Abstract: A light-emitting element 1 has a rod-shaped light-emitting element 3, an LED lamp 10, and a lens 20 for converging light from the LED lamp to an end face of the rod-shaped light-emitting element. The lens 20 has a scattering area around the centerline of an extremity thereof, and the scattering area scatters light in proximity to the centerline, thereby irradiating an inner peripheral surface of the rod-shaped light-emitting element 3 with the light.

Abstract: The apparatus consists of a self contained lighting and identification device (10) having a strap (104) for attachment to a SCBA tank. A back plate (58) and a front shield (62) are spaced apart forming a cavity for LED back-lighting, with the front shield incorporates identification indicia (68) which provides recognition of a specific firefighter. Battery containing tubes (72) act as structural pillars and are located between an upper end cap assembly (20) and a lower end cap assembly (86), utilizing tie rods (96) for attachment therebetween. Diffused light distribution tubes (78) energized by LED's are positioned adjacent to the battery tubes evenly dispersing light on each side of the apparatus, effectively penetrating a smoke environment. The upper end cap assembly incorporates a printed circuit board (46) which includes the necessary control and lighting devices, and the lower end cap has a removable bottom cover (90) allowing batteries to be replaced.

Abstract: There is provided an illuminated surface mounted on a base surface. The illuminated surface includes a plurality of transmissive tiles configured to allow light to pass therethrough. Each of the transmissive tiles includes an exterior surface, an attaching surface and a plurality of lateral sides disposed between the exterior and attaching surfaces. The attaching surface is affixable to the base surface. The transmissive tiles are arranged in spaced relation to each other to define a cable channel. The cable channel is defined by opposing lateral sides of adjacent transmissive tiles. A fiber optic cable is in optical communication a light source and receives light therefrom. The fiber optic cable includes a longitudinal axis and a first segment disposed within the cable channel. The first segment is configured to radially radiate light along the longitudinal axis into the lateral sides of the adjacent transmissive tiles.

Abstract: A light emitting sign including a lightguide having a thickness not greater than 0.5 millimeters. The lightguide having an array of elongated legs extending therefrom, wherein each leg terminates in a bounding edge and is folded such that the bounding edges are stacked. At least one light source emits light into the stacked bounding edges. The light travels within the legs to the lightguide, with the light from each leg combining and totally internally reflecting within the lightguide. A plurality of light scattering features frustrate totally internally reflected light within the lightguide such that the light exits the sign in a light emitting area.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus, comprising at least one light emitting source embedded in a waveguide material is disclosed. The waveguide material is capable of propagating light generated by light emitting source(s), such that at least a portion of the light is diffused within the waveguide material and exits through at least a portion of its surface.

Abstract: An illumination system for illuminating a display device includes a light-mixing chamber having a light-exit window, a rear wall situated opposite the light-exit window, and edge walls which extend between the light-exit window and the rear wall. A surface of the rear wall is substantially specularly reflective for specularly reflecting light impinging on the surface of the rear wall and having a relatively large angle of incidence with respect to an axis perpendicular to the rear wall. The illumination system further includes a light source light out-coupling elements. The light source emits light into the light-mixing chamber in a direction substantially parallel to the light-exit window. The illumination system further includes an angularly reflective filter applied at the light-exit window. The angularly reflective filter includes substantially transparent layers, each layer having a substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: An LED night light for night time or dark area use may be arranged as a plug-in wall outlet night light or a direct current that includes projection features to project an image, message, data, logo, and/or time on a ceiling, walls, floor, or other desired surface. The LED night light incorporates optics selected from an optics-lens, convex lens, concave lens, openings, cut-outs, film, grating means, and/or hologram means to create the preferred image and project it to a desired location.

Abstract: A bone cement mixer includes one mixing space (5) for mixing powder and liquid components (2, 4) to make bone cement. The powder component (2) is placed in the mixing space (5) and the liquid component (4) in a liquid container (3). The liquid container (3) may be an aerosol container (15) and contains, in addition to the liquid component (4), a propellant gas for pushing the liquid component (4) out from the aerosol container (15) into the mixing space (5). The aerosol container (15) has a connecting element (16) for connecting it to the bone cement mixer (1), and it is closed and adapted to being opened when it is connected to a corresponding connecting element (17) on the bone cement mixer (1), so that the liquid component (4) is pushed out from the aerosol container (15) into the mixing space (5) by the propellant gas.

Abstract: A bone cement mixer (1) includes at least one mixing space (5) for mixing powder and liquid components (2, 4) to make bone cement. The powder component (2) is placed in the mixing space (5) and the liquid component (4) in a liquid container (3). The liquid component (4) is sucked out from the liquid container (3) to the mixing space (5) by means of a vacuum generated in the mixing space. The liquid container (3) is a tube (15) that has a connecting element (16) for connecting it to the bone cement mixer (1). The connecting element (16) is adapted to be opened when it is connected to a corresponding connecting element (17) on the bone cement mixer (1). The metal material of the tube has a thickness such that the volume of its liquid containing space (18) is brought to decrease when the vacuum in the mixing space (5) is brought to prevail therein.

Abstract: A contactlessly, inductively, or magnetically drivable agitator (1) for fluids, in particular for agitating sterile fluids which is equipped with a separating vessel (10) and an agitator head (2), which is supported thereon in an axially and radially movable fashion and is for supporting agitating elements (5). The novel agitator (1) includes structures for hydrodynamically generating a fluid film from the medium to be agitated and during operation, the fluid film is formed between at least one stationary part of the separating vessel (10) or a container bottom (11) and at least one part of the rotationally movable agitator head (2) that is equipped with the hydrodynamically acting structures. During operation, the fluid film eliminates essentially all of the pressure on the bearing, drastically reduces the wear, and as a result, practically no further abraded material gets into the fluids to be agitated. Such agitators permit maximum speeds of up to 3000 rpm.

Abstract: A method for measuring a metal film thickness is provided. The method initiates with heating a region of interest of a metal film with a defined amount of heat energy. Then, a temperature of the metal film is measured. Next, a thickness of the metal film is calculated based upon the temperature and the defined amount of heat energy. A chemical mechanical planarization system capable of detecting a thin metal film through the detection of heat transfer dynamics is also provided.

Abstract: Cloud point monitoring systems for determining a cloud point of diesel fuel are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a cloud point monitoring system determines a cloud point temperature value utilizing signals indicating a viscosity level of diesel fuel and a temperature of the diesel fuel.

Abstract: A non-invasive method of measuring the temperature of a subject through a portable infrared thermometer includes measuring a temperature related to room temperature and detecting an infrared radiation coming from a region of interest of the subject. The region of interest can be a forehead or an auricle area of the subject. The portable infrared thermometer detecting the infrared radiation determines a surface temperature of the region of interest. A corrective parameter is determined based on the temperature related to the room temperature, and the surface temperature measured by the portable infrared thermometer on the surface portion of the forehead or of the auricle area is corrected using the corrective parameter. The real inner temperature of the subject is determined based upon the correcting.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes changing the temperature of a local environment of a distributed temperature sensor, which is deployed in a region of the well and using the sensor to acquire measurements of a temperature versus depth profile. The region contains at least two different well fluid layers, and the technique includes determining the depth of a boundary of at least one of the well fluid layers based at least in part on a response of the temperature versus depth profile to the changing of the temperature.

Abstract: A microsystem component with a device (3) deformable under the influence of temperature changes is disclosed. The device comprises at least one first (4, 5) and second (8) element with differing thermal expansion coefficients and different thermal conductivities. The elements (4, 5; 8) are physically separate and arranged and connected to each other such that the device (3) assumes flexure states which are dependent on the temperature.

Abstract: The case temperature measurement device for an optoelectronic transceiver includes a case with at least one thermally conductive wall, at least one optical component at least partially disposed within the case, circuitry electrically coupled to the optical component. The circuitry includes a temperature sensor coupled to the circuitry. The case temperature measurement device also includes at least one protrusion formed on the wall of the case of the optoelectronic transceiver. The protrusion is thermally coupled to temperature sensor via a thermal pad. A method for estimating case temperature of the optoelectronic transceiver based on an internal temperature measurement and knowledge of the relationship between the measured internal temperature and the actual case temperature, and compensating for the effects of variable heat sources within the transceiver upon this estimate.

Abstract: A transmitter, in particular for mounting on the head of a process thermometer, has an upper part, a lower part, at least one connection unit and at least one electric contact element. The connection unit is arranged on the inside of the upper part and can be electrically contacted via the contact element from the outside of the upper part. The lower part is integrally formed using thermoplastic plastic and the upper part and the lower part are force-fit and/or form-fit with one another. A method for making the transmitter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fixture for use in taking X-ray images of children comprising; a base including cylinder having a height adjustable piston, and at least one mounting arm. The mounting arm including a first end connected to the front wheel of a bike and a second end connected to a rear wheel of the bike. The bike including a first seat; a second seat portion supported by the mounting arm, the second seat including a back portion that is transparent to X-rays. An x-ray cassette is mounted on a swivel arm and can be positioned to take typical x-ray images of a child's torso including anterior, posterior, left lateral and right lateral. The fixture can work with any x-ray source and can work with wall mounted x-ray cassettes as well.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes: a base; a main frame including a pair of tilt shafts, the main frame being supported in a tiltable manner by the base with a pair of bearings interposed in between, the bearings configured to rotatably support the respective tilt shafts; an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector positioned to face each other; an annular rotor configured to hold the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, the rotor rotatably supported by the main frame with a bearing interposed in between; and a pair of reinforcement members extended from the main frame. One end of each of the pair of tilt shafts is fixed to the main frame, and the other end of each of the pair of tilt shafts is fixed to the respective reinforcement members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reclosable storage bag for packaging/containing and transporting objects, such as food. The reclosable storage bag may include a flexible inner liner contoured to the shape of a user's hand and have one or more closure members for sealing the ends of the bag. The user may store food in an interior storage area of the bag and may use the flexible inner liner to grab or hold onto the food so that the user will not have to directly touch the food while eating.

Abstract: The Adaptable Gift Bag is a bag made of relatively opaque, stretchy material, not paper or netting, so that it can fit over various sizes and shapes of gift items and present a smooth, attractive appearance. The Adaptable Gift Bag is typically made of a single sheet of material folded over and sewn along one or two sides so that it has one open end, but in alternate embodiments it could have two open ends. The open end can be closed around the gift by gathering and tying with traditional ribbon or cord, by attaching a drawstring, or alternatively can be twisted and stretched back over the gift for a unique finished appearance. The Adaptable Gift Bag may be lined (e.g., with a different material), may include a zipper for easier removal from the gift item, and/or may include strategically placed elastic bands in its interior for a better fit (esp. at the corners). Using a shimmery, sparkly, or iridescent material provides a festive appearance for the finished gift.

Abstract: An outer peripheral surface (8d) of a bearing sleeve (8) is formed on a radially inside with respect to a first dynamic pressure generation portion (B1). In this case, it is possible to reduce a thickness of the bearing sleeve (8) while securing a first thrust dynamic pressure generating portion (B1) which has a thrust load capacity equivalent to that in a conventional case where a thrust dynamic pressure generating portion is formed in an end surface of the bearing sleeve. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the bearing sleeve (8) without sacrificing a bearing performance in a thrust direction. With this structure, a total amount of a lubricating oil sealed in a bearing device can be reduced, thereby reducing a capacity of a buffering function so as to downsize a sealing portion (9), and by extension, downsizing a fluid dynamic bearing device (1).

Abstract: A rolling bearing unit having a sensor comprising: a first raceway member, on the outer circumferential surface of which a raceway surface is provided; a second raceway member, on the inner circumferential surface of which a raceway surface is provided; a plurality of rolling elements arranged between the raceway surface of the first raceway member and the raceway surface of the second raceway member; a base plate, the shape of which is formed into an annular and flat shape, having a through-hole that the first raceway member penetrates; a first coil, the shape of which is formed into a plane shape, arranged so that the first coil surrounds an overall circumference of the first raceway member; and a plurality of second coils, the shape of which is formed into a plane shape, arranged around the first coil.

Abstract: A needle roller bearing comprises an outer ring having a plurality of outer ring members split by a parting line extending in the axial direction of the bearing, a plurality of needle rollers rotatably arranged on the raceway surface of the outer ring, and a retainer retaining the plurality of needle rollers. A curvature radius r1 of the outer ring member and a curvature radius r2 of the outer diameter of the retainer has a relation such that 1<r1/r2<1.3.

Abstract: A rotational bearing configured to support a first body for rotation relative to a second body about a rotational axis, one of the first or second bodies being a rotational body and the other being a support body, the rotational bearing comprising a plurality of carrier rollers. Each carrier roller is individually mounted to the first body for rotation about a respective carrier roller rotational axis extending therefrom. Each carrier roller is in rolling contact with the second body.

Abstract: In a thrust bearing, an axially outer end portion of each pin of a pin-type retainer is fixed to an outside ring by a weld, and a threaded shaft, formed at an axially inner end portion of each pin, is screwed into a threaded hole formed in an inside ring. An inner peripheral surface of the inside ring slides on an outer peripheral surface of a rotary shaft, whereby the rotation of the pin-type retainer is guided.

Abstract: An interface converter is provided for mechanically and optically coupling a fiber optic connector with an adapter port. In a preferred embodiment, the interface converter attaches to an SC fiber optic connector and together form a converted fiber optic connector compatible with the adapter port. In certain embodiments, a retractable release sleeve may be removed from the SC fiber optic connector prior to attaching the interface converter. In certain embodiments, the interface converter may be inserted into the adapter port prior to being attached to the SC fiber optic connector.

Abstract: A hand held camera unit comprises a shoulder assembly and a platform assembly for releasably holding a camera. A connector is provided between the shoulder assembly and the platform assembly, and is movable between a locked position wherein the platform assembly is fixed relative to the shoulder assembly and an unlocked position wherein the platform assembly can be selectively moved relative to the shoulder assembly in the roll axis, the yaw axis and in a fore and aft direction.

Abstract: A shutter assembly includes a plurality of shutter blades movable between an open position and a closed position, a drive ring having first and second oppositely-facing sides, at least one of the shutter blades being movably coupled to the first side, and a first permanent magnet coupled to the second side of the drive ring. The shutter assembly also includes a first solenoid selectively energizable to alternately attract and repel the first permanent magnet along an arcuate path beneath the first solenoid, thereby transitioning the plurality of shutter blades between the open and closed positions. The shutter assembly also includes a sensor assembly configured to detect a location of the first permanent magnet along the path.

Abstract: A self-luminous keyboard with brightness-enhanced keycaps of the present invention comprises a baseplate, a substrate arranged above the baseplate, a plurality of keycaps coupled to the substrate and able to move up and down, a circuit board triggered by the contact of the keycap to output a signal, and a light emitting element. The substrate has a plurality of via-holes each corresponding to one keycap. There is a light transmission path from the light emitting element through the via-hole to the keycap. In each light transmission path, there is a light concentration member, and the light emitted by the light emitting element is concentrated by the light concentration member and then transmitted to the keycap. Thereby, the brightness of the keycaps is enhanced to be higher than the brightness of the gap between the adjacent keycaps, and the recognizability thereof is promoted.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide for a method and apparatus for moving a cover of a device relative to a base of the device to provide access to an interior space. An indication to open a cover coupled to a base is received. Responsive to receiving the indication, the cover is sequentially pivoted around a first pivot and a second pivot to provide access to the interior space while maintaining the cover within a footprint of the device.

Abstract: A nail enamel applicator includes a resilient tube, an adaptor mounted on the top portion of the tube and having an upper end provided with a clamping hole and a guide portion, a pen head mounted in the adaptor and having an upper end provided with a tip extending through the guide portion into the clamping hole, a top cap mounted on the adaptor to cover the tip, and a brush having an upper end provided with a pipe inserted into an open lower end of the pen head and a lower end provided with multiple bristles. Thus, the tip is clamped by the clamping hole so that the clamping hole is sealed closely by the tip without producing a gap between the tip and the clamping hole to prevent air from being introduced into the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hand-held photochromic marking implement including a photochromic colorant and solid phase colorant carrier which can be used in direct-to-media marking and a method of forming same.

Abstract: A writing implement mechanism comprises includes a tubular first element (10) having a central axis and including first and second walls (12, 14) presenting that include respective first and second edges (16, 18) defining a guide (20) extending longitudinally in a direction that is inclined relative to the central axis between a first end and a second end. The mechanism further comprises includes a second element (26) adapted to slide along the first element (10) and including a nib (28) sliding in the guide (20). The second wall (14) is offset towards the central axis relative to the first wall (12) in a direction that is radial relative to said the central axis (Z).

Abstract: A writing instrument comprises a substantially tubular body extending between a top and a writing end, and an elongate slot disposed in an outer surface of the body and having a detents defined at each end of the slot, and a tubular open-ended cap disposed coaxially around the body and having a cut defining an elongate arm connected to the cap at one end and having an inwardly-oriented protrusion at another end and sized to engage the detents of the slot. The cap is slidable along the body such that the inwardly-oriented protrusion slides along the slot until it engages a detent at an end of the slot thereby arresting the cap either in a closed position, in which the cap covers the writing end, or in an open position in which the writing end is exposed.

Abstract: An atomizing fluid dispenser for delivering, via a spray nozzle, a substantially equal metered dose of fluid material for each dispensing operation. The fluid dispensing device includes a container with an interior fluid storage region therein. A metering housing, when depressed, generates a one-way flow from the interior fluid storage region of the container that serves to fill the predetermined volume of the chamber within the metering housing. When the metering housing is depressed a second time a substantially equal volume of fluid is dispensed from the container, while upon release, the metering housing is refilled by drawing fluid from the fluid storage region. A spray nozzle or atomizer is attached to the exit port of the dispensing device so that the liquid is delivered in metered fashion in spray form.

Abstract: A direct-fluid-supply writing implement has a pentip, an ink occlusion body connected to a rear end of the pentip, an ink tank that directly stores ink and is arranged at a rear of the ink occlusion body, a plurality of communication tubes that connects the ink tank to the ink occlusion body and a partition wall provided between the ink occlusion body and the ink tank. Forward end portions of the communication tubes are protruded forward from a front face of the partition wall, and are located inside the ink occlusion body. At least one of the communication tubes is provided such that a rear end of the communication tube is protruded backward from a rear face of the partition wall and is located inside the ink tank.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism having at least one pair of half-ring members that are movable between a first position, wherein the half-ring members are closed, and a second position, wherein the half-ring members are open, and at least one generally tubular member to facilitate alignment and securement of the at least one pair of half ring members when moved from the second, open position to the first, closed position.

Abstract: A regulating device for gymnastic machines and the like, includes at least a lever (2) for manual selective lock and release, associated with a first member (3), at least a toothed rod (4), associated with a second member (5) slidable relative to said first member (3), and a pawl (6) mechanically interlocked with the lever (2) and selectively engageable in one of the teeth (7) of the toothed rod (4) to block rigidly the second member (5) with respect to the first member (3) in any position by a user the lever (2) being selectively movable from at least a first position of sliding of the second member (5) relative to the first member (3), wherein said pawl (6) can be released from said toothed rod (4), to at least a second position of blocking said second member (5) relative to said first member (3), wherein the pawl (6) is rigidly engaged in one of the teeth (7) of the toothed rod (4), to at least a third position of substantial clearing of the mechanical backlashes between the second member (5) and the first

Abstract: A structure includes two plates (planar plates) joined at right angles to one another. The first plate has a non-round opening (first opening) and can include tabs extending from one end (a first end) of the first plate. The second plate has a round opening and/or a notch, depending upon implementation. The second plate can also include tab openings on opposite sides of the round opening, again depending upon implementation. If a notch is used, the notch is positioned along an edge of the second plate (positioned along a second end of the second plate). When the first and second plates are connected, the optional tabs are positioned within the optional tab openings, a first end of the first plate being connected to the second end of the second plate. A locking structure is positioned within the first opening, the round opening, and the notch (if used). The locking structure connects the first plate to the second plate.

Abstract: A dual bushing installation kit includes a first metal bushing and a second metal bushing. The first metal bushing can include a first body having first and second ends. The first and second ends are connected by a first outer surface having a first outer circumference and a first inner surface having a first inner circumference. The second metal bushing is defined by a second body having first and second ends. The first and second ends are connected by a second outer surface having a second outer circumference and a second inner surface having a second inner circumference. The second outer circumference is dimensioned to be substantially conforming with the first inner circumference such that the second bushing is closely receivable by a first opening of the first bushing. Both the second outer circumference and the first inner circumference can be expanded in an outwardly radial direction.

Abstract: A lifting device for the backrest of a chair includes a fixed member, a movable member movably mounted on the fixed member and having an elongate slideway and a plurality of locking grooves, a locking bolt extending into the slideway of the movable member and detachably locked in one of the locking grooves of the movable member, a slide secured on the locking bolt to move the locking bolt, and an elastic member biased between the slide and the fixed member to push the locking bolt toward one of the locking grooves. Thus, the movable member is moved relative to the fixed member to adjust the height of the backrest so that the height of the backrest can be adjusted according to a user's requirement, and the backrest can support the user's back efficiently.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system is provided, comprised of an easily installable and transportable base having a deployable vehicle retention means contained therein. In particular, a rigid base over which vehicles may drive is provided, having a deployable vehicle retention means, such as a net or flexible panel, disposed in the base. In addition, lockable rollers, deployable plates and tire puncturing devices are disposed in the base, to prevent or resist movement of the vehicle relative to the base. The base is merely laid upon a surface, and requires no mounting thereto. Upon impact with a vehicle, the vehicle is retained on the base, and the forward motion/inertia of the vehicle is depleted via frictional engagement (sliding) of the base over the mounting surface, wherein the base and vehicle come to a controlled stop within a short distance.

Abstract: A grass protection mat and a mat assembly having the same are provided. The grass protection mat of the invention includes a body made of polygonal portions, pillars protruded upward from the body, buffer wings protruded upward from the body between the pillars for distributing weights, an outer frame at the periphery of the body, lug members protruded from lower parts of the body and the outer frame. The mat also includes slide-type hooking means laterally protruded for connection of the mats, an opening formed at the inner surface of the outer frame. The mat assembly includes various forms of mat fastening members for connecting the grass protection mats. The invention facilitates connection of the mats and enhances assemblability of the mat assembly, effectively preventing sinking of the mats into the ground, thereby maintaining protection of grass.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to structures and methods for constructing a paved structure. Some embodiments relate to improved, simplified and/or lightweight means for the construction of such structures. Some embodiments relate to means for constructing a paved area having a shelf for vertically supporting bricks. Furthermore, in some embodiments the shelf can be in a raised relation to a substrate. Some embodiments may also include structures that facilitate drainage of liquids from a surface of the paved structure.

Abstract: A zero velocity bead dispenser is provided for a paint striping vehicle. The dispenser includes an electric motor which rotates a pair of rollers. A bead gun directs reflective particles into the nip point between the rollers, which discharge the particles or beads with a rearward velocity substantially matching the forward velocity of the vehicle. Therefore, the beads are discharged into the wet paint on the road with a net zero velocity so as to minimize or eliminate rolling of the beads in the paint, thereby maximizing the reflective properties of the beads. A speed sensor continuously monitors the vehicle speed and automatically adjusts the motor speed, and thus the roller speed, so as to maintain the relative zero velocity of the discharged beads.

Abstract: A paving screed comprises a base screed and extension screeds each of which is support via an extension guiding structure at a guidance fixed in the base screed such that each extension screed can be extended and retracted. A multiple point suspension is provided between the extension guiding structure and the guidance. A frame carrying the sole plate of the extension screed A is arranged below the extension guiding structure. Substantially vertical adjustment assemblies make it possible to adjust the height position of the frame via drives. A lateral inclination adjustment assembly is provided structurally separated from the adjustment assemblies either for the frame or within the frame for the sole plate of the extension screed.

Abstract: A fitting comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a body disposed between said at least one inlet and at least one outlet wherein the body defines at least one flowpath through the fitting, the body further comprising one or more apertures located intermediate said at least one inlet and said at least one outlet, and two or more flanges extending outwardly from the body and spaced apart from one another, and wherein the one or more apertures are located intermediate the two or more flanges.

Abstract: A method of restoring a lake that has a high saline level is disclosed herein. In order to restore the lake, a series of concentric dikes or levees are provided that separate the lake into a plurality of smaller lake sections, each having a water surface. The smaller lake sections include an outer lake section which is next to the periphery of the lake and one or more inner lake sections. Each dike and each smaller lake section water surface have an elevation. Water is flowed from an influent source to the outer lake section and then to each of the inner lake sections. The outer lake section surface has a higher elevation. The inner lake section surfaces have cascading lower surface elevations. At a central area, a breathing brine area is provided that is surrounded by the smaller lake sections to provide an area that can be used to concentrate brine. The smaller lake sections can have differing salinity levels for sustaining diverse marine and plant life.

Abstract: A method of increasing the storage capacity of a natural gas storage cavern involves the step of adding liquefied natural gas to gaseous natural gas in the natural gas storage cavern. The addition of liquefied natural gas serves to reduce the temperature and associated pressure of gaseous natural gas in the natural gas storage cavern, thereby increasing the capacity of the natural gas storage cavern.