Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for a resonant scanner for three-dimensional (3D) mapping. The system, apparatus, and method employ a small, lightweight articulating device that performs as a 3D Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) laser from a moving scanner platform in a way that provides geolocation and takes advantage of mechanical resonance to amplify motion in the tilt axis. The device is used to map terrain in 3D space. The disclosed method involves resonating the scanner platform of the device with a spring about a pivot. The method further involves determining with a position sensor the tilt position and/or resonance rate of the scanner platform. Further, the method involves applying torque with an actuator to the scanner platform, and controlling with a controller the resonance of the scanner platform.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for a resonant scanner for three-dimensional (3D) mapping. The system, apparatus, and method employ a small, lightweight articulating device that performs as a 3D Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) laser from a moving scanner platform in a way that provides geolocation and takes advantage of mechanical resonance to amplify motion in the tilt axis. The device is used to map terrain in 3D space. The disclosed method involves resonating the scanner platform of the device with a spring about a pivot. The method further involves determining with a position sensor the tilt position and/or resonance rate of the scanner platform. Further, the method involves applying torque with an actuator to the scanner platform, and controlling with a controller the resonance of the scanner platform.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a mobile sign with a solar panel for warning motorists of highway problems. The mobile sign comprises support structure configured as a wheeled vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the sign panel comprises an enclosure or housing having a front transparent panel, a multiplicity of LED's in a matrixical arrangement for generating electronically changeable messages mounted in the enclosure and spaced from the front panel, and a pattern of opaque material, for example paint, applied on the exterior of the front transparent panel defining a plurality of windows for passing light therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the windows will be in a matrixical arrangement comprising a plurality of rows and columns of individual LED's or rows and columns of groupings of LEDs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a crucible. The method includes the steps of (a) bottoming one end of a tube thereby forming a substantially closed end; (b) heating the closed end to a forming temperature; (c) contacting an interior surface of the closed end with a forming tool, thereby altering the interior surface of the closed end to form at least one section with a predetermined wall thickness; and (d) manipulating the at least one section of the closed end to form an orifice.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a mobile sign with a solar panel for warning motorists of highway problems. The mobile sign comprises support structure configured as a wheeled vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the sign panel comprises an enclosure or housing having a front transparent panel, a multiplicity of LED's in a matrixical arrangement for generating electronically changeable messages mounted in the enclosure and spaced from the front panel, and a pattern of opaque material, for example paint, applied on the exterior of the front transparent panel defining a plurality of windows for passing light therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the windows will be in a matrixical arrangement comprising a plurality of rows and columns of individual LED's or rows and columns of groupings of LEDs.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a sign system for creating extremely lightweight, reconfigurable, and changeable signs suitable for outdoor use adjacent to roadways. The system provides adjustable message screen size, electronically changeable messages and alphanumeric adjustable character size of at least 6 inches in height. The system comprises a sign controller and a plurality of interchangeable modules each sealed to be weather resistant. Each module having a display side with a rectangular screen portion, the screen portion having transparent portions with pixel elements positioned behind said transparent portions and within said module. Each module has the pixels arranged in a first matrix pattern and sufficient in number to provide alphanumeric characters and portions of characters of adjustable size of at least 6 inches. Each module having a bit map memory and being individually addressable with respect to other modules.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an outdoor sign has a plurality of display modules, each hermetically sealed, for forming a hermetically sealed large sign screen. Each module is preferably formed of a lightweight plastic enclosure with an open interior containing circuitry and light emitting diodes. Means for minimizing deflection of the front panel are incorporated into the enclosure. One such means includes a single restrictive vent for pressure equalization to minimize deflection of the face portion. The means also includes an internal diaphragm to maintain the integrity of the hermetic seal. A feature and advantage of the invention is that moisture and other containments are effectively precluded from entry into the chamber containing the circuitry and LED's of the display sign.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a sign system for creating extremely lightweight, reconfigurable, and changeable signs suitable for outdoor use adjacent to roadways. The system provides adjustable message screen size, electronically changeable messages and alphanumeric adjustable character size of at least 6 inches in height. The system comprises a sign controller and a plurality of interchangeable modules each sealed to be weather resistant. Each module having a display side with a rectangular screen portion, the screen portion having transparent portions with pixel elements positioned behind the transparent portions and within the module. Each module has the pixels arranged in a first matrix pattern and sufficient in number to provide alphanumeric characters and portions of characters of adjustable size of at least 6 inches. Each module having a bit map memory and being individually addressable with respect to other modules.

Abstract: A highway marker manipulating apparatus comprising a pair of gripper wheels spaced apart to engage and apply pressure onto the side edges of the base flange of a highway marker. The wheels are spaced apart by a loading magazine between the wheels and directing the marker flanges into gripped engagement with the gripping faces of the opposing wheels; and a guide panel between the outer portions of the wheels to guide the flanges of the markers being retrieved off the pavement. A stripper guide is provided between the wheels for urging the flanges of the markers toward the outer periphery of the wheels as the flanges are also engaging the peripherally extending guide panels as to turn the markers and move the markers along the stripper bars which carry the markers to the upper periphery of the wheels. Stabilizing guides or runners are provided to be removably mounted at the lower portion of the gripper wheels to receive the flanges of dispensed markers therebeneath for stabilizing the markers on the pavement.

Abstract: A power operated linear actuator for remote operation of a machine. A cylinder frame containing a motor and a step-down gear train, a push-pull rod connected with a threaded nut movable along a high-pitch screw threaded shaft in the cylinder frame and an electromagnet clutch between the gear train and the screw shaft.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating wastewater sludge to a level that meets or exceeds USEPA Process to Further Reduce Pathogens standards, wherein lime or kiln dust and/or other alkaline materials are mixed with wastewater sludge in sufficient quantity to raise the pH of the mixture to 12 and above for a predetermined time and drying the resulting mixture.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating wastewater sludge to a level that meets or exceeds USEPA Process to Further Reduce Pathogens standards, wherein lime or kiln dust and/or other alkaline materials are mixed with wastewater sludge in sufficient quantity to raise the pH of the mixture to 12 and above for at least two hours and drying the resulting mixture by an aeration process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cathodic protection system for reinforced concrete structures, having reinforced steel embedded in the concrete mix. The system includes an electrically conductive coating composition applied in fluid form over an outer surface of the concrete mix. The coating composition, when dry, comprises a permeable binder material through which moisture permeates preventing entrapment of moisture in the reinforced concrete structure. The composition further includes a predetermined amount of electrically conductive filler material uniformly distributed in the binder material whereby the coating composition has a predetermined value of resitivity. The coating composition protects the reinforced concrete structure from corrosion when electrical energy flows through the coating composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of representing corrosion occurring in the reinforced concrete structure and the resultant representation. The representation comprises a display of individual color indicia each representative of electrolytic voltage potential measured at a corresponding location on a surface of the structure. Each color indicia is one of a selected group of distinguishable color indicia and each distinguishable color indicia represents a predetermined range of electrolytic potentials. The method of representing corrosion involves measuring the electrolytic voltage potentials at predetermined locations on the concrete surface, and assigning a displacement co-ordinate to each measurement and a color indicia to each measured value of electrolytic voltage potential. The color indicia is representative of each measured electrolytic voltage potential and is marked on a surface in accordance with the co-ordinates of each measured potential.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel electrode suitable for use with a device for making an electrical survey of a structure contained in an electrolyte. The wheel electrode includes a chamber which contains electrolytic solution and a porous rim. The rim includes a dielectric rim structure having at least one recess in its axial surface, a plurality of apertures passing through the rim structure into the recess, and at least one porous member securable in the recess and having a predetermined rate of permeation. A metal electrode is positioned in the chamber in contact with the electrolytic solution. An elastic porous rim cover is securable about the rim for making contact with the electrolyte. The rim cover is adapted to carry an electrically conductive solution to the electrolyte during wheel rotation. Generating mechanisms are spaced about the wheel electrode at predetermined intervals for generating a series of electrical signals as the wheel electrode rotates.

Abstract: A method of beneficiating waste sludge which comprises mixing kiln dust with waste sludge, exposing the mixture at ambient temperature without compacting for a time sufficient to produce a disintegratable, friable product which can be applied to land as a soil conditioner.

Abstract: The method of beneficiating kiln dusts which has insufficient reactive properties to produce desired pozzolanic reactions which method comprises adding small amounts of a material selected from the group consisting of CaO, calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. The beneficiated dusts can be utilized with fly ash or fly ash and a filler to produce pozzolanic reactions and provide a durable mass.

Abstract: A mixture consisting essentially of fly ash and cement kiln dust which reacts at ambient temperature with water to produce a durable mass.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating wastewater sludge to a level that meets or exceeds USEPA Process to Further Reduce Pathogens standards, wherein lime or kiln dust and/or other alkaline materials are mixed with wastewater sludge in sufficient quantity to raise the pH of the mixture to 12 and above for a predetermined time and drying the resulting mixture.