Abstract: A system and a method are described for monitoring pressure imbalances in the adsorbent beds of a portable gas concentrator. Using the programmability features found in modern portable concentrators, various mitigative procedures to adjust for pressure imbalances and to predict the need for service are disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer tipper is disclosed having a sub-frame, a deck pivotally secured to a rear portion of the sub-frame, and means for raising the deck relative to the sub-frame. A wheel assembly frame is pivotally secured to a rear portion of the sub-frame, and wheels are connected to the wheel assembly frame. An adjustable backstop is provided, having a first member affixed to the deck and a second member slidably secured to the first member and movable over a path that is substantially parallel to the deck. Front and middle stabilizers are pivotally secured to the sub-frame. In the raised position, each stabilizer rests on the deck or sub-frame disposed so that it does not extend outward from an outer side of the sub-frame.

Abstract: A safe method and apparatus for interrupting electric utility ground and open neutral fault currents and isolating customer's grounding system from utility's neutral utilizing thermal-magnetic circuit breaker pole(s) (18) electrically connected between the neutral bus/lug(s) (38) and the equipment ground bus/lug(s) (32). In addition the grounding electrode conductor (26) is connected directly to the equipment ground bus/lug(s) (32). The method of overcurrent protection for grounding electrode conductors is applicable to electrical installations where from one to six main circuit breakers are used. Circuit breaker enclosure(s) (10) are bonded to the equipment ground bus/lug(s) (32). This method is applicable to load centers, panelboards, and switchboards rated 600 volts or less, single phase or three phase. Ampere ratings vary from 20 amperes to 4,000 amperes. Short circuit ratings vary from 10,000 to 200,000 RMS symmetrical amperes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed which allow a stream to be divided so that a portion continues to provide forward or reverse thrust while a portion is diverted to provide lateral thrust. The apparatus has a frame and a side diverter connected thereto. The side diverter is movable into and out of the path of a water stream from a jet propulsion unit to divert at least a portion of the water stream to provide lateral thrust. The apparatus preferably has two side diverters that may or may not be independently operable. The apparatus also preferably has one or more reverse diverters connected to the frame. The frame is preferably pivoted about two axes to move the side diverters into and out of the path of the water stream, and the reverse diverter preferably pivots about an axis that is perpendicular to these axes.

Abstract: A bioactive agent is administered to a patient, and the efficacy of the bioactive agent is modified by exposing the patient to a polarizing field. The bioactive agent may be a chemotherapeutic agent administered to a patient with cancer, and the polarizing field may be an electric field and/or a magnetic field. The direction and/or strength of the polarizing field may be changed during treatment to promote the opportunity for enhanced therapeutic interaction between the bioactive agent and the field.

Abstract: A spray application system is disclosed having an enclosure with a spray chamber, a spray applicator within the chamber, and a liquid barrier such as a sprayed water curtain, within the chamber, upstream or downstream of the spray applicator. The water is preferably sprayed downward to create a vacuum for drawing the treating substance downward into the liquid barrier. The liquid barrier preferably does not contact the workpieces that instead pass overhead. Independent pressure gauges and flow regulators may be used for the upstream liquid barrier, the downstream liquid barrier, and the spray applicator. The chamber may have a roof section that is secured to a beam or other process line support, and the walls may be suspended from the roof section. The roof section may have an opening running across its length to allow hangers from an overhead processing line to pass through the chamber.

Abstract: A system comprising a first anaerobic digester (12), an ammonia recovery vessel (16) and a second anaerobic digester (14). Microorganisms in the first digester are primarily hydrolyzers and acetogens, while those in the second digester are primarily methanogens. A nitrogen containing feed stock undegoes hydrolysis ans acetogenesis in the first digester. The effluent is passed to the ammonia recovery vessel in which ammonia is removed. The low ammonia effluent stream is passed to the second digester to undergo methanogenesis, generating a biogas. In an alternate embodiment, a single anaerobic digester is used. The effluent is treated for ammonia removal and recycled to the digester to keep the ammonia levels sufficiently low to avoid ammonia inhibition.

Abstract: A game call friction material is disclosed. Airfloated clay powder is heated to a temperature of greater than approximately 1112° F. to form a calcined clay powder that is then mixed with water and a carrier such as plaster and set to form a solid mass. The volume ratio of plaster to calcined clay in the solid mass is approximately 150:1. The solid mass preferably has a cavity with a second mass of calcined clay and plaster disposed therein. The volume ratio of calcined clay to plaster in the second mass is approximately 3:1. The solid mass is rubbed against a friction game call, depositing calcined clay particles and plaster particles thereon. The calcined clay particles form friction layers on the relevant surfaces of the friction game calls. The plaster helps to dry the friction game call surfaces and to form the friction layers on the friction game call surfaces.

Abstract: A wart removal device includes a handle and a pad. The pad has a base and tines with each tine preferably having a height not less than approximately twice its width. The tine height is preferably less than approximately 0.1 inch. The pad has a width that is preferably not greater than approximately ¼ inch and a length that is preferably not less than approximately twice its width. Each tine is sharpened so that opposing sides form a point at an upper edge with the opposing sides forming an angle of from approximately 20° to approximately 40°. In operation, the device is raked against wart tissue to create incisions in the wart tissue. The sharpness and cutting depth of the device are designed to create incisions without causing noticeable bleeding. The device may be provided in a kit with a medicament, such as pyruvic acid, to improve the effectiveness of the medicament.

Abstract: A method of detecting broken glass is disclosed comprising determining an area to be searched for broken glass and temporarily illuminating the area using a high operating voltage gas discharge lamp while the broken glass is found and removed. In an industrial application, the method involves illuminating an area around a glass processing machine with a high operating voltage gas discharge lamp. In operation, the area around the machine is illuminated with the lamp, and the machine is operated to move and process glass objects. The illuminated area is monitored for the presence of broken glass. When broken glass is detected, movement of the glass objects may be temporarily halted while the broken glass is located and removed. The lamp preferably has an operating voltage of no less than approximately 2,000 volts and an operating amperage of no greater than approximately 120 milliamps.

Abstract: A boat positioning apparatus and system are disclosed. The apparatus and system may include a boat having a hull, an outboard motor, and a thruster. The thruster has a housing that is secured to the transom to maintain a fixed position relative to the transom. The housing is disposed above a slip stream that occurs when the boat is on plane. A reversible electric motor is disposed in the housing, and a shaft passes through the housing, with propellers affixed to each end of the shaft. A switch, preferably a foot switch, is operably connected to the reversible electric motor. The reversible electric motor may be connected to the same battery used for the outboard motor. Hook and loop fasteners may be used to provide flexibility in positioning the switch in the boat. In an alternate embodiment, the boat positioning system is built into an outboard motor. In the alternate embodiment, a water intake line supplies water to a pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed in which the apparatus has a hopper and a tube secured to the hopper, the tube having an opening between distal and proximal end portions thereof. The apparatus may have a second tube secured to the first tube at the opening, and the second tube may extend substantially vertically downward. The lower end of the second tube may be aligned to terminate at a vertical level that is substantially equal to a vertical level of an opening in the distal end portion of the first tube. A Y-shaped tube may be secured to the distal end of the first tube to further distribute the grain. In use, grain is introduced into the hopper, and a first portion is passed to a first tube. The first portion of grain is divided into second and third portions, the second portion is passed through a second tube, and the third portion is passed to a distal end of the first tube.

Abstract: A bioactive agent (53) is administered to a patient (1), and the efficacy of the bioactive agent (53) is modified by exposing the patient (1) to a polarizing field (39, 41, 52). The bioactive agent (53) may be a chemotherapeutic agent administered to a patient with cancer, and the polarizing field (39, 41, 52) may be an electric field and/or a magnetic field. The direction and/or strength of the polarizing field (39, 41, 52) may be changed during treatment to promote the opportunity for enhanced therapeutic interaction between the bioactive agent (53) and the field (39, 41, 52).

Abstract: A system is disclosed comprising a first anaerobic digester, an ammonia recovery vessel, and a second anaerobic digester. Microorganisms within the first anaerobic digester are primarily hydrolyzers and acetogens, and microorganisms within the second anaerobic digester are primarily methanogens. A nitrogen containing feed stock is passed to the first digester in which the feed stock is treated to accomplish hydrolysis and acetogenesis. An effluent stream from the first digester is passed to the ammonia recovery vessel in which ammonia is removed to generate a low ammonia effluent stream. The low ammonia effluent stream is then passed to the second digester in which it is treated to accomplish methanogenesis, thereby generating a biogas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading bulk materials is disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a track and a frame movable on the track between a retracted and extended position. A first plate is movably mounted on the frame, and a ram is operably connected to the first plate for moving it between a retracted and extended position. A feeder may also secured to the frame. In operating a press such as the one disclosed, the frame and plate are moved within the container, a compressible material is transferred into the container, the compressible material is compressed, and the frame and plate are moved to a position outside the container. The steps of transferring compressible material into the container and compressing it may be repeated as desired. The frame may also be equipped with a second plate in which case one plate may be compressing material while additional compressible material is simultaneously being transferred into another portion of the container.

Abstract: A sealing nut is disclosed for sealed engagement with a workpiece. The sealing nut has a nut body having a lower face, and a bore extends through at least a portion of the nut body. A groove is formed in the lower face, the groove having a side wall which extends upwardly from the lower face. At least a lower portion of the side wall slants outward from a remotely disposed axis of the bore as the side wall extends upward from the lower face. A sealing element, such as an O-ring is disposed within the groove. The sealing element has an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the groove at the lower face of the nut body so that the sealing element must be compressed slightly to be fitted within the groove and so that the groove removably retains the sealing element in place without the need for a sealant or glue.

Abstract: A spinner shape (10) cut and formed to resemble a small bait fish which exhibits rotation (40) in moving air or water as a result of action against the broad surfaces of the tail fin plates (24) and the internal broad surfaces of the spinner bodies (28). The spinner shape is then journaled on a shaft (32) through center hole (14) and adjoined tab holes (12) for assembly as an in-line spinning lure (30), or is adjoined at the opposite ends with a split ring (46) to be attached by way of a swivel (50) to a “V” frame spinner bait (48) or to a jig spinner (49).

Abstract: A fastener is disclosed for sealed engagement with a workpiece. The fastener has a head having a lower face, and a shank extends from the lower surface of the head. A groove is formed in the lower surface, the groove having an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall has a proximal end which is adjacent the lower surface of the head and which is disposed radially remotely from the shank. A sealing element, such as an O-ring, is disposed at least partially within the groove. The groove may be configured so that a distal end of the inner wall is near to the axis of the shank than is the proximal end of the inner wall.

Abstract: An aircraft de-icing system is disclosed in which a laser beam generator is positioned on an aircraft, a beam of radiant energy is generated and directed toward the critical surfaces of the aircraft to create a footprint upon the surface of the aircraft, and the beam is manipulated so that the footprint is moved about the aircraft surface for removing ice, snow or water from the critical aircraft surfaces. One or more laser beam generators are preferably disposed remotely from the area to be de-iced, and the beams are preferably reflected from one or more mirrors so that the mirrors may be adjusted to enable the beams to illuminate the critical surfaces of the aircraft. The laser beams preferably have a wavelength that is preferentially reflected by the aircraft surface and absorbed by ice, snow and water, so that the beam heats and removes ice, snow and water from the aircraft surface as the beam's footprint is moved thereabouts.