Abstract: A method of controlling synchronous generator exciter magnetic fields at a hydroelectric facility includes controlling field strength of a generator exciter by using pulse-width-modulation with at least one dual IGBT module. A PWM frequency of each IGBT module may be sufficient such that during an off time thereof, a magnetic field of the generator exciter does not drop more than 20%.

Abstract: The downhole friction reducing tool of the present invention includes an integral friction coefficient reducer and is configured to reduce friction in all planes, reduce torque and/or drag continually and reduce frictional wear and damage that can result in loss of integrity to surface areas where it travels. The friction coefficient reducer involves a ball transfer unit having a plurality of roller ball units. The roller ball units include a large-diameter load-bearing roller ball unit and a plurality of smaller-diameter supporting roller ball units.

Abstract: The downhole friction reducing tool of the present invention includes an integral friction coefficient reducer and is configured to reduce friction in all planes, reduce torque and/or drag continually and reduce frictional wear and damage that can result in loss of integrity to surface areas where it travels. The friction coefficient reducer involves a ball transfer unit having a plurality of roller ball units. The roller ball units include a large-diameter load-bearing roller ball unit and a plurality of smaller-diameter supporting roller ball units.

Abstract: A rotary traveling valve for subterranean pumping system is disclosed herein. The traveling valve includes a rotary lock configured for back and forth rotary motion in response to up stroke and down stroke movements of a driver. The bottom face of the rotary lock rests against a seating face of a housing of the valve, and a fluid passage in the seating face is opened due to rotary motion of the rotary lock during a down stroke movement of the driver, and closed during an up stoke movement of the driver. The bottom face of the rotary lock is pressed against the sealing face by a back pressure spring to prevent excessive bottom pressure to cause pumping interruption due to gas and fluid blow-by through the valve. It also compensates for any wear that may take place on the two surfaces. In addition traveling valve incorporates bearing balls to minimize friction between moving parts such as driver and housing as well as between driver and rotary lock.

Abstract: A rotary traveling valve for subterranean pumping system is disclosed herein. The traveling valve includes a rotary lock configured for back and forth rotary motion in response to up stroke and down stroke movements of a driver. The bottom face of the rotary lock rests against a seating face of a housing of the valve, and a fluid passage in the seating face is opened due to rotary motion of the rotary lock during a down stroke movement of the driver, and closed during an up stoke movement of the driver. The bottom face of the rotary lock is pressed against the sealing face by a back pressure spring to prevent excessive bottom pressure to cause pumping interruption due to gas and fluid blow-by through the valve. It also compensates for any wear that may take place on the two surfaces. In addition traveling valve incorporates bearing balls to minimize friction between moving parts such as driver and housing as well as between driver and rotary lock.

Abstract: An impact initiated attachment device for attachment to a target, comprises a housing having a front face which abuts against the target in use, one or more fasteners, a drive mechanism for driving the fasteners(s) from a first position within the housing to a second position protruding from the front face of the housing, and a trigger mechanism for triggering activation of the drive mechanism comprising a trigger extending from the front face of the housing. The device is particularly useful in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and demolition for attaching one or more disrupters to a target for disposal.

Abstract: An impact initiated attachment device for attachment to a target, comprises a housing having a front face which abuts against the target in use, one or more fasteners, a drive mechanism for driving the fasteners(s) from a first position within the housing to a second position protruding from the front face of the housing, and a trigger mechanism for triggering activation of the drive mechanism comprising a trigger extending from the front face of the housing. The device is particularly useful in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and demolition for attaching one or more disrupters to a target for disposal.

Abstract: An impact initiated attachment device for attachment to a target, comprises a housing having a front face which abuts against the target in use, one or more fasteners, a drive mechanism for driving the fasteners(s) from a first position within the housing to a second position protruding from the front face of the housing, and a trigger mechanism for triggering activation of the drive mechanism comprising a trigger extending from the front face of the housing. The device is particularly useful in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and demolition for attaching one or more disrupters to a target for disposal.

Abstract: A shielding apparatus includes a body formed from rigid material that has first and second pivotally conjoined sections removably cradled about the propeller. The body has a fulcrum axis registered parallel to a longitudinal length of the propeller. Each of the sections includes a plurality of cylindrical sleeves linearly juxtaposed end-to-end when the sections are adapted to the closed position. The sleeves receive the locking mechanism therethrough and prevent the first and second sections from pivoting to the open position. A fastener is included for locking the sections together at the closed position. The locking fastener is telescopically interfitted through corresponding distal ends of the sections. The locking fastener is detachable from the body when withdrawn along a linear plane extending parallel to the fulcrum axis such that the locking mechanism remains spaced from the propeller. The locking fastener is coplanar with the fulcrum axis.

Abstract: A system and method promotes business activities and charitable contributions simultaneously. Preferably operated on a global computer network, the invention permits charities to register to receive charitable contributions from businesses that agree to pay a percentage of the proceeds from their business activities to the charities. Consumers access the system via a global computer network and are able to search to determine which charities are involved in the system and their charitable purposes. Consumers may also access the system to determine which businesses are involved and the products and services that may be purchased from them. Consumers purchase products and services from the businesses and the organizer of the system receives payments from the consumers, deducts the percentage to be contributed to the charities, forwards that percentage to the charities, and forwards the remaining funds to the businesses. A banking institution may be directly connected into the system.

Abstract: A power converter receiving a single-sided supply which is ground-terminated and providing a positive supply and a regulated negative supply that is optimized to the expected output range of a class AB amplifier, as well as providing a symmetric positive supply having excellent efficiency. The converter finds application as a compact converter to power an audio amplifier driving an audio device which is ground terminated, such as a speaker.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating a switching device that couples an output locus with one of a first voltage locus and a second voltage locus in response to a driver unit includes: a voltage feedback unit coupling the driver unit with at least one of the first voltage locus and the second voltage locus. The feedback unit provides a voltage feedback signal to the driver unit. The driver unit responds to the voltage feedback signal to affect the coupling by the switching device.

Abstract: A barrel heater plate stand with internal hot fluid flow supports a lubricant grease barrel to heat the bottom of the barrel without contacting the grease inside. Heated fluid in a hose from an engine cooling system of a vehicle, to which the stand is attached, flows into the stand via an inlet and out of the stand via an outlet to a return hose to the engine cooling system.

Abstract: A system for measuring the flight of a projectile, comprising: a projectile comprising an exterior surface and a set of orientation identifiers distributed over the exterior surface, such that, for every orientation of the projectile, there exists, from any fixed perspective, a unique viewable configuration of a sub-set of the identifiers; means for capturing a first image of the surface of the projectile at a first time, the first image including a first configuration of a first sub-set of the orientation identifiers; means for determining the orientation of the projectile from the first configuration; means for capturing a second image of the surface of the projectile at a second time, the second image including a second configuration of a second sub-set of the orientation identifiers; means for determining the orientation of the projectile from the second configuration; and means for determining the rotational velocity of the projectile in flight from its orientation at the first time and its orientation a

Abstract: A kit for replacing existing incandescent fixtures with a 2 D fluorescent fixture includes a plate with a ballast/transformer on the upper surface and a 2 D lamp socket on the lower surface. The ballast/transformer is coupled to the source of power through a separable connector which can be terminated either in an electrical plug which fits into an existing socket or, using conventional wire nut connectors, can be "hard wired" into place. Spring hangers, which can be attached to existing housing features, are loosely held to the upper surface of the plate so that in a first orientation, the plate is below the housing and access may be had to the housing interior and in a second orientation, the plate is held secure against the housing. A diffuser globe can be provided for installations which are not recessed.

Abstract: A housing for mounting electrical fixtures behind surfaces such as walls and ceilings, includes a surface flange and a plurality of pairs of axially directed slots in the side wall. When inserted in a hole in a ceiling or wall until the housing flange is flush with the wall or ceiling surface, a pair of spring elements are compressed and inserted through a pair of slots which allow the springs to bear against the slot and interior surface of the ceiling or wall to hold the flange flush.