Abstract: The rotor shaft of an electrical power generator, placed in a wind or water current whereby the kinetic energy causes the rotor shaft to rotate, turns a hydraulic pump generating a hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic pressure is directed to a hydraulic generator motor coupled to an electrical generator. The hydraulic pressure causes the hydraulic motor to turn which spins the generator generating electricity which is transferred to an electric grid for distribution. The generator can be distantly located from the rotors and rotor shaft, for example, on the ground adjacent to the support tower supporting the rotors and rotor shaft.

Abstract: An improved rotor blade used in combination with a submersible electrical generator comprises a rotor base with width BW, a leading edge, a tip, and a trailing edge. The leading edge and the trailing edge are defined as elliptical curves having a radius of 8.0 BW. The rotor has a surface area profile substantially in accordance with the Cartesian coordinate values X and Y set forth in Table I. The rotor blade can be functionally connected to a rotor shaft through a pivotal support axial which allows the pitch of the blade to be set and maintained. The pitch is set to harness the kinetic energy of flowing water for generating electricity.

Abstract: An improved rotor blade used in combination with a submersible electrical generator comprises a rotor base with width W, a leading edge, a tip, and a trailing edge. The leading edge and the trailing edge are defined as elliptical curves having a radius of 8.0(W). A straight line drawn from the front of the base to the lip forms a forty five degree angle with respect to the rotor base. The rotor blade is functionally connected to a rotor shaft through a pivotal support axial which allows the pitch of the blade to be set and maintained. The pitch is set to harness the kinetic energy of flowing water thereby generating electricity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for gathering product level profile information from the POS of different, spaced apart fueling locations networked together to a server through the Internet. The POS monitors the dispensers through a pump control center to determine the amount of fuel dispensed and the ATG to determine the amount of product remaining in the USTs, and it tracts fuel additions to the USTs from delivery trucks. This information is stored in a data file in the POS, and is linked together along with a site identifier to form a data packet for transmission. A communication network interconnects the POS of the remote fueling sites to a server. The server maintains a first database of routing numbers for the remote sites, and a second database of product level information for each remote site. The server individually polls the remote sites to obtain the data packet.

Abstract: A mechanical fuel pump control system for controlling mechanical fuel pumps through a PC-based Point-of-Sales system utilizing a mechanical pump controller and a mechanical pump configurator is disclosed. The pump control system includes a pump control circuit board having a microprocessor with read-only-memory for storing operating code and a read-and-write-memory device for calculating and storing response data. The pump control system uses a configuration circuit board to condition output signals including preset limits, pump authorization signal and close valve signal, and to condition input signals including a pulse signal, a handle signal, and a motor return signal. A relay board controls the pumping process. The pump control system allows the POS application software to integrate pump control with other functions including register function, scanning, and inventory control in the POS computer.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser-credit card reader control system for controlling the fuel dispensing process and accepting payment for the fuel dispensed through a card reader is disclosed. The dispenser controller has a microprocessor with read-only-memory for storing operating routines and command code and read-and-write-memory for storing responses. Configuration circuits translate the communication language of the dispenser controller into a communication protocol readable by the dispensers such that the dispensing process of various dispenser brands can be controlled and payment for the fuel accepted. A feature of the disclosure is that the controller includes a command for transmitting an encrypted PIN number data block from the card reader to a site controller without analyzing the data, manipulating the data, or permanently storing the data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel pump-card reader control center for controlling the fuel dispensing process and accepting payment for the fuel dispensed through a card reader. The control center has a microprocessor with read-only-memory (ROM) and read-and-write-memory (RAM). Operating routines are stored in ROM and operating code for controlling the dispensing process and accepting payment for the fuel dispensed is stored in RAM. The control commands for pump control and card reader control are down-loadable from magnetic medium or remotely though a modem interface. Configuration circuits translate the communication language of the fuel pump control commands and the card reader control commands into a communication format which is readable by the dispensers such that the control center can control dispensing process of different dispenser brands and accept payment for the fuel dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel dispenser control console which is interfaced to a cash register for down-loading sales information to the register when the sale is paid out on the console. The control console includes a programmable data processor which processes commands for controlling the dispensers. Commands to the dispensers are initiated through input keys on the console. Sales information is down-loaded to the cash register through a serial connection to the console. Sales information is transferred from the console to the register in a command format (character string) which mimics a cash register keyboard entry. The system uses a communication protocol translator to configure the command logic signals from the console into a format readable by the dispensers such that the system can be used with various dispenser brands.

Abstract: A microprocessor based dispenser control system for controlling the dispensing process in a liquid pump and storing information on the type and number of times the liquid has been dispensed is disclosed. The system includes a dispensing pump and a control console for controlling the pump. The console is interfaced to a cash register, point-of-sales system, or printer for down-loading information to these. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing pump is a squeeze type pump driven by a stepper motor. The microprocessor uses a pulse drive source to control the stepper motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel dispenser control system which controls the fuel dispensing process and accepts payment for the fuel dispensed through a card reader. The dispenser controller has a microprocessor with read-only-memory (ROM) and read-and-write-memory (RAM). A series of commands are stored in the ROM for controlling the dispensing process and accepting payment for the fuel dispensed. Configuration circuits' translate the communication language of the dispenser controller into a communication protocol readable by the dispensers such that the dispensing process of various dispenser brands can be controlled and payment for the fuel accepted. Response data from the dispenser is stored in the RAM, and then passed up a register system.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser-cash register control console is provided for simultaneously controlling fuel dispensers and the input key switches on a cash register keyboard so that sales information on each dispensing transaction can be down-loaded to a cash register at the end of the sale. The system includes a control console having a programmable data processor coupled with a read-only-memory ROM chip and read-and-write-memory RAM chip. Commands to the dispensers are initiated through input keys on the console. Sales information is down-loaded to the cash register through a cash register interface board which has a second microprocessor with ROM and RAM, serially connected to the processor in the console. When the register interface processor receives sales information from the console, it locks out the cash register key board, transfers the sales information to the designated department, and then unlocks the keyboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow signal monitoring system for monitoring data signals in a data wire between fuel dispensers and the dispenser controller for collecting, storing, and later down-loading information relating flow quantity signals. The system includes an electronic communication translator which is attached to the wire. The design of the monitoring system is such that it is coupled to the data wire, however, it is electrically isolated from the data wire. When the dispenser and remote dispenser controller are communicating in current loop communication protocol, the system uses a configuration circuit with an opto-coupler having a light emitting diode and transistor for transforming the data signals into corresponding computer logic signals. When the dispenser and controller are communicating in voltage level communication protocol, a comparator is used to transform the data signals into corresponding computer logic signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel pump control system for controlling fuel dispensers through a PC-based POS terminal. The system includes a printed circuit board which can be inserted in an expansion slot in the PC for controlling the fuel dispensers. The system uses a microprocessor with read-only-memory and read-and-write-memory. A series of commands are stored in the ROM for controlling the dispensers during the fueling process. A configuration circuit translates and configures the communication protocol of the pump control system and the communication protocol of the dispensers allowing them to interact. Response data from the dispenser during the fueling process is stored in the RAM. The pump control system is interfaced to the POS application software in the POS. In a preferred embodiment, the flow of data between the microprocessor in the pump controller and the microprocessor in the PC-based POS is controlled by a terminate-stay-resident driver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-purpose tool holder for holding various tools on an extension handle. The holder includes a flat support plate on the end of the extension handle. The support plate has a cable arrangement such that two cable loops are formed on top of it. The tool to be held is placed through the cable loops, and a wing nut is tightened on a threaded guide bar to tighten the cable securely around the tool. The tool holder can be used for many purposes such as holding paint scrapers, paint brushes, scrub brushes, weegies, acid brushes, paint roller frames, and other related tools.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for collecting subsamples of soils to be tested for infestation and nutrient content. The apparatus includes a sampling tube which is mounted on a collecting wheel which is mounted on a frame. During operation, the apparatus is lifted off the ground. To take a sample, the apparatus is lowered such that the wheel makes contact with the ground. This causes the wheel to rotate, forcing the sampling probe into the ground. The sample empties into the interior of the wheel where it mixes. The mixed sample is later removed and boxed for testing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for injecting agrochemicals into the subsurface of the soil without tilling of the soil. A high pressure pump delivers the solution to be injected to a series of injection nozzles. The injection nozzles cause liquid jets to be formed which have sufficient velocity and narrow cross-section to inject into the soil. The injection nozzles are supported by a shield-pan which rides on the surface of the soil. The apparatus causes continuous injection from a plurality of nozzles. The shield-pan minimizes clogging of the nozzles. In the preferred embodiment, a second low pressure system is incorporated to broadcast spray the soil surface. This is a low-pressure system utilizing a boom with broadcast nozzles.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for application of agrochemicals from a moving vehicle. It utilizes a multiple chemical infusion system for mobile spraying of liquid mixtures at present, controlled, and monitored application rates which integrate ground speed, solute concentration, diluent volume and spray swath path width using dynamic, real time software in a digital computer unit with a read only memory chip. Microprocessor controlled peristalic squeeze pumps, capable of simultaneous or independent application of a plurality of chemicals, infuse chemicals to be applied into solvent water where the mixture is delivered to a boomless spray assembly by a centrifugal pump or application. The microprocessor is controlled by the operator of the moving vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dome-shaped animal shelter having a separable housing and base. A swivel arm tether attachment is connected to the top of the housing providing an essentially tangle free tether where the animal can roam anywhere within a radius of the length of the tether. The shelter is anchored to the ground by a spiral anchor means. The separable housing and base are held together by a rim band when assembled, but are easily disassembled for cleaning or moving. In a preferred embodiment, the housing and base are made from reinforced plastic.