Abstract: A safety liner (20) for a vehicle tire (500) includes a tubular body (22) having a one-way valve (24). A service valve (50) is selectively insertable into the one-way valve (24). Tubular body (22) is compressible into a flattened circular shape by a compressive force, and when the compressive force is removed, the tubular body (22) resiliently assumes its original toroidal shape. Safety liner (20) is installed in the cavity (503) of vehicle tire (500) as the vehicle tire (500) is being installed on the tire rim (502). If a blowout or other leak occurs, safety liner (20) will cause the shape of vehicle tire (500) to be retained at a reduced profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a pool cleaner to travel through a water pool to collect dirt and other debris from the water and/or pool containment wall. The cleaner defines a suction passageway having an inlet open to pool water and an outlet adapted to be coupled via a flexible hose to the suction side of an electrically driven pump. A resulting suction flow, from the inlet to the pump, functions to (1) carry dirt and other debris to a filter and (2) to drive a turbine for propelling the cleaner. In accordance with the invention, the suction passageway inlet includes an orifice defining a physical flow area A1 and configured to create an “effective” flow area A2 smaller than A1, downstream from the orifice. The small effective flow area A2 creates a water flow of sufficient velocity to efficiently drive the turbine whereas the larger physical flow area A1 permits debris to pass more readily.

Abstract: A system which allows multiple senders to asynchronously transmit identification codes via a common communication channel (e.g., RF) to enable a central monitor to identify the presence (or absence) of each sender within the monitor's detection zone. Each sender is configured to repeatedly transmit a uniquely encoded identification frame. A frame, in accordance with the invention, is comprised of pulses spaced to minimize pulse collisions and configured to tolerate occasional collisions without impairing the monitor's ability to separately identify each transmitting sender. Each sender is configured to repeatedly transmit a unique identification frame characterized by a pulse pattern comprised of active intervals spaced by inactive (or “quiet”) intervals. The inactive intervals have variable length durations which are preferably pseudorandomly selected so that each sender defines a unique sequence of inactive interval durations.

Abstract: A system for weighing items sequentially delivered by a feeder subsystem in order to discharge batches of items having a desired target weight; and more particularly to a method and apparatus particularly configured to handle fragile items, e.g. strawberries, cherries, etc., to reduce bruising such items during the weighing process. The invention includes a container for receiving discrete items sequentially delivered by an item feeder together with means for measuring the weight of items accumulated in the container. The weighing container is located for movement between a first position at which a product receiving surface is oriented substantially horizontally in close proximity to the output location, for receiving product items from the output location, and a second position at which the container is oriented to accommodate an increased volume of items. The weighing apparatus includes means for moving the container from the first position to the second position and discharging the target weight of items.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a user to request and download selected media files from distributed content provider sites via the Internet. The system includes a plurality of user sites each including a player/receiver housed in an enclosure having a simple user interface, a plurality of content provider sites, and a transaction server site. The player/receiver enables the user to connect to the transaction server via the Internet to access a program guide listing available media files. The user is then able to select a desired file and, via the player/receiver and Internet, request the transaction server to authorize download of the selected file. The file request along with file encryption and transfer instructions are sent from the transaction server via the Internet to the content provider site storing the requested file. Requested files are then dynamically encrypted by the content provider site and securely downloaded to the requesting player/receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing uniform stitches in a stack of fabric layers while allowing a user to manually guide the stack across a planar surface beneath a stitch head. Stitch head actuation is controlled as a function of the rate of thread payout.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a pool cleaner (60) to travel through a water pool to collect dirt and other debris from the water and/or pool containment wall (88). The cleaner (60) defines a suction passageway having an inlet (74) open to pool water and an outlet (78) adapted to be coupled via a flexible hose (30) to the suction side of an electrically driven pump (26). A resulting suction flow, from the inlet (74) to the pump, functions to (1) carry dirt and other debris to a filter (41) and (2) to drive a turbine (80) for propelling the cleaner (60). In accordance with the invention, the suction passageway inlet (74) includes an orifice defining a physical flow area A1 and configured to create an “effective” flow area A2 smaller than A1, downstream from the orifice. The small effective flow area A2 creates a water flow of sufficient velocity to efficiently drive the turbine (80) whereas the larger physical flow area A1 permits debris to pass more readily.

Abstract: An improved power conduit for use with automatic pool cleaners particularly configured to avoid the formation of persistent coils and/or knots. Embodiments in accordance with the invention are characterized by the use of at least one axially stiff elongate member together with axially flexible and axially swivelable means for coupling said stiff member between a stationary power source fitting and a cleaner. The axially flexible and axially swivelable means can be implemented in a variety of ways, e.g., a flexible elongate hose member and a swivel coupling.

Abstract: A hearing aid system including an implant (60) configured for insertion into a recess (40) formed under the skin of the retro-auricular space (50), which implant does not occlude the ear canal (30). The implant includes electronic circuitry (72), a transducer (65, e.g., speaker), antenna (64), and power source (66). The hearing aid also includes an external module (70), which module includes a microphone (163), electronics (172), antenna (164), and power source (166). A telemetry link (76) between the external module antenna and the implant antenna allows transmissions between the microphone module and the implant.

Abstract: A brake early warning system for a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has (1) a steering column assembly (500) having a plurality of components, and (2) a vehicle broadcast system, which includes brake lights, a horn, and headlights. The brake early warning system includes a movement sensor (20) which is connected to the steering column assembly (500), and senses relative movement between two of the steering column assembly (500) components when a driver braces against the steering wheel (508) in an urgent braking situation. In such cases, movement sensor (20) senses relative movement, and generates a signal which activates the brake lights, horn, and headlights, thereby alerting any following driver, as well as others in the vicinity, that the vehicle has commenced rapid braking. In a second embodiment the brake early warning system includes inputs of both the weight of the driver and the force applied to the steering wheel, both of which affect the behavior of the system.

Abstract: Locking pliers for grasping an object include a body and a sliding jaw member having a first jaw, the sliding jaw member slidably connected to a body wherein the sliding jaw member may be selectively positioned with respect to the body. A rotating jaw member has an integral second jaw and is rotatably connected to the body. A locking handle is also rotatably connected to the body, the locking handle combining with the rotating jaw member to form an over center mechanism. The sliding jaw member is slidably positioned so that the first and second jaws contact the object. Then the rotating jaw member and the locking handle are urged together activating the over center mechanism to firmly grasp the object.