Abstract: A window lift system (10) includes a support bracket structure (12) including gear structure (18, 20). A fixed rack structure (22, 24) is associated with the gear structure. A motor (16) is carried by the support bracket structure and the motor has a rotatable shaft. A gear train (28, 30, 32, 34) is associated with the shaft and with the gear structure such that rotation of the shaft moves the gear train, with the gear train driving the gear structure so as to move the support bracket structure with respect to the rack structure.

Abstract: A process for locating and measuring deformation in a civil engineering structure wherein at least one geosynthetic fabric (1) containing a plurality of optical fibers (2a to 2e) in parallel and capable of transmitting signals is applied in the structure or under the structure. The optical fibers contain Bragg gratings (3), evenly spaced in series (4) of N1 consecutive gratings that correspond to the same wavelength. The series is distributed in identical sets, each of which contains N2 consecutive series that correspond to the different wavelengths, and, in at least two optical fibers, the numbers N1 of gratings of a series and the numbers N2 of series (4) of a set (5) are determined to locate the deformations to which the structure is subjected on the one hand and, on the other, to measure the elongation of the said optical fibers where the deformation occurs.

Abstract: A fitting is provided for use in retaining a plurality of accessory members to a vertical modular structural unit of a telecommunications tower or electricity pylon. The unit has a plurality of vertical sides wherein each side has at least one side aperture. The fitting has a body; a body plate attached to the body and so-shaped as to be cooperable with a side of the unit and receivable in intimate engagement within the side aperture; attachments by which the fitting is attachable to the structure and the body plate is retained thereto receivable within the side aperture by retaining bolts; the body having at least one accessory, such as a guy rope, insulator, dish and platform-receiving aperture for retaining the accessory to the body. The shape of the apertures in each unit side which is complimentary with the body plate, provides a lighter, stronger and more efficacious modular unit and tower.

Abstract: A method of joining two components of a vinyl frame provides first and second components each having an end and having surfaces defining at least one channel open at the end and extending into the associated component. A coupling structure is provided and has at least a first member and a second member and includes energy receiving structure. The first member is inserted to extend at least partially into the channel of the first component and the second member is inserted so as to extend at least partially into the channel of the second component so that the energy receiving structure is generally adjacent to certain surfaces defining the associated channel. Energy is directed to the coupling structure to cause the energy receiving structure to fuse with the certain surfaces, thereby joining the first and second components together. Improved component sealing and water pathways are also provided.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel supply system includes a hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen from an energy source at an outlet pressure. An outlet conduit feeds the hydrogen to a user. A controller controls the hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen at the outlet pressure. An input interface receives user demand data and activates the controller in accordance with the user demand data.

Abstract: A method detects and interprets myoelectrical activity from an intra-abdominal organ. Electrodes obtain first signals over time relating to myoelectrical activity of organ. A respiration sensor obtains second signals relating to respiration of the patient. An initial parameter range of the first and second signals is established. A processor determines minutes when artifact occurs in both the first and second signals based on the initial parameter range. It is then determined whether there are artifact free minutes of the first and second signals. A condition of the patient is changed after determining that there are sufficient artifact free minutes. The first and second signals are recorded in memory simultaneously for a period of time after changing the condition of the patient. A processor determines whether artifact occurs in the recorded first and second signals. Artifact free minutes of the recorded first and second signals are selected for analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering or purifying water.

Abstract: A hydrogen energy system is provided for one or more buildings. The system includes a hydrogen generator; at least one zone controller for receiving and processing demands from at least one hydrogen user associated with at least one zone of the one or more buildings; and a unit controller for receiving and processing hydrogen demand data received from the at least one zone controller.

Abstract: An ice hockey arena having an ice rink surrounded by tiers of spectator seats, wherein said ice rink has a playing surface above a first concrete base having a first width and a first length, a first series of cooling pipes within said first base and an insulation layer between said first base and the ground, the improvement comprising a second concrete base having a second width and a second length above said first base wherein said second width is greater than said first width; and a second series of cooling pipes within said second base. The method allows for the enlargement of a standard NHL ice playing surface to International Ice Hockey Federation width playing surface in a cost-effective manner while maintaining acceptable spectator sight lines.

Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen storage system having one or more hydrogen storage containers disposed in a confined area with a vent line extending from the one or more storage containers to a location outside of the confined area. One or more sensors are disposed in the confined area for detecting one or more pre-determined unsafe conditions relating to the storage of hydrogen in the contained area and at least one actuator is provided for actuating an operable valve of the vent line to release the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage container to a location outside the confined area at a pre-determined release rate in response to a signal from the sensor indicating an unsafe condition. A power system incorporating a hydrogen storage system as described above is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for spreading aggregate material on ground. The apparatus includes a body 12, an engine 14 carried by the body, motive structure 18 powered by the engine to move the apparatus along the ground. A hopper 20 is associated with the body and is constructed and arranged to receive aggregate material from a source of aggregate material. Dispensing structure 24, associated with the hopper, is constructed and arranged to dispense aggregate material from the hopper to the ground. Wheel structure 30, carried by the body, is constructed and arranged to be movable between an inoperative position, wherein the motive structure is in a ground engaging position and the wheel structure is in a position so as not to engage the ground, and an operative position, wherein the wheel structure is in a ground engaging position and the motive structure is in a position so as not to engage the ground.

Abstract: A pressure releasing valve structure 36? is provided for a fluid operated device 10. The device has an orifice 42 constructed and arranged to be in fluid communication with a pressure chamber C. The valve structure includes a body 49 having first and second ends. A valve member 40 is provided at the first end of the body and is constructed and arranged to seal the orifice 42. A first spring 38 is associated with the first end of the body and is constructed and arranged to cause the valve member 40 to seal the orifice 42 under first pressure conditions in the pressure chamber C. A second spring 50 is associated with the second end of the body and is constructed and arranged to compress thereby reducing a force exerted by the first spring 38, permitting the valve member 40 to move to a non-sealing position to open the orifice under pressure conditions in the pressure chamber C lower than would be required absent the provision of the second spring.

Abstract: A collaborative input system 10 includes a host computer 12. A display 14 is associated with the host computer. The host computer includes a processor 15 configured for executing an application to provide an image 17 on the display 14. At least one electromagnetic digitizer 18 is provided separate from the host computer. The digitizer 18 has an input surface 22 defining a display space that is mapped to coincide with the display 14, and a pen structure 24 operatively associated with the input surface such that proximity of the pen structure with respect to the input surface, as a result of a user's input, is detected by the digitizer.

Abstract: A container is provided for transporting cargo on a flatbed vehicle. The container includes a top wall structure; a bottom wall structure opposing the top wall structure; a front wall structure; a rear wall structure opposing the front wall structure; and a pair of sidewall structures disposed in opposing relation. The top wall structure, the bottom wall structure, the front wall structure, the rear wall structure and the sidewall structures are coupled so as to form an enclosed interior space. The bottom wall structure has leg structures extending therefrom. The leg structures are spaced a sufficient length and are constructed and arranged to be received in recesses defined at opposing sides of a cargo carrying surface of the flatbed vehicle to mount the container with respect to the cargo carrying surface. Certain of the wall structures are constructed and arranged to be opened and closed to place and store cargo in the interior space.

Abstract: A hinge comprises two elements, respectively attachable to first and second structures, and hingedly rotatable about an axis relative to each other. One said element comprises a first elongate member extending along the direction of the said axis and having a keyway slot that extends part way along the said member from one end thereof, and also comprises a second member adapted for attachment to one of the said structures and integrally formed with a key member receivable in the slot. The keyway slot and the key member are formed with profiles that enable the key member to be received in the slot to a selected one of a plurality of depths, thereby enabling adjustment in the spacing of the said one structure radially of the said axis.

Abstract: A device providing a combined bucket and scarifier includes a bucket having a bottom wall, a rear wall, and two side walls coupled to the bottom wall and the rear wall to define an interior space. The bucket has an open front end and the rear wall is generally rectangular having a long axis. A scarifier is operatively associated with the bucket. The scarifier has a plurality of teeth constructed and arranged to be moved with respect to the bucket between a stored, inoperative position, and an operative position with portions of the teeth extending outwardly with respect to a portion of the bottom wall of the bucket. Actuating structure is mounted with respect to the bucket. The actuating structure includes a cylinder unit having a piston, and linkages coupled between the piston and teeth such that movement of the piston causes movement of the linkages thereby causing movement of the teeth between the inoperative and operative positions.

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus is provided for treating an impure liquid to produce purified liquid. The process includes electrically activating a thermoelectric module (24) to provide a first module heated surface (26) and a module cooler surface (28); feeding the impure liquid to the first module heated surface (26) to produce vapor of the liquid; and transferring the vapor to the module cooler surface (28), to effect heat transfer to the module cooler surface (28). The process further includes (a) directing a first portion of the vapor adjacent to or onto the module cooler surface (28) to effect heat transfer to the module cooler surface to produce a first condensed liquid; (b) directing a second portion of the vapor to condenser means (18) having a second cooler surface (46) remote from the module cooler surface (28) to effect heat transfer to the second cooler surface (46) to produce a second condensed liquid; and (c) collecting the first and second condensed liquids.

Abstract: A catheter structure includes an elongated tube structure having distal and proximal ends and an axis. Electrodes are associated with the tube structure and are constructed and arranged to be moved from a retracted position substantially within the tube structure to an extended position extended directly outwardly from the distal end of the tube structure and generally in the direction of the axis. The electrodes are constructed and arranged to obtain signals relating to myoelectrical activity of an intra-abdominal organ. Actuating structure is operatively associated with the electrodes to move the electrodes between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: An energy distribution network is provided including an energy source; a hydrogen production facility connected to the energy source; a recipient for hydrogen from the hydrogen production facility; and a controller. The controller controls the production of hydrogen by the hydrogen production facility based on inputs including energy resource availability.