Abstract: Shock absorber apparatus for a prosthetic leg and foot includes an elastomeric element secured to a pair of sleeves. The elastomeric element is secured to the sleeves through end retainers which are secured to the elastomeric element. The elastomeric element provides both shock absorber and torsional resistance functions. A cable, or a plurality of cables, is/are disposed about the elastomeric element and the end retainers to provide additional torsional resistance for the shock absorber apparatus. The shock absorber apparatus is appropriately secured to a prosthetic foot and to a user's leg or knee by conventional elements.

Abstract: Golf club extension apparatus includes a cup or socket secured to an extension, and the cup or socket receives the end of a golf club grip portion. A tapered and slotted lock ring fits over a golf club shaft and extends into the cup and about the grip to secure the extention to the grip. The lock ring includes a taper to allow the apparatus to be used with the virtually any make of golf club or to the various sizes of golf club grips. The purpose of the extension is to be used as a training aid to demonstrate to a user that the user's swing motion is either correct or incorrect. An incorrect swing motion will result in the extension whacking the user, while a proper swing motion will allow the extension to move between the user's arms and around the use's torso during the swing motion.

Abstract: Brake pressure indication apparatus in a vehicle includes a plurality of red L.E.D.s arranged in a ladder-like configuration. The L.E.D.s illuminate progressively in response to brake pressure. As brake pressure is increased, more L.E.D.s illuminate. Brake pressure may be sensed in either of two ways, such as movement of the brake pedal or the expansion of a flexible brake hose.

Abstract: Wire stripping apparatus includes a block rotatable by either a drill element or a ratchet wrench element relative to wire being stripped includes at least a single bore which extends axially of the block. Communicating with the bore is a slot which holds a cutter blade. The cutter blade extends into the bore which receives the wire a depth sufficient to remove the insulation from the wire, leaving only the conductive core free from or stripped of the insulation. The depth of the bore and the location of the cutter blade determine the maximum length of the wire from which the insulation is stripped. The wire is thus fed into the wire stripping bore of the cylinder as the cylinder is rotated to easily and speedily remove the insulation.

Abstract: A continuous flow fuel system includes an oxygen sensor for analyzing the exhaust gases of an engine. The output from the oxygen sensor, representing the oxygen content in the exhaust gases, is transmitted to an electronic control module, which in turn controls the output of a fuel pump. The output of the fuel pump provides fuel to maintain a desired fuel/air ratio. The desired fuel/air ratio may be selected by a user of the engine or it may be predetermined and factory-set.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting elements in a clean room environment includes a tubular element having a positive air pressure therein for providing a clean air environment and a cart movable in the tubular element. The cart may be movable by either an external propulsion system to which the cart is coupled or by an internal system to which the cart is coupled.

Abstract: Weight belt apparatus for divers includes a belt with one or more sleeves disposed on the belt and adjustable thereon for the convenience of the diver using the apparatus. Each sleeve includes one or more pouches for receiving and holding weights. The pouches are collapsible for convenience when no weight is disposed therein.

Abstract: Evaporative cooler apparatus includes two pumps, a primary pump which pumps water to an evaporative medium and a secondary pump for pumping water from the bottom of the cooler to drain the cooler. The secondary, or drain pump includes a timer so that it is only on to drain water from the bottom of the cooler for a predetermined time, and after a predetermined number of hours of operation of the primary pump. That is, there is a direct relationship between the operation of the cooler apparatus as evidenced by the primary pump, and the draining of the water at the bottom of the cooler by the secondary, or drain pump. The efficiency of the pumps is increased to allow them to pump with a very low water level without cavitation problems by virtue of an impeller design which includes vanes on the bottom of the impeller disk and vanes on top of an impeller disk.

Abstract: Prosthetic foot apparatus includes a tubular element appropriately bent and flattened to provide desired flexibility. The extent of flexibility, and accordingly the extent of the bending and flattening of the tubular element provides desired stiffness or flexibility according to the desired characteristic, complementary of the user of the apparatus. Different embodiments are shown, including an embodiment which includes a separate foot plate secured to and extending into the foot portion of the tubular element.

Abstract: Probe card apparatus includes a base element having a central cutout portion and an insert block is disposed in the cut out portion. A probe card secured to the base element includes a plurality of needle elements which contact electrical elements on an integrated circuit chip on a wafer being tested. The base element and probe card are secured to a printed circuit board. The insert contacts the needle elements and biases them against the electrical elements being tested. The insert block is positionable relative to the base element and to the needle elements, and the base element is positionable relative to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Method for recognition of noble metals otherwise not recognizable in base material clusters includes using an electric arc furnace in which base material clusters are disintegrated to free atoms or are alloyed with other components of the base materials, and are able to be recovered by conventional recovery techniques once they are recognized. The base material includes the products of smelting processes, pellets of compacted raw material, like anode mud or waste material, and the base materials are melted utilizing the heat from a dc electric arc furnace.

Abstract: Rotary brush apparatus usable in the environment of a street sweeper includes a generally circular plate to which are secured brush segments. The brush segments are secured to the plate by pins and lock plates movable vertically upwardly in response to rotation of a bolt. The use of the pin and bolt elements allow for the quick change of the brush segments. The lock plates move vertically upwardly and downwardly and are locked in place to keep from rotating by guide elements used for alignment purposes. Apertures in the plate allow for the visual alignment of the brush segments. Pins extend through apertures in the brush segments. The pins may be secured to the lock plates or may be free pins insertable through both the brush segments and apertures in the lock plates.

Abstract: Bullet resistant apparatus includes a spring biased panel which extends out one end of the briefcase. The briefcase, with the extended panel, is then rotated ninety degrees to define a bullet resistant shield for a user. The apparatus is made of composite bullet resistant materials and utilizes a compression spring for deployment of a panel disposed within the briefcase. The compression spring is disposed in a pair of telescoping sleeves. The sleeves allow the spring to compress and then to extend to about double its compressed length.

Abstract: A string instrument, such as a violin, is made of graphite fiber cloth and unidirectional graphite fiber sheets and epoxy resin. The instrument includes a unitary body, including a back, a rib, a neck, and a pegbox, all molded as a single or unitary element. A belly and a soundboard are separately molded of the same material and they are appropriately secured to the body. A string assembly is secured to the body and disposed over the belly. A pair of reinforcing struts are secured to the neck and to the rib. A sound post is disposed between the back and the belly, and a bridge is disposed on the belly, and strings of the string assembly are secured to pegs extending through the pegbox, over the bridge, and to a tail piece. The tail piece is in turn secured to the rib by an end pin remote from the neck.

Abstract: Hand truck or dolly apparatus includes a main frame and a pair of main tires and brake elements secured to the main frame, including a pair of plates movable against the tires. The brake plates are actuable either by a foot operation or by hand operation. The brake plates may be set only by foot operation, while the hand operation of the brakes moves the brake plates against the wheels for a "feathering" brake action. The dolly apparatus also includes a pair of rear stabilizer wheels disposed on a frame pivotally secured to the main frame of the dolly or hand truck. The stabilizer wheels are movable between a down and use position and an up and storage position.