Abstract: A method and device helps to prevent theft of sonar devices and GPS units from the brackets they are normally installed on or mounted to. The present invention provides for a unique locking device having a threaded end. The locking device is capable of alternatively permitting and prohibiting rotation of the threaded end. When a key is turned to lock the device, the handle of the device is permitted to rotate freely and the device does not permit rotation and removal of the threaded end. The device also provides for a hardened spacer that directly abuts the handle such that it prevents a thief from getting access to, and thus cutting the threaded end of the locking device.

Abstract: A steering head that comprises a forward pivot block and a rearward pivot block. The forward pivot block is attached to a leading edge of a casing. The rearward pivot block is attached to a trailing portion of the casing, the leading edge being separated from the trailing portion by a gap in the casing. Extending between the forward and rearward pivot blocks is a central drive shaft. The central drive shaft includes a threaded portion and is rotatable to move a drive nut away from or towards the rearward pivot block. The central drive shaft, to either side of the drive nut, is covered by a cylindrical sleeve. A second internal sleeve extends between the rearward pivot block and the drive nut to protect the threads of the drive shaft from earthen debris when the casing is being advanced or reversed to steer the forward-most casing portion during operation.

Abstract: An improved can compacting mechanism includes a can collection catch bin comprising a main catch bin body having integrally formed front wall, back wall, and opposing walls. Downwardly from the front, back and side walls, is a floor. The walls and floor are integrally formed into a single structure. Upwardly from the floor, the side walls are tapered inwardly towards a body neck and opening. The upper most portion of the front and back walls also terminate at the body neck and opening. The body neck is, in cross-section, a generally rectangular-shaped structure and the body opening is a generally rectangular-shaped aperture through which compacted cans are intent to pass as they drop by gravity from the can compacting mechanism of prior invention.

Abstract: A circuit and method measures main motor winding voltage and detects points in the electromagnetic wave cycle where this voltage “crosses” zero. It also measures auxiliary motor winding voltage. Phase shifts measured in the auxiliary winding are compared as a means for starting and restarting the auxiliary winding. The points in the electromagnetic wave cycle where the current in the auxiliary winding “crosses” zero are detected and compared with a first window pulse that is generated when the main voltage crosses zero. When the zero current crossing points fall outside the first window pulse, the auxiliary winding is disconnected. The points where the voltage in the auxiliary winding “crosses” zero are also detected and compared with a second window pulse that is generated when the main voltage crosses zero. When the zero voltage crossing points fall within the second window pulse, the auxiliary winding is switched back into the circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means for holding the components of the device, a means for storing gas under pressure which is maintained separately from the interior of the device until actuating, a means for releasing pressurized gas from the storage device into the interior of the device, a means for actuating the device upon an external event, a means for retaining the pressurized gas in the interior of the device until a desired internal pressure level is achieved and a means for channeling the pressurized gas that is released upon actuation so that the energy supplied propels a pressurized fluid to explosively pass outside of the device through the conduit.

Abstract: An ice shelter modular seating system includes a base unit, one or more seat mount units and one or more seat leg units. The base unit is a generally rectangular tub-like member having a front wall and a floor. The floor includes a longitudinally extending and integrally formed track. This track is functionally adapted to receive the lowermost portion of the seat leg units in it, the track being used to restrain the seat leg units from front to back movement relative to the base unit front wall. A seat mount unit is removably attachable to the base unit front wall and is configured to rest upon the seat leg unit. In this fashion, seat mount units can be positioned along the base unit as desired or required in an almost infinite number of positions and combination of positions, with placement of the seat mount units being be made quickly and easily.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a system for differentiating material characteristics using a Computed Tomography imaging system. More particularly, it relates to a detector module for use with a hybrid-scintillator/photo sensor and direct conversion imaging system comprised of an x-ray transparent top layer; an electrode on said top; a block of direct conversion material, the electrode providing a common bias to the direct conversion material; a substrate material electrically connected with the direct conversion material; a signal processing chip electrically connected with the substrate; and a connector element electrically connected to the substrate.

Abstract: An automatic locking landing net yoke includes a channeled ramp feature such that, when the handle is drawn through the yoke and the yoke slides over a spring button, the ramp forces or cams the button downwardly and into the handle. Toward the lowermost portion of the ramp is a hole such that, as the hole in the yoke slides over the spring button, the force of the button extends it upwardly through the hole. The spring button is never pushed completely into the handle because the backside of the yoke hole prevents the yoke from being extended to the point that the yoke slides off the handle. The yoke is also configured such that the yoke allows use with hoop and handle shapes of various configurations and is molded of a material that does not create any oxidation or corrosion between the handle and yoke, thus providing smooth operation between the two elements.

Abstract: A print cylinder having a first header, a second header and a hollow cylinder body is internally piped. The first header includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The air outlet is sealingly connected to a central conduit which is sealingly attached to a disk, the disk being sealed about its perimeter to the cylinder body. The second header includes an air inlet and at least one air outlet, the air outlet being connected to a perimeter groove defined about the outer surface of the second header. Apertures are defined within the print cylinder immediately above the perimeter groove whereby an air flow continuum is created from the air inlet of the first header, through the central conduit, through the second header inlet and outlet, through the perimeter groove and through the cylinder apertures. Secondary apertures are defined within the cylinder body, each connected in an air flow continuum to the central conduit by means of secondary conduits.

Abstract: A method and system flows water through a water system in proximity to an ion generation device and to a source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that combines photochemistry principles, heavy metal toxicity, and UV light radiation to form a highly effective combined water disinfection process. Using ion generation and UV irradiation, the method and system synergistically improves the disinfection and bactericidal effects of ion generation or UV radiation working individually by making ion-exposed microorganisms more susceptible and less resistant to the bactericidal effects of UV radiation. The combined method and system of the present invention may include control means such that the method and system can be configured for single pass through, dual pass through or for recirculation such that the order of exposure to the ion generation and UV radiation aspects can be varied or altered.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for mounting a wheelchair back that provides a high degree of support and adjustability such that it can be used with wheelchairs that originate from a wide variety of different manufacturers. In order to provide this custom fit, the present invention provide for depth adjustability, height adjustability and angle adjustability of a wheelchair back. The present invention also provides the convenience of a quick-release wheelchair back so that the wheelchair occupant can easily remove the back of the wheelchair from the canes so that the wheelchair can be collapsed and stored. The present mounting system also provides for an effective two point mounting system that is reliable yet simple to use.

Abstract: A circuit and method measures the voltage at the main motor winding (1) and detects the points in the electromagnetic wave cycle at which this voltage “crosses” zero. The method and circuit also measures the voltage at the auxiliary motor winding (2). The voltages measured in the main winding (1) and in the auxiliary winding (2) are compared by the circuit (13) as a means for starting and restarting the auxiliary winding (2). The circuit and method also detects the points in the electromagnetic wave cycle where the current in the auxiliary winding “crosses” zero and compares the phase of these current zero crossing points with a window pulse (11) that is generated when the main voltage crosses zero. When the zero current crossing points fall within the window pulse, the auxiliary winding (2) is up to proper operating speed and the auxiliary winding (2) is disconnected by the starting circuit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for cooling the electronics associated with Computed Tomography (CT) detector arrays. More particularly, the present invention discloses use of thermoelectric coolers in cooling CT detector electronics. The present invention also provides for using blowers or fans to recirculated air within a plenum for the cooling of CT detector electronics. The present invention also discloses the use of wick type heat pipes being placed either horizontally or with the evaporator end radially farther out than the condenser end such that rotational forces assist with heat flow through the heat pipe for cooling CT detector electronics. The present invention also discloses use of axial groove heat pipes to cool the CT detector electronics because they have enhanced performance under revolving conditions. Lastly, the present invention discloses use of heat sinks and circulation fans in combination with either type of heat pipe.

Abstract: A molded “shear pin” or spike retainer is used with an assembly of tire-puncturing and tire-deflating spikes. The retainer is a solid U-shaped device having at least two straight portions that are connected together by bends. A first retainer portion is dimensioned to be slidingly insertable through a bore that is defined within the base of the spike. The first retainer portion is also dimensioned to be slidingly insertable through opposing apertures that are defined within a spike holder. When the opposing spike holder apertures are aligned with the spike aperture, the spike is spaced above a floor that forms part of a cavity within the spike holder. The first retainer portion holds the spike firmly within the spike holder. In this position, the spike is axially and downwardly movable relative to the spike holder when the first retainer portion is sheared by a downward force exerted on the spike.

Abstract: A combined eye and ear protective device has an eye protective portion and an ear protective portion, the eye protective portion and the ear protective portion being functionally cooperating. The protective device utilizes the eye protective portion of the device as the head support for the ear protective portion of the device and configures the eye protective portion within a single piece of optically clear material that reduces or eliminates the discontinuity between the lenses and frame of conventional eyeglasses and provides for unimpeded peripheral vision. A one piece polycarbonate resin eye protective portion is coupled with the ear protective portion to allow the eye protective portion to move between a “down” position and an “up” position.

Abstract: A disposable holder for use with urine specimen collection cups has a cup grasping extension incorporated and molded into it. The elongated extension is formed within a recess defined within the overall holder. The holder may be held firmly with one hand and the grasping extension actuated with the other hand. The holder is configured to be held and operated by right and left handed persons. In use, the cup grasping portion of the holder is urged downwardly onto a portion of the perimeter of a cup edge. The specimen is firmly grasped thereby. Upon collection of the specimen, the extension is urged toward the handle so as to open cooperating and opposing cup holding members. In this fashion, the specimen cup and collected specimen are released and the holder is disposed of.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly includes a filter that is removably receivable by the showerhead. The showerhead includes a receiving opening defined within the downstream face of the showerhead, which opening is functionally adapted to receive the filter within it. The opening of the showerhead is interposed between the water inlet and water outlet of the showerhead and within the flow of water through the showerhead such that, when a filter is inserted into the opening, all water flowing through the showerhead also flows through the filter. The filter is readily insertable within the opening and it is easily removable from it. The filter includes means for securing it within the opening when the filter is inserted.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for using a silicon dioxide (SiO2) material that is equally effective in improving magnetic field homogeneity during MR imaging. The present invention further provides for using silicon dioxide in its granular state. The granular silicon dioxide can then be poured inside a flexible container and the flexible container can be formed to fit any contour of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring the level of a liquid cryogen. The invention provides for use of a current source (52), a length, or multiple lengths, of superconducting filament (40) situated within a cryostat (1) containing a cryogenic fluid (2) and a voltmeter (51) for measuring the voltage drop across the filament (40). The invention further provides a method for using said apparatus.

Abstract: A method for winding on embedded b-zero coil maintains the integrity of superconducting main coil and the b-zero wire during coil winding and during normal operation of a superconducting MRI magnet. The b-zero coil is co-wound with an aluminum overwrap while the aluminum overwrap is being wound onto the superconducting MRI coil. The two-wire geometries are selected such that the height or thickness of the aluminum overwrap is greater than or equal to the height or thickness of the b-zero coil wire. The b-zero coil wire sits in a cavity that is created by adjacent turns.