Abstract: An apparatus and method for locating an underground object or structure by employment of a radar-like probe and detection technique is disclosed. The underground structure is provided with a device which generates a specific signature signal in response to a probe signal transmitted from above the ground. Cooperative action between the probe signal transmitter at ground level and the signature signal generating device provided on the underground object provides for accurate detection of the subsurface object, despite the presence of a large background noise signal. The depth and, if desired, orientation of the underground object may also be determined using the signature signal generated by the signature signal generating device mounted to the underground object. Orientation information may be encoded on the signature signal or transmitted as an information signal separate from the signature signal. The probe signal may be microwave or acoustic.

Abstract: A valve has a housing and a component movable within the housing. The housing has first, second, third and fourth ports formed in it. The movable component has a first passageway formed in it. Movement of the movable component within the housing selectively connects the first port through the first passageway to the second port. The movable component is selectively movable to disconnect the first port and second port and to connect the second port through the first passageway to the third port. A second passageway is defined between the housing and the movable component. The fourth port is connected to the second passageway.

Abstract: Apparatus and a related method for detecting laser pulses and classifying em in accordance with their wavelength, irradiance level, shape and time of occurrence. Each pulse received from a selected field of regard (10) is detected in a high-speed broadband radiometer (12), which generates a corresponding electrical pulse that is used to form a triggering pulse to control a gated camera (24) coupled to a transmission grating spectrometer (22). The gated camera (24) has an inherent delay time before it becomes active after receiving a gating signal (30). To compensate for this delay, light from each laser pulse passes through a fiber image delay line (16) before reaching the transmission grating spectrometer (22). Output data signals from the camera (24) are processed (40) to reduce the effects of background noise and converted (42) to a quantity indicative of wavelength.

Abstract: A coating system comprises a source of electrically non-insulative coating material, a dispenser for dispensing the coating material toward an article to be coated thereby, an electrostatic high potential supply for supplying charge to the coating material, means for coupling the high potential supply across the dispenser and the article, a first reservoir, and a first valve. The first valve has a first housing providing first, second, third, fourth and fifth ports, and a first component movable within the first housing and having a first passageway selectively to connect the first port to the second port to permit the flow of coating material from the first port to the second port. The first port is coupled to the coating material source, the second port to the first reservoir, and the third port to the dispenser. The second port is coupled to the third port to permit the flow of coating material from the first reservoir to the dispenser. A source is provided for an electrically non-conductive fluid.

Abstract: A method and system for supplying electrically conductive coating materials to an electrostatic dispenser with a parallel arrangement of subsystems selectably coupled to the dispenser by a four-port system voltage blocking valve, which electrically isolates the subsystems. The subsystems each include first and second piston cylinders that alternatingly receive a selected coating material from a corresponding manifold and supply the coating material to the dispenser by a subsystem voltage blocking valve, which isolates the dispenser from the manifold, when coupled to the dispenser. The first and second piston cylinders of each subsystem also alternatingly receive a solvent from the corresponding manifold and direct the solvent to a waste receptacle by a corresponding subsystem voltage blocking valve when the subsystem is not coupled to the dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locating an underground boring tool using a radar-like probe and detection technique. A boring tool is provided with a device which generates a specific signature signal in response to a probe signal transmitted from above the ground. Cooperative operation between the probe signal transmitter at ground level and a signature signal generator disposed within the boring tool provides for the accurate locating of the boring tool, despite the presence of a large background signal. The signature signal produced by the boring tool may be generated either passively or actively, and in a manner which differs from the probe signal in one or more ways, including timing, frequency content, or polarization. A survey of a boring site, made either prior to or during the boring operation, provides data related to the characteristics of the ground medium subjected to the survey and the identification of underground hazards, such as buried utilities.

Abstract: A metal-semiconductor field-effect-transistor (MESFET) is disclosed that exhibits reduced source resistance and higher operating frequencies. The MESFET comprises an epitaxial layer of silicon carbide, and a gate trench in the epitaxial layer that exposes a silicon carbide gate surface between two respective trench edges. A gate contact is made to the gate surface, and with the trench further defines the source and drain regions of the transistor. Respective ohmic metal layers form ohmic contacts on the source and drain regions of the epitaxial layer, and the edges of the metal layers at the trench are specifically aligned with the edges of the epitaxial layer at the trench.

Abstract: An orthopedic apparatus and footwear for distributing weight evenly so as to relieve pressure and discomfort from the ball, arch and heel region of the wearer's foot. This is accomplished by first and second embodiments in which two substantially parallel plates are mounted between an inner sole and an outer sole. The parallel plates are spaced apart by a spacer which is located at a point or region of attachment between the two plates in the arch region of the footwear. The lower plate is rigid and the upper plate is flexible. A layer of easily deformable foam material is provided between the two plates. In the first embodiment, sole spacers are provided in the toe region of the footwear. As a result of the attachment configuration, the plates are cantilever mounted both extending forward and rearward from the arch region.

Abstract: A coating system comprises a source of electrically non-insulative coating material, a dispenser for dispensing the coating material toward an article to be coated thereby, an electrostatic high potential for supplying charge to the coating material, means for coupling the high potential supply across the dispenser and the article, a first reservoir, and a first valve. The first valve has a first housing providing first, second, third, fourth and fifth ports, and a first component movable within the first housing and having a first passageway selectively to connect the first port to second port to permit the flow of coating material from the first port to the second port. The first port is coupled to the coating material source, the second port to the first reservoir, and the third port to the dispenser. The second port is coupled to the third port to permit the flow of coating material from the first reservoir to the dispenser. A source is provided for an electrically non-conductive fluid.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes; a plurality of article carriers; a process conveyor for supporting and transporting the article carriers past the given location at a first speed; an overhead power and free transport conveyor for transporting the article carriers from a loading area at a second speed that differs from the first speed; and a load conveyor adapted for engaging the article carriers and for transporting the engaged article carriers from the transport conveyor to the process conveyor at a speed that is varied during transport by the load conveyor in such a manner that the article carriers are so positioned on the process conveyor that there is a predetermined separation distance between adjacent positioned article carriers. A reroute conveyor is coupled to the process conveyor for retransportation by the process conveyor. Transport by the conveyors is interrupted when a measured speed of article carrier movement past the given location is outside of a given range.

Abstract: A conventional fishing plug is provided including an elongated body having front and rear ends and wherein at least one of the body ends includes an anchor eye projecting outwardly therefrom. A drag plate having a thin central portion is also provided with a small opening therethrough is provided and installed over one of the aforementioned anchor eyes in a manner such that the one eye projects through the opening. Thereafter, a split ring is secured through at least the one eye for retaining the drag plate thereon. If the one eye comprises the front eye, the split ring is used to attach the free end of the fishing line to the plug and if the one eye comprises the rear eye, the split ring is used to attach a rear multiple barb hook to the rear eye.

Abstract: A cockpit cover (15) with interchangeable spray skirt waistband (41), drytop (60), and drytop with internal P.F.D. (70) is disclosed for covering a cockpit opening (19) of a kayak (16). The cockpit cover (15) includes a fabric portion (40) for spanning the cockpit opening (19), which has an elastic coaming seal (20) unitarily cast around it's outer perimeter in a one step manufacturing process for retaining the cover about the rim, or coaming (18), and to ensure a water tight direct pressure seal. The coaming seal (20) is cast to fit the coaming (18) and is unaffected by the depth of the notch (44) under the coaming (18). The coaming seal (20) includes an end (22), a curved portion (23), and a cast union (24) where the coaming seal (20) is cast to the fabric portion of the cockpit cover (40).

Abstract: A composition for the prevention or treatment of weight gain, e.g., obesity, said composition comprising caffeine, fructose and chromium in an effective amount to prevent or treat weight loss. Also disclosed is a method for the prevention or treatment of weight gain, e.g., obesity, by administering the composition of the present invention. The composition is conveniently administered as coffee, tea, cocoa or a carbonated beverage.

Abstract: An adjustable seat for a spa. The spa has a seating or lounge area formed thereon of such shape and dimensions as to permit a person of typical physical dimensions to be seated in a lounging position. A nozzle is provided in the seating region of the lounge. A mixture of air and water flow through the nozzle and communicate with a plenum formed in the underside of a seat having one or more holes therein and fitted over the nozzle. The flow of air in combination with water serves to elevate the seat. An air valve serves to regulate the quantity of air drawn in by the water flowing through the nozzle, which, in turn, regulates the elevation of the seat. The lounge spa can be made as an original equipment unit. Alternatively, a seating system may be provided which is adapted to be retrofitted to an existing spa.

Abstract: An article irradiation system includes a radiation source disposed along a horizontal axis; a plurality of article carriers; a process conveyor for supporting and transporting the article carriers past the radiation source at a first speed; an overhead power and free transport conveyor for transporting the article carriers from a loading area at a second speed that differs from the first speed; and a load conveyor adapted for engaging the article carriers and for transporting the engaged article carriers from the transport conveyor to the process conveyor at a speed that is varied during transport by the load conveyor in such a manner that the article carriers are so positioned on the process conveyor that there is a predetermined separation distance between adjacent positioned article carriers. A reroute conveyor is coupled to the process conveyor for transporting those article carriers carrying articles that have received radiation impinging upon only the first side of the articles.

Abstract: A valve system for use with a tube jetting apparatus used for cleaning the interior surfaces of tubes such as those in heat exchangers. The apparatus includes a piston housing having a piston assembly slidably disposed therein. The pressure relief assembly also includes a differential pressure relief valve which is connected to the piston housing to relieve pressure therein as the piston moves within the housing.

Abstract: A lighting unit for illuminating a wall and adjacent ceiling area. The lighting unit includes a primary reflection element having a curved portion and a smoothly coupled planar portion. A light source is positioned within the lighting unit and a diffuser element can be used to obtain a desired illumination distribution.