Abstract: A wireless alternating current phasing voltmeter multimeter that uses modular wireless based components in order to provide indications of highly desirable parameters of interest, such as AC voltage, phase rotation, and the number of degrees difference between phases. The use of wireless technology eliminates the cable customarily used to interconnect the test probes and the metering circuitry, which may effectively eliminate the concern regarding the distance separating the power lines that are to be tested. The wireless alternating current phasing voltmeter multimeter has two base modules, but, because of the flexibility of the design, modifications can be readily incorporated into the present invention modules that allow for numerous operational and functional permutations to be implemented in order to meet an individual user's needs including the use of one of the modules as a hand-held base module that can be remotely located away from the electrical power lines (or test points).

Abstract: The safety fuse tool is used for handling high-voltage fuses and their fuse carriers, i.e., fuse barrel assemblies, or other similar or related devices, and can generally be described as having a central base structure carrying a movable head assembly and also carrying a pivotally mounted latch that is preferably comprised of two arms that work together operationally. The head assembly has at least one carrying arm and possibly a hook for servicing fuses and other related devices. A feature of the safety fuse tool is its automatic latching mechanism. This mechanism is essentially comprised of, among other items, a novel design of sliding surfaces that allows the head assembly and the latch to work together to automatically secure a fuse barrel assembly to the safety fuse tool.

Abstract: A method and device for dewatering most liquid/solid solutions and slurries is described. A dewatering device having a dewatering pump in fluid communication with a filter rack with vertically arrayed filter elements that is carried by a container. To begin the dewatering process, the filter rack is lowered to the bottom of the container and the liquid/solid slurry is introduced. Next, the dewatering pump draws the liquid from the slurry into the filter rack and then to the pump. When dewatering efficiency decreases, the dewatering operation is momentarily stopped and the filter elements of the filter rack are backpulsed with air and raised to dislodge the filter cakes that have formed. The filter rack is then relowered and the dewatering operation continues. These steps of dewatering, backpulsing, raising the filter rack, and lowering filter rack are continued until the container is full of dewatered solids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing waste streams wherein a slipstream is formed on the upstream side of an ultrafiltration membrane (120) to carry collected and concentrated filter reject to a microfilter (170) via a slipstream through a conduit (155) at a very low flux through the microfilter. The low flux gives the particles in this stream a chance to interact and thus form an irregular matrix that itself helps to trap particles. The effluent from this matrix and microfilter is returned upstream of the ultrafiltration membrane via a conduit (165) to be repeatedly collected and concentrated. The suspended solids removed from the reject stream and microfilter may then be disposed of directly without further processing. For metal ions, the removal efficiency of ultrafiltration membrane can be improved by injecting sulfide compounds or other compounds upstream of ultrafiltration membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the culturing of microorganisms, including molds, mildew, fungus, viruses, bacteria and insects, within the walls (10), ceilings (15) and floors (45) of a building (12) to eliminate these as a source of respiratory illness and fungal disease among the occupants of a building (12). The method comprises circulating drier, cleaner air into the space (24) between the interior surface (18) and exterior surface (20) of the wall (10), ceiling (15) and floor (45) of the building (12). The apparatus includes a pump (28) and a network of piping (26) installed in the walls (10), ceilings (15) and floors (45) and adapted to create a flow of dry air within the them that absorbs moisture which would otherwise promote the culturing of the microorganisms. Preferably, sensors (32) inside the wall (10), ceiling (15) and floor (45) are connected to a controller (30) to activate the pump (28) when the moisture level rises to a predetermined level.

Abstract: An improvement to an automatic data extractor has the capability of discovering new values that are not recognized by the vocabulary of the automatic data extractor and adding them to the record being formed and to the vocabulary, thus accumulating new vocabulary through use. The extractor gleans new values by deducing them from the structure of the text data and learns them by adding them to its vocabulary. The data extractor determines the structure of the data in much the same way as prior art data extractors but then a discovery process is used to identify a series of field lists using preferably at least one field parser and a field grader. The results of the grader are returned to an attribute mapper that identifies the position in the field list for each of the attributes.

Abstract: An internal combustion rotary engine that employs resilient, flexible vanes attached to a rotor that spins within an oval cavity in a housing. The vanes, which are long enough to extend slightly radially from the rotor by a distance beyond the interior surface of the cavity, bend in response to the cyclical variation between the rotor and the oval cavity in order to define four chambers and form a sliding seal with the interior surface. As the vanes revolve with the rotating rotor, the volumes of these four chambers vary cyclically and enable the four phases of an approximate Otto Cycle. The engine is more efficient than a conventional, reciprocating engine because the expansion force of the combustion gas acts directly on the rotating element with a minimum of moving parts.

Abstract: A fire arrester for use with a clothes dryer includes a fire detector at the dryer vent to detect fires starting in the dryer and provides an electrical power disconnect means to break the flow of electrical power being supplied to operate the dryer. Optionally, the signal is applied to release an extinguishing agent or fire suppressant into the interior of the dryer just prior to shutting off the dryer blower. The output signal from the fire detector can also be used to provide various alarms, including local visual and/or alarms, as well as a remote alarm, which can be accomplished by sending a signal to a remote monitoring facility such as a home intrusion service or to a local fire department. Optionally, the activation of any of the alarm signals, and/or the activation of any of the features or functions of the fire arrester can be accomplished by using wireless communications.

Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus for converting both organic and inorganic materials into more desirable products by the expedient of breaking down these materials into their stable molecular constituents and reforming them into more desirable substances. The process involves the use of two chambers. Blended solid and fluid wastes are augered into the first chamber and agitated, preferably by rotating the chamber so that the waste tumbles over internal fins, while a heat gradient is applied. Carbon and inorganic solid wastes are removed from the system and fluid wastes passed to a second chamber where they are again subjected to a heat gradient. Effluents are recovered and condensed. Electromagnetic radiation, preferably from microwaves, and/or lasers, masers or ultrasonic energy is applied to the wastes in both chambers. Liberal use of catalysts is made in the chambers.

Abstract: A self-sealing sleeve (10) is provided having an inner layer (12) and an outer layer (14). The inner layer is composed of a thermally inert material and is configured to have a self-sealing overlap (16). The outer layer (14) is made of a heat reflective, insulating material and is disposed along the periphery of the inner layer (12) thereby providing heat insulation and protection from corrosives to wires, conduits and like disposed in the lumen (20) of the sleeve (10).

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the orientation of trim tabs on a helicopter rotor blade includes a gage, a bender and a calibrator plate. The gage is secured to the calibrator plate which holds the gage in an orientation that simulates a rotor blade with trim tabs at zero degrees so that the gage can be zeroed. The gage is then removed and positioned on a rotor blade. Because the gage is supported on the blade by rollers, it is free to roll along the length of the blade and may thereby be positioned and repositioned quickly. Once in position, the bender is applied to the trim tabs adjacent to the gage and tightened using thumb screws. The handle of the bender allows the trim tabs to be adjusted while verifying that the amount of adjustment indicated by the gage dial indicator matches the preselected angle.

Abstract: A wireless telematic thermometer for remote measurement of a human or animal body on the basis of information transmitted by a transmitting module and received by a receiving module, in which the temperature evaluation is carried out in the receiving module, the transmitting module having a probe that is permanently in contact with the body, for obtaining digital sequences which are periodically sent to the receiver, with the cooperation of a transistor controlled by a microprocessor. The receiver has receiving means associated with a microprocessor, which controls movement recorders for displaying the information on a viewing screen; it also has acoustic and luminous warning means.

Abstract: A single circuit element, referred to as a solid state rectifying fuse (SSRF), rectifies an incoming AC signal and opens the circuit if a programmed maximum current level is reached. The anode or cathode depending upon the particular application is designed with a plurality of conductors strips in electrical contact with the P or N region, respectively. Conductor strips are composed of a material that melts open if the current limit is exceeded. Conductor strips are designed to have a lower total current handling capacity than that of the PN junction so that the current is reduced or terminated before the PN junction can “short.” Depending on the desired maximum current of the SSRF, the current limit can be adjusted downward by burning out or severing some of the conductors. In this sense, it is a programmable diode.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of radioactive graphite which includes the following steps: (i) reacting the radioactive graphite at a temperature in the range of from 250° C. to 900° C. with superheated steam or gases containing water vapor to form hydrogen and carbon monoxide; (ii) reacting the hydrogen and carbon monoxide from step (i) to form water and carbon dioxide; and (iii) reacting the carbon dioxide of step (ii) with metal oxides to for carbonate salts. The process enables radioactive graphite, such as graphite moderator, to be treated either in-situ or externally of a decommissioned nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A wireless phasing voltmeter having a high impedance AC voltmeter in series with two high impedance probes. Shielding surrounds and electrically isolates the voltmeter and probes which communicate via wireless, FM transmission, thus eliminating the cable customarily used to connect the probes. The signal transmitted may be analog or digital. The transmitter and receiver may be plugged into the same jacks on the probe that were used for the cable. In parallel with the voltmeter and connected electrically with the shielding is an electrical circuit designed to add the capacitive current to a current detected by the probes in such a way that the net effect on the measured current is zero.

Abstract: A method for lining a gun barrel with a material selected to reduce the rate of erosion and corrosion from the rounds of ammunition fired through it includes the steps of forming a rod of the lining material, hammer -forging a barrel blank to the rod, and then drilling out a bore in the rod. The liner extends from the muzzle end of the barrel almost to the chamber end but stops short to abut a step formed in the barrel just forward of the chamber. The chamber is machined, reamed, and chrome-plated. Preferably measures are taken, such as by applying pressure to the rod during forging, to assure that the rod is placed in full engagement with the step and held in full engagement with the step in order to avoid the formation of a gap between the liner and the step.

Abstract: A fire control system with a decocking lever that operates to decock the hammer and also as a safety. The fire control system also has a magazine safety to complement the decocking lever's dual functions. The magazine safety is in the “safety on” position when a magazine is not fully seated in the magazine well and in the “safety off” position when the magazine is fully seated. In one embodiment, rotating the decocking lever by lifting one of the thumb tabs applies the safety if the hammer is cocked and rotating the decocking lever in the other direction causes the sear to release the hammer but catch it before it reaches the firing pin. In an alternate embodiment, the decocking lever can be used as a safety regardless of whether the hammer is cocked or not. Further rotation lower a cocked hammer.

Abstract: A golf training device to help maintain the proper synchronous relationship between the movement of hands and hip rotation during a golf swing. In the event that the movement of the hands and hip rotation of the user are out of synchronization, the training device provides feedback to the user. The training aid device basically comprises a strap that secure a sheet to the rearward leg of the user. A trapezoid shaped panel is mounted to the sheet, which provides the user with a reference as to the proper positioning of a user's hands and the shaft of the golf club during address, and which provides a tactile feedback signal to the user, if the user's backswing is improper or if the user's hip rotation and movement of the user's hands are out of synchronization, by making contact with at least one of the user's hands.

Abstract: An improvement to the current-carrying components of a lamp includes two filaments connected to two different electrodes and one common electrode, and a switch for directing current through the secondary filament upon the failure of the primary filament. Normally, the current flows through the primary filament. The switch in one embodiment is a wire that does not conduct when the primary filament is operational but conducts on the failure of the primary filament to shunt the current to the secondary filament. The wire is an oxide metal wrapped around two of the three electrodes inside the glass envelop of the lamp. When the primary filament fails, the open circuit voltage breaks across the oxide layer to weld the wire to the electrodes and bypass the primary filament.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable apparatus for the rapid, low-volume solid phase extraction of analytes from a variety of sources. The apparatus of the present invention is configured as a pipette tip and contains a loosely confined stationary phase. The mobility of the stationary phase particles enables rapid mixing and equilibration with a sample solution during agitation. The analyte may thereby be extracted in less time with less solvent, removing the need for a separate concentration step.