Abstract: Sensors used in mapping strata beneath a marine body are described, such as used in a flexible towed array. A first sensor is a motion sensor including a conductive liquid in a chamber between a rigid tube and a piezoelectric motion film circumferentially wrapped about the tube. A second sensor is a traditional acoustic sensor or a novel acoustic sensor using a piezoelectric sensor mounted with a thin film separation layer of flexible microspheres on a rigid substrate. Additional non-acoustic sensors are optionally mounted on the rigid substrate for generation of output used to reduce noise observed by the acoustic sensors. Combinations of acoustic, non-acoustic, and motion sensors co-located in rigid streamer housing sections are provided.

Abstract: Sensors used in mapping strata beneath a marine body are described, such as used in a flexible towed array. A first sensor is a motion sensor including a conductive liquid in a chamber between a rigid tube and a piezoelectric motion film circumferentially wrapped about the tube. A second sensor is a traditional acoustic sensor or a novel acoustic sensor using a piezoelectric sensor mounted with a thin film separation layer of flexible microspheres on a rigid substrate. Additional non-acoustic sensors are optionally mounted on the rigid substrate for generation of output used to reduce noise observed by the acoustic sensors. Combinations of acoustic, non-acoustic, and motion sensors co-located in rigid streamer housing sections are provided.

Abstract: A resistance member assembly including a resistance member having a pair of opposing ends separated by a length and a retention bulb coupled to at least one of the opposing ends, a resistance member frame including an upper portion and a lower portion having a proximal end and a distal end defining a resistance member channel therebetween, the resistance member channel sized to receive one of the pair of opposing ends of the resistance member therein, and a seat at the distal end, the seat including a pair of opposing sidewalls tapering inwardly toward each other and each having a terminal upper end and a bottom support surface extending a distance beyond the terminal upper end of the pair of opposing sidewalls, the pair of opposing sidewalls and the bottom support surface defining a seat sized and shaped to prevent a movement of the retention bulb in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A payment processing system and method comprising a POS module providing an interface to effect sales of FGS in a retail environment, a device module operatively connected to at least one retail device configured to supply FGS and comprising a card reader adapted to receive a first payment card data for payment for the FGS, wherein the device module is adapted to control operation of the at least one retail device, and a payment system module operatively connected to the POS module and the device module, the payment system module adapted to validate payment for the FGS. The payment system module and the device module are separated from the POS module in order to segment a portion of the payment processing system configured to handle payment card data from a portion of the system that does not handle payment card data.

Abstract: A payment processing system and method comprising a POS module providing an interface to effect sales of FGS in a retail environment, a device module operatively connected to at least one retail device configured to supply FGS and comprising a card reader adapted to receive a first payment card data for payment for the FGS, wherein the device module is adapted to control operation of the at least one retail device, and a payment system module operatively connected to the POS module and the device module, the payment system module adapted to validate payment for the FGS. The payment system module and the device module are separated from the POS module in order to segment a portion of the payment processing system configured to handle payment card data from a portion of the system that does not handle payment card data.

Abstract: A resistance device for use with an exercise apparatus including a resistance member having a first portion and a second portion separated by a length. The resistance device includes a first coupling member defining a first channel sized to receive the resistance member along the length and a second coupling member disposed a distance from the first coupling member. The second coupling member defines a second channel sized to receive at least one of the first portion and the second portion of the resistance member. The first coupling member and the second coupling member are configured to couple to a portion of an exercise apparatus.

Abstract: A payment processing system and method comprising a POS module providing an interface to effect sales of FGS in a retail environment, a device module operatively connected to at least one retail device configured to supply FGS and comprising a card reader adapted to receive a first payment card data for payment for the FGS, wherein the device module is adapted to control operation of the at least one retail device, and a payment system module operatively connected to the POS module and the device module, the payment system module adapted to validate payment for the FGS. The payment system module and the device module are separated from the POS module in order to segment a portion of the payment processing system configured to handle payment card data from a portion of the system that does not handle payment card data.

Abstract: A wheeled exercise apparatus has at least two resistance bands. A first and second axle each have a wheel assembly rotatably connected at an opposite end thereof. The axles are connected at each of the opposite ends by at least one of the resistance bands so that the apparatus operates in a rolling extending and collapsing motion within an elastic region. A pedal assembly is axially connected to the second axle. The pedal/foot supporting assembly is capable of supporting and securing both feet of the person so that the person is capable of exerting stress when griping the first axle with the person's hands and pushing against the second axle with the person's feet while exercising in a substantially prone position.

Abstract: A payment processing system and method comprising a POS module providing an interface to effect sales of FGS in a retail environment, a device module operatively connected to at least one retail device configured to supply FGS and comprising a card reader adapted to receive a first payment card data for payment for the FGS, wherein the device module is adapted to control operation of the at least one retail device, and a payment system module operatively connected to the POS module and the device module, the payment system module adapted to validate payment for the FGS. The payment system module and the device module are separated from the POS module in order to segment a portion of the payment processing system configured to handle payment card data from a portion of the system that does not handle payment card data.

Abstract: A payment processing system and method comprising a POS module providing an interface to effect sales of FGS in a retail environment, a device module operatively connected to at least one retail device configured to supply FGS and comprising a card reader adapted to receive a first payment card data for payment for the FGS, wherein the device module is adapted to control operation of the at least one retail device, and a payment system module operatively connected to the POS module and the device module, the payment system module adapted to validate payment for the FGS. The payment system module and the device module are separated from the POS module in order to segment a portion of the payment processing system configured to handle payment card data from a portion of the system that does not handle payment card data.

Abstract: A turbine adapted to be constrained within a flow of fluid includes a stator adapted to be constrained within a flow of fluid, and a rotor defining an aperture and having rotor blades protruding from a peripheral region of the rotor into the aperture. The rotor is adapted to be rotatably mounted to the stator such that movement of fluid through the aperture causes rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. Electricity is generated as a result of rotation of the rotor relative to the stator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electricity generating equipment, particularly off-shore generators for generating electricity from tidal streams, marine currents or wave motion. In a generator (101) according to one embodiment, each three-phase set (113) of three coils (109) is connected to a separate rectifier (121), the output of which is subsequently inverted to produce a substantially constant-voltage, constant-frequency AC output, for onward transmission and/or direct connection with the outputs of other similar generators (101), or the grid.

Abstract: A deployment device for deploying a buoyant underwater electricity generating apparatus to a submerged location in a body of water is disclosed. The deployment device comprises a winding apparatus (14) adapted to be mounted to the electricity generating apparatus and adapted to engage an anchor chain (24) fixed to a floor of the body of water and to move along said anchor chain in a first direction to move the electricity generating apparatus to said submerged location. The deployment device also comprises a locking mechanism (38) having a locked condition in which movement of the winding apparatus along the anchor chain in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, is prevented when the locking mechanism is at a predetermined location on said anchor chain, and an unlocked condition in which said winding apparatus can move along the anchor chain in said second direction.

Abstract: A resuscitator with a rigid top plate, a rigid bottom plate and a rigid bottom plenum assembly. The top plate is hingeldy joined at its forward end to the bottom plate. A flexible accordion member is located between the top plate and the bottom assembly forming a standard air pump. When a person pushes down on the top plate, air is forced out of and outflow tube located on the top plate. An internal spring returns the top plate to its original position and in doing so causes air to be drawn into the plenum assembly. A top plate travel limiting member, such as a cord, includes a plurality of spaced protuberances that act as restraining members that can be retained under a slot in the side of the plenum assembly thereby adjusting the travel distance of the accordion member and controlling the resulting volume of air output to a patient being resuscitated.

Abstract: A payment processing system and method comprising a POS module providing an interface to effect sales of FGS in a retail environment, a device module operatively connected to at least one retail device configured to supply FGS and comprising a card reader adapted to receive a first payment card data for payment for the FGS, wherein the device module is adapted to control operation of the at least one retail device, and a payment system module operatively connected to the POS module and the device module, the payment system module adapted to validate payment for the FGS. The payment system module and the device module are separated from the POS module in order to segment a portion of the payment processing system configured to handle payment card data from a portion of the system that does not handle payment card data.

Abstract: A turbine adapted to be constrained within a flow of fluid is disclosed. The turbine comprises a stator adapted to be constrained within a flow of fluid, and a rotor defining an aperture and having a plurality of rotor blades (10) protruding from a peripheral region of the rotor into the aperture. The rotor is adapted to be rotatably mounted to the stator such that movement of fluid through the aperture causes rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. Electricity is generated as a result of rotation of the rotor relative to the stator.

Abstract: The process for preparing a refinery feedstock from black liquor soap comprising adding excess alcohol (preferably methanol) to black liquor soap. Acid is then added to the mixture to drop the pH of the mixture to approximately 2 to convert carboxylate salt of fatty and resin acids to the free fatty and resin acids. In the reaction process, the free fatty and resin acids react with the alcohol, with the aid of the acid catalyst, to yield the desired ester products. The resulting feedstock can be distilled or refined to yield sterols and related alcohols, biodiesel and other fuels.

Abstract: A rope terminator comprising, an elongate hollow barrel (12) formed from a fiber reinforced synthetic resin material, the barrel having therein a rope receiving passage (13), and said passage having a first end region from which the rope (18) to be terminated extends in use, and an opposite, second end region, the passage tapering in internal diameter from a minimum at said first end region to a maximum at said second end region, a tapering wedge member (14) for insertion into said passage of the barrel to trap fibers (19) of the rope (18) between the outer tapering surface of the wedge member and the inner tapering surface of said passage, said barrel having an outer surface region tapering in diameter. The terminator further includes a hollow outer body member (11) having therein a tapering passage within which said outer tapering surface of said barrel is received, providing a means (15b) of attaching the terminated rope to an anchor point.

Abstract: The process for preparing a refinery feedstock from black liquor soap comprising adding excess alcohol (preferably methanol) to black liquor soap. Acid is then added to the mixture to drop the pH of the mixture to approximately 2 to convert carboxylate salt of fatty and resin acids to the free fatty and resin acids. In the reaction process, the free fatty and resin acids react with the alcohol, with the aid of the acid catalyst, to yield the desired ester products. The resulting feedstock can be distilled or refined to yield sterols and related alcohols, biodiesel and other fuels.

Abstract: A fan (10) is disclosed having an electric motor (13) which rotatably drives an annular array of blade irons (14) each having a blade (15) mounted thereto. Each blade iron has a motor mounting portion (21) configured to be coupled with the electric motor for rotation. The motor mounting portion has an arcuate, vertical wall (26) and a horizontal flange (27). The horizontal flange has a first mounting hole (28) and an oblong second mounting hole (29). A first mounting screw (31) having a first bushing or bearing (32) thereon passes through each first mounting hole and into a threaded mounting hole (34) in the motor (13). Similarly a second mounting screw (35) having a second bushing or bearing (36) thereon passes through each second mounting hole and into a threaded mounting hole (37) in the motor. With this configuration the blade iron can pivot relative to the motor.