Abstract: Apparatus including a light emitting diode; a constant current source for driving the diode; modulation circuitry for modulating the current supplied to the light emitting diode so that digital information can be carried on light from the diode; and a filtering circuit between the constant current source and the light emitting diode to minimize the effect of LED modulation on the current source. Alternatively, the constant current source can supply current to the diode or to one of a power dissipating element or power storage element. A method for powering a light emitting diode includes using a constant current source; and modulating the current supplied by the constant current source at a frequency for transmitting digital data on light produced. In the alternative, a method can also include diverting current from the constant current source away from the light emitting diode, when the light emitting diode is not emitting light.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for insulating and/or identifying beverages of a tower beverage dispenser. Particularly, a tower wrap can provide sufficient insulation to a beverage tower of the tower beverage dispenser. For example, the tower wrap can prevent substantial rise in temperature of the beverages located within the beverage tower, while the beverage passes through or remains within the beverage tower.

Abstract: An electronic tongue strike mechanism which can be mounted in a door frame is disclosed. The electronic tongue strike mechanism has a main mounting bracket which is mountable to a door frame, a tension plate which is pivotally mounted to the main mounting bracket a tongue strike mounted on the tension plate for engaging a door bolt and a pressure sensor mounted on the tension plate to sense relative movement between the tension plate and the main mounting bracket caused by the door bolt being urged against the tongue strike. The pressure sensor feeds electronics which operate to control release of the tongue strike.

Abstract: An electronic tongue strike mechanism which can be mounted in a door frame is disclosed. The electronic tongue strike mechanism has a main mounting bracket which is mountable to a door frame, a tension plate which is pivotally mounted to the main mounting bracket a tongue strike mounted on the tension plate for engaging a door bolt and a pressure sensor mounted on the tension plate to sense relative movement between the tension plate and the main mounting bracket caused by the door bolt being urged against the tongue strike. The pressure sensor feeds electronics which operate to control release of the tongue strike.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a variable localized pressure to a selected portion of the human spine to modify human behavior or treat a human condition or ailment. A flexible and resilient pressure member is brought into engagement with the spine portion, and a mechanism is connected to the pressure member to support it in engagement with the spine portion and to create reciprocatory movement of the pressure member in a predetermined timed sequence to effect the variable localized pressure on the spine portion.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for correcting for changes in the charge transfer efficiency of a charge coupled device (12) includes a light source (38) for providing synthetic reference images to a preselected portion (26) of the image array (16) of the charge coupled device (12). The initial synthetic reference image is compared with subsequent synthetic references images to determine the changes in the charge transfer efficiency of the charge coupled device (12). The changes are used to correct images form the image array (16).

Abstract: A heating element formed from at least two wires twisted together. The twisted wires are preferably shaped in a helical configuration and mounted within a quartz tube.

Abstract: A process for blast cleaning an article having internal passageways that produces a clean, weldable, and brazable article that is free of blast media residue. The process includes blasting the internal passageways of the article with a soluble blast media, rinsing the article with a solvent in which the blast media is soluble, and removing the solvent from the internal passageways of the article using a stream of air.

Abstract: A liquid pulsation dampening device comprises a sound transmitting tube structure, including a helical fin that causes incoming pulsations within a liquid to first traverse a spiral path. Vibrations and pulsations transmitted through the liquid are transferred to the tube and are effectively cancelled during their subsequent reverse axial movement through the tube interior. The housing includes a port leading between the housing and tube. One end wall includes a port leading to the tube interior. Passages are provided at the opposite end of the device for free-flow of liquid between the space separating the housing and tube and the tube interior.

Abstract: An immersion heater having the bent legs of the individual electrical elements joined to a wall by a press fit between tapered element surface and tapered wall apertures. A movable brace interconnects the element legs and dampens vibration.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining equipment, such as an engine, in readiness for use while it is otherwise nonoperational. The equipment or engine is of the general type having two or more closed liquid recirculation systems. The apparatus bypasses the usual recirculating pumps in such systems. External supply pumps remove liquid from separate sumps or reservoirs and divert the liquids from passage through the normal recirculating pumps of the recirculation systems. The diverted liquid is conditioned to a predetermined temperature by passage through a heat exchanger where one liquid warms or cools the other. The liquids, pressurized by operation of the supply pumps, are then redirected into the equipment recirculation systems downstream from the respective outlets of the recirculating pumps. The pressurized and temperature conditioned liquids are then forced through the equipment passages in the respective recirculation systems in a manner similar to normal liquid circulation during use of the equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining equipment, such as an engine, in readiness for use while it is otherwise nonoperational. The equipment or engine is of the type having a closed liquid recirculation system. The present method and apparatus bypasses the usual recirculating pump in this system. An external supply power removes liquid from the sump or reservoir, and diverts the liquid from passage through the normal recirculating pump of the recirculating system. The diverted liquid is conditioned to a predetermined temperature by passage through a heat exchanger. It is pressurized by operation of the supply pump. It is then directed into the equipment recirculation system downstream from the outlet of the system's recirculating pump. The pressurized and temperature conditioned liquid is then forced through the equipment passages in the recirculation system. This maintains the equipment at a temperature in readiness for use.