Abstract: The bullsnap fastener includes a rigid elongate member having a mid-section, a hook mounted to one end of the mid-section, a gate closing the hook, and an eye mounted to an opposite end of the mid-section. The hook has a shank and a curved distal end. The hook extends from a first end of the mid-section so as to define a hook space between the shank and the distal end, and an opening between the distal end of the hook and the first end of the mid-section. At least one grip-enhancing member is mounted to and protrudes outwardly of the gate.

Abstract: A set of golf clubs wherein the club length varies between adjacent clubs in the set by at least about 0.6 inches (15.24 mm), and preferably about 0.75 inches (19 mm). Preferably, the lie angle between adjacent clubs in the set varies by greater than about 0.6 degrees, and preferably by about 0.75 degrees. More preferably, the club head weight varies between adjacent clubs in the set by at least about 8 grams, and preferably by between about 9 grams and 11 grams. The club length and lie angle of the 9-iron can approximately equivalent to the club length and lie angle of a prior art 9-iron. For a first standard set of clubs, the 1-iron has an exemplary club length of approximately 41.5 inches (105.4 mm), and the 9-iron has an exemplary club length of approximately 35.5 inches (90.17 mm). The 1-iron has an exemplary lie angle of approximately 57 degrees, while the 9-iron has an exemplary lie angle of approximately 63 degrees.

Abstract: An ambulance stretcher support is described for an ambulance having a floor with a top floor surface. In one embodiment, each support includes a stretcher leg receiving member that is adapted to releasably receive an ambulance stretcher leg. A base, configured to be mounted to the ambulance floor, mounts the stretcher leg receiving member for movement between a position substantially coplanar with the top floor surface, and a position below the top floor surface. A vibration reduction device is mounted between the base and the stretcher leg receiving member such that the stretcher leg can be releasably supported on the stretcher leg receiving member and the vibration reduction device will reduce transfer of vibration from the ambulance floor to the stretcher.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method of placing a concrete structure in a generally horizontal position. The method includes building the concrete structure in an essentially vertical position, the concrete structure being defined by a first end. The concrete structure is pivotably supported at a support location proximate the first end while the concrete structure is in the essentially vertical position. The concrete structure is then pivoted about the support location to move the concrete structure from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position.

Abstract: An optical fibre arrangement has at least two optical fibre sections, each optical fibre section defining an outside longitudinally extending surface. The outside longitudinally extending surfaces are in optical contact with each other. The invention further provides for an amplifying optical device have an optical fibre arrangement as just described, and a pump source. The amplifying optical device is configured such that the pump source illuminates the amplifying optical fibre. A amplifying arrangement is also disclosed. The amplifying arrangement includes a plurality of amplifying optical devices as just described, and each amplifier also has at least one input fibre and a first multiplexer connected to the input fibre. Each amplifier is configured such that at least one of the amplifying optical fibres is connected to the first multiplexer. The amplifying arrangement also has a second multiplexer connected to each of the first multiplexers.

Abstract: A method of establishing continuity of a property which is interpolated over a surface defined by at least two primary nodes. The method includes identifying first and second portions of a boundary which defines a discontinuity in the surface. The method further includes defining the first and second portions of the boundary by at least one secondary node on each portion, and interpolating the property from a first primary node to a second primary node by utilizing the secondary nodes. When the property is characterized by determined values at primary nodes on the surface, the continuity of the property can be established as substantially the same value of the property at the selected secondary nodes. When the surface is characterized by a given gradient at each of the secondary nodes, the continuity of the property can be established as substantially the same gradient at the selected secondary nodes.

Abstract: A heat resistant spark plug extender is described, for joining a spark plug like ignition device to a spark plug wire. The extender includes an elongated body formed of heat resistant and electrically insulative material that extends between a spark plug engagement end and a spark plug wire connector end. A conductor is located within the body and includes a fitting, adapted to releasably electrically connect to a spark plug wire, and a receptacle, adapted for electrical connection to a spark plug. An adjustment part permits adjustable movement of the spark plug wire connector end relative to the conductive receptacle.

Abstract: A solar reflector for an evaporator in a heat pump system. The evaporator has heat transfer plates and is located in an outdoor environment. The solar reflector has a curved surface configured to reflect solar radiation to the heat transfer plates of the evaporator. The curved surface can be in the shape of a truncated parabola. The curved surface can also be curved in a dish-like shape defining an upper perimeter and a lower perimeter, and the lower perimeter defines a bottom opening configured to receive the evaporator. The solar reflector can also be made of a plurality of partially overlapping curved surfaces configured to reflect solar radiation to the heat transfer plates of the evaporator. In this case the solar reflector includes a hinge ring, and each of the curved surfaces are hingedly attached to the hinge ring. Preferably the hinge ring defines an opening to receive the evaporator.

Abstract: Lumber stacking apparatus which include sticker placing apparatus provide means of automatically placing stickers in a sticker tray and of removing stickers from a sticker tray. Lumber placing apparatus includes an actuating assembly that can be actuated to move a sticker support bracket that is operatively supported thereby in a substantially vertical direction and in a substantially horizontal direction during transferal, by the sticker support bracket, of a sticker from a sticker in-feed conveyor to a sticker tray.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a subterranean structure, having a continuous ribbon slab having a plurality of flights fabricated from concrete. The ribbon slab defines periodic openings therein which generally align between adjacent flights. Another embodiment provides for a method of fabricating a subterranean structure. The method includes excavating soil to form a downward sloping ramp, and forming a concrete slab on the downward sloping ramp. The method further includes continuing to excavate soil to extend the downward sloping ramp to a location under the concrete slab, and continuing to form the concrete slab on the downward sloping ramp so that a subterranean structure is formed having an essentially continuous concrete slab with a first portion which is above and spaced-apart from a second portion.

Abstract: A heat pump includes a compressor having an inlet and an outlet, an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor thermal expansion valve. The heat pump further includes an auxiliary heat exchanger. An auxiliary fluid line and an auxiliary fluid pump circulate an auxiliary heat transfer fluid through the auxiliary fluid line. The compressor outlet, the indoor heat exchanger, the outdoor thermal expansion valve, the auxiliary heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the compressor inlet can be placed in respective serial fluid communication to thereby circulate a refrigerant fluid through the heat pump. The auxiliary heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant fluid and the auxiliary heat transfer fluid. The auxiliary fluid line is in thermal energy communication with a primary source of auxiliary heat. Preferably, the primary source of auxiliary heat is a fluid contained within a septic tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the probable existence, location, and type of defects in a workpiece is described. The apparatus includes a sensor subsystem, an optimizer, a control subsystem, and a computer system having a processor and computer readable memory. The sensor subsystem senses a first section of the workpiece and produces signals corresponding to a physical characteristic of the workpiece. The computer system is configured to generate a workpiece model based on the signals produced by the sensor subsystem. In an alternate embodiment, a defect assembler can be provided to merge signals front a plurality of sensor subsystems. The defect assembler can also be configured to generate the workpiece data model. The optimizer is configured to generate workpiece segmentation recommendations based on the workpiece data model.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for training a trainee to achieve or maintain proper throwing technique by attaining proper form, position, and movement of the legs, hips, torso, and shoulders of the trainee and without the use of the throwing arm of the trainee. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a harness to be worn about the torso of the trainee, wherein the harness is configured to releasably support thereon a training projectile which is configured to be launched from is supported position on the harness as a result of a training maneuver which does not involve the throwing arm of trainee. A method in accordance with the present invention includes providing a training projectile, releasably supporting the projectile proximate a throwing shoulder of the trainee, executing a training maneuver and launching the projectile as a result of the execution of the training maneuver.

Abstract: Apparatus for reminding a person to perform a plurality of periodically repeating tasks includes a first and a second user-accessible interface each having at one least task switch. A first and a second signal device each correspond to the respective first and second user-accessible interfaces. A surface supported by the apparatus can be imprinted with first and second task identifications which are aligned proximate to the corresponding signal devices and user interfaces. The apparatus includes an electronic processor configured to set a first alarm interval and a second alarm interval in response to the at least one task switch of the respective first or second user-accessible interface being accessed by a user a single time. The processor measures the passage of time using an electronic timing device and activates the first or second signal device when the measured passage of time exceeds the respective first or second alarm interval.

Abstract: A clamped receiver array using tubing conveyed packer elements is disclosed and described. The receiver array can be used for borehole seismology as well as marine bottom surface seismology. The receiver array has a plurality of receivers connected together by a signal cable. The apparatus is further provided with a fluid conduit running essentially parallel to the signal cable. The fluid conduit has a plurality of receiver deployment sections which are located proximate to respective receivers. The receiver deployment sections are responsive to an increase in pressure within the fluid conduit, causing the receiver deployment sections to operate to press the receiver against the inside of a wellbore or to a marine bottom surface. In one example the receiver deployment section uses pistons disposed in openings in the fluid conduit to push the receivers away from the conduit as pressure in the conduit is increased.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying a product comprising placing the product on a first side of a support surface, and directing dry radiant heat toward the second side of the surface to heat the product. A sensor can be included to measure at least one characteristic of the product, such as the temperature or moisture content thereof. The temperature of the heat source can be regulated as a function of the measured characteristic. The support surface can also be made so as to be movable relative to the heat source. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of control zones are defined and through which the product is successively passed. Each of the control zones has at least one associated heat source and an associated sensor so as to regulate the temperature of the heat sources associated with each control zone independently of those associated with another zone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the remote measurement of physical parameters are described. The apparatus includes a sensor, sensor instrumentation, a carbon coated optical fiber cable for extending between the sensor and the sensor instrumentation, a conduit for extending to a measurement location and configured to accommodate the optical fiber cable and the sensor, and a cable installing device configured to install the sensor and the optical fiber cable through the conduit and place the sensor at the measurement location. The cable installation device includes an apparatus for propelling a fluid along the conduit, such as a pump, a compressor, and the like. In the method, a sensor is installed at a measurement location by pumping the sensor and a carbon-coated optical fiber cable through a conduit, forming a seal around the cable where it enters the conduit, and connecting the cable to sensor instrumentation.

Abstract: A board trimmer having pre-trimmer saws includes a selectively translatable upstream first pre-trimmer saw mounted on a near-side of a board flow path of a board transfer, upstream of a downstream multi-saw board trimmer. The pre-trimmer saw is selectively translatable by an actuator for translation linearly parallel to a near-side ended board on the board transfer. The pre-trimmer saw is perpendicular to the board when on the board transfer. A board elevator may be mounted below the board flow path and the pre-trimmer saw for elevating the board from a sequence of single boards from the board transfer into sawing engagement with the pre-trimmer saw once the pre-trimmer saw has been pre-positioned by the actuator into an optimized cutting path. Trimming of the board in the flow path is done according to an optimized solution for trimming the board.