Abstract: In a capacitor producing method, a bottom electrode, a thin-film dielectric, and a top electrode are deposited on a substrate so as to form a capacitor, wherein defects including particles and electrical short-circuits between the bottom electrode and the top electrode are detected before the capacitor is divided into capacitor cells. Next, defects such as particles and electrical short-circuits between the bottom electrode and the top electrode are removed before the capacitor is divided into capacitor cells.

Abstract: The machining device is for machining the material of a pipe system that has a joint area between a pipe that has a smaller inner diameter and a pipe that has a larger inner diameter. The device has protruding parts that have been adapted to position the device inside the pipe that has the smaller diameter. A steerable actuator is adapted for removing material from the joint area and steering device for controlling the direction of the machining device in relation to the longitudinal axis of the pipe that has the smaller inner diameter while removing material from the joint area. The method is for machining material of the joint area that has a thinner and a thicker pipe.

Abstract: A method and a rapper device for cleaning a heat exchange surface in a pressure vessel. The rapper device includes a striker rod which has one end contacting the heat exchange surface in the pressure vessel and one end projecting out of the pressure vessel via a passage opening. The rapper device also includes an impacting device for impacting the projecting end of the striker rod. A section of the striker rod is slideably supported in a pressure chamber adjacent the passage opening. The pressure chamber is connected to a sealing gas supply maintaining the pressure in the pressure chamber at a higher level than the pressure in the pressure vessel. A bellows defines a pressure chamber around at least a section of the striker rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing the end faces of thin-walled jackets for welding, comprising a housing (1), on which an annular separator (2) is mounted, said separator containing at least two groups of elongated deformation elements (4, 6). The longitudinal axes of the deformation elements (4) of a first group are aligned radially in relation to the central axis of the separator (2) and the longitudinal axes of the deformation elements (6) of a second group are aligned at an acute angle (?) in relation to a radial through the central axis of the separator (2).

Abstract: A collet for a fastener installation tool having a pull section with a fastener engagement end and a plurality of teeth. The teeth include a first tooth with a first inner diameter, and each of the remainder of teeth includes a second inner diameter, the first inner diameter being greater than the second inner diameter. The pull section includes a protrusion extending from the fastener engagement end, thereby extending the length of the pull section. The pull section includes a cross-sectional thickness, wherein the collet is adapted to engage a pin member having a locking portion with a first diameter and a pull portion with a smaller second diameter. An increase in the difference between the first diameter of the locking portion and the second diameter of the pull portion of the pin member allows for a corresponding increase in the cross-sectional thickness of the collet, thereby extending the fatigue life of the tool.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a dielectric tubular conductor cover to a cable, the conductor cover being split longitudinally to define a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the applicator comprising: a head having a separator shaped to contact, in operation of the applicator, an interior surface of the conductor cover to spread open the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge along a portion of the conductor cover to allow the portion of the conductor cover to be applied to a cable.

Abstract: An alignment clamp assembly is provided for aligning and holding flanged or framed ductwork while the ductwork is being joined together. The assembly includes an upper jaw having a planar end portion and a lower jaw pivotally coupled to the upper jaw. The lower jaw has a planar end surface and is pivotable to position the end portion of the upper jaw against the end surface of the lower jaw. A pin is coupled to one of the upper jaw and the lower jaw. A cavity is positioned in one of the upper jaw and the lower jaw opposite the pin. The pin extends into the cavity when the end portion of the upper jaw is positioned against the end surface of the lower jaw.

Abstract: This invention provides an automated installation procedure for assembling a disposable flow path: providing a disposable flow path comprising tubing and a plurality of sensors onto a re-usable instrument; qualifying said tubing and said plurality of sensors to be on the flow path based on a standard; and determining if the tubing and the plurality of sensors comply with characteristics and performance according to limits for specifications or acceptance criteria.

Abstract: A glass cutting apparatus (101) includes a pair of cutters (13a, 13b) installed oppositely to each other in such a way as to sandwich, therebetween, a glass plate with surfaces of the glass plate thereof being along a vertical direction; a first pressing unit (14a) which presses one of the cutters to one of the surfaces of the glass plate in a horizontal direction with a pressing force P; a second pressing unit (14b) which is placed oppositely to the first pressing unit and presses the other one of the cutters to the other surface of the glass plate in the horizontal direction with the pressing force P; and a moving unit (20) which moves the pair of cutters pressing the glass plate with the pressing force P.

Abstract: A method for assembly of structural systems comprising structural members with slots. Specific structural members are sequentially interconnected in rigid alignment. A first structural member is positioned with two upward facing slots. A second structural member having a downward slot and an upward slot is engaged with the first structural member by engaging the downward slot with one of the upward slots of the first structural member providing a stable structure. A third structural member having a downward slot and an upward slot is engaged with the second structural member by engaging the downward slot with the upward slot of the second structural member providing a stable structure. A fourth structural member having two downward slots is engaged with the third structural member and the first structural member by engaging the downward slots with the upward slots providing a finished structure.

Abstract: A water-retaining element (2) for forming a temporary water-retaining structure (1) includes a bottom (6), a plurality of side walls (8, 10), and connections (20). The plurality of side walls are immovably connected to the bottom and extend upwards from the bottom to form a water-fillable container (12). The connections connect the water-retaining element in a water-retaining manner to least one adjacent water-retaining element. The water-fillable container (12) is open at the top to receive a second water-retaining element (2) during transport and/or storage.

Abstract: A pre-assembled pipe coupling for joining and sealing two grooved-ended pipe segments without disassembling the coupling is disclosed. The coupling has a housing with upper and lower arcuate housing segments and left and right bridge segments. Each bridge segment has at least one set of dihedrally angled faces that engage corresponding faces each in the upper and lower housing segments. Drawing the upper and lower segments inwardly together along a first axis, presses each bridge segment inward along a second axis roughly tangential to the first axis. All segments are loosely pre-assembled with bolts and nuts into a coupling and all segments each have radially inwardly projecting lands that mate with end grooves in the pipes to be joined. The coupling also has a one-piece circular sealing gasket that has an inward circumferential and centrally positioned pipe stop that has an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the pipes to be joined.

Abstract: Apparatus and Method of use for an improved lock nut type of fastener. On a threaded rod, a set of one or two cavity locknuts are used with a sleeve like ferrule to lock a nut in a set position on the rod. For example a nut that is clamping a workpiece can be held in place (resisting if not preventing loosening) by suitable application of the ferrule and cavity locknut. The cavity locknut has a tapered funnel-like cavity in a nut face around the nut's threaded hole. Locking is accomplished by immobilizing the ferrule on the rod and against the nut to be held, orienting the cavity side of the cavity locknut toward the ferrule, and forcefully torquing the cavity nut against and around the ferrule so that it is crimped against the threaded rod by the tapered cavity in the nut.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lens includes: providing a metal sheet and a stamping mold; forming a light shield of a predetermined shape and size from the metal sheet using the stamping mold; providing an injection mold, the injection mold defining a mold cavity, the mold cavity defining a molding surface that corresponds to the light shield in shape and size; placing the light shield in the mold cavity, wherein the light shield is pasted to the molding surface; and forming a lens with the light shield using the injection mold.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an inductor for a microelectronic device comprises providing a substrate (610), forming a first plurality of inductor windings (111, 211, 411, 620, 2030) over the substrate, forming a magnetic inductor core (112, 212, 412, 810) over the first plurality of inductor windings, and forming a second plurality of inductor windings (113, 213, 413, 1010) over the magnetic inductor core. In another embodiment, the method comprises forming the inductor on a sacrificial substrate (1610) such that the inductor can subsequently be mounted onto a carrier tape (1810). In yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a substrate for a microelectronic device comprises forming an inductor within a build-up layer (101, 102, 103, 104) of a substrate.

Abstract: A stretch film sleeve label applicator for separating a stretchable sleeve label from a web of such labels and applying the label to an item, such as a container, is disclosed. The applicator is particularly useful for applying high stretch labels to highly contoured containers. The applicator is configured to receive a series of labels in an elongated, continuous web of flat, 2-ply sleeve labels, open the continuous sleeve of labels, separate an individual label from a next successive label, stretch the label to permit its application to an item to be labeled, such as a container, and apply the label in an accurate and precise location on the container. The applicator comprises three primary components: a label feeding assembly, a label separating assembly and a label stretching assembly. Various embodiments of the label feeding assembly, label separating assembly and label stretching assembly are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making phase change memory is provided. The method includes following steps. A substrate is provided. A plurality of first row electrode leads and the second row electrode leads is located on the substrate. A carbon nanotube layer is applied on the substrate to cover the first row electrode lead and the second row electrode lead. The carbon nanotube layer is patterned to form a plurality of carbon nanotube units located on the second row electrode lead. A phase change layer is applied on the surface of each carbon nanotube unit. A plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of first row electrode leads and a plurality of second row electrode leads is located on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for making a coaxial cable including an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and a dielectric material layer therebetween may include forming the inner conductor by at least forming a bimetallic strip into a tubular bimetallic layer having a pair of longitudinal edge portions at a longitudinal seam. The bimetallic strip may include an inner metal layer and an outer metal layer bonded thereto and coextensive therewith. Each of the longitudinal edge portions may be folded over. The method may also include forming a welded joint between adjacent portions of the folded over longitudinal edge portions and defining surplus material at the welded joint. The method may further include removing the surplus material at the welded joint and forming the dielectric material layer surrounding the inner conductor. The method may also include forming the outer conductor surrounding the dielectric material layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a printed wiring board, including forming a plurality of electrodes on a conductive layer formed on a substrate by a plating method, forming an insulation layer on the electrodes and the conductive layer, removing the substrate from the conductive layer, patterning the conductive layer except for a resistor forming region reserved for forming a resistor, thereby forming an external connection conductive pattern, and forming a resistor in the resistor forming region such that the resistor is separated by a space from the external connection conductive pattern.

Abstract: A non-deleterious method for producing a continuous conductive circuit upon a non-conductive substrate can begin with the application of a metallic base layer upon a surface of a non-conductive substrate. A circuit pattern can be created within the metallic base layer based upon a circuit design. The metallic base layer comprising the circuit pattern can be physically separated from the remainder of the metallic base layer on the non-conductive substrate. The region of the non-conductive substrate surface that encloses the circuit pattern can be called the plating region. The remainder of the non-conductive substrate surface can be called the non-plating region. A first metal layer can be added upon the metallic base layer. A second metal layer can be added upon the first metal layer of the plating region. The second metal layer can be electrically conductive and restricted from forming on the first metal layer of the non-plating region.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect has an adhesive layer in which is formed an array of apertures, the apertures being of non-circular shape. An electrical circuit apparatus has a first circuit having at least one electrical contact, a second circuit having at least one electrical contact aligned to the electrical contact of the first circuit, and a standoff structure between the first and second circuits having at least one aperture aligned to one electrical contact of the first and second circuits, the aperture being of a non-circular shape.

Abstract: An inkjet head manufacturing method includes the following steps. Firstly, a multilayered structure with a plurality of microstructure layers is provided. The alignment check holes of the microstructure layers are concentric and have different diameters. Then, the microstructure layers are stacked together and the microstructure layers are aligned with each other according to the concentric and different-diameter alignment check holes, wherein a dry film layer is sandwiched between every two adjacent microstructure layers. The preset slots of the microstructure layers are collectively defined as inlet flow channels, ink chambers, pressure cavities and outlet flow channels. Then, the multilayered structure is assembled and positioned through the dry film layers by a thermal compression process. Then, a cutting knife is used to linearly cut the actuator plate over a spacer between every two adjacent pressure cavities and along a path parallel with rims of the pressure cavities.

Abstract: A pruning clipper includes a pair of handles each having a distal end and a proximal end, with the handles being pivotally connected to each other close to the proximal ends of the handles. A first blade is connected to the proximal end of one of said handles, and a second blade is connected to the proximal end of the other handle. A chemical storage tank may be positioned within the distal end of one of said handles for storing a chemical to be selectively applied to vegetation. A bulb is connected to the proximal end of one of the handles, with the bulb being connected to the tank using a first connecting tube. A dispensing member extends along one of the blades and beyond the blade to a dispersion point, and the dispensing member is connected to the bulb using a second connecting tube. The user will thus cut the vegetation using the clippers, and selectively dispense an herbicide at the precise time and point as desired by the user.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle, a blade holder assembly, a spare blade carrier, a spare blade dispenser, and an actuator. The blade holder assembly is constructed and arranged to hold a blade at a position of use at one end of the handle. The spare blade carrier is disposed in the handle, and is configured to carry a plurality of spare blades. The spare blade dispenser is constructed to separate one of the spare blades from the plurality thereof and present the one separated blade to the user. The actuator is operatively associated with the blade dispenser, wherein movement of the actuator moves the blade dispenser to separate the one spare blade from the plurality to present the one separated blade to the user.

Abstract: The invention provides a pair of hairdressing scissors having a joint structure for joining a blade body of the hairdressing scissors. The joint structure enables a blade member and a finger ring member constituting the blade body to be easily assembled and separated from each other. The joint structure provides satisfactorily stable, firm and accurate joint performance and excellent design features. A blade member is formed with an engagement concave portion as an open plane in the base portion thereof and a finger ring member is formed with an engagement-protruding piece in the base portion thereof. When they are engaged and brought into close contact with each other, the engagement-protruding piece and the engagement concave portion are positioned and oriented properly as viewed in a width direction thereof. Thus, the blade member and the finger ring member can be stably assembled in a separable manner.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: A smart material actuator having a fixed supporting member, mechanical web, actuating arm, and piezoelectric or smart material stack is disclosed, together with a sensor adapted to indicate the degree of motion of the actuating arms and controller adapted to allow safe operation of the actuator in resonant conditions. Methods of maintaining resonant operation, avoiding resonant operation, and adjusting resonant frequencies are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a cutting edge of a razor blade, a non-nitrided layer containing Ti, Al, and Cr formed on opposite surfaces of a base plate as a portion of a coating layer. A remaining layer containing Ti, Al, Cr, and N formed on opposite surfaces of the non-nitrided layer as a portion of a nitrided layer of the coating layer. A surface layer containing Ti, Al, Cr, and N formed on opposite surfaces of the remaining layer as a portion of the nitrided layer of the coating layer. A fluororesin layer formed on opposite surfaces of the surface layer with a bonding layer containing Cr and Al in between. The coating layer further improves the cutting edge, enhances cutting performance of the cutting edge, and maintains the enhanced cutting performance to improve the durability of the cutting edge.

Abstract: A handle for a safety razor is provided that includes an elongated hand gripping structure with a cartridge support structure at an end of the hand gripping structure. The hand gripping structure includes a frame and a first and second gripping pad. Each gripping pad can have a thermoplastic elastomeric gripping layer and a nonelastomeric thermoplastic support layer. The first gripping pad has an extension that cooperates with an opening of the frame to provide a snap fit joint between the frame and the first gripping pad. The second gripping pad has an extension that cooperates with the extension of the first gripping pad to prevent disengagement of the snap fit from the opening of the frame. The extension of the first gripping pad can be bifurcated and the extension of the second gripping pad can be received in the bifurcation.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a light source which produces a first radiation within a first wavelength range and which produces a second radiation within a second wavelength range when a property of the light source is changed. The apparatus further comprises an optical device which receives the first radiation and attenuates the first radiation to emit a first attenuated radiation having a first perceived brightness. The optical device also receives the second radiation and attenuates the second radiation to emit a second attenuated radiation having a second perceived brightness. The first and second perceived brightnesses are approximately equal.

Abstract: A hands-free measuring instrument is disclosed. The disclosed instrument includes an upright member extending perpendicularly from a base member. At least one magnet is affixed to the instrument to facilitate the mounting thereof on a ferrous workpiece. The disclosed instrument includes at least one level disposed thereupon. Graduations may be provided on the instrument to facilitate measurement of linear distances. Embodiments are disclosed wherein an adjustable ruler arm is provided to facilitate the measurement and inscribing of arbitrary angles relative to the upright member.

Abstract: A component inspection system comprises a sensor apparatus and a template having a component side and an opposing inspection side. The inspection side includes a plurality of inspection bosses projecting therefrom, each of the plurality of inspection bosses having a first coupling and a sensor aperture. Each aperture is disposed axially through each respective boss to the component side of the template. The sensor apparatus includes a receptacle for retaining a sensor. The receptacle has a second coupling configured to individually engage with each of the plurality of first couplings for removably securing the sensor apparatus to a respective at least one of the plurality of inspection bosses.

Abstract: A multiple garment drying apparatus for drying garments that includes a hot air source and blower assembly attached to a garment hanging assembly that includes two upward extending hot air transfer tubes that connect to two hot air ports on the blower assembly. Attached to the ends of the two tubes is a hollow, transverse brace with two upward extending end brackets attached to its opposite ends. Attached to the two end brackets is an upper shoulder component used to support a jacket placed thereon. The upper shoulder component includes a plurality of air vents that enable air delivered below the upper shoulder component to travel upward and through the upper shoulder component. During operation, air from the hot air source and blower assembly is delivered to the two transfer tubes. The air from the two transfer tubes is then transmitted to the transverse brace and through the upper shoulder component.

Abstract: A fabric treatment apparatus is provided. The fabric treatment apparatus includes a treatment room adapted to receive laundry to be treated; a rack disposed in the treatment room, and adapted to support a plurality of hangers to hang the laundry; one or more electromagnets to apply attraction and repulsion to the clothes rack; and a heating unit adapted to supply at least one of hot air and steam into the treatment room.

Abstract: A gelatin capsule drying system that includes a structure divided into first, second and third zones, a first air handler unit positioned to discharge air into the first zone, a second air handler unit positioned to discharge air into the second zone and a third air handler unit positioned to discharge air into the third zone. The system further includes a series of tumble dryers that extend from the first zone, through the second zone and into the third zone, and an HVAC unit that provides air to the first, second and third air handler units.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved welted footwear and related method of manufacture. The welted footwear and related method of manufacturing is directed to a molded foot support platform that provides a number of advantageous features.

Abstract: A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a forefoot portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and one or more springs for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. A device for a shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are installable in a forefoot portion of the shoe, and an energy return member positioned between the first plate and the second plate. A method of using a shoe includes applying, with a foot, a force on at least one of two plates that is positioned in a forefoot portion of a shoe, so as to move the two plates together and increase a loading of a spring, and launching the foot due to the two plates being moved apart by the spring as the foot is being lifted.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include a midsole having a plurality of cavities formed therein and a flexible cage member disposed on the midsole and extending across at least one of the plurality of cavities. The flexible cage member may include a plurality of support arms disposed on the midsole and a linking member extending across at least one of the cavities and connecting at least two of the support arms.

Abstract: A golf shoe having an upper, a midsole, and an outsole is provided. A collapsible support element is positioned in a recess proximate to a wearer's first metatarsal bone. The collapsible support element has anisotropic mechanical properties and includes a series of longitudinal wave elements. The wave elements are stiffer in a longitudinal direction and more collapsible in a transverse direction. The wave elements resist collapsing when a golfer walks but have a propensity to collapse during the golfer's swing, which allows more efficient transfer of energy during the swing. The shoe further includes flexing channels in a forward portion as well as a flexing channel in the rear portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various aspects of an improved snow or material pushers for use with loaders, backhoes, agricultural and larger home and garden tractors and the like for moving snow or other materials on generally flat areas such as parking lots, driveways, feed lots, runways, and loading areas. The improvements include, among others, a reversible design, extended side plates and/or wear shoes as well as improved scraping edge configurations so as to provide added functionality and versatility to pushers. As described the various features may be employed alone or in combination to provide the capability for snow and ice removal while minimizing the potential for damage to surfaces and objects thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for swiveling an implement, such as a bucket, relative to a device, such as an excavator boom, includes a rotary union and a bearing disc mounted in a housing. The bearing disc rotates relative to the housing so that the implement can be rotated relative to the device. A gear or geared bearing assembly is located between the bearing disc and top and bottom housing portions for bearing loads transverse to the axis about which the implement is rotated relative to the device. The rotary union has fluid passages extending from the top to the bottom of a central shaft, which is affixed to the bearing disc, and the shaft and disc can comprise a one piece combination rotary union and bearing disc.

Abstract: A machine for controllably flying a flag indoors or outdoors in the absence of natural wind; said machine constituted of a base member having enough depth to house and protect electronic and/or electro-mechanical drive components etc.

Abstract: In a revolver having a frame, carrying a barrel and a revolving cylinder having multiple cartridge chambers therearound, the improvement comprising: a) a sliding sleeve positioned over an inner end portion of the barrel, said end portion of the barrel and inner diameter of the sliding sleeve closely mated; and, a) a sliding sleeve positioned over an inner end portion of the barrel, said end portion of the barrel and inner diameter of the sliding sleeve closely mated; and, b) said sliding sleeve having a front face having a central opening therethrough having an inner diameter nominally equivalent to marginally larger than, a bore through the barrel. Whereafter firing, the sliding sleeve is instantaneously driven back contacting its front face with the revolving cylinder, thereby eliminating any gap between the revolving cylinder and the barrel, preventing exploding gas from escaping therethrough, and substantially increasing bullet discharge velocity and energy.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to shooting rests for supporting a firearm having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. In one embodiment, a shooting rest includes a frame, a front support for supporting the first portion of the firearm, a support member for carrying one or more weights, and a stop for inhibiting rearward movement of the firearm relative to the shooting rest. The front support is coupled to the frame, and the support member is positioned at least proximate to the frame. The stop includes a flexible portion and is also coupled to the frame.

Abstract: All or some of the component parts of a firearm are made of synthetic diamond materials. Some firearms include a specially designed trigger capable of verifying a user's identity so that only an authorized user can discharge the firearm. Some firearms include a diamond barrel designed to impart a unique pattern of grooves to any bullet leaving the barrel, thereby facilitating reliable identification of the firearm that fired a particular bullet.

Abstract: A sight for use on a firearm includes a frame member mountable to a firearm and having a pair of spaced apart posts extending therefrom, a support member extending transversely between the pair of posts and selectively rotatable with respect thereto, and a sight element. The sight element is carried by the support member between the posts and includes a central portion rotatably coupled to the support member, a first sight aperture portion extending from the central portion and defining a first aperture formed in a diamond shape with an upper v-notch and a lower v-notch, and a second sight aperture portion extending from the central portion and defining a second aperture formed in a diamond shape.

Abstract: An electronic module in a fishing lure in the water is activated to broadcast a pre-recorded actual or simulated sound of a bait creature and or create lifelike bait creature motion. A switch in the module activates a sound chip and a micro speaker, a water sensing automatic on-off switch turns the power on and off, and the battery is charged by an external charging coil. An alternate embodiment automatically activates the fishing lure device to replicate bait animals in size, shape, movement and sound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrocution and disposal of pests includes a reusable power source and a low cost disposable container. The reusable power source includes batteries and a circuit to provide a high voltage and low current signal through external leads to the disposable container, to electrocute small pests without presenting a risk to humans or pets. The disposable container is constructed from low cost material, for example, cardboard, and may be packaged for sale in a flat foldable state, and easily configured into a container with a floor including conducting surfaces connected to the external leads. In one embodiment, the conducting surfaces are formed of a conducting material formed or glued on the floor of the disposable container and the conducting material further forms internal leads reaching to a male connector surface configured to cooperate with a female connector of the external leads.

Abstract: A modulator (10, 10A) for changing a constant flow of gas to a pulsed or intermittent flow of gas, said modulator (10, 10A) including a housing component (11) and an insertion tube (15) for insertion into a hollow interior (16) of the housing component (11) wherein after insertion of the insertion tube (15) into the housing component (11), gas is generated either in situ within the hollow interior (16) of the housing component (11) and be caused to flow out of an outlet (23A) of the modulator (10, 10A) in pulses or alternatively gas is passed into the insertion tube (15) in a constant flow and upon reaching the hollow interior (16) of the housing component (11) is released therefrom through the outlet (23A) in a pulsed flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing plants in a heated environment. One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for growing plants in a heated environment, with the apparatus comprising a greenhouse, a waste heat source provided to heat the greenhouse, and a radiant heat system that heats the greenhouse using the waste heat from the waste heat source. The greenhouse may be in or upon a rooftop, a space adjacent to a factory, a space adjacent to an urban store, or a space adjacent to a suburban store. In a preferred embodiment, the plants are grown hydroponically. In a different aspect, the radiant heat system uses a food grade heat transfer fluid. In another preferred embodiment, the waste heat source is a smokestack. For other embodiments, the radiant heat system resides in a floor and/or the sides of the greenhouse.