Abstract: A system for generating electrical power signals from a fluid fuel source. The system comprises an engine and a generator. The engine burns the fuel and is connected to the generator such that the generator generates a raw power signal. An output stage generates an output power signal from the raw power signal. A control circuit controls the operation of the engine based on the output power signal. The control circuit further controls the operation of the engine based on an output current of the generator when this output current exceeds a current threshold level. The control circuit additionally controls the operation of the engine based on a temperature of the engine when the engine temperature exceeds a rated temperature level. The system thus generates sufficient power to supply a variable load but stays within an operating range defined by a rated power level and the rated temperature level.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying spray texture to a wall or the like. The apparatus comprises an aerosol can containing pressurized spray texture material. The spray texture material is released from the can by a valve and passes through a nozzle passageway, out of a discharge opening, and on to a surface to be textured. The apparatus further comprises an outlet member that can be placed over the discharge opening to vary the effective cross-sectional area thereof. This outlet member can be in the form of a straw or tube that is inserted into the nozzle passageway or a disc or other member having a plurality of outlet orifices formed therein. The outlet member having a plurality of outlet orifices can be attached directly to an actuator member in which the dispensing passageway is formed.

Abstract: A vent assembly for controlling flow of air into a room. The vent assembly comprises a housing and a damper member mounted entirely within the housing. The housing is mounted to a surface of the room such that air passing through an air duct pass through a passageway defined by the housing. Air flowing through the passageway causes the damper member to rotate into an open position; when no air is flowing through the passageway, gravity or another force (such as a return spring) causes the damper member to remain in a closed position. A control member may be provided to allow the damper member to placed into a locked closed configuration, a locked open configuration, or an open configuration.

Abstract: A sit-on-top kayak having a seating and footwell arrangement that allows three people to sit comfortably in a cockpit of the kayak. Three seating surfaces and footwells are preferably employed. The footwells associated with the two rearmost seating surfaces straddle the two forwardmost seating surfaces. An improved hull is provided having a keel and winglets extending on either side of the keel. The keel and winglets terminate at the front in a bow portion of the hull lower surface and come together at a point at the stern of the kayak.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the status of and controlling network devices distributed throughout a communications network. Each network device is provided with a server/interface module containing a device specific application for that particular network device. The device specific application contains a database of status and control information associated with its associated network device. The server interface module generates a web page that contains at least a portion of the database and is connected to the communications network so that a person using a standard internet browser can view and alter the data contained by the database. When changes and upgrades are made to network device, the browser need not be upgraded.

Abstract: An aerosol assembly for applying texture material to a surface in a plurality of pre-existing texture patterns. One or more actuator assemblies are employed, each one defining an outlet orifice having a different cross-sectional area. Each actuator assembly is associated with or can be reconfigured to be associated with a different pre-existing texture pattern. In one form, the actuator assemblies comprise a plurality of identical button members having an outlet chamber and a tube member inserted into the outlet chamber of each button member. The tube members define discharge passageways having different cross-sectional areas. The entire actuator assembly is removed and replaced to dispense a different texture pattern. In another form, the actuator assemblies are individual button members manufactured to define outlet chambers that form discharge passageways of different cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying spray texture to a wall or the like. The apparatus comprises an aerosol can containing pressurized spray texture material. The spray texture material is released from the can by a valve and passes through a nozzle passageway, out of a discharge opening, and on to a surface to be textured. The apparatus further comprises a flexible member that is aligned with the nozzle passageway that allows the effective cross-sectional area of the discharge opening to be varied. This flexible member defines a central bore that defines the cross-sectional area of the discharge opening, and deforming the flexible member changes this cross-sectional area. A mounting assembly is provided that mounts the flexible member onto the actuator member in a manner that aligns the central bore with the nozzle passageway and allows the deformation of the flexible member.

Abstract: A dental implant system having a temporary abutment made of plastic. An impression coping, also made of plastic, is attached to the temporary abutment using a snap fit. This snap fit obviates the need to remove the temporary abutment during the process of taking an impression of the mouth in the area around an implant. The cap may be provided for the temporary abutment that is attached thereto using the same snap fit mechanism. The snap fit mechanism comprises projections formed on one of the components and recesses formed on the other of the components, where the projections engage the recesses to maintain the components in a desired position relative to each other against incidental force. However, these components may be separated by deliberate application of manual force when required.

Abstract: The present invention is a water sport device that is easy to use and may be steered. This device comprises a flotation assembly, a connecting member, and a connecting assembly, where the connecting member is attached to a front portion of the flotation assembly. The connecting assembly moves along the connecting member to change an effective attachment point of a towline to the flotation assembly. Sponsons are preferably arranged on the underside of the flotation assembly. These sponsons are preferably toed in to provide a rearwardly diverging channel between them. Outer surfaces of the sponsons are outwardly and upwardly canted to allow the entire device to move side to side in the water. A handle assembly is provided that allows the rider to move the position of the connecting assembly relative to the connecting member.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a power signal to a local service portion of a communication system located in a densely populated area. A power multiplexer is provided having first, second, and third input connector assemblies, an output connector assembly, and a switching network. The output connector assembly is connected to a load in the communications network that is normally provided by a local utility power source. The input connector assemblies are connected to remote power sources of the communication system located outside the given local service area. The switching network connects one of the input connectors to the output connector assembly to pass to the load, as necessary, a power signal generated by one of the remote utility power sources. Because the remote utility power service and the local utility power service are unlikely to be disrupted in many situations, reliable power can usually be obtained even if local service is disrupted.

Abstract: A system and method for containing leaks from appliances. A fluid containment member has a bottom panel and four side panels. At least one of the side panels is movable relative to the bottom panel to allow the fluid containment member to be reconfigured among a plurality of configurations. In one configuration, one of the side walls is made substantially coplanar with the bottom panel to allow an appliance to be placed onto the bottom panel. In a second configuration all four side panels extend at an angle to the bottom panel to define a sump region that is enclosed on five sides. In a third configuration, all four side panels are substantially coplanar with the bottom panel to allow the fluid containment member to be stored in a flat configuration. Indicator means may be provided to indicate the presence of water in the sump region.

Abstract: A multi-color ink pad assembly with end user configurable pad/plate assemblies. The pad/plate assemblies comprise an absorbent pad impregnated with ink attached to a rigid mounting plate. Attachment means are provided which engage the mounting plate to attach the pad/plate assemblies onto a base such that the user may manually remove and reattach the pad/plate assemblies to the base in any number of configurations. Two detent members are formed on the mounting plates and a hole is formed in the base. The detent members pass through the hole and engage the base to help avoid inadvertent removal of pad/plate assemblies from the base. The end user thus has tremendous flexibility in constructing multi-color inking surfaces.