Abstract: An ozone-based system and method for eliminating odors from wastewater in a well produces an oxygen-enriched and controllably produces ozone using an ozone generator operably coupled to a programmable logic controller. In sparging mode the system supplies the oxygen enriched gas to the well. In ozonation mode the oxygen-enriched gas is used to produce ozone and the ozone is supplied to the injection port. The PLC reduces the amount of ozone produced by the ozone generator if the ozone measured at the reaction chamber outlet is not less than a setpoint amount. The reaction chamber contains a baffled reticulate interior channel causing gasses flowing therethrough to flow in opposite directions in traveling from the inlet to the outlet of the reaction chamber. The system is devoid of any fan or pump in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method of, and system for, collecting and controlling hydrocarbons leaking from offshore sea bottom environments entail providing a concrete containment barrier and catenary gasket around the leak source, pumping concrete onto the catenary gasket, opening ports and valves in a containment vessel while it is positioned over the leak source, at least partially embedding the containment vessel in the pumped concrete, closing the ports and valves to capture leaking fluids, and communicating the fluids to the surface for further processing. The modular containment barrier may be placed around an existing or potential well site, or an operating well, abandoned well or sea bottom fissure to facilitate implementation of the method in the event of a leak.

Abstract: A lower extremity exerciser and positioning device includes a generally wedge-shaped inferior and a generally wedge-shaped superior support. Each support has a top surface and curved trailing edge. A limb-cradling furrow extends across the top surfaces and trailing edges. The inferior support may be used alone, or with the superior support stacked on top. Spacers may be added to extend and elevate the device. Releasable attachments are provided to secure together adjacent components. The device may be configured to accommodate various patient physiques; used to relieve heel, sacral and buttock pressure for purposes of avoiding pressure ulcers; and used to allow patients to independently perform various knee and hip exercises.

Abstract: A fishing swivel, such as a barrel, snap or three-way swivel, is comprised of a plastic material that exhibits a high degree of transparency in water, density greater than that of water, and adequate rigidity to withstand appreciable deformation while loads are exerted. Materials such as Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) and Nylon 6 (Polyamide 6) copolymers with a refractive index less than 1.55, a luminous transmittance greater than 75%, a specific gravity greater than 1.0, an ultimate tensile strength greater than 1,000 psi, and a tensile elastic modulus greater than 10,000 psi are preferred.

Abstract: A trampoline board includes a resilient body with a foam core. At least one flex zone (e.g., a channel) which acts as a living hinge extends from a first lateral edge to a second lateral edge to facilitate bending to conform to the shape of a depressed trampoline surface. Sandal-like trampoline board bindings are threadedly coupled to inserts molded into the resilient body. Each binding includes a shock absorbing midsole and is devoid of any potentially harmful structures that extend above the ankle of a user, such as the molded support behind the heel characteristic of snowboard bindings. Adjustable cushioned straps secure the sandal-like trampoline board bindings to a user's feet. The insert pack includes a base with a plurality of parallel threaded shanks extending perpendicularly therefrom.

Abstract: A kitchen shaking apparatus includes a housing, a controllable oscillating actuator contained in the housing, a platform mechanically coupled to the controllable oscillating actuator, and a plurality of adjustable coacting restraining arms operably coupled to the housing. Each of the restraining arms including a vertical segment and a horizontal segment and is positioned and configured to allow the vertical segment to contact an object on the platform. A speed control is configured to control frequency of oscillation of the actuator. A timer control is configured to control duration of operation of the actuator. A locking mechanism releasably locks at least one adjustable restraining arm at a user-selectable position. A removable pad is attached to the top surface of the platform. After shaking mixed ingredients using the apparatus, the ingredients are devoid of substantial air pockets and the consistency is improved for an enhanced processed food product.

Abstract: A locking bicycle pedal includes coiled cables on spools with locking mechanisms attached to free ends. The cables may be extended from the spools. The locking mechanism may comprise a key or combination lock. The locking mechanisms attach to the pedal when not in use for locking the bicycle. A bicycle may be equipped with one or more locking pedals. Where two locking pedals are provided, the locking mechanisms of one pedal may interlock with each other and/or the locking mechanisms of the other pedal. The coil and locking mechanisms do not interfere with normal use of the bicycle.

Abstract: A management system utilizes compact, reliable, adaptable, and cost effective article identifying synthetic barcode modules, which obviate printed barcodes. The modules are programmable, detect the presence of a conventional laser barcode scanner and communicate information optically in a form readable by a detected conventional laser barcode scanner. The system is compatible with network communication, allowing real-time monitoring and updating. Additionally, the system optionally includes radio frequency identification capability. An exemplary synthetic barcode module employs a single LED as a photodiode to sense the presence of a barcode scanner and as a light source to emit light that emulates light reflected from a scanned barcode. The LED enables bidirectional half-duplex optical communication.

Abstract: A system for advertising an employment opportunity and efficiently providing information needed for a prospective employee to make a holistic assessment of the opportunity includes a job posting made accessible to potential candidates via a computer network or computer readable media. The job posting is comprised of a plurality of sections, with each section being devoted to one or more specific topics. The sections are accessible from an intuitive main menu. The sections provide an orderly arrangement of details concerning the employment position, significant co-workers, schools, housing, the community, nearby universities, an interview itinerary and links to local websites of interest, as well as views of residents (e.g., community leaders) concerning the community. The information may be presented in text, graphics, animation, audio and/or video formats.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump includes a pumping mechanism cover releasably coupled to a pumping mechanism base or gear case cover and configured to enshroud components including a roller assembly and tube. Removal of the pumping mechanism cover exposes the components to facilitate maintenance. The pumping mechanism cover may be locked into a closed position using a threaded bushing or a pivoting latch. A plurality of engagement studs may be provided to secure the pumping mechanism base to the gear case housing cover. The pumping mechanism base or gear case cover is configured for releasably engaging tubing inlet and outlet fittings. Thus, tubing may be installed or removed without having to disassemble or remove any other portion of the pumping mechanism base.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes an elongated u-shaped handle terminating with a mounting neck at a distal end. A handgrip engages the handle at the proximal end. A support strap may attached to the handgrip. A cleaning head is releasably attached to the mounting neck. The cleaning head is configured to releasably engage the mounting neck. The handle is u-shaped and resilient to generate a biasing force that facilitates use and cleaning contact. The cleaning head is opposite and in direct alignment with the handgrip, so that a user may determine the exact position of the cleaning head against the user's back by observing the position of the handgrip.

Abstract: A pneumatic mass transportation system employs a combined cycle turbine power system with digital controls to effect acceleration, deceleration and train propulsion. Combustion turbines can be adapted to use alternative fuels including bio fuels as they are developed. A heat recover steam generator recycles hot exhaust gasses from turbines to generate electricity to be used by the system. A multi-car train is propelled by differential air pressure forward and aft of the vehicle in a pneumatic tube. Air propulsion is achieved by large in-tube impellers driven by the turbines. A digital control system controls turbine speed, pitch of impeller blades and vacuum/pressure release valves in the tubes to maneuver and control the train.

Abstract: A tool for reconfiguring the pins of an SAE J560 electrical connector includes a handle and head. A plurality of openings provided in the free end of the head lead to a plurality of parallel equal diameter channels within the head. An elongate separator pin with a conical nose and a cylindrical body is concentrically fixed within each channel. The separator pins are configured to properly separate split electrode pins of an SAE J560 electrical connector, which inevitable deform through repeated coupling and decoupling.

Abstract: Planter systems include planters releasably integrated with a support structure primarily by releasable and penetrable engagement that is sufficient to support the planter without requiring conventional attachment devices. Engaging portions of the planters are releasably and penetrably received and concealed by the support structure to provide an integrated appearance. The planter systems optionally include adjustable irrigation systems configured to controllably supply water to the planter and/or surrounding terrain.

Abstract: A post-distorter compensates for receiver nonlinearity in calibration mode. Linearized receiver-side output from the post-distorter is used to correctly compensate for transmitter-side nonlinearities in calibration mode. The post-distorter also compensates for receiver-side nonlinearities during normal receive mode. Thus, the post-distorter features dual modes of use, a calibration mode, wherein calibration signals received from the adjacent transmitter are linearized by the post-distorter and a normal receive mode, wherein communication signals from a remote transmitter are linearized by the post-distorter.

Abstract: A system and method for professional development for teachers which includes a structured framework for creating and providing online courses, qualification testing, instructional material, and mentoring teacher access, all subject specific to help teachers gain competency in their individualized teaching assignments and by extension help in the recruitment, development and retention of teachers leading to improved student achievement.

Abstract: A sprinkler riser clamp securely engages a spring-retractable riser of a pop-up sprinkler. The riser clamp includes a clamping body and a handle attached thereto. The clamping body is configured to snap onto and securely grip the spring-retractable riser of the pop-up sprinkler. The clamping body exerts a gripping force while the spring-retractable riser exerts a retracing force. The gripping force exerted by the clamping body exceeds the retraction force exerted by the spring-retractable riser. The clamping body includes a resilient first clamp arm and a resilient second clamp arm connected by a joint at one end of each arm. The clamping body includes an opening for receiving the spring-retractable riser. The first clamp arm and second clamp arm of the clamping body each include rounded bottom edges configured to facilitate installation and removal by pivoting motion. The handle is attached to the clamping body by an arm. The handle has blunt ends.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a weighted hydrodynamic head, mated artificial bait and pivoting hook. The weighted hydrodynamic head includes an integrally molded, conically-shaped or pyramid-shaped malleable body with a plurality of fins projecting laterally therefrom, a blunt leading edge, a trailing edge, a central passage extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge, and a slot formed in the side of the body and extending into the central passage. The weighted hydrodynamic head is made of a dense material such as lead. The hook is an offset hook including an eyelet, a proximal shank, an offset bend section, a distal shank, a u-shaped bend and a pointed barbed tip. The distal shank and proximal shank are substantially parallel. The eyelet, which projects through the central passage in the leading edge and the distal shank, is aligned with and extends longitudinally from the slot.