Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and easy-to-use mold detection kit for determining the presence or absence of airborne mold spores in multiple locations within a structure. The invention also provides methods for using the kit.

Abstract: An optical communications system employs a plurality of optical nodes interconnected in a ring configuration by at least two optical transmission media, for example, optical fiber. The at least two optical transmission media, in this example, provide optical service transmission capacity and optical protection transmission capacity. Efficient restoration of optical communications between optical nodes in the ring, after an optical transmission media failure, is realized by employing a relatively simple and efficient optical switch matrix having a first number of possible switching states and, then, by utilizing only a second number of the switching states fewer than the first number to switch optically from the optical service transmission capacity of the failed or faulted optical transmission media to the optical protection transmission capacity of another optical transmission media.

Abstract: An optical communications system employs a plurality of optical nodes interconnected in a ring configuration by at least two optical transmission media, for example, optical fiber. The at least two optical transmission media, in this example, provide optical service transmission capacity and optical protection transmission capacity. Efficient restoration of optical communications between optical nodes in the ring, after an optical transmission media failure, is realized by employing a relatively simple and efficient optical switch matrix having a first number of possible switching states and, then, by utilizing only a second number of the switching states fewer than the first number to switch optically from the optical service transmission capacity of the failed or faulted optical transmission media to the optical protection transmission capacity of another optical transmission media.

Abstract: A new embodiment LED traffic light 40 having a housing 49 that provides at least three signal lights 42, 44, and 46. The three signal lights 42, 44, and 46 are all embedded in a single opening 50 of housing 49. The LEDs for signal lights 42, 44, and 46 are arranged in a generally common area that allows activation and display of one of the signal lights in a corresponding symbolic shape (i.e. universal symbol or words). Red signal light 42 has red LEDs 41 spread out and arranged in an octagon shape (i.e. stop sign shape). From a distance or afar, however, it may be difficult for persons to distinguish between the octagon shape and the circular shape (i.e. stop and go signals respectively). Therefore, a border 52 of contrasting color LEDs 54 (i.e. different color other than the color of the octagon) is placed around the octagon shape and illuminated to further enhance and define the stop sign or octagon shape thereof. The border 52 may be made to blink or flash (i.e. by blinking all of the LEDs 54).

Abstract: LED traffic light 30 having a housing 39 that holds at least three different signal lights 32, 34, and 36. The three lights 32, 34, and 36 are each embedded in an opening 50 of housing 39. The LEDs for traffic signal lights 32, 34, and 36 are arranged in symbolic shapes (i.e. universal symbols or words) that further represent one of the traffic signals. Red signal light 32 has red LEDs 31 arranged in an octagon shape (i.e. stop sign shape), and yellow or amber signal light 34 has yellow LEDs 33 arranged in a triangle shape (i.e. caution sign shape). Green signal light 36 has green LEDs 35 arranged in a circular shape. The preferred embodiment is a single lens traffic light 40 having a housing 49 that provides at least three signal lights 42, 44, and 46. The three signal lights 42, 44, and 46 are all embedded in a single opening 50 of housing 49.

Abstract: An anti-spill drinking cup lid flexes inwardly, without the use of a vent hole, responsive to drinking suction applied by the cup user. The flexing is by means of a central raised portion of the lid, separated by a flex line from radiating ribs which separate slightly to enlarge the cup lid diameter when liquid is withdrawn through a raised drinking spout provided with apertures sized to prevent passage of liquid. The apertures are located in a valley in the spout end to prevent splash leakage.

Abstract: There is disclosed an arrangement which enables a single modem port to be used for either synchronous or asynchronous data transmission, with no manual changes required. The modem determines whether the incoming call is synchronous or asynchronous by detecting the presence (or absence) of SYNC characters in the data stream immediately after handshaking. Once a determination has been made, the modem options itself accordingly for synchronous or asynchronous data handling. This arrangement eliminates the need for separate central office lines for synchronous and asynchronous data applications.

Abstract: A germicidal solution effective for disinfection of solid surfaces to destroy or to inactivate bacteria, microorganisms, protozoa, molds and viruses and the like contaminating said surfaces which comprises a polyvinylpyrrolide-aqueous solution of elemental iodine, a water-soluble iodide, and potassium bromide, said solution containing a sufficiently high concentration of elemental iodine to effect said destruction or inactivation.

Abstract: Novel strongly basic anion-exchange resins substantially loaded with controlled relative proportions of iodide-bromide polyhalides whereby, when water is passed therethrough which is contaminated with bacteria, potable drinkable water is obtained for safe and effective usage in public water supply systems for relatively prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: A batch water treatment system is provided in which ozone is the reactive agent. The system includes a holding tank containing untreated water in communication with a reaction tank in which ozone is dispersed under pressure through a plurality of foraminous diffusers which are connected to a modular ozone generator. Impurities contained in the water are oxidized or broken down by the ozone into forms capable of filtration, and as this treatment process progresses the water is circulated through a conduit to a monitor which measures the level of impurities in the water. Once a predetermined proportion of impurities are broken down and filtered from the system, the monitor automatically activates a drain line to evacuate the reaction tank of the treated water and then refills it with more untreated water from the holding tank to repeat the process.

Abstract: A portable water purifier is described comprising an elongated tube having a filtering agent, a bactericidal agent and an adsorbent material retained in the tube. The user supplies suction from the mouth to draw water through the tube for filtering out foreign material and purifying the water prior to use.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for use in filters, for example, water filters, includes an inlet for water to be purified and an outlet for filtered water. Partitions within the cartridge define an elongated, tortuous water flow path between the inlet and outlet. Filter pads and activated carbon, or another suitable absorbent material, is disposed in the flow path. The cartridge of the present invention provides effective odor and taste filtering of the water because the water passes over a large area of filter surface as it travels from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A trap for the control of rodents comprising a compartment having two spaced parallel electrodes in the compartment interior in close proximity to a bait holder. The investigation of the bait causes the body of the rodent to come into contact with the electrodes and be electrocuted. Baffles are placed in the compartment between the electrodes and the compartment opening to prevent fingers or other objects from coming into accidental contact with the electrodes.