Abstract: A lifting device that can effectively lift a variety of objects and enhance portability. The lifting device provides demountable portability that enables easy adaptation of the invention for objects of varying size. This adaptability provides a universality that minimizes the number of lifting devices need. The demountable nature of the invention also aids in efficient storage. Generally described, the lifting device includes a mast separable into a plurality of sections and a pulley supported by a first section of the mast. A dolly that supports the mast includes one or more transport structures for movably supporting the lifting device. An actuator is mounted on a second section of the mast. A carriage captured on the mast is configured to slide along the mast and directly or indirectly support an object to be lifted. The lifting device also includes a belt with a first end and a second end.

Abstract: Drums 56 wind and unwind cables 18 connected to a passenger carriage 14 of an amusement ride 12 in response to winding and unwinding of tethers 48 about an axle 46. The tethers 48 are connected to elastic members 44 that store energy, and a lock 32 is releasable to permit the carriage 14 to travel under the force of the stored energy. The drums 56 have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the axle, thereby providing a mechanical advantage to launch and accelerate the carriage 14 to a high velocity and/or to provide a dampening effect on the motion of the carriage. Alternative embodiments include ramps with loops, corkscrew sections, and/or inclined sections for carrying the carriage, safety cables strung through attachment members connected to the tethers, and telescopic spring devices with concentric coil springs.

Abstract: A voltage sag and over-voltage compensation device for an AC electric power distribution system employing cascaded switching devices and a pulse width modulated autotransformer. The autotransformer typically includes lower, center, and upper poles or taps with cascaded switching devices for selectively connecting the voltage source (i.e., a phase of the distribution line) between the lower pole and the center or upper poles. Each stage of the cascaded switching device includes a switching element located within a full-bridge rectifier circuit to allow bi-directional switching through each switching element (i.e., switching through the same switching element during the positive and negative portions of the AC voltage cycle).

Abstract: A sheet of corrugated paperboard formed into eleven panels, with a central panel, two end panels, and eight intermediate panels, that are interconnected at fold lines so that the sheet can be folded to form a rail for withstanding a load. The sheet can be folded to form a rail with only six vertical support panels and two diagonal support panels, only two folds against the prevailing fold direction, and only three glue areas. Also, the sheet has openings that, when the sheet is folded into the rail, align to form channels for receiving forklift arms.

Abstract: A frame having a first end and a second end and a plurality of discrete heating stations spaced along the frame between the first end and the second end. A plurality of spits are moved along the frame, each spit supporting a meat product thereon. An advancement and driving mechanism advances the spits from one dicrete heating station to the next in sequential fashion, and is operative to ensure that each spit resides within in the rotisserie for a pre-determined length of time to ensure that the meat is properly cooked, thereby avoiding undercooking and overcooking.

Abstract: A bracket for attaching a rail to a post. The bracket comprises a means for attaching said bracket to a post and means to provide said bracket with added support. Preferably, the bracket is bread shaped to fit a specific rail style well-known in the art. The bracket further comprises flanges to allow the bracket to be fastened to upright posts. The flanges are adapted to provide against vertical movement and against lateral movement through their opposing locations and their angled surface. Additionally, the bracket comprises an extended base to provide increased strength in response to force exerted on the attached rail.

Abstract: A method and system for remote monitoring of liquid level 21 within a container 12, such as the level of fuel within a propane cylinder. A magnetic float 20 disposed within the container 12 floats on the liquid 21, and lowers with the liquid level as fuel is consumed. Magnetic sensors 22 outside the container 12 sense the float 20 as it passes in the proximity of one of the sensors 22. A controller 26 receives output signals from the sensors 22 and transmits level indicating signals to a gauge 28 or other indicator for remote indication of the corresponding liquid level. The indicator 28 can be located proximal the user's direct line of sight, to remind the user to periodically monitor the fuel level to prevent running out of fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for folding an adhesive face of tape upon itself and dispensing the folded tape is disclosed. Tape is dispensed from a roll, through a guiding collar having a curved space extending around and defined by a core mounted within a central opening of the guiding collar. As the tape exits the curved space, the tape is correspondingly curved in cross-section, with a portion of the sticky, adhesive face of the tape confronting another portion of the adhesive face. The correspondingly curved tape passes under an element for compressing or pinching the tape, which folds the tape upon itself and compresses the confronting portions of the sticky, adhesive face of the tape together. Rotation of the guiding collar varies the position of the curved space to permit adjustment of the fold width of the tape.

Abstract: An interrupter switch mechanism 18, an actuator mechanism 20 for operating the switch mechanism 18, an engagement arm 30 such as a whip, a first resistor 22, a second resistor 26, a drive mechanism 64 for pivoting the engagement arm 30 into contact with the resistors 22 and 26, and a drive shaft 62. The drive mechanism 64 has a first hub 82, a second hub 84 that is biased relative to the first hub 82, and a pivotal latch member 66 that is biased towards an engaged position with the second hub 94. The drive shaft 62 sequentially operates the drive mechanism 64 to introduce the first resistor 22 and then the second resistor 26, and then operates the actuator 20 to close the switch mechanism 18, for reducing electrical disturbances when switching a capacitor bank 12 into an electric power circuit 16.

Abstract: A telescoping boom crane having a multi-sectioned, telescopically extending boom and an extensible pendant support system. The extending boom includes boom sections that are extensibly receivable within the adjacent boom section. The boom sections are made of a sheet material. A releasable locking mechanism may be attached to the boom sections to secure the boom sections. The extensible pendant support system includes a plurality of pendants. The pendants are extensibly receivable within an adjacent pendant. The pendant support system at least partially supports the boom when a load is applied to the boom. Further, the support system may include a forestay length locking device functioning to prohibit extension of a subsequent pendant from an adjacent pendant once the former pendant achieves an extended position.

Abstract: A method is provided for allowing an active player and a plurality of opposing players to play a game by taking turns in an alternating manner. The method includes the step of providing a question to be answered by an active player. The opposing players the wager desired amounts on the active player's ability to answer said question. The active player then answers the question and the wagers are paid off or collected based upon the accuracy of the active player's answer.

Abstract: An adjustable-width spring-operated roller shade that maintains proper orthogonal tracking at all available widths within the shade's range of width adjustment. The adjustable-width roller shade utilizes two overlapping window shades and a telescoping roller to provide a shade that is repeatedly width-adjustable within its original range of width adjustment. To keep the shade sufficiently perpendicular to the roller as the shade winds onto the roller, orthogonal tracking spacers, such as continuous, pliable strips constructed from the same material as the shades, are attached to non-overlapped portions of the shade material to compensate for the extra layers of material existing at the overlapped portion of the shades. Thus, the roller shade maintains proper orthogonal tracking of the shade at all available widths within the shade's range of width adjustment.

Abstract: An automatic speed sensitive speed bump having a base plate, a front plate hingedly connected to the base plate, and a spring that biases the front plate toward a raised position. A speed-sensitive lock mechanism for locking the front plate in the raised position when impacted by a vehicle tire traveling at a speed at or above a predetermined speed. However, when the vehicle is traveling below the predetermined speed, the front plate is not locked in the raised position and collapses to a horizontal position such that the vehicle does not experience a bump.

Abstract: A support pole for raising and lowering a supported object between a lower position and an elevated position is disclosed. The support pole includes an elongate pole having a top, a bottom, and a channel extending at least partly between the top and bottom. A threaded rod is rotationally mounted within the channel, and is connected to a detachable coupling for engaging a drive tool to rotationally drive the threaded rod. A carriage engages the threaded rod, such that rotation of the rod imparts translational movement upon the carriage through the channel. The carriage includes a mounting bracket for attachment of the supported object thereto. A cable connecting the supported object and an external device or power source has a detachable coupling, and is carried along a pulley at the top of the elongate pole when the carriage is raised and lowered.