Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring nodes in a redundant network configuration include identifying a master node from a plurality of nodes in the network by sending a configuration packet to each node. The configuration packet includes an identification number representing the node in the network from which the configuration packet originates, where each node in the network has a unique identification number. At each node in the network, the identification number in the configuration packet is compared to an identification number for that node. In one embodiment, the node whose identification number is greater than the identification number in the configuration packet is designated the master node. A virtual break is created in the network at the location of the master node to prevent a packet from returning to the node from which it originates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a float level switch featuring a housing; an actuator shaft arranged in the housing; and a low force shaft seal assembly arranged between the actuator shaft and the housing, having a combination of disks or seals, one being made of a semi-rigid lubricious material, for maintaining a watertight seal with a substantially reduced rotational force or friction on the actuator shaft than a conventional O-ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a float level switch featuring a housing; an actuator shaft arranged in the housing; and a low force shaft seal assembly arranged between the actuator shaft and the housing, having a combination of disks or seals, one being made of a semi-rigid lubricious material, for maintaining a watertight seal with a substantially reduced rotational force or friction on the actuator shaft than a conventional O-ring.

Abstract: A crib mattress bouncing device includes a lever having a pivot structure for releasably engaging a mattress support frame at a first end of the lever. A clamping structure intermediate the ends of the lever structure engages a tensioned wire or like structure in a mattress support. Displacing the second end of the lever in a first direction deflects the attached and surrounding portions of the mattress support and mattress in a first direction. Releasing a force on the second end allows the mattress support to return to its original position. Repeated actuation of the second end of the lever structure produces a gentle bouncing motion of the mattress.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for conserving water and heat energy in a hot water supply system. A holding tank is provided near the Point Of Use to capture unwanted cooled water. An integrated displacement actuator allows this volume to be recirculated back into the hot water supply line after use. The actuator consists of a flexible bladder or rolling diaphragm that divides the holding tank into two compartments; one for non-compressible supply water, and the second for a compressible phase change fluid. At ambient temperature, the phase change fluid condenses to a liquid phase at a relatively low pressure, allowing diverted water to flow into the tank from the hot water supply system. When the phase change fluid is warmed by the adjacent hot water, it changes to a gaseous phase, pressurizing the holding tank and allowing re-injection of the cool water into the hot water supply system. A control system is provided direct water flow based on time, temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing an aqueous solution of FeCl.sub.3. The process involves the steps of: (a) reacting an ore material comprising titanium and iron with chlorine and coke to form a metal chloride vapor stream comprising titanium tetrachloride, ferrous chloride, ferric chloride and unreacted coke and ore solids; (b) cooling the metal chloride vapor stream to a temperature in the range of 350 to 500.degree. C. to condense at least some of the ferrous chloride; (c) separating the condensed ferrous chloride and the unreacted coke and ore solids from the metal chloride vapor stream; (d) cooling the metal chloride vapor stream to a temperature in the range of 180 to 240.degree. C. to form a precipitate comprising ferric chloride; and (e) adding the precipitate to water to form an aqueous solution comprising ferric chloride. The resulting aqueous solution has a high FeCl.sub.3 content, and can be used in wastewater treatment applications.

Abstract: A very light, high force reaction-mass actuator using high energy density magnetostrictive material to accelerate a mass, producing a reaction force that can be used to oppose vibration forces. The reaction-mass actuator is configured having an axially symmetric design that features a Terfenol-D rod as a core. Surrounding the rod is a magnetic coil which provides the changing magnetizing field used to actively control magnetostrictive strain of the Terfenol rod. The magnetic coil also provides a magnetic flux based on a D.C. current, for biasing the Terfenol rod. The magnetic coil, disposed about the fixed magnetostrictive rod, is incorporated into a reaction mass assembly that is suspended and sealed inside an enclosed, stiff outer shell or housing by an elastomeric material mounting configuration that facilitates an output force with suppressed harmonic content. In addition, the elastomeric mounting configuration provides sealing protection against external factors.

Abstract: A process for beneficiation of titaniferous ores is disclosed in which a titanium and iron-containing ore, such as ilmenite is heated with potassium hydroxide, e.g. at temperatures of about 350.degree.-650.degree. C. and then treating the product with carbon monoxide and water. After cooling and washing the solid product can be separated by magnetic means into an iron-containing magnetic fraction and a titanium-containing fraction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for beneficiating titaniferous material which contains iron oxide. The titaniferous material is mixed with a molten salt or mixture or molten salts in which iron oxide dissolves to produce iron ions and oxyanions. The iron ions are electrolytically reduced to iron at the cathode and deposited as high purity iron on the cathode. The oxyanions react with a carbonaceous anode to generate CO and/or CO.sub.2. A beneficiated TiO.sub.2 product is recovered from the molten salt or mixture of molten salts.

Abstract: This invention relates to homogeneous copper-containing oxide superconductors with improved superconducting properties and a process for preparing them.