Abstract: The invention is a system and method for managing a plurality of areas of interest of a golf course. The system comprises a plurality of subsurface aeration subsystems and a programmable master control module. Each subsystem provides to a specific area at least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum. In each area of interest, a local control module is responsive to a directive and to a datum (environmental or operational parameter). The local control module is configured to operate the subsystem and is in communication with the programmable master control module. The programmable master control module receives from the local control modules area information representing a status of the respective specific area to which the local control module is dedicated, and in response to the area information and to a command, the programmable master control module issues a directive to the local control module to operate the subsurface aeration subsystem.

Abstract: A sediment control roll includes a threshold member having large apertures therethrough, a hollow sediment collection chamber, and an outflow filter having small apertures therethrough. The sediment control roll can be used to collect sediment in runoff from a construction site, or to reduce removal of sediment from an existing land mass. The sediment control roll can for example be made by rolling up extruded polymeric netting with filter cloth attached thereto.

Abstract: A wire termination device, such as a protected termination device (“PTD”), is provided for establishing and testing telephone wiring connections. Conductive contacts provided on the cover of the PTD are incorporated into a plug assembly mounted on the cover. The plug assembly is then brought into engagement with the jack of the PTD when the cover is closed. A preferred embodiment of the plug assembly incorporates laterally disposed bypass contacts that are brought into engagement with conductive plates within the jack. An alternative embodiment of the plug assembly has conductive contacts that are brought into contact with the tip and ring contacts of the jack when the cover is closed. In either case, test contacts are accessible through the cover of the PTD so that the cover of the PTD can be opened and closed without having to disconnect and reconnect the test probes from the test contact points.

Abstract: A system and method for the efficient use of satellite radio modems and satellite bandwidth is disclosed. In the system and method, a satellite radio modem is used for PRACH requests, each PRACH request occupying 31.25 kHz in a packet data transfer channel. The packet data transfer channels can be either 125.0 kHz or 156.25 kHz. Therefore, four PRACH requests can be transmitted in any one packet data transfer channel. The packet data transfer channels are broken into eight time slots, and one time slot in each channel (either the odd frame or even frame) is dedicated to a PRACH request. A satellite radio modem for PDCH transfers is dedicated for each channel. The satellite radio modem assigned to receive the four PRACH requests is timeshared over 16 channels, thereby reducing the amount of satellite radio modems that would otherwise have been needed, had the PRACH request transmissions utilized a dedicated modem for each PRACH request, for each channel.

Abstract: A dual service system and method for selectively compressing and dispensing methane, hydrogen, and variable mixtures of methane and hydrogen for use as a gaseous fuel. The use of an in-line gas density meter, hydraulic intensifier, pressurized gas cooler, optional intermediate storage and multiple dispensers are disclosed. An inline gas density meter is used in combination with a programmable logic controller and a control valve on the hydrogen supply line to create a closed feedback loop for selectively controlling the hydrogen content of the resultant pressurized fuel gas.

Abstract: A laundry dryer having a tumbler with airflow openings of generally triangular shape with rounded transverse sides and opposed ends configured to permit passage of round heads of standard drywall screws when oriented parallel to the long dimension of the opening, while preventing the passage of standard collar buttons having a diameter no greater than the diameter of the drywall screw heads. Loose drywall screws within the tumbler are thereby permitted to pass harmlessly through the air flow openings in the rotating drum into the lint filter of the dryer without damage to the dryer nor interruption of the dryer operation.

Abstract: In an actuator for a brake system or a method for making a brake actuator, an attachment mechanism for attaching a diaphragm to a piston includes a plurality of protrusions on one of the piston and diaphragm and a plurality of cavities on the other of the piston and diaphragm, each protrusion being insertable into a corresponding cavity to attach the diaphragm to the piston. Alternatively, a retaining ring is provided that need not be precisely made and yet can attach the diaphragm to the piston securely and sealingly.

Abstract: An improved seal/bearing arrangement employs an O-ring type seal which has segmented fingers. The seal ring has a recess which is sized to mate with a corresponding projecting lug of a bore use, for example, in brake actuator mechanisms. The seal ring can be made from synthetics such as polyamides and polyethylenes. The fingers are so arranged that locking of the seal rings in the bore occurs with insertion of a sliding, oscillating and/or rotating shaft or the like through the rings.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly wear indicator configured to be examined by physical contact, i.e. touch, as well as by eyesight to determine wear of the brake assembly friction couple. Physical markings are provided on the assembly carrier and caliper in locations selected so that the tactile-sensible markings are furthest away when the friction couple is new or unknown and adjacent each other when the friction couple wear is at the minimally acceptable level.

Abstract: A two-way satellite communication system is disclosed. A transceiver transmit signals over a return channel to a satellite and receives signals over a downlink channel from the satellite. A hub communicates with the transceiver over the return channel, wherein the hub provides connectivity between the transceiver and a packet switched network.

Abstract: A rotor having a disc and a hub assembly, in which the disc may be easily removed from the hub. The assembly has driving pins to connect the disc with the hub. The driving pins take up the tolerance between the disc and hub connection and absorb the torque applied to the rotor, preventing stress and therefore fatigue on the disc and hub.

Abstract: A carton and blank having a tear line comprising a plurality of perforations or short slits arranged in at least three rows. There is also provided a carton and blank for forming a carton having a wall provided with a tear open feature which comprises a tear initiating tab formed in the wall and at least three tear lines extending from the tear initiating tab toward the perimeter of the wall, wherein each tear line comprises a plurality of perforations or short slits arranged in at least three rows.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for marking a pre-printed paper ballot which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the apparatus. If the ballot is to be machine marked, the ballot is inserted into the marking apparatus and candidate selections are presented to the voter on a touchscreen. Candidate selections entered on the touchscreen are marked on both the top and bottom sides of the ballot utilizing a dual print head to mark spaces corresponding to the selected candidates, and the ballot is returned to the voter in a form which enables the voter to visually confirm that his selections have been marked. The ballot, whether hand-marked or machine-marked, is inserted in a ballot scanning device, wherein it is tallied and deposited in a ballot box.

Abstract: An optical transducer for determining liquid level within a container includes a sensing probe having a first elongate measurement face and a second elongate measurement face that converges toward the first measurement face. A light source is positioned for directing radiant energy into the sensing probe and a photosensor is positioned for detecting an amount of radiant energy exiting the sensing probe. With this arrangement, a change in the amount of radiant energy as detected by the photosensor is indicative of a change in liquid level within the container.

Abstract: A system for controlling at least one of the slip threshold and the time period for an extended wheel slippage for a vehicle that is operating in the off-road ABS mode. When driving in a curve pattern and/or at high speeds, the individual wheel speeds are controlled with a lower slip threshold and/or shorter time period for the extended wheel slippage than when driving straight ahead and/or at a lower vehicle speed.

Abstract: A sludge removal system for removing contaminants from a fluid storage tank. The sludge removal system includes a contaminant intake for receiving contaminants within the tank and a removal member for transporting the contaminants from the contaminant intake to the outside of the tank. The contaminant intake prevents the layer of contaminants or sludge from reaching a predetermined level within the tank. The contaminant intake is formed to define a plurality of perforations that can receive contaminants from the storage tank. Portions of the contaminant intake are in communication with the removal member via joint members, such as flexible or swivel joints. The joint members permit the portions of the contaminant intake to rotationally move between a first position distal to the bottom of the tank and a second position proximate to the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A low temperature thermoplastic material for use in medical procedures including radiotherapy patient immobilization, orthopedic splinting or casting, plastic and reconstructive surgery splinting, and orthotic or prosthetic socket cone production or reproduction. The material is made from a thermoplastic that softens when heated to approximately 140 F, after which it can then be formed directly on the patient. The material will then retain this new shape as it cools. The material is composed of Polycaprolactone reinforced with a discontinuous short length fiber and/or fines. The device can also be cross-linked to improve its handling properties.

Abstract: An air dryer and reservoir assembly for providing compressed air from an air compressor (20) on a heavy motor vehicle which includes an air dryer (14) connected to receive compressed air from the air compressor (20) and a secondary reservoir (12), including an integral purge volume (34), for storing compressed air which passes through the air dryer (14), with the air dryer (14) and the secondary reservoir (12) being securely attached to a housing (16) to form an air dryer reservoir module (10). A primary reservoir (18) for storing compressed air from the air dryer (14) is located remote from the air dryer reservoir module (10). A pressure equalizing mechanism (57) is disposed between the primary reservoir (18) and the secondary reservoir (12) for keeping pressure in the two reservoirs (12,18) equal.