Abstract: A system includes a plurality of network devices comprising a plurality of ports, a power bus connecting the network devices, wherein power is shared between the network devices over the power bus, and a controller for identifying available power and allocating power to the ports. The ports include a plurality of PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment) PoE (Power over Ethernet) ports each operable to transmit power to a device connected to one of the PSE PoE ports, a plurality of PD (Powered Device) PoE ports each operable to receive power from a device connected to one of the PD PoE ports, and a plurality of bi-directional PoE ports each configurable to operate as a PSE PoE port to transmit power to a device connected to one of the bi-directional PoE ports or as a PD PoE port to receive power from the connected device.

Abstract: The Active Beam Joint Brace (ABJB) is an improvement or a compliment to the current technology of protecting steel beam structured buildings such as tuned mass dampers near the top floors of sky scrapers and large shock absorbers to reduce sway due to high winds and earthquakes. The ABJB can be also used in any type of structure i.e. bridges. It is positioned near the joint of two of the beams and therefore does not interfere with the placement of doors and windows. There are two embodiments of the ABJB: 1. A basic ABJB 2. A smart ABJB The basic ABJB reacts to any distortion of the protected beam joint and applies a counter force to the two beams in than joint. The smart ABJB is also able to forecast some of the remaining wave forces in an earthquakes duration (from the first wave forms) and proactively apply counter forces (i.e. a Rayleigh Wave).

Abstract: A snow diverter mechanism for deflecting snow being thrown by a snow plow, away from such objects as driveways, fire hydrants and mail boxes. The snow diverter is positioned inside the concave curve of and a predefined distance from the curved side edge of the snow plow blade to avoid snagging the snow diverter mechanism on a curb or other obstacles.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for detecting and locating the transmission of radio frequency signals from within a defined geographical area. The system uses statistical confidence limits to detect outliers caused by transmissions in the defined geographical area. The source of the transmission can then be located with triangulation.

Abstract: The plowing of streets and roadways in areas with snowy climates is typically done with a labor intensive manually operated snow removal apparatus mounted on a vehicle designed to push the snow off the roadway. A long standing problem is that there may be areas near the roadway, such as, driveways, mailboxes, crosswalks, cross streets, and fire hydrants that should not be blocked or covered with discharged snow. The present invention is an apparatus and a method by which the snow removal apparatus can be operated automatically without the need for manual intervention, to avoid throwing discharged snow on areas that would be undesirable to block or cover with snow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aiding a handicapped person or a child to tighten the laces on shoes and other forms of wearing apparel with only one finger. If a long handled hook is used the person does not even have to bend over to fasten the laces. Even an able bodied person will be able to fasten shoes, or other apparel faster than the current process.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for detecting and locating the transmission of radio frequency signals from within a defined geographical area. The system uses statistical confidence limits to detect outliers caused by transmissions in the defined geographical area. The source of the transmission can then be located with triangulation.

Abstract: A gravity powered garage door control opening and closing system that eliminates the conventional electric garage door opener and eliminates its two most common risks of failure, the first being a gear and/or bearing failure and the second being an electrical power failure. Other advantages include a reduction in electrical power needed and a reduction in cost over every other type of garage door opener. The present invention operates by transferring fluid between a counter weight and a storage tank under programmed control to control the movement and speed of the garage door as a function of its position in the door guides in which the door moves in.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for cutting and mulching vegetation into consistently small uniform pieces by using a number of cutter cords that rotate in a circular plane of rotation with decreasing diameters as the position of the cutting wire is further from the power means. This design causes the grass to be sequentially cut into small confetti like pieces as the mowing machine moves forward.

Abstract: The plowing of streets and roadways in areas with snowy climates is typically done with a labor intensive, manually operated snow removal apparatus mounted on a vehicle designed to push the snow off the roadway. A problem is that there may be areas near the roadway, such as, driveways, mailboxes, crosswalks, cross streets, and fire hydrants that should not be blocked or covered with discharged snow. The present inventions are an apparatus and a method by which the snow removal apparatus can be operated automatically without the need for manual intervention, to avoid throwing discharged snow on areas that would be undesirable to block or cover with snow.

Abstract: Systems and methods capable of producing electrical power from solar energy through the use of air cycles without fossil fuel combustion. The system includes a solar receiver, a generator, a compressor, and an expander. The expander is coupled to the generator to drive the generator and coupled to the compressor to drive the compressor. The system uses solar generated heat from the solar receiver to heat compressed air from the compressor. The solar generated heat can be directly transferred from the solar receiver to the compressed air as the compressed air flows through receiver tubes of the solar receiver, or the solar receiver can transfer the solar generated heat to a liquid metal, with the liquid metal transferring thermal energy to the compressed air. The expander receives and expands the heated compressed air to drive the generator to produce electricity, and to drive the compressor to compress air.

Abstract: Systems and methods capable of producing electrical power from solar energy through the use of air cycles without fossil fuel combustion. The system includes a solar receiver, a generator, a compressor, and an expander. The expander is coupled to the generator to drive the generator and coupled to the compressor to drive the compressor. The system uses solar generated heat from the solar receiver to heat compressed air from the compressor. The solar generated heat can be directly transferred from the solar receiver to the compressed air as the compressed air flows through receiver tubes of the solar receiver, or the solar receiver can transfer the solar generated heat to a liquid metal, with the liquid metal transferring thermal energy to the compressed air. The expander receives and expands the heated compressed air to drive the generator to produce electricity, and to drive the compressor to compress air.

Abstract: A road spike device useful for deflating the tires of a fleeing or trespassing vehicle for the purpose of halting the vehicle. The road spike device preferably comprises a plurality of support arms and connected base members that are pivotally and replaceably secured to one another in a lazy tong configuration. A plurality of frangible cups are carried in spaced relation on the support arms. A hard rigid spike, adapted to allow air to flow through the spike, is carried by each of the frangible cups in a tight frictional fit such that spike is not readily removeable from frangible cup. As a vehicle tire (not shown) rolls onto the spike, the tire is impaled by the spike. As the tire progresses over the support arm with the spike embedded in the tire, the spike begins to rotate, relative to the axis of the frangible cup, creating a force moment against the outer lip of the frangible cup.

Abstract: A protective windshield guard and combination support surface assembly is disclosed, for use in many diverse applications, including use in combination with a vehicle or device having at least first, second, and third support areas adjacent to a windshield or other surface needing cover and/or protection. The invention is used, when installed in relation to these support areas, in a first position adjoining the first support area for protection of the windshield or surface; and is used in at least a second position, adjoining the third area as a covering, adjoining support over this area. The invention is provided with a mesh attached to a support frame having extension parts positioned outboard of the mesh; and at least one hinge support. At least one coupling or articulator attached to the support frame and corresponding mate attached to the first area; and at least another coupling on the frame with corresponding mate attached to the third area.

Abstract: A cylinder head having an exhaust valve port comprising a throat defined by a wall of substantially circular cross section and a bevelled valve seat circumscribing the wall. The bevelled valve seat has an axially extending annular portion adapted to be engaged by a valve head to close the port, the bevelled valve seat extending axially outwardly from the axis of the throat at an angle to the wall. The improvement comprises the application of a small wall diverter within the exhaust port to force separation of the high temperature exhaust gas stream from the exhaust valve seat when the valve is open.

Abstract: A rotary engine employing an improved circumferential flow cooling system is employed to provide an increase in fuel economy and engine efficiency. Each housing unit has its own distinct flow circuit with the total volume of cooling medium being variably distributed among such units. The circuits employ flow foils, flow turbulizers, velocity variation and a variable epitrochoid wall thickness to provide flow characteristics which vary along the stations of the circuit. The variations promote a more uniform engine wall temperature throughout, the coolant can be operated at a higher overall temperature, and heat is transferred (extracted or injected) on a programmed basis along the flow circuit as needed.

Abstract: A method of programming exhaust gas constituents is disclosed which cooperates with a unique exhaust passage liner construction resulting in an improved self-cleaning technique for internal combustion engines. The liner comprises an apparatus which preferably subdivides the outer peripheral region of the exhaust so that the Reynolds number of the outer flow is below 2300 and therefore indicative of laminar or controlled turbulent flow. The laminar transient film between the passage wall and flow is enhanced by the transient film between subdividing walls and the flow, the composite acting to reduce the heat transfer coefficient between the total flow and wall of the exhaust passage.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine is disclosed having circumferential type cooling circuit for the rotor housing and a plurality of spark plugs extending through the trochoid wall of the rotor housing at a vertically rising zone of said circuit. The plugs are contained by bosses extending through the coolant flow passage; the bosses are arranged to stagger the up-stream sides of said bosses with respect to controlled flow of coolant thereabout, thereby increasing flow control, increasing heat transfer, and preventing a collection of vapor which may act as an insulation film hindering heat transfer between said bosses and coolant flow. The centerline of said bosses are preferably skewed with respect to both a plane bisecting the flow longitudinally and a plane bisecting the flow transversely, whereby the spark terminals of said plugs may be maintained within narrow offset limits on opposite sides of a centerline of the gas side of said trochoid wall.