Abstract: A method and apparatus useful for disposing of the high volumes of produced water associated with coal bed methane natural gas wells. The method taught is to create steam from the produced water and vent the steam into the atmosphere. The apparatus taught utilizes available heat energy sources to produce heat for enhancing water evaporation rates and may incorporate a pre-heater system and/or a mineral separation system.

Abstract: A lockable key comprises a handle, a flange, a shaft, a first spring, a second spring, and two depressible balls. The handle is connected to the top of said flange, and the shaft is connected to the bottom of the flange. The shaft provides two lateral appendages, and he first spring is coiled around the shaft between the flange and the two lateral appendages. The shaft terminates in a tapered region that provides apertures through which the depressible balls depend. The second spring is mounted internal to the shaft and acts to push the depressible balls outwardly through the apertures.

Abstract: A lightweight, easily installed motorcycle securing device useful in transport of a motorcycle on a flat platform or trailer which provides for cuffs over the handlebars, tie down straps connected to the cuffs, and an adjustable tension connector strap between the cuffs. Construction from non-abrasive materials and provision for utilization of connection strap padding ensure that no marring of the paint or finish of the motorcycle being transported or damage to the handlebar grips or handlebar grip controls will occur.

Abstract: A method and apparatus useful for disposing of the high volumes of produced water associated with coal bed methane natural gas wells. The method taught is to create steam from the produced water and vent the steam into the atmosphere. The apparatus taught utilizes the available field gas to produce heat for enhancing evaporation and drive a steam turbine generator to produce electrical power.

Abstract: A method of constructing shower enclosures which decreases the probability of mold growth by utilizing interior and/or exterior corner directional flow flashings between the joints of the sheets of synthetic marble or other non-porous material which cover the interior of the shower enclosure and the material comprising the vertical walls of the shower enclosure, a shower pan floor sloped downwardly toward the shower drain, a shower floor supported above the shower pan floor by spacers or mortar piers creating a void for air circulation between the shower floor and the shower pan floor, spacing between the shower floor periphery and the vertical walls of the shower pan to provide additional air circulation between the shower floor and the shower pan floor, shower enclosure horizontal framing members that are sloped toward the shower drain, shower enclosure horizontal framing members that are covered by the shower pan, a void, to increase air circulation, between the top of the shower pan vertical walls and air

Abstract: An automobile trunk compartmentalizer which provides for variable connection of shafts and shaft housings by use of lockable pins whereby great variety of compartment sizes and shapes is possible at the user's option. Creation of more than one row of compartments in the automobile trunk may provide shallow compartments which are desirable for an aging population.

Abstract: A two-legged walker useful as a mobility assisting device for those temporarily or permanently disabled or infirm which is supported by the user's hand, not under the user's arms, is both lockably rigid and jointed to mimic and support the walking function of the user, is capable of multiple modes of use, is adjustable in its dimensions to fit the user's height and needs, and is adjustable to support use on stairs.

Abstract: A light weight, portable, temperature regulated enclosure for the pre-heating of artificial insemination guns and the transportation of loaded artificial insemination guns to the place of usage is disclosed. A flexible, planar heater using an etched electrically resistive metallic foil heating element and attached temperature sensor provides regulated heat to the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: A computer enclosure cooling unit adapted to current dimensional standards which is capable of controlled cooling of individual semiconductor devices as well as of the air circulated within the computer housing. The disclosed invention utilizes Peltier devices, a controller unit, both liquid and gaseous heat exchangers, and low cost construction methods to provide a compact, effective computer enclosure cooling system meeting the cooling needs of current high-speed, heat producing computer systems and components.

Abstract: A method of protecting an executable image from unlicensed use is provided by remote execution of sequences of microprocessor instructions. Means of selecting sequences of instructions that execute infrequently and provide a high level of security against reverse engineering is provided. Selection means includes run-time profiling of an executable running under normal conditions. The selected sequences of instructions are replaced with instructions that interrupt the normal flow of execution and transfer control to a license server. A client computer executes the modified executable until the replaced sequences interrupt the normal flow of execution and transfer control to a license server. The license server executes the instructions which were replaced in the modified executable upon proper authorization by emulating the client microprocessor.

Abstract: A mobile stretcher, having one or more lateral recumbant positioning devices, an upper base frame, a mattress frame, and a patient retention device. The mattress frame is pivotally connected to the upper base frame and each lateral recumbant positioning device has a retracted position and an extended position. When each lateral recumbant positioning device is in the retracted position the angle between the plane of the upper base frame and the plane of the mattress frame is an angle equaling zero. Conversely, when each lateral recumbant positioning device is in the extended position the angle between the plane of the upper base frame and the plane of the mattress frame is an angle greater than zero and preferably between 60° and 65°.

Abstract: A computer enclosure cooling unit adapted to current dimensional standards which is capable of controlled cooling of individual semiconductor devices as well as of the air circulated within the computer housing. The disclosed invention utilizes Peltier devices, a controller unit, both liquid and gaseous heat exchangers, and low cost construction methods to provide a compact, effective computer enclosure cooling system meeting the cooling needs of current high-speed, heat producing computer systems and components.

Abstract: A resilient, deformable shield for a hand tool comprising a guard, a guard handle, and an attachment means for attaching the shield to a hand tool. The guard provides a volumetric enclosure having an aperture for passage of the cutting edge of a hand tool. The guard handle provides a first end and a second end; the guard handle is attached at the first end to the guard. The guard handle's second end is detachably connected to a hand tool. The guard handle may resiliently deform and pivot perpendicular to its long axis, thereby permitting movement of he cutting portion of a hand tool into and out of the volumetric enclosure.

Abstract: A stripping apron suitable for use by fly fishermen to hold the accumulated fishing line which is gathered by hand by the fisherman as he attempts to simulate the movement of an insect across the water's surface while retrieving the fishing line that he had cast out over the water's surface. The disclosed stripping apron is a light-weight, adjustable, detachable, stream-lined line storage device ideally suited to the needs of the professional fly fisherman.

Abstract: A low noise, extended dynamic range accelerometer useful for sensitive seismic observations. The accelerometer's extended range is obtained by utilizing a single opposing magnetic field to non-linearly oppose movement of a magnetic proof mass. The accelerometer may also utilize an external bias magnetic field located apart from the magnetic proof mass to provide a constant gravitational offset source.

Abstract: A low noise extended dynamic range accelerometer useful for sensitive seismic observations. The accelerometer's extended range is obtained by utilizing fixed end magnets which non-linearly oppose movement of the magnetic proof mass. Additionally, an aluminum housing material contributes eddy current dampening which produces a critically damped system over a broad range of accelerations.

Abstract: A lighting control system consisting of microcontroller enabled modular lighting circuits linked by asynchronous serial communication originating in a microprocessor.

Abstract: A dynamic wheel alignment condition system for measuring the side movement of both wheels attached to a given axle over a given distance for both steerable and non-steerable wheels. Reference is taken from the footprint of both tires as they rotate over floor plate assemblies. Computerized calculation of data and video display of results is provided.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus that can be utilized for on-site removal of contaminating hydrocarbons from gravel and soils. The apparatus functions by depositing the gravel and soils as a layer onto a specially constructed belt or screw conveyor which operates so that gravel and soils are not only conveyed through an exposure to multiple overhead steam nozzles or jets, but also agitated to separate the individual particles so that each particle's entire surface is exposed to superheated steam. The superheated steam volatizes the lighter hydrocarbons and thins the heavier hydrocarbons. The volatilized hydrocarbons are evacuated from the conveyor and condensed to liquid form. The thinned heavier hydrocarbons are discharged with the gravel and soils into a sump, where the hydrocarbons are captured. The clean gravel and soils are removed from the apparatus by a loader.

Abstract: The present invention is an arm sling with humeral stabilizer which includes a shoulder strap anchorage which connects to a torso belt. A first strap is attached at one end to the wrist portion of a sling or arm cast, passes through a loop on the shoulder anchorage, and attaches to the elbow portion of the sling or cast. A second strap is adapted to connect at one end to a torso belt, pass through a loop on the shoulder anchorage, and connect at the strap's other end to the torso belt. The utilization of the shoulder anchorage arrangement causes the weight of the supported arm to be borne by the shoulder rather than the neck.