Abstract: A heat of fusion thermoelectric generator. A heat source is in thermal contact with a phase change material, wherein the heat source is capable of providing sufficient heat so as to be able to melt the phase change material. The phase change material is in thermal contact with a hot side heat sink. At least one thermoelectric module is disposed between and in thermal contact with the hot side heat sink and a cold side heat sink. Electric power is generated by the thermoelectric module from a temperature difference between the hot side heat sink and the cold side heat sink.

Abstract: A brazed bicycle frame and method for making. At least two bicycle frame half-shells are fabricated. A filler metal is then placed between the bicycle frame half-shells to form a two-part hollow frame section. The two-part hollow frame section is inserted into a hot volume at a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the filler metal but lower than the melting temperature of the two bicycle frame half-shells. The filler metal is allowed to melt. The filler metal is then allowed to cool and harden to form a rigid joint. Preferably, the bicycle frame half-shells each have a flange that facilitates alignment fixturing and assembly of the two-part hollow frame sections. Also it is possible for the filler metal and the bicycle frame half-shells to be placed in an extruded or formed grooved section. The grooved section also facilitates alignment fixturing and assembly of the two part hollow frame sections, and helps to strengthen the braze joint.

Abstract: A laser system in which the gain medium is an excited YAP:Nd crystal. The system is configured so that the crystal produces a twin laser beam comprising wavelengths at both 1079 nm and 1340 nm with substantial intensities at each wavelength. Optical components are described which establish the desired ratio of the intensities of the light at each of the two wavelengths. These ratios, I1079 nm/I1340 nm, may vary from about 0.1 to 10. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a kit including a YAP:Nd crystal and a specially coated output coupler is provided for converting an existing Nd:YAG laser system to a twin light laser capable of producing the above described twin laser beam.

Abstract: A method for determining crack nucleation for a part subject to fretting fatigue. Fretting fatigue tests are performed on at least one test specimen having a material composition similar to the part. The results of the test are analyzed to determine a variation of stress intensity factor as a function of time which may be referred to as (Q{N}) for the test specimen. A relationship is then determined between (Q{N}) and crack nucleation (Ni) for the test specimen. A variation of stress intensity factor as a function of time (Q{N}) for the part is determined based on the operating conditions and loads of the part. The (Q{N}) for the part is then corresponded to the (Q{N}) for the test specimen to determine a crack nucleation value (Ni) for the part. In a preferred embodiment, a computer is programmed to conduct the analysis.

Abstract: A single laser system that operates at any one or any combination of at least five wavelengths each of which are important to medical facilities offering laser cosmetic services. The present invention includes appropriate laser optics and a crystal rod configured to produce a first pulsed laser beam, and appropriate laser optics and a second crystal rod configured to produce a second pulsed laser beam. Both rods are pumped simultaneously preferably from the same pump source. Beams from each of these lasers are frequency doubled using frequency-doubling crystals to produce third and fourth laser beams. The frequencies of the first and second beams are also combined in a sum frequency generating crystal to produce a fifth laser beam. In a preferred embodiment the first and second laser beams are produced using YAP:Nd crystals with wavelengths of 1079 nm and 1341 nm. The third and fourth laser beams at 539.5 nm and 670.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning the antennas of two transceivers of a point-to-point wireless millimeter wave communications link. A narrow band oscillator power source is substituted for the signal transmitting electronics associated with a first antenna and a power detector is substituted for the signal receiving electronics associated with a second antenna. In preferred embodiments after a first alignment procedure is performed, the procedure is repeated with an oscillator power source connected to the second antenna and a power detector connected to the first antenna. In other preferred embodiments the antennas are pre-aligned using a signaling mirror or a narrow beam search light or laser. After the antennas are aligned the transceiver electronics are reconnected. In preferred embodiments the communication link operates within the 92 to 95 GHz portion of the millimeter spectrum and provides data transmission rates in excess of 155 Mbps.

Abstract: A bicycle capable of towing a skateboard rider. A hollow tow pole defining an attachment end and an extended end is attached at the attachment end to a bicycle frame of a bicycle. The first end of a stretchable tow rope is extended inside the hollow tow pole and is attached at or near the attachment end of the hollow tow pole. The second end of the stretchable tow rope is attached to a handle. The handle is positioned at or near the extended end of the hollow tow pole when the stretchable tow rope is in a relaxed or substantially relaxed state and the handle is extended at least two feet beyond the extended end when the stretchable tow rope is in a stretched state. In a preferred embodiment the hollow tow pole is collapsible. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow tow pole is pivotally attached to the bicycle frame. In a preferred embodiment, a stop bar is attached to the top of the hollow tow pole.

Abstract: A disposable splint that has a brace, at least one instant cold pack, and an attachment means for attaching the brace and the at least one instant cold pack to a wearer's limb. In a preferred embodiment, the disposable splint is secured to the wearer's limb via an elastic wrap. Also in a preferred embodiment the brace portion is foldable and comprises a bottom brace portion and two side brace portions. Also in a preferred embodiment, the instant cold pack is fixedly attached to the brace portion via a hook and loop connection.

Abstract: Equipment and methods for aligning the antennas of two transceivers of a point-to-point wireless millimeter wave communications link and keeping them aligned. Each of two communicating antennas is equipped with a telescopic camera connected to a processor programmed to recognize landscape images. The processors are programmed to remember the pattern of the landscape as it appears when the antennas are aligned. Each of the cameras then view the landscape periodically or continuously and if the landscape in view changes by more than a predetermined amount a signal is provided to indicate a misalignment. An operator can then take corrective action or alternatively the antenna system can be configured for remote or automatic realignment based of feedback from the camera.

Abstract: A wind propelled vehicle defining a center of gravity. The wind propelled vehicle has a frame. A rear axle is connected to the frame at its rear portion and two rear wheels are rotatably connected to the rear axle. The center of gravity of the wind propelled vehicle is forward of the rear axle. A front wheel is rotatably connected to the frame at its forward portion. A mast is connected to the frame and a boom is connected to the mast. A sail is connected to the mast and boom. A motor is operably connected to the boom and to the front wheel. The motor is also physically connected to the boom. The motor is remotely controlled via a remote control unit. To propel the wind propelled vehicle the position of the sail is adjusted relative to the wind. Sail position adjustment is achieved by the motor turning the front wheel and manipulating the position of the boom in response to control signals generated by the remote control unit.

Abstract: A laser system and process by which prior art medical and cosmetic laser techniques using laser beams chosen to produce selective thermolysis are enhanced by the addition of a second laser beam chosen for much deeper transmission in tissue and more uniform absorption. Preferred embodiments include enforcement with a 1079 nm YAP:Nd laser beam of a 532 nm beam produced by a frequency doubled YAG:Nd laser beam.

Abstract: A microarrayer for spotting solution onto slides in an automated microarray dispensing device. Elements of the present invention include: at least one dispense head for spotting the slides, at least one light source capable of illuminating the slides, at least one camera operating in conjunction with the at least one light source. The at least one camera is capable of acquiring and transmitting slide image data to a computer. The computer is programmed to receive the slide image data and analyze it. The computer will then generate post analysis data based on the analysis of the slide image data. The post analysis data is available for improving the spotting of the solution onto the slides. In a preferred embodiment, the slide image data includes information relating to slide alignment, information relating to spot quality, and slide identification information.

Abstract: A point-to-point, wireless, millimeter wave communications link providing data transmission rates of over 1 billion bits per second (more than 1 Gbps) at ranges of several miles during normal weather conditions. In a preferred embodiment a communication link operates within the 92 to 95 GHz portion of the millimeter spectrum. A first transceiver transmits at a first bandwidth and receives at a second bandwidth both within the above spectral range. A second transceiver transmits at the second bandwidth and receives at the first bandwidth. The transceivers are equipped with antennas providing divergence of less than 10−4 steradians so that an almost unlimited number of transceivers can use the same spectrum. In a preferred embodiment the first and second spectral ranges are 92.3-93.2 GHz and 94.1-95.0 GHz. During very bad weather conditions this data link will not provide a 10−10 bit-error rate and 99.999% availability.

Abstract: A self-powered space heater. At least one thermoelectric module is sandwiched between a hot surface of a combustion chamber of a fluid fired space heater and a room air-cooled heat exchanger for transferring heat from the space heater to room air. A blower circulates room air through the heat exchanger for the dual purpose of heating the room air and also removing heat from the heat exchanger. In a preferred embodiment two thermoelectric modules are utilized in a diesel fuel fired space heater to provide heated air for the cab of a diesel truck. Spherical self-alignment washers are used in a compression frame to apply uniform compression force to both hot and cold sides of the thermoelectric modules. The two modules provide about 25 Watts output that is more than sufficient power to operate the heater that requires about 20 Watts. Extra power can be used for other purposes such as battery charging.

Abstract: A low-cost thermoelectric module utilizing a greatly reduced quantity of thermoelectric material as compared to similar prior art thermoelectric modules. An egg crate design containing thermoelectric elements is utilized in the present invention. However, the walls of the egg crate in the parts of the module separating the thermoelectric elements are made thick so that the total cross sectional area of the elements is less than 75 percent of the total module cross sectional area. The spaces above and below the elements are filled with a high heat and electric conducting material such as aluminum. This produces funnel-shaped conductors funneling heat and electric current into and out of each of the thermoelectric elements. The payoff to this approach is that the heat flux through the hot and cold module surfaces can be maintained while producing the same power output with about half the thermoelectric material or less.

Abstract: An exhaust power recovery system for internal combustion engines. The engine exhaust gases drive a gas turbine that in turn drives a hydraulic turbine pump pressurizing a hydraulic fluid which then in turn is the driving source for a hydraulic motor which transmits power to the engine shaft. In a preferred embodiment for a turbocharged engine, the hydraulic fluid is also used as the drive fluid in a hydraulic supercharger system that provides additional supercharging at low engine speeds to supplement the exhaust driven turbocharging system. In this embodiment the pressurized hydraulic fluid for driving the supercharger hydraulic turbine is provided by a pump driven by the engine shaft. A hydraulic fluid control system is provided to match compressed air flow with engine needs. In this preferred embodiment more than enough energy is recovered from the exhaust gasses by the exhaust power recovery system to operate the hydraulic supercharger system.

Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature of the water inside a water container. A temperature probe that defines a front end and a rear end has its front end exposed to water inside the water container. A temperature probe mount mounts the temperature probe to the side of the water container and allows access of the front end of the temperature probe to the water inside the water container. A temperature probe insulator fits over the rear end of the temperature probe. The temperature probe insulator attaches to the temperature probe mount and prevents rearward motion of the temperature probe. In a preferred embodiment, the water container is a spa. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature probe insulator is made of a rubbery substance.

Abstract: A dry fire protection system for a spa and the spa's associated equipment. A heating element heats the spa's water. A resistive water level sensor senses that the level of water around the heating element is higher than a predetermined height or lower than a predetermined height, and a heating element deactivation device electrically deactivates the heating element when the water level around the heating element falls below a predetermined level. In a preferred embodiment, the heating element deactivation device is an electric circuit comprising a comparator circuit and a control circuit.

Abstract: A protein skimmer for removal of protein contaminates from protein contaminated water. An injector is used for spraying protein contaminated water into a water bubble chamber. The spraying motion causes bubble generation in the water bubble chamber. Contaminates in the water attach themselves to the bubbles and rise to the surface of the water as foam. A hollow foam riser is attached to the top of the water bubble chamber and provides an exit pathway for the contaminated foam. As foam is generated, it rises through the foam riser and carries with it contaminates. A foam collection cup is attached to the top of the foam riser and collects the contaminated foam. Consequently, the water left behind in the mixing chamber is substantially more pure. The substantially more pure water exits the mixing chamber through a purified water exit aperture.

Abstract: A fluid flow monitoring device. A laser source produces a laser beam having a beam frequency that is transmitted through an optical fiber and absorbed in a small quantity of thermally conductive material having high optical absorption at the beam frequency. A temperature sensor is embedded in the light absorbing material. The light absorbing material is placed in a fluid flow and the light absorbing material is heated with energy in the laser beam. Voltage produced by the temperature sensor is monitored as an indication of the fluid flow. The flow-measuring device can be made extremely unintrusive using very thin temperature sensor wire and very thin optical fiber, both of which are contained within a very thin probe. The device is calibrated under known flow conditions. The flowing fluid cools the material. Using the calibration information, speed of the flowing fluid is determined by measuring the voltage produced by the temperature sensor.