Abstract: A modular geothermal measurement system that provides for the pumping of a heat transfer fluid. The modular unit simplifies on-site installation time by reducing the number of distinct components to be installed and allows for the optional incorporating of additional heat sources or sinks, whereby the length of ground loop can be reduced, further reducing installation costs. The modular measurement system further allows for the growth of the system over time by adding modules, increasing the ground loop pumping power while providing energy transfer data specific to each thermal load. A controller having an energy control module provides energy control points. Such a system allows the beneficiary of a geothermal investment to be billed for their benefit, enabling the investor to capture the economic benefit of the investment.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus to treat a cataract where the cataractous lens is pierced and the resulting opening is mechanically maintained using a lens system device such as a pinhole device, expandable tubular lens, a stent or similar small diameter device, some of which are capable of supporting a secondary intraocular lens. The resulting passageway or lumen created in the cataractous lens allows visible light to better reach the retina, thus improving vision. This lens system device that can be placed into an in situ cataract provides for a much simpler surgical technique and reduces related pre and post operative procedures and potential complications. Intraocular lenses may also be used in concert with this invention. The apparatus and technique can be applied to humans as well as animals.

Abstract: An Electronic Isolation Chamber With Unimpeded Hand Entry is disclosed. The somewhat “open” appearance of the Electromagnetic Isolation Chamber goes contrary to teachings in the art of RF shielding and enclosures. A sleeve through an aperture in the chamber is worn by an operator, and with the placement of an operator's arm there through, the electromagnetic shielding is completed and the volume contained within the chamber is electromagnetically isolated from the environment exterior to the chamber. This novel arrangement allows an operator to work with bare hands, thus providing more tactile interaction with a device under test and also reducing the tendency for shorting that is present when wearing conductive gloves. A shielded window and an interior light may be included to facilitate viewing of a device within the chamber during operation of the device.

Abstract: The creation of course content for college and university courses, seminars, lectures, and other pedagogical activities has in the past relied heavily on a textbook. Using a textbook for course content creation creates a static, rigid course framework that fails to consider timely, relevant real world information that is dynamic and changing. This results in courses that are stagnant and hot well rounded. The present invention, and the various embodiments thereof, describes a computer based system and method for the creation and access of dynamic course content and associated media products. The present invention utilizes dynamic current content sources such as news, web sources, blogs, podcasts, user generated content, and other sources to create media products such as slides, videos, audio and the like. The media products of the present invention are keyed to the static framework of a textbook or textbooks, and are searchable, by textbook structure media structure, key terms, date range, and the like.

Abstract: A fastening device comprising a pin affixed to a first zipper track, the pin comprising a first magnet and at least a first engaging element; a box affixed to a second zipper track, the box comprising a second magnet and comprising at least a second engaging element complementary to the first engaging element of the pin, wherein the pin and box form a single element through the releasable interaction of the first and second magnets, and the first engaging element of the pin reversibly interacting with the second engaging element of the box; and a first slider body, wherein the first slider body comprises at least one releasing element that reversibly disengages the first engaging element of the pin from the second engaging element of the box.

Abstract: Plant eradication using by inflicting upon a plant root (R) unnatural hot wound mechanical and thermal trauma delivered from a hot stab knife (V) which produces a stab gash (K) sufficiently deep to traverse plant cortex (C) and penetrate to plant xylem (X), simultaneous with or followed by heating the damaged area to a temperature of higher than 70 C, preferably 200 C for a sufficient time to cause cellular damage to the plant root. The root and hot stab knife may be shrouded to increase the temperature adjacent the stab gash. Preferably, the stab knife is formed to be sufficiently acuate and flat so as to allow a surface/volume ratio for the stab knife to be at least twice that of a cone of similar size and extent. Unhealable damage results, believed to caused by role conversion of organisms in the rhizosphere from sybiosis to antagonism.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind machine having a mechanism of apertures and flaps to reduce return blade wind drag. The aperture and flap vertical axis wind machine has improved rotational speed and torque in relation to existing vertical axis wind machines. The aperture and flap vertical axis wind machine is also quieter, has fewer moving parts, requires no feathering controls to operate in high wind speeds, and can be operated independent of wind direction.

Abstract: An electromechanical power converter that has a rotor assembly with a conductive shell, a first conductor made from superconducting material that is in series electrical contact with the conductive shell and a second conductor made from superconducting material and in series electrical contact with said conductive shell, thus providing an internal impedance converting electromechanical power converter.

Abstract: A hypoallergenic wetsuit and material is described that uses closed cell acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may also be blended with the acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. The density of the closed cell acrylonitrile butadiene rubber may vary depending on the hypoallergenic wetsuit application. Low densities such as less than 70 kg./m3, and preferably 50 to 61 Kg./m3, are desirable in many applications.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for desalination and purification of water where fresh water is extracted from salt water, leaving behind the higher salinity salt water. Salt water is bubbled, aerated, sprayed, or otherwise agitated to cause breaking bubbles along the surface of the salt water. An electric field is applied above the surface of the salt water; fresh water droplets and vapor are released in the process of bubble rupture, pulled away from the surface of the salt water, and collected for consumption. The present invention may also be used to purify fresh water by leaving impurities behind.

Abstract: Plant eradication using by inflicting upon a plant root (R) unnatural hot wound mechanical and thermal trauma delivered from a hot stab knife (V) which produces a stab gash (K) sufficiently deep to traverse plant cortex (C) and penetrate to plant xylem (X), simultaneous with or followed by heating the damaged area to a temperature of higher than 70 C, preferably 200 C for a sufficient time to cause cellular damage to the plant root. The root and hot stab knife may be shrouded to increase the temperature adjacent the stab gash. Preferably, the stab knife is formed to be sufficiently acuate and flat so as to allow a surface/volume ratio for the stab knife to be at least twice that of a cone of similar size and extent. Unhealable damage results, believed to caused by role conversion of organisms in the rhizosphere from symbiosis to antagonism.

Abstract: A laser control system and apparatus for guiding a drilling or boring operation during a trenchless technology implementation. In most if not all trenchless technology applications, direction of the pipe or utility structure through the earth is of utmost importance. Proper directional guidance throughout the trenchless technology implementation ensures not only that the resulting utility infrastructure is placed properly, but also ensures that the trenchless technology operation, does not hit or otherwise damage (such as through vibrations) existing utilities and other underground objects. The laser control system and apparatus of the present invention comprises a laser, a housing having a laser sight, a camera in optical communication with the laser sight a microwave transmitter having an antenna, with the transmitter being operatively coupled to the camera, and a microwave receiver.

Abstract: A method for assessing repolarization abnormalities is disclosed. At least two repolarization signals are identified from a set of ECG signals. PCA analysis is performed on the at least two repolarization signals to extract at least eigenvectors ev1 and ev2. A maximum vector MV is determined based on a transformed ECG signal in a plane defined by ev1 and ev2. A repolarization duration is determined which is based on the maximum vector MV. A system for assessing repolarization abnormalities is also disclosed. The system has a processor configured to determine a repolarization duration which is based on a maximum vector MV from transformed ECG repolarization signals in a plane defined by eigenvectors ev1 and ev2 which result from PCA analysis on the ECG repolarization signals. The system also has a data input coupled to the processor and a user interface coupled to either the processor or the data input.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for determining the formula or formulas of haircoloring agents to be used in the process of coloring hair, including the steps of receiving input on the current color, state, and desired color of the hair, and using a database of haircoloring formulas to determine the coloring agents to be used, quantities of such coloring agents, application time of such coloring agents, and refreshing options that can be applied to the hair to treat and correct faded hair ends. The computer in some embodiments is portable, and includes a processor, an electronic storage means in which the haircolor formula database is stored, and software that defines the process by which the correct haircolor formula is determined. The computer software determines the best formula and process steps to be taken to achieve the desired haircolor.

Abstract: A cover plate for covering a wall box mounted wiring device such as an electrical receptacle. The cover plate includes an attachment member for covering the wall box opening, at least one opening for at least one wiring device, and a shelf attached to the attachment member. The shelf may also have a non-slip surface or be pitched in such a way that an electronic device such as a cell phone will not fall off. The shelf may also have a lip or raised edge to retain the electronic device. In use, an electronic device will rest on the shelf while charging. The charger plug will be conveniently inserted into the electrical receptacle that is directly below the shelf, with the electronic device resting neatly on the integral shelf. The cover plate reduces clutter related to charging electronic devices in areas such as kitchens or bathrooms. The cover plate may also be used to hold other items such as keys, wallets, watches, clocks, remote controls, and the like.

Abstract: A carpenter bee trap having a housing that contains a hole, an electrode in proximity to the hole, and a power source connected to the electrode. The hole is of a size similar to the size holes that carpenter bees normally make, thus attracting the carpenter bees to the hole. The carpenter bees will enter the hole, and make contact with an electrode. The electrode is energized through connection with a power source. In one embodiment, the power source includes a photovoltaic panel. Once the carpenter bee makes contact with the electrode, a high voltage discharge will take place through the body of the carpenter bee, thus killing the carpenter bee. The carpenter bee will then fall from the hole, and the trap will be ready for the next carpenter bee to enter.