser scanning visual database.

Abstract: Ribavirin is employed in a manner which is effective to modulate lymphokine expression in activated T cells. In particular, Ribavirin is used to suppress Type 2-mediated T cell responses and promote Type 1-mediated T cell response. Thus, instead of administering Ribavirin in its well-recognized role as an anti-viral agent, Ribavirin is herein used in the treatment of imbalances in lymphokine expression. Such imbalances may be found to be concomitants of allergic atopic disorders such as allergic asthma and atopic dermatitis, helminth infection and leishmaniasis, and various primary and secondary immunodeficiencies, which may or may not also be associated with viral infection.

Abstract: A combination of an air lift pump and a mechanical pump is used to lift a fluid from a lower level to a higher level. In preferred embodiments compressed air is released below the level of a submerged mechanical pump having an impeller, such that the compressed air impinges upon the low pressure side of the impeller. The combination may be used advantageously in conjunction with a semipermeable membrane disposed within a deep channel to lift a purified fluid.

Abstract: Display elements of computer screens and other information displays are printed using conservative printing techniques. Contemplated electronic components that can be conservatively printed at the display element level include switches, transistors, capacitors, memory elements, and actuators. Contemplated light path components that can be conservatively printed at the display element level include light pipes or other optical wave guides, mirrors, light emitting diodes, liquid crystals, and actuators. The conservatively printed components may advantageously be produced by a process that includes depositing a precursor onto the substrate in a desired pattern, depositing an appropriate ligand onto the substrate, and applying sufficient energy to transfer electrons from the ligand to the precursor, thereby decomposing the precursor to form a precipitate. In an especially preferred class of embodiments, light emission at individual display elements is controlled by a conservatively printed moving actuator.

Abstract: An auxiliary failsafe engine starting apparatus locates the batteries or other power storage devices with respect to the current carrying cable(s) to provide high conformability between extended and storage configurations, and includes a protective power control switching module. High conformability of an apparatus is defined herein as being configurable between a greatest extended configuration having a length (l.sub.e) and a storage configuration having a length (l.sub.s), wherein l.sub.e .gtoreq.3 l.sub.s. Preferred apparatus have conformability ratios of .gtoreq.3, .gtoreq.4, .gtoreq.5, .gtoreq.7.5, and .gtoreq.10. Preferred power sources provide an electrical potential of at least 6 volts, and a current of at least 40 amps. More preferable power sources provide sustainable currents of at least 100 amps, and even more preferable power sources provide sustainable currents of at least 250 amps. Preferred cables are relatively long, measuring up to 4 feet or more, total extended length.

Abstract: A fire barrier for use in dynamic voids to seal against the spread of fire. Flexible foil-backed insulation material is supported by a woven metallic support screen positioned in the void. As the surfaces defining the void undergo relative movement, the ability of the individual wire elements of the screen to move in a scissor-like fashion relative one another allow the screen to distort laterally without shearing, wrinkling, or buckling while the insulation material floating thereon is effectively isolated from any shear forces. The foil backing allows the insulation to freely shift relative the support screen.

Abstract: Novel monocyclic L-Nucleoside compounds have the general formula ##STR1## Embodiments of these compounds are contemplated to be useful in treating a wide variety of diseases including infections, infestations, neoplasms, and autoimmune diseases. Viewed in terms of mechanism, embodiments of the novel compounds show immunomodulatory activity, and are expected to be useful in modulating the cytokine pattern, including modulation of Th1 and Th2 response.