Abstract: A sanding tool for sanding drywall corner joints is provided. The tool has an elongated mounting plate with a swivel handle attached to one side, and to the other side is attached one or more circular sanding disk holders to which disks of sanding medium are removably attached to a flat face of the sanding disk holder. The sanding disk holders are rotatably mounted on short axles attached to the mounting plate, and are each configured having a relatively wide edge that frictionally engages a wall adjacent the wall being sanded. This causes the sanding disk holder to rotate, sanding the drywall joint with a rotary motion instead of a linear motion.

Abstract: A method for weighing vehicles moving on a bridge deck pavement is provided. At least one vibration sensor is mounted on a lower side of the pavement to sense low frequency pavement vibrations generated by moving vehicle wheels and propagated in waves in the pavement. Vibration sensor output signals are provided to a computing device. Sensed vibration energy rate is computed and, with signals from vibration sensors mounted at two locations separated by a known longitudinal distance, vehicle speed is also computed. The weight of the vehicle is determined as the product of a calibration coefficient and the ratio of sensed vibration energy rate to velocity. Using vibration sensor signals indicative of wheel generated vibrations in the very near field and summing vibration energy rates computed from these signals during vehicle passage over the vibration sensors the weight of individual vehicles is computed when other moving vehicles are present.

Abstract: This application relates to innovative apparatus and methods for efficient use of vacuum ultraviolet light and ozone to break down biological and chemical contaminants in air that flows through such apparatus, and to generate additional ozone and ozonites that further contribute to destruction of contaminants in air in a generally enclosed contaminated volume communicating with such apparatus, as well as contaminants on surfaces and within porous materials such as clothing in a generally enclosed volume, and including contaminants on the hair or skin of an individual, or on the hide or fur of an animal. A generally enclosed contaminated volume may include an interior of a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) protective suit donned by an individual, or in an environment, that was already contaminated, or a passenger compartment of a vehicle operated or parked in a contaminated area.

Abstract: A water sanitizing apparatus is provided wherein a housing is divided into separate narrow compartments through which a flow of water is directed sequentially in upward and downward directions. An ultraviolet ozone generator and pair of electrolysis plates are mounted in one of the narrow compartments, with a salt in the flow of water being electrolyzed to form a sanitizing halogen in the presence of ultraviolet light from the ozone generator. In one embodiment, a bubble separator is used to separate undissolved gasses from the flow of water and re-apply such gasses back to the flow of water upstream from the bubble separator.

Abstract: A volume or fluid level sensing system as taught by the present invention comprises a flexible bladder, a solenoidal coil, a means for volume or fluid level measurement, and a user interface. Means for volume or fluid level measurement are preferentially means for inductance measurement which may be selected from the set including timing inductive measurement means, AC voltage divider inductive measurement means, resonance inductive measurement means. A user interface may be selected from the set including a digital display, a data interface, a voltage level display device, or a current level display device. The solenoidal coil may be embedded in the flexible bladder or in a flexible sock encompassing the flexible bladder. In addition, a bladder volume or fluid level indicating method as taught by the present invention comprises the steps of inductance measurement, volume or fluid level inference, and volume or fluid level reporting.

Abstract: A foldable and stackable operations table is provided with channels underneath the table top, the channels defined by longitudinally extending rails and a side member integral with the top. Elongated rectangular boxes containing electronic components and associated wiring are sized to fit within the channels. Connectivity of components inside the boxes with external devices is enabled by receptacles provided in a lower side of the box. The table has three equal sized channels for receiving boxes, which may be media boxes or a combination of one or two media boxes with a cable storage box. All of the boxes are also equal in size so that they be readily replaced for one another. Legs of the table are independently adjustable in height. Multiple tables may be connected together for larger scale operation.

Abstract: A system for recognizing objects in images, and using that recognition to solve mission problems, such as identifying, tracking, and reporting movement of mobile military targets of interest. The system incorporates preprocessor and postprocessor with an image correlator, control systems, and feedback loops functioning with a real-time operating system. Tracking includes correlating patterns in an image stream so as to monitor image changes that represent changes of location, shape, trends, or other attributes. Reporting may entail visual displays of correlation results, or other data outputs suitable for steering gimbaled sensors, aiming weapons, or for other functions. The instant invention has application in numerous areas where recognition and tracking of patterns and trends are desired in imagery or in other two-dimensional representations of data.

Abstract: A high speed, phase shifting scanning profilometry system is disclosed. A high speed CMOS sensor having more than 3 rows of pixels, in one embodiment having 1024, each row of which being randomly accessible, is positioned above a workpiece movable below the camera. The workpiece is illuminated in a non-uniform manner by an illumination source configured to project a predetermined pattern or gradient of light. As the workpiece is moved under the sensor, selected rows of pixels register the non-uniform light reflected from the workpiece and provide the data to a computer for calculating a surface profile for that row.

Abstract: Apparatus sealably incorporating a fuel metering device and fuel processing device [200, 200a, 200b] for producing a stabilized fog of fuel droplets sized 50 microns and less that when mixed with combustion air burn completely, reduce or eliminate detonation (knock) in internal combustion engines and reduce fuel octane requirements. The apparatus [200, 200a, 200b] may include a carrier gas reservoir [216, 216a] closed to external carrier gasses. A heater [205] may be employed to flash into vapor a portion of the liquid fuel to develop a carrier gas. In embodiments for jet or turbine engines, bleed gas from the engine may be used to provide carrier gas through a fuel processor [254], or the fuel may be heated-by-heater [260] to flash some of the fuel into vapor to provide carrier gas through the fuel processor to produce the stabilized fog of fuel droplets.

Abstract: Methods for using training images to define correlation strength surfaces about reference filters, permitting direct solution of position and orientation using images of a target object with only a few reference filters are disclosed. Correlations of selected reference filters with training images are used to develop expressions describing shapes of respective correlation surfaces at incremental changes relative to an aspect or range used for a filter. Correlations of target images with only a few reference filters may then be used to define target orientation and range in many real-world applications. A method for determining target object orientation and/or range based on interpolations, using results of correlations of a target image with composite filters having reduced sensitivities for different orientation axes, or range, is also disclosed. Techniques for using training images to create such composite filters are disclosed, as are extensions of methods to additional dimensions.

Abstract: A cabinet door assembly having a wooden cabinet door with a peripheral frame and an open center is provided with features enabling a fabric panel to be mounted on the door in a manner such that panels may be readily removed and replaced with other panels. An upper member of the frame has a slot which receives a dowel pin carried in an upper loop of the panel fabric, and a lower frame member has a slot which receives the lower end of the panel and directs a lower dowel pin carried at the lower end into a capturing position. The panel is pulled tightly by tension applied to the dowel pins. Side frame members each have on an inner side a narrow slot receiving edges of the panel. The panel is secured in place by the lower dowel pin, which is being restrained by projections at end locations past side edges of the panel.

Abstract: A latch member for a creel assembly is disclosed. The latch is constructed of a generally flat plate, with upstanding side entrance and exit portions. A V-shaped slot is provided in the flat portion of the plate, and a mount is provided at an upper end of the latch to allow the latch to hang freely and rotate in a plane, and be mounted to a support member of a creel assembly. A stub shaft is mounted in the plane to an adjacent support for the creel arm so that when the creel is lowered, the latch member falls upon the stub shaft, which enters the V-shaped slot. When an empty bobbin is replaced in the creel, the weight of the bobbin causes the latch member to disengage from the V-shaped slot.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for protection of wildlife surveillance camera systems mounted on a tree includes an external housing fitting over the camera system and substantially enclosing it on all sides. On the front side the housing has a frame overlapping the camera and preventing its removal, while leaving a central portion open to allow viewing by the camera and instruments. The housing has two brackets, one integral with a top side and another one integral with a bottom side of the housing, both brackets at a right angle with the side. The brackets are both bent upward so that the bottom one is underneath the body of the housing and the top one is outside of the body. The brackets are both connected by a lag bolt which is made essentially inaccessible and out of sight. In position underneath the housing, the bottom lag bolt is protected by the housing. The top lag bolt has its head located outside of the housing, but protection is provided by a hub and plug lock denying access.

Abstract: A range and bearing-finding system is disclosed. A diverging encoded laser beam is transmitted to a target, and a return reflection of the encoded beam received. The transmitted beam is sampled, and a plurality of predetermined time delays are applied to the sampled laser beam. The sampled laser beam with each of the predetermined time delays is correlated with the return reflection until a sampled laser beam having a time delay providing the highest correlation is found, the time delay indicating laser travel time to and from the target. Range is determined from this time delay. Bearing of the target is found by using a quadrant protector to receive the return reflection. The process for finding bearing uses the correlation process used to find range.

Abstract: Water treatment bypass loops combining ozone and chlorine injection, and an adaptable clamp apparatus to support efficient retrofit installation of forward bypass loops (around filters) or reverse bypass loops (around pumps) and associated equipment are disclosed. Combined injection of ozone and chlorine exploits high oxidation potential of ozone to enhance oxidation effectiveness of chlorine while still retaining longer lived residual effectiveness of chlorine, particularly against biological and organic contaminants. A method for reducing costs of salt chlorine generation electrolysis cells and power supplies by using ozone to reduce deposit buildup on electrode plates is also disclosed, as is an apparatus for generating chlorine for use in water treatment in bathing facilities without requiring addition of sodium chloride or other halogen salts to water in a swimming pool or spa.

Abstract: A method for 3 dimensional scanning using a light source for projecting a source of illumination configured to be non-uniform or having a predetermined pattern is disclosed. A CMOS sensor having randomly accessible rows of pixels, and an associated lens system, is mounted above a workpiece, with the workpiece and sensor movable with respect to each other in a scanning relation. Rows of pixels of the sensor are selected for registering reflected light, with data from the selected rows provided to a computer for calculating height information of features of the workpiece. Significantly, both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional images may be generated during a single scanning pass because of the non-uniform source of light and random access capabilities of the sensor.

Abstract: A self-configuring server system is disclosed. In this system, a plurality of nodes are linked together in a primary loop. Each node includes an external communication interface coupled to the loop, a command module for controlling the node and an internal interface. The internal interface, for each node, is in turn coupled to an internal loop associated with that node, the internal loop defining operation of that node. Messages and data circulate around the primary loop until reaching an appropriate node, where the message or data is acted upon. In some instances the messages or data is client-related, and in other instances the messages or data provide for dynamic reconfiguration of the system. In yet other instances, the messages or data is transmitted from one or more nodes in order to provide operational data about the node/nodes to a plurality of system controllers.

Abstract: A pseudo surface microwave produced plasma shielding system is a simple device that creates a prescribed plasma environment with a prescribed plasma density gradient, and protects an object surrounded by this environment as a shield. Pseudo surface microwaves interacting with an artificial intelligence equipped on board are used to create and to adjust this plasma environment for a particular application. This plasma environment provides potential capabilities of military applications of the plasma in the system. Examples of military applications include a stealth system from RADAR and SONAR, a protection system from WMD, and a weapon system to generate and launch plasmoids as a plasma gun. The scope of this invention extends to commercial applications of this plasma shielding system as a conditioned and controlled flow field, for example, a boundary layer and turbulence control system, and a lift control system to improve flight performance and flight economy of aircrafts.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser containing electronic/electrical components controlled by a computer is disclosed. The computer and all electronic components, including a touch screen display, are mounted in a module or rack provided with a pair of slides. A recess in the fuel dispenser receives the module on mating slides. At least one connector or plug on the back of the electronics module engages a mating plug mounted in the recess so that when a replacement electronics module is installed, connections to all electronic components is automatically made. As one feature of the invention, configuration data for the fuel dispenser is stored in a flash memory either permanently mounted to the computer or in removable relation therewith. After replacing an electronics module, the configuration data may be uploaded to the permanently mounted flash memory or the flash memory may be removed from the defective module and installed in the operating module.