Abstract: Self-regulating valve. The valve includes a static pressure chamber with an elastically collapsible tube supported within the static pressure chamber. A flow restrictor is in fluid communication with an inlet into the static pressure chamber for flow through the collapsible tube. Piping connects a source of pressurized liquid, both to the flow restrictor and to an opening into the static pressure chamber, whereby flow rate through the valve remains substantially constant with variations in pressure of the pressurized liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the flow restrictor is a needle valve.

Abstract: Described are improved electrodialysis (ED) desalination systems and methods comprising voltage regulation and/or improved stack geometries. The systems and methods provide product water concentrations suitable for drinking (having a total dissolved solids concentration of less than 500 mg/L or 500 ppm) and have a high product recovery ratio.

Abstract: Self-regulating valve. The valve includes a static pressure chamber with an elastically collapsible tube supported within the static pressure chamber. A flow restrictor is in fluid communication with an inlet into the static pressure chamber for flow through the collapsible tube. Piping connects a source of pressurized liquid, both to the flow restrictor and to an opening into the static pressure chamber, whereby flow rate through the valve remains substantially constant with variations in pressure of the pressurized liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the flow restrictor is a needle valve.

Abstract: A passive artificial knee includes a knee hinge assembly defining a knee axis, a locking hinge assembly defining a locking axis, and a post linking the knee hinge assembly and the locking hinge assembly. A ground reaction force applied to the artificial knee posterior to the locking axis causes an interfering relation by compression of the locking hinge assembly and the knee hinge assembly during heel strike at early-stance gait phase of an individual wearing the artificial knee, thereby locking rotation of the post about the knee axis. Shifting of ground reaction force anterior to the locking axis during a mid-stance to late-stance gait phase of the individual causes rotation of the post about the locking axis, thereby unlocking rotation of the post about the knee axis and enabling flexion and subsequent swing phase extension of the passive artificial knee joint. The artificial knee is a passive joint that can be fabricated and maintained at low expense.

Abstract: An apparatus including a drive shaft, a transmission, and a motor shaft. The drive shaft includes a drive gear and is configured to transmit power to a wheel of a vehicle. The transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and an intermediate gear. The input shaft includes a transmission input gear and a plurality of input shaft gears. The output shaft includes a transmission output gear and a plurality of output shaft gears. The input shaft and the output shaft are aligned such that the input shaft gears mesh with the output shaft gears. The output shaft includes a first synchronizer configured to selectively engage an output shaft gear from the plurality of output shaft gears to adjust a ratio between an input shaft speed and an output shaft speed. The transmission output gear is operably coupled to the drive gear such that power is transmitted between the transmission output gear and the drive gear when the output shaft gear is engaged.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a drive shaft, a transmission, a motor shaft, and an engine shaft. The drive shaft includes a plurality of drive gears and is configured to transmit power to a wheel of a vehicle. The transmission includes a first transmission shaft including a first transmission input gear and a first plurality of output gears and a second transmission shaft including a second transmission input gear and a second plurality of output gears. The first transmission shaft includes a first shifting element configured to selectively engage an output gear from the first plurality of output gears to adjust a ratio between a shaft rotation speed of the first transmission shaft and a shaft rotation speed of the drive shaft. The second transmission shaft includes a second shifting element configured to selectively engage an output gear from the second plurality of output gears to adjust a ratio between a shaft rotation speed of the second transmission shaft and a shaft rotation speed of the drive shaft.

Abstract: Pressure-compensating emitter. The emitter includes an inlet connected to a source of pressurized water and an orifice in fluid communication with the inlet and extending into a channel including a raised land surrounding an outlet. A compliant membrane is positioned above the land in the chamber wherein pressurized water will cause the membrane to deform into contact with the land to alter flow through the outlet so as to provide a constant flow rate. Parameters of the emitter are selected so that the emitter has a large operating range and an activation pressure of 0.15 bar or below.

Abstract: A manually powered wheelchair includes a first lever associated with a first rear wheel and demountably coupled to a first drivetrain, the first lever having a first brake thereon. The wheelchair also includes a second lever associated with a second rear wheel and demountably coupled to a second drivetrain, the second lever having a second brake thereon. Each drivetrain includes a chainring, a chain, and a freewheel, and each drivetrain has a fixed gear ratio. The freewheel of each drivetrain is actuated by manual pivoting of the lever associated therewith. In use, the wheelchair achieves changes in mechanical advantage when a user shifts the user's hands up and down the first and second levers.

Abstract: An attic ladder system includes an upper portion that can be extended above the attic floor and a lower portion that can be extended into a room below the attic. The upper portion can extend automatically into the attic upon extension of the lower portion, or may be operated independently of the lower section. Ladder extension can be telescopic or by unfolding of sections. Retraction of either or both ladder portions may include a pivoting capability to reduce vertical height when stored. A gap can be provided between lowest the rungs to avoid danger to a user's hands. Embodiments can be used to access the top of a vehicle roof from within the vehicle. Embodiments can support a user weighing up to 300 pounds. A gas spring can assist in lifting and stowing the lower portion. Pivot latches can secure the ladder in its stowed and deployed configurations.

Abstract: A manually powered wheelchair includes a first lever associated with a first rear wheel and demountably coupled to a first drivetrain, the first lever having a first brake thereon. The wheelchair also includes a second lever associated with a second rear wheel and demountably coupled to a second drivetrain, the second lever having a second brake thereon. Each drivetrain includes a chainring, a chain, and a freewheel, and each drivetrain has a fixed gear ratio. The freewheel of each drivetrain is actuated by manual pivoting of the lever associated therewith. In use, the wheelchair achieves changes in mechanical advantage when a user shifts the user's hands up and down the first and second levers.

Abstract: A manually powered wheelchair includes a first lever associated with a first rear wheel and demountably coupled to a first drivetrain, the first lever having a first brake thereon. The wheelchair also includes a second lever associated with a second rear wheel and demountably coupled to a second drivetrain, the second lever having a second brake thereon. Each drivetrain includes a chainring, a chain, and a freewheel, and each drivetrain has a fixed gear ratio. The freewheel of each drivetrain is actuated by manual pivoting of the lever associated therewith. In use, the wheelchair achieves changes in mechanical advantage when a user shifts the user's hands up and down the first and second levers.

Abstract: An attic ladder system includes an upper portion that can be extended above the attic floor and a lower portion that can be extended into a room below the attic. The upper portion can extend automatically into the attic upon extension of the lower portion, or may be operated independently of the lower section. Ladder extension can be telescopic or by unfolding of sections. Retraction of either or both ladder portions may include a pivoting capability to reduce vertical height when stored. A gap can be provided between lowest the rungs to avoid danger to a user's hands. Embodiments can be used to access the top of a vehicle roof from within the vehicle. Embodiments can support a user weighing up to 300 pounds. A gas spring can assist in lifting and stowing the lower portion. Pivot latches can secure the ladder in its stowed and deployed configurations.

Abstract: A vehicle lifting and stowing “VLS” system compactly stores a vehicle by lifting and tilting it vertically. The VLS can be attached to a fixed structure for compactly storing a vehicle, or mounted to the aft end of a host vehicle, such as a motor home, for vertically mounting and transporting a smaller vehicle with the host vehicle. The VLS includes a main frame and two rotatable extensions hingedly joined end-to-end. The first extension is rotated by a drive mechanism while the second section maintains attachment to the vehicle, thereby lifting first one end of the vehicle and then the entire vehicle above grade. Some embodiments also include a pulling strap. Positioning of the vehicle above the extensions can automatically cause the second extension to contact and attach to the vehicle. Embodiments include alignment and/or support pins. Some embodiments include latches that hold the extensions together in the stowed configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate system is provided, the system comprising: A primary arch, the primary arch being hingably coupled to a vehicle bed of said vehicle; An actuator whereby the primary arch is rotated between a fully deployed roll bar position, and a fully stowed position; A channel, configured to receive the primary arch disposed in the pickup vehicle bed, the channel running down a first side of the bed, between exterior and interior walls of the first side, along the bottom of the pick up vehicle bed beneath the floor of the vehicle bed, and up a second side of the bed between exterior and interior walls of the second side of the vehicle bed. The bumper can be lowered to allow the arch to pass. The bumper mechanism may also include accommodation for the tailgate. The moving bumper can also lower and lift a trailer hitch or work with the tailgate to create a lift gate.

Abstract: A system for retraction and deployment of a covering over at least a portion of a vehicle interior is disclosed, such as might be employed in commercial or sport utility style vehicles to provide a convertible hardtop over a portion of the vehicle that can be retracted for open air and ease of access, or closed for physical and environmental protection. The system provides: first and second roof panels; first and second sidewall panels; and posterior and anterior roll bars, each roll bar having at least one channel whereby the first and second roof panels and the first and second sidewall panels are guided between a deployed position and a stowed position, such that when the panels are in the deployed position the vehicle is enclosed and when the panels are in a stowed position the vehicle is at least partially open.

Abstract: A motorized recreational vehicle of unibody construction having at least one expandable living compartment with flush floor and full ceiling and an disposed within the body of the vehicle, a storage area or garage disposed within the vehicle body between the bottom and the floor and accessible through the openable rear end, an integral heat exchanging climate control system, a retractable exterior entrance stair, pneumatically actuated components, and deformable members.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle is disclosed providing living space extensions with improved actuation and alignment systems, sun deck extensions, a deployable stairway, and a stowable tub. In some embodiments, the living space extension may be actuated by at least one self-centering rack and pinion system. In another embodiment, the alignment system may provide at least one tension cord for maintaining the extension in an upright position. The sun deck extension may be provided with actuatable sidewall panels configured to provide a parapet on at least a portion of the extension. The stairs may be provided with sliding treads coupled to a stringer, and the tub may be retractable and configured with a retractable bed and cover.

Abstract: An improved conveyor belt laminator for making foam core panels has an internal floating drive mechanism (2, 3), a sliding deckle system (52), a hinged plate front end section (69) to control the rolling bank of foam, hydraulic controls, and is manufacturable from readily available, standard, structural steel components.

Abstract: A building system using prefabricated building panels preferably with a foam core and the fastening components and raceway components used therewith which may be substantially incorporated during prefabrication. An improved method for the assembling of a building or structure which building preferably uses foam core structural wall, floor, ceiling and roof panels. Locking mechanisms are used and integrated with a raceway system. The raceway system is comprised of components which are used in conjunction with the locking mechanisms to form utility carrying raceways and to securely connect wall panels together in edge-to-edge relationship to form walls including structural walls and curtain walls, roof panels to form the roof and to connect the wall panels and roof panels together to result in a complete structure. The raceway system is preferably included and integral with the locking mechanisms of the building system.

Abstract: An improved multi-layered panel, sometimes referred to as a stress skin panel, has a highly insulative multi-layered core located adjacent to one skin or alternatively located between two skins bonded to or otherwise rigidly affixed to the two outside surfaces of the core. The core of the multi-layered panel has a plurality of core layers which may be of the same or of different foam plastic materials. The layers of the core located adjacent to the panel skins provide a thermal barrier for the middle or second core layer which middle layer may be of a thermoplastic such as styrofoam and also may provide the means for bonding or securely affixing the panel skins to the surface of the multi-layered core. Borate, which is typically in the form of a powder (a borate compound used has been TIM-BOR.RTM. a product manufactured by U.S. Borax Corporation), may be incorporated, or encapsulated into selected layers or all of the layers of the panel core. Borates in the form of borate compounds similar to TIM-BOR.RTM.