Abstract: A method that can be used in a portable system and apparatus to effectively and efficiently treat aqueous fluids by quickly and reliably adjusting and controlling the free residual level of disinfectants, contaminants or additives through the addition of one or more treating agents such as oxidizing chemicals and/or other special-purpose additives, and that can continuously store, log, retrieve and report the related fluid composition data and other operating parameters on a real-time basis at either the use site or a remote location. A preferred use for the subject method is managing the chemistry of disinfectant, contaminant and/or additive levels in aqueous fluids used in hydraulic fracturing operations, and controlling the free residual levels of the disinfectant or contaminants within the fluids, including fluids maintained in frac tanks during temporary cessation of a hydraulic fracturing operation.

Abstract: A portable water treatment system and apparatus is disclosed that can effectively and efficiently treat aqueous fluids by quickly and reliably adjusting and controlling the free residual level of disinfectants, contaminants or additives through the addition of one or more treating agents such as oxidizing chemicals and/or other special-purpose additives, and that can continuously store, log, retrieve and report the related fluid composition data and other operating parameters on a real-time basis at either the use site or a remote location. A preferred use for the subject system and apparatus is managing the chemistry of disinfectant, contaminant and/or additive levels in aqueous fluids used in hydraulic fracturing operations, and controlling the free residual levels of the disinfectant or contaminants within the fluids, including fluids maintained in frac tanks during temporary cessation of a hydraulic fracturing operation.

Abstract: A method that can be used in a portable system and apparatus to effectively and efficiently treat aqueous fluids by quickly and reliably adjusting and controlling the free residual level of disinfectants, contaminants or additives through the addition of one or more treating agents such as oxidizing chemicals and/or other special-purpose additives, and that can continuously store, log, retrieve and report the related fluid composition data and other operating parameters on a real-time basis at either the use site or a remote location. A preferred use for the subject method is managing the chemistry of disinfectant, contaminant and/or additive levels in aqueous fluids used in hydraulic fracturing operations, and controlling the free residual levels of the disinfectant or contaminants within the fluids, including fluids maintained in frac tanks during temporary cessation of a hydraulic fracturing operation.

Abstract: A portable water treatment system and apparatus is disclosed that can effectively and efficiently treat aqueous fluids by quickly and reliably adjusting and controlling the free residual level of disinfectants, contaminants or additives through the addition of one or more treating agents such as oxidizing chemicals and/or other special-purpose additives, and that can continuously store, log, retrieve and report the related fluid composition data and other operating parameters on a real-time basis at either the use site or a remote location. A preferred use for the subject system and apparatus is managing the chemistry of disinfectant, contaminant and/or additive levels in aqueous fluids used in hydraulic fracturing operations, and controlling the free residual levels of the disinfectant or contaminants within the fluids, including fluids maintained in frac tanks during temporary cessation of a hydraulic fracturing operation.

Abstract: A method for monitoring drilling mud properties, the drilling mud being transported through a well drilling system and stored in a mud pit includes directing the flow of drilling mud in the well drilling system from the mud pit to a sampling unit. A sample of the drilling mud from the mud pit is obtained. At least one mud property of the sampled drilling mud is sensed automatically and in real time to obtain a condition value. If the condition value is within a set point range for the mud property the drilling mud is returned to the mud pit. The drilling mud is directed to a centrifuge for adjustment of the mud property if the condition value is outside the set point range. The drilling mud from the centrifuge is returned to the mud pit after the mud property has been adjusted.

Abstract: A sensor system for monitoring for the presence of contamination with one or more contaminating biological, chemical and/or radioactive agents on a terrain surface, and creating a contamination map thereof. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensor pods, a ground station, an airborne dispensing portion, and an airborne monitoring portion. The sensor pods include a pod housing, a descent slowing airfoil, a detector unit for detection of the contaminating agent and outputting contaminating agent data, a processor for processing the contaminating agent data, a GPS unit for determining the position of the sensor, and a transmitter for transmitting contamination agent data and position data to the airborne monitoring portion. The airborne monitoring portion receives the transmitted data from the sensor pods, and relays the data to the ground station, where the contamination map is made available.

Abstract: Occurring circumstances of play of golf not observed from the vantage point of attendees at a golf event, and captured in coverage of the golf event by a provided image displayed on a TV screen to significantly enhance the viewing enjoyment of a TV audience.

Abstract: A sensor system for monitoring for the presence of contamination with one or more contaminating biological, chemical and/or radioactive agents on a terrain surface, and creating a contamination map thereof. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensor pods, a ground station, an airborne dispensing portion, and an airborne monitoring portion. The sensor pods include a pod housing, a descent slowing airfoil, a detector unit for detection of the contaminating agent and outputting contaminating agent data, a processor for processing the contaminating agent data, a GPS unit for determining the position of the sensor, and a transmitter for transmitting contamination agent data and position data to the airborne monitoring portion. The airborne monitoring portion receives the transmitted data from the sensor pods, and relays the data to the ground station, where the contamination map is made available.

Abstract: An adhesive and coating composition which is suitable for use in an aqueous environment is provided and which comprises a resin-plasticizer modified acrylonitrile-butadiene elastomer, dissolved in low-toxicity solvent. A method for repairing plastic sheet materials, particularly plastic sheet materials such as polyethylene (LDPE, MDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC),using the adhesive and coating composition wherein certain controls are effected is also provided. Such an adhesive composition provides a fast and extremely effective means for repairing perforations and tears in plastic sheet materials, is long lasting, safe and does not discolor over time.

Abstract: A system for airborne detection of fires and transmission of fire location and characteristic data to the system ground station. The system includes an airborne pod and an associated ground station. The pod uses a passive infrared (IR) scanning system which employs a rotating and nutating mirror within an air slipstream driven propeller/spinner and is optically coupled to an infrared detector. A computer in the pod receives fire pod GPS position, IR detector fire spot detection pulse or ‘hit’ plus fire spot characteristics, spinner/mirror rotation and nutation angle at the ‘hit’ time and pod platform attitude relative to North-East-down using an on board Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The computer then calculates the firespot GPS location, and processes associated firespot characteristic data and downlinks this data to the ground station. Onboard pod video scene cameras also provide operational video that is also downlinked to the ground station.

Abstract: A stable positioning system for a suspended payload. A stabilizer, control unit and positioner are located above a suspended payload. The stabilizer includes a plurality of flywheels within a casing. The axis of rotation of each flywheel is aligned with one of three orthogonal axes. A central bevel gear translates the output of a high r.p.m. motor to the various flywheels. Four flywheels are arranged into two counterrotating pairs along one horizontal axis. Two flywheels counterrotate about the other axis and a single flywheel rotates about the vertical axis. The mass and arrangement of flywheels provides gyroscopic stability while neutralizing potential precessional moments.

Abstract: A firearms sight alignment system is provided which allows for the use of a collimated beam light source attached to a housing which binds the light beam with the direction of a firearm barrel. This light source thus provides a point at which to adjust the sighting apparatus of the firearm while the light source is shining upon an object some distance in front of the firearm barrel. The light source is aligned by a simple housing mechanism mounted to either a mandrel which is inserted into the bore of the firearm barrel or from a bracket attaching the light source to the barrel and alignment therewith.

Abstract: A dipstick is suspended from a pivoting mount in the center of a cap. When performing a fluid level check, this cap is loosened from a wiper plug, which remains stationary in its tube housing as the dipstick is withdrawn through it. A series of internal wipers clean the dipstick as it passes through the wiper plug. Wiped fluids return to the fluid reservoir via undercuts in the individual wiper blades. The clean dipstick is then reinserted into the wiper plug to full depth, and the cap retightened on the wiper plug. The cap, dipstick, and wiper plug are then withdrawn together by pulling upwards from their tube housing. The actual fluid level in the reservoir will now show on the dipstick.

Abstract: An electronic package including a first circuitized substrate (e.g., printed circuit board) and a flexible circuitized substrate wherein the flexible substrate is precisely aligned in removable manner relative to the first substrate. This is accomplished utilizing a retention member and associated frame member, the flexible circuitized substrate being precisely aligned and secured to the frame member. Elastomeric pressure exertion members are utilized to exert pressure against each of a plurality of individual circuitized sections of the flexible circuit member to thus effect engagement between the flexible substrate's contacts and respective conductors which constitute part of the circuit on the first substrate. Moveable clamp members may also be used to engage extending posts of the retention member, said clamp members also possibly acting against a stiffener member located on the first substrate's opposite surface from the flexible substrate.

Abstract: Christmas tree stands and packaging systems for the distribution of Christmas trees. The packaging system includes an elongated receptacle and a Christmas tree contained within the receptacle. A stand base is secured to the trunk of the Christmas tree at the butt end thereof. The packaging system is provided with means securing the base and tree within the receptacle in a manner to prevent relative longitudinal movement between the tree and the receptacle when the packaging system is in transit. The securing means fastens the base to the receptacle in a manner to prevent movement of the base toward the tip end of the receptacle while permitting the base and tree to be withdrawn from the receptacle when the butt end of the receptacle is opened. The stand base comprises a bottom pan portion and a peripheral rim portion so that the base is adapted to contain water. A peg extends upwardly from the pan portion and is provided with an axial bore therethrough from the underside to the top of the peg.

Abstract: Molten zinc coated strip is contacted with an internally cooled roll upon which is provided a thin film of liquid that serves to maintain effective heat transfer contact between the surface of the roll and the surface of the strip across the entire face of the strip.

Abstract: In an optical imaging system for an electrophotographic copier, a photodetector intercepts a portion of unfocused light being reflected toward the photoconductive surface. An electronic circuit generates a biasing voltage for the copier development electrode which varies with the amount of light incident on the photodetector a set time after the photodetector receives a distinctively intense light pulse reflected from a high-reflectivity strip positioned ahead of the document being copied. The time delay insures that the light which determines the bias voltage has been reflected from the main body of the document. The light pulse from the high reflectivity strip can also independently actuate the copy paper feed mechanism to insure proper image registration.

Abstract: A speaker assembly comprising a first cabinet or housing of a pyramidal configuration having a speaker element mounted therein in such a manner that the sound emitting from the speaker is concentrated in a direction outwardly of the pyramid, and a second housing of pyramidal configuration disposed in spaced relation to the speaker element whereby the sound emitting therefrom is directed against the walls of the second pyramid to provide a complete sound emission from the assembly through three hundred and sixty degrees.