Abstract: A vise jaw is provided which is configured to support a stop to provide precise and secure positioning of a work piece within a vise in both a primary horizontal direction and in a lateral horizontal direction. The jaw includes at least one slot, preferably in the form of a groove, intersecting with a face of the jaw. A stop is provided, such as in the form of a key, which includes a free portion and a captured portion. The captured portion is contoured to fit within the groove while the free portion extends out of the groove and beyond the face of the jaw. A bore in the key can be aligned with a threaded hole in the groove so that a threaded fastener can secure the key within the groove. The free portion abuts the work and resists lateral motion of the work.

Abstract: A conduit support is provided formed of a back plate and a top plate attached at right angles to each other. The two plates are removably fastenable to a top edge of a form in which cementitious material is to be poured, and in which a conduit is to be encased or extend vertically out. A flexible strap attached to the top plate extends away from the top plate to wrap around the conduit surface. The free end of the strap is then routed through a clasp to the top plate, maintaining tension in the strap and holding the conduit rigidly against an edge of the top plate while the cementitious material is poured and hardens. The strap is preferably flexible plastic having an integral clasp at one end of the strap. After the poured material hardens, the strap may be removed, and the support removed from the form for reuse.

Abstract: Paintball marker including a firing chamber having a barrel coupled to one end and a removable back plug coupled to an opposing end, a door surmounting a chamber loading hole disposed between back plug and barrel; a cam coupled to door; an actuator coupled to door cam; a pin valve interposed in a first gas path between a gas source and a passage leading to the chamber, and a trigger coupled to a second gas path between the gas source and actuator for opening the second gas path for actuating the actuator such that the door cam transforms motion of the actuator into pivoting motion of the door from an open position such that a paintball is loaded into the chamber to a closed position and then continuing to actuate the actuator to coact with the pin valve for opening the first gas path for firing the paintball.

Abstract: A safety handles assembly is provided attachable to a motorcycle which provides a place for hands of a rear passenger to hold directly onto the motorcycle without requiring that the rear passenger hold onto the driver of the motorcycle. The assembly preferably includes a main strap girding a seat or other structure on the motorcycle. A pair of handles are coupled to the main strap and extend upwardly and rearwardly toward the rear passenger. The handles are preferably flexible and include hand loops at ends of the handles opposite the main strap. The hand loops can be engaged by hands of the rear passenger so that the rear passenger is holding onto the motorcycle through the assembly. The assembly is preferably positioned with the main strap forward of the driver and with the handles extending upwardly and rearwardly over the legs of the driver and around opposite sides of the waist of the driver.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided generally in the form of a box which provides a controlled thermal environment for the occupant. The enclosure includes a horizontal base supporting four corner posts extending vertically up from the base, with a roof above the posts and parallel with the base. A rear wall extends in a vertical plane from the base up to the roof. A pair of side walls extend from the base up to the roof. The side walls preferably include surfaces to maximize maintenance of heat within the enclosure particularly near a position for an occupant's head. Thermal sources (i.e. incandescent light bulbs) are located within the enclosure to increase an amount of infrared radiation for heating within the enclosure. A width tuning system is provided to precisely position a distance of the side walls away from each other so that thermodynamic resonance between the side walls can be maximized.

Abstract: An underwater energy dampening device is disclosed. This device includes a plurality of vertically-spaced bubble producing units. With bubbles produced at various depths, the present invention can effectively attenuate sound and other energy from underwater construction projects in high current or deep water areas.

Abstract: A mobile work zone protection device includes a front carrier, a barrier beam assembly, and a rear carrier. In one embodiment, the barrier beam assembly includes two sets of telescoping beam structures. Each of these structures can rotate from one side of the device to the other, and thus can be deployed to create a safe work zone for roadway workers on either side of the device. The structure can also be left in the transit position to provide an enclosed safe work zone.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable is provided with connectors at terminal ends thereof. The connectors are configured to join TOSLINK compatible components together so that the cable can transmit an optical signal therebetween. A fiber of fused silica glass is provided with a plastic cladding material. Ball lenses are located at each terminal end of the fiber to enhance a signal intensity while maintaining signal quality passing through the cable and between the components joined together by the cable.

Abstract: A tool is provided for notching an end of a pipe. A punch is provided with a first cutting edge opposite a second cutting edge. The punch is coupled to a punch holder which is configured to move vertically relative to a collar supported upon a base. A pipe support provides a preferred form of die to hold the pipe adjacent the punch. The pipe support includes a first edge, second edge, third edge and fourth edge which can be selectively presented for supporting the end of the pipe adjacent the punch. The first cutting edge and second cutting edge of the punch can be selectively provided for cutting the notch in the pipe. The punch and pipe support are preferably both re-orientable to select various different edges for supporting and cutting the pipe.

Abstract: A jump enhancement system is provided for use while riding upon a water or snow planing apparatus towed behind a boat or snowmobile. The system includes an aerodynamic lift generator, such as a parachute, coupled to the user. Most preferably, a flotation or padded/insulated vest is provided which includes leg harnesses and which can be worn by the user with a cord collector coupled to the flotation vest and securing a cord to the flotation or padded/insulated vest which also extends to the parachute. The cord collector is biased to cause the cord to be collected adjacent the user when no drag forces are exerted upon the parachute. When any such drag forces are experienced, the cord is deployed out of the cord collector so that the parachute is deployed. The parachute is thus in position to enhance a height and duration of jumps off of the surface.

Abstract: A low or no pollution engine is provided for delivering power for vehicles or other power applications. The engine has an air inlet which collects air from a surrounding environment. At least a portion of the nitrogen in the air is removed. The remaining gas is primarily oxygen, which is then routed to a gas generator. The gas generator has inputs for the oxygen and a hydrocarbon fuel. The fuel and oxygen are combusted within the gas generator, forming water and carbon dioxide. The combustion products are then expanded through a power generating device, such as a turbine or piston expander to deliver output power for operation of a vehicle or other power uses. The combustion products are then passed through a condenser where the steam is condensed and the carbon dioxide is collected or discharged. A portion of the water is routed back to the gas generator. The carbon dioxide is compressed and delivered to a terrestrial formation from which return of the CO2 into the atmosphere is inhibited.

Abstract: A compact air pressure gauge assembly mountable to the valve stem of a inflatable tire or mountable through the rim of a wheel for continuous monitoring of the tire inflation pressure. The air pressure gauge assembly has a compact design to extend the valve stem or wheel rim relatively little to avoid curb contact and interference with the wheel balance. By positioning the air intake in a right angle with the opening for receiving a standard valve stem or by positioning the air intake straight across the opening for receiving the valve stem while the dial face is positioned in an right angle, the air intake is separated from the airtight chamber housing the sensing element. A diaphragm having a simple mechanical design is provided as sensing element. The diaphragm includes a membrane being connected with a pressure indicator that moves up and down according to the tire pressure.

Abstract: A reheat heat exchanger is provided particularly for use in Rankine cycle power generation systems. The reheat heat exchanger includes a high pressure path between a high pressure inlet and a high pressure outlet. The reheat heat exchanger also includes a low pressure path between a low pressure inlet and a low pressure outlet. The two paths are in heat transfer relationship. In a typical power generation system utilizing the reheat heat exchanger, the high pressure inlet is located downstream from a source of high temperature high pressure working fluid. An expander is located downstream from the high pressure outlet and upstream from the low pressure inlet. A second expander is typically provided downstream from the low pressure outlet. The reheat heat exchanger beneficially enhances the efficiency of power generation systems, particularly those which utilize expanders having inlet temperatures limited to below that produced by the source of working fluid.

Abstract: A low or no pollution power generation system is provided. The system has an air separator to collect oxygen. A gas generator is provided with inputs for the oxygen and a hydrocarbon fuel. The fuel and oxygen are combusted within the gas generator, forming water and carbon dioxide. Water or other diluents are also delivered into the gas generator to control temperature of the combustion products. The combustion products are then expanded through at least one turbine or other expander to deliver output power. The combustion products are then passed through a separator where the steam is condensed. A portion of the water is discharged and the remainder is routed back to the gas generator as diluent. The carbon dioxide can be conditioned for sequestration. The system can be optimized by adding multiple expanders, reheaters and water diluent preheaters, and by preheating air for an ion transfer membrane oxygen separation.

Abstract: A combined cycle power system is provided which can convert an open combined cycle gas turbine into a reduced or zero emissions power system. The system includes a compressor which compresses air and combusts the air with a hydrocarbon fuel. The products of combustion and the remaining portions of the air form the exhaust which is expanded through a turbine. The turbine drives the compressor and outputs power. The exhaust exits the turbine and then is routed through a heat recovery steam generator. A bottoming cycle portion of the system includes a gas generator which combusts a hydrocarbon fuel with oxygen. Water is also entered into the gas generator where it is heated and combined with the products of combustion, before entering a bottoming turbine. The water is then separated and routed back to the gas generator after preheating within the heat recovery steam generator.