Abstract: A thermally powered variable air volume diffuser is provided, comprising a diffuser housing and a thermally powered actuator assembly mounted therein which varies the size of a supply air discharge opening. The actuator assembly comprises four thermal actuators and means operatively connecting the thermal actuators to a flow control disc defining the discharge opening. The volume of air supplied to a room is varied in response to changes in air supply temperature and room temperature. In the heating cycle, the first thermal actuator lowers the flow control disc, causing increased supply air output. Heated air from the air supply duct causes the second thermal actuator to engage the third thermal actuator. As room temperature rises, the third thermal actuator pushes the second thermal actuator, raising the flow control disc and reducing supply air output.
Abstract: A torque converting linkage (10) comprising two turbines, an impeller and a reactor (12 & 14), which rotate on shafts (16 & 18) within separate fluid-filled housings (20 & 22) is disclosed. Each housing (20 & 22) includes an outlet port and an inlet port (24 & 30, 28 & 26) which are coupled by two conduits (32 & 34). An external torque applied to shaft (16) turns the impeller turbine (12). Vanes (38) on the impeller turbine (12) force the fluid (36) out of the impeller housing (20) through a first conduit (34) into the reactor housing (22). The fluid (36) entering the reactor housing (22) acts on the vanes (38) of the reactor turbine (14), causing it to rotate and to transfer rotational energy to shaft (18).
Abstract: A method of repelling rodents and vermin comprising the steps of providing an effective quantity of dry dusting sulfur and inserting said dusting sulfur into burrowing holes and other spaces traveled by rodents and vermin. The method is primarily directed to gardens and yards where animal burrows are evident, but will work in agricultural fields and living structures as well. In the latter application, the dusting sulfur may be applied, for example, in pipes, underneath floor boards, and inside wall and crawl spaces.
Abstract: An improved paddle floatation apparatus comprising a unitary inflatable sleeve that fits over a kayak or other shallow draft watercraft paddle blade. When installed on a paddle blade, the entire paddle may be configured as an outrigger to assist the user in righting the kayak and reentering the cockpit from the water. The shape of the float when inflated is substantially triangular when viewed on end and includes numerous stabilizing surfaces that engage the water to resist unintentional movement in every direction.
Abstract: Compositions, methods, and kits for cosmetically producing a tanned appearance in desired areas of skin. The composition includes a self-tanning agent together with intimately admixed naturally-occurring fluorescent materials in a cosmetic carrier. Without prolonged exposure to intense solar or artificial radiation, applying the self-tanning agent imparts a tanned appearance which develops several hours to a day after application. The fluorescent materials absorb at one frequency, and emit at another visible frequency. The admixture of self-tanning agent and fluorescent materials allows application of the self-tanning agent selectively to desired areas of the skin. A light source which emits at the absorbing frequency of the fluorescent materials may be provided together with the compositions in kit form.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 27, 1999
Date of Patent:
October 3, 2000
Inventors:
Virginia A. Scales-Medeiros, Niteen A. Vaidya
Abstract: A cable connector adapter comprising a segment of tubular elastically deformable flexible conduit, having an outside surface of helical convolutions, connected to a cable connector boot having an integrally formed oval female threaded nut into which the conduit is screwed in a deformed, oval configuration. The conduit is deformed into an oval shape to fit and screw into the oval threaded female nut, said deformation flattening the conduit and adapting it to the generally rectangular shape of the boot and connector, thereby providing the transition in the shape of the bundle of conductors of the cable from round substantially rectangular.