Abstract: An energy efficient electrical power generator has a primary energy conversion mechanism, such as an internal combustion engine, and a secondary energy conversion mechanism, such as a thermoelectric device. The secondary energy conversion mechanism increases the electrical power output and efficiency of the generator.

Abstract: Systems and methods using the properties of supercritical water to allow raw air including a contaminant to be combined with water and to be purified in a supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) process. A supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) air purifier will generally take in a mixture of water and raw air which includes oxygen via a pumping and mixing apparatus, put the mixture into a supercritical water reactor (SCWR), and run the resultant effluent stream through a system for separating the water from the resultant clean air and the other relatively harmless outputs of the supercritical water reactor (SCWO).

Abstract: Monitoring and controlling apparatus and related methods for use with collective protection shelters or other isolation environments utilizing one or more digital processors to monitor and control the operation of the shelter. The apparatus affords shelter design and functional growth flexibility, along with diagnostic and prognostic capability, including condition based maintenance, interactive electronic manuals, and access to systems for replacement parts requisition. Further, the physical and functional expandability of the apparatus affords easy incorporation of shelter design changes, user interface design changes, and sensor design changes as well as improved functional and operational flexibility. The system also decreases volume and weight over prior designs.

Abstract: Supercritical water (SCW) systems and methods using the properties of supercritical water to allow a raw water stream including water and a contaminant to be purified. A supercritical water oxidation (SCWO), water purifier may generally include water and oxidizer (such as oxygen in air) pumping and mixing apparatus, a supercritical water reactor, and a system for separating the resultant purified water from other relatively harmless outputs of the supercritical water reactor.

Abstract: A digital pressure controller that utilizes a microprocessor provides for control of the speed of a fluid pump engine for the purpose of maintaining specified pressures at both the inlet and outlet of the pump. Based upon pressure sensor output, and computations based on multiple calibrations between pump speed and pressure, and between output voltage and pump speed, a pump drive mechanism speed is determined by the control logic of the microprocessor, which speed maintains at least one of the inlet and outlet pressures within a specified range. The microprocessor may determine the specific weight of the fluid being pumped in order to select the pump drive mechanism speed.

Abstract: A sensing and processing unit (10) installed on an elevated structure (T) adjacent a roadway (R). An enclosure (12) is mounted on the structure. Housed in the enclosure is a television camera (22, 24), the camera being mounted at an angle less than the plane of the horizontal axis of the enclosure. A processor (42) is also housed in the enclosure and is operatively connected to the camera to process video images acquired by the camera. A digital data storage device (44, 46) is also installed in the enclosure for storing information relevant to a monitoring activity. A communications device (50) installed inside said enclosure sends data to and receives instructions from a monitoring site. The single enclosure facilitates remote site monitoring using a minimum of equipment and simplifies both installation and maintenance requirements.

Abstract: Apparatus (30) controlling the temperature within a sealed enclosure (10) housing electronic components (E) whose operation produces heat, and whose operation should occur within a desired temperature range. A heat sink (32) extending through an enclosure endwall (14) conducts heat from within the enclosure to the atmosphere. Other heat sinks (40) mounted within the enclosure are in a thermal transfer relationship with the components for heat generated by the components to be drawn to the heat sinks away from the components. A heat pipe (50) extending between the respective heat sinks conducts the heat to the first said heat sink for heat to be expelled from inside the enclosure to the atmosphere. A heater (60, 62) within the enclosure generates heat to heat the components, and a thermostat (72, 74) senses when the temperature within the enclosure falls below a predetermined temperature to energize the heater.

Abstract: A traffic incident detection system (10) includes both the collection and analysis of traffic data and employs a time-indexed traffic anomaly detection algorithm which partitions time into categories of “type of day,” and “time of day”. Using this partition, a fuzzy neuromorphic, unsupervised learning algorithm calibrates fuzzy sets as “normal” and “abnormal” for a plurality of traffic descriptors. Fuzzy composition techniques are used, on a per traffic lane basis, to combine multiple traffic descriptors in order to determine membership in a “normal” or “abnormal” lane status. Each lane status is then combined to determine the overall status of a road segment. Initial training of the algorithm occurs during the first few weeks after a sensor (12) is installed. On-line background training continues thereafter to continually tune and track seasonal changes affecting system performance.

Abstract: Heat sink apparatus (100) for use in an enclosure (12) in which electrical component; installed on circuits boards (42, 44, 48, 50) are mounted in the enclosure in a stacked arrangement (30) with the components in proximity to each other. Heat conductive plates (102) are also formed in a stacked arrangement and are inserted between adjacent circuit boards in an interdigitated manner for heat generated by the components to be conducted away from the components by the plates. A plurality of pouches (106, 116) containing a liquid heat sink material or surface comformable, conductive elastomer pads are inserted between each side of each heat conductive plates and the printed circuit boards, and between sidewalls (51, 52, 18) of the enclosure and the stack of heat conductive plates.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for monitoring vehicle (V) usage on a roadway (H). An AC light source (12) comprises either an incandescent or gas discharge light source. The light source has a detectable AC ripple in its output. The light source is mounted or installed above the roadway surface on a conventional light standard (16) or highway information standard (18) such that the light source directs its rumination downwardly onto the roadway. A light detector (34) detects light reflected from off the roadway. Light from the light source together with the collection optics of the light detector define a "footprint" (30) on the roadway surface and vehicles moving over the roadway pass over this footprint. The directed, reflected light has characteristics which are varied in response to passage of a vehicle over the roadway and through a path (X1, X2) of light between the source and detector.