Abstract: An improved pitching machine is provided. The invented pitching machine may be capable of consecutively throwing balls that each have a different predetermined trajectory, rotational velocity, and velocity, without resetting the machine. The machine may be capable of simulating a pitch sequence, as thrown by a pitcher in a game situation, which may effectively train batters. The machine includes a pair of rotating belts that are vertically spaced and extend parallel to each other and generally horizontally. Once a ball is seized between the belts, the ball is rapidly conveyed by the belts and thrown in a predetermined direction and at a selected velocity. The velocity of the belts may be independently adjusted for imparting a predetermined rotational velocity on balls conveyed by the belts, for throwing balls of different predetermined trajectories. A control system is provided for selecting a pitch type for each ball thrown by the machine.

Abstract: A human assisted walking robot formed by a motor, a cargo bin, a pair of legs mounted to the carrier; and a stabilizing support mounted at its proximal end to the carrier and having a wheel rotatably mounted to the distal end. The motor drives the first and second leg members resulting in a walking motion. Each leg is formed by a thigh link and a shank link. A four-bar linkage is coupled between the motor and the thigh and shank of each leg so that rotational motion generated by the motor produces a walking motion by the legs.

Abstract: A collapsible storage container having a displaceable access opening for tracking and providing proximate access to said diapers stored within. Said collapsible container further includes a rigid non-collapsible portion at the top separated into two separate portions, the first portion being the top of said collapsible diaper storage area and the second portion being a discrete independent separate storage area for containing treated or medicated diaper wipes. Said second diaper wipe area having its own separate access area including a hinge and a depression or tab to access the sheets of said diaper wipes.

Abstract: A seat or chair that includes a seat back that is moveable so that it may be positioned to provide primary support to the spine and surrounding tissue centered on the region between the 2nd lumbar vertebrae and the 11th thoracic vertebrae of a user of the chair. Support in this region assists the spine in maintaining a good posture, and may also partially support the weight of the spine above the lumbar region of the spine. Another aspect of the seat or chair comprises a seat or chair configuration that provides a selected degree of traction applied to the lumbar region of the spine when the user leans back in the seat or chair.

Abstract: A lacing apparatus is provided comprising a lace which maybe threaded through a plurality of apertures defined by at least two portions of an article; a connector for connecting the free ends of the lace to one another, so that when the free ends of the lace are connected to one another, the lace forms a continuous loop; and a mechanical locking device for receiving the lace and releasably locking at least two portions of the lace in proximity to one another when at least a portion of the lace has been threaded through the apertures and the free ends of the lace are connected to one another. Footwear incorporating features of this apparatus, as well as methods of releasably lacing together two or more objects, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming gas pockets within integrated circuit devices to provide dielectric isolation between selected conductive structures in the integrated circuit device. The method is useable with many known integrated circuit manufacturing processes wherein the resulting device comprises, preferably, an uppermost layer of intermetal dielectric, on which the method of the present invention may be performed. In general, the method of the invention comprises the following steps. Providing an integrated circuit device structure with a top layer at least partly formed of a segregated conductive material and a solid dielectric material. Forming a mask over the top layer. Forming openings in the mask corresponding to positions where gas pockets are desired in the finished integrated circuit device. Etching through the openings in the mask to form gaps in the dielectric material of the top layer.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a cannula or probe used to penetrate tissue to a target area to perform a medical procedure including biopsy and RF ablation of undesirable tissues or cells for treatment, or to prevent the spread of cancer cells during a biopsy procedure. The probe is preferably shape changeable. The probe may be hollow or solid having an exterior surface coated with a dielectric material, a preferably sharpened beveled tip at a distal end coated with a resistor material, and means for coupling the probe to an RF generator and control device. The RF generator provides current to the probe. The dielectric material provides a predominant impedance characteristic of the probe in contact with tissue, thus changes in impedance will vary primarily based on the area of the probe in contact with tissue.

Abstract: A dynamic self-adjusting dual-action clamp comprising a first clamping component defining a plane and generating clamping force along a first clamping axis in that plane, and a second clamping component generating force in a second clamping axis substantially perpendicular to the first clamping axis, but within the same plane as the first clamping axis. The invention further includes elements used to adapt a standard spring actuated pliers-type clamp to convert such clamp to the dual-action clamp described above.

Abstract: A shaft locking or brake device for use with a guide shaft or rail of a linear motion system includes a pair of clamping members enclosed within a housing and an actuator. Referring to FIG. 1, the clamping members (26, 28) have specially contoured cut-outs (38, 40) which surround an axially sliding shaft or a rail (22) of a linear motion system. The clamping members (26, 28) carry pivot pins (30, 32) which serve as a fulcrum against the interior surface of the housing (24). A lever arm extends (34, 36) from the lower end of each clamping member (26, 28) and engages two links (52, 58) of a toggle mechanism which are pivotally connected by a circular toggle disk (54). When the shaft locking device is actuated by a handle (58) which extends from the housing, the toggle mechanism pivots the lever arms outward (34, 36), which in turn causes the clamping members (26, 28) to pivot around their respective pivot pins (30, 32) causing the clamping members (26, 28) to move inward and frictionally engage the shaft (22).

Abstract: A short term underwater breathing device including one or more housings containing a compressor powered by a battery for pumping air from an air intake valve through an air filter and dryer into a storage reservoir. The user draws air from the storage reservoir through a demand regulator. An electronic controller regulates the compressor, controls the opening and closing of the air intake valve, and monitors the air storage reservoir pressure. In a preferred embodiment the compressor, the battery, the air filter and dryer, and the controller are contained within a water tight compartment of a housing, which housing is preferably worn by the user. When the user is on the surface, the air intake valve opens and the battery provides power to the air compressor which draws the air through the filter and the dryer into the air storage reservoir. When submerged, the air intake valve closes, the compressor stops, and the user breaths the air from the storage reservoir through the regulator.

Abstract: A dynamic self-adjusting dual-action clamp comprising a first clamping component defining a plane and generating clamping force along a first clamping axis in that plane, and a second clamping component generating force in a second clamping axis substantially perpendicular to the first clamping axis, but within the same plane as the first clamping axis. The invention further includes elements used to adapt a standard spring actuated pliers-type clamp to convert such clamp to the dual-action clamp described above.

Abstract: A safety brake device (1) for hydraulic elevators acts by arresting the axial movement of the elevator ram (3) with respect to the main hydraulic cylinder (5) of the elevator. The safety brake (1) utilizes two lever acting brake arms (27) lined with an accretable metal (31), for example annealed copper, as the friction material. When actuated, the brake arms (27) contact the ram (3) circumferentially to slow and stop the falling ram. The lining material (31) is machined inside the brake arms (27) to a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the ram (3) and when actuated, the accretable material (31) on the brake arms (27) contacts the ram (3) with sufficient frictional force to stop the downward motion of the ram (3). The safety brake (1) may be actuated by loss of hydraulic pressure, by an electronic signal from a hydraulic pressure detector, by down overspeed or by an uncontrolled down motion detector.

Abstract: A device used to hold any material stored on or dispensed from a roll. The device comprises two shafts placed a given distance apart from each other and running substantially parallel to each other. A pivot structure is attached to the outer end of each shaft. The inner end of each shaft is fixed to a support structure such as a wall or cabinet. Support arms are fixed to the pivot structures at one end, and are oriented with the other end of the support arm pointing toward, and aligned on a common central longitudinal axis, with the support arm fixed to the pivot structure of the other arm. The support arms pivot only in a limited arc from horizontal to nearly perpendicular. Gravity tends to hold the arms in horizontal position. The roll is free to rotate on its central longitudinal axis on the support arms allowing a desired amount of material to be unrolled. The roll is removed by pushing the roll upward, causing the support arms to rotate upward and out of the central longitudinal aperture of the roll.