Abstract: Lockable portable memory storage devices equipped with male connector plugs have a locking system that prevents access to, and connection of the connector to external devices, and thereby prevents unauthorized use of the device and access to data and/or media stored thereon. The locking system may be incorporated in portable memory devices having a cap or cover that fits over the end of the male plug, a connector plug that pivots relative to its cover or sheath, and devices having a connector plug that is extensible and retractable relative to its cover or sheath; and allows a locking device to be installed on the housing or sheath of the memory storage device, or between the housing and the cover, cap, or sheath that encloses or covers the connector to prevent exposure of the connector to an extent that would allow connection and use of the device.

Abstract: An outdoor multi-method cooker for preparing a wide variety of different foods at the same time using selective convection, radiant, or conduction cooking operations with or without smoke, or combinations thereof, using a single heat source. The cooker has a horizontal central longitudinal chamber with a firebox at one end and a pair of stacks at the opposed end, a main oven, a pair of lateral smokeless ovens, a warming compartment, and a griddle above the firebox, all disposed transversely on the longitudinal chamber in parallel spaced relation, and a steam table along the upper portion of the longitudinal chamber. The cooker operates on the principle of equalization of natural differential pressures caused by rising warmer air, similar to the draw created by the upper portion of a fireplace, for drafting hot gases or smoke laden hot gases from the combustion source and selectively routing it through passageways into and around the various components.

Abstract: A floating offshore fluid storage caisson platform has a large diameter vertically oriented buoyant column or caisson, or multiple caissons, defining a storage chamber, and a telescopic keel tank disposed at the bottom end thereof, and may have deck on top of the caisson to support storage, drilling and production structures, equipment, and quarters. The structure can be transported horizontally either dry on a transporting vessel or towed with its keel tank in a fully retracted position. At the field of operation, the structure initially floats horizontally.

Abstract: A portable selectively positional intruder alarm for sliding windows and doors is installed in a window or door frame with its longitudinal axis parallel to a sliding window sash or door at a selected distance therefrom to provide security while allowing the window to be partially open for ventilation and will emit an alarm either when the window or door is opened further or when the device is removed from the window or door frame. The device has a telescoping tubular housing with end plugs at each end. One end plug is fixed to the housing and the other is slidably mounted in the end of the housing. The end plugs are removably held against the opposed tracks of the sliding window sash or sliding door by the force of a compression spring within the housing. An alarm circuit disposed in the outer tube includes a battery, an audio transducer, a normally-open switch, a normally-closed switch, and may also include a visual alarm and battery condition indicator.

Abstract: A method for post-production precision modification and enhancement of pre-existing shape memory alloy (SMA) forms to precisely alter their chemical composition and properties and produce greater accuracy and versatility. The present process includes carefully controlled electrodeposition or electroless deposition of alloying agents such as Nickel, Copper, or other elements on the surface of the pre-existing SMA form to produce the desired shape memory properties, followed by application of a protective coating, then high temperature heat treatment in combination with gentle physical kneading to speed up the homogenization process (thermal diffusion) and produce rapid diffusion of the plated metal throughout the form. The present method may also use the skin effect of AC current for localized heat treatment of the SMA form and neutron activation tracer analysis for in-line quality control and diagnostics. The process can also be used to impart shape memory properties to non-SMA alloy forms.

Abstract: A viscous breakable gel additive carrier for mixing with ion containing materials, including dry powder based and calciferous materials, which in its uniform homogeneous gel form, prevents separation and settling of the additives prior to mixing and is easily measurable, and upon mixing with the ion containing materials liquefies and becomes totally and evenly miscible to allow easy and precise mixing to produce uniform homogeneous mortars, grouts, stuccos and other compositions. The gel includes a predetermined amount of selected additives thoroughly mixed with a cross-linked polyacrylic acid gelling agent, an organic chelating agent, and an alkaline electrolyte, and prior to mixing with ion containing materials, has a consistency of a custard or jelly.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for improving the thermal efficiency of a steam turbine power generating plant while simultaneously desalinating seawater or brine and purifying water which contains minerals, salts, and other dissolved solids. Exhaust gases from a power plant is heat exchanged against water in a secondary ecomomizer which circulates water at a temperature near, or slightly above the dewpoint of the combustion exhaust of the high-pressure boiler. The heated water is flashed to produce low-pressure steam. The low-pressure steam is condensed against the last effect of a multi-effect desalinization unit. Steam from the first effect of the desalination unit is condensed against steam condensate from the power plant turbine to preheat the condensate and thereby recover heat from the power plant's exhaust gas. Salinous water is fed to the multi-effect desalinization unit to produce fresh water and a concentrated brine.