Abstract: A magnetic levitation apparatus supports a magnetic element in a magnetic field. A control system controls a variable magnetic field to maintain the magnetic element at an equilibrium location relative to an unstable axis. In some embodiments the variable magnetic field has a gradient in the direction of the unstable axis but no field component. In some embodiments the magnetic field is provided by an array of four discrete magnets. In some embodiments additional magnets provide increased field intensity at the equilibrium location this increases stability of the levitated magnetic element against overturning. Light and electrical power may be supplied to the levitating magnetic element.

Abstract: A retainer clip for retaining a component to a board and a handle for handling the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting and directing the flow of fluid. A movable core within the flow valve has openings which can be aligned or misaligned with an inlet, outlet, and bypass tap hole on the flow valve body thereby either blocking the flow of fluid, allowing the flow of fluid directly through the valve, allowing the fluid to flow directly through the valve as well as to the bypass tap hole, or only allowing the flow of fluid to the bypass tap hole.

Abstract: A precipitation gauge that collects liquid and frozen precipitation in a reservoir, suspended by force-sensing transducers, permitting the accurate and precise measurement of accumulated precipitation. A proportionally-heated collector assembly prevents the accumulation of frozen rain or snow on the collector inner surface, converting it into water that enters the reservoir, with minimum electrical energy consumption. The force-sensing transducer may be a programmably excited vibrating strip transducer.

Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed. The system features a pair of lines placed generally parallel and proximate to each other in the subsurface. Only one of the lines is directly connected to the water source. The other line serves as an auxiliary to permit the system to be flexibly adapted or expanded to meet changing irrigation demands or landscape conditions. The auxiliary line is separated into discrete segments, each segment pertaining to a selected zone or area to be separately irrigated. Feeder lines run from each discrete segment to sprinklers. Water is provided to the segments via valved bridges extending from the main line to the segment, so that water flows to the segments only by way of the bridges, the bridges permitting separate segments to be activated in a planned manner.

Abstract: A sling system for use with a rifle or other shoulder-fired weapon. The system comprises a flexible sling strap, two attachments to a rifle scope, and an attachment to the rifle butt.

Abstract: An electronically and physically improved craps game table designed to provoke and stimulate the interest of novice, occasional, and veteran craps game player is disclosed. The craps game table comprises: a dice rolling area; event registration means for registering a combination rolled; an electronic recent event display; and, a computer programmed to display historical and recent events. A preferred aspect of this invention provides for a craps game table as above wherein the computer is additionally programmed to summarize the most recent events, and wherein the computer is programmed to display the last nine events. The craps game table may additionally be marked to allow game players to wager on events sequentially occurring in two and more moves; and the computer may be programmed to display payoffs for those sequentially occurring events. The most preferred embodiment additionally provides for multiple individual bet placement layouts around the periphery of the table.

Abstract: A self-propelled, and winch assisted, steerable vibratory plow for laying underground pipe or cable, having a V-shaped blade connected to an oscillator which provides both elliptical and horizontal plow blade motion as needed, and with auxiliary straight blade plows for laying lateral lines on the sides of the main line. The main plow's gasoline engine powers a hydraulic system which powers the winch and a transaxle connected to the forward drive wheels, and powers the oscillator and a steering cylinder, as well as powering a hydraulic cylinder for lowering and raising the plow blade.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lighting fixture which comprises a frame holding a light bulb socket covered by a mirror such as may be used in a bathroom or other commercial or residential room.

Abstract: An electronically and physically improved roulette game table designed to provoke and stimulate the interest of novice, occasional, and veteran roulette game player is disclosed. The roulette game table comprises: a playing table; a rotably mounted wheel having a plurality of ball receiving sector compartments; event registration means for registering the sector compartment in which a ball might come to rest; and, a computer programmed to display historical and recent events. A preferred aspect of this invention provides for a roulette game table as above wherein the computer is additionally programmed to summarize the most recent events, and wherein the computer is programmed to display the last ten events. The roulette game table is additionally marked to allow game players to wager on events sequentially occurring in two and more moves and the computer is programmed to display payoffs for those sequentially occurring events.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sharpening machine tool cutter blades in situ is disclosed. A connector adjustably connects a powered sharpening device to the apparatus. Further adjustment of the apparatus relative to the blades is provided by a body member mounting adjustable arms. One of the arms engages the back of the blade being sharpened, thereby providing a reliable and true reference. A second embodiment sharpens rotary saw blades while a third embodiment sharpens router and shaper bits.

Abstract: Aircraft apparatus and method capable of V/STOL (vertical, short takeoff and landing) in addition to conventional flight. For V/STOL operation, induced lift is provided by blowing air over the upper surface of each wing through a duct installed near the leading edge. Intake air is supplied to the blowing fan through a duct installed near the trailing edge, thus providing suction as well as blowing. Two fans in series are required. The engine provides power not only to the propeller but also to a transmission which provides power to the pulleys driving the belt-driven fans.

Abstract: A device and method wherein electrical components are mechanically suspended and electrically interconnected in an insulative elastomeric body, such as silicone, thereby eliminating the need for a circuit board or other circuit substrate. The device can change shape through compression, distension, flexure, and other external forces while maintaining its electrical performance and mechanical integrity. The device can be compressed and deformed to fit snugly within another device, such as the shell of an electrical connector or a plastic clamshell, simultaneously creating spring forces for reliable electrical contacts and an environmental seal. Accordingly, the device and method can be used for a wide variety of purposes such as electrical filtering for avionics, computer or automotive connectors, or a non-intrusive manner to package electronics for medical implants.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for remote detection, particularly useful for metal contaminants and organic or other compounds. The sensor circumvents technical difficulties that previously prevented in-situ remote operations. The microelectrode, connected to a long communications cable, allows convenient measurements of the element or compound at timed and frequent intervals and instrument/sample distances of ten feet to more than 100 feet. The sensor is useful for both downhole groundwater monitoring and in-situ water (e.g., shipboard seawater) analysis.