Abstract: A test fixture for collecting particulate matter carried in the exhaust gas stream of an engine has a pair of coaxially aligned mounting plates, each having a filter cartridge holder mounted thereon. One of the mounting plates is moveable with respect to the other along a predefined longitudinal axis of the test fixture between an open position, whereat a filter cartridge is easily placed or removed, and a closed position at which a filter media mounted in the filter cartridge is sealed during a prescribed test sequence. An actuator mounted on a third coaxially aligned mounting plate has an extendable rod connected to the second mounting plate to effect movement of the second mounting plate between the open an closed positions.

Abstract: When operating in a homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion mode, an in-cylinder condition guided fueling function and a dedicated exhaust burner disposed in an exhaust gas recirculation system of the engine are used to burn excess oxygen in recirculated exhaust gas and to achieve fast and smooth engine response during transient operation.

Abstract: A reconfigurable exhaust system provides selective positioning of exhaust gas treatment devices either near, or spaced from, the exhaust gas outlet port of a turbine of a turbocharged Diesel engine. In some embodiments, auxiliary air or a heat exchanger are arranged to cool the exhaust gas when required.

Abstract: A semi-permanent reference electrode for use in monitoring and measuring metals in field applications, such as cathodic protection. This electrode has an outer electrode body with a cap and porous plug. The outer electrode body is filled with a fill solution which is a saturated salt solution formed from a solid salt. The solid salt is hygroscopic with a low deliquescence point. An opening is provided in the cap to allow moisture into the outer electrode body to combine with the fill solution to maintain the saturated salt solution in the field. This saturated salt solution must maintain a constant pH for use in the semi-permanent reference electrode. A wire is used within the outer electrode body which connects to a voltmeter. This voltmeter measures the potential difference between the reference electrode and the field component of interest, which can include pipelines, storage tanks and bridges.

Abstract: A submersible pump drop pipe and casing assembly and method of manufacture is disclosed. The drop pipe/casing has a seated connector and base. The seated connector has a first and second sections, the first section being used to align and direct the base into the seated connector and to provide lateral strength to the pipe.

Abstract: A method and system for containing escaping hydrocarbon fluid from a well pipe of a production well. Suppression of the hydrocarbon fluid to a level below the breach location using a control fluid allows the breach to be repaired through the installation of a containment sleeve at the location of the breach. After collecting the escaping hydrocarbon fluids with a containment sleeve, the hydrocarbon fluid is routed to a collection reservoir from which it may be easily recovered without causing environmental damage. This process occurs with minimal downtime of the production well with the added environmental benefit of remediation of earth contaminated by the hydrocarbon breach.

Abstract: A ornamental planting landscape irrigation distribution and reservoir product and method ecosystem employing a substantially continuous panel on the soil surface on which ornamental landscape plantings is placed or produced, the panel having a primary, lateral water distribution structure which distributes water from a water charging inlet through the lateral area to the panel periphery, where it is restrained, the primary water distribution structure being such that when filled with water or completely submerged in water air is trapped by the gaps and spaces of the material for ornamental landscape plant usage.

Abstract: A metronome for use by a musician or group of musicians generally includes a signal generator for producing an electrical signal according to a desired timing scheme and one or more transducers in wireless communication with the signal generator. Each transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a sensation to the musician in response to the generated electrical signal. The wireless communication may be established with an infrared link or a radio frequency transmission system. The signal generator is under the centralized control of a conductor, bandleader, lead musician or music instructor.

Abstract: An device for breaching an outwardly opening door and methods for use thereof. The device combines a serrated blade for penetrating the crevice between a door and a doorjamb and an extendable handle with a ratcheting mechanism allowing the operator to remain out of the line of fire when breaching the door. The device may also be used by a single operator by initially driving the blade between the door and doorjamb via a hammering function involving the retraction of the extendable handle combined with the weighted block and thrusting force applied thereto.

Abstract: A multiple channel metronome for use by a plurality of musicians generally includes a signal generator for producing electrical signals according to desired timing schemes and a plurality of transducers in communication with the signal generator. Each transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a sensation to one of the musicians in response to one of the generated electrical signals. The communication may be established with hardwired connections, infrared links or a radio frequency transmission system. The signal generator is under the centralized control of a conductor, bandleader, lead musician or music instructor.

Abstract: A vibrating transducer includes a rigid housing; an electric motor enclosed within the rigid housing and having attached thereto an eccentric weight; and wherein the electric motor is supported within the rigid housing by a flexible motor mount. The rigid housing is preferably a cylindrically shaped tube. The flexible motor mount may be formed of a foam cushion wrapped substantially about the electric motor. A driver circuit, which may include may include a current amplifier or timing sub-circuits, may be provided for facilitating operation of the electric motor.

Abstract: Uncontrolled regeneration in a Diesel particulate filter is prevented by controlling the concentration and mass flowrate of oxygen passing through the Diesel particulate filter during regeneration.

Abstract: A tactile metronome for use by a musician generally includes a signal generator for producing an electrical signal according to a desired timing scheme and a tactile transducer in electrical communication with the signal generator. The tactile transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a tactile sensation to the musician in response to the generated electrical signal. A strap, which may be formed from an elastic material or a soft cloth material with hook and loop fasteners, is provided to secure the tactile transducer in place on the musician's body.

Abstract: A cemented open hole selective fracing system is shown. In the producing zone, an open hole is drilled therein and a production tubing is cemented in place. At preselected locations along the production tubing, the production tubing will have sliding valves located there along. The sliding valves may be selectively opened by a shifting tool, and the cement around the sliding valve dissolved. Thereafter, the formation may be fraced immediately adjacent the opened sliding valve. By selectively opening different combinations of sliding valves, fracing can occur in stages with more fracing pressure and more fracing fluid being delivered deeper into the formation. Just as the sliding valves can be selectively opened with a switching tool, the sliding valves can also be selectively closed to protect the production of the well.

Abstract: A submersible pump drop pipe and casing assembly and method of manufacture is disclosed. The drop pipe/casing has a seated connector and base. The seated connector has a first and second cylinder section, the first cylinder section being used to align and direct the base into the seated connector and to provide lateral strength to the pipe.

Abstract: Manual braking system with a variable braking force for a wheelchair. Caliper type brakes positioned to mount on and exert braking force on disks mounted to interior “disk” hubs rotatably mounted to the wheelchair frame wheel hubs are mated with the “disk” hubs with a push button release pin allowing the wheel to be quickly removed without disturbing disk braking system. Caliper brakes are actuated by a manual lever arm, cable and pulley combination mounted to the frame of the wheelchair. The lever is provided with and without a plunger mechanism. A plunger mechanism allows the user to maintain the manual braking force exerted on lever without hands. The plunger mechanism is fixably mounted and positioned to insert a plunger head into notches on the lever. The force exerted by the plunger head is sufficient to hold the plunger head within the notch and prevent movement of the lever without manual force.

Abstract: A novel design for the connection of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) casing. Each length of casing has a male end and a female end. The female end has a narrowing interior diameter with its wider interior diameter at its outermost end sufficient to receive the male end of similar length of casing for connection. The diameter of the female end narrows to a diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the male end. The male end has a lip at its leading edge and is slotted and compressible when forced through the narrowed diameter of the female end. A groove in the interior surface of the female end is sufficient to receive the lip at the leading edge of the male end. When the lip at the leading edge of the male end reaches the groove, it allows the compressed male end to expand with the groove receiving the lip therein. The connected lengths of casing are locked together in this manner.

Abstract: A method for rapidly transitioning from a lean combustion mode to a rich combustion mode, such as often required for the regeneration of aftertreatment devices, is provided by abrupt intake air reduction and a concurrent abrupt increase in fuel injection quantity with accompanying retardation of fuel injection timing. The abrupt increase in fuel quantity is to a maximum value sufficient to immediately provide a defined initial rich air/fuel ratio for a coexistent oxygen concentration in the cylinder. The fuel quantity is then proportionally reduced from the maximum value to a target fuel quantity to maintain a target air/fuel ratio during the transition. Simultaneously, injection timing is abruptly retarded to a value sufficient to avoid torque increase as a result of the increased injected fuel. The injection timing is subsequently proportionally advanced from the abruptly retarded timing value when the target fuel quantity and air/fuel ratio values are achieved.