Abstract: A dual-screw line guide is disclosed. A first screw has a first helical groove. A second screw has a second helical groove. The first helical groove and the second helical groove align, thereby forming a groove space, as the first screw and the second screw rotate in opposing radial directions. The groove space is configured for a line to pass therethrough.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the disclosure provides a method for removing a component from a gas stream. A carrier gas stream is cooled by direct contact with a dehydrating solution stream. The dehydrating solution stream removes a portion of water present in the carrier gas stream and produces a dry gas stream and a wet solution stream. A portion of the component is removed from the dry gas stream by direct contact with a cold contact liquid stream. A depleted gas stream and a slurry stream are produced. Removing the portion of the component may include desublimating, freezing, condensing, depositing, or a combination thereof of the portion of the component out of the dry gas stream as a solid product. The slurry stream may include the solid product and a contact liquid. The solid product is separated from the contact liquid, producing a substantially pure solid product stream and the cold contact liquid stream.

Abstract: A method of theft prevention and detection includes detecting movement of warehoused product by a person using one or more cameras; obtaining a first thermal image of a body of the person, with the one or more cameras, while the person is handling or moving the warehoused product; storing a physical size or shape of the warehoused product; obtaining a second thermal image of the body of the person, with the one or more cameras, subsequent to the obtaining of the first thermal image; determining thermal intensity differences by comparing the first thermal image of the body of the person to the second thermal image of the body of the person; detecting potential theft when the thermal intensity differences correlate to the physical size or shape of the warehoused product; and informing the person that the potential theft has been detected.

Abstract: A device for bubbling a gas into a liquid is disclosed. The device comprises a first bubbling apparatus nested inside a second bubbling apparatus. The first bubbling apparatus comprises a gas inlet for receiving the gas and a plurality of first openings for releasing the gas. The second bubbling apparatus at least partially encloses the plurality of first openings of the first bubbling apparatus. The second bubbling apparatus receives the gas from the plurality of first openings. The second bubbling apparatus comprises a plurality of second openings for bubbling the gas into the liquid.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is a solar shingle roofing assembly that includes a roofing underlayment providing mechanical and electrical connection for solar shingles. The system also includes an array of rectangular solar shingles, each solar shingle with a first side edge, a second side edge, a bottom edge and a top edge. Each solar shingle is shaped to form at least one channel on an upper surface running from the top edge to the bottom edge and shaped to form at least two air gaps between the bottom surface of the shingle and the top surface of the underlayment and running parallel to the at least one channel. In the array of shingles, the air gaps of vertically adjacent shingles are aligned to thereby form continuous air gaps running from a bottom of the array to a top of the array. The solar shingles are mechanically and electrically connected to the roofing underlayment.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is a method for ordering custom products, which includes the step of displaying a plurality of styles of customizable products to a user along with a flat rate price for each style. A selection of a style of customizable products and a number of such is received from the user. The cost for the number of customizable products is determined based on the number of customizable products and the flat rate price for the selected style. The customization information for each of the number of customizable is not required to determine the cost. An order is generated to purchase the number of the selected style of customizable products. At some point after the order is generated, the customization information for each of the customizable products in the order is received. A plurality of customized products is provided to fill the order based on the customization information. That plurality of customized products is shipped to the user.

Abstract: There is disclosed a secure remote actuation system that includes a network storing one or more acceptable inputs. The system also includes a central signal switch disposed inside an enclosure. The central signal switch stores therein the one or more acceptable inputs and user codes, which comprise a succession of the acceptable inputs. The system further includes a remote input receptor that, in turn, includes a user interface with a communication tilt plate that has a front side and a back side. The front side includes an outer touch surface. The back side includes electronic components mounted thereon, a raised center pivot and a plurality of spring loaded switches mounted thereon disposed around the periphery of the back side. As such, tilting the communication tilt plate by pressing proximate the periphery of the outer touch surface will activate two or more of the spring-loaded switches mounted on the back side of the tilt plate, thereby transmitting the one or more user codes.

Abstract: A fairlead for use with a winch is disclosed. The fairlead includes: a self-reversing screw; a motor for driving the self-reversing screw; and a guide comprising a guide nut and a first guide side and a second guide side. The guide is driven by the self-reversing screw. As a line is coiled onto a winch drum the guide directs the line onto the winch drum. The first guide side and second guide side are detachable from the guide nut and from each other.

Abstract: A tool tracking and monitoring device is disclosed. The device is made up of: a tool base, having a controller and a transceiver; a tool handle; interchangeable tool bodies with ID tags; and user IDs. The interchangeable tool bodies attach to the tool handle. The transceiver is adapted to receive information from the tool body ID tags and the user IDs and relay that information to the controller; this allows the controller to monitor the use of the tool bodies. The controller is configured to regulate access to the tool bodies according to permissions associated with the tool body ID tags and the user IDs. The device is also adapted to connect with freestanding power tools.

Abstract: The sensor platform array includes a plurality of sensors and one or more sensor platforms. Each sensor may be mounted on a sensor platform. The sensor platform may be mounted on a support panel. The support panel may be mounted on a toilet lid. The one or more sensor platforms may be extendable towards a user seated on the toilet. Each sensor may be independently extended so that it is positioned flush against a user's body. The sensor platform array may include bendable arms which reach around a user and place sensors on the ventral side of the user. The sensors may collect measurements which are relevant to the user's health and well-being. In some embodiments, the sensors may be removable and replaceable so that different sensors may be added according to a user's individual needs.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the current invention separate condensable vapors such as carbon dioxide from light gases or liquids in a mixed process stream. The separation is carried out in a cryogenic process using one or more external cooling loops (ECLs) that first cool down a mixed process stream containing condensable vapors and light gases or liquids, causing the condensable vapors to desublimate and form solids. Next, the solids are separated from the light gases or liquids, forming a solid stream and a light gas or liquid stream. Then the refrigerants of the ECL are cooled by warming the separated solid stream and light gas or liquid stream, efficiently recovering energy used in cooling and desublimating the condensable vapors.

Abstract: A vessel with a cavity for measuring level is disclosed. The vessel includes a differential pressure sensor having a first port and a second port, a reference tube that connects the first port of the differential pressure sensor to a bottom portion of the cavity, and an impulse tube that connects the second port of the differential pressure sensor to an impulse tube ending. At least a portion of the impulse tube extends through the cavity and ends at a fluid inlet. The fluid inlet is located at a level above the reference tube.

Abstract: A process to prevent fouling using a desublimating heat exchanger is disclosed. An outlet stream from the desublimating heat exchanger may be split into a plurality of parallel streams. The parallel streams may be sent through a plurality of discrete unit operations, and the unit operations may change the temperature of at least one of the parallel streams. Parallel streams of differing temperature may emerge from the unit operations. The parallel streams which are of a similar temperature may be mixed to form a warm stream and a cool stream. The warm stream and the cool stream may be sent to a mixing chamber. A mixed stream of substantially uniform temperature may emerge from the mixing chamber, and the mixed stream may be recycled back to the desublimating heat exchanger. The mixing chamber may be separate from the desublimating heat exchanger, or the parallel streams of differing temperature may be mixed in the desublimating heat exchanger.

Abstract: A gray water disposal system is disclosed. The system includes an inlet adapted to receive gray water and a vaporizer for discarding the gray water into the air. Preferably, the system includes a pump and a filter. Another aspect of the invention is using the system to dispose of gray water generated on a vehicle.

Abstract: A motorized window with one or more motors and a frame with a slidable segment is disclosed. A drive system with gears, transmission or worm drive engage with a gear track mounted to the frame or slidable segment. Rotating a first gear in a first rotational direction causes the first gear to pull the slidable segment in a first linear direction. Rotating the first gear in a second rotational direction causes the first gear to pull the slidable segment in a second linear direction. Preferably, a controller controls the operation of the motors. Sensors inform the controller, and user input via a mobile device enables both direct user control and programming of the controller.

Abstract: A detachable line guide is provided. A screw with a helical groove is provided. A guide is positioned a fixed distance perpendicular to the screw and can travel laterally freely. The guide includes a follower which is attached to the guide by a spring. The follower is biased into the groove. Rotation of the screw causes the follower to track the groove and move the guide laterally. The guide is configured for a line to pass therethrough. When the line exerts a lateral force above a predetermined threshold against the guide, the follower rides up and out of the groove as the spring is compressed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying ambient sound waves passing through a wall are disclosed. The wall has a first side and a second side with a cavity therebetween. A sound producing device is situated between the first side and the second side and is configured to produce interfering sound waves in the cavity such that the sound waves passing through the wall are reduced, masked, or reduced and masked.

Abstract: A method for separating solids from liquids is disclosed. A double-roller system is provided. A process fluid is provided to the double-roller system. The process fluid comprises a suspended solid and a process liquid. The suspended solid comprises non-fibrous solid particles. A portion of the process fluid is compressed through the double-roller system to produce a compressed portion of the suspended solid. A product stream and a dilute fluid stream are separated. The product stream comprises a compressed portion of the suspended solid and a first portion of the process liquid. The dilute fluid stream comprises a second portion of the suspended solid and a second portion of the process liquid.

Abstract: A housing for a digital assistant is disclosed. The housing includes; a body holding the digital assistant; attachments for an overhead mounting system. Within the housing there is at least one electrical input; and at least one electrical output; along with a digital current limiter. The digital assistant is capable of receiving and implementing instructions via voice commands or a personal control device. The digital current limiter receives instructions from the digital assistant and in response to those instructions, regulates the current to components in communication with the digital assistant. A method for using the housing and digital assistant to create a smart garage system by regulating access to connected components is also disclosed.

Abstract: A toilet is disclosed. The toilet has a bowl adapted to receive excreta, a shelf for receiving feces in the bowl, and one or more sensor for detecting a property of the feces. The property may be related to a user's heath and wellness and may be presented to a person for their review and assessment.