Abstract: A bag and system for dispensing thermoplastic bags or the like from a stack of bags. The present system is configured for point of use dispensing to a customer, such as in the produce section of a grocery store or market. Each bag pack is dispensed from a station which includes an underlying, medially situated, angled bag pack support, configured to provide optimal support for the user in opening and removing the bag to be dispensed from the bag pack. Further contemplated is a unique cover which partially envelopes the bag pack to be dispensed, the cover defining an opening formed therethrough for the dispensing of bags therethrough, the opening configured to define the area for optimal dispensing of the bags while maintaining the remaining bags in a uniform bag pack. The cover not only facilitates uniform dispensing of bags from the pack, but also holds the pack down when the system is used in windy conditions.

Abstract: An conditioning article of footwear for exercise, strength training, or physical therapy having a foot support platform with either straps or an upper shoe portion or the like to engage the foot, a sole having front and rear ends corresponding with the toes and heel of the foot, respectively, and a medial area there between, the sole having a spaced medial support portion having floor engaging surface generally parallel to the foot support platform, the medial support portion situated generally under the ball and (generally) arch of the user's foot. Situated forward the medial portion to the forward tip of the sole is an angled area having an angle of between, for example, 20-60 degrees. Situated behind the medial portion is a short angled area terminating in a thinner rear sole area running generally parallel with the foot platform, but having about fifty percent of the thickness of the medial area.

Abstract: A lifting device and method therefore utilizing an air bag or the like for lifting an object supported by a wheeled platform or the like, from a stationary, parked configuration wherein the object conceals the wheeled platform and supports the object, to a lifted, configuration whereby the wheeled platform supports the object, allowing same to be easily moved via the wheeled platform. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a planter unit comprising a pot or the like for containing a plant, said pot having a false bottom wherein there is situated a support platform having castors or the like thereon, and an air bag or other flexible container configured to be filled with fluid situated between the wheeled platform and the underside of the pot. In use, the false bottom has a cavity formed therein to enclose the wheeled platform, the false bottom having a lower edge supporting the pot when the air bag is uninflated.

Abstract: A heavy-duty cargo bin unit configured for rugged use in hostile environments, such as in the oil drilling and production industry. The cargo bin unit is of a generally rectilinear construction, and preferably fabricated of heavy gauge steel. Supports or skids are positioned to allow for the nested stacking of one cargo bin atop the other, such that the lower portion support members would fit snugly within the interior walls of the cargo bin upon which it is placed. The size and configuration of the basket may vary depending upon the application, and the unit may be configured to receive templates for the customized storage of particular items such as drilling tools, bits, etc. A second embodiment of the present invention contemplates a cargo bin dumping system wherein there is provided a cargo bin as disclosed in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, with a stinger specifically designed to work with the present system also provided.

Abstract: An RFID-based system for tracking, managing, dispensing and recycling bags, particularly retail and grocery-type bags such as t-shirt bags and the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system wherein there is employed at a T-Shirt bag fabrication facility an RFID tag dispensing system for affixing an RFID tag to the thermoplastic film utilized in forming a T-shirt bag, which bag is formed into a stack. The RFID tag is associated with the bag at the time of manufacture, and information pertaining to said bag is saved in a central computer, which is subsequently used in shipping and management of the bag(s). A sensor bag rack is provided for supporting the bag pack during dispensing and use of the bags at the checkout counter, which supports the bag during loading and is configured to relay data on said bag as it is removed from the rack for placement in the customers cart, or otherwise provided to the customer.

Abstract: A system for obtaining a representative sample of a natural gas stream, particularly a stream which is at or below its hydrocarbon dew point temperature (H.C.D.P.). The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a sample cylinder having a flexible isolation barrier and integrated valving to provide a controlled ingress of sample gas at nominal pressure differential. The system thereby avoids throttling of the sample gas and the inherent cooling problems associated therewith when the stream is at or below hydrocarbon dew point temperature. The flexible isolation barrier of the present invention is relatively inexpensive and is configured for quick and easy replacement, which may be routinely performed to insure sample integrity. Alternative embodiments of the invention contemplate a spherical sample cylinder configuration with flexible isolation barrier, as well as an improvement for piston-type sample cylinders to provide constant sample pressure.

Abstract: An animal walker or conditioning system. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a horse walker or conditioner incorporating a direct drive hydraulic motor, the motor configured to provide a powered bearing surface to support and axially rotate a vertical shaft having laterally extending arms emanating therefrom, which arms can be utilized to direct a horse or other animal in a circular path about the vertical shaft. The unique design utilizes an off the shelf direct drive hydraulic motor and conventional power system, with the hydraulic power unit preferably situated away from the vertical shaft, and power and control lines running underground to the hydraulic motor supporting the vertical shaft.

Abstract: A novel system for discerning pressure points in mouthpieces, namely orthodontic aligners. The system includes the steps of applying a colored gel to a light transmissive or clear mouthpiece-type aligner, mounting the aligner to the upper and/or lower teeth of the patient, and observing through the mouthpiece color variations generated by variations in gel density, wherein pressure points are indicated as lighter colors due to less gel density and spaces are indicated as deeper color, due to higher density of the colored gel. In an alternative embodiment a second gel incorporating rupturable spheres incorporating a second composition is utilized in the present system such that pressure upon the gel releases the second composition, which would be formulated to combine with the first gel and result in a color change, either due to a chemical reaction, or due to a mixing of two colors to produce an identifying color.

Abstract: A system for the retrieval and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on line” analyzers or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is highly susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an assembly including a phase separation membrane and housing configured to facilitate the removal of entrained liquid from a sample gas stream. Accuracy of the sample is enhanced, and compositional changes are avoided by first extracting a sample from the process gas followed by removal of entrained liquid it may contain, with the entrained liquid removal being conducted at the prevailing process gas pressure and temperature. Thereafter the liquid free sample may be desaturated by lowering its pressure to reduce its susceptibility to condensation.

Abstract: A system for dispensing thermoplastic bags or the like from a roll of bags. The present system is configured for point of use dispensing to a customer, such as in the produce section of a grocery store or market. The preferred, exemplary embodiment of the present system teaches a bag dispensing rack configured to hold a single roll of produce bags, but which is configured to provide an interlocking system for stacking multiple racks of bags one upon the other, each rack holding a single roll of bags, which may be of different configurations or sizes. Each bag pack is dispensed from a roll which includes first and second retaining side walls, a base, and a front opening terminating in a dispensing tongue, which is configured to engage an open slit situated medially relative to a perforated dispenser line juxtaposed each bag forming the bag roll.

Abstract: A combination depth and phase separation membrane filter to remove entrained liquids and immiscible liquids from hydrocarbon liquids, protecting industrial analyzers from liquid and solid contamination, etc. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a combined phase separation membrane filter and horizontally mounted depth filter in a horizontally mounted head and bowl configuration. The system is configured specifically for horizontal mounting, specifically filter configuration and layout, with all fitting connections in the head for ease of service and compactness.

Abstract: A novelty calculator and system of input and data manipulation for amusement. The preferred embodiment of the device contemplates a calculator having a body, keyboard for input of numerical data and functions, and a display similar to standard calculators. However, the calculator of the present invention is programmed to provide manipulated, erroneous responses or answers in response to data entered for a humorous or surprising reaction by an observer. The preferred embodiment of the present system includes function controls to provide predetermined manipulation of the of the data for amusement tailored to select themes.

Abstract: A system for the collection and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on-line” analyzers, or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a sample probe assembly including a heat pipe configured for maintaining sample gas drawn through said sample probe at or near the source gas temperature and pressure. Accuracy of the analysis of source gas stream is enhanced and compositional changes of the gas phase are avoided by preventing the partial condensation of gas components or vaporization of entrained liquid.

Abstract: A system for the retrieval and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on line” analyzers or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is highly susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an assembly including a phase separation membrane and housing configured to facilitate the removal of entrained liquid from a sample gas stream. Accuracy of the sample is enhanced, and compositional changes are avoided by first extracting a sample from the process gas followed by removal of entrained liquid it may contain, with the entrained liquid removal being conducted at the prevailing process gas pressure and temperature. Thereafter the liquid free sample may be desaturated by lowering its pressure to reduce its susceptibility to condensation.

Abstract: A system for the retrieval and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on line” analyzers or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is highly susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an assembly including a phase separation membrane and housing configured to facilitate the removal of entrained liquid from a sample gas stream. Accuracy of the sample is enhanced, and compositional changes are avoided by first extracting a sample from the process gas followed by removal of entrained liquid it may contain, with the entrained liquid removal being conducted at the prevailing process gas pressure and temperature. Thereafter the liquid free sample may be desaturated by lowering its pressure to reduce its susceptibility to condensation.

Abstract: A system for removal of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and/or Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from natural gas via absorption and disassociation utilizing a sea water contact system. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a series of counter current scrubber stages is provided, each configured to remove via absorption/disassociation a portion of the impurities, each stage having less pressure than the predecessor, each stage redirecting the purified gas to the preceding stage, until the contaminant level in the hydrocarbon gas stream has been reduced to an acceptable level. The hydrogen sulfide/carbon dioxide contaminants are thereby sequestered in the sea water utilized in the scrubber, which sea water may be further processed and/or re-introduced into the deep of a body of water, where the contaminants will remain isolated for hundreds of years. The present invention further contemplates and energy recovery system for greatly enhancing the efficiency of the system.