Abstract: The solar-powered wildlife camera is a high-quality type of camera trap designed to operate by efficient use of power during the day or the night. The solar cell at the top of the device makes such efficiency possible. Said solar cell works in tandem with a lithium battery on the bottom of the device, drawing on its energy when necessary, and charging it when the solar cell generates excess energy. The solar-powered wildlife camera uses an infrared light and thermal trigger to activate the camera when motion is detected or when a heat signature is detected. Therefore, the camera is enabled to capture footage of wildlife during dark hours in addition to hours during the day. The camera device has strap mounts on its posterior to hold it upright. Alternatively, the bottom anchor can be used to mount on a post.

Abstract: A storage and drying apparatus may comprise a base component, and storage and drying components. The storage and drying component may be a large footwear component, a small footwear component or an apparel component. Any combination of components may be used in connection with the apparatus. A drainage tray may be removeably carried by the base component. The storage and drying components may each include connecting pegs and corresponding connecting holes to receive the connecting pegs so that the storage and drying components may be securely and interchangeably stacked.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a fluid filter comprises a primary filter configured to filter water passing therethrough, the primary filter having first and second ends. A mount holds the planar filter in a chamber adjacent to an opening in the chamber, such that fluid passing through the opening substantially passes through the primary filter. The mount also holds the primary filter at an angle with respect to the opening such that the first end is closer to the planar surface than the second end and such that the second end, but not the first end, is in contact with a wall of the chamber. A downstream filter may also be used to provide a cascading effect permitting water to flow over the edge of the primary filter onto the downstream filter.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a filter assembly for filtering a fluid flowing from a first container into a second container comprises a filter panel disposed in a partition between the first and second containers. The filter panel may include a bristle filter and a frame that holds the bristle filter, and the bristle filter may include a plurality of bristles attached at their proximate ends in an adjacent configuration along the length of a base. The filter panel may be disposed such that the upper ends of the bristles are above a top surface of the fluid in the first container and the lower ends of the bristles are below the top surface of the fluid in the first container.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for power factor control of a motor. A phase detector uses a line voltage of a power supply and a motor terminal voltage of a motor. The output of the phase detector is synchronized to a zero crossing of the motor current of the motor and a zero crossing of the line voltage. A digital microprocessor connected between the output of the phase detector and a rectifier driver senses a first time at which a phase of the motor voltage is crossing zero volts and a second time at which a phase of the motor current is crossing zero current. The digital microprocessor calculates the difference in time between the first and second times and uses the difference in time to calculate a phase lag of the motor. The digital microprocessor uses the phase lag to calculate a firing time of a rectifier to command power efficiently to the motor.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for playing an audio/video program. One such system includes an audio/video player, a first storage device connected to the audio/video player and storing a first portion of an audio/video program, and a second storage device storing a second portion of the audio/video program and connected via a network to at least one of (1) the audio/video player and (2) the first storage device. In response to an instruction to play the audio/video program on the audio/video player, the second portion of the audio/video program automatically is retrieved from the second storage device, the second portion is combined with the first portion, and the audio/video program is played on the audio/video player.

Abstract: A storm drain filter including a frame holding a filter assembly to filter incoming drainage water and thereby prevent sediment from entering the storm drain's inlet. The frame can be easily removed and replaced to allow street sweeping. In one embodiment, an erosion control apparatus comprises one or more broom filters each including a plurality of adjacent bristles, and a frame that holds the broom filter(s) so that the bristles extend downwardly to the road surface. In one embodiment, the beam of the broom filter is pivotally connected to the frame, and the bristles have substantially greater than a 90° vertical angle, to allow the weight and flexibility of the bristles to conform to variations in the road surface. A filtration bag to filter hydrocarbons may be attached downstream of the broom filter. The frame can be designed for a wide variety of implementations, and can be re-usable.

Abstract: A storm drain filter assembly that filters incoming drainage water and can prevent sediment, debris, and other undesirable materials (such as oil) from entering a storm drain's inlet. The frame can be rotated upwardly away from the road for street sweeping, and can also be detached from the curb and removed to a remote location for cleaning. The filter assembly comprises a filter panel including a bristle filter and a frame that holds the bristle filter, the bristle filter including a plurality of bristles. At least one seal is positioned between the filter panel and the surface to prevent leakage around the edges of the panel. A pivotable mount is provided for holding the filter panel in an operational position in the path of the flowing drainage water. In one embodiment the bristles are made of polypropylene.

Abstract: A convertible yard tool is disclosed having an implement connected for rotation within a housing, wherein the implement and housing are operated relative to a ground surface in either a snow throwing orientation or a sweeping orientation. When operated in the snow throwing orientation and with the implement being a snow throwing impeller, the yard tool can be used to remove snow from a surface. When operated in the sweeping orientation and with the implement being a broom, the yard tool can be used to move debris from a surface to be cleaned. An adjustable handle may be provided to facilitate movement of the yard tool across various surfaces.

Abstract: A handle having an adjustable shaft wherein the overall length of the shaft and/or the angular relationship of portions of the shaft can be varied by a user of an associated tool. In one embodiment, the handle includes a first tube, a second tube connected to a working unit of a portable tool, and wherein a portion of the second tube is telescopically received into the first tube. A coupling is provided to receive a portion of the first tube and the second tube. The coupling has a pin stop which engages a pin connected to one of the tubes and defines a limit of a range of relative rotational motion between the first tube and the second tube. In one embodiment, the upper tubular portion of the handle and a control grip are capable of being rotated relative to a working unit.

Abstract: A storm drain filter including a frame holding a filter assembly to filter incoming drainage water and thereby prevent sediment from entering the storm drain's inlet. The frame can be easily removed and replaced to allow street sweeping. In one embodiment, an erosion control apparatus comprises one or more broom filters each including a plurality of adjacent bristles, and a frame that holds the broom filter(s) so that the bristles extend downwardly to the road surface. In one embodiment, the beam of the broom filter is pivotally connected to the frame, and the bristles have substantially greater than a 90° vertical angle, to allow the weight and flexibility of the bristles to conform to variations in the road surface. A filtration bag to filter hydrocarbons may be attached downstream of the broom filter. The frame can be designed for a wide variety of implementations, and can be re-usable.

Abstract: A debris collection system for use with a portable, hand held blower/vac comprises a wheeled cart. A collection bag is releasably carried on the cart. A connecting hose releasably couples the collection bag to the fan outlet of the blower/vac to fill the collection bag with debris picked up by the blower/vac when the blower/vac operates in the vacuum mode. The cart rolls on the ground and trails behind the blower/vac in the manner of a canister vacuum cleaner as a user operates the blower/vac and walks forwardly with the blower/vac. The collection bag may be a reusable fabric bag or a disposable paper bag.

Abstract: An insulating material in the form of a body comprising expanded plastics beads which are each encapsulated in bitumen or a bituminous compound which is free from solvents, light oils, emulsifiers or other liquifying agents, such encapsulation having been formed by a hot process, the encapsulated beads having been subsequently pressed together and distorted to form a body with voids between the beads substantially eliminated.

Abstract: An improved flexible cementitious material is prepared by mixing an aqueous dispersion or latex of elastomeric polymer (e.g. butyl rubber) with cement (e.g. Portland), allowing the mixture to harden typically for 28 days under conditions of high relative humidity, and thereafter compressing the hardened material (e.g. by passing the material between rollers) to reduce the brittleness and to increase the flexibility thereof. The initial cementitious mixture preferably contains additional components such as a dessicant (e.g. lime). The resulting flexible material is useful as a joint filler between concrete structures to take-up deformation therebetween.

Abstract: A generally T-shaped flexible spacer for use in the formation of a flexible joint in concrete cladding for pipes, having a base flange and a compressible web extending generally perpendicularly from the base flange on one side thereof. In use, spacers are applied to a pipe at intervals, and are self supporting with the web radial of the pipe. When concrete is sprayed onto the pipe it forms a cladding in sections, between which the spacers provide compressible joints to accommodate bending of the pipe.

Abstract: A generally T-shaped flexible spacer for use in the formation of a flexible joint in concrete cladding for pipes, having a base flange and a compressible web extending generally perpendicularly from the base flange on one side thereof. In use, spacers are applied to a pipe at intervals, and are self supporting with the web radial of the pipe. When concrete is sprayed onto the pipe it forms a cladding in sections, between which the spacers provide compressible joints to accommodate bending of the pipe.

Abstract: Novel external waterstops for use in sealing concrete joints which comprise a deformable section which forms a grout-tight seal when stop-end shuttering is positioned against the waterstop.