Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for transporting and dispersing solid particles into the earth's stratosphere, comprising a conduit connecting a substantially ground level location to an elevated location, a particle transport means, and a deagglomeration means coupled with a dispersal means, wherein the deagglomeration means and dispersal means are located at an elevated location, and to a method of transporting particles of high refractive index into the stratosphere as well as to an aircraft and to a cloud thus formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial throat for simulating aroma release comprising—a tube (1) having an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) and having an upper portion (4), a middle portion (5) and a lower portion (6);—a sample supply system (12) debouching at the upper portion of the tube;—an inlet closure (9) for closing and opening the inlet;—an outlet closure (10) for closing and opening the outlet;—a gas ventilation system (13) debauching at the lower portion of the tube for providing a gas flow, such as an air flow, through the tube. The invention also relates to an assembly for simulating and analyzing aroma release comprising an artificial throat and an analyzing apparatus, such as a mass-spectrometer. Furthermore the invention relates to a method for simulating and analyzing aroma release by means of an artificial throat. Aroma release according to the invention means the release of volatile compounds from substances such as food and drinks, which compounds are transported by means o a gas flow.

Abstract: A method is provided that can include providing a computer, storing data records in the data store, processing the data records to form a hierarchical chart that reflects a relationship field and displaying the hierarchical chart on the display device. Each data record can include an identifier field, a relationship field, and a quality assurance field, where the relationship field for at least one of the data records defines a hierarchical relationship with at least one of the other of the data records. The computer can include a processing device, a display device, a storage device, and a data store. A computer program and system are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial throat for simulating aroma release comprising—a tube (1) having an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) and having an upper portion (4), a middle portion (5) and a lower portion (6);—a sample supply system (12) debouching at the upper portion of the tube;—an inlet closure (9) for closing and opening the inlet;—an outlet closure (10) for closing and opening the outlet;—a gas ventilation system (13) debauching at the lower portion of the tube for providing a gas flow, such as an air flow, through the tube. The invention also relates to an assembly for simulating and analyzing aroma release comprising an artificial throat and an analyzing apparatus, such as a mass-spectrometer. Furthermore the invention relates to a method for simulating and analyzing aroma release by means of an artificial throat. Aroma release according to the invention means the release of volatile compounds from substances such as food and drinks, which compounds are transported by means o a gas flow.

Abstract: This invention deals with a novel general concept for a multi-wavelength switching ensemble which is controlled electrically, electromagetically, or magnetically. A switching system is presented that achieves electrical isolation between the input and output channels, and yet permits the input to control the output. It allows a full 180 degree rotation of the beam which greatly exceeds the rotational capability of conventional systems. Furthermore, the instant invention permits less costly and greater ease of manufacture while providing independent amplitude and frequency modulation between the input and output channels.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to method and apparatus for solar-boost assist and solar-sail assist by a mini-optics light concentrator system utilizing a dynamic ensemble of mini-mirrors. In the boost phase of a rocket ship launch, the system focusses solar energy into the rocket chamber to raise the temperature of the propellant and increase the impulse. In the mid-course phase, the system focusses solar energy onto the rocket's solar sail to increase the thrust. In both cases, the system reduces the weight of the rocket by providing a weightless source of thrust.

Abstract: This invention deals with the broad general concept for active reflection or projection illumination and image formation. A mini-optics reflection and focussing system is presented that ranges from interior illumination, to exterior illumination, to large scale space based illumination, to ordinary and to telescopic image formation. It can be used both as a source of illumination, and to project images, figures, and the written word. This novel system is uniquely distinct and different from prior art direct viewing gyricon displays, allowing it to be more versatile, economical, and practical with broader applications such as dynamic full color displays. In most cases it can operate with greater simplicity and efficiency. Furthermore in its capacity as a high altitude active reflector of solar radiation, it can be utilized to supply illumination, energy, and provide climate control.

Abstract: A rotary positive-displacement fluid machine comprising a rotor eccentrically mounted in a casing for rotation about an axis, the rotor having recesses respectively receiving vanes which oscillate in the recesses as the rotor rotates. Each vane is connected by a crank to an arm for oscillation about a vane axis which is located inwards of the outer extremity of the tip which itself has a clearance fit within the casing. The tip of each vane is preferably curved about an axis parallel to the respective vane axis. The machine may be connected to the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and driven by the pressure difference between the ambient air and that at the engine inlet manifold. Alternatively, the device may be operated as a heat pump.

Abstract: A portable cooking apparatus is disclosed having a foldable firebox body made up of a bottom panel, a plurality of side panels sequentially hinged together and hingedly connected to the bottom panel and with each side panel hinged for folding the panel portions in overlapping relationship so that the side panels can be folded into a body closed position with the side panel portions overlapping for enclosing material such as a fuel supply, an igniter for the fuel supply, and utensils between the bottom panel and the folded overlapping side panels. With the side panel portions unfolded the body is in open position for supporting a cooking surface around the top edges of the side panels. The foldable body can include downwardly projecting bosses to position the body on a support surface, upwardly projecting bosses for supporting the fuel member, and apertures for air to aid in combustion.

Abstract: Apparatus is permanently mounted in the deck adjacent to a swimming pool and connected to the water in the pool to generate a laminar flow of water near the surface of the pool at a rate sufficient for exercise and therapy purposes. Two openings are provided in a wall of the pool, one near the surface and one near the bottom. The openings are connected by a flow conduit which includes an arcuately curved section and a straight section, the latter connected to the upper opening. Diffuser vanes are provided along the flow conduit and in the upper opening. A flow generating means, including a rotating impeller disposed within the flow conduit, draws water in through the lower opening, passes it through the flow conduit and past the diffuser vanes, and discharges it through the upper opening as laminar flow.

Abstract: An applicator clamp for a flexible dispensing tube having an outlet comprises a unit body including a pressure plate terminating in an open-ended retainer tube having a free edge spaced from and defining with the pressure plate a throated opening adapted to progressively receive flattened end portions of the dispensing tube with adjacent reverse-turned portions of the dispensing tube projected through one end of the retainer tube and anchored therein. Manual pressure applied to the plate into the dispensing tube extrudes the stored material through the outlet.

Abstract: A therapy apparatus to be mounted in a pool of water for generating a laminar flow of water at a rate sufficient for exercising and therapy purposes. A housing is secured externally to a swimming pool, the water inlet and outlet being disposed within the pool of water and being supported by the external housing. The water inlet is located below the surface of the swimming pool, water being forced through the inlet and upwardly by a rotating impeller to the outlet. The water outlet is below the water surface and directs the flow of water substantially parallel to the surface of the swimming pool and at an angle of approximately 90 degrees of arc with respect to the flow at the impeller. Sets of radial, elbow and outlet diffusers are mounted within the water flow chamber to create a laminar flow of water at the output and substantially eliminate all unwanted turbulance.

Abstract: A holder for a hydraulic swaging tool has a base having an upstanding anchor bracket at one end thereof. A manually actuated hydraulic pump includes a cylindrical body at one end secured to the bracket with its other end bearing upon the base and a pump outlet. A clamp assembly on the opposite end of the base on one side thereof includes a saddle and an overlying pressure cap, each with opposing semi-circular surfaces, receiving a resilient transverse sleeve. A swaging tool with a pressure fluid inlet is axially nested in the sleeve and is frictionally gripped within the clamp assembly. A conduit interconnects the pump outlet and the swaging tool inlet.