Abstract: Interlock apparatus for fitness equipment comprises a microprocessor 105 receiving grip signal inputs from grip sensors (101A, 101B) mounted on a load-bearing component of the fitness equipment. Signal conditioners (103A, 103B) provide noise filtering, signal debouncing and digital inputs for the microprocessor. Grips status monitors (106A, 106B) provide grip status signals used by microprocessor 105 to determine the validity of the grip signals. Microprocessor 105 provides validity criteria which changes depending on the grip status inputs. The apparatus detects sensor connection changes and abnormal sensor and circuit operation and modifies logic functions to improve the capability and reliability of safety locks and brakes on the equipment.

Abstract: A wire guide for electrical boxes utilizes a wire-guiding and support pulley mounted to the front of an attachment plate to feed or retrieve wire or cable from an electrical box. An access aperture provides access to the electrical box for hands or tools. Attachment screws 302 secure attachment plate to the electrical box through a plurality of attachment holes. Multiple attachment hole patterns allow use of the guide with various types of electrical boxes and allow attachment of the guide for vertical and horizontal offsets.

Abstract: A barbell and dumbbell safety spotting apparatus [30] comprises a frame [32], two booms [54] pivotally mounted to and supported by the frame, two cables [72] extending from the booms, two reciprocating drives [96] operably connected to the cables and a clutch [116] operably connected to the reciprocating drives to provide independent reciprocating movement of the cables. The cables are connectable to a free-weight assembly comprising a barbell assembly [22] or dumbbell assembly [26] to provide reciprocating vertical movement of the weight assembly in a free-weight fashion. The free-weight assembly comprises at least one hand switch [88] for engaging and disengaging the free-weight assembly from the reciprocating drives.

Abstract: A multi-segment roll package comprises a continuous length of plastic tape [117] wound about a core [105] resulting in a center spooled roll segment [109] sandwiched between two end spooled portions [400A, 400B]. In one embodiment, the end spooled portions comprise a helical pitch [403] less than the pitch [211] of the center spooled segment. In a second embodiment, the end spooled portion [400B] comprises a helical pitch [407} greater than the pitch of the center spooled segment and comprises more layers with a reversed helical pitch than the center spooled roll segment.

Abstract: A watering insert [18] for chick transport trays [1A, 1B] utilizes a plurality of watering nipples [17] connected to, and communicating with, a central water tank [27]. The insert utilizes a support surface [44] along the periphery [50] of the insert for supporting the insert in the open top of the tray at a height sufficient to allow chicks to activate the watering nipples. The water tank comprises an upper removable portion [28] and a lower portion [30] containing the nipples. A vented fill cap [21] allows convenient filling of the insert tank and provides a vacuum break when the nipples are activated.

Abstract: A multi-segment roll package comprises a continuous length of plastic tape [117] wound about a core [105] resulting in a spooled roll segment [109] sandwiched between two end roll segments [107A, 107B]. A tape guide winds one or more spiral windings [113] at an end position on the core. The tape guide traverses axially at a transition pitch greater than the tape width to the beginning of the spooled roll segment position and wraps a layer of overlapping windings to the end of the spooled roll segment. The tape guide traverses axially to the second end position and wraps one or more spiral windings at the second end position. The tape guide reverses axial direction and the process is repeated to build a roll package. The end roll segments provide stability to the ends of the roll package and allow larger diameter roll packages as compared to conventional spooled rolls.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe (100) provides in-vitro measurement for measuring fluid media containing bubbles and particulate matter where disturbances to fluid dynamics must be kept to a minimum. The probe transmits light to, and receives light from, the measured fluid media across a light-path gap (119) using two, separate fiber support tubes (107A, 107B) to protect the transmitting and receiving fibers and provide a rigid and resilient structure. Each support tube, containing one or more fibers, is bent ninety degrees in a smooth quarter circle to produce a light path gap that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (113) of the probe. A cross-member (125) provides precise alignment of the optical axes or the transmitting and receiving fibers. The small-diameter support tubes reduce hydraulic flow disturbances and debris buildup which would occur with conventional probes during tablet dissolution.

Abstract: A self-spotting apparatus for free-weights [101] provides two cable assemblies [107A, 107B] with one end of each cable assembly attached to a free-weight assembly [115] and the opposite end attached to respective linear weight-support assemblies [123A, 123B] via respective weight-responsive engagement blocks [125A, 125B]. Guide rods [127A, 127B] allow vertical motion of the engagement blocks and maintain engagement orientation relative to the support assemblies. The engagement blocks engage the respective support assemblies for static support of the free-weight assembly. Lifting of the substantial weight of the free-weight assembly and activation of disengagement bias is required to disengage the engagement blocks from the respective support assemblies to allow free motion of the free-weight assembly. The apparatus provides self-spotting for barbells [115] and dumbbells [247A].

Abstract: A gun rest [101] comprises a fore stock support assembly [103] supported from a support surface [127] and a butt stock support assembly [105] attached to a connecting beam [107] pivotally connected to the tripod support assembly by a pivot pin [123]. A butt stock height adjustment screw [135], attached to the connecting beam and engaging the support surface allows adjustment of the butt stock height above the support surface independent of the fore stock height. The device includes elevation and adjustment mechanisms for the fore stock height adjustment assembly and attachment holes for securing the fore stock height adjustment assembly to the support surface.

Abstract: Self-washing injection apparatus [101] for liquid chromatography injection valves utilizes an interior chamber [105] with a penetrable seal [109] at the top end of the chamber and a needle sleeve seal [113] at the bottom end of the interior chamber. A wash port [145] in the body [103] of the apparatus connects one or more sources of wash fluid to the interior chamber between the penetrable seal and the sleeve seal. The apparatus provides a simple and effective means to aspirate or pump wash fluids from one or more wash fluid reservoirs through the apparatus, the injection port of the injection valve, and associated components.

Abstract: A plug-in fuse 200 comprises a body 201 with side indented portions 203 which allow secure gripping by the thumb and finger of a hand. The side indented portions define upper and lower extended portions 319, 321 allowing insertion and retraction forces to be exerted on the fuse. The improved body shape allows quick and easy insertion of the fuse in high-density fuse holders. A temperature-responsive material 323 in close proximity to the burnout portion of the fuse element provides visual and/or tactile indication of fuse condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transporting a large number of live poultry from one location to another. Using a tray, the birds are loaded and transported to the new location where the tray is lifted upward and/or laterally into a position for unloading which is convenient relative to the features present at the new location. When the apparatus reaches the new location, a gate on the leading edge of the tray is opened and the birds are forcibly moved across the floor of the tray through the open gate and into the desired location. Movement of the birds is caused in one disclosed embodiment by equipping the tray with a slippery floor and tilting the tray toward the open gate. In one alternative disclosed embodiment, movement of the birds is caused by equipping the floor of the tray with a conveyor belt and a rake to gently push the birds toward the open gate.

Abstract: A pet collar device (100) incorporates a body (117) and a reciprocating plunger (109) extending through the body. A flexible band (101), attached to one end of the plunger, extends from the body when a knob (111) of the plunger is depressed by a palm or thumb of a hand and the fingers of the same hand engage finger grips (123) on the body. The extended band allows placement over the head of a pet. Release of the plunger by the hand allows a bias spring (127) to bias the plunger in the opposite direction, retracting the flexible band into the body and securing the collar device about the neck of the animal. The collar device allows quick and simple one-handed engagement of the collar device on the animal.

Abstract: A recyclable support apparatus for supporting articles comprises at least two pallet feet attached to the bottom panel of a container. The pallet feet comprise a U-shaped top portion and a U-shaped bottom portion made of a corrugated material. The top portion is inverted with respect to the bottom portion and respective side portions bonded to form a tube of rectangular cross section. At least one stringer is bonded to an inside surface of the through opening to add stacking strength. The pallet feet are bonded to the container bottom so that the through openings are aligned coaxially. Alignment of the through openings allows tines of a fork lift device to be inserted into the through openings of the pallet feet for convenient moving and storage of the container. Pallet foot spacing allows insertion of the tines of a lift fork between the pallet feet, providing four-way lift capability and facilitating container lifting and moving.

Abstract: A portable winch for mounting on a hitch component of a vehicle comprises a cable reel retractor portion and a vehicle attachment portion. The vehicle attachment portion may be a ball hitch receptor, or it may comprise a drawbar insertable into the receiver portion of a hitch. An electrical connector insertable in an existing vehicle receptacle provides power to a gear motor of the retractor portion through a extend/retract switch. One embodiment provides electrical power for the gear motor from a cigarette lighter of the vehicle. Another embodiment provides electrical power for the gear motor from a trailer lighting connector of the vehicle.

Abstract: A barbell and dumbbell safety spotting apparatus [30] comprises a frame [32], two booms [54] pivotally mounted to and supported by the frame, two cables [72] extending from the booms, two reciprocating drives [96] operably connected to the cables and a clutch [116] operably connected to the reciprocating drives to provide independent reciprocating movement of the cables. The cables are connectable to a barbell assembly [22] or dumbbell assembly [26] to provide reciprocating vertical movement of the weight assembly in a free-weight fashion.

Abstract: A blind animal safety harness comprises an elongated harness extension attached to a body harness by an extension fastener. Adjustable harness fasteners provide secure fitting of the harness to a variety of animals of different sizes. The extension fastener supports the harness extension from the harness in a generally horizontal configuration. The length of the harness extension provides forward extension beyond the forwardmost portion of the animal's head, providing protection from injury from collision with objects and obstructions. The forward extension also provides neuromuscular feedback to warn the animal of obstructions without hard collisions. Lateral extension of the harness extension provides lateral clearance between the harness extension and the side of the animal's head, preventing direct collision of the animal's head with objects and obstructions to the side.

Abstract: A self-spotting apparatus for free-weights (101) provides two cable assemblies (107A, 107B) with one end of each cable assembly attached to a free-weight assembly (115) and the opposite end attached to respective linear weight-support assemblies (123A, 123B) via respective weight-responsive engagement blocks (125A, 125B). Guide rods (127A, 127B) allow vertical motion of the engagement blocks and maintain engagement orientation relative to the support assemblies. The engagement blocks engage the respective support assemblies for static support of the free-weight assembly. Lifting of the substantial weight of the free-weight assembly and activation of disengagement bias is required to disengage the engagement blocks from the respective support assemblies to allow free motion of the free-weight assembly. The apparatus provides self-spotting for barbells (115) and dumbbells (247A).

Abstract: An adapter for attaching a PTO unit to a driven unit comprises an internal lubrication sump. The sump provides lubrication for the shaft coupling between the PTO unit and the driven unit. The sump is sealed from the PTO unit by sealing surfaces on the PTO fastener holes and a sealed receiving surface for a PTO shaft seal. The sump is sealed with the driven unit by a sealing surface on the driven end of the adapter. Multiple PTO fastener holes and lubricant fill ports allow several mounting positions of the adapter with respect to the driven unit.

Abstract: A microplate assembly with closure comprises a microplate base 101 having a geometric array of wells 103. Vials 113 of borosilicate glass inserted into the wells comprise flanges on the top portion of the vials. Closure 117 comprises an array of caps 119 having a complementary geometric pattern to the wells of the microplate base. The caps each comprises a septum and are connected by a thin membrane 121. Each cap comprises a sidewall 403 having a vial engagement ring which snaps over the flange 115 of the vials. Septum openings 135 in the caps extend through the top of the caps and provide a means to fill and evacuate the vials with a penetration device passing through the septa of the caps of the closure.