Abstract:
A thermal engine includes a cylinder and piston and an insulated thermal battery including at least a thermal mass such as the engine block itself for storing and retaining heat to enhance or cause fluid expansion within the cylinder and drive the piston, the thermal battery optionally including an electrolyte chamber containing a thermal electrolyte for functioning as an electric thermal battery. Heat is stored in the thermal battery such as by activating electric resistance heating elements in the thermal mass. The stored heat either causes expansion of a non-combustible expansion fluid such as water or enhances the expansion of a combustible expansion fluid such as gasoline. Where the thermal battery is an electric thermal battery containing an electrolyte, the storage of heat also stores electricity which can be used to power an electric motor.
Abstract:
A neck supporting pillow apparatus that provides support for both the head and neck by way of adjustable inflation of the resting surface of the pillow is disclosed. An inflatable pillow structure has a head support section and a raised neck support section. The head support section includes a generally concave mid-portion bordered by generally planar side surfaces. The raised neck support includes a top surface that is generally convexly shaped to provide proper neck support. The pillow body defines an internal chamber with an openable cover to allow for insertion of a heat pack or cold pack. Independently inflatable firmness bladders allow for customization of support by increasing or decreasing the pressure in bladders.
Abstract:
A user activated insect bait station particularly adapted for use with a flowable bait, including attractants and toxicants is disclosed. The bait station is formed as a sealed container fabricated from two primary parts, an upper portion and a lower portion sealingly connected along common peripheral edges. The bait station includes first and second chambers in fluid communication for containing the bait. The user forms an opening in the bait station to expose the bait in the first chamber to the atmosphere while providing access to the bait for ants. The bait station further defines a recessed groove that provides a pathway leading to the second chamber opening. A top cover is provided for shielding the bait station opening while providing access to the opening.
Abstract:
A technique for timeline compression in a data store is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for timeline compression in a storage system, wherein digital content of the storage system is backed up to enable restoration of the digital content to one or more points in a timeline. The method may comprise selecting a time interval in the timeline. The method may also comprise identifying one or more sets of backup data recorded for the selected time interval, wherein the identified one or more sets of backup data represent at least a portion of old data overwritten during the selected time interval. The method may further comprise discarding other backup data recorded for the selected time interval, thereby reducing a granularity level of the timeline in the selected time interval.
Abstract:
Techniques for time-dependent storage management with a portable application programming interface are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for time-dependent storage management. The method may comprise interfacing with a host and a storage system having one or more storage devices. The method may also comprise intercepting all write commands that the host issues to the storage system. The method may additionally comprise performing a copy-on-write operation for each intercepted write command, wherein copy-on-write data and metadata associated with each intercepted write command are recorded, the metadata including at least a timestamp associated with each intercepted write command.
Abstract:
A charge splitter for separating an incoming charge packet into two outgoing packets while the charge is in a static state, i.e., not while it is flowing down a channel or over a barrier. A splitting gate may have a biasing charge impressed upon it, such as via the application of voltage or current sources to opposite ends thereof, applying a bias to a semiconductor body portion of the gate structure, or by physically separate the splitting gate into multiple sections that each have different applied voltages or currents When discharge barrier gates are operated, different amounts of charge will thus flow to different output storage gates.
Abstract:
An electric food marinating apparatus capable of automatically marinating foods quicker and more effectively than traditional prior art methods by circulating chilled marinade in a closed loop circuit. A removable marinating vessel for containing food is adapted for continuous rotation about a vertical axis. The marinating vessel defines a generally open top and a bottom defining a strainer outlet in communication a marinade reservoir for receiving marinade in a closed loop flow path. An electric motor has an output shaft connected to the marinade reservoir to rotate the marinating vessel. A peristaltic pump housed within the base is configured with an inlet in fluid communication with the marinade reservoir and a spray outlet disposed proximal the top of the rotating marinating vessel. A thermoelectric cooler is provided for cooling the marinade.
Abstract:
An automated personal postcard dispensing apparatus capable of obtaining an image provide by a user, incorporating a personalized text message, and printing a personalized postcard complete with proper postage affixed. The apparatus includes a cash-receiving device, a computer, a digital camera, a display monitor, a printer, a CD reader, a card reader, means to receive, store and, on command, present a pictorial background and instructions to the user flashed onto the monitor for quick and simple utilization by the user. The apparatus is preferably housed in a booth for location near heavily traveled tourist routes to facilitate use by many persons. The user is therefore easily able to send a fun, colorful record of their trip to friends and relatives showing them or images of their trip and further to save on postage costs by using postcard postage in lieu of letter postage. In addition, the postcards are electronically printed and may be kept by the user as a memento or souvenir of their trip or mailed to friends and relatives.
Abstract:
A user activated, disposable insect bait station particularly adapted for use with liquid bait, including attractants and toxicants is disclosed. The bait station is formed as a sealed container fabricated from two primary parts, an upper half and a lower half sealingly connected along common peripheral edges. The bait station includes first and second internal chambers. The first internal chamber contains a liquid bait reservoir wherein all of the liquid bait is stored prior to use, and the second internal chamber is adapted to function as an entrance providing insects access to the second chamber. Manual manipulation of the bait station is required for activation whereby a frangible seal is broken placing the first and second chambers in fluid communication thereby allowing liquid bait to flow into the second chamber.
Abstract:
A rapid refrigeration apparatus and method for beverages having a container (10) with a flexible thin-film aluminum or plastic receptacle (16) secured to an upper end of the container (10) by way of an expansion nut (18). The receptacle (16) has a variable volume and is arranged to be in thermal contact with an internal region of said container. A refrigerant is placed within said receptacle and as the volume of the receptacle decreases during collapse due to evaporation of escaping refrigerant provides cooling of the container's contents.