Abstract: A snowboard (10) is provided with front and rear foot mounts (12, 14). The front foot mount (12) is mounted for rotation or pivotable movement about an axis (22). It is lockable into a number of rider selected azimuthal positions on the snowboard (10). Foot rotation can be used to move it between some positions. In other positions, the front foot mount (12) is locked in position and cannot be moved to a new position without the rider first pulling on a pull line (112), to unlock the front foot mount (12) from the snowboard (10). The rear foot mount (14) is a step-in step-out mount. The rider can step in at a number of different azimuthal positions, selected by the rider. In each position, the rear foot mount (14) is moved by rotation into a position where it is locked to the snowboard (10). A pull line (160) is used to unlock the rear mount (114) front of the board, so that the rider can rotate his/her rear foot into a step-out position.

Abstract: A keypad enlarger kit (10) including a front cover plate (22), a plurality of large pushbuttons (24), a cushion pad (26), and a backing plate (28). Keypad enlarger kit (10) is adapted to be mounted to a front panel (15) of a conventional pay telephone (12) in a manner so that large pushbuttons (24) overly telephone keypad (14) and provide larger pushbuttons for selection by a user.

Abstract: A separator for separating gold particles from ore including a rotatable pan, and frame for mounting the pan through a recessed hub cup assembly at an angle from horizontal. The pan includes a frusto-conical side wall. The pan inner surface also includes a riffle spiraling inwardly from the outer end of the side wall to create loops that spiral to the hub cup. The riffle and the pan inner surface form a slide track in which the gold particles move along the riffle to reach the hub cup. One of the improvements includes a plurality of agitator knobules that are positioned between the loops of the riffle. Another feature is an easily removable insert cup inside the hub cup for easy collection of gold. In use, ore is introduced into the pan during rotation. Particles are agitated by the knobules to separate the particles from the ore and aid the particles down the slide track, moving the particles inwardly along the riffle into the insert cup.

Abstract: A suspension component (300) has a pair of elongated slidably coupled in a telescoping arrangement. A pair of attachment plates (305, 306) are fixed to the respective suspension components (311, 314) inside an outer tube of one of the suspension components (314). An elastomeric section (303) is bonded to attachment plates (305, 306), so that collapsing the suspension components (311, 314) results in an extension of the elastomeric section (303). An adjustment mechanism is provided in the form of a rotatable threaded boss (316) mounted on one of the suspension components (314) and rotatably journaled to one of the attachment plates (306). Rotation of the suspension components causes attachment plate (306) to move axially along the length of the suspension component (314).

Abstract: A movable conveyor (10) comprising a platform (24) for carrying a soccer field (12) or the like, and pairs of sled assemblies (26). Each sled assembly (26) includes a shoe (42), a pair of linear hydraulic motors or actuators (60, 62), a plastic bearing (79), and an expandable air bag (83). Air bag (83) inflates to raise platform (24), while actuators (60, 62) operate to move platform (24) along shoe (42). With air bag (83) deflated, platform (24) rests on a foot support (38). This allows actuators (60, 62) to reposition shoe 42 to a forward position, to again raise and move platform (24).

Abstract: A paint tray 10 having a main paint well (12) and pair of side paint wells (14, 16), with each paint well including a sloped floor with ribbing for applying paint to the sleeve of a paint roller, and further comprising a pair of clamps, one for each side paint well (14, 16) for securing the handle of a paint brush or paint roller. The main paint well includes a deep end (18), and side paint wells (14, 16) include deep well areas (48) that are each contiguous with the deep end (18) of the main paint well, to allow paint from the side paint wells to mix with paint in the main paint well.

Abstract: A golf swing training device (10) including a grip (12), an elastic cord loop (14), a neck pad (16) and an adjustment mechanism (18). Grip (12) is in the form of a conventional golf club grip. The elastic cord loop (14) is secured at the narrow end of grip (12). Adjustment mechanism (18) allows the length of cord loop (14) to be selectively adjusted for a particular golfer. Neck pad (16) includes straps (50), through which cord loop (14) is inserted. Neck pad (16) doubles as a carrying case for the grip and cord loop. Neck pad (16) includes a sleeve (66), closed at one end by a flap (60).

Abstract: A picture card (9) including a front card (11), a back card (10), a first transparency (14) and a second transparency (18). First and second transparencies are rotatably secured together by means of grommet (20) and second transparency (18) is mounted to back card (10). First transparency (14) preferably includes an image similar to that of second transparency (18), whereby first transparency (14) can be rotated to align its image with the image of second transparency (18).

Abstract: An electronic timing system for controlling the injection angle of a fuel pump, comprising an input sleeve (12), an output drum (36), an intermediate drive sleeve (30), a drive plate (60), a drive yoke (76), and a stepper motor (90). Drive sleeve (30) includes a pair of radially inwardly and outwardly projecting drive pins (32), and drum (36) and input sleeve (12) both include helical slots (38) and (16), respectively, through which pins (32) project. Vertical movement of yoke (76) causes axial movement of drive plate (60) and drive sleeve (30), which causes a relative rotational adjustment of angle between input sleeve (12) and output drum (36), for retarding and advancing the timing of the fuel injection system.

Abstract: A shock absorber (10) having an elongated first suspension component (12), a tubular second suspension component, (16) slidably coupled to the first suspension component, and an elastic cord loop (20) for restraining relative movement between the first and second suspension components. The second suspension component has an outer end (18) and the first suspension component has an inner end (19) and an outer end (14). An adjustment mechanism (36) is provided in the form of a rotatable threaded tube (38) mounted on first suspension component (12) and rotatably journaled to second suspension component (16). An adjustable lug (44) threads onto threaded tube (38). Elastic cord (20) wraps around lug (44) and inner end (19) of first suspension component (12). Rotation of tube (38) causes lug (44) to move axially along the length of first suspension component (12) to adjust the tension in elastic cord (20), to compensate for various loading conditions on the shock absorber.

Abstract: A system for modifying the radiant energy spectrum of a thermal energy source to produce a desired spectral bandwidth profile including a frequency-selective resonant micromesh filter (50) confronting a thermal energy source (80). Micromesh filter (50) includes an array of resonant-conductive antenna elements (50', 50") and a substrate (56) for supporting the antenna elements. Thermal radiation (82) emitted from energy source (80) is filtered by micromesh filter (50), wherein radiant energy at particular wavelengths is reflected back to the energy source, while certain wavelength photons are transmitted through the micromesh filter.

Abstract: A reciprocating floor conveyor (10) including a support frame (12), and a conveyor floor (14), which is comprised of a plurality of laterally spaced-apart conveyor slats (16), a plurality of laterally spaced-apart holding slats (18), and a series of divider planks (20). Divider planks (20) are fixedly secured to the upper portion of support framework (12). Conveyor slats (16) are mounted on support frame (12) for longitudinal reciprocation between "start" and "advanced" positions. Holding slats (18) are mounted on support frame (12) for vertical movement between and "up" position in which the holding slats (18) are above the conveyor slats (16), and a "down" position, in which the holding slats (18) are below the conveyor slats (16). The load is conveyed by lowering the holding slats (18), advancing the conveyor slats (16), to convey the load, raising the holding slats and retracting the conveyor slats to their "start" position, and repeating the process.

Abstract: A check valve (10) for a hydraulic actuator (14), wherein the check valve (10) includes a valve seat (72) and a displaceable valve component (62) for controlling the flow of hydraulic oil through valve seat (72). Check valve (10) also includes a cylindrical body portion (50) and a cap (54). A slot (70) is formed in the sidewall of the cylinder (22) of the hydraulic actuator. A valve stem (66) of valve component (62) extends through slot (70) into the working chambers of cylinder (22) and into the path of movement of piston (16). Springs (80, 94) bias valve component (62) into its seated position. Engagement of piston (16) with the lower end (90) of valve stem (66) pivots valve component (62) and unseats the plug member of the valve to allow fluid communication between the working chambers of cylinder (22) and passageway (56).

Abstract: A display holder (10) having first (14) and second (16) central panels joined together along an outer side edge of each panel to form a main body section (12) that substantially is V-shaped in cross-section. The first and second central panels (14, 16) are joined in a manner allowing the panels to be angularly deflected. The first and second central panels (14, 16) also each include a back side edge (22), wherein angular deflection of the panels (14, 16) causes the back side edges (22) to move toward and away from each other. A mounting bracket (26) is provided at the back edge (22) of each central panel (14, 16) for securing the panels to lateral sides of an upright structural member. The mounting brackets (26) are each secured to the back edges (22) of the panels (14, 16) in a manner so that the mounting brackets (26) can be angularly deflected relative to the panels (14, 16).

Abstract: A linear position transducer (10) including a housing (12), a threaded stud (56) fixedly secured within the housing, a rotatable drum (26) thread-mounted on the threaded stud, a string (18) secured to the drum and extending from the housing, a torsion spring (80) attached to the drum providing retraction torque to the drum, a cantilever beam (28) having one end fixed to the housing and the other end biased against the drum, and a strain gauge (48) for measuring deflection-induced strain in the cantilever beam. The drum moves axially along the threaded stud as it rotates in response to linear movement of the string. As the drum moves axially, it deflects the cantilever beam, which deflection is detected by the strain gauge. The strain is proportional to the linear movement of the free end of the string.

Abstract: An upper needle guide (10) and a lower needle guide (40) for guiding a sewing needle during a stitching operation in order to keep the sewing needle laterally aligned along a stitching path so that the thread loop thrown by the sewing needle beneath the material being sewn is in alignment with the path of movement of a thread loop pick-up device (98). The upper needle guide includes a needle hole having a thread relief passageway (22) therein for providing a relief space for the sewing thread (34) as the needle moves through the needle hole. The lower needle guide includes a thread and needle slot (44) having a pair of V-shaped notches (46) therein. The V-shaped notches are aligned with the stitching path (84). In an alternative embodiment, the lower needle guide can comprise a feed dog (52) having a diamond-shaped needle hole (58) therein.

Abstract: A tubular adapter (12) is clamped onto the muzzle (16) of a firearm (18). The adapter (12) is axially split where it surrounds the muzzle (16). A clamp ring (38) surrounds fingers (44) which are between the splits (28) and squeezes the fingers (44) diametrically inwardly into tight clamping engagement with the muzzle (16). The clamp ring (38) is made from a material that shrinks when it is heated. The adapter (12) includes external threads (20) and axial grooves (64) formed in the threads (20) which are spaced circumferentially about the adapter (12). A tubular weight member (14) is attached to the adapter (12) by internal threads (26) which mate with the external threads (20) on the adapter. One or more detent balls (46, 48) carried by the weight (14) enter into the grooves (64) and serve to lock the weight (14) into set positions on the adapter (12). The detent bails (46, 48) and grooves (64) provide for an axial position adjustment of the tubular weight (14) in discreet increments.

Abstract: A belt-slitting machine (10) comprising a frame (12), a work table (16), a first carriage (18) for supporting a supply roll (30) of belt material (51) and a second carriage (20) for supporting takeup rolls (32) of slit belt material (54). Motors/gearboxes (40, 42) turn spindles (28) in order to unwind the supply roll (30) of belt material and to roll up the slit webs of belt material into rolls (32). Coupler assemblies (102,104) are provided between cylinders (40, 42) and spindles (28). Coupler assemblies (102, 104) provide positive torque between cylinders (40, 42) and spindles (28) as spindles (28) deflect due to the weight of the belt material and cause the ends of the spindle to angularly deflect about the rotation axis of the spindle and to rise vertically a small distance due to the deflection. An outfeed belt divider apparatus (108, 112, 114) is provided for keeping the slit rolls of belt material separated as the belt material winds around into rolls (32).

Abstract: An improved frame piece (300) for a display holder (334) including a pair of inner ridges (320) extending along the outer edges of center rails (316') of flanges (304, 306). Frame piece (300) works in conjunction with an elongated opening (326) in the upper region of center panel (324), wherein ridges (320) project into opening (326) to securely hold frame piece (300) to center panel (324).

Abstract: Piston rod portions (83, 85, 87) of three linear hydraulic motors (10, 12, 14) are connected at their opposite ends of two spaced apart transverse frame members (88, 90). A cylinder (120) is driven back and forth along each piston rod (83, 85, 87). Three transverse drive beams (16, 18, 20) are provided. Each drive beam (16, 18, 20) is directly connected to an associated one of the cylinders (120). Three set of floor slat members (1, 2, 3) are provided. Each set (1, 2, 3) is connected to an associated one of the transverse drive beams (16, 18, 20). The linear hydraulic motors (10, 12, 14) are operated for moving the floor slat members in one direction, for advancing a load, and for retracting them in the opposite direction.