Abstract: Techniques for use in connection with determining an optimized route for a vehicle include obtaining a target state, a fixed initial position of the vehicle, and dynamic flow information, and determining an optimized route from the fixed initial position to the target state using the dynamic flow information.

Abstract: Techniques for use in connection with determining an optimized route for a vehicle include obtaining a target state, a fixed initial position of the vehicle, and dynamic flow information, and determining an optimized route from the fixed initial position to the target state using the dynamic flow information.

Abstract: A fiber optic illumination device suitable for use in medical procedures and other application requiring the delivery of light to limited access locations is disclosed. The illumination device defines a proximal terminal structure derived from the optical fiber having a greater surface area than the diameter of the optical fiber and a distal terminal structure derived from the optical fiber having a greater surface area than diameter of the optical fiber. An integral light communication path is defined between the proximal terminal structure and the distal terminal structure. A method of manufacturing the fiber optic illumination device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber optic illumination device suitable for use in medical procedures and other application requiring the delivery of light to limited access locations is disclosed. The illumination device defines a proximal terminal structure derived from the optical fiber having a greater surface area than the diameter of the optical fiber and a distal terminal structure derived from the optical fiber having a greater surface area than diameter of the optical fiber. An integral light communication path is defined between the proximal terminal structure and the distal terminal structure. A method of manufacturing the fiber optic illumination device is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of phosphate removal from a body of water, especially in pools and spas. It is an improved method of removal of phosphate from pools and spas by the topical addition with a hand held, hose end sprayer of a phosphate scavenging agent or composition, such as aluminum chlorohydrate and a suitable chemical for pH adjustment, allowing the scavenging agent or composition and phosphate to interact and for the resultant product to settle to the floor of the pool or spa. After twenty-four hours the sediment on the floor is removed by vacuuming. After a second twenty-four hour period any additional sediment that has settled to the floor is removed by repeating the vacuuming procedure.

Abstract: A wing structure for a waterfowl decoy including a base, a proximal wing member, and a distal wing member. The wing structure features a shoulder connection between the base and the proximal wing member, allowing the proximal wing member to move with respect to the base. The wing structure also features a wrist connection between the proximal wing member and the distal wing member, allowing the distal wing member to move with respect to the proximal wing member.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of phosphate removal from a body of water, especially in pools and spas. It is an improved method of removal of phosphate from pools and spas by the topical addition with a hand held, hose end sprayer of a phosphate scavenging agent or composition, such as aluminum chlorohydrate and a suitable chemical for pH adjustment, allowing the scavenging agent or composition and phosphate to interact and for the resultant product to settle to the floor of the pool or spa. After twenty-four hours the sediment on the floor is removed by vacuuming. After a second twenty-four hour period any additional sediment that has settled to the floor is removed by repeating the vacuuming procedure.

Abstract: A wing structure for a waterfowl decoy including a base, a proximal wing member, and a distal wing member. The wing structure features a shoulder connection between the base and the proximal wing member, allowing the proximal wing member to move with respect to the base. The wing structure also features a wrist connection between the proximal wing member and the distal wing member, allowing the distal wing member to move with respect to the proximal wing member.

Abstract: A stabilizing keel for attachment to a waterfowl decoy including a stabilizing plate having a horizontal planar surface and a first strut connected to the stabilizing plate. In addition, apparatus such as a nut/bolt combination, screws, pins, or rivets is operatively associated with the first strut for attaching the first strut to a waterfowl decoy such that the horizontal planar surface of the stabilizing plate is positioned substantially horizontally when the stabilizing keel is attached to a decoy and oriented for use. The stabilizing plate may include a vertical planar surface which is positioned normal to the horizontal planar surface. Similarly, in certain embodiments the first strut may include a first planar strut surface. The first planar strut surface and the vertical planar surface may be parallel when the stabilizing keel is operatively oriented, together forming a vertical face which is perpendicular to the horizontal planar surface of the stabilizing plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved systems and processes for performing sequential batch anaerobic composting (SEBAC) on high solids content wastes. In particular, the present invention provides improved flooded SEBAC systems that function more efficiently (i.e., higher conversion kinetics) at lower temperatures than conventional SEBAC systems. Further, the improved flooded SEBAC systems and processes of the subject invention enable efficient anaerobic digestion operation at a smaller reactor volume ratio as compared to conventional SEBAC systems, without the displacement of leachate and clogging as a result of entrapped biogas or an increased pressure drop (hydraulic). Further, the improved flooded SEBAC systems of the invention overcome concerns associated with leachate displacement as well as excessive pressure drops.

Abstract: A steerable stylet for use within a lumen of an intravascular device includes a stylet assembly and a handle. The stylet assembly has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and includes a stylet wire having a lumen and a core wire positioned within the lumen with the distal end portion secured to the stylet wire proximate the distal end portion of the stylet wire. The handle includes a hand-held housing structure connected to one of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire. In one embodiment, an adjustable tensioner is connected to the other of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire to adjust a relative tension force applied between the stylet wire and the core wire. A tension limiter is arranged to limit the tension force to a limit force that is less than a breaking stress force of the stylet wire when the stylet wire is positioned within the lumen of the intravascular device.

Abstract: A steerable stylet for use within a lumen of an intravascular device includes a stylet assembly and a handle. The stylet assembly has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and includes a stylet wire having a lumen and a core wire positioned within the lumen with the distal end portion secured to the stylet wire proximate the distal end portion of the stylet wire. The handle includes a hand-held housing structure connected to one of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire. In one embodiment, an adjustable tensioner is connected to the other of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire to adjust a relative tension force applied between the stylet wire and the core wire. A tension limiter is arranged to limit the tension force to a limit force that is less than a breaking stress force of the stylet wire when the stylet wire is positioned within the lumen of the intravascular device.

Abstract: A steerable stylet for use within a lumen of an intravascular device includes a stylet assembly and a handle. The stylet assembly has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and includes a stylet wire having a lumen and a core wire positioned within the lumen with the distal end portion secured to the stylet wire proximate the distal end portion of the stylet wire. The handle includes a hand-held housing structure connected to one of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire. In one embodiment, an adjustable tensioner is connected to the other of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire to adjust a relative tension force applied between the stylet wire and the core wire. A tension limiter is arranged to limit the tension force to a limit force that is less than a breaking stress force of the stylet wire when the stylet wire is positioned within the lumen of the intravascular device.