Abstract: A urine collection device, including a biodegradable bag for storage of the urine therein and a biodegradable engagement member for engaging the genitals of the user, the biodegradable bag having within the bag a means to disperse the urine received from the biodegradable engagement member into the interior of the bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular window unit for an aircraft comprising a nonopaque lens and a reveal, the reveal joining the lens, as well as a shade comprising a multiplicity of discrete elongated panels, each panel cooperating with one another and being movable between an open and a closed position. The panels lay one next to the other to substantially cover the lens when the window shade is closed and, in an open position, lay stacked atop each other to substantially uncover the lens. Electric motors are provided for moving the panels of the shade between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting and locating leaks in liners used as barriers in the construction of landfills, surface impoundments, water reservoirs, tanks, and the like. Electrodes are placed in the ground around the periphery of the facility, in the leak detection zone located between two liners if present, and/or within the containment facility. Electrical resistivity data is collected using these electrodes. This data is used to map the electrical resistivity distribution beneath the containment liner between two liners in a double-lined facility. In an alternative embodiment, an electrode placed within the lined facility is driven to an electrical potential with respect to another electrode placed at a distance from the lined facility (mise-a-la-masse). Voltage differences are then measured between various combinations of additional electrodes placed in the soil on the periphery of the facility, the leak detection zone, or within the facility.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining continuous flow in a closed loop test system, of a multiphase composition such as that utilized and obtained from oil and gas wells and the like. The method and system provide a test structure whereby a study of the changes in a multiphase composition (gas/liquid/solid) flow can be studied. Specifically, the method and apparatus provide for pressure boosting the gaseous components of the multiphase composition after separation from the liquid and solid components of the system. A hydrostatic head through which the liquid and solid components flow provides the necessary potential energy-kinetic energy exchange such that when the pressure boosted gas is recombined with the downcomer liquid/solid components, continuous flow of the multiphase composition is maintained. Pressure and temperature controls permit the accurate maintenance of pressure, temperature and flow conditions so as to imitate a real-world environment for multiphase composition flow.

Abstract: A structural mounting system for mounting of structural components includes a base section and a co-operating section each of which in use is secured to a respective structural component and which are assembled together. The base section in cross section includes an undercut and the co-operating section in cross section includes a leg, having a toe projecting laterally to engage the undercut. When the sections are being coupled together the co-operating section is rotated about its longitudinal direction relative to its final position so that lateral movement of the toe to engage beneath the undercut requires the co-operating section to rotate about the longitudinal axis relative to the base section to adopt its final position. Spaced linear restraint points and a rotation restraint point together defining a triangle of points of contact to make the assembly of sections rigid.

Abstract: A water-keeping assembly (109) for a plant container (110), which assembly (9) comprises a perforated partition (111) arranged to extend across the bottom of a said container (110) for dividing the interior of the container (110) into an upper compartment for holding therein soil and a lower compartment for collecting therein any water drained down from the soil through the partition (111). The assembly (109) includes ventilation tubes (112) arranged to extend upwards from the partition (111) so that air can reach from above into the lower compartment. The assembly (109) further includes water absorbent bars (113) arranged to pass from the lower compartment through the partition (111) into the upper half of the upper compartment for bringing water collected below the partition (111) upwards into the soil above the partition (111) through capillary action.

Abstract: A simple training device to teach a baseball batter to utilize a proper batting position. The training device is a mat marked with a first indicia designating home plate and a plurality of second indicia showing sequential segments for the batter to place his feet. The mat further includes a pressure sensitive area for temporarily indicating the position of the batter subsequent to the swing of the bat. The mat may be used alone to achieve a proper batting stance and proper foot positioning in relation to home plate or with at least one measuring means for measuring a point located in the strike zone of the batter identifying the height of a level swing of the bat. This measured specific distance correlates to a proper distance from home plate the batter should position himself to hit the ball with the "power zone" of the bat with a full arm extension of the leading arm. The training device teaches the novice batter the most advantageous position to consistently hit the ball with the bat.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill having a direct drive AC induction motor controlled by an AC motor driver/controller. The driver/controller is itself controlled through programmable circuitry having a display and keyboard with user input options. The controller receives signals from a speed sensing device attached to the AC induction motor to maintain the rotational speed of the AC motor within preselected limits. The AC induction motor is attached to one or more flywheels and directly engages, through a drive roller, a walking belt. The matched combination of an AC motor driver/controller with appropriately sized flywheels allows utilization of a variable speed AC induction motor for the direct drive of the treadmill belt.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a delivery system for the effective and efficient administration of low viscosity cosmetic and dermatological ingredients without the use of plasters or repetitive applications that are currently necessary. The claimed embodiments eliminate migration of the low viscosity application liquid to areas where treatment is not required and/or sensitive areas of the patient's body which could be adversely affected if contacted by the application liquid.

Abstract: An aircraft window shade speed control system which allows the coordination of window shade movement speed throughout an aircraft using a single set-point device for each window shade. Each window shade is moved by an electric motor, and its travel is limited by upper and lower limit switches. Voltage is applied to each motor by a motor control module that is relatively insensitive to variations in aircraft electric buss voltage and motor current requirements. A remote operation switch allows the pilot of the aircraft to open or close all window shades in the aircraft simultaneously, and to be assured of their ultimate position by observing only the window nearest his own position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an electric motor which drives a suction fan to draw air and debris into the cleaner via an inlet. The air and debris pass along a passageway and creates a suction at a bleed way to draw air through the motor and out of a compartment. Air enters the compartment through vents (not shown) in a side of an outer housing. The arrangement enhances the cooling of the motor and uses air uncontaminated with debris.

Abstract: A downstream leak detection system for use with pipeline systems, especially those of residential type, is disclosed. The system makes use of a single thermistor, or other sensing element, to detect extraneous fluid flow via thermal transport. The leakage rate may be set over a wide range, and an alarm is activated when the desired leak flow rate is detected over a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An electronic controller for a room air conditioner includes a memory for storing operational parameters, a thermistor for measuring ambient temperature, and a microprocessor capable of calculating the difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature set point, and capable of controlling the speed of the fan and fan motor based on the difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature set point. The controller includes an electronic system clock, an electronic control panel with a display, the ability to store in memory a start time for normal operation of the room air conditioner and a stop time for ending normal operation of the room air conditioner, and a timer mode activation device.

Abstract: An improved device for monitoring the presence of a person, animal or piece of property within a predefined space. The invention consists of a means for attaching to a monitoree, a transmitter assembly containing electronic circuitry which periodically sends a coded signal a limited distance to a remote detection unit. If the expected signal is not received, indicating that the person or object has been removed from the predefined space, an alarm condition is indicated. The transmitter is securely attached to the item being monitored by means of a non-stretchable, flexible, circuit strap which indicates an alarm condition when the strap is tampered with. The strap is locked into the transmitter assembly by a latch key which also triggers the transmitter to begin sending signals. The device is easily reattached or transferred to another item to be monitored by monitoring personnel by removing the latch key and inserting a new latch key after the device has been reinstalled.

Abstract: An electrical driven toothbrush has a rotatable shaft with a remote end which fits into a slot in a bristle holder. The holder is mounted for rotation on a post supported by a head. When the shaft rotates the remote end describes a circle and driving engages the slot to cause the holder to vibrate.

Abstract: Magnetic cards are provided with unique card signatures which include a number of bits, some of which have intermediate magnetic levels. As a result a card reader allocates randomly either a one or a zero to the intermediate level bits. The random allocation provides a test for the genuineness of the card. The intermediate level bits are formed as a result of inherent inconsistencies in the characteristic of a normal magnetic stripe along its length. It is not possible therefore to readily, if at all, reproduce patterns of intermediate level bits in a duplicate because the stripe on the duplicate will have differently arranged inconsistencies along its length.