Abstract: A hand-held sensor and monitor system for sensing and monitoring atmospheric air quality. The system includes a plurality of sensors and a microcontroller in communication with the plurality of sensors to receive data therefrom. A mobile electronic device is in communication with the microcontroller and is capable of receiving data from the microcontroller. The plurality of sensors and the microcontroller are either integrated within the mobile electronic device or are attachable to and detachable from the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: An air quality measurement system for a plurality of adjacent ground flares. The system includes a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles operating aerially above and around emissions from a plurality of adjacent ground flares. Sensors mounted on each of the plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles monitor atmospheric air properties. A data central processing unit receives, collects, and analyzes data from each of the sensors on each of the unmanned aerial vehicles regarding the atmospheric air properties.

Abstract: An air quality measurement system to monitor atmospheric properties at various locations, elevations, and times. The system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle having at least one carbon nanotube sensor for monitoring atmospheric air quality. Measurements of temperature, pressure, moisture, and gas species are obtained. A monitor mounted on the aerial vehicle is in communication with the sensor. A transmitter mounted on the aerial vehicle is in communication with the monitor for transmission of measurement data to a ground position controller.

Abstract: A golf putter has a clubhead that includes a ball striking surface defined by a curved concave surface over which a coating material has been applied. The outer surface of the coating material is substantially flat. The coating material is selected according to desired functional characteristics and hardness.

Abstract: A unique golf putter clubhead, when attached to a shaft, assures better directional control of a golf ball travel when use for its primary purpose of putting a golf ball. The putter clubhead is formed along a longitudinal axis generally transverse to the plane defined by the ball-striking face. The ball-striking face may be formed in a radial surface defining either a spherical or cylindrical arc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer control devices and, more particularly, to devices for controlling the position of a cursor on a computer display. The invention permits improved technology for cursor control devices. Certain embodiments of devices according to the present invention offer an edge detection system that uniquely identifies the maximum and minimum edges for use in a cursor control device, utilizing improved grating plates. Certain embodiments offer more reliable switch cycle detection in a cursor control device.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a computer display cursor includes an arena having a predefined optical grid. A puck handle is configured to move a puck on the optical grid and to reflect optical signals to the grid regarding the position of the puck on optical grid. The optical grid defines the resolution of the puck movements and positions that can be ascertained. Gratings formed by undulations in transparent walls provide an optical puck position signal in response to the puck position. A processor is coupled to the optical grid and is configured to receive the puck position signal and to generate a cursor position signal. To generate the cursor position signal, the processor may perform a conversion function based on predetermined criteria. The processor transmits the cursor position signal to a computer having a predefined display size, which displays the cursor at a respective position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the gas flow rate in a high pressure critical flow nozzle is disclosed. A high pressure gas flows through a first critical flow nozzle. Upstream of the first critical flow nozzle a small slip-stream of gas is removed and flows through a smaller second critical flow nozzle. The small second critical flow nozzle drops the pressure of the gas to a low level. This flow rate of this low pressure gas stream is measured in a highly accurate low pressure gas flow rate measuring device. Since the flow rate in this device must be the same as that of the second critical flow nozzle, a correction factor can be calculated for the second critical flow nozzle. This flow rate correction factor will be the same for the first critical flow nozzle.

Abstract: A knotter mechanism, utilized on a square baler to encircle the bale with a wrapping material and tie a knot in the material after the wrap is complete, is provided with a detector mechanism for detecting knotter malfunction. The detector mechanism comprises an elongated detector pin which is mounted to pivot in a vertical plane, the pin being mounted on the twine finger of the knotter mechanism so as to pivot therewith in a horizontal plane. The pin is encircled by the wrapping material as the bale is encircled and is within the loop of wrapping material after a knot is tied. As the tied bale is moved rearwardly from the knotter station the detector pin engages the loop of wrapping material and pivots the twine finger thus causing a switch to be actuated. Failure to actuate a switch signals a knotter failure. Upon further movement of the tied bale rearwardly, the loop of wrap material slips over the end of the detector pin and a spring mechanism returns the twine finger and the pin to their initial position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the gas flow rate in a high pressure critical flow nozzle is disclosed. A high pressure gas flows through a first critical flow nozzle. Upstream of the first critical flow nozzle a small slip-stream of gas is removed and flows through a smaller second critical flow nozzle. The small second critical flow nozzle drops the pressure of the gas to a low level. This flow rate of this low pressure gas stream is measured in a highly accurate low pressure gas flow rate measuring device. Since the flow rate in this device must be the same as that of the second critical flow nozzle, a correction factor can be calculated for the second critical flow nozzle. This flow rate correction factor will be the same for the first critical flow nozzle.

Abstract: A cam member for knotters has a cam section, on which a cam surface is formed, and a flange section. The cam surface is engaged by a cam follower carried on the movable jaw of the knotter billhook. Fasteners such as bolts extend through the flange section of the cam member into the main frame of the knotter to detachably fasten the cam member to the main frame.

Abstract: A laser protection device comprising a plurality of edge filters for receiving an incident beam and progressively separating the desired optical energy from the laser energy contained in the beam. The first edge filter receives the incident beam and provides a first reflected beam and a first transmitted beam. One of the beams provided by the edge filter comprises a relatively high percent of desired optical energy and the other of the beams provided by the edge filter comprises a relatively high percentage of laser energy. The other edge filters are arranged in series to similarly progressively reduce the percentage of laser energy contained in the beam.

Abstract: A twine needle is provided particularly for use on large crop balers. The twine needle includes a body portion and a tip portion detachably secured to the body portion. The tip portion is designed to break off, if a predetermined force is exerted thereon, without damaging the body portion. A broken tip portion may be easily replaced without replacing the entire twine needle.

Abstract: A rotatable device having outwardly extending weighted arms of thermally expandable material is supported for rotation about an axis arranged at an angle to the vertical. The device is exposed to the sun or other source of radiant energy, causing the arms to expand lengthwise. A sun shield is provided over a portion of the area of movement of the arms so that when they move out of the shade of the shield, they expand lengthwise and whey they move into such shade, they contract. The resultant differential lengthening of the arms establishes an unbalance of moments of gravitational force in the arms to thereby apply a continuous torque to the assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting heat derived from a heated fluid into mechanical energy comprising a double-walled shell having a high coefficient of thermal expansion and other preferred qualities, such as a relatively high coefficient of heat conductivity and low specific heat, the shell being immersed in a fluid within a container having a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion and other qualities. When heated fluid is passed between the walls of the shell, expansion of the latter displaces fluid from within the container to actuate a fluid operated device. Alternatively, passage of a cold fluid between the walls of the shell causes the shell to contract and thus enable the displaced fluid to return into the container to complete an operating cycle.

Abstract: A valve for a concrete pump having a front valve closing portion which in the closed position prevents flow through a T-pipe section, a supporting structure secured to the T-pipe section and an annular sealing band carried by the supporting structure and positioned about the valve closing portion.