Abstract: A lighting system for projecting a beam of light has a light source and a concave reflector having a central axis. The center of the light source is located at a position other than at the focal point of the reflector, i.e. between the reflector surface and the focal point of the reflector for an ellipsoidal reflector and forward of the focal point for a parabolic reflector. This placement provides a greater light output than is achievable by positioning the light source at the focal point of the reflector. The preferred light source is an improved lamp having an incandescent filament having a central linear helical portion aligned with a central axis of the reflector and a peripheral helix portion around the central portion so as to concentrate the emission of light along and about the central axis of the filament.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for slicing a workpiece, in particular, a polysilicon or single crystal silicon ingot, utilizing a diamond impregnated wire saw in which either the workpiece (or ingot) is rotated about its longitudinal axis or the diamond wire saw is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the workpiece as the diamond wire is driven orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece and advanced from a position tangentially adjoining the outer diameter ("OD") of the ingot to a position tangential to its center or inner diameter ("ID"). In this manner, the diamond wire cuts through the workpiece at a substantially tangential point to the circumference of the cut instead of straight through up to the entire diameter of the piece and single crystal silicon ingots of 300 mm to 400 mm or more may be sliced into wafers relatively quickly, with minimal `kerf" loss and less extensive follow-on lapping operations.

Abstract: A modular laser-based surveying system is disclosed which comprises a laser-based distance measuring module and a separable compass module removably coupled to the laser based distance measuring module. Each of these modules may be operated as stand alone units as each has its own power supply and display. The system further may comprise a separate angle encoder module adapted to be coupled to either the laser distance measuring module or the compass module and a data logger or computer for processing data transmitted from any or all of the modules.

Abstract: A light-weight, hand-held range finding apparatus of the present invention includes signal emitting circuitry and lens for emitting signals, and signal receiving circuitry and lens for receiving reflected signals, which are positioned within a chamber of a housing. The housing includes an upper section to which a sighting device is attached, a front end through which the emitted signals are emitted and the reflected signals are received, a back panel having a display device attached to said housing for displaying operational selections and range findings. An actuator is mounted adjacent the upper section and is operably connected to the signal emitting circuitry. The actuator is used to select desired operational selections displayed on the display device and actuating the signal emitting circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus and system, preferably mounted on a service vehicle, provides synchronized application of fluid materials, either solid or liquid, to a vehicle travel surface in proportional amounts or spatially distributed proportions in response to user defined requirements and/or operation of a vehicle mounted component in response to conditions encountered in real time. A first embodiment is a vehicle mounted apparatus and system for coordinated application of a plurality of materials to a surface simultaneously and in desired proportions and/or widths automatically and/or selectively. A second embodiment includes a granular material distribution device and includes a plurality of liquid spray headers and pumping, means.

Abstract: An active respiratory therapeutic device and method for actively loosening and breaking up mucus plugs and phlegm in a user's trachea and bronchial passages and lungs while a user is breathing normally through the device comprises a housing containing a base portion and a cap portion forming at least a portion of a sonic coupling chamber adapted to be held in a patient's mouth during normal breathing activity. The cap portion also includes breathing passages out of the chamber so that the user can breath normally through device during operation. The base portion contains an acoustic generator behind a sanitary flexible diaphragm separating the portions. The acoustic generator produces an audio waveform which may be controlled by the user or automatically controlled by a feedback signal to optimize a sensed parameter indicative of the user's breathing efficiency such as the sound of the user's exhaled breath, blood oxygen levels, or ultrasonic signature changes of mucus plugs.

Abstract: A thrust aid device to permit a bicycle rider to apply increased thrust to the pedals of the bicycle. The thrust aid device comprises an elongated mounting member having one end adapted to be fastened to the seat post of a bicycle and a movable thrust arm connected to the opposite end of the mounting member. The thrust arm is selectively movable between a first storage position and a second raised and operable position wherein the rider can push his or her hips against the thrust arm in the second position while pedaling in order to apply increased thrust to the pedals. One preferred embodiment has a vertically oriented sleeve in which the thrust arm slides between a retracted position and a raised operating position. The rider pushes the thrust arm down to move it to the retracted or storage position. A spring raises the thrust arm to the operating position when a latch is actuated.

Abstract: A highly precise range measurement instrument is made possible through the use of a novel and efficient precision timing circuit which makes use of the instrument's internal central processing unit crystal oscillator. A multi-point calibration function includes the determination of a "zero" value and a "cal" value through the addition of a known calibrated pulse width thereby providing the origin and scale for determining distance with the constant linear discharge of capacitor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for slicing a workpiece, in particular, a polysilicon or single crystal silicon ingot, utilizing a diamond impregnated wire in which the workpiece (or ingot) is rotated about its longitudinal axis as the diamond wire is driven orthogonally to it and advanced from a position adjoining the outer diameter ("OD") of the ingot towards its inner diameter ("ID"). In this manner, the diamond wire cuts through the workpiece at a substantially tangential point to the circumference of the cut instead of through up to the entire diameter of the piece and single crystal silicon ingots of 300 mm to 400 mm or more may be sliced into wafers relatively quickly, with minimal `kerf" loss and less extensive follow-on lapping operations.

Abstract: A method and article for sealing a manhole riser, a catch basin, and a pipe juncture. The method is an economical process whereby elastomeric bands are placed around a manhole riser, a catch basin, or a pipe juncture and effectively seals the manhole riser, catch basin, or pipe juncture from loss of water or infiltration of water and other contaminants.

Abstract: A Locomotive fuel service truck is disclosed which comprises a motor vehicle having an elongated frame, a crane arm carried on the frame, at least one fuel pump carried by the frame connectable to a fuel oil storage tank and a fuel hose having one end connected to the pump and another end adapted to fit into a railroad diesel locomotive fuel tank, and at least one removable sand hopper carried on the frame connectable to said crane arm. The crane arm is adapted to lift and position the sand hopper over a sand pot on a diesel locomotive while fuel is being dispensed from a fuel storage tank to a locomotive fuel tank. The fuel oil storage tank may be located underground or on a trailer towed by the service truck. Another embodiment of the service truck includes a fuel oil storage tank carried on the truck frame so that the service truck can completely supply all materials and fluids to replenish a diesel locomotive without having to bring additional trucks to the site of the locomotive.

Abstract: A respiratory therapeutic device for actively loosening and breaking up phlegm in a user's lungs and bronchial and tracheal passages while a user is breathing through the device is disclosed which comprises a housing containing a base portion and a cap portion forming at least a portion of a sonic coupling chamber having a plurality of breathing holes therethrough and adapted to be held in a patient's mouth. The base portion contains an audio generator behind a sanitary flexible diaphragm separating the portions. The generator preferably includes a power supply and a pulsed audio signal generator connected to the speaker. The audio signal generator may be adjusted by the user as to tone pitch and tone burst repetition rate to optimally loosen accumulated phlegm in the user's lungs during unit operation.

Abstract: A cushioned exercise apparatus is disclosed which preferably includes a single spring steel band or strap coiled into a plurality of spiral wraps forming a circular ring and a pair of handles fastened to the ring. This ring and handle assembly is covered with an enclosing and cushioning layer of rubber or elastomeric plastic material substantially enclosing the assembly and forming a hermetic seal around the assembly to prevent moisture from entering into and damaging the coiled strap ring. The cover also provides a comfortable, cushioning non-slip surface for contact with the user's skin, hands and/or legs during exercise.

Abstract: A mobile frame (10) for supporting an elongate flexible structure (11) such as a ground working tool assembly, the mobile frame (10) is foldable between a first position in which the elongate flexible structure (11) is supported in a working condition in relation to the ground, and a second position in which the elongate flexible structure (11) is supported in a stored condition in relation to the ground. The mobile frame comprises a first frame portion (31) supported for movement over the ground and a second frame portion (32) for supporting one end of the elongate flexible structure. The second frame portion is mounted on the first frame portion for folding movement with respect thereto about a pivot axis inclined to the fore-and-aft axis of the mobile frame such that the spacing between the ends of the elongate flexible structure (11) increases as the elongate flexible structure is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately determining a target distance in adverse weather conditions utilizing both LASER and RADAR is disclosed. The radar signals are used to determine an approximate range which is then used as a gating window for the determination of which laser reflection is from the actual target as opposed to a reflection from the atmospheric interference. The method basically comprises the steps of initiating a radar pulse in the direction of a target and receiving a reflection, transmitting a laser signal and receiving a plurality of reflections, determining an approximate range based on the radar signals, and using this approximate range to ascertain which of the laser reflections is from the target. This determination is preferably made by generating a gating signal and gate width from the radar signals and passing the set of laser range signals through the gate to eliminate the false signals and select the signal that survives the gate as the accurate target range.

Abstract: A voltage conversion circuit for transforming an input voltage level at an input voltage node to a relatively higher output voltage level at an output voltage node with respect to a common reference voltage node includes an inductor coupling the input voltage node to the output voltage node and a signal source, such as a linear timer integrated circuit ("IC") supplying an output signal having alternating first and second states thereof. A bipolar switch having first and second current carrying terminals and a control terminal thereof has its first current carrying terminal coupled to the output voltage node and its control terminal coupled to receive the output signal from the signal source.

Abstract: A binding mounting system for releasably mounting bindings on a ski apparatus comprises a binding plate having a front end and rear end, a first mounting structure positioned adjacent to the front end of the binding plate, a second mounting structure positioned adjacent to the rear end of the binding plate. The first mounting structure is positioned coextensive with a front mounting location of the ski apparatus, and the second mounting structure is positioned coextensive with a rear mounting location of the ski apparatus. The first mounting structure is releasably attachable to the front mounting location, and the second mounting structure is releasably attachable to the rear mounting location. Several varieties of mounting structures are used to encompass the ski apparatus mounting techniques.

Abstract: The system for optimization of irrigation system operation comprises a computer, a storage device coupled to the computer for storing data, a global positioning satellite transmission receiver coupled to the computer, a geographic information satellite transmission receiver coupled to the computer, a plurality of irrigation pivot controllers remotely coupled to the computer, and a grid power monitor coupled to the computer for providing power grid demand and usage data to the computer. The system may also include a plurality of sensors located in each of the irrigated fields which transmit soil information directly to the central computer and which supplement the information from the GIS satellite. The computer in turn generates priorities of operation for the irrigation systems based on the soil condition information and most economical load operating periods from the electrical power utility.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for freeze prevention protecting an irrigation system. The response of the apparatus depends on environmental conditions. At a first temperature condition, the irrigation system is shut down. At a lower temperature condition, the system remains shut down and heat is delivered to the above ground portions of the system. In the event temperatures continue to decrease, a full drainage of the above ground portion of the irrigation system will be accomplished and alarm notification will be given.

Abstract: A system and method for data entry and retroactive reconstruction of the relative position of features and objects, in particular with respect to scenes such as transitory occurrences, utilizing a signal transmitting and receiving distance determining device. In a particular embodiment, the system and method disclosed has especial applicability to the on-scene recordation and subsequent ex post facto reconstruction of traffic accident scenes by law enforcement officers and may be readily and efficiently implemented in conjunction with a commercially available laser-based speed and distance determining device otherwise usable for vehicle speed traffic monitoring functions utilizing either triangulation or baseline/offset mensuration techniques.