Abstract: A pump comprises a driving rotor and a driven rotor that are positioned in a housing such that, as the driving rotor and the driven rotor rotate, the teeth of the driving rotor and the teeth of the driven rotor mesh to form a positive displacement seal. The teeth of the driving rotor and the driven rotor are configured such that seals between the inlet side and the discharge side of the pump are formed between only the leading surfaces of the teeth of the driving rotor and the trailing surfaces of the teeth of the driven rotor.

Abstract: An actively-cooled, fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite thrust chamber for liquid rocket propulsion systems is designed and produced with internal cooling channels. The monocoque tubular structure consists of an inner wall, which is fully integrated to an outer wall via radial coupling webs. Segmented annular void spaces between the inner wall, outer wall and adjoining radial webs form the internal trapezoidal-shaped cooling channel passages of the tubular heat exchanger. The manufacturing method enables producing any general tubular shell geometry ranging from simple cylindrical heat exchanger tubes to complex converging-diverging, Delaval-type nozzle structures with an annular array of internal cooling channels. The manufacturing method allows for transitioning the tubular shell structure from a two-dimensional circular geometry to a three-dimensional rectangular geometry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a secure wireless authorization system by which a user can employ a wireless device to authorize a request that is initiated by a remote third party and transmitted to the user by an authorization server. The system includes the authorization server that is linked to the third party by way of a communications connection and a wireless device that is adapted to securely store an encryption scheme and create a secure authorization from the user in response to the third party request and has the ability to establish a secure wireless connection over which the secure authorization is transmitted from the user's wireless device to the authorization server. Pre-authorization, real-time authorization and post-authorization methods are disclosed by which user authorized transactions can be completed by way of the authorization system of this invention.

Abstract: A weight plate for use with physical fitness equipment comprising a plate body with at least a main throughbore and, possibly, other throughbores passing therethrough. The body additionally has an internal bore within the thickness of the plate body which intersects the main central throughbore. A spring loaded selector pin is movably mounted within the internal bore to selectively engage and disengage the plate body to a post positioned in the main throughbore. A handle is mounted to the selector pin externally to the plate to selectively position the selector pin.

Abstract: A chair for the home or office having a seat, a back rest and a pair of tubular chair arms at opposite sides of the seat to support respective arm rests. A slide-out compartment is built into the arm rest of one of the pair of chair arms. The slide-out compartment is sized to accommodate therewithin an I-Pod device, an Mp3 player, or a similar digital storage and playback device. An audio speaker is built into each of the chair arms above the seat. An electrical connector is located in the slide-out compartment to be mated to either one of the I-Pod device or Mp3 player so that the stored content thereof can be supplied to the speakers. The chair is wired so as to enable the chair occupant to power his I-Pod device from a DC voltage source, to listen to the audio (e.g., music) output of the I-Pod device or Mp3 player at the audio speakers, and to control the sound that is emitted by the speakers.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment is disclosed to be coupled to a conventional walking cane at the handle end thereof that is grasped by the hand of a user. By turning the cane upside down, the magnetic attachment at the handle end can be moved into contact with a magnetic object (e.g., a set of keys) to be lifted off the floor and carried to the hand of the user. By virtue of the foregoing, an elderly or disabled individual will not have to bend over or kneel down to retrieve his dropped keys, or the like. In a first embodiment, the magnetic attachment is a coupling ring that is molded over and around a magnet. The coupling ring has a longitudinally extending channel that is sized to removably receive and surround the handle end of the walking cane. In a second embodiment, the magnetic attachment is a magnet that is retained within a hole that extends laterally through the handle end of the cane.

Abstract: An adjustable arm assembly for a chair is described including an adjustable arm having a detent actuator to be manually depressed so that elevation of the chair arm can be selectively adjusted relative to the chair seat to accommodate the arms of a user. An elevation adjustment tube to which the adjustable arm is connected is slidable through a hollow elevation guide tube at the side of the chair so that the elevation of the adjustable arm can be changed. A lock is carried by and slidable with the elevation adjustment tube through the elevation guide tube. The lock has a detent pin that is moved into receipt by one of a plurality of detent holes formed in the elevation guide tube when the detent actuator is not being operated so as to releasably retain the elevation adjustment tube within the elevation guide tube. An elongated actuator arm runs through the elevation adjustment tube between the detent actuator and the lock.

Abstract: A lamp socket adapter to receive a relatively low cost, low voltage (e.g., wedge base or bipin) light bulb so that the light bulb can be powered from a source of 12 volts AC or DC. The lamp socket adapter of this invention is adapted to be rotated into mating engagement with a standard Edison-type lamp socket that is to be connected to receive one of an AC or DC voltage. By virtue of the foregoing, an efficient light bulb circuit is available by which one or more low voltage light bulbs can provide bright light over an area to be illuminated with reduced power consumption relative to a conventional 120 volt AC-powered incandescent light bulb. The lamp socket adapter includes an upstanding bulb pedestal to which the light bulb is attached and supported.