Abstract: A method is provided for extending useful life of tubing of a peristaltic pump. The method can comprise switching inlet and discharge hoses between respective inlet and outlet ends of the tubing of the peristaltic pump, and reversing a direction of rotation of a rotor of the peristaltic pump. In implementations of methods disclosed herein, the useful life of the tubing of a peristaltic pump can be approximately doubled.

Abstract: A water heater inlet conduit having a top end portion configured to be coupled to an inlet port of a water heater is provided. The bottom end portion of the inlet conduit is configured to extend into an interior of the water heater. A passage within the inlet conduit is provided for water flow from the top end portion to the bottom end portion. The top end portion of the inlet conduit defines at least one outlet opening configured to divert a portion of the water flow outwardly from the passage in the top end portion of the inlet conduit. The top end portion of the inlet conduit further defines at least one inlet opening configured to draw water inwardly into the passage in the top end portion of the inlet conduit.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel dry-suit design that has a smooth elastomeric outer shell which envelopes a separate element proof inner shell. The dry-suit has a smooth integral outer appearance thereby enabling ready movement and comfortable use by a wearer.

Abstract: A flue system is provided for a water heater having improved heat exchange efficiency. The flue system includes an upstream heat exchange portion providing a first pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater. The flue system further includes a downstream heat exchange portion providing a second pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater and a blower positioned between the upstream heat exchange portion and the downstream heat exchange portion. The blower is configured to urge combustion products from the upstream heat exchange portion to the downstream heat exchange portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system comprising a remote unit operable to determine a geographic location of the remote unit, and to transmit data indicating the location of the remote unit, the remote unit coupled to a subject to be tracked, the remote unit operable to provide a stimulation to the subject, and a base unit operable receive the data indication the location of the remote unit, to determine if the remote unit is within a defined perimeter, and to signal the remote unit to provide the stimulation to the subject if the remote unit is not within the defined perimeter.

Abstract: An article configured to distribute foam insulation between a water tank and an outer shell of a water heater is provided. The article comprises a body portion configured to extend between the water tank and the outer shell of the water heater. The body portion at least partially defines a flow passage for foam insulation. Opposed flap portions extend from an end of the body portion. Means are provided on the flap portions for attaching each of the flap portions to the water tank.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held infrared thermometer or radiometer (1) for measuring, remotely, the temperature of a target surface (3). In one embodiment, the radiometer includes an infrared detector (7), associated optical system (7), and associated circuitry and an LCD display (21). Built into or mounted on the radiometer is a distance measuring device (2), the operation of which is controlled by the radiometer. The device (2) includes an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver (12) and associated circuitry for calculating, from a comparison of the transmitted and received pulses, the distance of the radiometer from the target surface. The distance-to-target is displayed on the LCD display (21).

Abstract: In the specification and drawings, an apparatus and method for operating a take-up mechanism is described and shown. The take-up mechanism includes a gear, a motor configured for engagement with the gear, and a manual input shaft configured for engagement with the gear. In a first mode of operation, the gear transmits rotation from the motor, and in a second mode of operation, the gear transmits rotation from the manual input shaft. In an alternate embodiment, the take-up mechanism may include a plate between the manual input shaft and the gear. The plate may be configured to transfer rotation and torque from the manual input shaft to the gear, or inhibit the transfer of rotation and torque from the gear to the manual input shaft. The method for operating the take-up mechanism uses a motor and a manual input shaft connected to a gear to operate the take-up mechanism in the first and second modes.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a water heater to drain condensate from combustion products is provided. The water heater comprises a water tank, a burner for producing combustion products, a flue extending through an interior of the water tank to receive the combustion products, and an exhaust passageway positioned downstream of the flue and extending outside of the water tank to exhaust the combustion products. The exhaust passageway includes a first portion and a second portion positioned at an elevation above the first portion. A bypass conduit is coupled to the exhaust passageway and positioned to direct condensate in the exhaust passageway from the second portion toward the first portion. A drain port is positioned at or an elevation below the first portion of the exhaust passageway to drain condensate from the exhaust passageway.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions the same. Method of making the compounds. The compounds and/or compositions used as an analgesic, anaesthetic, antifoulant, aversant, irritant, sternutator, neurodegenerator, counter irritant (delayed), rubifaciant, stomachic, fungicide, insecticide, preservative, circulatory stimulant, cardio-protective agent, immune booster, decongestant, anti-inflammatory agent, incapacitant, biocide, mildewcide, pharmaceutical, repellent, flavorant, carminative, antismoking agent, and/or antithrombotic agent. One of the compounds being lidocaine nonivamide. The compositions comprising one or more of: the compounds, one or more of an antioxidant, a UV absorber, and one or more biocides such as, for example, OBPA.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a book, comprising a first page, a last page, and a plurality of pages therebetween; a front channel between the first page and the plurality of pages; and a back channel between the last page and the plurality of pages; methods of producing the same; and methods of producing stacks of paper to be used in the book. Also disclosed herein is a stacker, comprising a baseboard; a plurality of page-positioning means; and an adjustable bar.

Abstract: A flue system is provided for a water heater having improved heat exchange efficiency. The flue system includes an upstream heat exchange portion having at least one substantially vertical flue tube. The flue system also includes a downstream heat exchange portion having at least one substantially vertical flue tube. The upstream heat exchange portion provides a first pass for heat exchange with water in a water heater. The downstream heat exchange portion provides a second pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism connects an input shaft to an output shaft to transmit rotation and torque in either direction from the input shaft to the output shaft. The torque transfer mechanism also inhibits the transmission of rotation and torque in at least one direction from the output shaft to the input shaft. In alternate embodiments, the torque transfer mechanism may transmit rotation and torque in one direction from the output shaft to the input shaft. In still further embodiments, the torque transfer mechanism may inhibit the transmission of rotation and torque in either direction from the output shaft to the input shaft.

Abstract: Hand held infrared measurement devices are disclosed, having at least two separated laser sighting emitters (2), which together mark and define a sighting area on a target surface (7,7?,7?). In an embodiment of the invention, separate lasers (2) are provided which each produce a beam (6) used to illuminate a respective separate optical beam directing element (4), mounted between each laser emitter and the target surface (7,7?,7?). The element may be, for example, any of the optical glass fibers, a prism, or a lens, such as a diffraction beam splitter lens, or a refractive lens, each element directing laser light onto the target surface to produce a visually perceptible target marking. The element is preferably made of optical material such as glass or plastic (e.g., methyl methacrylate). Separate laser emitters permit greater brightness displayed on the target within safe operation limits than use of a single laser alone, even with a beam splitter.

Abstract: A bag for the storage and transport of golf equipment includes at least two sections, each including an upper and a lower edge, respectively, where the sections are pivotably interconnected in a hinge, where the bag is openable by folding the sections apart along the hinge, towards an open position in which the interior of the bag is uncovered. At least one section includes a fastening element for golf club shafts in its upper part, in that at least one section includes club head separating element in its lower part for receiving club heads of one or more golf clubs whose shafts are fastened to the fastening element, in that the hinge is arranged along the lower respective edge of each section, and in that the bag includes a support element so that the bag can stand in a stable manner on a supporting surface when in its opened position.

Abstract: A radiometer includes a sighting system which generates an image of an area on the surface of an object onto the IR detector. The distance between the object surface and the radiometer is measured by a rangefinder, controlled by the radiometer. From the distance one can calculate the size of the energy zone on the surface, as materialized on a radiometer sighting system display.

Abstract: A system for applying a sprayed coating includes a spray mechanism operative to spray a liquefied coating material; a target system including a rotatable spray target wheel; and one or more device-holding fixtures configured to be mounted onto the spray target wheel without requiring either an unattached threaded fastener or a locking pin. Preferred embodiments of the system are configured for thermal spray application of Tamper Resistant Coatings (TRCs).

Abstract: A water heater and method of assembling the water heater are disclosed. The method includes the step of positioning an insulation member around a water tank. An expandable tube is positioned at an elevation between a top surface and a bottom surface of the insulation member. An outer shell is positioned over the water tank, the insulation member, and the expandable tube to at least partially encapsulate the water tank. The expandable tube is expanded to compress at least a portion of the insulation member against the water tank or the outer shell. Foam insulation is delivered into a space defined adjacent the top surface of the insulation member and between the water tank and the outer shell. The foam insulation is substantially limited from traveling past the expandable tube when the expandable tube is maintained in an expanded state.