Abstract: An apparatus for converting kinetic energy of a fluid into reciprocating motion includes a rod mounted for reciprocating motion along a substantially vertical direction, an airfoil mounted on the rod, and control surfaces for selectively moving the airfoil upwardly and downwardly in a fluid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus carried by an individual for aiding in directing the individual to a location of a starting point for a path of travel by the individual includes a sensor for determining the individual's initial orientation at the starting point and subsequent changes of orientations during the travel; a processor coupled to the sensor for assigning one of four orthogonal (Erections to each of the orientations as experienced by the individual; a memory coupled to the processor for saving at least the orthogonal orientation of the initial orientation and the last experienced orientation; and a display for presenting at least the last experienced orientation to permit the individual to subsequently reorient himself in the direct of the original orientation. The apparatus has particular utility for firefighters to assist in orienting themselves with respect to an initial point of reference (POR) when inside a active firefighting location.

Abstract: An apparatus carried by an individual for aiding in directing the individual to a location of a starting point for a path of travel by the individual includes a sensor for determining the individual's initial orientation at the starting point and subsequent changes of orientations during the travel; a processor coupled to the sensor for assigning one of four orthogonal (Erections to each of the orientations as experienced by the individual; a memory coupled to the processor for saving at least the orthogonal orientation of the initial orientation and the last experienced orientation; and a display for presenting at least the last experienced orientation to permit the individual to subsequently reorient himself in the direct of the original orientation. The apparatus has particular utility for firefighters to assist in orienting themselves with respect to an initial point of reference (POR) when inside a active firefighting location.

Abstract: A method may include receiving, at a device, a copy command, wherein the copy command comprises a first indication of a first amount of source data and a second indication of a second amount of source data, determining, based at least in part on the first indication, an amount of destination space, and blocking at least a portion of the amount of destination space. The method may further include reading the first indication, and reading the second indication, wherein the amount of destination space may include at least a first portion of the first amount and at least a second portion of the second amount. The blocking may include blocking the at least the first portion of the first amount and the at least the second portion of the second amount. The method may further include storing the first indication to generate a stored first indication.

Abstract: An apparatus carried by an individual for aiding in directing the individual to a location of a starting point for a path of travel by the individual includes a sensor for determining the individual's initial orientation at the starting point and subsequent changes of orientations during the travel; a processor coupled to the sensor for assigning one of four orthogonal directions to each of the orientations as experienced by the individual; a memory coupled to the processor for saving at least the orthogonal orientation of the initial orientation and the last experienced orientation; and a display for presenting at least the last experienced orientation to permit the individual to subsequently reorient himself in the direct of the original orientation. The apparatus has particular utility for firefighters to assist in orienting themselves with respect to an initial point of reference (POR) when inside a active firefighting location.

Abstract: A competitive game based character development system is disclosed. The system comprises, generally, a proprietary software, having a user interface on a computer or a mobile device, and which may be used to facilitate the playing of a game and the earning of reward points to develop a player's character. The system may comprise a plurality of user types, and may further associate a plurality of user settings with each of such user types. In one embodiment the system may comprise a trivia game related to hip hop trivia, and through which a player may earn rewards that can be used to purchase accessories from the game's store. These accessories may then be used to improve and develop the player's character, who may be a member of the hip hop industry.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises multiple electrically conductive loops, an elongated tubular ferromagnetic shield, and an elongated tubular superconductive inner shield. The superconductive inner shield is positioned within the ferromagnetic shield. Each conductive loop includes (i) a thrust segment extending from a first end of the superconductive inner shield outside the ferromagnetic shield to a second end of the superconductive inner shield and (ii) a return segment passing through an interior passage of the superconductive inner shield from the second end of the superconductive inner shield to the first end of the superconductive inner shield. The conductive loops can be spatially arranged relative to a uniform external magnetic field so that interaction between the external magnetic field and electrical current flowing in the conductive loops results in asymmetric magnetic flux density around, and non-zero net force exerted on, the conductive loops.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises multiple electrically conductive loops, an elongated tubular ferromagnetic shield, and an elongated tubular superconductive inner shield. The superconductive inner shield is positioned within the ferromagnetic shield. Each conductive loop includes (i) a thrust segment extending from a first end of the superconductive inner shield outside the ferromagnetic shield to a second end of the superconductive inner shield and (ii) a return segment passing through an interior passage of the superconductive inner shield from the second end of the superconductive inner shield to the first end of the superconductive inner shield. The conductive loops can be spatially arranged relative to a uniform external magnetic field so that interaction between the external magnetic field and electrical current flowing in the conductive loops results in asymmetric magnetic flux density around, and non-zero net force exerted on, the conductive loops.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft coupled to a motor. At least one control structure is mounted on the shaft, and at least one impeller is carried by the shaft. The impeller is adapted to rotate independently of the shaft so as to pump a fluid. The apparatus also comprises a magnetic coupling between the control structure and the impeller. Further, the impeller is adapted to translate axially along the shaft in response to a change in downstream pressure to alter the strength of the magnetic coupling.

Abstract: A method of determining if phase separation into an upper layer of a first fluid and a lower layer of a first fluid has occurred in a tank containing a first fluid, the method including determining a first density of the first fluid adjacent a top surface of the first fluid, determining a second density of the first fluid adjacent a bottom of the tank, and comparing the first density of the first fluid to the second density of the first fluid to determine if the first fluid has separated into the upper layer of the first fluid and the lower layer of the first fluid separated by a phase separation boundary.

Abstract: A mixer for analytical application mixes a container of fluid without a magnetic stir bar. A device for testing a liquid for particles can use the mixer. The mixing can occur in a sealed container, and liquid can be transmitted to the device from the sealed container.

Abstract: An air pump comprises a main cylinder, a main piston, a piston rod, a linkage, and a pre-charger. The main piston is reciprocably movable within the main cylinder and defines a compression volume between the main piston and a first end of the main cylinder. The piston rod is connected to the main piston and extends along the main cylinder towards a second end. The linkage is configured to move the main piston and to generate pressure in the compression volume during a compression stroke, the linkage having ends pivotably connected to the main cylinder and to the piston rod. The pre-charger has a pre-charger piston movable within a pre-charger cylinder and is connected to the linkage to move within the pre-charger cylinder when the main piston moves within the main cylinder, the pre-charger generating pressure to augment operation of the main piston and main cylinder.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft coupled to a motor. At least one control structure is mounted on the shaft, and at least one impeller is carried by the shaft. The impeller is adapted to rotate independently of the shaft so as to pump a fluid. The apparatus also comprises a magnetic coupling between the control structure and the impeller. Further, the impeller is adapted to translate axially along the shaft in response to a change in downstream pressure to alter the strength of the magnetic coupling.

Abstract: A method of determining if phase separation into an upper layer of a first fluid and a lower layer of a first fluid has occurred in a tank containing a first fluid, the method including determining a first density of the first fluid adjacent a top surface of the first fluid, determining a second density of the first fluid adjacent a bottom of the tank, and comparing the first density of the first fluid to the second density of the first fluid to determine if the first fluid has separated into the upper layer of the first fluid and the lower layer of the first fluid separated by a phase separation boundary.

Abstract: A mixer for analytical application mixes a container of fluid without a magnetic stir bar. A device for testing a liquid for particles can use the mixer. The mixing can occur in a sealed container, and liquid can be transmitted to the device from the sealed container.

Abstract: A mixer for analytical application mixes a container of fluid without a magnetic stir bar. A device for testing a liquid for particles can use the mixer. The mixing can occur in a sealed container, and liquid can be transmitted to the device from the sealed container.

Abstract: An air pump comprises a cylinder, a piston, a piston rod, and four substantially rigid members. The piston is reciprocably movable within the cylinder and is secured to the piston rod. The first member is pivotably connected at its first end to the cylinder. The second member is pivotably connected at its first end to the piston rod and at its second end to the second end of the first member. The third member is pivotably connected at its first end to the connected second ends of the first and second members. The fourth member is pivotably connected to the cylinder and to the second end of the third member. The third member is arranged to transmit between the handle and the connected second ends of the first and second members a force resulting from a force applied to the handle.

Abstract: An air pump comprises a cylinder, a piston, a piston rod, three substantially rigid members, and a handle. The piston is reciprocably movable within the cylinder and is secured to the piston rod. The first member is pivotably connected at its first end to the cylinder. The second member is pivotably connected at its first end to the piston rod and at its second end to the second end of the first member. The third member is pivotably connected at its first end to the connected second ends of the first and second members. The handle is pivotably connected to the second end of the third member. The third member is arranged to transmit between the handle and the connected second ends of the first and second members a force resulting from a force applied to the handle.

Abstract: An air pump comprises a cylinder, a piston, a piston rod, three substantially rigid members, and a handle. The piston is reciprocably movable within the cylinder and is secured to the piston rod. The first member is pivotably connected at its first end to the cylinder. The second member is pivotably connected at its first end to the piston rod and at its second end to the second end of the first member. The third member is pivotably connected at its first end to the connected second ends of the first and second members. The handle is pivotably connected to the second end of the third member. The third member is arranged to transmit between the handle and the connected second ends of the first and second members a force resulting from a force applied to the handle.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice apparatus for use by a hitter is provided. The ball hitting practice apparatus includes a substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, a hinge capable of suspension from a frame and attached near the first end of the rigid member such that the rigid member rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, and a ball mounting assembly suspended from the second end of the rigid member. Methods for using and making the ball hitting practice are also provided.