Abstract: A multiple ball joint gimbal mount apparatus which includes a mount platform structure, and a plurality of linear motor actuators arranged in a housing assembly. Each actuator includes an actuator shaft and an actuator connector at a distal end of the shaft. The platform structure includes a plurality of platform connectors each for coupling to a corresponding actuator connector to form a pivoting connection between the actuator shaft and the platform structure. A controller selectively actuates the plurality of linear motor actuators to selectively position the plurality of actuator shafts along respective shaft axes and position the mount platform structure at a selected position within a gimbal range of motion. The gimbal structure can optionally include a mechanism to selectively lock the mount structure in any respective position within the gimbal range of motion.

Abstract: A multiple ball joint gimbal mount apparatus is disclosed, which includes a mount platform structure, and a plurality of linear motor actuators arranged in a housing assembly. Each actuator includes an actuator shaft and an actuator connector at a distal end of the shaft. The platform structure includes a plurality of platform connectors each for coupling to a corresponding actuator connector to form a pivoting connection between the actuator shaft and the platform structure. A controller selectively actuates the plurality of linear motor actuators to selectively position the plurality of actuator shafts along respective shaft axes and position the mount platform structure at a selected position within a gimbal range of motion. The gimbal structure can optionally include a mechanism to selectively lock the mount structure in any respective position within the gimbal range of motion.

Abstract: A system and method for warning a first vehicle of an approaching second vehicle. The novel system (100) comprises a transmitter system (13) located in the second vehicle (10) for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, and a receiver system (33) located in the first vehicle (20), the receiver system (33) including an antenna (31, 32, 62) for receiving the signal, and a receiver microchip (33) comprising a first circuit (330, 331, 332, 333) for processing the signal and outputting an electronic signal, and a second circuit (334, 339) for generating an audio and/or visual warning signal in response to the electronic signal. In the preferred embodiment, the receiver microchip (33) further includes a third circuit (336, 337, 338) for disabling one or more sound producing sources (44, 54, 35a, 35b) within the first vehicle in response to the electronic signal. In a first illustrative embodiment, the receiver system (33) is implemented as part of a telematics suite or car radio (30).

Abstract: An attachable airfoil for use on an airborne vehicle or payload having a plurality of joined, nestable sections which can expand from a collapsed, streamlined position adjacent the vehicle or payload to a fully extended airfoil configuration. In addition, the airfoil incorporates therein a movable control surface which by appropriate remote actuation can be utilized to provide controlled flight of the airborne vehicle or payload.

Abstract: A wheel assembly adaptable for use with a motor vehicle, a light aircraft, and the like, or in a pulley system or gear train. The wheel assembly comprises an axle or spindle-retained hub member, and a removable wheel member that is releasably connected by unique snap/lock pins. The hub member is made of a more dense material than the material of which the wheel member is made. In the adaption for use with a motor vehicle, light aircraft, and the like, the wheel member (with a tire mounted on it) is significantly lighter than the conventional rim-mounted tire, because of the absence of the hub portion; and, therefore, the wheel member can be easily changed or removed by even the weak, the aged, and the handicapped. Additionally, because the customary bolt/nut or lug/lug nut fastening combinations are not used, the wheel member is easy to change or remove, and, as importantly, the need for a "lug wrench" is eliminated.

Abstract: A demountable wheel assembly for a vehicle which comprises an axle-retained wheel hub and a wheel, on which a tire is mounted, which are quickly releasably connectable to, or separable from each other, even by the weak, the aged, and the handicapped. Guide pins on the wheel hub align the tire mounted-wheel, while exposed permanent magnets partially embedded in the wheel hub draw and hold the wheel, thereby freeing the hands. Headless bolts are driven by a brace-shaped driver through threaded bolt nuts that are partially embedded in the wheel; through threaded, tapered extensions behind the nuts; and into threaded, tapered cavities in the wheel hub. Overtightening of the bolts is prevented by the short-span of the bolt driver.