Abstract: A steerable ground piercing tool includes an elongated outer housing having a lengthwise extending bore and an inner assembly at least in part disposed within the outer housing. The inner assembly includes a rotatable chisel having a longitudinally extending shaft at least in part disposed within the housing bore. The chisel has a first end defining an asymmetric tip and a second end defining a first impact surface for receiving a reciprocating action impact to drive the tool through the ground. The inner assembly further includes a conversion mechanism to selectively convert upon activation thereof at least a first portion of the reciprocating action imparted to the first impact surface into combined reciprocation and rotation of the tool.

Abstract: Methods and systems for establishing a cloud bridge between two virtual storage resources and for transmitting data from one first virtual storage resource to the other virtual storage resource. The system can include a first virtual storage resource or cloud, and a storage delivery management service that executes on a computer and within the first virtual storage resource. The storage delivery management service can receive user credentials of a user that identify a storage adapter. Upon receiving the user credentials, the storage delivery management service can invoke the storage adapter which executes an interface that identifies a second virtual storage resource and includes an interface translation file.

Abstract: A heating unit for use in heating a fluid storage and dispensing system includes a wall module and a lid module. The modules include cover layers. Each module may include a heating component disposed between the cover layers and which is configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy and to distribute the heat energy. The heating component includes a heat generating element for converting electrical current to heat energy and a heat spreading element comprising carbon thermally coupled to the heat generating element. The modules may further include a thermal insulation layer. The modules may also include a receiving power connector electrically connected to the heat generating element.

Abstract: There is a water enhancement system coupled to a water conduit, wherein the water enhancement system is configured to enhance a water supply. The water enhancement system includes a filtration system coupled to a water conduit, configured to filter water flowing therethrough. The water enhancement system also includes an enhancement system coupled to the filtration system, configured to treat water flowing therethrough by dispensing a fluid therein. The enhancement system includes a plurality of cartridge sockets and matching cartridges configured to selectably couple together and contain enhancing fluid. The water enhancement system further includes a treatment bracket coupled about the water conduit and to the enhancement system. The water enhancement system additionally includes a treatment device coupled about the treatment bracket and configured to alter a characteristic of the water flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A method of joining together a first and second workpieces. The method comprises; drilling a first hole at least partially through the first workpiece with a drill bit oriented in a first direction; drilling a second hole at least partially through the first workpiece with a drill bit oriented in a second direction which is not parallel with the first direction, the drill bit passing through the first workpiece into a side of the first hole; inserting a fastener through the second workpiece and into the first hole; inserting an anchor into the first hole via the second hole; and securing the fastener within the first hole with the anchor. The invention also relates to a drill guide for use in such a method.

Abstract: A boat docking unit for small boats secures a boat to a dock structure without use of ropes, anchors or fenders. The unit has a pair of docking arms each having an elongated tubular housing, a telescoping member capable of telescoping movement within the housing. A pair of compression springs mounted in the housing in contact with the telescoping member dampens the wave force so as to restrict yaw of the boat docked at the pier. The docking arms pivotally secure the boat to the dock structure allowing a limited pitch motion of the boat.

Abstract: A boat docking unit for small boats secures a boat to a dock structure without use of ropes, anchors or fenders. The unit has a pair of docking arms each having an elongated tubular housing, a telescoping member capable of telescoping movement within the housing. A pair of compression springs mounted in the housing in contact with the telescoping member dampens the wave force so as to restrict yaw of the boat docked at the pier. The docking arms pivotally secure the boat to the dock structure allowing a limited pitch motion of the boat.

Abstract: A method for segmenting a data set is disclosed. The method consists of setting a maximum walker size and setting a walker size. Then, a first segment of data from the data set is obtained, wherein the first segment of data is the size of the walker. Then, a second segment of data from the data set is obtained, wherein the second segment of data is not greater than the maximum walker size.

Abstract: Implementations of various technologies for a method for processing seismic data. A first portion of a record of pre-stack seismic data may be displayed in a three-dimensional XYZ (3-D XYZ) space. A selection may be received of a second portion of the record of the pre-stack seismic data within the first portion. One or more attributes may be determined that define the second portion. One or more regions may be identified within the record of the pre-stack seismic data having the attributes that define the second portion.

Abstract: A moisture recirculation system for evaporatively cooling air, the system including a moisture distribution arrangement which, in use, distributes moisture to an upper portion of moisture absorbent material; a trough disposed below the lower most portion of the moisture absorbent material for initially collecting moisture run-off; a sump in fluid communication with the trough for collecting and storing said run-off; and a pump in fluid communication with the sump which, in use, transfers moisture from the sump to the moisture absorbent material.

Abstract: A boat docking unit for small boats secures a boat to a dock structure without use of ropes, anchors or fenders. The unit has a pair of docking arms each having an elongated tubular housing, a telescoping member capable of telescoping movement within the housing. A pair of compression springs mounted in the housing in contact with the telescoping member dampens the wave force so as to restrict yaw of the boat docked at the pier. The docking arms pivotally secure the boat to the dock structure allowing a limited pitch motion of the boat.

Abstract: A network interface unit (NIU) for a modular workstation includes a housing. One or more input network adapters on the housing receive input connectors of a first multi-network cable that is connected to a distribution network. One or more output network adapters on the housing receive output connectors of a second multi-network cable that is connected to another NIU of another modular workstation to provide for a daisy chain connection. One or more workstation adapters are provided on the housing for providing connections to one or more networks of various security levels. Cables that are connected to one or more CPUs or telephones of the workstation are connected to respective ones of the workstation adapters. The workstation adapters of the NIU may provide one or more of visual, physical, and geographical verification and segregation of the network connections to enhance the integrity of the security of the various networks available at the NIU.

Abstract: A dressing (30), a grommet (10) and a combination thereof are described for making a dressing for use in locating and retaining conduits and/or tubes used in therapy of a wound is described, the dressing (30) comprising a backing layer (32) having an adhesive coating (34) thereon for adhering the dressing (30) to a patient; the backing layer (32) having a cut-out (48) therein for receiving a grommet member (10); said grommet member (10) having at least one aperture (14) therethrough for receiving a conduit; and, said grommet member (10) further comprising a flange portion (16) in some embodiments for attaching the grommet member (10) to said adhesive coated backing layer (32).

Abstract: A method of operating synthetic aperture radar in a low PRF mode, comprising generating a stream of radar pulses, imposing onto said stream a predetermined modulation of the Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF), directing said stream to a target area, and processing received pulses, comprising separating the received pulses as a sequence of sets, and superposing received radar pulses of said sets, whereby to enhance the central received lobe and to attenuate side lobes.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus that can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection device, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing can be powered by auxiliary power sources such as high efficiency batteries, photovoltaic panels or cells, fuel cells, combustion generators, human powered generators, or other mechanical, electrical, or chemical power sources such as hand operated dynamos or wound springs, or any combination of the foregoing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a high efficiency pressure controller for controlling the output of the vacuum pump. In some embodiments, the pressure controller can control the pump without using a processor, and can have other features such as an intermittent delay function and an anti-stall mechanism to reduce the energy consumption of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of joining together a first and second workpieces. The method comprises; drilling a first hole at least partially through the first workpiece with a drill bit oriented in a first direction; drilling a second hole at least partially through the first workpiece with a drill bit oriented in a second direction which is not parallel with the first direction, the drill bit passing through the first workpiece into a side of the first hole; inserting a fastener through the second workpiece and into the first hole; inserting an anchor into the first hole via the second hole; and securing the fastener within the first hole with the anchor. The invention also relates to a drill guide for use in such a method.

Abstract: A circuit includes a pair of input transistors configured as a differential pair and having input terminals configured to receive an input voltage. The circuit also includes a first current source connected to and configured to provide a first tail current to the pair of input transistors, the first tail current being a class-A current having a non-zero quiescent value. The circuit also includes a second current source connected to and configured to provide a second tail current to the pair of input transistors, the second tail current being a class-B current having a zero quiescent value and a non-zero non-quiescent value. The second current source is configured to provide the second tail current as a function of the input voltage.

Abstract: A circuit includes a pair of input transistors configured as a differential pair and having input terminals configured to receive an input voltage. The circuit also includes a first current source connected to and configured to provide a first tail current to the pair of input transistors, the first tail current being a class-A current having a non-zero quiescent value. The circuit also includes a second current source connected to and configured to provide a second tail current to the pair of input transistors, the second tail current being a class-B current having a zero quiescent value and a non-zero non-quiescent value. The second current source is configured to provide the second tail current as a function of the input voltage.

Abstract: A multi-channel circuit includes a first-channel circuit configured to receive a digital input and a second-channel output voltage, and to generate a first-channel output voltage as a function of the received digital input and second-channel output voltage.