Abstract: An apparatus can be conveniently and temporarily attached to a tape measure to aid in measuring a workpiece. The apparatus has a means of engaging a workpiece at one end of a length to be measured, and has a means of removably attaching to the tape measure. The attachment mechanism consists of a rigid, substantially flat member which is designed to rest under the tape, with two tabs protruding upwards from said rigid member. Each tab has at least one kerf formed in the side of that tab which is adjacent to the tape when the rigid member rests under the tape, so that the curving edges of the tape fit into those kerfs, holding the apparatus in place. In this manner, the apparatus is conveniently attachable to and removable from the tape. Furthermore, while the apparatus is attached to the tape, the apparatus adds stability to the tape, by reinforcing the position of the curving edges of the tape.

Abstract: A novel transportation system enables passengers to travel at high speeds relative to automobile traffic, while permitting each passenger to individually select his destination, commence travel whenever a transporter is available, and travel with or without his own automobile. The transportation system includes a system of guideways connecting various stations, so that a passenger can travel from an origination station, across guideways, to a destination station of choice. Each guideway consists of parallel tracks supporting support magnets. Each transporter is capable of holding one or more passengers or a single vehicle, with or without passengers. The transporters have horizontally extending supports with transporter support magnets.

Abstract: A tube bending mandrel is provided, which is designed to avoid stress, fracture, and disassembly caused by forces exerted while a tube is bent. The mandrel includes mandrel links with a ball end, neck, and socket end, formed from two opposing and matching link sections. A radial tenon protruding from the face of one link section fits into a corresponding radial mortise formed in the face of the opposing link section. A detent mechanism includes a ball slot formed in the exterior of a ball end, a circular spring that fits into that ball slot, and a socket groove formed in the interior of an adjacent socket in which the ball end fits and rotates. By providing a ramp on one edge of the socket groove or the ball slot, the circular spring tends to move into the socket groove and ball slot, to assume a straight position after the mandrel has been removed from a bent tube. An external shoulder is provided on each socket, adjacent to the socket opening, to support a ball segment.

Abstract: A method of cutting is described, utilizing a specialized utility cutting tool. The tool has a fixed jaw, a movable handle, a blade, and a connecting link. The blade is inserted into a channel formed in the fixed jaw for stability, and is pivotally connected to that fixed jaw. The blade is connected to the connecting link which is connected at an opposite end to the movable handle, so that moving the movable handle toward a handle of the fixed jaw moves the blade. The connecting link provides a mechanical advantage to apply more force to an item to be cut than would be possible without the connecting link. An anvil is mounted in a channel formed in a substantially straight edge of the fixed jaw, and the sharp edge of the blade is moved toward that anvil as the handles of the fixed and movable handles are squeezed together.

Abstract: A method of neatly retaining cords, such as electrical cords, in a box, such as a surge protector, utilizes a brace member and two inverted-L-shaped members. The brace member can be mounted on the bottom of the box, so that the two inverted-L-shaped members extend upwards from the bottom of the box. A cord can then be neatly wrapped around the two inverted-L-shaped members, with the horizontal prong of each inverted-L-shaped member holding the cord in place so that it does not uncoil. One of the inverted-L-shaped members is movable along the brace member, to properly accommodate various lengths of cord. Multiple cord retainers may be mounted in a surge protector or other power cord box, each one suitable for neatly retaining a separate electrical cord.

Abstract: A snowboard rider wears boots that fit into manually releasable bindings which are attached to the top surface of the snowboard, analogous to bindings on alpine skis. Generally, the snowboard bindings are aligned at approximately right angles to the longitudinal axis of the board, with one foot nearer to the front of the board, and the other foot nearer to the tail of the board. In a typical binding design, each boot is rigidly held in a fixed position with respect to the snowboard with no movement of the foot being possible absent corresponding movement of the snowboard. The snowboard binding described herein permits the rider to enjoy the flexibility of toe-to-heel movement, while providing for a simple method of restraining that method for terrains in which flexibility would be detrimental. Each binding consists of a footplate onto which the boot is strapped, a fulcrum attached to the bottom of the footplate, and a fulcrum receptacle mounted on top of the snowboard.

Abstract: Although typical decorative grass is useful for lining containers such as Easter baskets to provide an attractive and cushioned nest, such decorative grass has the disadvantage of creating messes wherever individual strands of the grass fall. When individual strands which constitute decorative grass are connected to one another, this significantly cuts down on or eliminates the mess usually associated with decorative grass. The individual strands may be connected at one end of each strand, or at the middle of the strands. The strands may also be connected to the container in which the decorative grass is placed.

Abstract: A specialized container is ideally suited to protecting electronic boards being transported from injury due to physical shock and electrostatic shock. The container consists of an outer shell and at least one insert. The outer shell and each insert can be made of electrostatic discharge protective corrugated fiberboard material. The outer shell is basically a rectangular prism, suitable for receiving a electronic board with a substantially rectangular base. A first insert is easily placed within the outer shell, consisting of a platform on which the board will rest and at least one resilient and compressible support member extending down from the platform to the bottom panel of the outer shell. To provide further protection for the board, a second insert may be placed on top of the first, with a tab extending downward from the second insert to a slit in the first insert platform. The board then rests on the platform of the second insert.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing birds from perching utilizes a rectangular flat plate suspended by a rod inserted lengthwise through the plate or two rods inserted into opposite sides of the plate. The rod or rods are intentionally inserted along a horizontal axis which is not the center of the plate, so that the plate rotates eccentrically around that axis. Thus, although the plate rotates freely around the axis, the plate will rest with a smaller section above the axis and a larger section beneath the axis, unless it is disturbed. If a bird attempts to land on the plate, the added weight will swing the plate around the axis, throwing the bird off the plate and preventing the bird from perching. This device is particularly useful when mounted around the perimeter of a birdfeeder, forcing the bird to fly over the anti-perching device and feed from a location around a seed tray inside the feeder.

Abstract: A method of turning typical doorknobs and other knobs without having to grasp the knob enables persons with hand debilities to open doors. The method involves installation of a knob cover which is round and made of a resilient material which can be slipped over the knob without tools, and will snugly remain around the knob. Multiple levers protrude from the knob cover, so that pushing any of the levers will cause the knob to be turned. Each lever is substantially U-shaped with a rounded apex, to avoid discomfort which might be caused by pointed levers. Furthermore, each lever is made of a resilient, soft material to facilitate movement of the levers by sensitive hands. Each lever extends from the cover a sufficient distance to allow a closed fist to engage and push the lever, while each lever is short enough to avoid contact with a door jam or adjacent wall when the knob cover is installed on a doorknob.

Abstract: Goggles and eyeglasses worn in winter weather conditions are subject to fogging. A method of preventing condensation from forming on goggles and on eyeglasses worn under goggles is provided. The method involves using a fan to exhaust air from the air space between the goggles and a user's face. Continuous operation of the fan is designed to be inaudible and effective to prevent fogging. The method can involve use of a goggle ventilation design which improves wearer comfort. The goggle can also clear fogging which has occurred while the fan is not in operation.

Abstract: A method is described of programming a memory array on a single integrated circuit so that a portion of each data word is characterized as CAM, with the remaining portion of each data word functioning as RAM. The programmable memory array is partitioned into CAM and RAM subfields by disabling the comparators in each memory cell in selected columns of CAM cells to create RAM-functioning cells. Said partitioning may be re-programmed to enable the comparators in said RAM-functioning cells to be re-enabled, so that said cells may participate in subsequent comparisons to a search word. The described memory array permits direct retrieval and storage of associated information in RAM-functioning cells corresponding to data words which are determined to match a given search word. This direct retrieval and storage process can efficiently be utilized without computing or decoding an address for the associated information.