Abstract: This invention relates to a Compressed Air Turbine-Generator, or CAT-G that will enable the ability to manage energy gathered from ecologically friendly sources, such as solar and wind power. Compressed Air Energy Storage, (C.A.E.S.), is a promising mode of clean energy storage. A major challenge facing this technology is the need to efficiently convert the compressed air energy into electricity. Conventionally, high-pressure air is used only to improve the efficiency of a conventional jet powered turbine generator. The focus herein is on a new technology that efficiently converts the energy stored in compressed air directly into electrical power without producing greenhouse byproduct gases or other pollutants. This new capability will add important flexibility to the optimization of ecologically friendly energy systems.

Abstract: A TASER® and a vertical grip are combined to be attached to the stud post under the forend or the barrel of a conventional long arm. A TASER® may also be combined with the forend or barrel of a conventional long arm itself. Stud posts come standard on certain long arms like the M-16 rifle. Stud posts can be installed on single shot and pump action shotgun forends as well. The TASER® power supply can serve as a power source for a strobe lamp, which may be sighted by rescuers either visually or with infrared night viewing or other special viewing equipment for miles. The optical signal could be produced in the infrared, visible light and ultraviolet light regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The signal lamp is inserted into a TASER®'s firing chamber in lieu of an ammunition cartridge.

Abstract: A wireless telephone interface for use with the control operator of an automatic gate system. A device utilized as a telephone extension device where a user can remotely call the device and by entering a code, can wirelessly command the gate operator to initiate a movement of the gate to either an open or closed position. This system is designed as a direct telephone interface without the complexity of a telephone entry system. The key benefit is a programmable hold open time “per command”.

Abstract: A modifiable modular sign apparatus is especially useful for fast food restaurants as backlighted menu boards. The apparatus comprises a translucent substrate board which is planar and has a front surface and a back surface. Precisely positioned holes are prepared at selected locations. These holes are aligned with thin metal shims which are affixed on the back surface of the mounting board and receive cylindrical magnets. In one embodiment the magnets are attached directly to the rear of printed sheet. In a second embodiment, magnets are positioned in the mounting board holes adhesively secured to the shims. Each printed sheet has a plurality of snap-caps extending through respective holes. The board side end of each snap-cap has a metal member for being magnetically affixed to a magnet in the mounting board hole. The printed sheet may be provided with price carriers to permit personnel to change prices.

Abstract: Concurrent Gradients Analysis (CGA), and two multi-objective optimization methods based on CGA are provided: Concurrent Gradients Method (CGM), and Pareto Navigator Method (PNM). Dimensionally Independent Response Surface Method (DIRSM) for improving computational efficiency of optimization algorithms is also disclosed. CGM and PNM are based on CGA's ability to analyze gradients and determine the Area of Simultaneous Criteria Improvement (ASCI). CGM starts from a given initial point, and approaches the Pareto frontier sequentially stepping into the ASCI area until a Pareto optimal point is obtained. PNM starts from a Pareto-optimal point, and steps along the Pareto surface in the direction that allows improving a subset of objective functions with higher priority. DIRSM creates local approximations based on automatically recognizing the most significant design variables.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a pistol-shaped Taser™-type weapon wherein the cartridge containing a pair of the wire-tethered darts is loaded into the cartridge receiving chamber from beneath the weapon, that is, in an upward movement of the cartridge with the weapon pointed toward the target. This type of loading is referred to herein as a “bottom loading” mechanism or system. The bottom loading mechanism of the present invention has significant advantages over conventional cartridge loading designs. One advantage is reduced reload time.

Abstract: An improved seal for a tamper evident security device employs out-of-plane curved barbs and an elongated slot to provide visual and tactile indications of proper seal installation. The out-of-plane curved barbs require elevating the seal body for installation. Only if the barbs are properly inserted into a seal receptacle does the body then assume a flat contiguous position. The elongated slot cooperates with a raised bar on the security device to provide a second distinct indication of proper seal installation.

Abstract: A dense silicon carbide (SiC) material with boron (B), nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) as the only additives and with excellent insulting performance (electrical volume resistivity greater than 1×108 ?·cm). The SiC ceramic material, made from a powder mix of, by weight, from 0.1 to 7% boron carbide, from 0.1 to 7% silicon nitride, from 0.1 to 6% silicon dioxide, and a balance of ?-SiC, consists essentially of (1) at least 90% by weight of ?-SiC, (2) about 0.3 to 4.0% by weight of boron, (3) about 0.1 to 6.0% by weight of nitrogen, (4) about 0.06 to 0.5% by weight of oxygen, and (5) no more than 0.07% by weight of metallic impurities; wherein the boron and nitrogen are present according to an B/N atomic ratio of 0.9 to 1.5. In particular, this material is suitable for applications in plasma etching chambers for semiconductor and integrated circuit manufacturing.

Abstract: High-volume, fully dense, multi-component monoliths with microstructurally indistinguishable joints that can be used as refractory, corrosion and wear resistant components in the non-ferrous metal industry. The Si3N4 monoliths according to the invention comprise at least 90% by weight ?-type Si3N4 and up to 10% by weight of a predominantly amorphous binder phase, said binder phase being formed from compositions of the rare earth metal —Al—Si—O—N, rare earth metal —Mg—Si—O—N or Mg—Si—O—N systems. Preferably the rare earth metal is yttrium (Y). The monoliths have a volume of greater than 250 cm3. A method of making the multi-component monoliths is achieved by simultaneously joining and uniaxially hot pressing an assembly of reaction bonded silicon nitride bodies (RBSN bodies). RBSN bodies are placed in contact with each other in the substantial absence of any interlayer or ceramic paste in between.

Abstract: A windshield protection and ice removal device comprises a pair of generally rectangular flexible wire frames enclosed by and supporting a nylon fabric coated by an outer layer of polyvinyl chloride. There are also a pair of opposed side view mirror “gloves” having expandable “wrists” and which are designed to enclose a vehicle's side view mirrors for securing the invention to the vehicle in a manner resistant to wind effects which might otherwise lift the cover from the windshield. Finally, the preferred embodiment also comprises a wire-connected belt terminating in a buckle which is designed to be trapped inside a vehicle's interior by the vehicle's door or side window to render the invention resistant to unauthorized removal from the vehicle's windshield. A relatively thick, cut-resistant wire runs through the belt to make it more difficult to cut the belt and sever it from the rest of the shield device.

Abstract: Inverse magneto hydrodynamics is employed to exploit natural movement of ocean water at coastal facilities using arrays of tubes to channel the water through orthogonal magnetic fields to generate DC voltage. Each such tube houses a plurality of serially arranged hydro-voltaic cells to produce electrical energy without mechanical movement. The tubes are preferably arranged to produce improved land use efficiency as compared to other known renewable energy generating systems such as photo-voltaic and wind turbines. A pumped salt water version is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light box display configured for frontal access to change out graphics and to perform maintenance tasks. This is accomplished in the present invention while assuring that the graphics is held in a state of moderate tension to retain the graphics in a flat and properly oriented configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the light box comprises a moveable interior frame to which the graphics sheet and diffuser are both secured. The moveable interior frame rests on a plurality of upper and lower slides which facilitate movement of the inner frame. Such movement is controlled, in part, by at least one pneumatic piston which biases the frame toward the front of the light box and provides a mechanical lock that holds the frame in its rearward position to facilitate frontal access. The graphics sheet is held in place along the top and bottom front peripheral edges of the moveable frame by a plurality of spring-biased wire connection members within roller guides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preparing an improved lithium silicate glass ceramic for the manufacture of blocks for dental appliance fabrication using a CAD/CAM process. The lithium silicate material has a chemical composition that is different from those reported in the prior art including 8 to 10% of germanium dioxide in the final composition. The softening points are close to the crystallization final temperature of 830° C. indicating that the samples will support the temperature process without shape deformation. The resulting material has improved castability and higher density.