Abstract: A stern drive is for propelling a marine vessel in water. The stern drive has an upper drive unit with a lower mounting surface; a lower gearcase coupled to the lower mounting surface and a trailing end surface that is angled relative to the lower mounting surface; and a propeller shaft extending forwardly from the lower gearcase and being configured to rotate a propeller for pulling the marine vessel in the water. The upper drive unit and the lower gearcase are configured such that when a forward side of the lower gearcase impacts an underwater obstruction, the lower gearcase is caused to pivot relative to the upper drive unit until the trailing end surface impacts the lower mounting surface, which thereby causes the lower gearcase to completely uncouple from the upper drive unit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an acoustic sensor that receives a signal propagated by a well formation. The acoustic sensor includes a sensing component that receives the signal, a transmitter that transmits information based on the signal, and a receiver that receives the information. The transmitter and receiver are wirelessly coupled. The transmitter and receiver may be inductively coupled, capacitively coupled, or optically coupled, or the transmitter may transmit information using radio waves. The transmitter may be encapsulated in a polymer. The acoustic sensor may be part of a system including a downhole tool that detects subterranean conditions. The downhole tool may include a retaining member that retains the acoustic sensor within an outer layer of the downhole tool.

Abstract: The waterfowl decoy support is formed of a length of stiff rod configured to support a ballasted flotation-type decoy above a land or water surface. The decoy support may have an elongated upper slot adapted to slide over the keel of the ballast weight of the decoy, or may have an upper support arm extending from the upper end of the rod, the uppermost end of the arm terminating in an eye. The eye provides a non-rigid connection to an eyebolt or the like secured to the back of the decoy, allowing the decoy to move in the wind. The lower end of the rod either may have a spike for insertion into the ground or a generally horizontal loop for placement on the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A stationary exercise apparatus intended to simulate the action of pedaling a bicycle includes a base and a flywheel mounted on the base for rotation about a vertical axis. The flywheel is coupled in driven relationship to a pair of pedal cranks mounted on the base. The pedal cranks are mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis as in a conventional bicycle. Preferably, the flywheel is mounted directly below the pedals on a shaft whose upper end is formed to be a worm, the worm being driven by a drive gear attached to the pedal cranks. The orientation and location of the flywheel add to the stability of the exercise device as well as aiding in the outward appearance of the device.

Abstract: A system for selectively positioning one end of a treadmill running machine at one of the plurality of locked positions in order to provide an inclined running surface. A support assembly having a ground engaging roller disposed between a pair of arms is pivotally connected to the frame of the treadmill for swinging movement between a retracted position adjacent the frame and one of a plurality of downward, extended positions. So that the treadmill may be easily raised and lowered to a desired operating position, a gas spring is provided for each of the arms of the support assembly. The upper end of each gas spring is securely connected to the frame, while the lower end is pivotally attached to its respective arm. To maintain the support assembly in one of its extended positions, a slide-tube assembly having a releasable clamping sleeve is associated with each of the arms and pivotally connected to the frame and arm to accommodate the swinging movement of the support assembly.

Abstract: A stationary exercise apparatus intended to simulate the action of pedaling a bicycle includes a base and a flywheel mounted on the base for rotation about a vertical axis. The flywheel is coupled in driven relationship to a pair of pedal cranks mounted on the base. The pedal cranks are mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis as in a conventional bicycle. Preferably, the flywheel is mounted directly below the pedals on a shaft whose upper end is formed to be a worm, the worm being driven by a drive gear attached to the pedal cranks. The orientation and location of the flywheel add to the stability of the exercise device as well as aiding in the outward appearance of the device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to electronic devices, such as a television receiver, whose bandwidth is automatically reduced when the signal-to-noise ratio of the incoming signals becomes lower. Two circuits respectively sample the received video signals and the noise. The outputs of these two circuits feed a divider which divides one output by the other. A tuned filter (which follows an IF stage of the television receiver), which varies its bandwidth according to a control voltage fed to it receives the varying output voltage of said divider. The video and noise signals, which are fed to the divider, are both derived from the sync signal of the television receiver. Timing circuits control the operation of the system. One of these circuits distinguishes the sync signals from the equalizing pulses and eliminates the latter thereby reducing the error in the noise measurements.