Abstract: An open-ocean fish-growing platform has a submersible cage structure for growing fish, an antenna for receiving positioning signals transmitted from an external source, a position-correction apparatus for calculating a position error signal from a target geostationary position, and an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system for generating electric power for thruster units to maintain the cage structure in the target geostationary position. The OTEC system inducts colder ocean water from a deeper ocean depth for driving its heat exchange cycle, and is also of hybrid type using a fuel-fired unit as a heat source. The cold water effluent from the OTEC system is directed into the cage for flushing wastes generated by the growing fish. The self-positioning, self-powered open-ocean platform enables unmanned, extended marine deployment in deeper ocean waters without the need for tethering or anchoring to the ocean floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for restoring the alignment of the support socket with other structural components during the fabrication of a leg prosthesis comprising a stand with base, a means to secure the lower aspect of the leg prosthesis to the stand base, and a laser source attached to the top of the stand that emits visible cross-beams downward onto the leg prosthesis when the prosthesis is mounted on the stand base. The method of the invention uses the described apparatus with leg prosthesis mounted thereon to mark points on the inside of a check or test socket that coincide with the laser cross-beams; transferring these marks from the check socket to the permanent support socket; and re-aligning the permanent support socket with the lower aspect prosthetic components by mounting the leg prosthesis with permanent support socket on the alignment apparatus and matching the marks to the laser cross-beams.

Abstract: A flexible core element having a large bonding surface area suitable for sandwich type construction comprising a plurality of first hexagonal nodes defining a first surface, a plurality of second hexagonal nodes defining a second surface spaced apart from and parallel to the first surface, and a plurality of rectangular wall members which interconnect said first hexagonal nodes to said second hexagonal nodes and define the depth of the core element. Each hexagonal node corresponds to an open hexagonal cell on its obverse surface and serves as a bonding surface. The core element is fabricated from a continuous sheet of material that has been die-cut with a repeating geometrical design, creased and folded, concertina style, in upon itself to make a double-sided core material that is flexible, able to vent, exhibits good bend and shear strength, and has a large surface bonding area rendering it suitable in the construction of lightweight sandwich panels and offering a wide array of other applications.

Abstract: A combination writable scroll picture frame display assembly, comprising a picture frame sized to accommodate commonly sized photographs or cards, a writable scroll, and a base sized and shaped to maintain the entire invention upright and stable. The components are arranged such that the scroll, when mounted, does not obscure viewing the framed picture. The scroll is mounted on the assembly in a manner to facilitate its easy removal and remounting, and the entire assembly may be made wall mountable. The scroll is bound when closed, unrolls to reveal some sort of writable media, and may include a decorative cover and/or other decorative features including decorative end caps.

Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel tracks and track connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize metal framing tracks that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls with at least one recess channel formed longitudinally therein, and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, lip or base flange, and two lip receiving grooves, are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the track and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects and/or recess channels of the track.

Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize known metal framing or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, base flange, and two lip receiving grooves, are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the stud and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud. The stud connectors demonstrate three dimensional rigidity and a box-like fit within the metal framing studs to form joints that are strong, durable and precise.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feedback-controlled audio system. A single internal pressure-sensitive detector is used as the sensor. The primary radiator is mounted facing inward to minimize acoustical delay from the speaker. The present invention also provides a method for increasing acoustical accuracy using such an audio system.

Abstract: A new pineapple (Ananas comosus) variety of the Bromeliaceae family was developed from a cross between the parental lines ‘Dry Sweet’בHilo White’ and has been designated ‘Franklynn’. This new variety differs from its progenitors in having a higher Brix value, distinct fruit skin and flesh colors, and excellent eating quality. The plant is characterized by relatively (for pineapple) flat, spineless leaves that are green with purple coloration, and a peduncle that is partially or completely obscured by a high number of green bracts. The plant has a cylindrical and symmetrical fruit borne on a penduncle. The fruit has a lightly textured shell and flat fruitlets (eyes) with a medium sized crown. When unripe, the fruit shell is greyed-purple (RHS 187A), turning to a greyed-orange color (RHS 167B) when ripe. The fruit flesh appears cream colored and codes to a pale yellow (RHS 8D).