Abstract: A data collection and display system that displays near real-time images of distant weather and runway conditions to pilots and other end users to be used in flight planning and execution. The system uses cameras and hardware at the distant location, which regularly transmit still video images of the sky, horizon and runways (if at an airport) to an Internet Service Provider. The images are then accessed by a web site and presented to the user to assist with flight planning. Each current image is juxtaposed on the computer monitor against a “clear-day” image that shows conditions as they appear when there are no weather related obstructions to vision. The current image may then be compared to the “clear-day” image to assist the user in ascertaining both quantitative and qualitative information about the weather and runway conditions at the site in question.

Abstract: A method for the removal of sulfur and nitrogen containing compounds from petroleum distillates. Sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds are oxidized using a selective oxidant to create compounds that can be preferentially extracted from a petroleum distillate due to their increased relative polarity. Oxidation is accomplished by contacting an oxidant with a distillate under optimum conditions for that distillate and continuing the reaction until oxidized sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds are confirmed. Extraction is accomplished by contacting oxidized distillate with a non-miscible solvent that is selective for the relatively polar oxidized sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds. The oxidized compounds and solvent are separated from the distillate by gravity separation or centrifugation. The distillate is water washed and polished using clay filtration. The extraction solvent is separated from the solvent/oxidized compound mixture by a simple distillation for recycling.

Abstract: A damper that functions in cooperation with the chain take-up to introduce improved smoothness during bicycle operation. The hydraulic damper is a cylinder that has a spring driven piston mounted in it. The spring is controlled by a fluid within the cylinder. This fluid smoothes out or otherwise controls jerky or other unwanted vibration by applying fluid forces to the take-up piston so that a relatively constant pressure is applied against the drive chain. This allows that chain to flow over the sprockets and chain slides without, looseness, unintentional gear shifts or objectionable noise.

Abstract: An articulated handle for hockey sticks. This articulated handle extends downwards and outwards from the top of the stick handle. The articulated handle is compound angled and forms a grip for the user. In use, the player holds the stick in one hand at about the center of the handle as before. The upper hand holds the articulated handle. The articulation creates a natural position for holding the stick. Moreover, it gives the user considerably more power and control. Finally, the articulated handle reduces the stress placed on the user's wrist, thereby reducing or eliminating stress injuries. Although this handle is designed for use with hockey sticks, it can also be used on any handled implement, such as shovels, rakes, hoes, tennis rackets, or other similar implements.

Abstract: A heated power cable for oil wells providing controllable, variable power output and heater redundancy. Heating elements are electrically and thermally insulated within the same armor in a manner that permits the heating elements to direct heat to the oil in the well, while simultaneously protecting the power conductors from excess heat.

Abstract: A fish processing machine that uses a large pair of refrigerated wheels to hold a fish for processing. The wheels rotate in a clockwise direction. A fish is introduced at the top of the wheels, where it is pressed against the refrigerated wheels. By the phenomenon of frost adhesion, the fish adheres to the wheels. The wheels are angled so that they are spaced closer at the top and farther apart at the bottom. As the wheels rotate, a pair of filleting knives cut the fillets from the carcass. As the wheels continue to rotate, the fillets are automatically separated by adhering to the refrigerated wheels. The remainder of the fish falls down between the wheels to a conveyer for disposal or further processing. As the wheels continue to turn, the fillets can be further processed before the fillets are removed from the skin and the skin is cleaned from the wheels.

Abstract: A pipe wrench stand having a flat base, a fixed upright support, an adjustable upright support, and a locking system to lock the adjustable support in the desired position. The pipe wrench stand also has a channel formed in the base, to hold the adjustable support in alignment and a recessed center channel for holding a pipe wrench head. In one embodiment, mounting holes are drilled in the base to mount the device on a work pad or to hang the device for storage. A pipe wrench is supported in the pipe wrench stand to support the pipe wrench during tightening operation with threaded pipes.

Abstract: A gas can carrier that attaches to the back of snow machines and off road vehicles. The carrier has an inner foam core that is covered with heavy duty pack cloth. A number of pockets are supplied for convenience. The top center portion of the carrier is hollowed out forming a recessed area to receive a spare gas can. An expandable pocket is also formed in the recess so that if no gas can is being carried, items can be kept within this central pocket. To hold the carrier on a snow machine or other vehicle, a set of straps is provided that loop around the vehicle's bumpers.

Abstract: A muffler for exhaust systems that feed exhaust into both ends of the muffler can. Exhaust gas enters into the muffler can where it enters an exhaust gas conduit that has a center plug installed. Exhaust is fed into both ends of the exhaust gas conduit. The exhaust gas is then forced out through a number of flared holes in the exhaust gas conduit, where it enters the muffler can and exits through an exhaust port. This design creates a longer exhaust flow path, which allows the exhaust gas to cool, extending the life of the muffler. Moreover, since the gasses are unimpeded in their flow through the conduit until they hit the partition plate, the exhaust conduit is less exposed to the full heat of the exhaust gas, unlike the cones, which do not penetrate deeply into the muffler can and bear the brunt of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A tricycle type vehicle that uses a reciprocating crank system to drive the vehicle is shown. In this design, the operating parts of the vehicle are enclosed by a padded shell that has a soft removable cover. The padded shell ensures that a child has no access to the moving parts while the vehicle is in motion The soft removable covers have different designs, such as animals (horses, lions, etc.), dinosaurs, cartoon characters, or any popular style. The soft covers are also designed to be used a bedding for children, throw rugs or as large stuffed toys. The device also has fenders to prevent contact with the large rear wheels. Finally, sound effects can be added to further enhance the overall operating effect as a toy.

Abstract: The present device is a movable-louver heating and cooling register. The register is designed to have the same overall dimensions of commercial registers available today. The heating and cooling register has movable louvers installed on pivots that are formed in the register body. Two control arms are used to pivot the groups of louvers. The control arms are mounted on diagonals from each other. Both control arms are attached to a central control shaft, which is designed to rotate about its central axis. Because the control arms are mounted on opposite sides on the diagonal, as the control shaft is rotated, it pulls the two control arms in opposite directions. This causes each set of louvers to move in opposite directions. The advantage of movable louvers is that they can be used with both heating and cooling cycles. To operate the louvers, the control shaft can be turned by hand.

Abstract: An improved air cleaning filter is disclosed. This device is primarily intended for use as an industrial vacuum cleaner, although the system can be adopted for stationary air filtering systems. The vacuum exhaust is fed into a housing that holds a quantity of water. The polluted air is then forced through the water, which traps most of the dust and dirt. As the clean air is exhausted, however, minute dirt and water particles tend to be sucked up as well. These particles are caught using a baffle structure that feed air into a plenum. A dust trap is suspended in the plenum to catch more stray particles. As this air is exhausted from the plenum, it passes through another set of baffles, which catch any remaining particles. Clean, dry air is then exhausted through a port at the rear of the housing. This system cleans the air so thoroughly, there is no need to cover the exhaust with paper filters. The device is made of high strength plastic.

Abstract: A method for testing catalytic converters is disclosed that uses optimum engine settings to determine the operational efficiency of catalytic converters. The method consists of the steps of: pre-setting the engine until it is within manufacturers operating specifications; and then injecting a subsidiary air-fuel mixture into the intake manifold which is supplied from an external source from the internal combustion engine; then adjusting the subsidiary air-fuel mixture until the exhaust gasses produced by th e internal combustion engine are equal to about: 14.7 percent Carbon Dioxide, 0.0 parts per million Hydrocarbons, and between about 1.0 and 1.4 percent Oxygen; and then finally reading the output of carbon monoxide produced by the engine when the percentage of gasses produced in proportions listed above are achieved. This test uses standard automotive test equipment that is now used for emission's testing throughout the United States. A method of testing a vehicle's oxygen sensor is also disclosed.