Abstract: An apparatus and method of making an improved sound reducing panel is disclosed suitable for use in an outdoor or a hazardous environment. The improved sound reducing panel comprises a water resistant sound absorbing member with a porous covering sheet overlaying a face surface of the sound absorbing member. A support frame is disposed about an outer perimeter of the sound absorbing member. An attachment secures the improved sound reducing panel to the support frame. In one embodiment, a sound blocking member is located adjacent to the sound absorbing member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for treating a liquid with a first and a second chemical. A liquid to be treated flows into a first inlet port of an intake manifold. A second inlet port of the intake manifold introduces a first chemical into the liquid. A first static mixing device comprising a spirally twisted tube forming a plurality of helixes and having an inlet port connected in fluid communication with an outlet port of the intake manifold is provided for mixing the first chemical with the liquid. The outlet port of the first static mixing device is connected to a first inlet port of an interconnecting manifold. A second inlet port of the interconnecting manifold introduces a second chemical into the liquid. A second static mixing device has an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet port of the interconnecting manifold for mixing the second chemical with the liquid and for eluting the treated liquid from an outlet port of the second static mixing device.

Abstract: A static device and method of making is disclosed for mixing matter flowing therethrough. The invention comprises a tube having a polygonic cross section defining a plurality of corners. The tube is spirally twisted with the plurality of corners forming a plurality of helixes for causing the matter flowing through the tube to rotate in accordance with the plurality of helixes. In a first embodiment of the invention, the static device provides a static mixing device. In a second embodiment of the invention, the static device includes a plurality of apertures defined in the helix for providing a static separating device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for drawing continuous metallic wire having a first diameter to a metallic fiber having a reduced second diameter. A feed mechanism moves the wire at a first linear velocity. A laser beam heats a region of the wire to an elevated temperature. A draw mechanism draws the heated wire at a second and greater linear velocity for providing a drawn metallic fiber having the reduced second diameter.

Abstract: A conveyor system is disclosed for sequentially moving a plurality of flat battery components. The conveyor has a plurality of separators for receiving a flat battery component between each of the adjacent separators. The conveyor supports an end of each flat battery component with each of the flat battery components being maintained on end by the plurality of separators. A motor drive is provided for moving the conveyor for moving the plurality of flat battery components.

Abstract: A collapsible air vent closure is disclosed comprising a frame having a frame aperture. A closure is mounted to the frame for pivoting between a closed position and an open position. A movable vent wall having a vent orifice is interposed between the frame and the closure. The vent orifice provides an air flow path to the frame aperture when the closure is in the open position. The closure inhibits the air flow path to the frame aperture when the closure is in the closed position.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a nano-size semiconductor component within a wide-bandgap semiconductor substrate. A first thermal energy beam is directed onto a first portion of the wide-bandgap semiconductor substrate to change the structure of the wide-bandgap semiconductor substrate into a first element of the semiconductor component. A second thermal energy beam is directed onto a second portion of the wide-bandgap semiconductor substrate adjacent to the first portion to form a second element of the semiconductor component.

Abstract: A laser apparatus and methods are disclosed for synthesizing areas of wide-bandgap semiconductor substrates or thin films, including wide-bandgap semiconductors such as silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, gallium nitride and diamond to produce electronic devices and circuits such as integral electronic circuit and components thereof.

Abstract: An improved electrochromic device comprising a substrate and a first conductive layer located on the transparent substrate. An ion storage layer is located on the first conductive layer. An electrolyte layer is located on the ion storage layer with an active layer being located on the electrolyte layer. A second conductive layer is located on the active layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for drawing continuous metallic wire having a first diameter to a metallic fiber having a reduced second diameter. A feed mechanism moves the wire at a first linear velocity. A laser beam heats a region of the wire to an elevated temperature. A draw mechanism draws the heated wire at a second and greater linear velocity for providing a drawn metallic fiber having the reduced second diameter.

Abstract: An improved footrest system and an improved electrical switching device are disclosed for a personal mobility vehicle having a rotatable chair. The improved footrest system comprises a first and a second footrest plate pivotably mounted to a first and a second end of the personal mobility vehicle. A first and a second spring resiliently biases the first and a second footrest plate into an inoperative position. Each of the first and second footrest plates is pivotable into an operative position by the feet of an operator for providing a footrest for the operator for a first and a second rotational station of the chair. The improved electrical switching device comprises a first switch for providing a front wheel drive operation and a second switch for providing a rear wheel drive operation. In one embodiment the first and second switches are actuated by the rotation of a chair into the operative position.

Abstract: An improved artificial bait fish is disclosed for use with a fishing hook attached to a fishing line. The improved artificial bait fish comprises a longitudinally extending fish body member formed in a replica of a fish having a head portion, a body portion and a tail portion. A bore extends longitudinally through the fish body member from the head portion toward the tail portion. The bore receives the fishing line therein for positioning the fishing hook relative to the tail portion of the fish body member. The improved artificial bait fish may be used with an artificial fishing lure.

Abstract: An improved suspension system is disclosed for a personal mobility vehicle comprising an arm assembly pivotably mounted to a fame section. A wheel assembly is connected to the arm assembly. A spring is interposed between the arm assembly and the second frame section for resiliently suspending the wheel assembly relative to the frame section. In one example of the invention, the frame section comprises a rigid frame section of the personal mobility vehicle. In another example of the invention, the frame section comprises a resilient leaf spring resiliently suspending the assembly of the personal mobility vehicle. In another example of the invention, a resilient coil spring interposed between the arm assembly the resilient leaf spring for providing a multiple resilient suspension for the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A laser apparatus and methods are disclosed for synthesizing areas of wide-bandgap semi-conductor substrates or thin films, including wide-bandgap semiconductors such as silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, gallium nitride and diamond to produce electronic devices and circuits such as integral electronic circuit and components thereof.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is disclosed for reclaiming volatile products and non-volatile residue through the pyrolysis of a polymeric material comprising placing the polymeric material in a reactor and establishing an oxygen deficient atmosphere in a reactor. The polymeric material is simultaneously compressed and heated to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the polymeric material to produce volatile products and non-volatile residue. The volatile products and non-volatile residue are subsequently removed from the reactor and collected.

Abstract: An air diffuser for an air distribution system is disclosed comprising a first and a second border member. Plural spreaders interconnect the first and second border members thereby defining an airflow aperture therebetween. A pattern controller is slidably disposed between the plural spreaders for controlling the volume of airflow through the airflow aperture. The pattern controller is pivotable within the airflow aperture for controlling the direction of airflow through the airflow aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for inserting a medical device such as a catheter into a patient. The apparatus comprises a rigid obturator defining a distal obturator end. A flexible sheath has an internal bore terminating at a distal sheath end. The internal bore of the sheath receives the obturator for supporting the sheath to enable insertion of the sheath within the patient. The obturator is advanced relative to the sheath to fracture the distal sheath end. The obturator is removed from the sheath for enabling the medical device to be inserted through the sheath to enter into the patient. The sheath is removed from the patient while the medical device remains within the patient.

Abstract: A liquid applicator device comprising an applicator liquid container and a liquid dispensing mechanism. The device has a valve element movable disposed between an open position and a closed position for controlling the flow of the applicator liquid from the container. The liquid dispensing mechanism has a hollow cylindrical portion for supporting an applicator tip. The inner end of the applicator tip communicates with the valve element. An axial displacement of the applicator tip moves the valve element into the open position for enabling the applicator liquid to migrate through the applicator tip for applying the liquid to a surface. The improvement comprises a recess cooperating with a retainer for preventing the removal of the applicator tip from the liquid applicator device.

Abstract: A sweeper includes a support structure having parallel arms which may be moved apart to allow a brush held between the arms to be replaced. Each of the arms has a hub mounted thereon by a universal joint which provides automatic alignment of the two hubs to provide a single axis of rotation for the brush. One of the hubs is connected to a hydraulic drive motor and includes a plurality of slots, one of which receives a drive lug on the interior of the brush which is preferably of the type having a core of a thin metal tube. A raising and lowering mechanism comprises a parallelogram having a hydraulic cylinder in the center for controlling the configuration of the parallelogram. As the brush is raised its support mechanism remains parallel to the vehicle and moves closer to it. A unique stop element is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder to provide a minimum height for the sweeper.