Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pulsed electric-field system for rupturing and destroying molecular cellular units of waste-activated sludge to thereby liberate intracellular water molecules from the solids-content thereof. The waste-activated sludge is contained in waste sludge, such as paper-pulp sludge, municipal waste sludge, animal or plant waste sludge. The pulsed-electric field is generated by an electroporating device producing a non-arcing pulsed electric field. The released intracellular dissolved/organic matter may be recycled back to an aeration tank for supplying food to bacteria of the aeration tank for performing aerobic digestion thereon, whereby the intracellular, dissolved organic matter is used as food for the bacteria of the aeration tank, whereby the aerobic digestion process is accelerated.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic system for a checking all functions of a cellular-transceiver system having a cellular-interface unit, which interface unit couples a standard telephone set to a cellular transceiver, which interface unit converts the DTMF or pulse-type of dialing signals into digital format for transmission to the cellular transceiver, whereby the dialed number made on the land-type of telephone may be used to call a number over the cellular system. The present invention not only monitors and checks the proper functioning of the transceiver and associated power supply, and the like, but will also monitor and check the interface unit, and report the results to an off-site monitoring center by means of the cellular network.

Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing at least one land-line telephone service, at least one wireless cellular-type telephone service, at least one cellular-type wireless telephone and at least one standard telephonic type communication device through standard building interior telephone cable.

Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing at least one land-line telephone service, at least one wireless cellular-type telephone service, at least one cellular-type wireless telephone and at least one standard telephonic type communication device through standard building interior telephone cable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pulsed electric-field system, apparatus and method for the effective disinfecting and dewatering previously-dewatered, biologically active waste-water sludges (e.g., municipal waste-water sewage sludge) in an efficient manner, so as to dramatically reduce the resulting volume of the inert waste material which has to be disposed of by the municipality. The method employed sequentially consists of hydraulically pressurizing the previously dewatered sludge, pre-heating the previously dewatered sludge to a predetermined temperature range, exposing the previously dewatered sludge to a high energy pulsing electrical discharges, pressure separation of the resulting solids and liquid fraction, and final pressure extrusion of the separated solids through nozzles.

Abstract: An archive, storage-rack assembly which is relatively easy to assemble, which provides considerable space-savings, which is relatively less costly to make, and which is relatively more stable. The archive storage-rack assembly of the invention is provided with four, specially-designed, corner-column supports. Operatively, and removably, associated therewith are shelf-clip units for supporting shelves. Each shelf-clip unit is one integral unit having two, end clip-sections for placement into respective openings of two, corner-column supports and for supporting a shelf-corner, an elongated, reinforcing angle-bracket section integral with, and interconnecting, the two, end-clip sections, and an elongated, box-guide section integral with, and projecting upwardly from, the elongated, reinforcing angle-bracket section. Each clip-assembly has a length extending in the direction of the depth of the rack-assembly, with a lateral pair of end-column supports supporting it via the two, integral, end-clip sections.

Abstract: A vending apparatus for dispensing trays of hot food is provided with a vertical stack of the compartments for storing and heating the trays of food. Each compartment has a lower support-shelf, under which is an electrical, coil-resistance heater for keeping the food in the tray at a temperature of about 150 degrees F. Opening of the door of a compartment causes the opening of a micro-switch associated with the selected compartment, which opening causes power to be shut off to the solenoid of the compartment. Operatively associated with each compartment is a push-mechanism that causes the selected tray to be partially pushed out of its compartment when the associated door is manually opened. Each push-mechanism has a push-rod coupled through suitable linkage to the door, which push-rod contacts the rear surface of the selected tray for pushing it out as the door is opened.

Abstract: A multi-variate system having a microprocessor-based telecommunications interface which has a digital adaptive all-pass filter and automatically variable delay distortion equalization circuitry which in combination provide both pre and post delay distortion equalization on the transmit and receive sides of bidirectional data lines (or dedicated telephone lines), which interfaces a conventional 4-wire analog facility and a data station termination at the customer premises equipment. A method of practicing the preferred embodiment of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of connecting an end of a plastic, male vacuum-component to a female component in a vacuum system, by attaching an elastomeric sealing member to the end of the male vacuum-component, and inserting the end of the male vacuum-component into a female vacuum-component until the elastomeric sealing member is in at least partial contact with a mating surface-portion of the female vacuum-component, repeating the steps a plurality of times for other mating male and female vacuum-components, and then creating a vacuum in the vacuum-system in which the male vacuum-component has become part, in order to erect a stand-alone structure which is held firmly together by binding forces formed by the vacuum.

Abstract: Close tolerance, oil free scroll type vacuum pumps, when run at RPM speeds in excess of 1800 RPM, prevent pump exhaust outlet to pump vacuum inlet back diffusion (backwards migration) of light atmospheric gases from a process vacuum is useful in a number of vacuum applications. The light gas isolation capability of the invention scroll type vacuum pumps is due to the close tolerance pumping mechanism that these pumps employ, the RPM speed that the mechanism is operated at, and the absence of light gas absorbing materials inside the pump such as oil.

Abstract: A vacuum-packaging machine is provided with a drive mechanism for each of the tools at the forming and sealing stations that not only vertically reciprocate the tools, but which also horizontally reciprocate the tools. Before the next section of the film being processed reaches the forming or sealing station, the respective tool at each station is moved in the same direction as the film, while being simultaneously lifted up toward the film. As that section comes to a halt at the station, the tool is already raised into close juxtaposition to the film for performing its work. The tool is then raised the final quantum amount in order to start either the forming or the sealing process. As soon as the forming or sealing process has been completed, both the conveyer chain and the tools are actuated for forward, downstream movement. The tools, in addition to their forward, horizontal movement, also drop down, in order to clear the packages to allow unobstructed passage of the film.

Abstract: The Invention relates specifically to an improved method of joining plastic socket fit piping components for vacuum, pressure, and structural applications where a leak and contamination free connection is needed. A unique Dual Face/Circumferential Elastomer Seal is installed in a special Seal Groove located on the end of the male component. The male components are then inserted into the female sockets until contact is made between the Dual Face/Circumferential Elastomer Seals and the Female Socket Base Surfaces. The final assembly is evacuated with a vacuum pump to actuate and fully compress the seals. The final assembly is then checked for leaks. If the connections are to remain under vacuum and the ability to disassemble is advantageous, no further work is required.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic system for a checking all functions of a cellular-transceiver system having a cellular-interface unit, which interface unit couples a standard telephone set to a cellular transceiver, which interface unit converts the DTMF or pulse-type of dialing signals into digital format for transmission to the cellular transceiver, whereby the dialed number made on the land-type of telephone may be used to call a number over the cellular system. The present invention not only monitors and checks the proper functioning of the transceiver and associated power supply, and the like, but will also monitor and check the interface unit.

Abstract: A method for making vacuum components from plastic material, and in particular, PVC and CPVC, where the plastic component is exposed to a high vacuum or ultra high vacuum for an extended period of time, by which the outgas rate drops considerably to levels that are well within required limits for high vacuum and ultra high vacuum applications. Residual gas analysis may be used to certify this low outgas level for the plastic components.

Abstract: The Invention relates specifically to an improved method of joining plastic socket fit piping components for vacuum, pressure, and structural applications where a leak and contamination free connection is needed. A unique Dual Face/Circumferential Elastomer Seal is installed in a special Seal Groove located on the end of the male component. The male components are then inserted into the female sockets until contact is made between the Dual Face/Circumferential Elastomer Seals and the Female Socket Base Surfaces. The final assembly is evacuated with a vacuum pump to actuate and fully compress the seals. The final assembly is then checked for leaks. If the connections are to remain under vacuum and the ability to disassemble is advantageous, no further work is required.

Abstract: A massage chair has a back-frame and massaging rollers mounted in the back-frame. The massaging rollers are guided by guide-plates, as the massage rollers reciprocate in the chair back. The guide-plates form an upper back-section, and a lower back-section, with the upper back-section being vertically movable with respect to the lower back-section. The lower back-section is pivotally mounted to the stationary frame, whereby the lower end-section thereof is movable toward and away from the frame, whereby the path of travel of the massage rollers may be adjusted to fit the back of different users of the chair, and for altering the massage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for telephone call answer supervision, capable of detecting the completion of both national and international calls, which employ different answer confirmation formats, and provide confirmation that a placed call has been answered if least one of the following conditions occurs: 1) a tone of a given frequency, transmitted on the transmit line of a telephone, is detected as received back on the receive line; and 2) audio activity having a non-repetitive cadence is detected on both the transmit and receive lines of the telephone. Also provided is an autonomous pay telephone, such as a mobile telephone, which includes an arrangement for determining and accessing a call rate, per unit of time, for a call placed to a given telephone number, a display for displaying, in real-time as the call progresses, charges for a completed call as well as an accounting arrangement for storing charges accessed for each completed call.

Abstract: The invention relates specifically to an improved method of joining plastic socket fit piping components for vacuum, pressure, and structural applications where a leak and contamination free connection is needed. A unique Dual Face/Circumferential Elastomer Seal is installed in a special Seal Groove located on the end of the male component. The male components are then inserted into the female sockets until contact is made between the Dual Face/Circumferential Elastomer Seals and the Female Socket Base Surfaces. The final assembly is evacuated with a vacuum pump to actuate and fully compress the seals. The final assembly is then checked for leaks. If the connections are to remain under vacuum and the ability to disassemble is advantageous, no further work is required.