Abstract: An asymmetrical bulkhead for a pressure vessel, tank or other storage facility is disclosed. The bulkhead is configured so that there is a high region extending past a cylindrical portion of the vessel on one side of the bulkhead, with a contour of the bulkhead transitioning from the high region to a low region within the last cylindrical region. Such a bulkhead configuration allows two cylindrical pressure vessels to be nested together in end-to-end relation so as to occupy a total smaller volume than similarly sized vessels having convex ends, or to construct pressure vessels that contain a larger volume for storage than similarly sized vessels having convex ends.

Abstract: A weighing system for a ladle transfer car is disclosed. For each wheel of the transfer car, a heat-resistant load cell designed to tolerate temperatures of at least 550 degrees Fahrenheit is mounted in axle block housings on each side of each wheel. Each load cell features a three-point mounting system on a top side and a bisected load application pad on a lower side. A load-concentration member bears against the load application pad. Each load cell and each load concentration member is constructed to be fitted into a relatively protected region between a top of an axle block and a top of an axle block housing within the structure of a transfer car.

Abstract: A finger grip system is provided for obtaining maximum rotation and a resulting pronounced hook when releasing a bowling ball. The system includes drilled holes for receiving a bowler's middle finger, ring finger and thumb, the holes being spaced such that only fingertips may be inserted into the holes. Inserts are placed in the holes, the inserts having a resilient frictional character, and defined therein lips at the corner of a bottom surface and a wall of a central aperture. The inserts are sized to locate the lips such that dominant upward force applied by the fingers and thumb results from contact of finger and thumb tips rather than other parts of the fingers. Force applied in this manner results in increased rotation of bowling balls.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing of LCD panels is disclosed. An LCD panel under test is mounted to a translatable table between a polarization state generator and polarization state analyzer. For each location on the screen to be tested, a continuum of known polarization states are launched through the LCD screen and detected by the polarization state analyzer. Electrical signals representative of such polarization states are acquired by a computer. Within the computer, a model of polarization properties of the LCD panel is developed based on estimations of what the physical parameters of the LCD panel are believed to be. RMS differences between simulated polarization properties and measured polarization properties are minimized by iteratively refining the modeled physical cell properties, at which point cell thickness and other physical parameters of the LCD screen may be deduced.

Abstract: A reversible post hole digger apparatus powered by a power takeoff shaft includes a transmission providing a reverse gear and a forward gear in a single housing. The apparatus has a power head disposed between a shaft connected to the power takeoff and an output shaft driving an auger. A gear box within the power head contains a main shaft which carries forward and reverse pinion gears at opposite ends and has a central portion with an external spline connector. The pinion gears are activated by a central spline-containing slide. Movement of the slide, carried out by means of a shift lever engaging a fork with a rack and pinion device, provides connection to forward, reverse and neutral positions on the shaft. Upper and lower ring gears drive an output shaft in a selected direction.

Abstract: Water sanitizing apparatus is provided for pools, spas hot tubs and other similar bathing facilities that integrates an ozone generator and a chlorine generator in one unit, in addition to exposing a flow of water to be purified to ultraviolet radiation from the ozone generator for advanced oxidation reactions. In one embodiment, a mixing venturi allows for mixing various substances together prior to insertion into the motive flow. In another embodiment the venturi is constructed as inserts that allow tuning of the venturi for individual systems. In other embodiments, salt is added to a portion of the water flow as a concentrated brine from which chlorine is generated, or the salt may be simply be added to the water of the facility at a much lower concentration and chlorine generated from the flow of water through the apparatus.

Abstract: A wide field-of-view optical system that may be used in determining a direction to a source of light, or for determine steering corrections to direct a vehicle toward a target, is disclosed. The optical system, which may be used as a seeker in a missile or other weapon, comprises a spherical ball lens truncated to provide one or more facets on which detectors may be mounted to measure relative intensities as a blur spot image of a source of light, which may be a reflection from a laser designated target, moves across the detectors, which may be individual elements in a quadrant detector. Narrow band filters may be used to suppress undesired wavelengths and enhance performance. The innovative design enables implementation of a wide field-of-view seeker with no moving parts. The spherical ball lens may be used directly as an aerodynamic surface without a need for a separate optical dome.

Abstract: A water purifying apparatus is constructed having a plurality of vertical, water-carrying tubes circumferentially arranged so as to form a hollow central region enclosed by the tubes. A top cap and bottom cap are configured so as to channel water through the tubes in serial relation and alternately in upward and downward directions. The hollow central region forms a last water-carrying chamber, and houses a bubble separator and ozone generator. A venturi mixes ozone at an inlet to the first water-carrying tube. The ozone generator is constructed having an ultraviolet-transmissive tube sealed from the water in the hollow central region, and contains an ultraviolet lamp that in addition to generating ozone, provides ultraviolet light to kill pathogens that survive the ozone treatment and also disassociates ozone. A closed loop system may be implemented by providing gas from the bubble separator back to the venturi.

Abstract: A fuel processing device (2) is provided that produces fuel aerosol particles (5) that when mixed with combustion air, reduces or eliminates detonation (knock) in internal combustion engines, reducing fuel octane requirements and improving burning characteristics of the fuel. The device includes an adapter (10) between fuel injector (12) and port (14) for the fuel injector, the adapter being of a hollow cylindrical configuration. A plurality of plates (46) are disposed in the adapter, plates (46) provided with a central opening (50), with radially extending slots (52) extending away from the central opening (50). Each slot has one edge configured with a vane (56) that creates turbulence in the air/fuel mix passing through the adapter so that larger droplets are broken up into smaller droplets until an optimum droplet size is reached.

Abstract: A fuel processing device [2] is provided that produces properly sized fuel aerosol particles [5] that when mixed with combustion air, reduces or eliminates detonation (knock) in internal combustion engines thus reducing fuel octane requirements for engines of a given compression ratio. The device includes an adapter [10] between a fuel injector [12] and a port [14] for the fuel injector, the adapter being generally of a hollow cylindrical configuration. A plurality of plates [46] are disposed in the adapter, the plates provided with a central opening [50], with radially extending slots [52] extending away from the central opening [50]. Each slot has one edge configured with a vane [56] that creates turbulence in the air/fuel mix passing through the adapter so that larger droplets are broken up into smaller droplets until an optimum droplet size is reached.

Abstract: A method for identifying particular disorders of the eyes is disclosed. Initially, an image of the eyes in digital format is taken by a reflex photometer and the image provided to a computer programmed to run a plurality of algorithms that are associated with each type of disorder. Results of the algorithms are plotted in a format so that any of the eye disorders associated with the algorithms are readily apparent.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting and transporting drywall panels has a pair of panel-supporting legs of square tubing attachable to side rails of a lift platform. Each leg is connected to the rails by an upper bracket at the top of the leg and a lower bracket at a middle location. A panel-receiving U-shaped channel is located on the opposite side of the legs, away from the rails. The lower bracket has a standoff member projecting the bottom of the leg outward at an angle. A roller at the base of the channel provides low-friction rolling contact with an inserted panel, and a groove in this roller serves to guide the panel. Rollers at the tops of the legs and elsewhere are placed to keep panels from being damaged by contact with the legs.

Abstract: A fuel processing device is provided that produces properly sized fuel aerosol particles that when mixed with combustion air, reduces or eliminates detonation (knock) in internal combustion engines thus reducing fuel octane requirements for engines of a given compression ratio and increasing efficiency of the engine. The device includes an adapter between a fuel injector and a port for the fuel injector, the adapter being generally of a hollow cylindrical configuration closed to external gasses at an end that sealably receives the fuel injector. A plurality of plates are disposed in the adapter, the plates provided with a central opening, with radially extending slots extending away from the central opening. Each slot may have one edge configured with a vane that creates turbulence in the air/fuel mix passing through the adapter so that larger droplets are broken up into smaller droplets until an optimum droplet size is reached.

Abstract: Retrofit apparatus for retrofitting an ozone generator to a spa, hot tub or similar facility is disclosed. Here, a fitting is threaded into an air inlet of a spa or hot tub, and covers provided for the water outlets to generally prevent outgassing. In another embodiment, an ozone-providing plug is provided to one water outlet of a spa or hot tub, with the air and other outlets being blocked. In addition, different configurations of ozone generator are disclosed. Particularly, one type ozone generator includes an inverted U-shaped apparatus so that heat from the ozone generator induces a chimney effect so as to cause the ozonated air to rise through a chimney and then settle into a selected area. Another ozone generator creates a low rate of airflow by “ion wind” in order to propel ozonated air into a system of piping in the absence of water flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a sensor or switch for operation is disclosed. The switch or sensor is coupled to a CELLEMETRY™ transmitter for sending electronic serial numbers (ESNs) encoded with information, and receiving mobile identification numbers (MINs), also encoded with information, in accordance with the CELLEMETRY™ protocol. A microprocessor controls operation of the combination of the radio and sensor or switch. A computerized control center coupled to the Internet provides a connection medium between the cellular system and the control center. When a sensor or switch so connected operates, the radio sends an ESN via the control channels of the cellular system to the Internet, where the ESN is relayed to the control center. There, processing occurs that provides notification to an entity associated with the sensor or switch. Communications from the control center to the radio associated with a sensor are via MIN numbers, and may initiate operation of a device coupled to the sensor.

Abstract: An ozone generator that serves the double functions of providing a light source and providing ozone is disclosed. Particularly, the ozone generator may be located in a generally closed appliance, such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer or drier or the like. In addition, a stand-alone embodiment is disclosed that may simply be mounted or placed in storage or other areas such as closets, pantries, laundry rooms, clothes hampers, bed linen storage trunks and others. In some embodiments, timers are used to periodically raise ozone levels to relatively high levels and then allow the levels to fall, sanitizing and deodorizing the areas within which they are located. In other embodiments, advanced oxidation techniques are used by using a pair of ultraviolet tubes, one emitting radiation at a wavelength of 185 nm and the other emitting radiation at 254 nm.

Abstract: An ozone generator utilizing an ultraviolet light tube for generating ozone is disclosed. In this ozone generator, efficiency in converting oxygen to ozone is increased by imposing an electrical field around the light tube. This electrical field causes a theta pinch in the plasma of the light tube, increasing luminescence in the ultraviolet spectral range and exciting diatomic oxygen molecules passing through the electrical field. Thus excited, the diatomic oxygen is easier to disassociate and become converted to ozone.

Abstract: A nut assembly is disclosed that will ensure that the shank of a bolt that features a measurable grip length will pass through the contact plane of adjoining members. The nut assembly also allows the desired compressive force in the adjoining members to be attained by using a telescopic feature of the nut to allocate additional thread action for the bolt, enabling the bolt to be drawn into the nut further than what would be allowed by a standard nut. The adaptability of the nut assembly can eliminate the need for washers or shims to adjust the shank penetration of the bolt. The nut assembly is useful for application in which the specified thread length and the grip length of the bolt is incompatable with the abutment thickness of the adjoining members.

Abstract: An ozone-based water purification system is disclosed. In this system, a mixing venturi injects ozone and a liquid sanitizer into a stream of water to be treated. Following ozone and sanitizer injection, the stream of water is passed to a contact region where the ozone and sanitizer are allowed to react with contaminants and biota. The stream is then mixed by several mixing devices to allow residual ozone and sanitizer to further react with contaminants and biota. Particularly a counterflow system is employed wherein the stream is directed downward at several points so that bubbles containing ozone are forced to flow upward against the flow, lengthening ozone contact time. Also, the ultraviolet lamp used to generate ozone is mounted so that ultraviolet light therefrom is exposed to the flow water, providing additional sterilizing effects. In addition, a novel mixing venturi is disclosed that mixes a gas containing ozone and a liquid sanitizer into a motive flow of water.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying harmful airborne biota, particularly insects, and including plant material, such as mold spores and pollen, and flying insects and birds and either killing ordisabling the harmful airborne biota is disclosed. Lasers, radar, and other types of radiation may be used to illuminate at least a perimeter around assets to be protected, with radiation returns detected and applied to a pattern classifier to determine whether the detected insects of interests are harmful, benign or beneficial. In the event the insects are determined to be harmful, a variety of measures responsive to the radiation returns may be taken to eliminate the harmful insects, these measures including firing pulses of beamed energy or radiation of a sufficient intensity to at least incapacitate them, or mechanical measures such as controlled drone aircraft to track and kill the pests.