Abstract: Systems and methods of providing sports instruction are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the method includes the steps of each of a plurality of instructors entering a name and one or more credentials into a server based data storage unit and each of the plurality of students selecting one of the plurality of instructors based on the one or more credentials. At a server, one or more uploaded files are received from each of the plurality of students and they are stored in the data storage unit. A selected one of the plurality of instructors reviews the uploaded files and provides instruction based on the uploaded files. The students can rate the instructors based on their experience. Other aspects of online sports instruction are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seed coating composition is disclosed. The seed coating composition has a first protective polymer film coating, which is non-phytotoxic, maintains oxygen exchange properties, and is hygroscopic. The seed coating composition also has a secondary growth augmentation coating. Also disclosed is a method for coating seeds with a first protective polymer film coating and a secondary growth augmentation coating.

Abstract: A method for providing void-free low-electrical-resistance conductive cores in vias having an aspect ratio of greater than approximately 6 includes the steps of providing a conductive thixotropic paste on the top surface of a substrate having vias provided therein, applying pressure to the paste and concurrently applying pressure to the paste and bottom surface of the substrate to force the thixotropic paste into the vias. Vibratory motion may also be applied to the substrate and paste concurrently with the application of pressure and vacuum. The paste is then dried in a vacuum, and subsequently sintered in a two-step process including a slow ramp up to temperature to allow the paste to outgas followed by a high temperature treatment.

Abstract: A flexible, high pressure housing is included in an equipment encloure between sections of a signal communication cable. The housing includes an axially compressed length of corrugated tubing in which the corrugations have been collapsed against the another. Housing ends are sealed to maintain a predetermined interior pressure in spite of variations in pressure outside the housing. Also included in the enclosure are structures for applying the outside pressure to the housing so that it is resiliently transversely flexible in response to similar outside and inside pressures but rigid in response to outside pressures much greater than inside pressures.

Abstract: A voice-actuated switching system selectively connects multiple microphones to an audio line in accordance with the output signal levels from each of the microphones. The state of each microphone is determined by its use and can exit in one of three states: selected, mixed, or off. The microphone with the greatest output signal level at any given time is considered in the selected state and is selected for connecting to the audio line with no loss. Those microphones in the mixed state have their output signal levels attenuated before being connected to the audio line. And those microphones in the off state have their outputs essentially disconnected from the audio line. The user of a microphone while in the mixed state can be heard along with the user of a microphone while in the selected state although at a lower level.

Abstract: A gas-liquid mixing process and apparatus, particularly applied to aeration, especially associated with activated sludge waste-water treatment, wherein complete, efficient mixing of the gas and liquid is achieved initially in a pre-mixing draft tube and secondly in an outer mixing vessel by imparting a turbulent, random generally outward and upward radial motion to the liquid and gas contents of the vessel. A portion of the contents of the vessel is withdrawn and recirculated through the pre-mixing draft tube substantially axially vertically situated within the outer mixing vessel. A lower end of the draft tube has a nozzle opening which produces a net flow which is an axially symmetrical radial jet of recirculating contents, thereby establishing the desired turbulent random motion. In the case of aeration in waste-water treatment, air or other oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the draft tube.

Abstract: A conduit with inlet and discharge ends respectively for receiving a supply of air under pressure and for delivering the air at a lower pressure has a cylindrical configuration and an eliptical butterfly type damper is disposed diagonally therein. The damper turns about an axis intermediate its diagonally opposite ends and the oncoming air stream thus impinges on the upstream face of the damper on opposite sides of the axis and creates a differential force, the said differential force tending to close the damper and constituting a first closing force. A second closing force for the damper is provided by a small bellows supplied with air through a small conduit from the downstream side of an orifice member disposed in the main conduit upstream of the damper. A second and substantially larger bellows serves to open the damper and a small conduit connects the said bellows with a controller supplied with air from an upstream side of the orifice member in the main conduit.