Abstract: A system for applying a protective coating to a surface includes a device for applying a protective coating to a surface. The device includes a foam pad impregnated with a composite having a matrix that includes at least one polymer resin chosen from the following group: hydrocarbon, polybutene, silicone, polyethylene; at least one silicone fluid; at least one surface coating chosen from the following groups: wax, silicone resin; and a multiplicity of inert particles dispersed within the matrix. The composite, when examined alone (before it is impregnated into the foam pad), has a wax penetration point measurement from about 60 mm to about 250 mm at 25 degrees Celsius under ASTM Test Method D217, and the foam pad impregnated with the composite is adapted so that the foam pad impregnated with the composite, when rubbed upon a surface, leaves a surface coating on the surface.

Abstract: A system for building up land in a water-covered or water-surrounded area has a plurality of floating boom segments connected end-to-end in an essentially closed shape, each boom segment having a sieve panel with a height approximately equal to the depth of the water in the water-covered area and made from water-permeable, fine-meshed material, and each sieve panel having an anchor segment attached to the lower portion of the sieve panel. The system also includes a sediment source depositing sediment inside the area essentially enclosed by the essentially closed shape formed by the boom segments. Preferably a wasteweir segment is disposed so as to close the essentially closed shape formed by the floating boom segments, the wasteweir segment having an essentially U-shaped orthogonal frame of a height at least about equal to the depth of the water in the water-covered area. The wasteweir segment also includes barriers that attach to the frame.

Abstract: A dent repair tool has a motor tool having a body and a motor shaft capable of spinning, an elongated inner shaft connected at its proximal end to the motor tool positioned within an elongated outer shaft, and separated from the outer shaft by bushings; and a working head releasably connected to the distal end of the inner shaft. The working head may take any of several forms, including a circular disk having curved protrusions disposed regularly around the perimeter of the disk, an elliptical plate, a triangular plate having rounded vertices and concave sides, and a square plate having rounded corners and concave sides. A system for repairing a dent in sheet metal includes urging the spinning working head of the dent repair tool against a raised portion of dented sheet metal to reduce or eliminate a dent.

Abstract: The subject matter of this invention deals with sulfonated polyphosphazene-based cation-exchange membranes for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells where the polyphosphazene is crosslinked, non-crosslinked, suitably blended with one or more additional polymers, and/or impregnated into the void volume of an inert microporous membrane support and where the membranes operate in a hydrated state that is characterized by a high proton conductance and low water and methanol permeation rates. In particular, the invention relates to the use of poly[bis(3-methylphenoxy)phosphazene] as the base polymer, with sulfonated ion-exchange groups, for direct liquid-feed methanol fuel cells.

Abstract: A system for detecting and monitoring termite infestation includes cover assembly having top and bottom plates having axially aligned apertures and linked by a threaded bolt, and bore gasket disposed between the plates. Bottom plates have additional apertures. Top plates have protruding dimples with nonslip surface and coating, tapered apertures therethrough, and plugs or, alternatively, an essentially flat top surface and areas of reduced thickness. An alternative cover assembly includes a top having a top disc portion with an axially aligned aperture therethrough and protruding dimples with tapered apertures and a cylinder portion, axially disposed downward therefrom and having retaining ridges encircling its exterior surface and rows of teeth axially disposed upon its inner surface; and a bottom cup in the shape of a tapered cylinder having a bottom covering, the bottom cup having an axially aligned aperture therethrough, additional apertures, and teeth axially disposed on the exterior surface thereof.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for hydrogenating an unsaturated fatty acid, mixtures of two or more fatty acids, or the unsaturated fatty acid constituents of an edible or non-edible oil's triglycerides is performed using a solid polymer electrolyte reactor. Membrane electrode assemblies consist of a cation exchange membrane onto which porous anode and cathode electrodes are attached. As the electrodes are permeable, reactant and products enter and leave the membrane/cathode and membrane/anode reaction zones via the back sides of the electrodes. Hydrogen is generated in situ by the electro-reduction of protons that are formed at the anode and which migrate through the ion exchange membrane for reaction with the fifty acids or fatty acid constituents. In the disclosed process, only protons (H+ ions) carry the current between the anode and the cathode. The need for a supporting electrolyte to conduct electricity has been circumvented.