Abstract: In the present method, cold substances are transferred through a nozzle with moving parts. An insulating boot facilitates the method. The present method is generally suited for use in transferring cryogenic substances such as during the refueling of liquid natural gas vehicles. The present method causes an insulating layer to be created between a removable boot and a nozzle separating the ambient environment from the moving parts of the nozzle, restricting the incursion of such moisture from the layer and therefore, from the moving parts to avoid freezing up of the moving parts.

Abstract: Two different and separate audio data streams are processed through a personal computer (PC) system or other computing device so that the separate and distinct audio data streams are heard through separate sound transducers. In a preferred embodiment, chat messages received over a network during execution of a multiplayer game are processed separately from sounds produced by the multiplayer game, enabling a user to hear the game sounds from speakers, separate and distinct from verbal chat messages, which are heard through earphone(s). The earphone(s) are included in a headset, as well as a microphone that enables the user to produce verbal data that are conveyed to a hardware control unit that is connected to the PC system through a universal serial bus (USB) port. The chat audio data are converted into an analog audio signal that is heard by the user in the headphone(s) and is spatially separate and distinct from the game audio data heard through the speakers.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for pressurizing a fluid and delivering a gas comprising a pump, an accumulator and a heater such that the pump pressurizes a quantity fluid received from a fluid store and delivers that pressurized fluid to an accumulator. The accumulator then delivers a quantity of the pressurized fluid to a heater that, in turn, warms the fluid to a gas within a specified temperature and pressure range to be delivered to the end user as required. The invention further relates to a method of delivering a gas at a desired pressure and temperature wherein a quantity of fluid is received, pressurized and stored as a fluid in an accumulator storage vessel at a desired pressure. The fluid is then delivered from the accumulator to a heater where it is warmed and delivered to the end user as a gas at specified temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is a cryogenic tank assembly that includes a vessel with a cryogen space capable of storing a cryogenic fluid at an initial pressure. The assembly further includes a pump that has an intake opening so that it can receive a quantity of the cryogenic fluid, pressurize it to a pressure above its storage pressure and deliver it to an accumulator within the cryogen space. The accumulator includes a storage volume to hold the pressurized fluid so that it is available depending on the demands of the end user.

Abstract: A method for creating a multimedia presentation, which presentation comprises an audio or video recording of a session wherein a presenter presents an audiovisual presentation, said method comprising said presenter presenting said audiovisual presentation, making an audio or video recording of said presentation, wherein timing data comprising data for start, end and transition events within said audiovisual presentation are automatically, and without manual processing, incorporated into said audio or video recording, so as to allow said events to be used on playback to coordinate the audio or video portion of said multimedia presentation with the audiovisual portion thereof.

Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter is coupled to an AC source comprising a rectifier bridge. An input inductor is coupled to the output of the rectifier stage. An auxiliary winding is coupled to the input inductor. The auxiliary winding is characterized by a first number of turns. A storage capacitor is coupled to the auxiliary winding. An output transformer is coupled to the auxiliary winding. A first switch is coupled in series with the primary of the output transformer. The first switch and primary are coupled in parallel with the storage capacitor to the auxiliary winding. The number of turns of the auxiliary is less than the number of turns of the primary so that voltage across the storage capacitor is reduced without load carrying capacity of the DC-to-DC converter.

Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter is coupled to an AC source (12) including a rectifier bridge (20). An input inductor (24) is coupled to the output of the rectifier stage. An auxiliary winding is coupled to the input inductor (24). The auxiliary winding (26) is characterized by a first number of turns. A storage capacitor (34) is coupled to the auxiliary winding (26). An output transformer (38) is coupled to the auxiliary winding (26). A first switch (46) is coupled in series with the primary (36) of the output transformer (38). The first switch (46) and primary (36) are coupled in parallel with the storage capacitor (34) to the auxiliary winding (26). The number of turns of the auxiliary (26) is less than the number of turns of the primary (36) so that voltage across the storage capacitor (34) is reduced without load carrying capacity of the DC-to-DC converter.

Abstract: A seal assembly for providing sealing between a movable cylindrical body and a housing body comprises separate sealing mechanisms for providing static and dynamic sealing. The seal assembly is associated in fixed relationship with either the cylindrical body or the housing body and provides a static seal with the body it is associated with and a dynamic seal with the body that moves relative to the seal assembly. The static sealing mechanism is temperature-activated so that within the operating temperature range, a metallic member of the static seal mechanism is pressed tightly against the associated body to provide a fluid tight static seal. The temperature-activation is caused by the metallic member having a different thermal expansion coefficient than the associated body. The dynamic seal may employ known dynamic sealing mechanisms such as spring-energized seals, interference fit seals, and/or temperature-activated seals.

Abstract: An interface module includes a high density analog interface (HAI) for electrical interconnection between a programmable logic controller (PLC) and an analog to digital converter (ADC) or a digital to analog converter (DAC). The HAI includes a single application specific integrated circuit having a data scaling function block, a diagnostics function block configured to verify functionality of said scaling function block, a self-calibration function block configured to compensate for drift in said ADC, and a shared interface function block configured to electronically connect said module with a programmable logic controller (PLC).

Abstract: An inflatable packer with a packer body, an inflatable bladder mounted around the packer body, a bladder support mounted around the inflatable bladder, the packer body, the inflatable bladder and the bladder support made of drillable material. A method for reclaiming a borehole extending from an earth surface into the earth, part of which is in a lost circulation zone, the method including closing off the borehole to fluid flow above the lost circulation zone by installing a packer system with an inflatable packer element and a valve apparatus in the borehole above the lost circulation zone, inflating the inflatable packer element with cement, and allowing the cement to set so that the inflatable packer and the valve apparatus effectively seal off the borehole to fluid flow.

Abstract: Analogues and derivatives of dieldrin and dihydroaldrin containing a reduced number of chlorine atoms, and hence improved biodegradability, have the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 and H or Cl at least one of them being H, and the oxygen bridge is 5:8, 6:7, or 7:8, or both 5:8 and 6:7.

Abstract: Analogues of dieldrin containing a reduced number of chlorine atoms are described, notably 2,10-syn-bisdechlorodieldrin and 2,3,10-syn-trisdechlorodieldrin. These have varying toxicities towards various insect species but offer the advantage of improved biodegradability.