Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes: receiving, by a computing device, information identifying the presence of a crowdsourcing event; receiving, by a computing device, indirect crowdsourcing data including user device activity from a plurality of user devices within a geofence associated with the crowdsourcing event; generating, by the computing device, indirect crowdsourcing data records based on the indirect crowdsourcing data; receiving, by the computing device, a query relating to the crowdsourcing event; generating, by the computing device, a query response in response to the query based on the indirect crowdsourcing data records; and providing by the computing device, the query response.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes: receiving, by a computing device, information identifying the presence of a crowdsourcing event; receiving, by a computing device, indirect crowdsourcing data including user device activity from a plurality of user devices within a geofence associated with the crowdsourcing event; generating, by the computing device, indirect crowdsourcing data records based on the indirect crowdsourcing data; receiving, by the computing device, a query relating to the crowdsourcing event; generating, by the computing device, a query response in response to the query based on the indirect crowdsourcing data records; and providing by the computing device, the query response.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for recording, managing and tracking changes to objects in a computer system. A master record is created for the computer system; and, a transactional record is created for an object in the computer system. The master record includes the current status of the object and the current status for all objects associated to the object. The transactional record is updated in the electronic database; and, the master record is updated when the transactional record is updated. The master record is linked to all of the transactional records of the objects associated to the object with the processor. The master record is updated with the processor when a transactional record of the objects associated to the object is updated or added.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for recording, managing and tracking changes to objects in a computer system. A master record is created for the computer system; and, a transactional record is created for an object in the computer system. The master record includes the current status of the object and the current status for all objects associated to the object. The transactional record is updated in the electronic database; and, the master record is updated when the transactional record is updated. The master record is linked to all of the transactional records of the objects associated to the object with the processor. The master record is updated with the processor when a transactional record of the objects associated to the object is updated or added.

Abstract: A support system for supporting a feeding tube of a person is disclosed. The support system comprises an elongated flexible band, a disc and a sling mechanism. The elongated flexible band is adapted to circumscribe the person's body, at least partially covering abdomen region of the person. The disc is disposed on the elongated flexible band and is capable of securing the feeding tube. The sling mechanism is functionally coupled to the elongated flexible band and provides support to the feeding tube, for example, while the tube is not being used to feed a user.

Abstract: A support system for supporting a feeding tube of a person is disclosed. The support system comprises an elongated flexible band, a disc and a sling mechanism. The elongated flexible band is adapted to circumscribe the person's body, at least partially covering abdomen region of the person. The disc is disposed on the elongated flexible band and is capable of securing the feeding tube. The sling mechanism is functionally coupled to the elongated flexible band and provides support to the feeding tube, for example, while the tube is not being used to feed a user.

Abstract: A sprinkler having a design such that they can be arrayed where the coverage of each exceeds 80 square feet—preferably less than 200 square feet in extra hazard or high piled storage environments up to ceiling heights of 25 feet or greater, including ceiling heights of approximately 30 feet or greater and being adapted to control through the maintenance of the heat release rate for the prescribed period of time established by NFPA-13 standards for what are termed “Extra Hazard” and “High Piled Storage” occupancy in which sprinklers preferably having a K factor of 18-40 through the selective combination of pressure and trigger-speed provide sufficiently large drops of water to permit the same to maintain sufficient size and density after contacting the structural members generally encountered in warehouse-type facilities to be able to penetrate the fire plume.

Abstract: A valve for fire suppression sprinkler systems is disclosed. The valve has a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. A closure member, positioned within the chamber, is movable to close and open the inlet. A latch engages the closure member to hold it in the closed position. The latch also engages a deformable diaphragm. The diaphragm deforms in response to pressure applied to it and allows the latch to move between a latched position engaged with the closure member and an unlatched position away from the closure member. When the diaphragm is depressurized it allows the latch to move and disengage from the closure member, which opens under fluid pressure from the inlet and allows fluid to flow through the valve.

Abstract: A fire suppression system is disclosed. The system includes a source of pressurized gas and a source of pressurized liquid. At least one emitter is in fluid communication with the liquid and gas sources. The emitter is used to establish a gas stream, atomize and entrain the liquid into the gas stream and discharge the resulting liquid-gas stream onto the fire. A method of operating the system is also disclosed. The method includes establishing a gas stream having first and second shock fronts using the emitter, atomizing and entraining the liquid with the gas at one of the two shock fronts to form a liquid-gas stream, and discharging the stream onto the fire. The method also includes creating a plurality of shock diamonds in the liquid-gas stream discharged from the emitter.

Abstract: An emitter for atomizing and discharging a liquid entrained in a gas stream is disclosed. The emitter has a nozzle with an outlet facing a deflector surface. The nozzle discharges a gas jet against the deflector surface. The emitter has a duct with an exit orifice adjacent to the nozzle outlet. Liquid is discharged from the orifice and is entrained in the gas jet where it is atomized. A method of operating the emitter is also disclosed. The method includes establishing a first shock front between the outlet and the deflector surface, a second shock front proximate to the deflector surface, and a plurality of shock diamonds in a liquid-gas stream discharged from the emitter.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed having an inlet duct aligned with an outlet duct and an angularly oriented elliptical seat positioned between them. A pressure chamber faces the seat. A pivoting valve closure member is positioned between the pressure chamber and the seat. An asymmetrical rolling diaphragm is attached to the closure member and defines part of the pressure chamber. A seat engaging surface on the side of the closure member opposite the pressure chamber is sealingly engageable with the seat to close the valve. The valve closure member is pivoted into the closed positioned by pressurizing the pressure chamber. The valve remains closed against hydraulic pressure in the inlet duct. The valve is permitted to open by de-pressurizing the pressure chamber, allowing the closure member to pivot out of engagement with the seat. Fluid may then flow from the inlet duct to the outlet duct.

Abstract: A multi-function fluid flow control device is disclosed. A body houses a filter screen, a check valve and an orifice plate mounted on a frame which is removable from the body as a unit through an opening in the body sealed by a removable plug. The orifice plate is removable from the frame to permit different sized orifices to be fitted. An inlet in the body conducts pressurized fluid through the filter screen, through the check valve and then out through an outlet in the body, both the inlet and outlet being adapted for convenient connection to a piping network. An opening in the body in fluid communication with the inlet and sealable by a removable plug allows the screen to be flushed for removal of debris.

Abstract: A shoulder strap repositioner for use in combination with a vehicle seat belt assembly having a lap belt and a diagonally-extending shoulder strap. The repositioner is generally “S” shaped in cross section and includes a generally flat panel-like intermediate portion, a generally flat panel-like upwardly extending rear tongue attached at the bottom by a lower connecting web to the intermediate portion so as to define a space for the lap belt, and a generally flat panel-like downwardly extending front tongue attached at the top by an upper connecting web to the intermediate portion so as to define a space for the shoulder strap.

Abstract: A shoulder strap repositioner for use in combination with a vehicle seat belt assembly having a lap belt and a diagonally-extending shoulder strap. The repositioner is generally “S” shaped in cross section and includes a generally flat panel-like intermediate portion, a generally flat panel-like upwardly extending rear tongue attached at the bottom by a lower connecting web to the intermediate portion so as to define a space for the lap belt, and a generally flat panel-like downwardly extending front tongue attached at the top by an upper connecting web to the intermediate portion so as to define a space for the shoulder strap.

Abstract: A jam-tolerant geared rotary actuator, capable of performing in a normal operating mode and a jam-tolerant operating mode, which includes: an output spline member for releasably connecting the movable ring gear to the output ring; a decoupling member which includes an input shaft disposed within a hollow timing shaft, and a shear member for sensing excessive torque and initiating the jam-tolerant mode; a sun gear spline member for connecting the sun gear to the hollow timing shaft; an axial displacement member for engaging the output spline member with the movable ring gear and the output ring; and an input engagement member for releasably connecting the axial displacement member to the input shaft. The axial displacement member includes a decoupling bushing and a double threaded decoupling nut. The nut is disposed between the timing shaft and the decoupling bushing.

Abstract: This invention covers a destructive testing procedure in which a voltage 2.5 times the rated voltage is applied to the capacitor, at a relatively high current. The resistance in series with capacitors being tested is reduced step-by-step until the resistance value is reached such that the percentage of capacitor failures on any given sample of capacitors remains constant. Thereafter, all similar capacitors are tested at that resistance value and at 2.5 times the rated voltage. Those which do not explode exhibit remarkable reliability.