Abstract: An apparatus and a method for robotic control that allows an unbalanced pendulum robot to raise its Center of Mass and balance on two motorized wheels. The robot includes a pair of arms that are connected to the upper body of the robot through motorized joints. The method consists of a series of movements employing the arms of the robot to raise the robot to the upright position. The method comprises a control loop in which the motorized drives are included for dynamic balance of the robot and the control of the arm apparatus. The robot is first configured as a low Center of Mass four-wheeled vehicle, then its Center of Mass is raised using a combination of its wheels and the joint located at the attachment point of the arm apparatus and the robot body, between the rear and front wheels; the method then applies accelerations to the rear wheels to dynamically pivot and further raise the Center of Mass up and over the main drive wheels bringing the robot into a balancing pendulum configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus, software, procedures and technology that, beginning with a simple manipulative auditory paradigm, moves up the auditory neural pathways, modifying the basic stimulus from a unilateral routine audiology tool to a dichotic central auditory processing diagnostic tool that defines hearing loss along the entire auditory chain from the middle ear to the cortex. From the resultant data comes information related to the reduction of tinnitus employing parathreshold central procedures rather than the traditional suprathreshold masking or phase-shifting techniques. The new application modifies and applies known technology in new ways for both the top-down and bottom-up differential diagnosis of auditory disorders and the tinnitus reduction.

Abstract: A portable cooler including a sealable outer container, and a sealable inner container situated within the outer container. A first thermoelectric cooling device having a cooling panel and a heating panel is mounted on the wall of the outer container such that the cooling panel faces the interior of the sealable outer container and the heating panel faces outside of said sealable outer container. A second thermoelectric cooling device, also having a cooling panel and a heating panel, is mounted on the wall of the internal container such that the cooling panel faces the interior of the inner container and the heating panel faces outside of the sealable inner container into the interior of said sealable outer container.

Abstract: A roller for moving, rolling and unrolling rolls of sod. The roller is generally comprised of a top portion including a side shift actuator and at least one attachment member for attachment to a vehicle, preferably a skid steer. The roller also includes a rotary actuator with a shaft, slidably attached to the top portion. A main frame consisting of a top member, side member, base member and an end gate, extends down from the shaft of the rotary actuator. The end gate of the main frame is configured to pivot open and closed. The main frame is configured to rotate with the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and associated devices for reducing the noise produced by an open cavity within a moving automobile (such as open sunroofs and open windows). The invention proposes placing microjet orifices proximate the open cavity. These inject small but rapidly moving columns of air into the prevailing flow. The projected columns reduce the formation of large coherent structures in the prevailing flow. As these large coherent structures are a critical component of the resonance which is responsible for much of the noise produced across the open cavity, the overall noise level is reduced by the microjets.

Abstract: A partially self-erecting wind turbine tower and a method for carrying out the assembly thereof. A central extendable pylon is provided. This is placed in an upright position, with its base on a temporary foundation. A plurality of legs is then attached to the extendable pylon. The upper extreme of each of the plurality of legs is temporarily attached to the upper extreme of the extendable pylon. With the pylon and legs thus secured, a nacelle is attached to the upper extreme of the extendable pylon. A hub with attached blades is then affixed to the nacelle. The extendable pylon is then forced upward through the collar to extend the height of the assembly.

Abstract: A multi-layered orthosis designed to stabilize the human shoulder joint. A base harness includes a shoulder enclosure, an anterior panel, and a posterior panel. An adjustable break separates free ends of the anterior and posterior panels which are distal to the shoulder enclosure. The base harness is applied to a patient by slipping the shoulder enclosure around the affected shoulder. Anterior and posterior straps are passed over the deltoid region of the affected shoulder and secured to the base harness. An additional large strap is placed over the anterior and posterior straps.

Abstract: A high bandwidth multi-stage microjet actuator. The actuator can produce relatively large amplitude flow disturbances over a broad range of frequencies. The disturbance frequency can be varied by altering the geometry of the device, altering the pressure ratio(s) within the device, and combinations of the two. The actuator has many potential applications, including noise abatement for jet aircraft, and flow control over a moving airfoil.

Abstract: A television mount incorporating an integrated audio system. The mount attaches the television to a wall or a pedestal. The mount includes an electronics/subwoofer enclosure. This enclosure house an audio amplifier and a low-range speaker. One or more external speakers are attached to a speaker assembly which is connected to the mount—preferably by attaching the supports to the electronics/subwoofer enclosure. The speaker supports is preferably made adjustable so that the degree of extension from the mount may be adjusted by the user.

Abstract: A stylus for use in operating any small device requiring contact for inputting commands. The stylus is comprised of a wrap and a tip. The wrap encircles and engages a user's digit. The tip is positioned to easily contact a touch-screen device when the wrap is placed on a user's digit. The stylus is made of a conductive material such that a conductive connection is made between the user's digit and the touch-screen device.

Abstract: A process for forcibly infusing liquid potting compound into the strands of a cable in order to attach an anchor to the cable. The process uses a strand cavity within an anchor that encloses the exposed strands. The strand cavity is sealed. Liquid potting compound is then forced into the strand cavity, where it runs around and through the exposed strands. A second venting passage is preferably employed, so that the liquid potting compound flows through the mold without trapping any substantial air pockets.

Abstract: An inflatable solar energy collector. The device uses two elongated and pressure-stabilized air chambers with a trough-shaped reflecting surface in between. The curvature of the reflecting surface is adjusted by adjusting the differential pressure between the two air chambers. The device can be configured to provide a focal point outside the air chambers or inside the air chambers. For the version using the external focal point an external energy receiver is appropriately positioned. For the version using the internal focal point, the receiver is mounted inside one of the air chambers.

Abstract: A multifunctional nozzle attachment for a portable hand-held lawn blower. The multifunctional nozzle attachment includes a coupler which can be attached to the nozzle of the lawn blower. Various attachments including scrapers, rakes, and brushes are provided for use with the coupler. When attached to the coupler, the attachments may be used to break up debris that does not release from the ground using the air stream alone. Once the debris is broken up, the air stream carries the debris away.

Abstract: A fan blade assembly having both an electrical connection and a mechanical connection to a rotating hub. The assembly is configured so that a single installation motion creates the mechanical connection and the electrical connection. The electrical connection preferably includes multiple independent conductor paths.

Abstract: A termination system which attaches a conventional threaded rod or bolt to a cable. An anchor is attached to an end of a cable using known techniques—such as potting. A threaded rod or bolt is placed on the anchor, pointing away from the direction of the cable. The rod or bolt is mechanically attached to the anchor using several different techniques. The result is an anchor assembly including a threaded protruding shaft. Because the assembly uses an inexpensive prior art rod or bolt, the machining operations are confined to small components needing relatively little material removal.

Abstract: A system for balancing energy being consumed by a first device against the available energy being produced by a second separate device. One application for the invention is monitoring the amount of energy being produced by a photovoltaic array and using that information to control a load so that the load consumes substantially the same amount of energy as is then being produced by the array.

Abstract: A modified fluid delivery cartridge. A conventional straight-sided high pressure cartridge case is primed and then filled with solid propellant. A burst cup is inserted in the case mouth. The burst cup is preferably embossed with a cross or other shape to promote predictable rupture. A charge casing is provided which opens into a high pressure cartridge receiver bounded by an inner charge casing wall. The inner charge casing wall is provided with a step, in which the diameter of the high pressure cartridge receiver is reduced. The high pressure cartridge case is pressed into the receiver in the charge casing wall. As the high pressure cartridge case is being pressed into place, the straight wall of the case passes over the step in the inner charge casing wall, which deforms the straight wall to form a neck. This neck captured the burst cup within the high pressure cartridge case.

Abstract: A process for gasifying hydrocarbon-containing materials and separating the resultant stream into hydrogen gas and other useful products.

Abstract: A composite superconducting wire and a method of manufacturing the wire is disclosed. Nano-particle dispersion strengthened copper is co-drawn with Niobium rod to produce DSC-1Nb wire. n numbers of DSC-1Nb wires are then stacked in a hollow DSC tube and drawn to form a DSC-n.Nb hexagonal wire. In a separate preliminary process, Tin rod is co-deformed with Copper tube to form a Cu-1Sn wire. m DSC-n Nb wires and 1 Cu-1Sn wires are then wrapped by Niobium foil and placed into a Copper tube. This entire assembly is then drawn to a finished size. The drawn composite is then subjected to heat treatment with a final stage at 650-700° C. for about 100 hours or longer. The new wire has higher electric critical current and higher mechanical strength than the controlled conventional ones.

Abstract: A method for making a fitted tablecloth for covering a utility or card table is disclosed. The steps include providing a primary panel having a plurality of sides, providing a rail panel having a plurality of side panels and a plurality of pleats, such that the plurality of side panels are separated by the plurality of pleats, folding the plurality of pleats against the plurality of side panels such that the plurality of side panels meet at a plurality of joints, connecting the primary panel to the rail panel such that the plurality of side panels are connected to one another at a plurality of top joints, and stitching the side panels from the plurality of top joints to a portion of the side panel forming an inner seam.