Abstract: Method and apparatus for inspection of cargo transported in containerized shipping Containers. In accordance with the method the container is in fact used as a pressure Vessel to allow the infiltration of gasses into the contents of the container. The gasses are then extracted from the container to be examined by the attached devices. The inspection of the contents also includes radiological materials. The process may be accomplished in a ground based environment or while suspended on the container handling equipment.

Abstract: A medical method for treating an organic substance that includes applying a broad spectrum of radio frequency energy to the substance.

Abstract: A method and system for transacting business over an electronic communication network. The method includes generating a request and a response for a business transaction over the communication network from a buyer computer and a seller computer, respectively. A third party computer receives the request and response and generates a separate transaction to obtain transportation, insurance and/or a warranty for goods associated with the request. The third party computer can select the transportation, insurance and/or warranty from a plurality of bids transmitted through the communication network. The third party can receive payment from the selected transportation, insurance and/or warranty entity. The system also maps data of a data file to user specified data fields generated at a graphical user interface (GUI). The specified fields are correlated with predefined fields of the data file. This allows the end user to customize their GUI. The system can also map data without dumping an entire data file.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recharging a battery. The battery recharger may provide a rail voltage to the battery which is modulated by a noise signal. The modulation of the rail voltage may induce a resonant excitation of the sulfate crystals in the battery. The resonant excitation of the battery may be fed back or fed forward to the modulator to create and/or enhance the noise on the rail voltage.

Abstract: A system for collecting and recovering de-icing fluid that is sprayed onto an aircraft. The de-icing system includes a mat that is assembled onto the approaching ramp of a runway. The de-icing mat has a plurality of channels that collect and direct the de-icing fluid to the outer edges of the mat. The de-icing fluid is removed from the mat by a vacuum system. Coupled to the vacuum system is a filter system that separates the de-icing fluid from other fluids such as oil, water, etc., so that the de-icing fluid can be used again. The mat has a plurality of heating elements that prevent the de-icing fluid from freezing on the mat and provide heat to the underside of the aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recharging a battery. The invention includes modulating a rail voltage with a modulation signal that oscillates at a radio frequency, preferably at a frequency that matches the natural resonant frequency of the battery. The modulated rail voltage is provided to the battery to recharge the device. The apparatus may have a follower circuit which shifts the modulation frequency to follow any change in the natural resonant frequency of the battery.

Abstract: A system that sterilizes and compacts medical waste. The system includes a vessel which has a door that provides access to an inner chamber. The inner chamber is coupled to a compressor and a source of heating fluid. The vessel also has a jacket that surrounds the inner chamber. The jacket is coupled to the source of heating fluid and a source of cooling fluid. The operation of the system is controlled by a controller. To sterilize and compact medical waste, the door is initially opened and the waste is placed inside the inner chamber. The door is closed to seal the vessel. A vacuum is pulled within the inner chamber to remove any moisture contained therein. Simultaneous with the creation of the vacuum is the introduction of heating fluid to the jacket to heat the vessel. Heating fluid is then introduced to the inner chamber to sterilize the waste. After the waste is sterilized, a vacuum is pulled to remove the heating fluid from the inner chamber. The waste is then compacted by a piston.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a liquefied gas system. The assembly has a housing which contains a seal that separates a motor chamber from a pump chamber. Located within the pump chamber is a pump device that pumps the liquid gas from an inlet port to an outlet port of the housing. The pump device is driven by a motor located within the motor chamber. The assembly includes a heat exchanger that heats any liquid gas that leaks into the motor chamber. The heat exchanger heats the liquefied gas within the motor chamber to a temperature above a critical temperature of the gas, so that the gas does not remove the lubricants from the motor. The heat exchanger can also remove heat generated by the motor to maintain the motor temperature within an operating range.

Abstract: A cleaning system which includes a tank that contains a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is typically in either a liquid, vapor or two-phase state, and is capable of removing grease and other foreign material from an object such as a circuit board. The tank has a heating jacket that provides heat to the cleaning fluid to raise the fluid to the vaporized state. A still is coupled to the tank by a vacuum pump. The pump circulates both liquid and vaporized cleaning fluid through the still which removes the foreign material from the fluid. The system has a pressure control system which controls the pressure of the cleaning fluid within the tank. The vacuum pump and pressure control system insure that the cleaning fluid is maintained in a desired state. The vacuum pump typically reduces the pressure of the cleaning fluid below the operating level of a conventional cleaning tank. The reduction in operating pressure provides a corresponding decrease in the saturation temperature of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A cleaning system which includes a tank that contains a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is typically in either a liquid, vapor or two-phase state, and is capable of removing grease and other foreign material from an object such as a circuit board. The tank has a heating jacket that provides heat to the cleaning fluid to raise the fluid to the vaporized state. A still is coupled to the tank by a vacuum pump. The pump circulates both liquid and vaporized cleaning fluid through the still which removes the foreign material from the fluid. The system has a pressure control system which controls the pressure of the cleaning fluid within the tank. The vacuum pump and pressure control system insure that the cleaning fluid is maintained in a desired state. The vacuum pump typically reduces the pressure of the cleaning fluid below the operating level of a conventional cleaning tank. The reduction in operating pressure provides a corresponding decrease in the saturation temperature of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: An autoclave system which uses the exhaust gas of a turbine to heat an autoclave. The exhaust gas of the turbine is approximately 1200.degree. F., low enough to be coupled to the heater coils of the autoclave. The output shaft of the turbine may be coupled to a generator that drives the autoclave motor and other subsystems. The output shaft of the turbine may also be coupled, either directly or through the generator, to the compressors of a nitrogen processing plant. The processed nitrogen can be introduced to the autoclave to reduce the risk of fires.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding process and system for creating composite materials. The system includes encapsulating a fibrous sheet within a tool and a cover plate that together define an inner cavity. The tool, the cover plate and the sheet are placed within the inner chamber of an autoclave. The pressure in the inner cavity is then reduced to create a vacuum within the tooling. The pressure of the inner chamber of the autoclave is also reduced so that the differential pressure across the tool is essentially zero. A resin is then introduced to the inner cavity. The inner cavity pressure may be increased by the introduction of the resin. The pressure of the autoclave inner chamber may be raised, so that there is a minimal pressure differential across the tool. After the tool is filled with resin, the inner cavity is heated by the autoclave to cure and form a composite material.

Abstract: A cleaning system which includes a tank that contains a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is typically in either a liquid, vapor or two-phase state, and is capable of removing grease and other foreign material from an object such as a circuit board. The tank has a heating jacket that provides heat to the cleaning fluid to raise the fluid to the vaporized state. A still is coupled to the tank by a vacuum pump. The pump circulates both liquid and vaporized cleaning fluid through the still which removes the foreign material from the fluid. The system has a pressure control system which controls the pressure of the cleaning fluid within the tank. The vacuum pump and pressure control system insure that the cleaning fluid is maintained in a desired state. The vacuum pump typically reduces the pressure of the cleaning fluid below the operating level of a conventional cleaning tank. The reduction in operating pressure provides a corresponding decrease in the saturation temperature of the cleaning fluid.