Abstract: A mammalian respiration heater is provided including a container, a tube, and an aperture. The container has at least one wall configured to form a reservoir for containing liquid having a thermal capacity capable of rendering sensible heat to a user through respiration. The tube is carried for passage through the container in sealed relation at a first end and is configured to couple with a user's input respiration and a second end configured to draw in ambient air, and having a thermally conductive portion exposed in thermally conductive relation with the reservoir within the container. The aperture is provided in the container configured to enable admittance of liquid having an elevated temperature within the container. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A force applying apparatus includes a housing that supports a drive motor. A first extendable member is telescopically received in the housing and moves between a retracted position within the housing and an extended position axially of the housing. A second extendable member is telescopically received in the first extendable member and moves between a contracted position within the first extendable member and an expanded position axially of the first extendable member. The motor drives a ring gear that advances the first extendable member, and a ball nut is mounted in the end of the first extendable member to advance the second extendable member. A spline helps retain the first and second extendable members against rotation but a detent assembly selectively releases the first extendable member for rotation. The apparatus may be used to lift and level a recreational vehicle. A method implemented by this structure is also claimed.

Abstract: A method of providing and maneuvering a mechanical arm relative to a base support includes the steps of pivotally attaching the proximal end portion of a first arm member to the base support for pivoting about a first pivot axis and pivotally attaching the proximal end portion of a second arm member to the distal end portion of the first arm member for pivoting about a second pivot axis. The method then includes driving the first arm member about the first pivot axis over a first angular range while simultaneously driving the second arm member about a the second pivot axis over a second angular range that is about twice the first angular range. The driving step may be accomplished, for example, by a mechanical drive which can be a hydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive or an electrical drive, such as a motor and gear drive.

Abstract: An extendable bay for use with a human habitat, such as a slide-out for a recreational vehicle, includes a compartment sized to be received in an opening in the habitat's side wall. The compartment has a bottom, a top, a front panel and a pair of side panels. A cantilever portion extends from the top for a distance beyond the first and second side panels. A lower edge bearing is interposed between the lower edge of the opening and the bottom of the compartment. A cantilever bearing element is interposed between the cantilever portion and the ceiling of the habitat to support the cantilever portion against the ceiling for sliding movement. An automated drive may be provided to extend and retract the bay. Side bearing elements may be provided. Seal strips may also be used to seal the bay relative to the environment.

Abstract: A mechanical arm includes a base that mount on a selected support. A proximal arm member has a proximal end portion pivotally secured to the base and a distal end portion pivotally secured to a distal arm member. The base has a first fixed gear element disposed thereon, and a second fixed gear element is disposed on the distal arm member. A drive shaft is rotatably disposed on the proximal arm member and includes a first end portion provided with a first drive gear engaging the first fixed gear element and a second drive gear provided with a second drive gear engaging the second fixed gear element such that rotation of the drive shaft acts to pivot the arm members. A drive acts to rotate the drive shaft.