Abstract: A closure safety interlock system is provided for a pressure vessel having a closure assembly with a primary locking system. The closure safety interlock defines a secondary locking system for assuring that the primary locking system may be opened only by following a proper sequence, thereby minimizing misuse of the primary locking system. The closure safety interlock includes a blocking member movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position for blocking movement of a primary lock when in the engaged position and until a release mechanism in the primary lock has been activated. A mechanism is provided for moving the blocking member from the engaged position to the disengaged position once the release mechanism has been activated.

Abstract: Procedure radiograph orientation devices and methods of use are provided for stabilization and orientation of a patient's anatomy for a variety of surgical interventions. Additionally, devices of the present invention aid in orienting radiographic imaging devices through the inclusion of radiopaque fiducials so as to optimize radiographic images by providing radiographic reference landmarks. An example of the present invention includes a rostral base plate, a plurality of support slats, and a caudal base plate, these components being adapted to pivot about one another or in certain embodiments, adapted to pivot about a series of spacers. One or more tension wires extend through the slats and base plates, joining the elements. The devices may be secured in various configurations by increasing the tension of the tension cable(s). Visual sighting or aiming devices may also be included in certain embodiments. Certain embodiments may include a rigid base plate having radiopaque fiducials.

Abstract: A media control valve includes a valve body having a media inlet and a media outlet with the valve body being adapted to be mounted on a flow device for providing communication between the media outlet and the flow device. A pressure balance flow line is provided in communication with the valve body and also with the flow device at a point upstream of the media outlet for balancing the pressure in the valve. A check valve may be included in the balance flow line for assuring that flow generally flows from the flow device to the valve body. A cleanout port may be provided for permitting clean out of the valve without disassembly when not in use.

Abstract: A steam generator includes a submersible burner compartment with at least one burner subassembly and an associated submersible primary ignition means. The burner subassembly also has an associated infrared primary flame monitoring subassembly. The primary flame monitoring system and primary ignition means are all housed within the burner compartment whereby when the burner compartment is filled with water, the burners are all submerged. The infrared flame monitoring subassembly is electronically coupled to a primary monitoring device and a fuel feed pipe is couple to the burner subassembly. A super heater compartment is coupled to and receives steam exhausted from the burner compartment. The super heater compartment has at least one burner subassembly located therein. An associated submersible secondary ignition means and an associated infrared secondary flame monitoring subassembly are provided for each burner subassembly.

Abstract: A lift and drag-based vertical axis wind turbine in which the vertical axis and foils mounted thereon are magnetically levitated above the turbine's base, thereby reducing friction within the system. The foils or vanes are three-dimensionally shaped about the vertical axis so as to resemble the billowed sail of a sailing ship and capture wind through 360 degrees of rotation under any wind condition. The system has an axial flux alternator using variable resistance coils which can be individually and selectively turned on or off depending on wind conditions and electrical draw requirements. The coils can also be used to produce mechanical drag on the system as desired to brake the turbine in high wind conditions or for maintenance. The system may be programmed to assess whether electricity generated by the system can be or should be transmitted to a public grid or stored locally on a chargeable battery system.

Abstract: A security and surveillance system for aircraft on the ground incorporates a plurality of strategically spaced sensors including video imaging generators, audio sensors, motion detectors, and fire and smoke detectors for monitoring critical components and critical areas of both the interior and the exterior of the a commercial transport such as an aircraft. The system is a comprehensive multi-media safety, tracking and/or surveillance system, which provides both visual and/or audio information as well as critical data such as location, direction, intrusion, fire and/or smoke detection and/or status of environmental conditions and/or asset systems status. The collected information is analyzed and prioritized according to type of event, location and nature of required response for automatically dispatching the proper response.

Abstract: A data collection and distribution system for monitoring aircraft in flight, on the ground and at the gate or terminal for monitoring critical and catastrophic events, managing the emergency during such an event, and for investigating the event. The system generates, transmits and collects critical data generated by monitoring equipment onboard an aircraft or other commercial transport and selectively displays the data on a cockpit display console as well as for downloading, transmitting and displaying data at external monitoring and response stations, including fixed ground stations, roving ground stations and chase aircraft or vehicles. Digital surveillance information is collected, processed, dispatched, and log via remote control and access. The system includes a variety of system appliances such as surveillance cameras, sensors, detectors, and panic buttons and accommodates legacy equipment.

Abstract: A dual camera system uses a single lens and no moving parts in the optical path. A single lens directs a desired scene to a partially reflective beamsplitting mirror, thence to a pair of image sensors. For day/night operation, one sensor may be optimized for nighttime sensitivity, while the other is optimized for daytime operation. Alternatively, one optical path may have greater magnification, thus allowing electronic zooming with no resolution loss. The system may be enhanced with an image intensifier for nighttime operation; digital sensors for improved resolution, or orthogonal gyroscopic accelerometers for image stabilization. Additionally, the monochrome and color images may be produced simultaneously and ‘fused’ algorithmically, yielding an improvement in sensitivity and color resolution compared with a conventional color camera.

Abstract: A security and surveillance system for aircraft on the ground incorporates a plurality of strategically spaced sensors including video imaging generators, audio sensors, motion detectors, and fire and smoke detectors for monitoring critical components and critical areas of both the interior and the exterior of the a commercial transport such as an aircraft. The captured data and images are transmitted to a ground based security station for display on a monitor and may be recorded on a “black box” recorder as well as on a ground based recording system. The multiple audio and image signals are multiplexed and sequenced utilizing split screen technology in order to minimize the recording and monitoring hardware required to process the images.

Abstract: A comprehensive, wireless multimedia surveillance and monitoring system provides a combination of megapixel digital camera capability with full motion video surveillance with a network, including network components and appliances such as wiring, workstations, and servers with the option of geographical distribution with various wide area carriers. The full service, multi-media surveillance system is capable of a wide range of monitoring techniques utilizing digital network architecture and is adapted for transmitting event data, video and/or image monitoring information, audio signals and other sensor and detector data over significant distances using digital data transmission over a LAN, wireless LAN, Intranet or Internet for automatic assessment and response including dispatch of response personnel. Both wired and wireless appliance and sensor systems may be employed. GPS dispatching is used to locate and alert personnel as well as to indicate the location of an event.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling drilling mud density at or near the seabed of wells in deep water and ultra deep-water applications combines a base fluid of lesser density than the mud required at the wellhead to produce a diluted mud in the riser. By combining the appropriate quantities of drilling mud with base fluid, a riser mud density at or near the density of seawater may be achieved. No additional hardware is required below the surface. The riser charging lines are used to inject the low-density base fluid at or near the BOP stack on the seabed. The cuttings are brought to the surface with the diluted mud and separated in the usual manner. The diluted mud is then passed through a centrifuge system to separate the heavier drilling mud from the lighter base fluid.

Abstract: Devices and methods for rapidly and conveniently decorating generally cylindrical structures, such as the trunks of outdoor trees, poles and the like. A decorative lighting assembly includes a pair of substantially parallel and rigid hollow side members. A light string is disposed through both of the side members to provide a series of parallel light runs. The two tubular side members are reversably affixable to one another using one or more fasteners. Male and female plug connectors are provided for the light string so that like lighting assemblies may be reversably secured to one another. In operation, the lighting assembly is disposed along side a tree trunk, lighting pole or similar cylindrical structure in a substantially vertical orientation. The two side members are then translated about opposite sides of the cylindrical structure so that the light runs are cause to surround the cylindrical structure. The side members are reversably connected together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for injecting corrosion control compound into a crevice or void such as pipe flanges featuring a corrosion control kit comprising a syringe injector having a detachable nozzle, a corrosion control compound, pipe tape and a mantle for heating the compound. Other optional items may be included in the kit. The method of the subject invention utilizes the apparatus, is cost efficient and easy to perform. The resulting seal formed between the flanges is easy to inspect and requires no maintenance.

Abstract: A process for improving the color of oxygenates, such as MTBE, ETBE and TAME, which utilizes a hydrogenation treater in the presence of a catalyst, containing at least one noble metal, along with a circulation of hydrogen to remove the color. The process reduces existing color bodies in the oxygenate and may proceed at room temperature and at normal pressure for economically providing a completely clear product having a +30 saybolt number.

Abstract: A hair shaping apparatus is provided employing one or more hollow rollers. The rollers can be arranged in concentric fashion and electrically heated by an activator unit, wherein one end of the activator unit is inserted into one end of the concentrically arranged rollers, and the other end of the activator unit can be plugged into an electrical wall outlet. The activator unit can be reversed for storage, whereby the AC plugs which connect to the wall outlet are inserted into the hollow opening of the roller to present a low-profile configuration for ease of portability. One or multiple receptacles can be connected to an activator unit, wherein the activator unit is connected to a wall outlet in order to heat a plurality of singular or concentrically arranged hollow rollers connected to the receptacles.

Abstract: A crimping tool with a pliers-like lever action includes a jaw portion constructed of interleaving plates for surrounding the crimp element and applying a uniform crimping force when the tool is closed in a lever action. The crimp receiving notches are of a deep "v" configuration to maximize application of the lever force to the crimp element. An integral decrimping tool permits non-destructive removal of a crimp from an crimp/receiver assembly.

Abstract: An endless conveyor system includes movable lift rails for supporting the conveyed articles on either side of an endless conveying member. The lift rails are defined by end-to-end sections with adjacent ends of adjacent sections simultaneously movable between a lowered position wherein the articles may be engaged by the conveying member and a raised position wherein the articles are lifted above and out of engagement with the conveying members for interrupting the advancement of the articles with zero back-pressure.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a bow string release mechanism that can be outfitted with various types of interchangeable sear heads. The release mechanism generally comprises a sear head and a universal base, within which is mounted a trigger, a trigger arm linked to the trigger, and a spring-loaded locking yoke. The standard elements of all sear heads include a spring-loaded activation shaft and tabs which are receivable within notches provided in the base. An interchangeable sear head is attached to the base by fitting the tabs of the head into the notches of the base and rotating the head relative to the base until the yoke locks the head into place. Although selectively removable, the sear head, once locked into position on the release mechanism, is fully rotatable relative to the base. A sear head is removed from the base by releasing the yoke from engagement with the sear head and rotating the sear head relative to the base until the tabs and the notches align.

Abstract: A cushioned nock is mounted on a bow string to be between the arrow and a bow string release device. The cushioned nock comprises a.[.n elastomeric.]. .Iadd.compressible .Iaddend.cylinder having an axial hole to receive the bow string. The cylinder is slit to permit the cylinder to be spread open for mounting on the string. A split ring fits in an external groove on the cylinder and is squeezed to clamp the cylinder on the string. The cylinder has a flange at each end to prevent damage to the arrow or the release. A similar cushioned nock or a conventional plastic lined, clamp type nock is mounted on the string above the arrow to fix the nocking point on the string. It is preferred to use a cushioned nock on each side of the nocking point (the point engaged by the arrow nock). Another cushioned nock can be mounted below the release device to allow mounting the device on the string pending use.