Abstract: An electric fence is disclosed for keeping selected small animals out of an enclosed area. The electric fence has an electrically conductive screen, a plurality of support members for supporting the screen, at least one electrically conductive element positioned adjacent to the screen on a side of the screen opposite the enclosed area, the electrically conductive element mounted to the fence by a plurality of mounting elements, the electrically conductive element being operably couplable to an electric charge generator, and the screen being electrically grounded. The electric fence may be mounted adjacent to a perimeter fence by a distance greater than the distance the selected animal can jump.

Abstract: A support member is disclosed for use in constructing electric fences of the type having poles, electrified wires and a mesh screen. The support member is an elongated member made from an electrically non-conducting material, and has a base portion adapted and configured to connect to a pole and an arm extending away from the base portion. The arm has several apertures along its length, each aperture configured to receive the conductive wire. The arm also has a first supporting ridge, and a first flat surface for attaching the mesh thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated system for monitoring wildlife auditory data and recording same for subsequent analysis and identification. The system comprises one or more microphones coupled to a recording apparatus for recording wildlife vocalizations in digital format. The resultant recorded data is preprocessed, segmented, and analyzed by means of a neural network to identify the respective species. The system minimizes the need for human intervention and subjective interpretation of the recorded sounds.

Abstract: A microwave furnace for heating materials has a microwave chamber with two microwave compartments made of microwave reflective material for retaining microwaves. One of the compartments is fixed and has an opening for discharging heated material. The other compartment is a rotating drum. The furnace also includes an elongated tubular member having a first and second open end. The tubular member is made of a microwave transparent material and is retained within the microwave chamber. A feeding mechanism feeds the material to be heated into the first end of the tubular member. The microwave furnace is provided with a mount for supporting the tubular member within the rotating microwave chamber by clasping the tubular member. The mount is adapted to rotate the tubular member along its axis and to position the tubular member such that the second end of the tubular member is substantially adjacent to the discharge opening of the fixed microwave chamber.

Abstract: A circuit recloser that limits current through a power line when a fault condition occurs. The recloser includes a circuit interrupter that is switchable between a closed state, in which current is permitted to flow through the power line, and an open state, in which the current is interrupted. The interrupter switches to its open state in response to a fault condition, such as a current surge. The recloser also has a movable member that is operatively coupled to the interrupter for resetting the interrupter to the closed state from the open state when the movable member is moved. The movable member is configured for being remotely movable to close the interrupter. Preferably the recloser includes an electric drive to remotely move the movable member from a remote station, and a projection extends from the movable member to enable manual movement thereof. The movable member includes a shaft which the electric drive rotates by turning a slotted hub coaxially about the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the continuous processing of a granular material in a wet or dry state. The apparatus comprises first and second heating chambers, and the heating energy is provided by microwave energy. The first chamber preheats the granular material to lower the moisture content. The second chamber heats the granular material to the desired high temperature, for example, 800.degree. C. for the reactivation of carbon. The first and second chambers are arranged in a vertical orientation to allow gravity to assist in the flow of material through the chambers. The flow of material is controlled by a valve positioned at the outlet of the second chamber. The apparatus is suitable for the reactivation of metallurgical carbon and the heating of other granular materials such as ceramics and glass powders.

Abstract: A radioisotope-powered semiconductor battery comprises a substrate of a crystalline semiconductor material, the material having at least one degree of confinement, and a radioactive power source comprising at least one radioactive element. The power source is positioned relative to the substrate to allow for impingement of emitted particles on the substrate. The semiconductor material may be electronically, structurally or chemically confined. The radioactive element is preferably impregnated within or immediately adjacent the semiconductor material.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method of facilitating the inspection of hydroelectric runner blades mounted within a water passage comprising the step lowering a portable inspection platform down into the water passage to a position adjacent to and below the blades of the runner. The platform is configured to hold at least one person and to pass between the blades of the runner. The present application also discloses an inspection platform system for supporting an inspector adjacent the blades of a runner mounted within a water channel in a hydroelectric facility comprising a portable inspection platform dimensioned and configured to support the inspector and pass between the blades of the runner. The portable inspection platform system also comprises a cable for lowering the inspection platform into the desired position, the cable dimensioned and configured to safely support the platform and pass between the runner blade and the water channel.

Abstract: A direct expansion ground source heat pump operable in heating mode and cooling mode. The heat pump comprises an outdoor coil, an indoor coil and a compressor. The outdoor coil and the indoor coil are coupled to the compressor through a reversing valve and the compressor provides a refrigerant flow through the coils. The indoor coil and outdoor coil are coupled together through a controllable valve. The outdoor coil comprises two coil circuits. In heating mode both ground coil circuits are active, while in cooling mode, the heat pump utilizes one of the coil circuits and alternates between coil circuits each compressor cycle.

Abstract: A nuclear battery is provided by the incorporation through chemical bonding of radioactive tritium in a body of amorphous semiconductor material having a p-type conductivity region, an n-type conductivity region and a semiconductor junction therebetween, with means for electrically connecting the n-type and p-type regions to a load circuit. A preferred such nuclear battery comprises tritium chemically bonded within an amorphous silicon semiconductor including a p-i-n junction.

Abstract: A radioluminescent light source comprising a crystalline III-V or II-VI semiconductor or a group IV quantum semiconductor and a radioactive element adapted to cause the semiconductor to produce light is disclosed. The radioactive element, such as tritium, is either incorporated within the semiconductor, preferably proximate to the p-n junction of the semiconductor, or placed adjacent the semiconductor.

Abstract: The invention is a metal tube such as a heat exchanger tube which has been treated by in situ electrodeposition to repair one or more degraded sections. The repaired metal tube section has an electroformed structural layer which has an ultrafine grain microstructure of sufficient thickness to restore the degraded section at least to its original mechanical specifications.

Abstract: A process for repairing degraded sections of metal tubes, such as heat exchanger tubes, by in situ electroforming utilizes a probe containing an electrode. The probe is movable through the tube to the site of degradation and is sealed in place, thereby creating an electrochemical cell. Electrolyte flows from a reservoir through the cell and a structural layer of metal is deposited on the tube using a pulsed direct current and a duty cycle of 10-60%. The metal layer so formed possesses an ultrafine grain size preferably with a highly twinned microcrystalline structure giving the layer excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: Heavy metals are removed from waste lubricating oil by heating in the presence of an oxidation catalyst and a free radical initiator at temperatures in the range of about 150.degree.-200.degree. C. Corrosion and oxidation inhibitors previously added to the oil are thereby oxidized to form a separable sludge which contains the bulk of heavy metal contamination. The process is of particular advantage in removing contaminating radioactive nuclides from lubricating oils used in nuclear generating facilities.

Abstract: A process for repairing degraded sections of metal tubes, such as heat exchanger tubes, by in situ electroforming utilized a flexible probe containing an electrode. The probe is movable through the tube to the site of degradation and is sealed in place, thereby creating an electrochemical cell. Electrolyte flows from a reservoir through the cell and a structural layer of metal is deposited on the tube using a pulsed direct current and a duty cycle of 10-40%. The metal layer so formed possesses an ultrafine grain size preferably with a highly twinned microcrystalline structure giving the layer excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing erosion shields from the blades of a turbine includes a part for gripping the turbine blade, a part for heating the erosion shield to detach it from the blade, and a part for removing the shield including a pneumatic cylinder actuating a stripping arm once sufficient heat has been applied to the shield to detach it from the blade.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the angular displacement of a rotating shaft provides an ultrasonic transceiver reflecting pulses off of a reflecting edge of a vane of a rotor affixed to the shaft. The reflecting edge is configured in the profile of an involute curve so that changes in the time delay between transmission and reception of each reflected pulse, which correspond to changes in the distance between the transceiver and the reflecting edge, are linearly related to changes in the angular displacement of the shaft, and arranged such that the reflecting edge is normal to the probe axis so that the energy is reflected back to the probe. A circular disc may be associated with the vane to provide a reference reflected pulse, which eliminates errors which might occur due to wobbling of the shaft.

Abstract: A transformer fault analyzer provides on site fault analysis of electrical distribution transformers, relying on patterns of parameter variation in transformer winding ratios, winding resistance and magnetizing impedance, and comparison of these parameters to predetermined values. In a preferred embodiment the analysis considers transformer ratio balance and magnetizing impedance balance. The transformer analyzer may be used with the transformer under load or no load conditions, and thus can be used to test transformers in the field as well as surplus or refurbished transformers.

Abstract: A device for measuring the moisture content of an absorbent material, for example the paper insulation in an electrical transformer, uses a back scattered radiation technique to determine the absorption of light at specific wavelengths. A ratio of the back scattered radiation at different wavelengths can be compared against known values corresponding to a specific moisture content. An optical waveguide such as a bifurcated optical fibre is provided with a probe end optically coupled to a source end and a detection end, for transmitting light to the absorbent material and transmitting back scattered radiation to a detector.

Abstract: A jib assembly is disclosed, for use with an articulated boom carried by an aerial device, having a compact configuration of components which allows a high degree of freedom in the rotation of the jib in the vertical plane and reduced obstruction of the rotational adjustment of the bucket carrier on the boom in the horizontal plane, relative to existing arrangements. A chain and sprocket arrangement driven by a hydraulic motor powers rotation of the jib coaxially with the bucket shaft and, where a winch is used, with the axis of rotation of the winch. The arrangement simplifies the routing of hydraulic hoses and affords a more compact and less cluttered arrangement of components at the tip of the boom, which has safety advantages in the environment of a tight distribution of power lines, where distances between live and grounded apparatus are small.