Abstract: This invention uses multiple pairs of electrodes acting as electrical conductivity sensors that are secured at specific locations within spiral wound membrane elements and their interconnecting components of a reverse osmosis or nanofiltration pressure vessel. Each electrode pair might be attached to a wire cord to be inserted through and sealed against a vessel end cap into the permeate carrier tubes and interconnecting components of the membrane elements, or each electrode pair might be attached to a battery and a wireless transmitting device. Conductivity measurements from the sensors would be communicated to a microprocessor, which would evaluate each permeate conductivity measurement relative to other permeate conductivity measurements, as well as relative to derived or measured conductivities in the saline water in calculating a percent salt passage value specific to the location of each permeate sensor.

Abstract: This invention is connected to the influent or effluent stream of an SDI filter holder assembly that might otherwise be applied in the manual measurement of the flow rates and times as required to calculate a silt density index. The invention is based on its ability to provide data collection external to the filter holder assembly in digitally measuring the flow rate and water temperature proceeding to or from the filter assembly and in automatically incorporating those readings into a microprocessor for calculating the silt density index and in normalizing the index value for the effects of variation in initial filter permeability and water temperature, and in minimizing the effect of increasing cake solids on the SDI value as related to the decreasing flow of water-borne solids to the filter surface.

Abstract: An apparatus of use in identifying neuropathy in the feet of a subject is disclosed, the apparatus comprising means for measuring the temperature of the foot of a subject; means for comparing a first measured temperature obtained from one of the subject with a second measured temperature obtained from the other foot of the subject; and means for providing an indication to a user when the difference between the first and second measured temperatures exceeds a predetermined amount. A method method determining the relative temperature of the feet of a subject is also disclosed, the method comprising measuring the temperature of a first foot of the subject; measuring the temperature of a second foot of the subject; comparing the first measured temperature with the second measured temperature to determine the difference therebetween; and providing the user with an indication when the difference between the first and second measured temperatures exceeds a preset value.

Abstract: This method of charging includes a method of terminating charge when three events have occurred: a voltage across at least one of the cells reaches a predetermined maximum voltage, the average charging current falls below a predetermined minimum current, and the presence of a power source has been detected. The method also includes a safety termination that prohibits charge upon the expiration of a timer when the cells have stored little or no energy.

Abstract: This method of charging includes a method of terminating charge when three events have occurred: a voltage across at least one of the cells reaches a predetermined maximum voltage, the average charging current falls below a predetermined minimum current, and the presence of a power source has been detected. The method also includes a safety termination that prohibits charge upon the expiration of a timer when the cells have stored little or no energy.

Abstract: A pet training mat for deterring pets and training them to avoid an area deemed desirable to keep pet-free by the pet owner. The pet training mat includes a base having a lower surface and an opposite upper surface, and a plurality of tines which extend upwardly from the upper surface of the base. The tines create an uncomfortable environment for a pet when walking, standing or laying on the pet training mat, without harming the pet, and are distributed over substantially the entire upper surface of the base within the range of four to nine tines per square inch. Each tine includes an upper spike and a riser disposed between the spike and the upper surface of the base. The base may be rigid or formed of a flexible material to conform to the contours of the pet-free area.

Abstract: A hinge of single piece construction particularly adapted for providing a removable pivotal attachment for a raised cover on a cat litter box wherein the rearward ends of the litter container and cover are each provided with vertical slots positioned such that upon the cover being disposed on the container in a closed position the slots on the cover are disposed adjacently above and in axial alignment with the slots on the litter container. The hinge defines a curvilinear depending tab portion adapted to extend through one of the aligned pairs of slots against a portion of the litter box and be removably retained in a snug fitment within the slot in the litter container. The tab portion of the hinge member merges into a curvilinear guide portion extending upwardly and rearwardly from the tab portion which merges into a cover support portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a threshold saddle which in outward appearance resembles the usual saddle provided in doorways but which also provides a fluid channel for interconnecting baseboard radiation elements on either side of the doorway.