Abstract: A charcoal starter apparatus for use in combination with a conventional hibachi. A rectangular housing rests on the top perimeter of the hibachi, and is clamped to the underside top edge of the hibachi. The sidewalls of the housing have passageways for air supply ducts, with the outlets of the ducts resting in removable troughs in the interior base of the hibachi. The outlet ends of the ducts and deflectors attached to the troughs support the grates of the hibachi. A removable, truncated, pyramidally shaped cover having a square exhaust inlet with a vertical collar supports a square exhaust stack, with an inverted U-shaped cap attached to the top of the stack.

Abstract: A doll (10) that dances by reciprocating a hip portion (20) and that simultaneously moves along a surface (S) in a generally curving path. The doll has a base (40) with a drive wheel assembly (70) and a crank (55) that reciprocates the hip portion (20). Preferably, the doll (10) also has sound emitting means (110).

Abstract: A strap rolling device comprising a shaft having at least one substantially flattened side and means for rotating the shaft. A strap tensioning device is preferably provided spaced apart from the shaft. The tensioning device includes a tensioner table with a groove, a tensioner bar configured to conform to the groove, and a spring for compressing the tensioner bar into the tensioner table. Optionally, a ratchet to allow rotation in only one direction and a mounting device can be provided.

Abstract: A sun visor accessory comprising a backing (72) having a substantially flat front surface substantially free of projections suitable for displaying advertising and other matter, a glare shield (76) movably attached to the backing (72) to move between an up and stored position and a down and operational position, and means for attaching the backing to a sun visor so that the front surface remains substantially flat and substantially free of projections. Preferably the backing (72) has a triangular cross section, which provides a second display space on the base of the triangle and the backing (72) is attached to the sun visor by an elongated clamp (74) having a clamp surface that is substantially flat and substantially free of projections. Preferably also, the backing and the clamp are integrally formed from a single sheet of material. The base also can be hingedly attached to the rest of the backing (72) to define a storage space.

Abstract: A simple stepless variable transmission in which rotation of an input shaft (10) is translated into circular motion of an input stage arm (16) which is then converted into periodic rotation of an intermediate linkage (20) around a center of rotation that is displaced from the center of circular motion of the input stage arm (16). The periodic rotation of the intermediate linkage (20) drives an output stage arm (30) into periodic circular motion about a center that is displaced from the center of rotation of the intermediate linkage (20). An overrunning clutch (36) then transmits the useful portion of the periodic circular motion to an output shaft (37). Simultaneously controllably varying the distances between the centers of motion for the input stage arm (16), the intermediate linkage (20) and the output stage arm (30) controllably varies the ratio of the transmission.

Abstract: A base-point anchor that will allow anchoring of chalklines, plumb bob lines, string for layout lines and tape rules, comprising a body with adhesive locking apertures and an anchor aperture and a bulk adhesive adhering to the body and extruded into the adhesive locking apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for reconstituting dry pharmaceuticals and other materials in which a peristaltic pump controlled by a timer automatically dispenses the desired amount of solvent to reconstitute a pharmaceutical at an appropriate concentration and an agitator, preferably also controlled by the timer, mixes the pharmaceutical and solvent.

Abstract: An improved anchor plug allowing quick release of a leash. The anchor plug is preferably made of plastic and may be mounted on a surfboard, or any other object flush to the top surface of the surfboard. The anchor plug has a leash cavity and a retractable leash pin spanning the leash cavity. Preferably, the leash pin extends into a locking hole when it is in the extended position. A loop can be formed in a leash, the leash pin can be retracted to allow the loop to be inserted in the leash cavity, and the pin can be extended to retain the loop in the leash cavity. Preferably, the leash pin is made of stainless steel and can be locked in the extended position.

Abstract: A heel-binding device having an elastic member connected to two anchors which are connected to a sporting board directly, or indirectly via connections to a foot strap which is itself connected to said sporting board.

Abstract: An improved substrate for mushrooms that is essentially cellulose-free comprising a major portion of grain and minor portions of nutritional supplements. The grain is partially sterilized by boiling in order to kill bacteria, cooled in order to induce germination of the heat resistant spores, and steam sterilized before the germinated spores have matured sufficiently to create new spores. The substate can be used to grow fungi, including mushrooms, especially shiitake.

Abstract: A simple stepless variable transmission in which rotation of an input shaft is translated into circular motion of an input stage arm which is then converted into periodic rotation of an intermediate linkage around a center of rotation that is displaced from the center of circular motion of the input stage arm. The periodic rotation of the intermediate linkage drives an output stage arm into periodic circular motion about a center that is displaced from the center of rotation of the intermediate stage linkage. An overrunning clutch then transmits the useful portion of the periodic circular motion to an output shaft. Simultaneously controllably varying the distances between the centers of motion for the input stage arm, the intermediate linkage and the output stage arm controllably varies the ratio of the transmission.

Abstract: A multibeam structure measures displacement of one or more response elements to detect multiple components of applied force. The flexible beams are each coupled to a response element which may be displaced by a force arising from linear acceleration, angular acceleration, fluid flow, electric/magnetic/gravitational fields, and other sources. The displacement of the response element is detected with a variety of sensing methods including capacitive and piezoresistive sensing.

Abstract: A combination rail saver and key holder in which a pocket end of the rail saver is folded over on itself to define a pocket. A first fastener element is attached to the front interior surface and the front exterior surface of the pocket and a complementary second fastener element is attached at an anchor part to the back interior surface of the pocket, leaving a flap part free and projecting outwardly from the opening. A key inserted in the pocket is retained by two independent mechanisms: the fastener element on the front interior surface can be attached to the anchor part of the second fastener element and the flap part can be folded over and engage with the first fastener element on the front exterior surface of the pocket. Alternatively, the pocket can be formed with a separate pocket segment attached to the strap instead of folding over one end of the strap.

Abstract: A multibeam structure measures displacement of one or more response elements to detect multiple components of applied force. The flexible beams are each coupled to a response element which may be displaced by a force arising from linear acceleration, angular acceleration, fluid flow, electric/magnetic/gravitational fields, and others sources. The displacement of the response element is detected with a variety of sensing methods including capacitive and piezoresistive sensing.

Abstract: A termite barrier comprising granular material having granules with sizes ranging from 1.7 millimeters to 2.4 millimeters made of sand, gravel, rock or basalt.

Abstract: A window for reducing heat gain or loss through windows by ventilating interior air at interior temperatures over the exterior of the window in a controlled circulation pattern using nozzle tubes with a plurality of transversely disposed air jet apertures mounted in the jambs and mullions. Interior air is ventilated by a fan or compressor into air supply tubing that is attached to the nozzle tubes. Preferably, the amount of air ventilated is less than or equal to the minimum amount of ventilation required under ventilation standards.