Abstract: A method to determine the capacity of a plant over a time window of interest, the time window having a time length P, having the steps of: (a) gathering the plant's historical production data over a selected time period of length L and calculating the cycle entries of availability fractions for that data set; (b) calculating capacity C(i,1) for each contiguous portion p(i,1) of length p of the cycle entries from the previous step; (c) storing that calculated capacities C(i,1); (d) randomly shuffling the cycle entries; (e) calculating the capacity C(i,2) for each contiguous portion p(i,2) of the shuffled cycle entries; (f) storing the calculated capacities C(i,2); and (g) repeating steps (e)-(f) for a sufficient number of iterations, and then creating a histogram of the calculated capacities C(i,j).

Abstract: An equipment mounting assembly for mounting equipment in a pool cover box is provided, including at least one positioning feature configured to engage at least two walls of the pool cover box and at least one mounting plate, the at least one positioning feature adjustably connected to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A pavement material for the capture of waterborne constituents. The pavement material comprises a porous pavement substrate and an amphoteric compound bonded to the substrate. The porous pavement material may have a hydraulic conductivity ranging from about 0.001 to about 1.0 cm/sec and may act as a storm water storage basin.

Abstract: A fluid pressure driven generator which includes a generator housing and a rotor positioned within the generator housing. The rotor will have an internal offset gear which is engaged by a spur gear on a power shaft. A high fluid pressure inlet will be formed in the housing and connected to a source of high pressure fluid. The housing will also have low pressure outlet which will feed a source of low pressure fluid.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for cleaning auger flightings having a mounting attachable to an auger support frame, and an auger cleaning device having a single shaft positioned in the mount; a disk slidable on and rotatable about the shaft; the disk having a series of lobes extending radially from the disk and adapted to be interposed in the flightings of an auger; a stop fixable on the shaft; and a spring to bias the disk against the stop.

Abstract: A lithographic method for producing high aspect ratio silica micro-structures having the steps of: providing a carrier substrate with a confinement boundary placed on the carrier substrate; placing the SOG material within the confinement boundary and soft baking at a temperature above its glass transition temperature; forming a pattern of interest on the soft baked SOG material by x-ray lithography; and heating the SOG material until it is substantially converted to a silica-like oxide.

Abstract: A scaffold stringer which is a plate and a series of tread mounts attached at substantially uniform distances along the plate, the tread mounts forming an angle with the plate, each tread mount having an associated finger projection positioned above each tread mount and projecting outwardly from the stringer, the scaffold stringer additionally has least one attachment member for attaching the stringer to a scaffold structure.

Abstract: A dispenser system for scented material for use during hunting includes a container having a sealable opening and a wick stored in the container, the wick having a series of weights distributed thereon. The wick may have a tab positioned on one end to prevent complete removal of the wick from the bottle, and a grab hook at the other end. The dispenser system may include an auxiliary line attachable to the grab hook for connecting the wick to a tree limb of the like.

Abstract: An improved snubbing unit including a snubbing unit base, a lifting assembly having a platform positioned above the base, a rotary table positioned on the snubbing unit, and a first slip assembly positioned on the rotary table. The first slip assembly further includes a base plate with a center aperture formed therein, at least two separate slip frames positioned on the base plate around the center aperture, wherein each of the slip frames includes a slip surface, and a die carrier positioned within each of the slip frames, wherein each of the die carriers also includes a surface for engagement with the slip surfaces of said slip frames. Additionally, a second slip assembly will be positioned on the snubbing unit.

Abstract: An improved slip assembly having a base and at least two opposing slip frames positioned on the base with each of the slip frames including a planar slip surface. Additionally, a die is carrier positioned within each of the slip frames and each of the die carriers also includes a planar surface which engages the slip surfaces of the slip frames. The improved slip assembly also includes a low friction slip assembly having a base and at least two opposing slip frames positioned on the base. Each of the slip frames will include a slip surface having an effective coefficient of friction less than about 0.07 and die carriers will be position within each of the slip frames.

Abstract: A stackable rack having a frame of vertical members and horizontal members, where each vertical member terminates in a foot portion at one end and a top engagement portion at the other end. The foot portion has a flange for accepting a wheel, and an upward tapering sleeve portion surrounded by the flange, the upward tapered section creating an engagement pocket. The top engagement portion of a vertical member is shaped to be insertable and engagable with the engagement pocket, to allow the top engagement end of one rack to be inserted into the engagement pocket of another rack for stacking racks.

Abstract: A sealable manhole system having a weld ring, a cover with a gasket shaped to engage the weld ring, and a cam lever assembly. The cam lever assembly comprising includes a cam lever having a cam surface and a pivot aperture. A pivot pin is sized to engage the pivot aperture and has a screw aperture formed there through. A connector operatively attached to the weld ring and an adjustment screw passes through the screw aperture and engages the connector. The cover further includes a gasket channel with a neck and an internal shoulder formed above the neck. The internal shoulder further has a dimension wider than the neck and is oriented at an angle to the neck.

Abstract: An adjustable, form fitted, reusable diaper for infants that includes a reusable or disposable pad insertable between a soft permeable inner panel and an impermeable outer panel laminated with either a soft pile or a waterproof breathable or non-breathable elastomeric non-woven material. The diaper, having an hourglass configuration when open, is provided with expandable leg openings and waistband and fitted with hidden snap closures uniquely arranged to provide waist adjustment independently of leg opening adjustment and vise-versa. The diaper's use of a high pile, permeable inner panel such as polar fleece wicks moisture quickly away from the infants body where it is absorbed by the washable, reusable pad located between the inner and outer panels. The pad is then easily removed and replaced with a clean and dry pad, often without removal of the diaper from the infant.

Abstract: A drain filtering system is disclosed, having a filter placed within a basket which is suspended from frame positioned underneath a drain grate atop the inlet to a storm drain. The filter is constructed from materials that filter out heavy metals, sediments, debris and hydrocarbons from the water passing through. The system includes a riser tube having an inlet and an outlet, where the inlet is positioned inside the filer, and the outlet is positioned external to the filter. The inlet is placed close to the top of the filter to allow a bypass fluid path for periods of high flow.

Abstract: The invention includes an improved handpiece for use in a microdermabrasion system. The handpiece includes a control line which allows the user to easily control activation of the compressor, a vacuum line and a compressor line. The microdermabrasion system includes a vacuum pump, compressor, and a mixing bottle. A pressure sensor is used to detect pressure changes in the system for use in activating/deactivating the compressor.

Abstract: A drain filtering system is disclosed, comprising a filter placed within a basket which is suspended from frame positioned underneath a drain grate atop the inlet to a storm drain. The filter is constructed from materials which filter out heavy metals and hydrocarbons from the water passing through. The filter also has overflow outlets to prevent back-up of storm water during periods of heavy rain. The basket is constructed from a corrosion resistant material, preferably high density polyethylene which can withstand the extreme pressures exerted by waste and water collected within the filter.

Abstract: Process for enriching the organic nitrogen content of commercial scale quantities of cellulosic materials which includes the steps of: a) placing substantially dry or unwetted cellulosic material in a pressurizable reactor; b) injecting an ammonia or ammonia-forming nitrogen solution into the reactor until the cellulosic material is approximately submerged; c) setting the temperature in the reactor to maintain a liquid temperature between about 80 and 200° C.; d) pressurizing the reactor to at least 750 psi; e) maintaining the temperature and pressure in the reactor for a period of time sufficient for the organically bound nitrogen content of the cellulosic material to exceed about 1.5%; and f) drying the cellulosic material to a moisture content sufficiently low to arrest microbial activity.

Abstract: A system for returning residual liquid remaining in a loading line to a liquid cargo container after loading or unloading of the cargo container. This system includes a liquid return line extending between the loading line and the cargo container. A pump is positioned to move liquid from the loading line, through the liquid return line, and into the cargo container. A vapor line communicates between a vapor space in the cargo container and the loading line. The system may include an optical liquid level sensor. The level sensor includes a light tube having two substantially straight sections joined by a substantially continuous curvature bend. The bend has a rounded cross-section and the light pipe is formed of a light conducting material. An optical emitter is positioned at the end of one of the straight sections of the pipe and an optical detector is positioned at the other straight section of the pipe. A micro-controller activates the optical emitter and monitors the optical sensor.

Abstract: A garment is provided for deterring a physical assault on a wearer and creating evidence of the assault, comprising a vest having visual indicia affixed thereto, such as the word “Evidence”, displaying that the vest may be used as evidence in a criminal investigation. A dye release system containing a permanent and luminescent dye is affixed to the vest, which can be activated by the wearer prior to or during an assault. The dye is caused to be forcefully ejected from the dye release system, thereby contaminating the vest, the wearer, the assailant and the place where the assault took place. Preferably, the vest includes an electronic locating device, such as a sonic transmitter or GPS transmitter. Also, the vest preferably includes an audible alarm, a canine-detectable scent, and fingerprint susceptible surfaces thereon.

Abstract: A lockable gun safety storage having a rigid mounting member adapted to be fixedly attached to an item, a mounting means positioned on the mounting member, the mounting means adapted to hold a receptacle, said receptacle being sized to receive a firearm therein, said receptacle having a muzzle end and a handle end, said handle end being open, a shield positioned on said mounting member, said shield and said mounting means being moveable with respect to each other, and a locking means to fix the relative position of said mounting means with respect to said mounting member so that when said locking means is locked and a receptacle present in said mounting means, removal of a firearm positioned in said receptacle is prevented.