Abstract: An arrangement of material layers designed and utilized as a filter to mechanical waves entering a sensor. To isolate the sensor, the filter can be designed to attenuate specified frequencies that could propagate from the environment and into the sensor. Provided there is a difference in the mechanical impedance between the environment and the sensor case, then a filter can be designed to amplify a specified range of frequencies, enhancing the coupling of the sensor to its environment. The filters work by altering the transmission and reflection of incident waves. Dissipative mechanisms are not required. Test data is included that demonstrates the effectiveness of layered isolation mounts developed to block inputs that would excite the resonance frequency an accelerometer's seismic mass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining one or more magazines, such as those used in conjunction with firearms. The apparatus of the present invention retains the magazine in a secure manner while enabling a user to rapidly remove the magazine with little effort. The apparatus is preferably made from a rigid material. In one embodiment one or more of the sides of the housing of the magazine retainer are hingable. In another embodiment, one or more of the sides is flexible. The present invention also preferably provides an oversized floor-plate for the magazine, thus providing the user with a larger gripping surface and thus facilitating extraction of the magazine from the retainer.

Abstract: A self-sterilizing handle or other gripping apparatus. The apparatus and method of the invention have to do with sterilizing a gripping surface with germicidal ultraviolet light. Embodiments of an apparatus are disclosed which provide for periodic and repeated exposure of a gripping surface to the UV radiation. The gripping surface may be incorporated into a handle, so that the handle remains relatively germ-free between uses by individuals. The gripping surface may define a variety of different shapes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy. Operating on a thermodynamic cycle of isentropic compression, isothermal expansion, isentropic expansion and finally constant pressure cooling and contraction, an external heat engine utilizes a heat exchanger carrying heat from an external energy source to the working parts of the engine. Apparatus and methods are disclosed for engine piston timing, such that during isothermal expansion, each unit angular rotation of a drive shaft results in the capture of a constant, unit amount of working fluid expansion energy. Thus, the amount of energy captured during each unit angular rotation of apparatus drive shaft is a constant. Timing the working fluid expansion and fluid flow assures that the working fluid undergoes isothermal expansion, regardless of the quantum of heat energy applied. The modulation of heat input to the heat exchanger results in an automatic modulation of engine speed.

Abstract: A sound-baffling arrangement for use in conjunction with an air-handling unit. One or more sound baffle columns are mounted for rolling or sliding movement within the interior of the air handling unit housing. Each baffle column may be selectively moved between a use position proximate to the fan assemblies, and a non-use position more distal from the fan assemblies. The movable sound baffles permit the air-handling unit to be fabricated to fit within a smaller housing, and thus to have a smaller, more economical footprint.

Abstract: A rim of a spoke wheel for tubeless tires including a sealing device (12, 25, 27, 36, 44, 46, 48) arranged in the region of a rim bed (2) in a well (11) of the rim (1) and the rim (1) comprising on both sides of a rim center plane (10) a relief (13) with sealing areas, the relief (13) being provided with two constrictions forming the sealing areas (14, 14?) and the sealing device (12, 25, 27, 36, 44, 46, 48) being configured substantially complementary in shape and size to the relief (13) and is arranged therein.

Abstract: Cleaning implements for golfers comprise towels and gloves including abrasive portions for removal of dirt, grass, grass stains, and scuff marks from golf balls, golf clubs, and other golfing equipment. There is disclosed a towel which may include a pocket portion provided with adjacent, but slightly spaced portions or strips of an abrasive material disposable in overlying relationship for use in removing soil from balls and clubs. The towel comprises an attaching mechanism for the purpose of securing the towel to a golf cart or golf bag. The glove or towel according to the disclosure may include portions adapted for treatment, wetting, or impregnation with cleaning or polishing fluids or compounds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy which can use a wide range of fuels and perform with a high efficiency. Operating on a little utilized thermodynamic cycle of isentropic compression, isothermal expansion, isentropic expansion and finally constant pressure cooling and contraction. The external heat engine utilizes a heat exchanger carrying heat from the external energy source to the working parts of the engine. Pistons and cylinders are activated by appropriate means to adiabatically compress the working fluid, for example ambient air, to transfer the entire mass of the air through the heat exchanger to accomplish isothermal expansion followed by adiabatic expansion and, finally, exhaust the air to ambient to allow for constant pressure cooling and contraction. Valve pistons in conjunction with the cylinders form valves that allow for the exchange of working fluid with ambient.

Abstract: A method of using an everting borehole liner to perform fluid conductivity measurements in materials surrounding a pipe, tube, or conduit, such as a borehole below the surface of the Earth. A flexible liner is everted (turned inside out) into the borehole by introducing into the liner a pressurized driving fluid. As the liner displaces the ambient fluid in the borehole into the surrounding formation, the varying rate at which driving fluid is introduced into the liner is monitored and recorded. As the impermeable liner covers the flow paths in the wall of the hole, the rate at which driving fluid must be introduced slows. From the measured driving fluid introduction rate, the flow rates out discrete sections of the borehole are determined.

Abstract: A combined valve-regulator apparatus, for safely regulating the flow of combustible gases such as oxygen. A compressible o-ring is used to provide controllable sealed seating of the valve and regulator during operation. A system is provided in the valve-regulator apparatus for venting the o-ring seat elements, to minimize undesirable ballooning or extrusion otherwise resulting from dynamic pressures and changing forces due to rapid gas flows through the regulator.

Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible and transportable spica chair to be used by toddler, juvenile, and adult patients fitted with a spica cast. Foldable rigid frame supports mutually inclining and individually adjustable rest surfaces including a torso pad assembly and an adjustable leg support assemblies. The patient is supported at the stomach/torso region and at the legs so that the patient is able to “sit” comfortably in a semi-upright position for extended periods of time. An optional tray assembly permits the patient to place items of interest, such as food or toys, within easy reach.

Abstract: A self-sterilizing gripping or handle apparatus. The apparatus and method of the invention have to do with sterilizing a gripping surface with germicidal ultraviolet light. Embodiments of an apparatus are disclosed which provide for periodic and repeated exposure of a gripping surface to the UV radiation. The gripping surface may be incorporated into a handle, so that the handle remains relatively germ-free between uses by individuals.

Abstract: Solar-powered reactor for processing of slightly absorbing and transparent gases. An obvious path to providing storable, renewable energy is through solar dissociation of gas molecules. These dissociation products are the precursors of modern liquid and gaseous fuels such as hydrogen and methanol/ethanol. An apparatus and method using a solar concentrator (such as a focusing trough or dish) directed at the receiving end of a reactor are disclosed. A range of designs of reactors for the dissociation of gases, both those that absorb slightly in the visible spectrum and those that are transparent in the visible and only absorb in the infrared, is described. For slightly-absorbing gases, a funnel-shaped reactor that preheats the gas and concentrates sunlight is the indicated embodiment. A system for dissociating CO2 using the invention is described. For transparent gases, a holraum embodiment is more appropriate for coupling solar energy into the gas.

Abstract: A lightweight, prefabricated, modular masonry fireplace. The firebox is pre-cast in modular sections of lightweight vermiculate concrete. A kiva-style version of the fireplace features a modular firebox disposed within an outer facade made from a tubular steel frame, covered with metal-mesh stuccoed and plastered to present the aesthetic configuration of a sculpted adobe fireplace. An alternative, but equally desirable Rumford-style version of the fireplace does not require an outer facade, but also is assembled from lightweight modular sections. The firebox of all embodiments is cast in modular sections. A central body section of the firebox is placed upon a base, and a smoke plenum section is placed upon the central body section. The central body section, and in some embodiments a portion of the smoke plenum section, define and mostly surround the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A valve apparatus, and combined valve-regulator apparatus, for safely regulating the flow of combustible gases such as oxygen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting soft materials such as meat. Two or more spirally mounted helical blades are situated between two supports, and the supports are mounted to a shank. The shank is rotated to impart rotary action to the spiral shear blades, and the entire device may be used to perform various cutting operations. The distal or bottom one of the supports may also be a cutting blade, and a number of versions of bottom cutting blades are useable in the practice of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coating or treating powdered material, particularly ultra-fine powders in the nanometer or submicron range of mean diameters, by electrolytic processes. A platen is mounted for rotation upon a fixed shaft, and a rotary flow-through electrolytic cell is mounted upon a platen for rotation thereon, the cell's axis of rotation being offset from the platen's axis of rotation. The cells axis of rotation revolves around the platen's axis as the platen rotates. The electrolytic cell accordingly undergoes a planetary rotation, as the cell revolves around the platen's axis of rotation. The planetary rotation of the cell allows the powdered material to be collected by centrifugal force and constantly agitated to promote uniform electroplating.

Abstract: A unilateral magnet apparatus having a remote uniform field region. The apparatus' uniform remote field region is suitable for a variety of nuclear magnetic resonance applications.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly comprises a heat sink and a retainer clip for attachment to an electronic package or semiconductor device so as to dissipate heat from such device. The heat sink may comprise a flat base with a plurality of upwardly extending fins. The fins will define at least one channel. The retainer clip includes two parts. One part is an elongated, resilient, metal strap that has holding means at each end for engaging a semiconductor socket, or a semiconductor module, so as to secure the retainer clip and heat sink to the device or module. The retainer clip also includes a cam-type latch which is pivotally positioned in the middle of the elongated strap and includes an arm and a cam. The cam has a bearing surface which is spaced from the axis of the elongated member a distance greater than the distance between the elongated member and the upper surface of the heat sink base when in the initially assembled position.