Abstract: A method and system for controlling an internal combustion power train, whereby the values of various operating parameters of the power train are measured by means of a number of sensors, and operation of the engine is monitored by means of at least one control unit, which is physically separate from the engine block and connected to the sensors; at least one pressure sensor is housed in the control unit, is physically separate from the engine block, and determines the intensity of pressure waves generated by the power train; and the control unit determines the value of at least one operating parameter of the power train as a function of the intensity of the pressure waves generated by the power train.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club having alignment markings that assist a golfer in finding a proper and consistent posture before addressing the ball. In one embodiment, a golf club according to the present invention includes a shaft, a club head having a striking face, a hosel coupling the club head to the shaft, and one or more alignment markings at a position substantially elevated from the club head and substantially behind the shaft. Embodiments of the golf club may further comprise an appendage extending outwardly from the golf club and carrying alignment markings thereon in a direction substantially parallel to the striking face. Such alignment markings provide a golfer with a proper setup when the shaft is seen by the golfer as interposed between, and parallel to, the alignment markings. A golf club according to the present invention may be configured in a variety of shapes, for example, as a putter, an iron, a driver or a wood.

Abstract: An emergency floatation system for an aircraft includes an actuator box assembly that activates the floatation system either electrically or manually. The actuator box assembly is separated from a valve assembly of an inflation reservoir and provides an interface between an electromechanical trigger system and a redundant mechanical trigger system. The actuator box includes a pivot member that provides an interface for the redundant trigger systems and an output actuator. For normal operation a button in the cockpit is pressed which sends an electrical signal to an electromechanical actuator in the actuator box assembly. The electromechanical actuator rotates the pivot member, which operates the output actuator and opens the valve assembly. Alternatively, should the electrical system of the aircraft fail, the pilot or other occupant may activate the mechanical trigger system, thereby rotating the pivot member and activating the output actuator to open the valve assembly.

Abstract: An exercise system is provided in which multiple exercise routines may be conducted with a single system. The exercise system may be used for skiing exercises, rowing exercises, and for weight training/resistance exercises. The exercise system may also be stored in a compact position and may by integrated with articles of furniture for space saving benefits. In one embodiment, resistance to motion is provided by one or more tension transmission members and may be selectively adjusted by controlling the configuration of the tension transmission member relative to a torsion spring. Use of intermediate devices between the spring and the tension transmission member are described that provide a non-linear relationship between force and displacement. In another embodiment, the tension transmission member may be configured in different positions by adjusting the position of movable pulleys, thereby allowing the device to be used for a number of different exercise routines.

Abstract: A glass locking system of locking a glass panel within a base shoe having side walls, comprising a first tapered plate having a first end and a second end. The first plate is tapered such that the first end is thinner than the second end. A second tapered plate has a first end and a second end, the second plate being tapered such that the first end is thinner than the second end. The first and second plate are insertable between a side wall of the base shoe and a glass panel in overlapping relation. Moving the second tapered plate laterally towards the first plate serves to generate a compressive force on the glass panel, and moving the plates laterally apart serves to reduce the compressive force on the panel.

Abstract: A soccer training system is used to condition soccer players to make shots at the goal with an improved likelihood of scoring by conditioning the soccer players to aim towards the areas of the goal where shots are more likely to score. Similarly disclosed is a novel method of conditioning soccer players to improve their ability to score goals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing and releasing energy comprising directing inlet air into a vertical cold flue assembly, a portion of moisture being removed from the air within the cold flue assembly. The air is directed out of the cold flue assembly and compressed. The remaining moisture is substantially removed and the carbon dioxide is removed from the air by adsorption. The air is cooled in a main heat exchanger such that it is substantially liquefied using refrigerant loop air. The substantially liquefied air is directed to a storage apparatus. The refrigerant loop air is cooled by a mechanical chiller and by a plurality of refrigerant loop air expanders. In energy release mode, working loop fluid warms the released liquid air such that the released liquid air is substantially vaporized, and the released liquid air cools the working loop fluid such that the working loop fluid is substantially liquefied.

Abstract: A method for creating networking database containing a plurality of records for different individuals in which individuals are connected to one another in the database by mutual recognition of a relationship. This mutual recognition of a relationship is inferred by the possession of the Guest Key of one member by the other member. This paradigm for network expansion allows users to proactively grow their networks both using the site features and using tools they may be more familiar with, such as email, messaging, talking, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing pollutants from braking mechanisms are provided. The systems can include a housing partially surrounding at least a portion of a vehicle brake assembly and disposed to receive brake dust from the brake assembly and a collector disposed to capture the brake dust received in said housing. A method can include providing the a providing a housing partially surrounding at least a portion of a vehicle brake assembly and disposed to receive brake dust from the brake assembly and a collector disposed to capture the brake dust received in said housing, creating a first air flow using the forward motion of the vehicle to move the pollutants from said housing to said collector, and capturing the brake dust in said collector.

Abstract: System and method for storing and releasing energy comprising directing air into a vertical cold flue assembly. The assembly has an air inlet at or near the top and an air exit at or near the bottom. The air is cooled and a portion of moisture is removed from the air.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting a boiler and heating system from damage comprising a control board having inputs and outputs, a processor having inputs and outputs, at least one ambient sensor in communication with the processor, at least one boiler sensor in communication with the processor, a power failure relay, the power failure relay being in communication with the processor wherein the power failure relay is capable of detecting power failure of the boiler, an alarm relay connected to the control board by the at least one output and which is capable of sending notification to an alarm system. When an ambient temperature detection event occurs the ambient sensor communicates with the processor and switches the control board from passive mode to monitoring mode.

Abstract: A combination neck brace incorporated into a body protector which is formed as an entire integrated unit to be worn to protect the neck and the body of a user, including the concept of a foam rubber protector which surrounds the neck region of the body and is incorporated into and made a part of a plastic or fiberglass protective shield which has a body portion that extends around the entire torso of the body so that the neck protector portion is incorporated into the torso protector portion to perform a full integrated unit. The neck protector portion has a rotatable hinge member than enables a neck protector portion to be moved forwardly so that the head can be inserted through the neck protector section and thereafter return to its original position to tightly envelope the neck and provide the protective shield to the neck and head area.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing for a virtual inventory system of goods aggregating disparate inventories into a single virtual inventory for the purpose of tracking the goods, trading the goods, and establishing authenticity of the goods. The aggregation of disparate inventories readily provides for quick procurement or sales of the goods, especially as they relate to high end, rare, or expensive items. Accordingly, electronic product codes are assigned to each good to monitor inventory and movement of the good.

Abstract: A tire for vehicles which does not require pressurization by means of a pressurized fluid has a tread, two sidewalls, and two beads which are attached to a wheel rim made of elastomer material, and is provided with at least one tubular reinforcement body which is associated with the tread; each of the sidewalls having a respective homogeneous resilient annular membrane, a straight generatrix of which forms an angle (A) other than 90° with the axis of the tire; the membranes being stretched radially between the tread and the beads such as to be pre-tensioned in the absence of external loads acting on the tire.

Abstract: Systems and methods of capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide, comprising mixing a substantially non-aqueous solvent and an alkali such that the solvent and alkali form a solvent suspension, mixing water and a flue gas containing carbon dioxide with the solvent suspension such that a reaction occurs, the reaction resulting in the formation of a carbonate, water and heat.

Abstract: An improved treatment apparatus and method of using in which the device has plural protruding contact elements, each preferably having an undulating contact surface with one or more peaks. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of contact elements are positioned spaced apart from one another in columns. In another device an elongated single column is provided. Mounting brackets are provided that enable a user to position the device easily and to adjust mounting straps and/or belts to a particular body shape. In one example, the device may include bracket apertures into which mounting brackets can be positioned. In another aspect of the invention, adjustable buckles and/or binders are provided can be used to adjust the length of the straps and secure the device to the wearer in use.

Abstract: A switching device has an S (Superconductor)-N (Normal Metal)-S superlattice to control the stream of electrons without any dielectric materials. Each layer of said Superconductor has own terminal. The superlattice spacing is selected based on “Dimensional Crossover Effect”. This device can operate at a high frequency without such energy losses as devices breaking the superconducting state. The limit of the operation frequency in the case of the Nb/Cu superlattice is expected to be in the order of 1018 Hz concerning plasmon loss energy of the normal metals (Cu; in the order of 103 eV).