Abstract: A contact lens that is of generally uniform cross-section to allow proper transmission of oxygen-to the eye contains an inner optic region and an outer radial zone. Parallel grooves are placed in the outer radial zone on the anterior surface of the lens to cause the lens to align when the eye is blinked. The grooves can form a fine grating and can be placed in a superior or inferior region of the outer radial zone, or they can be placed in a ring or other configuration in this region.

Abstract: A process controller and method employing a machine vision system for automatically and continuously monitoring and controlling the processing of coated fasteners, and for separating the fasteners into three groups of “good”, “rejected” and “purge”/recyclable parts.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer driving circuit has a main oscillator stage, a buffer circuit, and a voltage-doubling circuit. The main oscillator stage includes a frequency-swept signal generator that can be configured to provide different outputs to the buffers, which in turn provide the output to the voltage-doubling circuit, which supplies the piezoelectric transducer, causing it to mechanically deform and produce audible sounds of different types.

Abstract: A height adjustable seat suspension having first and second bases connected by a linkage assembly with an air spring and shock disposed between the bases. The shock dampens vertical movement of the bases and the air spring increases in air volume to raise the seat height of the suspension and decreases in air volume to lower the seat height of the suspension. A threaded rod is also included as part of the shock which is threadably engaged with a collar that is rotated by a drive source. The engagement between the threaded portions of the rod and collar axially repositions the rod with respect to said collar to change the effective length of, the shock.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a tire valve removal tool. The device has a body having a bore extending through the body. An internal stop is located in the body. As located in the body is an internally threaded portion for engaging the threaded portion of a valve stem. A plurality of exhaust vents are axially spaced apart along the body and are in communication with the bore. A plunger is slidably retained within the bore. The plunger has a handle at one end and a valve engaging means located at an opposing end for engaging the tire valve and rotating it for insertion or removal.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing organic contaminants, nutrients and suspended solids from waste water. A three-phase cycle is used, consisting of a mix fill phase, a react fill phase and a react discharge phase. The process and apparatus eliminate the need for separate basins for anaerobic and anoxic conditions, appropriate time periods for a quiescent environment for solids/liquid separation and the requirement of mechanical decanter devices normally required to extract the desired effluent quality in conventional sequencing batch reactor systems.

Abstract: A connector for use with a remote controlled apparatus comprising a base adapted to receive a control member and a contact surface adapted to slidingly receive a latch. Two fingers extend outwardly from the base and the latch has opposingly located deformable prongs which engage a pin and two arms which engage a contact surface found on the base. The latch is slidingly operable on the contact surface of the base between a locked and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the fingers of the base and the pin form a closed, unopenable structure. In the unlocked position, the fingers and the pin form an openable structure.

Abstract: A power adapter is disclosed. The power adapter comprises a housing having an AC inlet, a circuit board installed in the housing and connected with the AC inlet for converting AC to DC, a power cord with one end thereof connected with the circuit board, and a power cord take-up device having a bottom plate and a centered projecting member, wherein a top of the centered projecting member is connected with the housing, so as to wind the power cord around the centered projecting member to receive the power cord in the power cord take-up device.

Abstract: A method for molding a molded substance to a substrate is provided. A substrate connected to a fixing portion by a connecting portion is prepared. The substrate is placed in a mold, wherein a portion of the fixing portion is protruding from the mold. The fixing portion is fixed by a fixing device outside the mold. Then, the molded substance covering the substrate is formed within the mold.

Abstract: An enhanced activated sludge wastewater treatment method increases volumetric pollutant loading, hydraulic loading capacity and nutrient removal efficiency at a conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plant. The method describes the control of return activated sludge rates, and the operation of partitioned aeration and reaeration zones according to measured properties of the mixed liquor to achieve the claimed benefits. Operating an existing treatment plant according to the enhanced treatment method provides a more consistent treatment process that is resistant to shock loading and increases plant capacity without the need for costly construction and operation of additional reactors and clarifiers.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an elevator for multi-level rack storage systems that can automatically and continuously transfer loads from an upper level to a lower level without the use of an external power source.

Abstract: A device and method of visually confirming at a work site the accuracy of measurements representing the shape of an object such as a pool for the creation of a form fitted pool cover. The device includes a microprocessor for inputting a plurality of measurements representing a plurality of reference points corresponding to the shape of the object. The device further stores the measurements in the microprocessor. The microprocessor processes the inputted measurements and individually displays on the monitor reference points corresponding to the measurements inputted. This allows for the visual confirmation as to the accuracy of each of the measurements by providing the ability to compare the image displayed on the monitor with the shape of the object.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of testing the viral susceptibility of a compound. It includes the steps of mixing subject cells infected with a virus with target cells. The target cells of the compound include a marker. Another step includes stimulating viral production. The mixture is then subjected to at least one antiviral compound. Viral production in the target cells is then detected.

Abstract: A lid for a cup having a rim has a first component having a sip opening, the sip opening being located on the first component so as to be adjacent the rim of the cup when the lid is mounted on the cup. The lid further includes a second component having an edge defining at least a portion of a spill opening, the spill opening being spaced from the sip opening substantially along a line corresponding to a diameter of the rim of the cup when the lid is mounted on the cup. The lid still further includes a spillover chamber connected to the second component so as to receive liquid from within the cup through the spill opening when the cup is tipped toward the second position, the spillover chamber being outside of the cup when the lid is mounted on the cup.

Abstract: A system for creating at least one foot insert for an individual using a neutralizer 10, a levelor 40, and a sled 60. The neutralizer has a housing, protractor, and an angularly adjustable plate capable of supporting the foot. The neutralizer is adapted to accommodate a single foot of the individual to determine the neutral angle for each foot individually. The levelor is positionable on the neutralizer and has a plurality of adjustable arms to transfer the neutral angle from the neutralizer to the levelor. The levelor is also mountable to the sled with the adjustable arms being adapted to engage an insert for transferring the neutral angle to the insert.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a thermoplastic powder to threads located in a bore of an internally threaded fastener having a powder supply conduit in communication with a powder source and a powder application conduit defining a first passageway having a powder discharge port and a second passageway having a powder inlet port located adjacent the discharge port which is in communication with a powder collection system. The powder application conduit is movable for insertion into and through the bore of the fastener and into engagement with the powder supply conduit. The engagement forms a nozzle which directs powder through the powder discharge port onto the threads of the fastener and retrieves excess powder through the powder inlet port for conveyance to the powder collection system.

Abstract: A bar code (10) has primary information (46,48,50,51) encoded in one direction (e.g., horizontally) and secondary information (13,21,36) encoded in another direction (e.g., vertically) in single (11) or multiple tracks (35) in selected ones of the vertical bars (11) of a bar code (10). Using a non-linear, variable amplitude scanner, all of the primary bars are scanned in the one direction to obtain all of the primary information and all of those vertical bars having secondary information are scanned in the other direction to obtain all of the secondary information. The one direction which is perpendicular to the vertical primary bars (11), is determined by first rotating the scan path axis (86,87) until both start (46) and end (48) code bars are read thereby placing the scan path entirely within the total bar code, and, then, further rotating the scan path (88,89) to determine the direction of the minimum crossing width (Lsc 80) of the total bar code (10).

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling an electrically driven transport refrigeration unit under varying operating conditions while maintain the system generator within its electric current and temperature limitations is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention the management of generator power through the combined use of controls for a suction modulation valve (an “SMV”), for diesel engine speed control, and for electronic expansion valve (“EXV”) superheat settings.

Abstract: A night light which plugs directly into an electrical outlet with a rotatable housing which swivels 360° to direct light in a desired direction. The night light includes a light bulb connected to its power source in a self-contained housing. The night light also includes a light sensor which activates and deactivates the bulb depending upon ambient light levels.