Abstract: A wind energy system comprising a queue of turbines housed in a horizontal air conduit. The inlet end of the conduit opens into a wind collector assembly, which preferably comprises in part downwardly extending earthen slope, such as a hillside or embankment. The wind collector assembly may include a pair of lateral collectors, such as sails, that flank the inlet end of the conduit. An upper collector, similar to a spinnaker, may be included above the shaft and between the flanking sails. The flanking sails preferably are retractable and may be hydraulically controlled. Thus, the wind collector assembly formed by the spinnaker above, the earthen slope below and the lateral sails flanking the inlet, serves to collect wind and channel it into the conduit. Generators coupled to the turbines are electrically connected to a power plant or to an alternate electrical facility on or off the grid.

Abstract: A multiple position contoured body pillow having an elongated somewhat oblong or oval shape adapted to conform to the spine and upper torso of a human user by means of a main body section consisting of a longitudinally extending back portion having a contoured inner peripheral edge and a substantially straight outer peripheral edge, transversely extending symmetrically curved U-shaped arms attached to the ends of the main body section which arms may be repositioned toward the main body section and which arms are adapted to “spring back” into position when abducted from the main body section of the pillow, the first symmetrically curved arm being provided at a terminal end thereof with a pocket adapted to contain a foldable fabric pouch for storing remote controls, small books, and the like.

Abstract: A lock box assembly for enclosing and protecting a plastic security seal on the latch assembly of the door on a cargo container or trailer. The lock box includes first and second box members that together form an enclosure for the hasp assembly that holds the seal. Cooperating latch arm slots in the sides of the box members capture the latch arm, thereby securing the lock box to the latch assembly and preventing access to the seal. Aligned holes in the sides of the box members receive a lock pin. This configuration provides a lock box that is simple in design and easy to attach and remove using any conventional lock pin. The box is secured to the latch assembly by capturing the latch arm in the slots, eliminating the need for any structure to pass through the hasps, leaving the seal undisturbed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placement of continuous pre-split, gel explosive in an elongated borehole or cavity. An anchor is attached to one end of a selected length of continuous gel explosive. A suitable anchor is a flexible, plastic “pilgrim's hat” with a hole in the narrow, closed end. The size of the anchor depends on the width of the borehole; the flared skirt should be narrow enough to permit insertion of the anchor into the hole but wide enough to resist removal. One end of the explosive charge is pressed through the hole in the anchor. The remainder of the length of explosive is placed inside a tubular member, such as PVC pipe. The loaded pipe then is inserted into the borehole or cavity with the anchor leading. The pipe is used to push the anchor back into the hole to the desired depth. Then, the pipe is withdrawn. The flexible skirt on the anchor engages the sidewall of the borehole and thus resists removal with the pipe.

Abstract: A span wire assembly for supporting a traffic control device. The span wire assembly includes a pair of vertical members or cast arms for attachment to the traffic control device. The cast arms are integrally formed with tubular ends and a centrally positioned wiring passage. A span wire assembly utilizing the inventive cast arms has fewer parts and, consequently, is simpler for the manufacturer to produce and for the customer to use.

Abstract: A method and mobile system for cleaning dirty gas from a newly stimulated gas well. The entire system is supported on a trailer or other mobile support so that it can be driven from well site to well site for short-term, post-stimulation use only. The system comprises a gas separator, such as a membrane separator. The system also includes a pretreatment assembly for preparing the gas for the gas separator. The pretreatment assembly may include separators, a heater, a guard vessel and a polishing filter. A chiller or heat exchanger cools the treated gas to a marketable temperature. A generator and a hydraulics plant provide power to the system. Each mobile system will be designed to treat gases with widely different operating conditions varying from well to well.

Abstract: Recovery and conversion of geothermal energy from geologically stable, hot, dry rock is disclosed. Deep boreholes are drilled to form a system of feed and return conduits in the non-porous formation. Fluid is passed through the conduits where heat energy is transferred to the moving fluid. The return conduit brings the hot fluid to an energy conversion station located underground where the thermal energy is converted into electrical energy. Power from the generator and warm water are supplied to the community for use. To form the deep boreholes, a series of large diameter boreholes is drilled, and the rig is moved down at intervals until the environment becomes intolerable. At that depth, a final borehole is drilled to reach the optimum temperature level. The system of this invention taps an unlimited source of energy in this country and accomplishes this in a manner that is both cost efficient and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stimulating producing strata in oil or gas wells. The formation is penetrated using existing shaped charges, and an oxygen-rich material then is introduced into the producing formation. Thus, oxygen is available within the formation to sustain an explosive reaction with the existing formation hydrocarbons acting as fuel. This explosive reaction will cause fracturing of the formation and will counteract plugging that often results from the use of conventional shaped charges. In one embodiment, a container encloses shaped charges surrounded by oxygen-rich material. The shaped charges are ignited first, perforating the well casing and any surrounding cement. Additional explosive charges at each end of the container then are ignited. This forces the oxygen-rich material into the perforation tunnels. Alternately, the oxygen can be a part of the shaped charge and projected into the formation with the shaped charge to accomplish the same results.

Abstract: A modular in-wall medical services outlet system comprising separate standardized vertical units that can be shipped separately and assembled on site to form a consolidated horizontal system. The system includes a self-aligning feature that allows the units to be leveled as a single whole and eliminates the need to level each unit separately. The alignment system may be combined with connectors which secure the units to each other. Racks of medical service outlets are included. The racks may be horizontally aligned, vertically aligned, or both. Substantially continuous trim and cover plate assemblies extend entirely across the face of the system around the outlets giving the system the appearance of an in-wall horizontal unit. The trim is attachable to the wall structure, receives the wall board, supports the service outlets, and provides horizontal equipment tracks. The frame provides the system with load bearing capacity to support equipment in the horizontal tracks.

Abstract: A micro-helix antenna. The antenna comprises a helically-shaped conductive element disposed on a dielectric core. The diameter of the helix formed by the conductive element is very small relative to the wavelength of the antenna, preferably no more than about 1/100th of the wavelength. Having such a small diameter, this micro-helix antenna can be further compressed into two- and three-dimensional shapes, such as spirals, helices and meandering or stochastic patterns. The micro-helix antenna can be created by pressing a fine wire into a helical shape. Alternately, the helical conductor can be formed by a laser ablation process or laying down the helical shape using a direct-write process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stimulating producing strata in oil or gas wells. The formation is penetrated using shaped charges, and an oxygen-rich material then is introduced into the producing formation. Thus, oxygen is available within the formation to sustain an explosive reaction with the existing formation hydrocarbons acting as fuel. This explosive reaction will cause fracturing of the formation and will counteract plugging that often results from the use of conventional shaped charges. In one embodiment, a container encloses shaped charges surrounded by oxygen-rich material. Alternately, the oxygen can be a part of the shaped charge and projected into the formation with the shaped charge to accomplish the same results. Still further, oxygen-rich material can be pumped into the well in bulk in a liquid or paste form.

Abstract: A tree cutting attachment for a skid steer loader. The attachment comprises a universal mounting plate by which the attachment quickly and simply is removably attachable to the loader. A circular saw blade is supported at the end of a non jointed arm that extends forwardly from the mounting plate. A hydraulically driven, direct drive motor is supported on the forward end of the arm above the blade and an overhung load adapter may be interposed between the motor and the blade. The blade is mounted for rotation on a vertical axis and preferably is a circular blade with a toothed edge. Leaving the cutting edge of the blade exposed about its entire periphery allows the blade to approach and cut upstanding trees from three sides. A brush guard, preferably of expanded metal, extends upwardly from the arm high enough to protect the operator of the loader.

Abstract: A hair styling brush with reverse airflow. The preferred styling brush has a contoured, bristled body for holding locks of hair in a curved or curled position. The body is perforated, and a blower in the brush draws air in through the perforations across the damp hair. This styling brush preferably is used with a conventional blow dryer or curling iron. When using a blow dryer, warm air from the blow dryer is directed at the lock of hair on the styling brush, while the blower in the styling brush pulls the warm air through the hair. Alternately, after a lock of hair has been styled on a curling iron, the lock then can be cooled rapidly using the styling brush. The styling brush is designed to direct the exhaust air toward the handle. In this way, the user can tell from the temperature of the exhaust when the hair is dry. More specifically, once the hair on the brush is dry, the exhaust air will begin to feel warmer as the evaporation process is no longer cooling it.

Abstract: A vented tweeter with a low profile particularly suited for automotive applications where the mounting depth is limited. The tweeter comprises a motor with a central air passage extending through it and a lateral air chamber formed around it. Radial channels on the top of the motor connect the air gap in the motor with the central air passage, and radial channels under the motor connect the central air passage with the lateral air chamber. As the diaphragm oscillates, air can move back and forth between the air gap around the magnet and lateral space outside the motor. This configuration substantially increases the volume of air that can be acted on by the diaphragm without significantly increasing the length of the assembled tweeter or compromising the power of the motor. To enhance the power of the motor, a secondary magnet can be included above the top plate.