Abstract: An aquarium filter with water stream diversion system and method of use thereof, having an intake, an outlet, and a pump to draw water into the intake and discharge water from the outlet. The system further includes a water stream diversion conduit having a first open end, an opposite second open end, and a fluid channel between the first and second open ends. The first open end of the conduit can releasably connect to the intake of the pump or the outlet of the pump. When the conduit is connected to the outlet of the pump, the water is diverted from the outlet of the pump into the conduit, for discharge from the conduit. When the conduit is connected to the intake of the pump, water is drawn into the conduit and discharged from the conduit into the intake of the pump.

Abstract: An aquarium filter with water stream diversion system and method of use thereof, having an intake, an outlet, and a pump to draw water into the intake and discharge water from the outlet. The system further includes a water stream diversion conduit having a first open end, an opposite second open end, and a fluid channel between the first and second open ends. The first open end of the conduit can releasably connect to the intake of the pump or the outlet of the pump. When the conduit is connected to the outlet of the pump, the water is diverted from the outlet of the pump into the conduit, for discharge from the conduit. When the conduit is connected to the intake of the pump, water is drawn into the conduit and discharged from the conduit into the intake of the pump.

Abstract: A means for determining the electrical resistance and resistivity of thermoelectric material allows quality control at all steps in the construction of a bismuth telluride and antimony telluride thermoelectric generator. The method involves measuring negative thermoelectric voltage with no current flowing and then a measure of negative thermoelectric voltage while forcing known current through the material in the same direction as shorted to accurately determine thermoelectric resistance. A manual and automatic method of manufacturing thermoelectric rings using forcing current for in-process testing means.

Abstract: An improved circular multi-element semiconductor thermoelectric hybrid utilizes a make-before-break high frequency switching output component to provide nominal alternating current voltage outputs. Overall efficiency of heat conversion is improved by coupling a chiller to the thermoelectric generator where exhaust heat produces chilled liquid or air that is conveyed to the cold side of the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric generator is used in a variety of transportation vehicles including manufactured vehicles, retrofitted vehicles and vehicle power combinations.

Abstract: A means for determining the electrical resistance and resistivity of thermoelectric material allows quality control at all steps in the construction of a bismuth telluride and antimony telluride thermoelectric generator. The method involves measuring negative thermoelectric voltage with no current flowing and then a measure of negative thermoelectric voltage while forcing known current through the material in the same direction as shorted to accurately determine thermoelectric resistance. A manual and automatic method of manufacturing thermoelectric rings using forcing current for in-process testing means.

Abstract: An improved circular multi-element semiconductor thermoelectric hybrid utilizes a make-before-break high frequency switching output component to provide nominal alternating current voltage outputs. Overall efficiency of heat conversion is improved by coupling a chiller to the thermoelectric generator where exhaust heat produces chilled liquid or air that is conveyed to the cold side of the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric generator is used in a variety of transportation vehicles including manufactured vehicles, retrofitted vehicles and vehicle power combinations.

Abstract: High efficiency conversion of heat energy to electrical energy is achieved using a ring of metallic components and anodically sliced, reduced barriers, high purity n-type and p-type semiconductor wafers. Energy produced by heating one set of fins and cooling another set is extracted from a ring of bismuth telluride based n-type wafers and antimony telluride based p-type wafers using make-before-break control of MOSfet switch banks. Standard AC frequencies and DC output result from rectification of make-before-break high frequency switched very high currents in the ring and a DC to AC converter. Solar energy stored in porcelain fragments extends the time that solar energy can be used as the heat source for the thermoelectric generator device.

Abstract: A device including a charging component; a developing component; a transport component; a photoconductive component; and a radiant fusing component; wherein the development component contains a toner comprising at least one crystalline polymer, optionally an amorphous polymer, and at least one colorant.

Abstract: A measuring dispensing top for an aquarium fish food container which includes a base, a flip top pivotably mounted in a side wall provided on the base and movable between a closed position which closes the container and an open position which opens the container into the top; and a cover slidable in the side wall between a closing position which covers and defines a measuring chamber and allows the flip top to be moved to its open position which opens the container into the measuring chamber and enables a measured amount of fish food to be dispensed therein, and a second opening position which locks the flip top in its closed position and opens the measuring chamber for dispensing the container contents into an aquarium.

Abstract: An improved torus multi-element semiconductor thermoelectric heater and chiller utilizes torus thermoelectric generator to provide high current to force heat flow. Overall efficiency of heat conversion is improved by coupling a thermoelectric generator directly to a torus heater and chiller. A thermoelectric generator exhaust heat drives a second thermoelectric generator connected to a thermoelectric heater and chiller to produce heat flow in the heater and chiller using air, gas, or liquid to convey heat into and away from the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A display aquarium for Betta and other small fish which is a transparent housing having an open top and a bottom wall provided with a through hole and a plug or cap for opening and closing the through hole to allow for controlled draining of water and accumulated waste from the aquarium.

Abstract: An improved torus multi-element semiconductor thermoelectric hybrid utilizes a make-before-break high frequency switching output component to provide nominal alternating current voltage outputs. Overall efficiency of heat conversion is improved by coupling a chiller to the thermoelectric generator where exhaust heat produces chilled liquid or air that is conveyed to the cold side of the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: This invention describes compositions of meltable organic acid and carbonate salt suitable for providing effervescence when dissolved in water and protection for additional ingredients from oxidation or reaction with atmospheric moisture during storage. In the production of stable chlorine tablets citric acid is melted then mixed with powdered carbonate and the viscous combination then combined with hypochlorite producing compounds such as calcium hypochlorite or halazone to form stable forms suitable for use in disinfecting applications. Melted acid-bicarbonate mixtures are used to make instant carbonated drinks wherein evolved carbonate is trapped in a closed container to improve the level of carbonation.

Abstract: A plant package for an artificial aquarium plant including a card member having a front face and a shaped shell member affixed to the front face by a peripheral bonding flange. The shell member has an upper section including a plant base holding pocket with a top edge. The top edge is free of the card member. The bottom portion of the plant base holding pocket is shaped to confine a base of the artificial aquarium plant with the top portion being restricted and shaped to overlay and support one or more plant stems of the artificial aquarium plant. A lower section of the shell member is designed with raised ridges reinforcing the shell member and defining an indicia window portion.

Abstract: Foods, food ingredients, and cooked foods are preserved by the application of pressure of at least 70 MPa (10,000 psi) for more than twelve hours. Some meat and seafood requires maintenance of pressure for the duration of storage and most can be held in good condition without spoiling for more than 1 month. For some fruits and vegetables ripening is stopped by the pressure treatment and packaged products can be stored without refrigeration for at least 6 months while other fruits and vegetables are preserved by 5 day pressure treatment at 175 Mpa (25,000 psi). Meat and seafood is preserved by pressure treatment in various marinades. Because no heat is used foods retain much of their firmness and texture.

Abstract: A small animal globular housing and exercise module including a main body which is formed by two hemispherical body pieces fabricated from a transparent thermoplastic material. A lid opening, large enough to accommodate a human hand, is formed in one of the body pieces and a lid removably closing the lid opening is provided. Ventilation openings of sufficient size and number to allow for air passage through the module are provided. A pair of through openings are formed opposite to each other and are positioned along and split by a division plane defining the two hemispheres for possible passage of small animals therethrough, each opening having an outwardly protruding portion. Annular connecting rings engage the protruding portions of each opening passage and hold the two body pieces together. A pair of bubble caps are engaged by a side of each annular ring opposite to a side engaging the protruding portions of the through openings.

Abstract: A small animal connectible play cube system which includes several connectible small animal play cubes, each cube having at least one surface formed with a large plurality of small through openings and at least one other surface with a single large opening, and an attaching adaptor for each pair of cubes, the adaptor having structure on opposite sides for attaching the adaptor to the large opening of the at least one other surface. The cubes are connectible together in various configurations depending upon which surfaces are attached by the adaptors. The invention can further include a slide member which is connectible to the small through openings on the one surface of the cube. The slide member can be a first type slide member having a straight longitudinal axis. Also, the slide member can be a second type slide member having a curved longitudinal axis. The second type slide member describes a spiral extending through 270.degree..

Abstract: A small animal visual burrowing module which includes a main burrowing enclosure body having an interior space defined by opposite walls spaced a short distance apart. The burrowing enclosure body is formed by two symmetrical body pieces. The main burrowing enclosure body has an open bottom, with a wire grate mounted across the open bottom. Two generally horizontal intermediate floors are symmetrically formed in the body pieces. Each body piece including at least one laterally extended viewing window. Ventilation openings of sufficient size and number to allow for air passage through the module are provided. A plurality of through openings are provided in the walls of the enclosure body, for the passage of small animals therethrough, with each opening having an outwardly protruding portion. The through openings are positioned along and split by a division plane defining the two symmetrical body pieces.

Abstract: A small animal living environment system formed from small animal enclosures fabricated from transparent thermoplastic material. The enclosures having a lid opening large enough to accommodate a human hand and ventilation openings of sufficient size and number to allow for air passage through the enclosure. The enclosures also have a plurality of through openings on the walls of the enclosure, for the passage of small animals therethrough and an attaching means formed at the opening passage for the attachment of tunnel tubes, and small animal living accessories. The attaching means is formed from a U shaped track system wherein an outside edge of the opening passage is formed into at least one U shaped channel on the lower portion of the opening passage, and tunnel tubes are formed with a protruding lip on the outside edge of the tube opening so that the lip may be securely fit into the channel of the U shaped track attaching means.