244results about How to "Installation economy" patented technology

Provided herein is a conditioning apparatus that includes a geometrical configuration having an inlet flow deceleration conduit and a cyclonic tube to effectuate both liquid-gas separation and droplet coalescence. The apparatus is typically positioned at the inlet of a separator vessel used for removing water and gas from extracted crude oil containing entrained water and gas. The apparatus promotes droplet coalescence and gas separation for mixed fluids flowing into an existing water and oil separation device.

A radio frequency controller device enables the utility of a target to be controlled using an RF communication. The radio frequency controller device has a switch that is set to a defined state responsive to the RF communication. More particularly, conditional logic circuitry uses the RF communication to determine if the target's utility should be changed, and sets the state of the switch accordingly. The radio frequency controller device also has a target interface that allows the target to determine the state of the switch, and based on the state of the switch, a different utility will be available for the target. The radio frequency controller device also has an antenna for the RF communication, as well as a demodulator / modulator circuit. When used to control the utility of an electrical or electronic device, the radio frequency controller device has a low-power circuit portion that is used to set the state of the switch responsive to the RF communication, and also has a full power circuit portion that communicates with the target. In this way, the state of the switch may be set when the target is in a power-off condition, and the target is able to determine the state of the switch when the target is activated.

Apparatuses, systems and methods are implemented for characterizing one or more driver inputs. As may be relevant to one or more embodiments herein, particular aspects are directed to determining a driver input characteristic and using the determined input characteristic to assess a risk metric to the driver. In some implementations, the driver input characteristic is determined based upon a prediction of one or more of actual fuel used and torque. In some implementations, the prediction is determined in real-time and may be transmitted to a remote terminal for storage and / or analysis. The data for the prediction is obtained from a vehicle diagnostic system, and is used to determine (e.g., predict and / or infer) information as presented by other vehicle systems to the vehicle diagnostic system, without necessarily communicating directly with the respective other vehicle systems. In various implementations, the driver risk characteristic is used for assessing an insurance-based risk metric.

A control system controls the operation of at least a first and a second independently controllable LED light member. The control system includes a frame member on which a plurality of electrical components can be mounted, and at least one input port for receiving at least one of a power source and a command signal source capable of sending a command signal to at least one of the first and second LED light members. A first driver member is provided for conducting power to deliver conditioned DC power to the first LED member. A first driver to frame connector removably couples the first driver member to the frame member. A second driver member conditions power to deliver conditioned DC power to the second LED member, and a second driver to frame connector removably couples the first driver member to the frame member. A first external output port is coupled to the first driver, and a second external output port coupled to the second driver. A first multi-channel electrical conductor is coupled to the first external output port for conducting conditioned DC current to the first LED light member; and a second multi-channel electrical conductor conducts conditioned DC current to the second LED light member.

A multi-level floating flame gas fireplace comprises a pair of supporting members, a burner assembly and a plurality of trays. The burner assembly includes a pair of tube members spaced parallel in vertical orientation and is secured between inner portions of each supporting member, a plurality of burners evenly spaced and extended forwardly between the pair of tube members. A plurality of orifices and at least one sound suppressor are provided in the burners to provide even flow or distribution of gas and to reduce noise. Each tray is positioned below each burner and attached between the supporting members. The trays are filled up with a glass media like fire glasses and the burners are covered with the fire glasses. Thus, the structure of the fireplace becomes invisible and when the burners are turned on, the fireplace showcases layers of the floating flames suspended in a stepped back manner.

A solar panel assembly attachment apparatus is provided. In another aspect, a single piece and entirely metallic grounding clip is employed. A further aspect includes a clip or fastener which provides both frame grounding and a frame-to-strut attachment. In still another aspect, a grounding clip having barbs is linearly slid onto a solar panel frame and the clip additionally includes one or more flexible wings which are removably snap-fit into a slot of an elongated and rigid strut.

A locking mechanism for securing personal portable valuables having a security or restraining slot comprises a generally hook-shaped restraining member having a moveable inner flange mounted in a housing, a shank section adapted to extend into the restraining slot of the portable device, and a hook section adapted to engage an inner surface of the exterior wall of the portable device through the restraining slot. A fastener is coupled through the housing for extending into an aperture in the inner flange when the restraining member is in the locked position to thereby inhibit movement of the restraining member to the installation, or unlocked, position and prevent removal of the locking mechanism from the portable device. Adhesive-backed locking mechanisms for portable valuables lacking a security slot also are described.

A structural tower having a space frame construction for high elevation and heavy load applications is disclosed, with particular application directed to wind turbines. The structural tower includes damping or non-damping struts in the longitudinal, diagonal or horizontal members of the space frame. One or more damping struts in the structural tower damp resonant vibrations or vibrations generated by non-periodic wind gusts or sustained high wind speeds. The various longitudinal and diagonal members of the structural tower may be secured by pins, bolts, flanges or welds at corresponding longitudinal or diagonal joints of the space frame.

A three phase control arrangement is employed after visual detection of a target at greater range than otherwise available. The first and last phases employ an optimization criterion for which errors do not vary with distance from a target; limiting the initial error and process error in an intermediate phase which controls approach trajectory to the intended docking location and yielding repeatable high accuracy docking. The three phase approach with different control criteria and control gain parameters makes feasible a docking maneuver that begins at a much greater range and potentially greater lateral separation from the destination than would otherwise be possible, while providing control of both the final location and final orientation of the vehicle. A preferred visual thresholding technique provides consistency of results over a wide range of illumination and contrast conditions while limiting the computation burden for target image acquisition and tracking.

A loading dock apparatus remote control is provided. Some embodiments of the invention include a zone specific remote control for loading dock apparatus. Some optional embodiments include a selector switch to select which apparatus the single set of controls will control. Other optional embodiments automatically select the apparatus to be controlled by the single set of controls. A method of operating loading dock apparatus using a remote control is also provided.

A photovoltaic module and a method for its fabrication and installation on a support structure for the production of electrical current thereon is disclosed utilizing layers of materials which encapsulate one or more solar cells, and secure the same to a reinforcing sheet. Materials are utilized and manufacturing steps are practiced which maintain a long useful life of the module, will insure the stability for the layers to maintain their fixed positions during handling and installing of the module. Such materials are of less cost than those used in conventional modules, and the process steps are simple and easy to perform. The method permits the easy installation of the module on a supporting structure at room temperature prior to mounting the same at installation sites

An adapter device, for enabling installation of an electrical light fixture to a ceiling mounted electrical box by one person, includes an opening into which a plurality of bendable tabs and a cover screw engaging yoke extend. The adapter device is affixed in an electrical access hole in the body of the electrical light fixture and enables the light fixture to be temporarily suspended from the partially unscrewed cover screw on the electrical box. The temporarily suspended light fixture may be readily aligned with adjacent walls, etc., rotated to enable installation of permanent support anchors, and repositioned to permanently secure it to the installed support anchors.

An inverted aerosol dispensing device is disclosed comprising an aerosol container extending between a top portion and a bottom portion for containing an aerosol product and an aerosol propellant therein. An aerosol valve is located at the bottom portion of the aerosol container. The aerosol valve has a valve stem for displacing the aerosol valve from a biased closed position to an open position to discharge the aerosol product from the valve stem. An undercap is secured to the bottom portion of the aerosol container for supporting the aerosol container on a supporting surface. An actuator is movably mounted relative to the undercap for moving the valve stem upon displacement of the actuator for discharging the aerosol product from the valve stem in a generally downwardly direction through the undercap. The invention is particularly useful in the dispensing of viscous aerosol products.

A solar panel assembly attachment apparatus is provided including a strut defining a generally U-shaped channel; an electrically conductive grounding clip; and a panel retainer. Upon insertion of the panel retainer into a housing receptacle of the clip, a clip slot and a panel body slot are aligned to allow passage of the portion of the solar panel frame. Advancing the solar panel frame through the aligned clip slot and panel body slot compresses a spring to secure the solar panel frame while barbs electrically connect and provide a ground to the solar panel frame.

The system provides an n-s rail bracket that both supports a plurality of solar panels structurally, provides view-guards to hide electrical components, and a water conduit to channel water shed from the solar panel to a desired collection point provided by the structure. As such, the system includes an n-s structural rail consisting of a bottom wall and two vertically extending sidewalls. An intermediate horizontal member extends between the two sidewalls at or near their midpoint to form a compartment between the intermediate horizontal member, a lower portion of the left sidewall, the bottom wall, and a lower portion of the right side wall. Also, the intermediate horizontal member cooperates with an upper portion of the left side wall and an upper portion of the right sidewall to form a U-shaped channel. Each distal end of the respective left and right side wall includes a T-shaped shoulder for supporting the solar module.

A control system controls the operation of at least a first and a second independently controllable LED light member. The control system includes a frame member on which a plurality of electrical components can be mounted, and at least one input port for receiving at least one of a power source and a command signal source capable of sending a command signal to at least one of the first and second LED light members. A first driver member is provided for conducting power to deliver conditioned DC power to the first LED member. A first driver to frame connector removably couples the first driver member to the frame member. A second driver member conditions power to deliver conditioned DC power to the second LED member, and a second driver to frame connector removably couples the first driver member to the frame member. A first external output port is coupled to the first driver, and a second external output port coupled to the second driver. A first multi-channel electrical conductor is coupled to the first external output port for conducting conditioned DC current to the first LED light member; and a second multi-channel electrical conductor conducts conditioned DC current to the second LED light member.

The invention relates to a mixing and / or evaporation device for an exhaust system, an internal combustion engine, having a tubular body on whose one axial end are arranged several blades adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction, protruding radially inward and leaving free a central passage such that the blades are set at an angle to the axial direction. For inexpensive manufacturing, the tubular body may be manufactured from a single sheet metal body by shaping together with the blades.

A hands free cellular phone system combining a full featured cellular phone with a form factor of a conventional audio cassette is provided. Several embodiments enabling real time interactive multimedia applications are also provided. Said hands free cellular phone system comprises a cellular phone device (1) in form factor of a conventional audio cassette (9). Device (1) can be inserted into any conventional audio cassette player (22) to transfer audio content into conventional audio cassette player (22) by using electromagnetic coupling with electromagnetic transducer (28) of said device (1) and electromagnetic transducer of conventional audio cassette player (35). Said device (1) provides a full featured, forward compatible, low installation cost hands free cellular phone system.

A cumulative thermal exposure monitor (10) having a housing (11) with a fluid sealed interior cavity (16) and a thermally-responsive member (20) therein formed of a shape memory material which moves an indicator (21), wherein the thermal properties of the housing, cavity, and shape memory material transition temperature range are calibrated relative to one another to function in mutual cooperation such that the thermally-responsive member gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape upon absorption of heat energy over time to closely match a thermal deterioration profile of a perishable product, and to indicate the cumulative amount of heat energy absorbed and whether, at any time, the temperature has been above a preferred storage temperature range for a period of time sufficient to cause any degree of deterioration based on a known time and temperature thermal deterioration profile of the perishable product.

An arc resistant switchgear assembly is provided having a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom surface, an upper surface, a first side wall, and a second side wall opposed to the first side wall and spaced a first distance from the first side wall, with each of the first and second side walls having an upper portion and a lower portion, and with each of the first and second side walls having an inner and an outer surface, with at least the lower portion of both the first side wall and the second side wall having at least one blow-off panel detachably secured thereto by fastening means. Each of the panels is detachably secured to the outer surface of the side wall to which each is secured. The assembly has a vertical plenum formed directly adjacent both the first and the second side walls, with the outer surface of each of the first and second side walls defining an inner side wall of each of the vertical plenums. The outer surface of the first side wall defines the inner side wall of one of the vertical plenums and the outer surface of the second side wall defines the inner side wall of an adjacent vertical plenum.

A hands free cellular phone system combining a full featured cellular phone with a form factor of a conventional audio cassette is provided. Several embodiments enabling real time interactive multimedia applications are also provided. Said hands free cellular phone system comprises a cellular phone device (1) in form factor of a conventional audio cassette (9). Device (1) can be inserted into any conventional audio cassette player (22) to transfer audio content into conventional audio cassette player (22) by using electromagnetic coupling with electromagnetic transducer (28) of said device (1) and electromagnetic transducer of conventional audio cassette player (35). Said device (1) provides a full featured, forward compatible, low installation cost hands free cellular phone system.

A sealable fastener for insertion into a fastener opening bore in a receiving structure includes a fastener shank including a shank first end having a shank first end wall and a shank second end having a shank second end wall, a shank side wall extend between the shank first end wall and the shank second end wall and a circumferential channel recessed into the shank side wall; and a sealant delivery passageway having a passageway entry port in the shank first end and extending to a passageway exit port opening into the circumferential channel; so that a flowable sealant injected into the passageway entry port flows through the sealant delivery passageway and exits through the passageway exit port and flows into and around the circumferential channel, creating a circumferential seal between the fastener shank and the fastener opening in the receiving structure.

A loading dock apparatus remote control is provided. Some embodiments of the invention include a zone specific remote control for loading dock apparatus. Some optional embodiments include a selector switch to select which apparatus the single set of controls will control. Other optional embodiments automatically select the apparatus to be controlled by the single set of controls. A method of operating loading dock apparatus using a remote control is also provided.

A brake monitoring system for use on a motor vehicle includes a sensor connected to each brake actuator shaft on the motor vehicle for monitoring the position and travel of the brake actuator shaft and for generating and transmitting a brake condition signal; a data processor carried in an axle box associated with each axle and connected to sensors associated with brakes for the axle for receiving, interpreting, storing, and upon request, transmitting the brake condition signal, wherein each data processor includes an auto-address mechanism to identify its position on the vehicle; and a master station, wherein said master station includes a display for identifying a particular vehicle brake, a quantitative indication of the travel on the brake actuator shaft associated with the particular brake, and wherein said visual indicating devices include plural indicia which are indicative of said safety condition of a particular brake.

Cumulative thermal exposures monitors and remote indicating cumulative thermal exposure monitors and system for reading the same are disclosed. The monitors have a thermally insulative housing with a cavity and a thermally-responsive member therein formed of shape memory material, which may be provided with a coating or sheath of insulative or shape memory polymer material, that gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape over a prescribed temperature range wherein the thermal capacity and insulative properties of the housing, cavity, and shape memory material transition temperature range are correlated relative to one another and calibrated to closely match a thermal decay profile (time-temperature profile) of the product being monitored. In remote indicating embodiments, the data can be retrieved remotely via RF transponder technology without directly viewing the monitor device.

This invention deals with the broad general concept for focussing light. A mini-optics tracking and focussing system is presented for solar power conversion that ranges from an individual's portable system to solar conversion of electrical power that can be used in large scale power plants for environmentally clean energy. It can be rolled up, transported, and attached to existing man-made, or natural structures. It allows the solar energy conversion system to be low in capital cost and inexpensive to install as it can be attached to existing structures since it does not require the construction of a superstructure of its own. This novel system is uniquely distinct and different from other solar tracking and focussing processes allowing it to be more economical and practical. Furthermore, in its capacity as a power producer, it can be utilized with far greater safety, simplicity, economy, and efficiency in the conversion of solar energy.

A floating link archway system which is useful for building access roads, such as logging roads and secondary roads in wilderness areas that include waterways such as streams and creeks, without causing significant adverse impact to sensitive environment. The archway system is constructed of a plurality of modules having a semi-cylindrical configuration with flanges at each end, an integral semicircular upstanding reinforcing rib between the flanges, footing contact areas at the base of each side of the semi-cylindrical body, and protective caps which cover the entirety of adjacent flanges of pairs of adjacent modules and thus enable the modules to move independently of one another.