Abstract: A vortex ring generator adapted to be associated with a body subjected to fluid flow, the vortex ring generator being adapted to produce a fluid flow in the form of a vortex ring with the fluid flow moving over the body from the vortex ring generator.

Abstract: A fluid pathway is provided with a flow controller in at least a portion of its length wherein the flow controller comprises an active surface capable of influencing the fluid flow through the fluid pathway, the configuration of the active surface conforming to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.

Abstract: A patient transporting device having a mobile IV pole which comprises a wheeled base with an enclosure that substantially covers the wheels and a bumper secured to the enclosure. A pole is coupled to the base, and a plurality of hook or other holders are provided for holding intravenous fluid reservoirs. The pole may include first and second arms that extend substantially vertically upwardly from the base, each arm made up of respective lower, central, and upper telescoping tubular portions. The lower portions of the arms are securely coupled to the base, the upper portions are rigidly interconnected with one another, and the central portions of the first and second arms are rigidly interconnected by a stabilization bar which has a plurality of routing channels therein for routing flexible tubing. An obliquely oriented handle is coupled to the pole and is axially movable along at least a portion of the pole. The IV pole may be provided with an electrical receptacle having a retractable power cord.

Abstract: A rotor for use with a fluid flow generator or reactor, said rotor being rotatable about a central axis of the rotor and having a at least one vane arranged, in use, to induce a generally axial fluid-flow into the central axial region of the rotor and an outward flow from the central axial region of the rotor to the outer periphery of the rotor, wherein the at least one vane comprises a vortex generator adapted to accelerate the fluid away from the central axis of the rotor in a vortical motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbial control system for treating influent water and sump water for control of microbial material in machines which process water such as ice making machines, humidifiers such as cool mist humidifiers and cooling towers. The microbial control system includes antimicrobial treatment media housed in a containment vessel. The treatment media can include any one or more of transition metals and transition metal oxides. The transition metal may be any of Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg, Rf, Db, Sg, Bh, Hs, Mt, Uun, Uuu and Uub.

Abstract: A housing for a blower, fan or pump or turbine, the housing adapted to be associated with a rotor adapted in use to cooperate with fluid flowing through the housing wherein the housing comprises a shroud for guiding the fluid moving in association with the rotor, the rotor having at least one vane adapted to cooperate with the fluid to drive or to be driven by the fluid, wherein the shroud is configured to promote vortical flow of the fluid through the housing.

Abstract: A device for sorting discs or disk-like members of different identities (e.g. roulette chips) ejects the disks from a receptacle by means of a rotating wheel with numerous wells—(multi-chip storage compartments). Ejection of an article from the wells is achieved by an ejector lever making contact with an activated solenoid thus forcing the article at the bottom of the well, in conjunction with the momentum of the moving wheel, into a receiving space. The discs in the receiving spaces are continually replaced by newly-arriving discs which force the previously-positioned discs upwards into a column.

Abstract: A method of treating a hollow fiber membrane microfiltration filter having an influent side and an effluent side to improve performance of the filter is disclosed. The method entails sealing imperfections in surfaces of the filter by flushing the filter with a liquid aqueous suspension of particulates. Filter cartridge devices also are disclosed. The devices may include a bactericidal chamber. A radial flow filter may be included in the devices. The filter cartridges may include a drain tube positioned within the filter for removing of effluent generated by the filter. A plurality of filter cartridges may be positioned on the drain tube.

Abstract: A device for sorting discs or disk-like members of different identities (e.g. roulette chips) ejects the disks from a receptacle by means of a rotating wheel with numerous wells—(multi-chip storage compartments). Ejection of an article from the wells is achieved by an ejector lever making contact with an activated solenoid thus forcing the article at the bottom of the well, in conjunction with the momentum of the moving wheel, into a receiving space. The discs in the receiving spaces are continually replaced by newly-arriving discs which force the previously-positioned discs upwards into a column.

Abstract: A device for sorting discs or disk-like members of different identities (e.g. roulette chips) ejects the disks from a receptacle by means of a rotating wheel with numerous wells—(multi-chip storage compartments). Ejection of an article from the wells is achieved by an ejector lever making contact with an activated solenoid thus forcing the article at the bottom of the well, in conjunction with the momentum of the moving wheel, into a receiving space. The discs in the receiving spaces are continually replaced by newly-arriving discs which force the previously-positioned discs upwards into a column.

Abstract: An overlapping flanged mat system for assembling the mat system for fabricating an artificial road including parallel upper surface boards extending longitudinally in one array, an intermediate plurality of surface boards transverse to the upper layer, and a lower set of boards extending parallel to the upper boards, said lower set having an inner-connecting section, extending outwardly from the longitudinal position of the first and second set of boards, creating a landing surface. The mats are inner-connected by laying down a succession of such three-ply mats to form an artificial road.

Abstract: A method of organizing information into a concept network, to facilitate the creation and sharing of knowledge, includes the steps of: categorizing ideas and thoughts into concepts; creating links between concepts; categorizing information into objects; categorizing objects into concepts; creating links between objects; and locating information relevant to any object by evaluating direct object links between that object and directly linked objects, and indirect object links and concept links affecting that object. The method is useful for guiding people and the ways in which they think, communicate and work together, aligning and integrating diverse processes and systems and organizing large quantities of data stored on computer systems, and using the new ways of organizing thinking, communication, systems and data to achieve improved quality of knowledge, knowledge sharing, decision making and timely, effective action.

Abstract: An air cleaning device of the type for deodorizing and/or masking odor from a toilet is provided. The air cleaning device comprises a housing having a cleaning section, the housing connectable to a toilet bowl with the housing being positioned within the toilet bowl; a motor and fan functionally positioned within the housing; a cleaning element positioned approximate the fan within the housing; and at least one switch electrically connecting the fan motor to a power source for operationally controlling the motor. When the motor is activated, air within the toilet is drawn through the housing and across the cleaning element, exhausting the air within the toilet bowl.