Abstract: In a gravity filtration system, upper and lower fluid reservoirs may be mated together. Unfiltered fluid may be supplied to the upper reservoir. One or more filters provide fluid communication between the upper and lower fluid reservoirs. Unfiltered fluid passes through the filter into the lower filtered fluid reservoir. The weight of the fluid in the gravity filtration system may be monitored to maximize the fluid flow rate without loss of fluid by supporting the fluid reservoirs on a moveable platform interconnected to a stationary base by a force reactive linkage. Automatic fill components may be provided for automatically actuating a fluid supply valve connected to an unfiltered fluid source. As filtered fluid is withdrawn from the lower reservoir, actuation of the fluid supply valve to an open position permits unfiltered fluid to be supplied to the upper reservoir. Supply of unfiltered fluid to the upper reservoir is stopped upon actuation of the fluid supply valve to the closed position.

Abstract: A treadmill exercise machine may include a frame having a base and upright supports extending upward from a base. A handlebar assembly may be rotatably connected proximate the distal ends of the upright supports. The handlebar assembly may be moved from a non-deployed position to an upright locked position accessible to a user to grasp and pull down on an overhead hand bar of the handlebar assembly to reduce the weight load transmitted to the user's lower body.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right rocker links may be rotatably mounted on a frame rotatable about a first axis. Left and right rocker linkages may be mounted on the frame rotatable about a second axis. Left and right force receiving members may be movably connected between respective rocker links and rocker linkages in such a manner that the force receiving members move through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes an elongated body housing a spool valve and a writing tip secured to a distal end of the elongated body. Two or more fluid reservoirs in selective fluid communication with the writing tip. Axial movement of the spool valve relative to the elongated body of the writing instrument alternately establishes fluid flow paths between the fluid reservoirs and the writing tip.

Abstract: A floatation device may include a bow section and a tail section pivotally connected to the bow section by a kingpin assembly. The kingpin assembly may be configured to include a positive kingpin inclination angle or a negative inclination angle that determine the yaw direction of the floatation device. A user may control the tilt or roll of the floatation device to offset a yaw direction and maintain a straight line tracking course.

Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly and corresponding exercise apparatus suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right cranks are rotatably mounted on a frame. A foot supporting linkage is movably connected between a rocker and the left and right cranks in such a manner that may provide a variable paths of motion controlled by a user of the apparatus.

Abstract: A swim fin and a method proving thrust propulsion during a swimmer's kicking cycle may include a foot pocket and a fin blade extending from the foot pocket. Fin rails may extend along the lateral edges of the fin blade. The fin rails may include an integral fin spine or separately assembled fin spine configured to provide a swim fin with predetermined hydrodynamic characteristics.

Abstract: A water propulsion apparatus operatively connected to a body moving on or through a body of water, may produce a propulsive force by sweeping fins in an oscillating motion in a generally transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the body. The fins may be mounted on opposite sides of a frame and are rotatable about a first axis coplanar to the center longitudinal axis of the frame. Drive members rotatable about a second axis that is canted relative to the first axis may be operatively connected to the fins. The oscillatory motion of the fins may be controlled by torque applied at the canted second axis by reciprocating the drive members in a generally vertical plane parallel to the center longitudinal axis of the frame. The oscillating fins may provide a propulsive force during both oscillating directions of the fins as they sweep back and forth.

Abstract: A water propulsion assembly operatively connected to a watercraft moving on or through a body of water, may produce a propulsive force by sweeping fins in an oscillating motion in a generally transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft. The fins may be rotatable about a first axis coplanar to the center longitudinal axis of the watercraft. Drive members rotatable about a second axis that is canted relative to the first axis may be operatively connected to the fins. The oscillatory motion of the fins may be controlled by torque applied at the canted second axis by reciprocating the drive members in a plane generally parallel to the center longitudinal axis of the watercraft. The oscillating fins may provide a propulsive force during both oscillating directions of the fins as they sweep back and forth.

Abstract: A modular floatation board may have predetermined flexibility or rigidity characteristics where the longitudinal bending moment of the assembled board is generally transmitted in a distributed manner from a nose module to a tail module through an intermediate module. The modules may be coupled together by an interface connection established between the intermediate module and the nose and tail modules. A tensioning member may compress the modules in longitudinal alignment and prevent the modules of the assembled board from separating.

Abstract: A flashlight may include a housing supporting a light source, a lens, a parabolic reflector and an energy source operatively connected to the light source. An adjustable light beam reflector may be mounted on the housing to intersect/deflect all or a portion of the collimated light rays projected by the flashlight. The adjustable reflector may be movably mounted on the housing for manipulation by a user to produce a wide range of light beam shapes or patterns forward of and/or generally lateral relative to the forward end of the flashlight.

Abstract: A cabinet door assembly is moveably mounted to a cabinet to selectively close a cabinet. The cabinet door has a substantially planar first panel and a substantially planar second panel in a planar parallel configuration. The second panel may retract relative to the first panel upon application of an impact force to the second panel. A stop member may be incorporated to limit the downward movement of the second panel. Ramp surfaces and a guide member cooperate to facilitate upward and/or inward directional movement of the second panel relative to the first panel upon application of an impact force to the second panel.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right rocker links may be rotatably mounted on a frame rotatable about a first axis. Left and right cranks may be mounted on the frame rotatable about a second axis. Left and right force receiving members may be movably connected between respective rocker links and cranks in such a manner that the force receiving members move through variable paths of motion that may change as a function of user applied force.

Abstract: A treadmill exercise machine may include a frame having a base and upright supports extending upward from at a forward end of the base. Horizontal arms connected proximate the upper ends of the supports may extend generally toward the rear end of the base. A handlebar assembly may be rotatably connected proximate the distal ends of the arms. The handlebar assembly may be moved from a non-deployed position to an upright locked position accessible to a user to grasp and pull down on an overhead hand bar of the handlebar assembly to reduce the weight load transmitted to the user's lower body.

Abstract: A multi-color writing marker may comprise a tubular marker barrel connected to a motor housing. The marker barrel may house a cartridge removably coupled to a drive shaft connected to a motor. The cartridge may include a plurality of reservoirs containing writing liquids of different colors. A marker tip may be mounted on a distal end of the cartridge. The marker tip supports a plurality of marker nibs corresponding to the number of cartridge reservoirs. Each marker nib may be is in fluid communication with a corresponding reservoir. Actuation of the motor spins the cartridge and marker nibs while a user is simultaneous creating a design on the writing surface.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right rocker links may be rotatably mounted on a frame rotatable about a first axis. Left and right cranks may be mounted on the frame rotatable about a second axis. Left and right force receiving members may be movably connected between respective rocker links and cranks in such a manner that the force receiving members move through variable paths of motion that may change as a function of user applied force.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right rocker links may be rotatably mounted on a frame rotatable about a first axis. Left and right rocker linkages may be mounted on the frame rotatable about a second axis. Left and right force receiving members may be movably connected between respective rocker links and rocker linkages in such a manner that the force receiving members move through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right rocker links may be rotatably mounted on a frame rotatable about a first axis. Left and right rocker linkages may be mounted on the frame rotatable about a second axis. Left and right force receiving members may be movably connected between respective rocker links and rocker linkages in such a manner that the force receiving members move through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable.

Abstract: An elliptical motion exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right cranks may be rotatably mounted on a frame. A force receiving member may be movably connected between a handle bar rocker and left and right crank assemblies in such a manner that the force receiving member moves through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical motion of a foot supporting member. A foot supporting linkage is movably connected between a rocker and a crank in such a manner that the foot supporting member moves through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable.