Abstract: A free-standing bicycle parking rack has multiple bicycle parking stations that accommodates most bicycles, including those equipped with disc brakes. The rack has a generally rectangular base, with two longitudinal tubular members rigidly coupled to two lateral tubular end members. Each parking station includes a pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart, interconnected V-shaped uprights which are affixed to one of the longitudinal members. A straight brace interconnects each of the uprights with the longitudinal member to which it is not directly affixed. Upright pairs can be alternately reversed so that each pair is affixed to the opposite longitudinal member, thereby facilitating parking of bicycles on both sides of the rack. A sliding collar, a tire-securing bracket, and a pair of bungee cords, which are provided for each parking station, enable the front or rear wheel of a bicycle to be securely clamped in place for transport.

Abstract: A free-standing bicycle parking rack has multiple bicycle parking stations that accommodates most bicycles, including those equipped with disc brakes. The rack has a generally rectangular base, with two longitudinal tubular members rigidly coupled to two lateral tubular end members. Each parking station includes a pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart, interconnected V-shaped uprights which are affixed to one of the longitudinal members. A straight brace interconnects each of the uprights with the longitudinal member to which it is not directly affixed. Upright pairs can be alternately reversed so that each pair is affixed to the opposite longitudinal member, thereby facilitating parking of bicycles on both sides of the rack. A sliding collar, a tire-securing bracket, and a pair of bungee cords, which are provided for each parking station, enable the front or rear wheel of a bicycle to be securely clamped in place for transport.

Abstract: A multi-segment tool and tooling system for vacuum forming a composite part. A tool can include a first tool having first and second surfaces. A second tool can have an opening positioned on a first tool in a location other than the first surface or the second surface. The first tool and second tool can receive at least a portion of a preform composite. The first tool can have a vacuum barrier attached to the first surface and to the second surface encapsulating the preform composite and the second tool. A tooling system can include a first tool having a core and a base with a core extending upwards from the base. A second tool can be positioned upon the core where the core extends above the second tool. A vacuum barrier sealed to the base and the core can include a composite, the first tool and the second tool.

Abstract: A multi-segment tool and tooling system for vacuum forming a composite part. A tool can include a first tool having first and second surfaces. A second tool can have an opening positioned on a first tool in a location other than the first surface or the second surface. The first tool and second tool can receive at least a portion of a preform composite. The first tool can have a vacuum barrier attached to the first surface and to the second surface encapsulating the preform composite and the second tool. A tooling system can include a first tool having a core and a base with a core extending upwards from the base. A second tool can be positioned upon the core where the core extends above the second tool. A vacuum barrier sealed to the base and the core can include a composite, the first tool and the second tool.

Abstract: A multi-segment tool and tooling system for vacuum forming a composite part. A tool can include a first tool having first and second surfaces. A second tool can have an opening positioned on a first tool in a location other than the first surface or the second surface. The first tool and second tool can receive at least a portion of a preform composite. The first tool can have a vacuum barrier attached to the first surface and to the second surface encapsulating the preform composite and the second tool. A tooling system can include a first tool having a core and a base with a core extending upwards from the base. A second tool can be positioned upon the core where the core extends above the second tool. A vacuum barrier sealed to the base and the core can include a composite, the first tool and the second tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing and carrying an extension ladder on a pickup truck is designed so that the ladder rests on both the rear edge of the cab and the upper edge of the tailgate and on the ladder. The apparatus includes resilient pads which are secured to lower edges of the rails with straps to prevent damage to the cab and tailgate. A ladder retention bracket, which mounts on the ladder, has a generally L-shaped frame to which is attached a padded stop plate and at least one ladder indexing arm. The stop plate contacts the inner vertical surface of the tailgate and prevents the secured ladder from sliding rearward, while the ladder indexing arms prevent the ladder from shifting with respect to the ladder retention bracket. With the ladder properly positioned on the vehicle, it is tied or strapped to prevent forward, lateral and vertical movement.

Abstract: A multi-segment tool and tooling system for vacuum forming a composite part. A tool can include a first tool having first and second surfaces. A second tool can have an opening positioned on a first tool in a location other than the first surface or the second surface. The first tool and second tool can receive at least a portion of a preform composite. The first tool can have a vacuum barrier attached to the first surface and to the second surface encapsulating the preform composite and the second tool. A tooling system can include a first tool having a core and a base with a core extending upwards from the base. A second tool can be positioned upon the core where the core extends above the second tool. A vacuum barrier sealed to the base and the core can include a composite, the first tool and the second tool.

Abstract: The reciprocating valve actuation and control system includes a poppet valve moveable between a first and second position; a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic actuator including an actuator piston coupled to the poppet valve and reciprocating between a first and second position responsive to flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; an electrically operated valve controlling flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator; and an engine computer that generates electrical pulses to control the electrically operated valve. The electrically operated valve includes a linear latching motor, which includes a solenoid coil associated with a permanent magnet, wherein the coil is energized to create a central axial repelling magnetic field relative to the permanent magnet field, and to generate concentric repelling and attractive fields to produce secondary repelling and tertiary attractive forces on the permanent magnet.

Abstract: The reciprocating valve actuation and control system includes a poppet valve moveable between a first and second position; a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic actuator including an actuator piston coupled to the poppet valve and reciprocating between a first and second position responsive to flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; an electrically operated valve controlling flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator; and an engine computer that generates electrical pulses to control the electrically operated valve. The electrically operated valve includes a linear latching motor. The hydraulic actuator comprises a self-contained cartridge assembly including an actuator piston with dampers for damping motion of the actuator piston, limiting the actuator stroke to assure soft seating of the actuator, and to avoid overshoot during the engine valve opening stroke and the engine valve return stroke.

Abstract: The reciprocating valve actuation and control system includes a poppet valve moveable between a first and second position; a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic actuator including an actuator piston coupled to the poppet valve and reciprocating between a first and second position responsive to flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; an electrically operated valve controlling flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator; and an engine computer that generates electrical pulses to control the electrically operated valve. The electrically operated valve preferably comprises a three path rotary latched magnetic motor actuating a rotary valve portion having a housing, a rotor, and a stator receiving and supplying hydraulic fluid pressure to the rotor, which alternately directs the hydraulic fluid pressure to the valve cylinder for opening of the valve, or to return to the engine oil sump, for closing the valve.

Abstract: The reciprocating valve actuation and control system includes a poppet valve moveable between a first and second position; a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic actuator including an actuator piston coupled to the poppet valve and reciprocating between a first and second position responsive to flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; an electrically operated valve controlling flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator; and an engine computer that generates electrical pulses to control the electrically operated valve. The electrically operated valve preferably comprises a three path rotary latched magnetic motor actuating a rotary valve portion having a housing, a rotor, and a stator receiving and supplying hydraulic fluid pressure to the rotor, which alternately directs the hydraulic fluid pressure to the valve cylinder for opening of the valve, or to return to the engine oil sump, for closing the valve.

Abstract: The reciprocating valve actuation and control system includes a poppet valve moveable between a first and second position; a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic actuator including an actuator piston coupled to the poppet valve and reciprocating between a first and second position responsive to flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; an electrically operated valve controlling flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator; and an engine computer that generates electrical pulses to control the electrically operated valve. The electrically operated valve preferably comprises a three path rotary latched magnetic motor actuating a rotary valve portion having a housing, a rotor, and a stator receiving and supplying hydraulic fluid pressure to the rotor, which alternately directs the hydraulic fluid pressure to the valve cylinder for opening of the valve, or to return to the engine oil sump, for closing the valve.

Abstract: A corona-type, air-cooled ozone generator has a cluster of ganged cylindrical generator units (100) packed into a cylindrical pipe (10). Each unit has an inner electrode (101), a dielectric tube around the inner electrode (103), and a concentric outer electrode (102 with side wall openings (112). The corona air gap is between the dielectric and the outer electrode. The inner electrode and dielectric tube are held in each respective outer electrode with silicone end pieces (152, 151). Voltage is put on the inner electrodes while air is blown through the pipe from a blower (30); the air passes through the gaps between the units' ends and circulates through side wall openings, passing over the dielectric tubes and cooling them. Because the dielectric tubes are small, for example 0.25 inches across, they lose heat quickly and do not reach a high temperature. The generator is compact.

Abstract: An water purifier and surface sanitizer uses an ozone generator but requires no air dryer, is adapted for simple maintenance and for use in remote areas from low-voltage DC. The sanitizer has a housing with a high-voltage supply device such as a pulse coil, coupled directly to a tubular inner electrode. A dielectric tube of borosilicate glass (e.g. PYREX) is shaped like a test tube with one open end, and slides over the inner electrode with a push fit. The dielectric tube is easy to clean since it is can be nulled off the inner electrode, cleaned with acid/neutralizer or detergent to remove built-up surface-contaminants, and replaced; this avoids any need for an air dryer. An outer electrode includes an air space (corona space) and gaps for ventilation. Air passes over the dielectric, becoming ozonated by the high voltage, and is drawn into a water stream by a venturi. The water may also pass through a particle filter. The water flow is controlled by an fully-on or fully-off faucet.

Abstract: A multi-segment tool and tooling system for vacuum forming a composite part. A tool can include a first tool having first and second surfaces. A second tool can have an opening positioned on a first tool in a location other than the first surface or the second surface. The first tool and second tool can receive at least a portion of a preform composite. The first tool can have a vacuum barrier attached to the first surface and to the second surface encapsulating the preform composite and the second tool. A tooling system can include a first tool having a core and a base with a core extending upwards from the base. A second tool can be positioned upon the core where the core extends above the second tool. A vacuum barrier sealed to the base and the core can include a composite, the first tool and the second tool.