Abstract: An efficient fluid energy collection and conversion system which has energy collectors that travel both upstream and downstream in a fluid stream. Energy collectors are mounted on a rotatable hub; during each rotation, the energy collectors travel through a downstream portion and an upstream portion of the fluid. The energy collectors' shape is changed to increase their drag while traveling downstream in the fluid stream to collect energy, and their shape is changed to decrease their drag while traveling upstream in the fluid stream to conserve energy. The energy collectors' shape are changed either passively by the pressure of the fluid stream, or actively, by computer control using servos, hydraulics, gears, pulleys, or the like. The system is adjustable to varying wind conditions. Some, or all, of the collectors are deactivated when less energy collection is desired such as during very high wind conditions. Likewise, all the energy collectors are activated when the winds are light.

Abstract: A simple to use, single quantity, syringe sterilization and destruction device is disclosed. A syringe is inserted into the device needle first by the operator. The device grips the syringe and holds it in place. The device heats the steel needle portion of a syringe to sterilize the needle portion. The heat also melts the steel-to-plastic fitting between the steel needle portion and the plastic barrel portion of the syringe. The plastic barrel portion separates from the heated needle portion of the syringe by force of gravity or by a light pulling force exerted by a pulling mechanism. The hole in the fitting is sealed by the molten plastic. Sealing the hole maintains the integrity of the plastic barrel/plunger container and prevents spillage of contaminated waste. The heated needle is bent into a spiral bundle so that no sharp portions protrude from the spiral bundle. The spiral bundle is deposited into a container for recycling or waste disposal.

Abstract: A document holder comprising a slotted open-ended sleeve dimensioned to permit facile insertion and removal of a medial length of rolled document thereinto and therefrom through its slot, and to retain the document in a rolled configuration of predetermined diameter convenient for storage. The document holder may also be provided with a substantially flat exterior labeling surface to facilitate labeling of the document in rolled condition for ready filing and retrieval from storage.

Abstract: A handheld sign having printing and shape suggestive of certain activities, such as a "stop" sign, and further having at least two lights in which only a single light is illuminated at any one time. The flashing between the lights provides added attention getting capability and hence more safety. The lights are powered by a battery pack which is preferably rechargeable through normal household current, a solar radiation collecting apparatus mounted onto the sign, or via an automobile cigarette lighter.

Abstract: A system for locating geographic points on maps, charts and, the like uses a rectangular grid with sides tangent to the corresponding geographical extremities of the area (city, county, state, nation, etc.) represented on the chart. Two decimal scales extend from the zero ordinate of the grid, with unit ordinates at their opposite ends. Thus, a location along either scale and therefore a line of position across the enclosed geographical area represented, may be defined by a decimal number between zero and one and the intersection of the lines of position representing a point on the represented area may be defined by a two decimal array. Tables of the decimal arrays for specific points may be provided, and the system is extendible to different maps and/or insets of dissimilar scale, so long as the, decimal scales are consistently used between each map. The system may be further extended to provide point location within three dimensional volumes by using a three decimal array.

Abstract: An air filtration system with a safety after-filter that prevents contaminated air being exhausted by using a backup filter and with a mechanism to detect tears or leaks in the primary filters. The safety after-filter assembly attaches to the exhaust of an air filtration system and collects dirt particles which get by the primary filters. Detection of rips, tears, or leaks in the primary filters is accomplished by monitoring the air pressure difference across the safety after-filter and is measured by a differential pressure gauge. If a primary filter develops a tear or leak, the safety after-filter quickly becomes clogged with dirt and the pressure difference across the safety after-filter increases. If the safety after-filter itself develops a tear or leak, the pressure difference across the safety after-filter decreases. Either condition causes alarms to be triggered and the system is powered down, thus preventing contaminated air being exhausted.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder that rotates to position a feeding hole in close proximity to the level of the liquid contained therein. The feeder, basically circular in cross section, is mounted to allow rotation around the axial center of the circular cross section. One face of the feeder has a hole through which the humming birds drink the liquid. Concentric to the hole is a floatation device which maintains the position of the hole in the close proximity to the surface of the liquid. As the liquid level lowers, the entire assembly rotates to maintain the hole position immediately above the liquid level.

Abstract: An apparatus which collects recyclable refuse in sorted compartments. Through either automatic sensors or through an operator panel, the apparatus determines the contents of the refuse and directs it to the proper compartment or container. In this manner, recyclable material such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastics, etc. are easily sorted to encourage the recycling of this material. Further, periodically, the refuse within the compartments are compacted and disinfected to reduce handling requirements and odors.

Abstract: A mobile camera mounting device suitable for use within a vehicle for filming activities exterior to the vehicle. The mount, using two suction cups, attaches to the windshield and is secured thereto. The suction cups are attached via swivel blocks to the camera mount. The camera attaches to a horizontal member and is used to record images exterior to the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, a brace member extends from the horizontal member holding the camera to the windshield or other suitable bracing point. This brace member provides a significant amount of stabilizing since the mount now is secured by three different points.

Abstract: A sterilizing mechanism for flexible material such as fabrics resulting in a waste material which is sanitary and disposable in traditional trash mechanisms without posing any biological hazards. The invention utilizes ozone in a bathing and agitating process to sterilize. An initial step utilizes detergent with ozone to further enhance the process. The resulting liquid bath is non-hazardous and is disposable through traditional means such as sewer disposal. In the preferred embodiment, the drum holding the contaminated material is pressurized and chilled to increase the effectiveness of the ozone in the sterilizing process.

Abstract: An abrasive blasting system which utilizes a central control panel together with controls operable by the operator's feet. Dual control, at the system panel and the foot operable panel, permit the operator to adjust such parameters as the air pressure and media mix without having to stop blasting. This arrangement also leaves the operator's hands free to accurately direct the abrasive blasting within a glove box or other such enclosure.

Abstract: The interior of a hose is cleaned of debris using an abrasive blast head which is inserted through the length of the hose while the hose is rotated through its longitudial axis. An air cleaner/filtration device draws spent media and removed debris from the hose during the cleaning operation and separates the two.

Abstract: An abrasive blasting system which utilizes a central control panel together with a control panel at the blast handle. Dual control permits the operator to adjust such parameters as the air pressure and media mix without having to stop blasting. Real-time adjustment at the nozzle head permits abrasive blasting of varying substrates without causing damage to the underlying substrates.

Abstract: A liquid ozone system in which a liquid bath, preferably of distilled water, is kept in a pressure vessel and gaseous ozone is diffused into the liquid. The ozonenated liquid is then used as a steriliant in a container which is engagable with the pressure vessel. In the preferred embodiment the container and the pressure vessel are chilled to maintain the ozone diffused in the liquid. Excess liquid from the container is communicated to a destruct mechanism such as activated charcoal or discharged into the waste water system.

Abstract: A matrix of valves being formed using a sandwich of three layers with a pliable membrane interposed between two of the layers. Supply channels and delivery channels are created through etching, routing, or other such means on the middle layer. Each supply channel communicates with all of the delivery channels via a valve location which is opened or closed by pneumatic pressure on the pliable membrane. Movement of the pliable membrane is affected through suction or pressure as communicated via holes in the overlying layer. In this manner, selected supply and delivery lines are connected by appropriate suction being placed on the membrane. Selected valves are simultaneously opened to provide parallel operations.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which a supply of treated water charged air is provided to the internal combustion engine. The atomic structure of the water is partially dissassembled due to exposure to oxygen attractive metal and also by the addition of a limited amount of chlorine to the liquid water. Water vapor is provided to the air stream through the use of an evaporative pad; this pad has an adjustable exposed surface area, thereby permitting the fine-tuning adjustment of the amount of humidity generated so as to maximize the efficiency of the engine. The presence of the oxygen attractive metal, such as zinc, when combined with the slightly acidic water vapor tends to dislodge oxygen from the hydrogen; this free oxygen and hydrogen recombine in the engine's cylinder to provide added energy release.

Abstract: A cleansing and sterilization mechanism which is usable on contact lenses, surgical instruments, dental tools, and other items which require regular cleansing and sterilization. Using ozone as the cleansing and sterilization medium, the apparatus provides for added guaranty of operation through the use of feedback mechanism to assure that all the components are working and that the to-be-cleaned items are exposed to the ozone bath for the specified time. Furthermore, the item is capable of communicating, via phone line, to a central unit which monitors the operation and performance of the mechanism.

Abstract: An improved automobile handle guard plate assembly which provides added strength via a lipped brace which overlays and strengthens a security plate. The security plate and the brace are secured together with an adhesive and positioned between the exterior door handle and the automobile's door. The door handle is permitted easy access to the locking mechanism within the door via an opening in the security plate. A thief trying to enter the automobile by accessing the locking mechanism through the door, finds a security plate to prevent access and a brace on the security plate to preventing deformation of the security plate.

Abstract: An air filtration system that reduces positive and/or negative resistance by eliminating duct work to and from the to-be-filtered room. The air filtering system forms a common wall with the to-be-filtered room permitting dirty air to move easily and quickly through to the cleaning process. Through the use of vertical baffles and reverse pulsed jets, debris is easily and efficiently collected in drawers or trays. Because of the modular design of the invention, it is easily placed on a trailer and transported to a locale which is to be cleaned within a flexible room (i.e. bridges, building exteriors, airplanes, etc.).