Abstract: A method is provided for improving the dewatering and odor reduction characteristics of a liquid wastewater sludge, sediment, or soils to ultimately form a dewatered solid residual that includes nutrition enhancement of a resultant material that is suitable for distribution and marketing, and for incorporation in a fertilizer blend. The material meets Class A pathogen reduction by achieving disinfecting conditions. The method includes the addition of selective acids and bases to the liquid sludge which forms insoluble precipitates, and enmeshes the solids in the sludge to form a granular product. The method's applicability includes municipal, agricultural, food processing, industrial liquid and semi-liquid sludges, sediments, and soils.

Abstract: A tool hanging device is disclosed for hanging tools, and in particular various sizes of handled tools such as rakes, shovels, brooms, hoes, etc. in sheds, garages, and other areas. The tool hanging device is preferably two separate pieces and generally consists of a hook first portion associated with a wall area and a loop second portion preferably attached to the handle of the tool. The hook first portion and loop second portion are designed to work in combination with each other to hang handled tools to the wall or beam area of a structure, such as, a metal shed.

Abstract: A waterproof shower module comprising a pre-fabricated, integrally molded unit which forms a unitary base having side walls and a pitched floor defining an opening within which is incorporated a vertically adjustable drain. Each side wall includes an upper lip forming a horizontal surface upon which wall board may be supported and flushly aligned with the side walls of the module such that a substantially continuous and uniform surface is formed which provides a suitable mounting surface for receiving shower tiles. The module floor includes a top surface and a bottom surface and defines a plurality of molded feet depending from the bottom surface, which feet function to support the module floor on the underlying subfloor. The module floor is uniformly pitched from each side wall to the drain opening. One of the side walls further defines a curb and includes inner and outer curb surfaces and a horizontal and curb surface. Tile installed on the module's surfaces and on the surrounding wall board.

Abstract: A direct data delivery system and method for use in client/server environments for direct transfer of data files between Peer I/O Devices so as to allow reading from or writing to file servers with minimal burden to the file server's central processing units, to alleviate congestion on data buses and delay of real time data delivery. The instant invention provides high bandwidth server solutions based upon hardware and software components that enable direct data/file transfers among peer I/O devices, including but not limited to, directed data transfers between storage and network I/O devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an awning that permits light and air to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The awning includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a removable rigid support plate. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The shutter includes modular louver sections that have an integral rigid backing plate.

Abstract: A support device for artificial fingernails for selectively securing artificial fingernails on individual support members, which device includes an elongated base having a substantially planar bottom surface and a plurality of individual nail support members connected to the base and extending vertically therefrom. Each support member includes a top portion forming a nail support surface which includes a quantity of reusable tacky material incorporated thereon for securing an individual nail to the support surface. In the preferred embodiment, the base is sized for accommodating five, similarly sized, vertically extending nail support members in spaced relation aligned along the longitudinal axis of the base.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for use in cooling and dehumidifying an interior space while rejecting heat to several alternative sources. The system incorporates three primary heat transfer coils in a mechanical refrigeration cycle to provide comfort cooling to an interior space while rejecting heat to one of two primary condensing mediums. In addition the heat transfer system of the present invention functions by transferring heat from the atmosphere to a pool, thereby functioning as a pool heater. In a first operating mode heat transferred from an interior space to the ambient atmosphere. In a second operating mode heat is transferred from an interior space to pool water. In a third operating mode heat is transferred from the ambient atmosphere to pool water. A refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger is disclosed having a gas trap for isolating corrosive gases from the metallic heat exchanger components, and further including a sacrificial zinc anode for corrosion protection.

Abstract: An apparatus used to protect a motor vehicle has a low profile housing placed below a rear bumper of the vehicle, and a cover placed within the housing in an accordion-like fashion. In one embodiment, an electric motor drives a roller belt assembly which frictionally engages with the cover to provide a force to aid a user in either the extension from or the retraction into the housing of the cover. In an alternate embodiment, the roller assembly includes webbing material geometrically positioned to prevent the cover from becoming entangled in the rollers. At least one roller assembly can be flexibly positioned to permit even force to be applied to the cover during extension from and retraction into the housing even if the cover becomes bunched to one side of the roller assembly. The electric motor is controlled from an extension handle attached to a forward portion of the cover.

Abstract: A human eye dilation simulator is provided for use in a medical patient simulation mannequin. The eye simulator's pupils dilate and constrict in response to light stimuli, and physiological condition. Eyelids open, close, and blink under control of a simulation computer. The eyelids and can be opened manually for student examination, testing, and diagnosis. Each eye can be programmed independently with a variety of responses to simulate actual eye responses to various neurological dysfunction, trauma, or drugs. The eye simulator is used in conjunction with other responses from a patient simulator mannequin to simulate the bodily responses of an actual patient to various situations encountered in the medical field. The patient simulator is used for training medical personnel especially in the areas of trauma care and anesthesiology.

Abstract: A personnel guided aerial delivery device is disclosed which can be used to safely and precisely deliver personnel, cargo, or a combination of both from an aircraft in flight, to a precise target or location. In the preferred embodiment, the aerial delivery device generally consists of a large "ram-air" type gliding parachute, a "drogue" parachute, an encapsulated crew module, a "fly-by-wire" control system, and a landing impact attenuation system. The aerial delivery device can employ an onboard human pilot to navigate the module. The use of a skilled pilot allows the aerial delivery device to be guided to a designated landing site.

Abstract: The instant invention contemplates a process for manufacturing jewelry including the steps of: (a) creating a photographic negative from a computer-generated image; (b) exposing the back side of a polyester backed soft photopolymerizable resin sheet to ultra-violet radiation thereby causing photopolymerization to a predetermined depth corresponding the exposure duration; (c) masking the negative over a "soft" photopolymerizable resin; (d) irradiating the unmasked resin with ultraviolet radiation; (e) chemically removing the non-photoset resin from the photopolymer resulting in a positive three-dimensional likeness of the object to be cast; and (f) creating a final negative mold using the positive three-dimensional likeness via a "lost-wax" type process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for neutralizing electrostatic charges in non-conductive pipe, such as polyethylene pipe used in natural gas pipelines, which provides a simple and inexpensive apparatus and method to discharge, or otherwise neutralize, electrostatic charges in existing, as well as new, pipelines without requiring specialized pipe or extensive modification of existing pipelines. An apparatus according to the invention includes a housing having inlet and outlet openings and defining a hollow interior portion containing an anti-static cartridge having a cationic substance associated therewith, which, when installed in-line in a gas pipeline, functions to disperse microscopic cationic particles into the gas stream, which particles are carried through downstream pipeline components and neutralize static electrical charges accumulating on said pipeline components.

Abstract: A headwear (16) designed with a permanent or removable pocket that holds objects about the crown (17). A Veil (21) attaching to the crown (17) hanging about the back and side portion of the person. An outside grasping member (23) attaches to the headwear (16) for storing objects on the outside. The pocket is formed of a pair of liners, using a inner liner comprising a segment of the crown (17) and an additional outer liner (30) stitched (29) proximate its top edges with the bottom portion being secured with a fastener or a separate set of liners stitched proximate their top edges with the bottom portion secured with a fastener making it removable from the headwear (16). A veil (21) made with sufficient material that encompasses the headwear (16) from side to side and in length to protect the wearer's upper body. A veil (21) with optional fasteners 27 and handle device 36 connected to the veil thereby utilizing it as a carrying entity.

Abstract: A boat propeller lock for boat propellers of the type that include a central shaft with a plurality of outward extending propeller blades, and that attach to the drive shaft of an outboard or inboard/outboard marine motor is provided. In one embodiment, the invention includes a generally U-shaped member consisting of a base member and a pair of parallel arms. A generally C-shaped member having a pair of parallel arms extending perpendicular to the C-shaped member, with one arm extending from each end of the "C" of the C-shaped member. The U-shaped member being adapted so the base member fits the front portion of an outboard or inboard/outboard lower unit with the parallel arms facing aft of the lower unit, and the C-shaped member being positioned over the rear of the marine propeller with the parallel arms facing forward. The parallel arms of the U-shaped member being slidably engagable with the parallel arms of the C-shaped member.

Abstract: A low cost efficient method and system for treating animal waste and in particular pig and swine solid and liquid manure to allow removable of undesirable odors and return of sludge and liquid safely to the environment to eliminate or reduce pollution. The method and system include collecting the manure into a central tank and using a continuous process to compress the manure to separate liquid from the solid sludge and transferring the separated liquid to a separate holding tank. The dried out sludge is collected as a residual and can be safely returned to the environment. Calcium carbonate may be added to the residual sludge to reduce odor. A polymer may be added to the pressing stage of the sludge to enhance liquid sludge separation. The separated liquid is then treated with a pressure filter membrane to remove undesirable elements from the liquid after which is filtered and is returned safely to the environment either to a natural stream to a sewage system or for agricultural uses.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine spark plug provides an overpressure release mechanism to avert engine component damage as a result of hydrostatic lock caused by liquids (typically water) entering the combustion chamber under operating conditions. This spark plug incorporates predictably and adjustably weakened structural zones such that, upon encountering overpressure situations, the central portion of the plug is ejected, generating sufficient flow area to expel gasses and liquids from the combustion chamber and venting the cylinder to the atmosphere. The invention is also useful in the detection and avoidance of damage under conditions of detonation.

Abstract: A drug recognition system for patient simulators is provided for use in training in anesthesiology, operating rooms, and emergency rooms. In a patient simulator mannequin, simulated intravenous drugs are administered by syringe. Each syringe used on a multiple syringe manifold contains a simulated drug fluid and an integrated circuit preprogrammed with a drug type and concentration. A flow sensor provides the amount of simulated drug administered. A computer senses the drug type and concentration from the integrated circuit attached to the syringe, and measures the amount administered from the flow sensor. The drug type, concentration, and amount administered is used by the computer, along with other measured parameters, body and drug models, and trainer input, to cause the simulator mannequin to react in the proper or desired manner. In an alternate embodiment, the system can be used to record the type, concentration, and amount of actual drugs administered to a real patient.