Abstract: Improvements in a line tracking cane for the vision impaired. The cane detects a line and notifies the user with a sound or vibration to indicate that is user is aligned with the line as the user passes the cane back-and-forth over the line. The detector can detect a direction of movement over the line to determine if the tip of the cane has completely passed over the line or has just moved half-way over the line. The cane is rechargeable and has a handle that orients the sensor on the tip of the cane to forward. The handle has an on-off or momentary power button. The cane can be collapsible as a folding cane or a telescoping cane. It is also contemplated that the tracking device can be an adapter for an existing cane to upgrade the functions of pre-existing cane.

Abstract: A semi-continuous deodorizer providing a first main vessel, and a second vessel, wherein the second vessel is connected to the first main vessel by a duct for the transport of gases and vapors, the second vessel being connected to a vacuum system, wherein both the first main vessel and the second vessel are made of stainless steel and built hermetically.

Abstract: A semi-continuous deodorizer providing a first main vessel, and a second vessel, wherein the second vessel is connected to the first main vessel by a duct for the transport of gases and vapors, the second vessel being connected to a vacuum system, wherein both the first main vessel and the second vessel are made of stainless steel and built hermetically.

Abstract: Improvements a modified aircraft switch to protect from Foreign Object Debris (FOD) failure. The aircraft switch is manufactured from the factory as a new OEM switch, but can also be modified from a pre-existing switch. The switch and method to modify a switch to protect a widely used existing switch in military and commercial aircraft that is failing from Foreign Object Debris intrusion and failure from FOD.

Abstract: Improvements a modified aircraft switch to protect from Foreign Object Debris (FOD) failure. The aircraft switch is manufactured from the factory as a new OEM switch, but can also be modified from a pre-existing switch. The switch and method to modify a switch to protect a widely used existing switch in military and commercial aircraft that is failing from Foreign Object Debris intrusion and failure from FOD.

Abstract: Improvements in a bed pre exit patient monitor to determine when a patient has moved to an edge of a bed prior to the patient leaving the bed by measuring load on a single wheel by slightly lifting the wheel with load sensing rods that measure the wheel load. A variety of different alarm signals are used signal to warn a care giver. The device is self-contained, self-secures and removes itself from a variety of different diameter wheels. The device can auto calibration when the wheel is initially lifted and also calibrate when a patient is resting on a bed. The monitoring establishes a threshold load without a patient and with a patient to allow the software to determine when the on an edge of a bed and also when a patient has completely left the bed. Software filtering rejects patient movement to prevent false alarms.

Abstract: Improvements in an aerosol can liquid dispenser to provide a method to dispense a limited amount of fluid from within an aerosol can and to hold the fluid in a reservoir so it can be intermittently used. An operator may only dispense a few drops of liquid and use only a fraction of the dispensed quantity. The collection reservoir is located in a semi protected enclosure to minimize air flow over the fluid thereby reducing evaporation. A secures mechanism allows the dispenser to be quickly and easily mounted and removed from the top of an aerosol can. A removable cap closure to reduce evaporation of any dispensed fluid held in a reservoir. An overflow reservoir collects any excess fluid where it is held in a separate chamber and can be reclaimed.

Abstract: Improvements in a bed pre exit patient monitor to determine when a patient has moved to an edge of a bed prior to the patient leaving the bed by measuring load on a single wheel by slightly lifting the wheel with load sensing rods that measure the wheel load. A variety of different alarm signals are used signal to warn a care giver. The device is self-contained, self-secures and removes itself from a variety of different diameter wheels. The device can auto calibration when the wheel is initially lifted and also calibrate when a patient is resting on a bed. The monitoring establishes a threshold load without a patient and with a patient to allow the software to determine when the on an edge of a bed and also when a patient has completely left the bed. Software filtering rejects patient movement to prevent false alarms.

Abstract: A tank or vessel volume measurement apparatus that includes multiple buoyancy elements. The buoyancy elements can be placed within a perforated tube to reduce any effects from turbulent flow within the tank. The multiple buoyancy load sensors are each made of different density or cross sections to cancel out any accumulation of contamination that may collect on the buoyancy elements placed within the fluid and to determine the density or specific gravity of the fluid within the tank. The buoyancy elements are attached to a load sensor or strain gauge that measures the weight or load from the buoyancy element. Temperature of other sensors can be placed on the buoyancy elements or within the tank to collect other readings or to adjust for temperature variations. The buoyancy elements can be fabricated in pieces and assembled on site or within the tank to accommodate taller tanks or height restrictions.

Abstract: A tank or vessel volume measurement apparatus that includes multiple buoyancy elements. The buoyancy elements can be placed within a perforated tube to reduce any effects from turbulent flow within the tank. The multiple buoyancy load sensors are each made of different density or cross sections to cancel out any accumulation of contamination that may collect on the buoyancy elements placed within the fluid and to determine the density or specific gravity of the fluid within the tank. The buoyancy elements are attached to a load sensor or strain gauge that measures the weight or load from the buoyancy element. Temperature of other sensors can be placed on the buoyancy elements or within the tank to collect other readings or to adjust for temperature variations. The buoyancy elements can be fabricated in pieces and assembled on site or within the tank to accommodate taller tanks or height restrictions.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods of operating a pumping system. The pump control apparatus includes a first sensor for measuring strain on a structure of the well pumping system and a second sensor for measuring a position of the structure. The apparatus also has a controller configured to control the well unit by receiving output signals from the first and second sensors and generating control signals according to a motor control sequence. This controller may be mounted to the structure of the pumping system to measure the strain experienced by the structure. The control signals may be transmitted to a motor control panel using a cable-less communications system. Preferably, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the controller are integrated into a single unit. In another embodiment, the pump control apparatus may be self-powered.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods of operating a pumping system. The pump control apparatus includes a first sensor for measuring strain on a structure of the well pumping system and a second sensor for measuring a position of the structure. The apparatus also has a controller configured to control the well unit by receiving output signals from the first and second sensors and generating control signals according to a motor control sequence. This controller may be mounted to the structure of the pumping system to measure the strain experienced by the structure. The control signals may be transmitted to a motor control panel using a cable-less communications system. Preferably, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the controller are integrated into a single unit. In another embodiment, the pump control apparatus may be self-powered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel gas dispensing device that can be conveniently inserted into a closed container, such as a food container, or a storage container, and can then be ruptured by forces exerted on the gas dispensing device from outside the container so as to controllably fill the closed container with the inert gases contained within the reservoir of the gas dispensing device.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods of operating a pumping system. The pump control apparatus includes a first sensor for measuring strain on a structure of the well pumping system and a second sensor for measuring a position of the structure. The apparatus also has a controller configured to control the well unit by receiving output signals from the first and second sensors and generating control signals according to a motor control sequence. This controller may be mounted to the structure of the pumping system to measure the strain experienced by the structure. The control signals may be transmitted to a motor control panel using a cable-less communications system. Preferably, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the controller are integrated into a single unit. In another embodiment, the pump control apparatus may be self-powered.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining the safe lifting capacity of a lifting machine such as a forklift, lift gate or crane. The apparatus measures numerous parameters of the load including weight of the load, the distance from a base position and the angle of the load. The apparatus then displays the parameters and the ratio of the load to the capacity of the lifting machine. If the load exceeds the capacity of the lifting machine, the parameters of the exceeded capacity are stored in memory. In addition, the time and date of the overload can be stored in memory. The apparatus also includes a user interface where real-time and historical events can be viewed.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods of operating a pumping system. The pump control apparatus includes a first sensor for measuring strain on a structure of the well pumping system and a second sensor for measuring a position of the structure. The apparatus also has a controller configured to control the well unit by receiving output signals from the first and second sensors and generating control signals according to a motor control sequence. This controller may be mounted to the structure of the pumping system to measure the strain experienced by the structure. The control signals may be transmitted to a motor control panel using a cable-less communications system. Preferably, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the controller are integrated into a single unit. In another embodiment, the pump control apparatus may be self-powered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the weight of each axle of a plurality of rail cars of a railroad train passing over a selected section of a railroad track. The apparatus embodies a measuring device that, when mounted to the selected section of the railroad track, measures strain induced in a portion of the track as the rail car passes over that portion of the track to produce an electrical output which is precisely proportional to the load imposed on the portion of the track as each axle of the rail car passes over the portion of the track. The measuring device of the interfaces with a remotely located data processing subassembly that receives the output from the strain gauges and precisely determines the axle weight therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the weight of each axle of a plurality of rail cars of a railroad train passing over a selected section of a railroad track. The apparatus embodies a measuring device that, when mounted to the selected section of the railroad track, measures strain induced in a portion of the track as the rail car passes over that portion of the track to produce an electrical output which is precisely proportional to the load imposed on the portion of the track as each axle of the rail car passes over the portion of the track. The measuring device of the interfaces with a remotely located data processing subassembly that receives the output from the strain gauges and precisely determines the axle weight therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately determining the weight of the contents of a vessel at selected time intervals. The apparatus of the invention can be quickly and easily installed on an existing structure without requiring substantial modification to the structure. More particularly, in one form of the invention, the apparatus embodies small and inexpensive transducers that are conveniently mounted above the flanges that support the vessel legs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately determining the weight of the contents of a vessel at selected time intervals. The apparatus of the invention can be quickly and easily installed on an existing structure without requiring substantial modification to the structure. More particularly, in one form of the invention, the apparatus embodies small and inexpensive transducers that are conveniently mounted above the flanges that support the vessel legs.