Abstract: A method for connecting a chlorine generator to a pipe carrying a flow of water is disclosed. A short section of rigid pipe conveying water to the chlorine generator is configured at an end inserted into the water flow so that the flow forces water into the rigid pipe and into the chlorine generator, and a second short section of rigid pipe that returns chlorinated water from the chlorine generator to the flow of water is configured at an end inserted into the water flow so that the flow draws the chlorinated water into the flow. A single clamp around the pipe carrying the flow may be used to mount both sections of short rigid tubing to and from the chlorine generator.

Abstract: A combined surgical implement used in stomach reduction surgery and for serving as a template and testing integrity of a newly-formed gastric pouch is disclosed. A primary tube extending into a stomach of a patient carries a balloon inflatable to define a size and shape of a newly formed gastric pouch. Suction is applied through the tube to remove the stomach contents and deflate the stomach around the balloon, after which the gastric pouch is surgically formed. After surgical completion of the pouch, the pouch is tested by pressurizing and the pressure monitored. If a leak is present, the pressure falls and air bubbles in the saline solution surrounding the gastric pouch become evident, immediately indicating a leak in the newly-formed gastric pouch, which then may be repaired to seal the leak.

Abstract: Jungle canopy surveillance apparatus and method for surveillance of human presence in a jungle canopy environment includes a plurality of sensor-relay units configured to be disposed on or near the jungle floor, and configured to detect human presence and wirelessly transmit a corresponding detection signal. At least one of the sensor-relay units is configured to receive a detection signal from another sensor-relay unit and to relay the thus-received detection signal. An artificial intelligence center is configured to be disposed on or near the top of the jungle canopy, and is configured to (i) receive at least one of the detection signal and the relayed detection signal, (ii) analyze the received at least one of the detection signal and the relayed detection signal using artificial intelligence software, and (iii) transmit a corresponding report signal to a receiving platform.

Abstract: A system for automatically aligning two data antennae is disclosed. Each antenna is provided with a pan and tilt unit, a GPS receiver for locating a respective antenna's location, a position reporting radio for broadcasting a local position to the remote antenna, and a magnetic compass including tilt sensors for determining tilt of the antenna and for establishing a reference heading. A computer at each location receives the local coordinates, remote coordinates reference heading and tilt information, and calculates a difference between the reference heading and bearing to the remote antenna. This information is converted to pan and tilt commands to drive the antenna to the bearing of the remote antenna. Two antenna equipped in this manner can be aligned simultaneously.

Abstract: A real time digital correlation system is disclosed. Reference filters are constructed to define a region of filter space, and filters may be predictively selected based on a trajectory of selected filters through the filter space. In some instances, selected features of a spacecraft are selected for correlation to produce full 6DoF information. In other instances, portions of a correlation target are selected for correlation to produce 6DoF information. Digital filters of the invention are preferably 4-bit filters, and use unique mapping algorithms to map phase and intensity information from larger images, such as 12, 16, 32 and 64 bit images, to the 4-bit format.

Abstract: Optical guided mode fast 1×2 and 2×2 spatial switches are provided that can be used in multimedia communication networks. These switches require a relative refractive index change of only 0.0001˜0.0002 and can be realized using Lithium Niobate, Polymers, semiconductors, etc. Extinction ratios of these switches are made to be better than 45 dB, by introductions of a rear edge adjusted broken electrode and a blocker electrode into their architecture. Optical losses are less than 3 dB, and excellent switching characteristics are achieved by suppressing cross talk to ˜50 dB. The two output ports of the 1×2 (2×2) switch are made to be spatially perpendicular (in opposition) by introduction of air grooves, allowing for two-dimensional integration of unit switches into matrices. System applications of the switch are made flexible due to a discrete drive requirement for each optical input to the 2×2 switch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for efficient implementation and control of water treatment bypass loops combining ozone and chlorine injection are disclosed. Combined use of ozone and chlorine exploits high oxidation potential of ozone while retaining longer lived residual effectiveness of chlorine for high efficacy against contaminants, particularly biological and organic. Embodiments including automated monitoring and control of chlorine concentrations in presence of high oxidation potentials from ozone are disclosed, as is an inexpensive circuit for using a signal from a redox sensor for controlling output from an electrolysis cell. Also disclosed is a multipurpose enclosure that may be used, with different inserts, to implement an electrolysis cell, an ultraviolet ozone generator, an advanced oxidation unit, or an erosion feeder for adding dissolved salt to water for use in an electrolysis cell.

Abstract: An adjustable Venturi is disclosed, and having a plurality of inlet ports providing substances to be mixed with a flow of fluid through the Venturi. In one embodiment, the Venturi is constructed having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, with an annular mixing chamber coupled to inlet ports so that substances provided through inlet ports are mixed in the mixing chamber, and such mixture introduced into the flow. A gasket sealably disposed between inlet portion and outlet portion is selectable in thickness, for adjusting width of a Venturi interface between the inlet portion and outlet portion. In another embodiment, the inlet portion and outlet portion are fitted in an elongated opening, and are replaceable to change operational characteristics of the Venturi. A replaceable disk having a central opening and substance-providing passageways is disposed between the inlet portion and outlet portion, and may be changed to change characteristics of the Venturi.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for generating particles with a high degree of anisotropy in the direction of emission.

Abstract: A walker is disclosed that may be adjusted in width during use for allowing the user to pass safely through narrow doorways or passageways. Walkers of the present invention have crossbars at a front thereof constructed of telescoping tubing and locking/unlocking mechanisms. During use, the telescoping tubes may be unlocked so that a smaller tube may be moved into a larger tube, reducing a width of the walker. In other embodiments, a lead screw assembly may be rotated in order to reduce width of the walker. In yet other embodiments the walker may be automatically increased or decreased in width responsive to the tubes being unlocked.

Abstract: A dump bed scraping apparatus is disclosed. A scraper portion includes a frame on a floor of an inclinable dump bed that extends the width of the dump bed, and which supports a plurality of scraper blades movably disposed in forward and rearward directions along a floor of the dump bed so as to scrape substantially the entire floor of the dump bed clear of clumped material when the dump bed is inclined. Movement of the frame is facilitated by extensible links attached between a stationary frame supporting the dump bed and members of the scraper frame, which serve to move the scraper frame and scraper blades when the dump bed is inclined and lowered. A pivoting connector attaches one end of the extensible links to the scraper frame through a slot in the dump bed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for efficient implementation and control of water treatment bypass loops combining ozone and chlorine injection are disclosed. Combined use of ozone and chlorine exploits high oxidation potential of ozone while retaining longer lived residual effectiveness of chlorine for high efficacy against contaminants, particularly biological and organic. Embodiments including automated monitoring and control of chlorine concentrations in presence of high oxidation potentials from ozone are disclosed, as is an inexpensive circuit for using a signal from a redox sensor for controlling output from an electrolysis cell. Also disclosed is a multipurpose enclosure that may be used, with different inserts, to implement an electrolysis cell, an ultraviolet ozone generator, an advanced oxidation unit, or an erosion feeder for adding dissolved salt to water for use in an electrolysis cell.

Abstract: Retrofit apparatus for retrofitting an ozone generator to a spa, hot tub, recreational fountain, or similar facility, and a method for treating biofilms therein, are disclosed. Fittings inserted into water and air circulating lines associated with such water holding facilities, and covers provided over inlets, generally inject, retain, and concentrate ozonated gas in such lines, especially while they are not filled with water. In some embodiments, an ozone-providing plug is provided to at least one water outlet of a spa or hot tub, with other outlets being blocked. In some embodiments, covers for suction inlets, and plugs for water jets, have features to provide ozone to water circulation lines when not filled with water as well as when the tub is filled and water is circulating. In some embodiments, plugs for water jets are ejected and subsequently provide ozone to water circulating in a tub.

Abstract: A plurality of algorithms for interpreting and displaying point cloud data are disclosed. Typically, a virtual grid is constructed over point cloud data, with intersections of the grid at a predetermined spacing that may be dependent on density of the point cloud. Several methods are implemented that utilize tuple data from tuples near a respective intersection to populate intersections of the grid with data. In most embodiments, the intersections of the grid correspond to pixels in a raster image. The tuple data may be manipulated to determine Nyquist spacing of points in a point cloud and portions thereof, develop monoscopic and stereoscopic images, and enhance selected features of an image. Additional algorithms are disclosed that reduce storage and computational requirements during processing of point clouds. Such algorithms use a tiled grid structure wherein processing and data storage proceeds in one or a few of the tiles at a time.

Abstract: Rack mountable, user-programmable electronic modules are disclosed that may be used separately, or combined into an integrated system, to analyze, display, troubleshoot, or perform signal conversion on contents or a Musical Instrument Data Interface (MIDI) data stream. Signal conversion capabilities include conversion from a standard MIDI unbalanced current-driven signal format to other electronic forms, such as a balanced differential voltage format, or optical fiber or wireless media formats, that are more suitable for longer distance transmission, and include conversion from a format suitable for long distance back to a standard MIDI format.