Abstract: Provided is filter unit for a vaporization pipe having improved reliability and manufacturability and lower cost. The present filter unit comprises a wooden filter housing with a through hole. A metal insert fitting is press fit into the hole. A ceramic foam flame filter is disposed inside the insert fitting. The insert fitting preferably has a step ledge for supporting the ceramic foam filter. The metal fitting preferably has a flange (external to the wood filter housing) for improving the stability of the mechanical connection between the insert fitting and filter housing. This design allows for fast assembly with a minimum of labor. Stress and damage to the wood is minimized. The filter housing can have a vertical/longitudinal wood grain direction (parallel with the filter housing hole), thereby reducing the cost of the wood parts and improving the finished appearance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically identifying and selecting preferred size classification and regression trees are disclosed. The invention is used to identify a specific decision tree or group of preferred size trees that are consistent across train and test samples in node-specific details that are often important to decision makers. Specifically, for a tree to be identified as preferred by this system, the train and test samples must both agree on key measures for every terminal node of the tree. In addition to this node-by-node criterion, an additional tree selection method may be imposed. Accordingly, the train and test samples rank order the nodes on a relevant measure in the same way. Both consistency criteria may be applied in a fuzzy manner in which agreement must be close but need not be exact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for automatically identifying and selecting preferred classification and regression trees. The invention is used to identify a specific decision tree or group of trees that are consistent across train and test samples in node-specific details that are often important to decision makers. Specifically, for a tree to be identified as preferred by this system, the train and test samples must both agree on key measures for every terminal node of the tree. In addition to this node-by-node criterion, an additional tree selection method may be imposed. Accordingly, the train and test samples rank order the nodes on a relevant measure in the same way. Both consistency criteria may be applied in a fuzzy manner in which agreement must be close but need not be exact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for automatically identifying and selecting preferred classification and regression trees. The invention is used to identify a specific decision tree or group of trees that are consistent across train and test samples in node-specific details that are often important to decision makers. Specifically, for a tree to be identified as preferred by this system, the train and test samples must both agree on key measures for every terminal node of the tree. In addition to this node-by-node criterion, an additional tree selection method may be imposed. Accordingly, the train and test samples rank order the nodes on a relevant measure in the same way. Both consistency criteria may be applied in a fuzzy manner in which agreement must be close but need not be exact.

Abstract: Provided is an electrostatic charge dissipator for removing electrostatic charge inside a storage tank or other enclosed volume. The dissipator comprises yarns of electrically conductive polymeric fibers, such as carbon fiber. The yarns have broken fiber tips or stray fibers projecting away from the yarns, thereby functioning to concentrate electric fields and facilitate charge collection. The yarns are attached to a bracket for mechanical attachment to the tank, and are electrically connected to a feedthrough for providing an electrical path to ground potential. The present dissipator can also comprise a support, such as a rope, chain, or the like, and a weight for limiting the movement of the dissipator. The present dissipator is highly corrosion resistant and does not threaten pumps or valves with damaging metal debris.

Abstract: Provided is a storage tank or structure with conductive fiber material (e.g. carbon fiber) for dissipating electrostatic charge. The tank comprises a tank wall made of composite material, such as polyester-fiberglass composite. On an inner tank surface, open areas are provided in which the conductive fiber is exposed. The conductive fiber material has broken fiber tips and stray fibers for collecting electrostatic charge. Outside the open areas, the conductive fiber material is covered with a layer of cured resin. The conductive fiber is exposed only in the open areas. An impermeable film may be present under the conductive fiber in the open areas. The present invention also includes a method for making the tank, in which a liquid, gel, or impermeable film mask is applied to the conductive fiber material. The mask functions to prevent infiltration of liquid resin into the conductive fiber material.

Abstract: Provided is an electrostatic charge dissipator for removing electrostatic charge inside a storage tank or other enclosed volume. The dissipator comprises yarns of electrically conductive polymeric fibers, such as carbon fiber. The yarns have broken fiber tips or stray fibers projecting away from the yarns, thereby functioning to concentrate electric fields and facilitate charge collection. The yarns are attached to a bracket for mechanical attachment to the tank, and are electrically connected to a feedthrough for providing an electrical path to ground potential. The present dissipator can also comprise a support, such as a rope, chain, or the like, and a weight for limiting the movement of the dissipator. The present dissipator is highly corrosion resistant and does not threaten pumps or valves with damaging metal debris.

Abstract: Provided is a storage tank or structure with conductive fiber material (e.g. carbon fiber) for dissipating electrostatic charge. The tank comprises a tank wall made of composite material, such as polyester-fiberglass composite. On an inner tank surface, open areas are provided in which the conductive fiber is exposed. The conductive fiber material has broken fiber tips and stray fibers for collecting electrostatic charge. Outside the open areas, the conductive fiber material is covered with a layer of cured resin. The conductive fiber is exposed only in the open areas. An impermeable film may be present under the conductive fiber in the open areas. The present invention also includes a method for making the tank, in which a liquid, gel, or impermeable film mask is applied to the conductive fiber material. The mask functions to prevent infiltration of liquid resin into the conductive fiber material.

Abstract: A mayonnaise product in which the oil phase includes a combination of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and a saturated fat such as butter oil, coconut oil, or palm oil, and further incombination with a high oleic oil. The MCT and high oleic oil reduces crystallization of the saturated fat when cooled, and consequently this improves emulsion stability. The oil phase preferably comprises at least about 70 or 75% saturated fat and less than 7%, 10% or 15% linoleic acid (omega-6), which provides exceptionally high resistance to lipid oxidation.

Abstract: Provided is an LED light bulb with separable top and bottom portions. The top portion comprises LED lamps and the bottom portion comprises a power electronics circuit for powering the LED lamps. The top and bottom portions are electrically and mechanically connected by connectors. When connected, there is a gap between the top and bottom portions. A heat sink is disposed in the gap. A hole can be present in the top portion, and the hole can be fluidically connected to the gap, thereby provided improved heat dissipation. There can be multiple ways of connecting the top and bottom portions, with each way of connecting providing a different type of light output.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a vessel containing an electrically conductive electrolyte. The electrolyte contains hydrogen. A cathode and anode are disposed in the electrolyte and are connected to a source of electrical power. A portion of the vessel interior is in a hot zone, and a portion is in a cool zone. The cathode is disposed in the hot zone and the anode is disposed in the cool zone. The electrolyte is in contact with both the cathode and anode and is continuous between the cathode and anode such that it conducts an electrical current between the cathode and anode. Because the anode is at a temperature lower than the cathode, anodic corrosion is greatly reduced and the apparatus can be operated continuously for long periods.

Abstract: A mayonnaise product in which the oil phase includes a combination of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and a saturated fat such as butter oil, coconut oil, lard or palm oil. The MCT oil tends to reduce crystallization of the saturated fat when cooled, and consequently this improves emulsion stability. In another embodiment, the mayonnaise contains ascorbyl palmitate in an amount sufficient to reduce the size of fat crystals when cooled. In another embodiment, the oil phase also contains up to about 40% vegetable oil such as olive oil or high oleic sunflower oil. In another embodiment, the mayonnaise contains whole butter. In this embodiment, the aqueous portion of the whole butter improves emulsion stability.

Abstract: A shorts garment comprising insulating fleece and durable, wind-blocking patch pockets. The shorts comprise fleece front and rear panels with high air permeability. The patch pockets comprise durable, non-stretch fabric with low air permeability, sewn on top of the fleece panels. The patch pocket fabric has an air permeability less than the air permeability of the fleece, thereby providing enhanced wind and cold protection for the thigh areas. The air permeability of the pocket fabric can be less than 1/2, 1/5 or 1/10 of the air permeability of the fleece. The patch pockets also protect the fleece from wear and abrasion. A crotch area between the pockets has high air permeability fleece, and so the crotch receives cooling air ventilation. The patch pockets preferably cover about 20%, 30%, 40% or more of the front fleece panels. The present shorts garment is comfortably warm over a wide temperature range.

Abstract: A device for vaporizing herbal smoking materials such as tobacco has a base with a trench and an electrically-insulating block disposed in the trench. The trench has two sides. A first side contains a U-shaped electrical heating element. A second side is for receiving a battery. Electrical contacts extend between the first side and second side. The electrical contacts are connected to terminal ends of the heating element. In operation, the battery is connected to the electrical contacts, allowing electrical power to flow through the heating element. A window can cover the first side, so that the bowl area is enclosed. A sliding switch can be disposed in the second side to provide pushbutton manual control of electrical power to the heating element.

Abstract: An optical device package includes a substrate having an upper surface, a distal end, a proximal end, and distal and proximal longitudinally extending notches co-linearly aligned with each other. A structure is mounted to the substrate and has at least one recessed portion. The structure can be a lid or a frame to which a lid is bonded. An optical fiber is positioned within at least one of the proximal longitudinally extending notch and the distal longitudinally extending notch and within the recessed portion of the structure mounted to the substrate. The optical device package can also include conductive legs extending upwardly from bonding pads on the upper surface of the substrate to facilitate flip mounting of the optical device package onto a circuit board or other such platform.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for low energy nuclear reactions in hydrogen-loaded metals. A nickel cathode is disposed inside a pressure vessel loaded with heavy water. The vessel is heated to a temperature at which nickel oxide is reduced in the presence of hydrogen. The cathode is electrified, thereby producing hydrogen at the cathode, which removes any oxide layer on the nickel. The nickel can therefore more easily be loaded with hydrogen. The nickel cathode preferably has embedded particles of neutron-absorbing and/or hydrogen absorbing materials, such as boron-10, lithium-containing compounds, palladium, niobium, vanadium, or other hydrogen storage intermetallic compounds, alloys, or amorphous alloys.

Abstract: Provided is a vaporizing pipe having a separator 40 for maintaining a separation distance between a screen (or constriction) and a flame filter. In a simple, one-piece vaporizing pipe, it is necessary to mechanically fix the location of the screen and flame filter. Forming mechanical features for this function on inside surfaces of the pipe is difficult and expensive, particularly if the pipe is made of glass. In the present invention, the separator is disposed between the screen or constriction and filter, and functions to fix the location of the filter. The separator can be a wireform, for example. The separator greatly simplifies and reduces the cost of fabricating the present vaporizing pipe.

Abstract: Provided is filter unit for a vaporization pipe having improved reliability and manufacturability and lower cost. The present filter unit comprises a wooden filter housing with a through hole. A metal insert fitting is press fit into the hole. A ceramic foam flame filter is disposed inside the insert fitting. The insert fitting preferably has a step ledge for supporting the ceramic foam filter. The metal fitting preferably has a flange (external to the wood filter housing) for improving the stability of the mechanical connection between the insert fitting and filter housing. This design allows for fast assembly with a minimum of labor. Stress and damage to the wood is minimized. The filter housing can have a vertical/longitudinal wood grain direction (parallel with the filter housing hole), thereby reducing the cost of the wood parts and improving the finished appearance.

Abstract: Provided is a vaporizing pipe made from wound wire coils. The vaporizing pipe comprises two halves: a pipe unit and a filter unit. The pipe unit has a bowl for holding smoking material. The filter unit contains a flame filter for providing vaporization temperatures, as known in the art. The pipe unit and filter unit attach by twisting/rotating (“attachment by nested coils”). The windings of the coils screw together in a manner similar to screw threads. The pipe unit can comprise 1, 2 or more coils. The filter unit can comprise 1, 2, 3 or more coils. Air gaps can be disposed between coils, thereby providing thermal insulation. The coils can be made of stainless steel wire for example. The wire can have a diameter of about 0.050-0.075 inches for example.

Abstract: Electrodeposition is used to deposit nanowires in a controlled fashion with accurate placement and orientation. A substrate is provided with a mesa having electrically conductive sidewalls. The substrate is immersed in an electroplating solution having a dispersion of nanowires, and metal is electroplated onto the sidewalls of the mesa. During electrodeposition, nanowires are incorporated and partially embedded in the deposited metal film. The nanowires will tend to be parallel with the substrate. Additionally electrodes can be deposited to provide electrical contact with the free ends of the nanowires. In this way, electrical connections can be provided to nanowires in a controlled, reproducible manner. The deposited nanowires can be used in a multitude of devices.