Abstract: An apparatus for use in characterising liquids by obtaining a fingerprint of the liquid. This allows one to measure a property of a liquid, and thereby distinguish between liquids. The apparatus comprises means for directing acoustic energy at a sample of the liquid, which is preferably in the form of a drop, and means for deriving a signal related to the interaction of the acoustic energy with the liquid sample. The drop may change in volume or shape during the measurements, to derive additional properties of the liquid. The apparatus and method of the invention are used in distinguishing and analysing a variety of liquid samples.

Abstract: An electrical energy meter comprises an electrically insulating housing (10) for securing relative to least two mains cables (22,24) each having a conductive core surrounded by a sheath of insulating material. The housing includes respective electrical contacts for piercing the insulating sheath of each cable, a current probe for measuring current flowing in at least one of the cables, and circuit means for calculating and displaying electrical energy as a function of the voltage across the contacts and the output of the current probe. An improved current probe is employed comprising a series of Rogowski coils equally spaced around the circumference of a circle, with the gap between two adjacent coils permitting the current-carrying conductor to be introduced into the loop. An alternative current probe employs two such concentric loops of coils, enabling compensation for the effects of external current source pickup.

Abstract: Rectangular floor panels, a fastening system for joining the panels, and a method for laying and interlocking the panels are disclosed. The panels are provided complementary, form-fitting retaining profiles extending over the length of the sides. The complementary edges of the panels allow two adjacent panels to be positively joined such that displacement of the panels away from one another is prevented, while enabling articulation of the panels with respect to one another at the joint location. The method of installation provides for installing a new panel to a first row and a panel in a second row by first joining the new panel to the panel of the second row at its short side, followed by pivoting the new panel upwards out of the plane of the laid panels along its long side, along with at least the adjacent end of the first panel in the second row, into an inclined position, and sliding the new panel into the retaining profile of the panels in the first row.

Abstract: An engine having a piston-cam assembly powertrain consisting of a rocking yoke assembly that oscillates about its middle point to rotate a multiple-lobe cam. The mechanism is so constructed that cam followers at both ends of the oscillating yoke make contact with the surface of the multiple-lobe cam. When the rocking yoke is oscillated it causes rotation of the camshaft. Alternatively, the rotating cam can cause oscillation of the rocking yoke. The multiple-lobe cam is formed of two identical facing plates having sufficient width to provide an annular groove on the interior face of each plate. Such cam plates are spaced a sufficient width to accommodate the rocking yoke assembly between such cam plates with a pivoting bearing riding within such annular groove. Two connecting rods link the ends of the rocking yoke to two pistons within two parallel cylinders to form a piston-cam assembly powertrain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a sail while it is being hoisted on a sail-powered marine vessel are disclosed. The apparatus is a pre-feeder or feeder for use on a forestay, mast, or foremast; the apparatus having two oppositely-facing members that are movable in relationship to each other thereby forming an adjustable opening for receiving and partially encircling the luff portion of a sail. The two members are movable about a hinge and a locking mechanism prevents the members from separating inadvertently. For use with a forestay, the pre-feeder is attached near the bow of the boat or directly to the forestay below the grooved track. The method of using the pre-feeder includes gripping the two members and pulling them apart, inserting the luff, closing the two members, and pulling on a halyard attached to the sail. The apparatus and method of the present invention can reduce the time required to hoist a sail and may be performed by a single crewmember.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for fluids is disclosed which provides for ease of use by requiring only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position. A resilient valve actuator having the characteristics of a nonlinear spring is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger; with the opposite end of the plunger mounting a resilient valve seal that serves to pen and close a plurality of port openings. The valve may be manufactured with a variety of port configurations to provide for the dispensing of fluids of varying viscosities. The valve body and actuator are formed to allow the dispensing valve to be sterilized through high levels of radiation and through high temperature steam and chemical sterilization processes without degrading the valve structure or operation.

Abstract: A device for measuring alternating current in a conductor comprising an even number of identical coils (C1) to (C14) mounted on an electrically insulating coil support member (10). Half the coils (C1) to (C7) are equally spaced around a first notional circle and are connected in series by a first conductive track (12) and the other half of the coils (C) to (C14) are equally spaced around a second notional circle, concentric with the first, and are connected in series by a second conductive track (14). The support member (10) has a recess (16) to allow a conductor under test to be introduced into the centre of the concentric circles. The device further includes means (R1, R2, 20) for deriving the alternating current in the conductor as a function of the voltages induced in the first and second sets of series-connected coils. The coils (C1) to (C14) and the support member are manufactured by printed circuit or thick film technology.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid dispensing system for precisely controlling the mixing of a first fluid (i.e., a diluent such as water) with a second fluid (i.e., a concentrate) at a mixing point within the fluid dispensing system. A valve is positioned in the dispensing system along the line of supply of the second fluid upstream of the mixing point, such valve being simultaneously actuated through application of positive and/or negative pressure to allow the second fluid to flow through the valve. The application of positive and/or negative pressure is generated from the first fluid to be dispensed by the system and mixed with the second, such that the termination of flow of the first fluid immediately terminates flow of the second fluid to ensure proper mixing of the two fluids in the final solution, thus preventing inadvertent leakage of the second fluid or collection of the second fluid within the flow system which may become subject to spoilage or contamination.

Abstract: A portion control dispensing apparatus for dispensing precise portions of a product in a tightly controlled manner that minimizes waste caused by residual product left undispensed in a container. The device provides a dispenser for fluid products stored in a flexible container, enabling a portion control pump combined with an extrusion apparatus to squeeze the flexible container, thus continuously directing all remaining product in the container towards the dispensing end. A portion control pump removes product from the container by peristaltic action. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a frame with an upwardly spring biased carriage configured to removably hold a flexible container that holds product to be dispensed. A pair of rollers is preferably situated at the top of the frame and is positioned such that the carriage will pull the flexible container upward between the rollers as product is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: An electromagnetic vibratory microplate shaker is disclosed of simplified design and improved mixing capability over previously known microplate shaker devices, comprising an electromagnetic drive assembly mounted within a rigid base and operatively connected to a microplate support platform. The support platform is in turn supported by a plurality of horizontally arrayed leaf springs. During operation, an electromagnet is rapidly energized and de-energized causing an armature of the drive assembly to be pulled in and released up to 7,200 times per minute, in turn imparting a vertical reciprocating vibration to the support platform and the microplates or multi-tube racks held thereon.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bag is disclosed which includes an inflatable member integrated therewith such that the bag may be used as both a carrying device and a cushioning device. The bag is provided a pocket on at least one side thereof which pocket is configured to removably hold the inflatable member. The inflatable member is useful as a pillow both when held inside of the pocket and when attached to a chair or other device outside of the pocket. A receptacle configured to hold a beverage container is optionally provided adjacent the pocket enabling easy access by the bag user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a sail while it is being hoisted on a sail-powered marine vessel are disclosed. The apparatus is a pre-feeder or feeder for use on a forestay, mast or foremast; the apparatus having two oppositely-facing members that are movable in relationship to each other thereby forming an adjustable opening for receiving and partially encircling the luff portion of a sail. The two members are movable about a hinge and a locking mechanism prevents the members from separating inadvertently. For use with a forestay, the pre-feeder is attached near the bow of the boat or directly to the forestay below the grooved track on the forestay and helps guide a the luff portion of a jib sail into the grooved track. The method of using the pre-feeder includes gripping the two members and pulling them apart, inserting the luff, closing the two members, and pulling on a halyard attached to the sail.

Abstract: A group of connecting homes, commercial and/or not-for-profit buildings that serve to enclose a self-sustaining wildlife habitat sanctuary, specifically targeting the natural environment of endangered species, where appropriate. The homes serve as an impenetrable cage wall, much like the walls of a mountain valley, preventing animals from entering or exiting the habitat, with the possible exception of migrating birds and fish. On one side of the homes there is a self-sustaining habitat and on the other side of the homes there is modern civilization. The walls of the homes facing the habitat may have shatterproof glass windows or a caged terrace, allowing inhabitants of the building to safely observe the enclosed habitat, and human access to the habitat may be restricted to observation through windows, observation from the caged terrace, or hikes through caged walking paths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel parallel hybrid transmission that transmits torque from two power sources to the drive wheels of a vehicle. The transmission functions with a single heat engine and a single electric motor/generator. Through the use of a compound planetary gear train and four automatically controlled clutches, the transmission is able to (i) sum torque from the two power sources to drive the vehicle; (ii) split torque from the heat engine to drive the vehicle and charge the batteries; (iii) transmit torque individually from either of the two power sources; and (iv) operate as a one- or two-degree-of-freedom mechanism. The configuration of clutches and the compound planetary gear train enable thirteen modes of operation, namely, one motor-only mode, three combined motor and engine modes, one continuous variable transmission/charging mode, four engine-only modes, and four regenerative braking modes.

Abstract: An electromagnetic vibratory microplate shaker is disclosed of simplified design and improved mixing capability over previously known microplate shaker devices, comprising an electromagnetic drive assembly mounted within a rigid base and operatively connected to a microplate support tray. The support tray is in turn supported from below by a plurality of leaf springs which are tilted approximately 20° from vertical. During operation, an electromagnet is rapidly energized and de-energized causing an armature of the drive assembly to be pulled in and released up to 7,200 times per minute, in turn imparting a reciprocating vibration to the support platform and the microplates held thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system for panels whose edges are provided complementary holding profiles which match one another in such a manner that further panels can be fastened to the free edges of a previously placed panel. The holding profiles of at least the long edges are configured as complementary positive-fit profiles, one of the profiles having a projection with a convex bottom edge, and the other profile having a recess with a concave bottom edge, such that the profiles may be interconnected by a pivoting motion. Such complementary design of the profiles enables the positive-fit profiles of the long edges of two panels to form a common joint which, when the panels are laid, enables bidirectional pivoting of the panels with respect to one another about a pivot axis that is parallel to the joined long edges of the panels.

Abstract: A dispensing valve is disclosed which requires only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position. A resilient valve actuator having the characteristics of a nonlinear spring is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger, with the opposite end of the plunger mounting a resilient valve seal which serves to open and close a plurality of port openings. The valve is configured so as to allow it to be sterilized through high levels of radiation and through high temperature steam and chemical sterilization processes without degrading the valve structure or operation.