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 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 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 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: 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 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 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.

Abstract: A wall mounted cabinet includes a plurality of removable supports configurable for holding a variety of objects, including an electrical appliance, one or more shelves and cups. The cabinet also includes one or more apertures for electrical outlets for supplying electrical power to the appliance. An electrical cord management device is provided for controllably extending and retracting the cord to facilitate use of the appliance and storage of the cord.

Abstract: A nanocrystalline ITO thin film formed on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) facilitates detection of gaseous compounds emitted from an analyte. Adsorption of gas molecules onto the nanocrystalline ITO thin film changes the resonant frequency of the quartz crystal. Parameters such as the frequency of oscillation, surface resistance, integrated frequency response, integrated surface resistance response, initial response slope, average return to baseline slope, and/or return to baseline time/initial response time ratio of the quartz crystal with the nanocrystalline ITO thin film formed thereon are determined. Using the determined parameters and principal component analysis, principal components for the gaseous compounds are also determined. These determined principal components may be compared with known principal components corresponding to known analytes.

Abstract: Three dimensional fabric matrices are provided for insertion into compartments of or attachment to wearable items and padded items, referred to as contact articles. The matrix includes a core that maintains an air space between inner and outer layers to facilitate heat transfer by convection and evaporation, when the enclosure is breathable. When the enclosure restricts air permeation, the air space provides insulation. Embodiments reconfigurable from insulating to breathable include adjustable impermeable sections that releasably cover permeable sections. The matrix also absorbs shocks and distributes stresses to provide padding and cushioning, including reduction of backface signature in ballistic applications. Wearable items containing one or more matrices offer enhanced thermal regulation and shock absorption.

Abstract: A pawl disengagement tool intended for use with a slack adjuster has an elongated handle with a first end and an opposite second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end. A slotted aperture formed at the first end includes a hole with a diameter that is greater than the first diameter of the pawl cap. A first slot extends from the hole and has a width that is greater than the second diameter of the pawl shaft of the pawl assembly of the slack adjuster. A portion of the tool defining the hole includes a chamfered periphery. The chamfered periphery defines an inclined plane leading to the first slot. The inclined plane has a thickness that increases up to a thickness equal to a disengagement thickness. The disengagement thickness is effective to cause disengagement of the pawl assembly. The second end of the tool includes a forked end that includes a pair of parallel spaced apart wedge-shaped prongs. In use, the forked end or slotted aperture is manipulated (e.g.

Abstract: A vehicular monitoring system is configured to acquire GPS position data and vehicular operating data, write the data to a file, and detect and utilize public wireless communication (e.g., 802.11x/WiFi) Internet access points to communicate the file containing the acquired GPS position data and vehicular operating data to a remote computer. Compressed diagnostic data sets and reduced latency wireless transmissions are utilized to facilitate communication.

Abstract: A system for detecting a wide range of microbial organisms, including virus, and determining concentrations in near real-time to determine titer, without the requirement to grow micro-organisms includes an electrometer configured to measure photo-induced interfacial voltages and an electrode assembly with a substrate and at least one electrode on a surface of the substrate electrically coupled to the electrometer. An attachment factor is applied to an exposed surface of each electrode. The attachment factor is effective for interaction with the microbial organism. A transparent vessel for containing the electrolytic solution is provided. The microbial organism may be contained in the electrolytic solution or applied to the coated electrode before being submerged in the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: A boat fender system is configured for suspending a boat fender from a conventional rod holder. The system includes a handle configured for engagement by a rod holder. A boat fender is coupled to the handle by a tether. The tether has a length to allow the fender to hang from the handle to a desired location. The length may be fixed or adjustable. A compartment in the handle stores excess and unused portions of the tether.

Abstract: A planter system includes an adjustable height and angular orientation planter and an optionally adjustable irrigation system for controllably supplying water to the planter and/or surrounding terrain. The planter is configured to controllably travel up and down a vertical support, such as a section of a planter pole or other suitable vertical support structure, from a highest to a lowest position using a pulley and winch, block and tackle, rotating shaft, continuous pulley driven belt, continuous sprocket driven chain, lead screw, ball screw, a ballast, hydraulics, pneumatics, spring or other lifting subsystem. The irrigation system may be configured to supply water to the planter and or to the surrounding terrain. The planter is carried along the pole, allowing it to be controllably rotated at any height along the travel.

Abstract: An edge-lit panel features extractor patterns that produce uniform illumination. The effective density of extractor pattern pixels is adjusted to achieve uniform illumination. A method of adjusting the effective pixel density of extractor pattern pixels to achieve uniform illumination entails adjusting areas of darkness of a grayscale image, then producing a binary image by dithering the grayscale image, and applying an extractor pattern corresponding to the binary image to a surface of the panel. The extractor pixels correspond to pixels of the binary image derived from a dithered grayscale image, with the darkness of the grayscale image increasing with distance from the light source. Effective pixel density is increased to compensate for attenuated output in dim areas. By adjusting gray shading darkness of a grayscale image, pixel density can be adjusted to achieve uniform light emission.

Abstract: An adjustable cane includes a grasping mechanism, an actuator, an adjustable length inelastic linkage, a magnetic pickup, hanging tip and self-standing base. Pivotally mounted to the distal end of the cane, the grasping mechanism includes a pair of fingers defining a narrow valley for grasping small objects and a wide valley for grasping large objects. The adjustable length inelastic linkage transmits force from the actuator to the grasping mechanism. The magnetic pickup is mounted to the grasping mechanism to facilitate retrieval of ferrous objects. The hanging tip supports the cane from horizontal surfaces. The self-standing base allows the cane to stand upright on any flat surface.