Abstract: An emissions control system utilizes otherwise wasted heat to efficiently reduce emissions in a main exhaust flow. Heat stored in exhaust from an auxiliary generator (i.e., auxiliary exhaust) may be used to convert urea to ammonia used by a Selective Catalytic Reducer (SCR) system, and/or the auxiliary exhaust may be used to heat the main exhaust flow before entry into an SCR. Additionally, a heat exchanger may be used to transfer heat from a hot clean flow out of the SCR, to the main exhaust flow entering the SCR. Previously, mobile emissions control systems have not used SCR systems to reduce NOx because of the cost and space required for heater fuel. The efficient use of otherwise wasted heat reduces fuel cost and fuel storage requirements, and thereby makes an SCR systems feasible for use in mobile emissions control systems.

Abstract: A water driven massager mounted in an opening in the wall of a spa. The massager includes a main housing secured to the wall opening and extending outwardly from the wall (i.e., away from a spa user). A gear housing is mounted in the main housing and contains a drive mechanism rotationally connecting between a turbine and a rotating massager. The drive mechanism includes two in-series planetary gear sets for reducing Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) of the rotating massager. The rotating massager includes a plurality of rotating balls held in a ball plate residing proximal to the plane of a spa surface of the wall (i.e., the spa wall surface facing the user), and is covered by a boot providing a massager surface. The ball plate rotates at between 50 and 80 RPM thereby providing a rotating massage on the surface of the boot. The gear housing is easily removed through the wall opening for service and maintenance.

Abstract: A mobile aircrew restraint system includes a track system and a trolley which runs along the track and carries a retractor which releases a webbing strap attached to a harness. The track is preferably an extruded or sectioned track which follows contours of an aircraft interior and may be removable and/or retractable to allow additional room for oversize cargo. The trolley includes an interlock pin which cooperates with interlock holes spaced one to two feet apart along the track, and includes a release handle for disengaging the interlocking pin. The strap retractor is attached to the trolley and is controllable to limit the payout of the webbing strap. The harness is worn by an aircrew member and is attached to the webbing strap by releasable buckles.

Abstract: Single digit Light Emitting Diode (LED) modules for replacing plastic numerals in a gas station pricing sign. Three or four LED modules represent one fuel price. The LED modules are mounted to a transparent face present on existing signs, and may be mounted on an exterior or interior surface of the face. In one embodiment, first LED modules mechanically cooperate with backing plates, thereby sandwiching the face, in another embodiment, second LED modules attach to posts glued to the face. When mounted externally, the LED modules fit into tracks provided for the plastic numerals which are being replaced. An RF, infrared, or hard wired control signal may be used to change prices, and a photocell may be used to control LED intensity in response to ambient light. Additional low power consumption LEDs are provided inside the sign to back illuminate information provided on the face.

Abstract: An Advanced Maritime Emissions Control System (AMECS) includes several Exhaust Intake Bonnets (EIBs) of different size and/or shape, an Emissions Capture System (ECS), and an Advanced Maritime Emissions Control Unit (AMECU) mounted on an Unpowered Seagoing Barge (USB). The EIB includes a cage formed by downward curved ribs, a shroud which is lowerable to cover the ribs, a belt near a lower edge of the EIB for retaining and sealing the EIB to a stack, and a mechanism for tightening the lower edge of the EIB (and thus the belt) around the stack. The ECS lifts one of the several EIBs onto the stack of an Ocean Going Vessel (OGV). Exhaust from the stack is drawn through a large diameter duct to the AMECU. The AMECU processes the exhaust through multiple treatment stages. The stages include pre conditioning the exhaust, oxidizing, reducing, polishing, and precipitating.

Abstract: A hydrogen augmented diesel crankcase ventilation system uses hydrogen to allow crankcase fumes, for example blow-by, to be burned by the engine. The system preferably includes a hydrogen generation system as a hydrogen source connected to an engine air intake by a first hose, a second hose connecting the crankcase to the air intake, and a third hose connecting a fresh air source to the crankcase. An orifice or a vacuum regulator in cooperation with the second hose may be included to regulate crankcase vacuum. A filter may reside inline with the second hose to capture solids or liquids which enter the second hose from the crankcase. A back flow preventor may be included in cooperation with the third hose to prevent a back flow of crankcase fumes through the third hose.

Abstract: A paper fastener has a base piece with a pair of prongs which may be passed through a pair of keyed slots in a top piece and latched to the top piece to hold stacked papers together. Two latching covers hingedly extend from ends of the top piece. The prongs are folded inwardly against the top piece and the latching covers are folded over the prongs, and the prongs and the latching covers are engaged on a top surface of the top piece. Second teeth on downward facing sides of the folded latching covers engage first teeth on upward facing surfaces of the folded prongs, thereby preventing the prongs from sliding back through the keyed slots. The base piece and the top piece are disconnected by first releasing the latching covers, and then releasing the prongs, so that the top piece can be easily removed to add more pages to a stack of papers or to disassemble the stack of papers.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for remotely adjusting the tilt and heading of cell antennas. Antenna tilt is provided by the cooperation of a hinged lower tilt bracket and an upper tilt bracket connected to the antenna by links. The upper tilt bracket is mounted to a vertically translating dust cover. Vertical motion of the dust cover is translated to tilting motion of the antenna by the links. Heading adjustment may be provided uniformly to entire sectors of antennas using a Pitman arm arrangement, or may be provided to each cell antenna individually using a helix heading adjustment apparatus.

Abstract: A basketball training aid and method requires a player to jump to sufficient height to see a basket over a curtain, and to shoot over the curtain. The training aid comprises an easily adjustable stand for positioning the curtain. The curtain blocks the player's view of the basket. The aid is adjusted to an individual player to challenge the player to achieve a minimum height to see the basket and to shoot over the aid. The player must coordinate jumping, seeing the basket, and releasing the ball at the apex of the jump. As a result, muscle memory is developed thereby improving player performance.

Abstract: A cell phone antenna system having simple mechanical tilt and heading adjustments. The antennas are mounted to towers or other structures, and include sensors for measuring antenna tilt and/or heading. A single sensor signal is selected and provided to an interface unit. The interface unit processes the sensor signal and provides sensor information to one or more local or remote processors used to control or monitor the antennas. Antenna control signals generated by the local or remote processors may be provided to the interface unit, and resulting power signals directed to individual actuators on the antennas.

Abstract: A splash proof electromagnetic door holder is sealed to prevent failures caused by exposure to moisture. The electromagnetic door holder comprises a ground box, a main housing attached to the ground box, and a coil assembly attached to the main housing. The coil assembly includes a bobbin containing a wire coil. A sealant, preferably epoxy, covers the face of the bobbin to prevent moisture from entering the coil assembly. A seal is incorporated between a coil passage in the main housing and the coil assembly. Seals are included between the main housing and the ground box. The resulting the electromagnetic door holder resists the entry of moisture into the electromagnetic door holder and thereby improves the reliability of the electromagnetic door holder.

Abstract: A powered hand truck for assisting in the movement of objects. The powered hand truck includes an electric motor, a power source, a programable motor controller, and a transaxle, which are adaptable to existing hand trucks, or may be integrated into a new powered hand truck. The transaxle includes a differential allowing easy maneuvering of the hand truck. Power is provided by replaceable/rechargeable batteries. The motor controller controls the motor to provide consistent speed independent of load weight or incline, and further provides regenerative braking. The motor controller also includes diagnostics communicated through a display mounted to the hand truck.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet lock securely grasps a metal strap ring (or D ring) of a helmet strap to prevent helmet theft. The helmet lock includes a groove suitable to accept the strap ring and a locking bolt to advance through the strap ring to secure the helmet. The lock may be an integral part of a motorcycle grip or foot peg, may bolt to a common accessory attachment interface of known motorcycle grips, or include an expanding portion which expands inside a tubular handlebar end to attach the helmet lock. The lock may further be used on any type of vehicle using handlebars for foot pegs.

Abstract: An earthquake actuated device includes a flapper-valve adapted to block a gas flow and a micro switch for closing or opening a circuit. A seismic sensor responds to accelerations characteristic of an earthquake. The sensor cooperates with a magnet in a flapper arm to hold the flapper-valve open. When the sensor experiences sufficient motion, the flapper arm is released and the flapper-valve falls onto a seat, thereby closing and blocking the gas flow. The closing of the flapper-valve is further coupled into an actuation of the micro switch, thereby opening or closing the circuit.

Abstract: An improved golf club includes an improved grip. The grip may be improved over known grips by including an offset upper portion and/or a sliding grip portion, and/or by providing a shaft with greater flex in an upper shaft portion than in a lower shaft portion. The sliding grip portion is about four inch long and may slide over a standard grip, or over a guide, and is preferably used with putters, but may be used with other golf clubs. The offset upper portion comprises an eleven inch upper grip offset at about nine degrees from the shaft centerline and clocked about 110 degrees counter-clockwise from that face of the head. The lower portion of the grip is retained as in known clubs.

Abstract: A cabinet drawer (12-20) for storing information modules (22) of selectively different widths in rows extending front to back of the drawer has row dividers (24) which are removably end mounted within slots (50,52) at any desirable width spacing. The dividers each have a flexible center portion (54) terminating in pedestals (56,58) for receipt within the slots (50,52). When dividers are so-mounted within a drawer (12-20) they are secured in place by inherent spring characteristics of the divider (24).

Abstract: An improved liquid motion lamp includes a second heat source to reduce warm-up time and a removable base cover to simplify changing a first heat source. The first heat source is preferably a light bulb residing in the base of the lamp, which light bulb provides both heat to cause motion of liquids within the lamp, and light to enhance a viewing effect. The sliding cover is preferably an open ended cylinder which slides upwards to provide access to the light bulb. The liquids comprises a first liquid which is a solid at room temperature and which is preferably paraffin based, and a second liquid which is preferably water. The first liquid may be empirically determined by mixing trial batches of paraffin and chlorinated paraffin to determine the correct ratio for a given lot of paraffins. The first liquid may be prepared, and shipped with the lamp in a solid phase. The second liquid may be added at the lamp's final destination.

Abstract: A flotation collar includes an exterior cover and a bladder with two cells separated by a baffle. The exterior cover includes circumferential cover zippers which unzip if the bladder is inflated, and bottle access zippers to allow, for example, CO2 bottles to be removed and replaced. Each cell has a manual inflation valve stem for manual inflation, and an automatic inflation valve stem for automatic inflation by the bottles. The baffle forms a vertical separation in a neck portion of the bladder, and a diagonal separation in lower portions of the bladder. The vertical separation allow either cell to fill the neck portion of the bladder if the other cell is deflated, to adequately carry the wearer's head above water, and the diagonal separation allows either cell in the lower portions of the bladder to retain sufficient volume if the other cell is deflated, to provide auto-rotation of the wearer.

Abstract: A system and method for automated image analysis selects a Region Of Interest (ROI) within a frame, suitable for subsequent Quantitative Intima Media Thickness (QIMT) analysis. Presently, a time consuming manual analysis by a highly trained technician is required to select the ROI within the frame for subsequent automated analysis. The automated image analysis provides an immediate and accurate identification of the ROI within the selected frame. In one embodiment, the automated image quality analysis may be directed to an ultrasound image of the carotid artery.