Other

Armchair World

Gary R Fisher

Murty V Mantravadi

Ole Gunst

Chris S Brunt

Two apparatuses are disclosed for providing a dynamically varying water surge in a salt-water reef aquarium. The first apparatus is a micro-controller based variable frequency reef surge drivefor an AC permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) submersible aquarium pump. Drivecomprises voltage conversion circuitry, xmicro-controller, reef-surge generation program, variable frequency drive, mode switchand tidal cycle switch. Three user-selectable modes of operation are provided: a random frequency mode, a fixed-program mode and a tidal mode. A second apparatus comprises a novel submersible AC PMSM pump with dual impeller assemblies and dual input and output chambers for supporting forward and reverse flow through an AC PMSM pump.

Dynamic reef surge generation

Two apparatuses are disclosed for controlling the speed of an AC synchronous motor-pump utilizing a series of stepped voltage pulses at the driving frequency. The first apparatus is an isolated variable frequency drive comprising step-down transformer, full wave rectifier and filter, micro-controller, driving-voltage array generator, gate driver, inverter bridgeand step-up transformer. The second apparatus is a non-isolated high voltage variable frequency drive comprising full wave rectifier and filter, low voltage, dual output power supply, micro-controller, driving-voltage array generator, gate driverand inverter bridge. Methods are given to determine voltage array values and pulse times to generate a stepped voltage approximation of a sine wave driving waveform.

Variable frequency drive for AC synchronous motors with application to pumps

A vertical water wall assembly () for generating dynamically changing water patterns in a contained channel () behind a viewing surface. The water wall assembly includes a translucent front sheet () directed toward a viewing space with a rear side containing a multiplicity of concave depressions (), and a rear sheet () disposed behind and in proximity to the front sheet that in part acts as a contrasting background. The edges of these sheets are sealed () and water is made to flow in the space defined between the two sheets, entering at the top of the sheets () and exiting at the bottom of the sheets (). The flow of water into the water wall at the water inlet () is time varying and is preferably computer-controlled (). In operation water flowing in the contained channel () of the water wall takes dynamic, chaotic pathways through the multiplicity of concave depressions (). As individual depressions fill and empty, air bubbles that formerly occupied the depressions propagate down the contained channel. This behavior generates a non-uniform 'bubbling' sound in the water wall, while contributing to the overall visual effect of the invention.

Water wall assembly for generating dynamically changing water patterns

Water wall for displaying dynamically changing water patterns

A programmable fountain controller for varying the flow rate of an AC PMSM fountain pump in a pre-determined manner so as to generate dynamically changing flow patterns. A micro-controller is provided to vary the pulse width and frequency timing over time for generating signals to an output switching circuit that drives the pump. A mode switch provides user-settable modes of operation selected from a group comprising a programmed flow control mode, a manual flow setting mode, an audio input mode and an external data input/output mode.

Fountain control for generating dynamically changing flow patterns

Removable armrest for use at a computer workstation

Table top water fountain with infinity pool

Table top water fountain with platform for decorative objects

Removably attachable wrist band devices for use in helping an addicted cigarette smoker permanently quit smoking. The devices comprise an acupressure stimulator section, a wrist attachment section, and an elastic section with controlled elasticity. The wrist band is placed on a user's wrist such that the acupressure stimulator is positioned proximal to the L-7 acupuncture point and the elastic section of the wrist band is positioned on top of the user's wrist. The elastic section of the wrist band is designed to limit the maximal energy that the user can transfer to a unit area of skin when the band is snapped against the wrist. This is so that snapping the wrist band will not be perceived as aversive to the user. The disclosed wrist band devices have the dual functions of providing a non-aversive behavioral modification function together with providing stimulation of the L-7 acupuncture point, which has therapeutic value in treatment of smoking addiction.

Treatment device to aid in long-term cessation of smoking

A removeably attachable wrist band device for use in helping an addicted cigarette smoker permanently quit smoking. The device comprises an elastic section, a hook fastener section, a loop fastener section, and an acupressure stimulator. The device is placed on a user's wrist such that the acupressure stimulator is positioned proximal to the L-7 acupuncture point and the elastic section of the wrist band is positioned on top of the user's wrist. The elastic section of the wrist band is designed to limit the maximal energy that the user can transfer to a unit area of skin when the band is snapped against the wrist. This is so that snapping the wrist band will not be perceived as aversive to the user. The disclosed wrist band has the dual functions of providing a non-aversive behavioral modification device together with providing continuous and differential stimulation of the L-7 acupuncture point, which has therapeutic value in treatment of smoking addiction.

Improved optical holographic apparatuses are disclosed for making white light viewable rainbow holograms in one step utilizing concave mirror optics. On-axis and off-axis configurations are presented for holography of real objects and for reduced image holography of a real image projection from a laser transmission hologram. An optical apparatus and curved recording devices are devised to reduce and/or eliminate certain aberrations introduced by the concave mirror. To yield a wide holographic field of view at low cost, small diameter mirrors are employed in two alternative devices for replacing a single concave mirror in the various embodiments. Two methods are then presented to obtain reduced image size one-step rainbow holograms from a full size object or holographic image. Finally, a method is given for specifying the radius of curvature and minimum effective aperture of a concave mirror system in one step rainbow holography that maintains image aberrations at acceptable levels and yields the desired field of view.

One step rainbow holography

An exposure station and a film transport comprise apparatus for recording a series of strip holograms on a continuous length of non-perforated film. The apparatus includes a vacuum-platen for keeping the film stable during holographic recording and a film stepping mechanism for advancing the film in equal steps between successive exposures. The film stepping mechanism is operationally coupled to the vacuum-platen and includes a drive arm that grips the film during each advance and releases the film without backlash between successive film advances. The film stepping mechanism includes a single-acting vacuum cylinder for moving the drive arm. The apparatus does not introduce strain in the film during the transport process which could result in non-uniform demodulation of the successive strip holograms. The stepping increment (holographic strip width) is adjustable with accurate increments as small as 0.005' being obtainable. In the preferred embodiment, both film stepping mechanism and vacuum-platen assembly are driven by a single vacuum system. In another embodiment the film stepping mechanism includes a double-acting cylinder for moving the drive arm which can be activated by either fluid pressure or vacuum.

Holographic exposure station and film transport

Improved optical holographic apparatuses are disclosed for making white light viewable rainbow holograms in one step utilizing concave mirror optics. On-axis and off-axis configurations are presented for holography of real objects and for reduced image holography of a real image projection from a laser transmission hologram. An optical apparatus and curved recording device are devised to reduce and/or eliminate certain aberrations introudced by the concave mirror. To yield a wide holographic field of view at low cost, small diameter mirrors are employed in two alternative devices for replacing a single concave mirror in the various embodiments. Two methods are then presented to obtain reduced image size one-step rainbow holograms from a full size object or holographic image. Finally, a method is given for specifying the radius of curvature and minimum effective aperture of a concave mirror system in one step rainbow holography that maintains image aberrations at acceptable levels and yield the desired field of view.

Growing community of inventors

Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Gary R Fisher