Abstract: Several embodiments of reactive biasing fasteners utilized in place of jam nuts and Belleville washers, providing for the storage of a pre-load and effectively providing a locking function to prevent unintended loosening of an associated bolt. The embodiments resiliently deform under load to store pre-load or live load energy. Further, the fasteners are adapted to interface with a self-reacting tightening power tool—thereby eliminating or minimizing the need for backup or secondary wrenches. Additionally, several embodiments, through the incorporation of a threaded bore, effectively act to minimize side loading on the portion of a bolt located in the bolt hole of a workpiece when in use. The resilient deformation of the biasing fasteners permits the live load to be stored therein. Accordingly, the risk of loosening of the bolted joint due to exteriorly applied forces such as, but not limited to, vibration and thermal expansion and contraction, is lessened.

Abstract: Embodiments of door protectors are described. One typical embodiment comprises front and rear corrugated cardboard panels that are draped over a door by way of one or more pieces of saddle tape that join the panels along their respective top edges. Note: need to mention the Edge Tape and its function, as well. A plurality of folds, perforations and cutouts are provided on the faces of the panels to permit access to the door's hardware. Accordingly, the door can be operated in a traditional manner while providing impact and damage protection to the door. In variations, the rear faces of the panels that contact the door's surfaces are lined or coated with non-abrasive material, such as EPE foam, a towel liner, or a non-abrasive coating. The panels include a plurality of widthwise folds that permit the door protector to be folded for transport and storage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a relatively lightweight collapsible and portable braiding stand to be used by braiding hobbyists to produce braided works including but not limited to rugs, wall hangings, chair pads, stair treads, bench cushions, bags and purses. Variations are comprised of a tubular plastic, such as PVC, and have the ability to be assembled in both chair and floor use configurations.

Abstract: A bottle holder that is unbalanced when its base surface is placed on a horizontal surface but is balanced on the base surface when a neck of a bottle is received and position in an opening provided in the holder. The opening which extends from a front side to a rear side is generally oval in shape on the front side but only partially oval on the back side wherein the top portion of the partial oval comprises a horizontal linear edge. This edge helps stabilize the bottle's neck within the opening making it easier for a user to locate the bottle's neck at the proper location in the opening to facilitate the balanced combination.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise assemblies for converting an upright-style bicycle into a recumbent bicycle. Additionally embodiments comprising the converted bicycle are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for performing passive geophysical prospecting. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for locating and selected subsurface Earth material deposits or geologic formations bearing hydrocarbons, oil, gas, or commercially important ore deposits, precious metals, as a function of impulse discontinuities in the near surface atmosphere of the invention. A passive geophysical prospecting method and apparatus are provided. The apparatus has a magnetic component antenna for detecting electromagnetic radiation naturally emanating from the Earth's surface and an electrical signal from the detected electromagnetic radiation while traversing the Earth's surface by a vehicle traveling over land or water or in an airplane.

Abstract: Construction templates, as well as methods of use that employ construction templates, are described. Embodiments of the present invention comprise construction specifications printed on substantially dimensionally stable material. Functions of the construction templates include, but are not limited to, (i) indicating the substantially exact locations for installing building components, (ii) protecting floors and other building components from water or weather damage during building construction, and, (iii) providing a barrier to, and containment for, construction debris that could otherwise contaminate or infiltrate a building under construction. Some embodiments comprise elongated construction templates that attach to wall plates to facilitate wall construction. Other embodiments comprise construction templates that attach to the floors of nascent buildings to display construction specifications that facilitate further building construction.

Abstract: “Tora” is a classical strategy board game, constructed as a two-tiered, three-pronged, battlefield simulation. Using 7, 27 or 28 classical pieces at their disposal, players have the option to contend on a limited (9.times.9) or expanded (17.times.17) field of contest to determine the future course of history.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an oven having a flexible and retractable door is described. The oven door is adapted to move from a closed position wherein it effectively closes an open side of the oven box and an open position wherein the door is retracted into the body of the oven, typically below the oven box. In variations, an electric motor is provided to selectively move the oven door between the open and closed positions. In other variations, the oven includes an oven rack that is moveable between extended and retracted positions by way of a second electric motor.

Abstract: Accordingly to one embodiment, an exercise device comprising a T-shaped cylindrical member with an associated mounting assembly that permits the device to be removably mounted to the edge of a door and utilized when the door is closed is described. When an elongated rope with handles at its ends is wrapped around the T-shaped cylindrical member in the desired configuration, a significant amount of resistance to movement of the rope is provided. In one preferred form of exercising using the device, the exerciser provides a small counter force to the handle being held by the arm that is not being exercised and the resulting force necessary to move the handle and rope with the arm being exercised is a much greater than the small counter force as a result of the multiplier effect of the wrapping of the rope around the T-shaped cylindrical member.

Abstract: A plunger for use in a plunger lift system of an oil or natural gas well includes one or more sensor assemblies, each including one or more sensors for measuring various physical and operational conditions during the operation of the well. The data acquired from the sensors is stored in memory within the sensor assemblies and downloaded to the plunger lift system controller when the plunger is located in the catch/lubricator. The data can then be analyzed by the controller or other computer to vary the well's operating parameters to maximize the well's operating efficiency and the data can be used in reservoir management, such as transient testing, reservoir modeling and interference testing.

Abstract: Embodiments of an alarm circuit/device located in a livestock trailer that activates during the braking and/or turning of a trailer and tow vehicle combination is described along with a method of use. Upon activation, livestock in the trailer, such as horses, sheep and cattle, are alerted to further pending deceleration or centrifugal forces and can accordingly brace or otherwise prepare to avoid injury.

Abstract: “Tora” is a classical strategy board game, constructed as a two-tiered, three-pronged, battlefield simulation.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a laterally folding knife is described incorporating an actuator mechanism permitting the knife blade to be moved from open and closed positions without the need for a user to touch the blade. Further, the folding knife can be quickly opened or closed using a single finger or thumb. The knife blade is automatically locked in place in either open or closed position and therefore does not require a separate blade locking mechanism.