Abstract: A rugged terrain robot (RTR) apparatus can function as a reconnaissance robot to optimize safety of search or rescue personnel. Remote control places the RTR in either a rolling mode or in a stair-climbing mode. Remote feedback is provided by an on-board RTR camera and microphone. The RTR consists of two clamshell sections and a tail boom section. The RTR uses polymorphic locomotion of the clamshells for efficient maneuverability in traversing rugged terrain when in a “rolling” mode and is switched remotely into a stair-climbing mode (or extreme terrain) using end-over-end clamshell motion with a tail boom assist to climb stairways. The RTR can carry various communication devices, sensors and payloads for use by police, firemen, soldiers, rescue or other applications to optimize safety when direct entry by a human may not desirable until an area is reconnoitered. The RTR is remote controllable and easily transported to a reconnaissance area.

Abstract: A personal rescue signal system (PRSS) for quickly finding a transmitting target. More specifically, the PRSS includes as a personal rescue signal device (PRSD), worn on a person and emitting a radio frequency signal in an emergency condition. The PRSD is radio frequency coupled to a receiver within a handheld device and/or base unit. The handheld device would serve in directionally locating the PRSD source signal and also for range finding of the PRSD. One main intention of the PRSS is for rescue of firefighters down, or other operations where human life can quickly be put into harm's way.

Abstract: A computerized 2 and 4 cycle internal combustion engine control and optimization/tuning system is disclosed, wherein fuel injector control is optimized to increase horsepower and fuel economy. The system is comprised of an on-board engine controller with communications software allowing technicians to change external sensors via an external computer. The technician may tune engine parameters on the fly as the engine is running. The engine control system displays engine-operating parameters in real time. Fuel mapping can be for the operator's choices of acceleration, maximum speed, gas mileage, altitude of operation and/or engine temperature.

Abstract: A variable ratio transmission has a rotating drive cone with a gear at its narrowest diameter end to provide a non-slip high torque drive in low gear. A worm gear and drive shaft smoothly move an output drive disk back and forth along the drive cone to provide a smooth infinitely adjustable gear ratio to the output drive shaft. A slip clutch and forward, neutral, reverse transmission make the system suitable for motor vehicles especially trucks.

Abstract: Bulk material measurement packages are described including the preferred embodiment of an automated instrument package (AIP) suited to mount on the inside ceiling of a large silo. The gimbaled AIP vertical mounting bracket rotates in an approximate 360° azimuth. An instrument housing is mounted to the vertical mounting bracket, and it rotates approximately 190° in a vertical plane. The instrument housing has at least one range finding sensor such as a scanning laser to measure the top surface contours of the bulk material. The instrument housing can also contains other sensors such as air and quality instruments including temperature, humidity, spectral recognition sensor to detect grain/material type and/or flow rate, gas detectors for sniffing off-odors/spoilage/or safety problems, and live video. Optionally grain penetrating radar (GPR), time domain reflectometry (TDR), ultrasonics, and portable sensors are taught as well as alternate packaging.

Abstract: A method and a device for dosing a liquid reducing agent for denoxing the exhaust gases of a diesel engine, wherein the reducing agent is delivered to the exhaust gas system of the diesel engine via a dosing valve. The reducing agent is cooled for the elimination of gas bubbles entrained in the reducing agent present at the input side of the dosing valve.

Abstract: The invention discloses an impact shears having a rotor with individual chopping blades disposed on the rotor in a predetermined arrangement and with blade(s) or blade system that is generally stationary vis-à-vis the rotation of the rotor. The blade is held in a blade holder on the stator side of the rotor. The blade holder is movable on the stator about an axis parallel to the rotational axis of the rotor and carries at least two blades, or blade systems, that are expediently disposed at the same angular distance to one another. The blade holder can be rotated about an axis that extends parallel to the rotational axis of the rotor so that every blade of the blade holder can be brought in a cutting position to interact with the chopping blades of the rotor and can be locked in position with respect to the chopping blades.

Abstract: A plant for producing Fischer-Tropsch liquids and electrical power with greatly reduced emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere is made up of a syngas generator unit, an air separation unit, a Fischer-Tropsch unit, a CO2 removal unit, and a combined cycle electricity generation unit. Each of Fischer-Tropsch liquids, carbon dioxide, and electrical power can be recoverable under proper economic conditions. Electrical power is recoverable by the use of a gas turbine fueled by predominantly hydrogen and a steam turbine powered by steam generated by cooling exhaust gases from the gas turbine. Sequestration of CO2 and fueling the gas turbine with hydrogen reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention is a dual stage latch assembly with a cam follower pin mounted on a spring-tensioned arm, especially useful for vacuum test fixtures for printed circuit boards. The arm is spring-loaded on both sides, so that the arm is always biased to the upright and neutral position, regardless of which direction the arm is pivoted. A catch is provided to define the path of the cam pin and to hold the cam in certain positions. The cam pin follows a defined path around the catch, creating a first closed stage, a first release position, a second closed stage and a final release position.

Abstract: The use of low permeability magnetic material (NSME) with the disclosed design strategies form a two-stage isolated output converter system with the distinct advantages of superior density, efficiency, thermal operating bandwidth, service life, transient survival, and form factor flexibility over the prior art. These improvements are realized by, optimized application of NSME, efficient rectifying flyback management techniques, inclusion of switching buffers that substantially reduce switching losses. The instant invention provides power factor correction, output regulation, inrush limiting, over voltage, over current, over temperature, and transient protection, multi-converter load sharing, hot swapability, and fault signals. The disclosed system is designed, specified, and certified to function from ?40 deg. C. to +65 deg. C. from a 180 vac to 264 vac 50/60 Hz input line and supports 1000 watts of output or 600 watts from 90 vac to 120 vac 50/60 Hz line input at greater then 0.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used for the application of plating/coating in a cathodic arc process to improve coating uniformity, deposition rates, quality, cost, packaging, arc triggering, target wear and other improvements is described in the patent. The process improvements utilize a cathode with external current switching to two or more electrical cathode contacts, employment of magnets on the backside of the cathode, a non-mechanical arc initiation trigger, patterned target surfaces, adjustable cathode insulation, current modulation, and new packaging schemes.