Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a hearing aid provides a housing having a motor drive and speed control. A rotary chamber is mounted to the housing and driven by the motor drive. A drive shaft can be provided connecting the motor drive and the rotary chamber. The rotary chamber has a wall with at least one receptacle for holding a hearing aid. The rotary chamber can have two openings, one for a hearing aid and a second opening for another hearing aid or a counterweight. The rotary chamber can be counterweighted to compensate for the weight of a single hearing aid or any other arrangements of multiple hearing aids. Each receptacle is configured to hold a hearing aid. The motor drive is powered sufficiently to rotate the hearing aid at the speed of between about 2800 and 3200 rpm in order to generate a G-force on the hearing aid of about 270 G's.

Abstract: A system and method are described for detecting failures of switches in a switching network including a plurality of switches. The sensing circuit includes a plurality of detecting networks, the plurality of detecting networks being fewer than the plurality of switches, each detecting network providing signals indicative of a failure of at least one of the switches.

Abstract: A system for providing reactive power compensation to a utility power network includes a switch coupled to the utility power network, and a capacitor coupled with the switch for providing a controlled amount of reactive current based on conditions of the utility power network. The system also includes a switchable power dissipation device coupled in series to the capacitor and configured to provide a preselected amount of impedance to the reactive current for a predetermined duration when a line voltage on the utility power network drops below a threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heat-treating of a heat-hardenable steel cruciform article having a weld seam includes a heating element to heat the weld seam to a point that an austenitic transformation occurs, and a quenching chamber to cool the weld seam, causing the formation of Martensite and an associated expansion. The quenching is rapid since slow quenching may allow a crystalline phase other than martensite to form. The apparatus may comprise rollers operable to convey the welded cruciform article through the apparatus at a speed such that the weld seam is subjected to heating for a predetermined heat time sufficient to cause a formation of martensite there within, and such that the heated portion reaches the quenching chamber and is quenched to create a substantial amount of martensite, e.g., an amount sufficient to cause expansion of the part.

Abstract: A system and method of redimensioning a ferrous object includes applying a localized heat source to a portion of the object and raising the portion to a temperature sufficient to cause a local expansion via the formation of martensite. Subsequently, the object is quenched while in a locally expanded state to cause a selective expansion of the object that persists at room temperature. The object may be cast iron or hardened steel in an embodiment. In a further embodiment, heat is applied via an inductive heater. In an embodiment the method includes machining the object after quenching.

Abstract: Provided are methods for identifying dogs as likely to be genetically normal, carriers of, or affected with Oculo-skeletal dysplasia (OSD) by determining the presence or absence of a drd2 COL9A2 mutation and/or a drd1 COL9A3 mutation. Also provided is a method for selective breeding of dogs and kits useful for carrying out the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method of removably anchoring well tubing in a well bore may include selecting a well having a bore diameter and an anchor positioned therein. The anchor may have a housing defining an anchor diameter and extension members extending therefrom toward the bore diameter. The bore diameter and anchor diameter may be spaced apart a distance defining an annulus therebetween and extending along the well. A tool sized to cut substantially exclusively within the annulus may be selected. The tool may be positioned within the annulus, rotated, and advanced to drive past the housing to remove the extension members between the housing and the bore diameter to free the anchor.

Abstract: A method and system for sanitizing grain products, and more particularly, a method and system for using improved ozone treatment techniques and systems to sanitize grain products.

Abstract: A transportation system having ozone generators, fans, and a flexible skirt to create a concentrated area of ozone within the containment system to drive insects from the container and to discourage insects from entering the container during transport.

Abstract: A method of removably anchoring well tubing in a well bore may include selecting a well having a bore diameter and an anchor positioned therein. The anchor may have a housing defining an anchor diameter and extension members extending therefrom toward the bore diameter. The bore diameter and anchor diameter may be spaced apart a distance defining an annulus therebetween and extending along the well. A tool sized to cut substantially exclusively within the annulus may be selected. The tool may be positioned within the annulus, rotated, and advanced to drive past the housing to remove the extension members between the housing and the bore diameter to free the anchor.

Abstract: A method for treating grain comprising circulating concentrated ozone through an evenly distributed column of grain to maintain a concentration of between 50 and 100 ppm.

Abstract: Asynchronous motors are controlled by way of two- or three-phase controllers that include at least two pair of thyristors connected in antiparallel and fired at certain intervals. According to the inventive method, a fundamental wave with the desired frequency is defined for the first phase and in the other phase a respective fundamental wave is defined that has the same frequency as that in the first phase, but phase-shifted by corresponding values. For every phase, firing intervals are marked that have the same polarity as the respective fundamental wave. Those intervals of the potential firing intervals are used for every phase at which there is a potential firing interval in one of the two other phases. These intervals are used as the actual firing intervals.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making composite particles, such as supported metallic catalyst particles, that involve providing a vapor of a metallic catalyst material in a carrier gas flow, providing an aerosol of support particles wherein the support particles are at a lower temperature than said vapor, and contacting the aerosol and the vapor in the carrier gas flow to form particles of the metallic catalyst material on individual support particles.

Abstract: A plastic lid with removal tab made to fit 3 ounce cat food cans, is a new offering for the pet food purchasing consumer. Various plastic lids are available for various pet food cans, including a plastic lid that fits two sizes of pet food cans. However, this is the first plastic lid to my knowledge, that will fit a 3 ounce cat food can.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming coreless rolls of pressure sensitive adhesive tape involves the use of a mandrel assembly having a specific circumferential tape supporting segment thereon for winding tape. The circumferential tape supporting segment has a tape engaging surface portion that, in a radial orientation, is compressible yet sufficiently stiff to support the tape as it is successively wound about the mandrel to form a tape roll, and that is sufficiently pliant to permit ready axial removal of a wound tape roll from the shaft. The innermost wrap of pressure sensitive adhesive tape about the mandrel is masked by an adhesive liner. That liner is formed from one portion of a liner/tab segment which had been applied to the tape previously, and prior to winding, the tape is severed, and the remainder of that liner/tab forms an end tab on the outermost end of the previously formed coreless tape roll.

Abstract: Asynchronous motors are controlled by way of two- or three-phase antiductors that comprise at least two pair of thyristors connected in antiparallel and fired at certain intervals. According to the inventive method, a fundamental wave with the desired frequency is defined for the first phase and in the other phase a respective fundamental wave is defined that has the same frequency as that in the first phase but phase-shifted by corresponding values. For every phase, firing intervals are marked that have the same polarity as the respective fundamental wave. Those intervals of the potential firing intervals are used for every phase at which there is a potential firing interval in one of the two other phases. These intervals are used as the actual firing intervals.