Abstract: An antenna system includes an electrical grounding system for a low power radio transmitter of a traveler's information station. The antenna system includes an elongated metal tube having a lower portion configured to be received in the ground and an upper portion adapted to support an antenna above ground. The tube includes an intermediate portion at a service height when the tube is positioned upright in the ground. The antenna system includes an antenna structure secured to the upper portion of the tube at least partially outside the tube. At least one elongated conductive ground member secured to a lower end of the tube and extends along an outside of the tube below ground, and within the tube above ground. The elongated ground member is coupled to the tube above the ground.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a plant growth system consisting of a vertically positioned source of light, a reservoir, a pump, a volume of liquid based nutrient composition, a plurality of independent growing chambers arranged in a planar array around said one or more sources of light, each of said growing chambers comprising a container portion with a base and sides, an inflow/outflow gate accommodated in the base of said container portion, an height adjustable overflow gate accommodated within said container portion, and drainage plumbing connecting said container portion with said reservoir, and wherein each of said growing chambers accommodates one or more plant holding containers, wherein when said pump is activated, said pump transports said nutrient composition from the reservoir through the inflow/outflow gate into said growing chambers, and wherein when one of said growing chambers becomes flooded to the level of said overflow gate, said overflowing nutrient composition is returne

Abstract: A two-phase thermodynamic power system includes a capillary device, vapor accumulator, superheater, an inline turbine, a condenser, a liquid pump and a liquid preheater for generating output power as a generator. The capillary device, such as a loop heat pipe or a capillary pumped loop, is coupled to a vapor accumulator, superheater, the inline turbine for generating output power for power generation, liquid pump and liquid preheater. The capillary device receives input heat that is used to change phase of liquid received from the liquid preheater, liquid pump and condenser into vapor for extra heating in the superheater used to then drive the turbine. The power system is well suited for space applications using a radioisotope, active nuclear or solar heat source. The system can use waste heat from various dynamic or static power systems as a heat source and waste heat from spacecraft components such as electronics as a heat source. These heat sources can be used separately or in any combination.

Abstract: A concrete mold device for vertically forming a concrete panel includes a plurality of concrete forms for collectively defining a mold cavity for receiving an uncured concrete mixture therein. The concrete forms can include a pair of opposing side wall forms to define side wall surfaces of the mold cavity and a pair of opposing end wall forms to define end wall surfaces of the mold cavity. An elongate lower support gasket can also be provided and can have an upper surface that defines a bottom surface of the mold cavity. The lower support gasket can have gasket side walls to abut against at least a portion of each of the side wall forms to provide a seal between the lower support gasket and the side wall forms to retain the concrete mixture within the mold cavity.

Abstract: An electrical one-piece double-ended receptacle contact includes a first and a second socket contact portion at opposed axial ends of the receptacle contact for receiving a first and a second respective mating pin contact. A compliant middle portion interconnects the two socket contact portions. The tube wall has an axial slot extending over its length. A first and a second circumferential slot divide the tube length. The circumferential slots are axially spaced from each other by a middle section of the tube. Each of the circumferential slots has a first circumferential end between the middle section and the associated one of the socket contact portions, and a closed second circumferential end which has a predetermined circumferential distance from the axial slot so that the remaining wall portion between the axial slot and the closed second circumferential end of the respective circumferential slot forms a web connecting the middle section to the associated one of the socket contact portions.

Abstract: A coordinated lift system with user selectable RF channels coordinates the raising and lowering of a vehicle relative to a surface by using wireless communications. The lift system includes at least two lift mechanisms each having support frame, including a post, a carriage, an actuating device, and a control device with a channel selector switch. The carriage is slidably mounted on the post and is configured to support a portion of the vehicle. The actuating device is engaged between the support frame and the carriage and is activated to move the carriage relative to the post. The control device is interfaced with the actuating device and includes an RF transceiver to enable communication by RF signals with the other control device. The channel on which the transceiver operates is user selectable in the field. A rechargeable battery may provide power to the control device to allow for increased mobility of the lift system.

Abstract: A two-phase thermodynamic power system includes a capillary device, an inline turbine, and a condenser for generating output power as a generator or receiving input power as a refrigerator. The capillary device, such as a heat loop pipe or a capillary pumped loop, is coupled to the inline turbine for generating output power for power generation or for receiving input power for powered refrigeration. The capillary device receives input heat that is used to change phase of liquid received from the condenser into vapor for driving the turbine. The power system is well suited for space applications using a radioisotope heat source, using waste heat from a radioisotope power system as a heat source, waste heat from spacecraft components such as electronics as a heat source or solar energy as a heat source. The heat source is useful for driving the capillary wick as well as a superheater for increased power efficiency and lifetime operation.

Abstract: A unique structure for an indoor exercise bike that provides strength in its design, as well as the flexibility to create an aesthetically appealing frame structure. The monocoque frame design, including two symmetrical halves joined together, forms a very strong, light shell that can take on a variety of shapes and sizes. The seat structure, handlebar structure, drive train and support platforms are all able to be readily attached to the primary frame structure to provide an exercise bicycle that is sturdy, easy to manufacture, and light enough to easily move when necessary.

Abstract: A unique structure for an indoor exercise bike that provides strength in its design, as well as the flexibility to create an aesthetically appealing frame structure. The monocoque frame design, including two symmetrical halves joined together, forms a very strong, light shell that can take on a variety of shapes and sizes. The seat structure, handlebar structure, drive train and support platforms are all able to be readily attached to the primary frame structure to provide an exercise bicycle that is sturdy, easy to manufacture, and light enough to easily move when necessary.

Abstract: A two-phase thermodynamic power system includes a capillary device, an inline turbine, and a condenser for generating output power as a generator or receiving input power as a refrigerator. The capillary device, such as a heat loop pipe or a capillary pumped loop, is coupled to the inline turbine for generating output power for power generation or for receiving input power for powered refrigeration. The capillary device receives input heat that is used to change phase of liquid received from the condenser into vapor for driving the turbine. The power system is well suited for space applications using a radioisotope heat source, using waste heat from a radioisotope power system as a heat source, waste heat from spacecraft components such as electronics as a heat source or solar energy as a heat source. The heat source is useful for driving the capillary wick as well as a superheater for increased power efficiency and lifetime operation.

Abstract: Electrical one-piece double-ended receptacle contact (11) made from a material having good spring properties, the contact having the form of a tube (13) and comprising a first and a second socket contact portion (25, 27) at opposed axial ends (41, 43) of the receptacle contact (11) for receiving a first and a second, respectively, mating pin contact (29, 33);a compliant middle portion (28) interconnecting the two socket contact portions (25, 27); and a tube wall (15) which is interrupted over its entire length by an axial slot (17); the tube length being divided by a first and a second circumferential slot (19, 20), said circumferential slots (19, 20) being axially spaced from each other by a middle section of the tube (13), each of said circumferential slots (19, 20) having a first circumferential end where the connection between the middle section and the associated one of the socket contact portions is interrupted in a circumferential direction, and a closed second circumferential end which has a predeterm

Abstract: An exercise bicycle including a frame having a seat and handlebars, a high-inertia flywheel having a hub at a center of rotation, the flywheel being rotatably supported on the frame at the hub, and a drive train including a drive sprocket, a crank arm attached to and extending from the drive sprocket, and a pedal attached to the crank arm, the drive train being rotatably supported by the frame. The drive train also includes a slave sprocket fixed to the flywheel at the hub, with the drive and slave sprockets connected in a direct-drive relationship, the drive train driveable in a forward and rearward directions to cause the flywheel to rotate. A clutch mechanism is positioned in engagement with the slave sprocket and the hub to create a frictional engagement between the sprocket and the hub, and to establish a break-free force threshold.

Abstract: A powered Ethernet connection is provided between two devices connected by an Ethernet connection that provides data communication between the devices. Electrical power is applied to the Ethernet connection at the first device, and extracted from the Ethernet connection at the second device. The extracted power is used to power the second device.

Abstract: Throughway barrier apparatus comprises a pair of housings (51, 52; 151, 152) to be sited one to each side of a throughway (58). Each housing is provided with an upstanding surface (53, 54) of magnetic material, the two surfaces (53, 54) facing one another. A movable device (65) is magnetically coupled to each upstanding surface, and drive means (60) are arranged to move the magnetically coupled device upwardly and downwardly of the surface (53, 54). A barrier element such as a chain, cable, boom or the like extends across the throughway (58), the barrier element (55; 155a, 155b) being in use connected to the two said movable devices (65) for movement therewith.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle including a frame having a seat and handlebars, a high-inertia flywheel having a hub at a center of rotation, the flywheel being rotatably supported on the frame at the hub, and a drive train including a drive sprocket, a crank arm attached to and extending from the drive sprocket, and a pedal attached to the crank arm, the drive train being rotatably supported by the frame. The drive train also includes a slave sprocket fixed to the flywheel at the hub, with the drive and slave sprockets connected in a direct-drive relationship, the drive train driveable in a forward and rearward directions to cause the flywheel to rotate. A clutch mechanism is positioned in engagement with the slave sprocket and the hub to create a frictional engagement between the sprocket and the hub, and to establish a break-free force threshold.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle including a frame, an adjustable seat structure, and an adjustable handlebar structure. One example of the frame includes a front fork, a down tube connected with the front fork, a seat tube, and a bottom frame member. The down tube has a first section that extends downwardly and rearwardly from a top portion of the front fork and has a section horizontal section connected with the seat tube. The front fork, down tube, seat tube, and bottom frame member define a five sided structure. The frame also includes a rear support brace connected with the seat tube and the bottom frame member in a triangular configuration. The seat structure has a seat post that is adjustably supported in the seat tube. The seat structure also has a horizontal seat rail and a cooperating seat collar that slides back and forth on the seat rail to allow fore and aft adjustment of a seat connected with the seat collar.

Abstract: A unique structure for an indoor exercise bike that provides strength in its design, as well as the flexibility to create an aesthetically appealing frame structure. The monocoque frame design, including two symmetrical halves joined together, forms a very strong, light shell that can take on a variety of shapes and sizes. The seat structure, handlebar structure, drive train and support platforms are all able to be readily attached to the primary frame structure to provide an exercise bicycle that is sturdy, easy to manufacture, and light enough to easily move when necessary.

Abstract: A magnetic motion transmission device (10) which comprises a magnetic body (15) which has an outer cylindrical surface and radial end walls, is polarized axially of the cylindrical surface and, at the opposed radial ends of the cylindrical surface, has a pair of disc-like pole plates (14, 16) that are of a like diameter greater than the diameter of the cylindrical surface. The pole plates (14, 16) are mounted axially at the opposed radial ends of the magnetic body by an axle pin (18) of non-magnetic material (e.g. brass). The device (10) serves in use to effect motion transmission between first and second members (11, 12), the second surface being either planar or cyclindrical or frusto-conical.