Abstract: A sprinkler includes an axially extending, generally tubular sprinkler frame having an inlet located at a proximal end and extending toward a distal end. A plurality of pins are anchored to the sprinkler frame and extending distally. A fluid deflector is oriented in a first position in a non-operative configuration of the sprinkler and distally slidable along the pins into a second position in an operative configuration of the sprinkler. A thermal trigger is supported by the sprinkler frame in the non-operative configuration of the sprinkler at an axial position distal to the deflector. The sprinkler frame is configured to mount to a fire protection piping network.

Abstract: A portable chair apparatus for assisting the user with comfort, storage, and transportation includes a base, a seat with an opening, a storage compartment between the base and the seat, a back support column, a lumbar support piece, a handle, and a light. The back support column is adjustable relative to the seat between an open and closed position. The lumbar support piece is adjustable along the back support column and is sized to fit within the opening of the seat when the back support column is in the closed position. The light is on the top surface of the back support column. The chair can further include a handle having a light directed towards the space in front of the user when holding the chair. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A portable chair apparatus for assisting the user with comfort, storage, and transportation includes a base, a seat with an opening, a storage compartment between the base and the seat, a back support column, a lumbar support piece, a handle, and a light. The back support column is adjustable relative to the seat between an open and closed position. The lumbar support piece is adjustable along the back support column and is sized to fit within the opening of the seat when the back support column is in the closed position. The light is on the top surface of the back support column. The chair can further include a handle having a light directed towards the space in front of the user when holding the chair. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A system and method for oyster aquaculture employs a hemispherical, dome shaped, hollow structure that is disposed in tidal or intertidal waters. This structure includes a plurality of small through-holes that allow fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the structure. An oyster seed source is suspended within the interior of the dome structure. The interior and exterior surfaces of the dome structure provide the hard surface required for the attachment of oyster spat and the resulting growth of adult oysters.

Abstract: A system and method for oyster aquaculture employs a hemispherical, dome shaped, hollow structure that is disposed in tidal or intertidal waters. This structure includes a plurality of small through-holes that allow fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the structure. An oyster seed source is suspended within the interior of the dome structure. The interior and exterior surfaces of the dome structure provide the hard surface required for the attachment of oyster spat and the resulting growth of adult oysters.

Abstract: A cooler includes a bottom, a top, a left side, a right side, a front, and a back defining an interior. A plurality of lights extends along at least one of the back corners of the cooler. The interior of the cooler is divided into a bottom insulated portion for storing items that must remain cold and a top non-insulated portion for storing utensils, and other items without temperature requirements. The top of the cooler includes a food preparation surface. Optionally, the cooler includes a handle having at least one light directed toward the top of the cooler.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.

Abstract: An improved process for forming a PTFE mat is described. The process includes providing a dispersion with PTFE, a fiberizing polymer and a solvent wherein said dispersion has a viscosity of at least 50,000 cP. An apparatus is provided which comprises a charge source and a target a distance from the charge source. A voltage source is provided which creates a first charge at the charge source and an opposing charge at the target. The dispersion is electrostatically charged by contact with the charge source. The electrostatically charged dispersion is collected on the target to form a mat precursor which is heated to remove the solvent and the fiberizing polymer thereby forming the PTFE mat.

Abstract: An improved process for forming a PTFE mat is described. The process includes providing a dispersion with PTFE, a fiberizing polymer and a solvent wherein said dispersion has a viscosity of at least 50,000 cP. An apparatus is provided which comprises a charge source and a target a distance from the charge source. A voltage source is provided which creates a first charge at the charge source and an opposing charge at the target. The dispersion is electrostatically charged by contact with the charge source. The electrostatically charged dispersion is collected on the target to form a mat precursor which is heated to remove the solvent and the fiberizing polymer thereby forming the PTFE mat.

Abstract: An improved process for forming a PTFE mat is described. The process includes providing a dispersion with PTFE, a fiberizing polymer and a solvent wherein said dispersion has a viscosity of at least 50,000 cP. An apparatus is provided which comprises a charge source and a target a distance from the charge source. A voltage source is provided which creates a first charge at the charge source and an opposing charge at the target. The dispersion is electrostatically charged by contact with the charge source. The electrostatically charged dispersion is collected on the target to form a mat precursor which is heated to remove the solvent and the fiberizing polymer thereby forming the PTFE mat.

Abstract: A sprinkler having a design such that they can be arrayed where the coverage of each exceeds 80 square feet—preferably less than 200 square feet in extra hazard or high piled storage environments up to ceiling heights of 25 feet or greater, including ceiling heights of approximately 30 feet or greater and being adapted to control through the maintenance of the heat release rate for the prescribed period of time established by NFPA-13 standards for what are termed “Extra Hazard” and “High Piled Storage” occupancy in which sprinklers preferably having a K factor of 18-40 through the selective combination of pressure and trigger-speed provide sufficiently large drops of water to permit the same to maintain sufficient size and density after contacting the structural members generally encountered in warehouse-type facilities to be able to penetrate the fire plume.

Abstract: A sprinkler of the compressed strut and lever type wherein the motion of the lever is limited is disclosed. The sprinkler includes a compression member that compresses a strut against a sealing member that closes the outlet of the sprinkler. One end of a lever is positioned between the compression member and the strut. The opposite end is positioned in proximity to an abutment surface on the sprinkler. The opposite end is engageable with the abutment surface which limits motion of the lever and maintains an offset between the strut and the compression member that renders the strut and lever an unstable mechanism. A frangible link extends between the strut and the lever. The link separates in response to an increase in temperature indicative of a fire condition.

Abstract: A fire suppression system is disclosed. The system includes a source of pressurized gas and a source of pressurized liquid. At least one emitter is in fluid communication with the liquid and gas sources. The emitter is used to establish a gas stream, atomize and entrain the liquid into the gas stream and discharge the resulting liquid-gas stream onto the fire. A method of operating the system is also disclosed. The method includes establishing a gas stream having first and second shock fronts using the emitter, atomizing and entraining the liquid with the gas at one of the two shock fronts to form a liquid-gas stream, and discharging the stream onto the fire. The method also includes creating a plurality of shock diamonds in the liquid-gas stream discharged from the emitter.

Abstract: An emitter for atomizing and discharging a liquid entrained in a gas stream is disclosed. The emitter has a nozzle with an outlet facing a deflector surface. The nozzle discharges a gas jet against the deflector surface. The emitter has a duct with an exit orifice adjacent to the nozzle outlet. Liquid is discharged from the orifice and is entrained in the gas jet where it is atomized. A method of operating the emitter is also disclosed. The method includes establishing a first shock front between the outlet and the deflector surface, a second shock front proximate to the deflector surface, and a plurality of shock diamonds in a liquid-gas stream discharged from the emitter.