Abstract: A method and air conditioning unit for storing energy and for utilizing stored energy is provided. The air conditioning unit includes a storage tank containing a phase change material, such as water. A plurality of coils are disposed in the storage tank and carry refrigerant. At least one indoor heat exchanger is connected to the coils. An electrical operated refrigerant pump is connected to the coils and is used to pump liquid refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger when required. A conventional condensing unit is connected to the indoor heat exchanger to provide cooling during normal hours. During peak energy periods, cooling is supplied from ice storage using the refrigerant pump. During low demand or off peak periods the condensing unit operates to freeze ice thereby storing energy in the storage tank.

Abstract: A method and portable microcomputer-based system for determining flow field stagnation points are disclosed. The apparatus uses hot film sensors wrapped around the leading edge of an airfoil to measure boundary layer oscillations. A plurality of sensor signals are provided which may be selected in groups. Signals from sensors in any group are read simultaneously. The signals are then converted to digital form and displayed on the video display of a microcomputer. Points of airflow stagnation are characterized by a doubling in frequency or other discrete harmonics and by a reversing of the phase of oscillations. Those points are identified by displaying and comparing signals from different sensor locations on a video display.

Abstract: A simulated stair climbing exercise apparatus having variable sensory feedback is provided. Sensory feedback, in the form of a lifting force acting on a lifting foot of the operator, varies with the operator's location in the stepping stroke. Maximum sensory feedback is provided at a lower portion of the stroke, minimum sensory feedback is provided at an upper portion of the stroke and maximum feedback at the lower portions. Sensory feedback is effected by means of direct interconnection of left and right foot mechanisms in combination with a spring. Direct interconnection is achieved by a cable routed around a series of pulleys such that a downward force on one foot mechanism results in an equal and opposite lifting force on the other foot mechanism. One of the pulleys is a floating pulley that is free to move and its positioned based upon the operating position of the stepping stroke.

Abstract: A side-scanning sonar towfish constructed from a solid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) rod is provided. The PVC rod is milled and slotted to provide recesses for electronics and transducers and slotted to provide attachment points for fins and tow rail. The entire fish is then filled and sealed with urethane thereby providing sealed solid unit. A special multi-layer acoustic matching system is bonded over the transducers to provide maximum coupling efficiency of the acoustic signal thereby allowing operation of the fish at reduced power requirements.

Abstract: A microcomputer-based side scanning sonar system is provided. The system uses a personal microcomputer with a custom designed control and data collection circuit card to provide integrated sonar and navigational data to a display. A specialized software program allows navigational data to be collected from any standard navigational device compatible with NMEA 0183 standards and integrated with sonar data. The system allows accurate and repeatable navigation to sonar targets, including return to the target.

Abstract: The invention is a combination device for long-term intravenous therapy comprising an outer sheath 11 and an inner catheter 15. The outer sheath 11 is permanently implanted in the patient allowing repeated or continuous access to the venous system. Inner catheter 15 is inserted into the outer sheath and comprises several conventional configurations such as single lumen, dual lumen, depending on the particular therapy. When therapy is complete, or when needed to avoid blockage by clotting or infection resulting from contamination, the inner catheter may be removed. When the inner catheter 15 is not in place, the sheath 11 is sealed at the proximal or skin-surface end by cap 16. The cap provides a flat, inconspicuous surface which may be covered with a small bandage. In this configuration, the patient is also protected from injury in that the likelihood of physical damage to protruding hardware is minimized.

Abstract: The invention is a pair of dice, a first die 10 having inclined sides 12 such that the base 14 is larger than the top 15. This novel shape when combined with a selected range of numbers on the faces of die allows a selection of lottery numbers suitable for a variety of number ranges. The first die also have a logo inscribed which has a low probability of occurrence due to the bias caused by the design of the die. A second die has a conventional shape, but also has a unique number range 31 such that by rolling the dice either singularly or in pairs, a full range of lottery numbers may be rolled.

Abstract: The invention is a moving ladder exercise device 10 comprising a base 11, moving ladder assembly 12 and retarder assembly 14 using a microprocessor 15 to control retarder speed. The operation of the moving ladder requires the operator to climb the ladder thereby driving the ladder with his body weight. Maximum speed of the ladder assembly 12 cannot exceed the speed of the retarder assembly 14 due to the unidirectional clutch 33 and worm-drive assembly 32. Sensors 17 monitor heart rate of the operator and sensor 16 monitors ladder speed. Sensor output to microprocessor 15 provides feedback which allows the microprocessor to adjust retarder assembly speed so that the desired heart rate is reached and maintained.