Abstract: A lockable vehicle steering-wheel tilting assembly (LVWTA) (10) that functions in combination with and improves an existing vehicle steering-wheel tilting assembly. The LVWTA (10) includes an inward structure (12) that attaches to a steering-wheel column (102) and an outward structure (32) that is pivotally attached to the inward structure (12) and that it is attached to a vehicle-steering wheel (100). The LVWTA (10) is designed to position the steering wheel (100) in either a safe steering configuration or in a driver-exit configuration in which position the vehicle cannot be safely steered. The LVWTA (10) improves an existing steering wheel tilting assembly by removably inserting and attaching a locking insert (70) to the inward structure (12). When the locking insert (70) is attached and locked by means of a cylindrical key lock (90), the LVWTA (10) cannot be placed into the safe steering configuration.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for the measurement of wafer thickness, flatness and the trench depth of any trenches etched thereon using the back surface of the wafer to accurately measure the back side of a trench, rendering the trench an effective bump, capable of being measured on the top surface and the bottom surface through a non-contact optical instrument that simultaneously measures the wavelength of the top surface and bottom surface of the wafer, converting the distance between wavelengths to a thickness measurement, using a light source that renders the material of which the wafer is composed transparent in that wavelength range, i.e., using the near infrared region for measuring the thickness and trench depth measurement of wafers made of silicon, which is opaque in the visible region and transparent in the near infrared region. Thickness and flatness, as well as localized shape, can also be measured using a calibration method that utilizes a pair of optical styli.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 29, 2007
Date of Patent:
June 15, 2010
Assignee:
Tamar Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
David S. Marx, David L. Grant, Michael A. Mahoney, Tsan Yuen Chan
Abstract: A shower water conservation apparatus (10) that conserves the shower water by storing the initially cooled water that is produced by a hot water source (124). The initially cooled water is routed by a series of pipes and timed valves into a water reservoir assembly (19), such as a bellows (20), where the water is stored for later use. The cooled water from the bellows (20) is timely released and mixed with flow of cold water from a cold water source (126). The mixed cold water is further mixed with the now hot water from the hot water source (124) before the mixed hot and cold water is manually regulated and applied through a shower head (122).
Abstract: A brushless a-c motor (BACM) (10) consisting of a non-conductive stator (12) and a rotor (44). The rotor (44) has an outer surface (50), a right surface (34) and a left intermediate surface (16) from where extends a protrusion (20) having a cavity (26) into which is inserted a motor support rod (38). The stator (12) includes a multiplicity of longitudinally extending wiring notches (36) and on the left intermediate surface (16) and the right surface (34) are wire attachment structures (18). Around and between the structures (18) and the notches (36) is wound a multiplicity of insulated wires (32) that terminate at an a-c power source (180). The rotor (44) has an inner surface (48) that has longitudinally attached a multiplicity of magnets (56) and is attached to a bearing (80) that is attached to the central protrusion (20). To operate the BACM (10), one end of a circular belt (98) is placed around the rotor (44) and the opposite end is inserted over a work piece.
Abstract: A rotational exercise apparatus (10) for strengthen and toning the human body which consists of a collapsible stationary support frame (20) with horizontal gripping arms (22) and a base plate (52) attached in a horizontal position to the frame. A rotatable platform (54) is positioned on top of the base plate and freely rotates with a pair of swiveling foot plates (56) mounted on the platform upper surface. During use, a person places their foot on each foot plate (56) and exercises by rotating and counter rotating both the platform (54) and the foot plates (56) simultaneously while maintaining balance by holding onto the gripping arms (22).
Abstract: A breast uplift support assembly (10) that is used in combination with a brassiere (70) having a right support cup (72) and a left support cup (78). The breast uplift support assembly (10) consists of a right uplift support (12) and a left uplift support (13). Each of the uplift supports (12,13) have inner and outer adjustable straps (24,42,25,43), inner and outer length adjustment means (26,44,27,45), inner and outer support attachment means (28,46,29,47), and inner and outer brassiere attachment means (30,48,31,48). Each uplift support (12,13) is designed to fit onto and be adjustably attached to the lower section of one of the brassiere's respective support cups (72,78), thereby providing an increase in the lifting and support capabilities of the brassiere (70).
Abstract: A tire pressure indicator (TPI) (10) that provides a method by which the air pressure in vehicle tires can be easily and reliably checked to determine if the tires are optimally inflated. The TPI (10) is comprised of a valve core (12) that replaces a conventional tire-valve core that is inserted into a vehicle tire stem (170). The valve core (12) includes a diaphragm (64) that controls the vertical displacement of a plunger shaft (80) that controls the contact position of a switch (S1). From the switch (S1) a high or a low tire-pressure signal is transmitted to a tire pressure monitoring unit (160), from where an individual can observe and correct the tire pressure. The TPI (10) features a structure and a method by which false tire pressure signals caused by changes in ambient temperature and normal tire temperature fluctuations are eliminated.
Abstract: An external hard drive enclosure (EHDE 10) that is in the form of a decorative enclosure (20) for an external hard drive (86), and an electrical circuit (12) that interfaces with an external computer (84). The decorative enclosure can be configured as a vehicle, and includes a lower panel (22) having a cavity (32) that allows the hard drive (86) to be easily inserted into and removed from the vehicle. The EHDE (10) operates with the electrical circuit (12) that includes a pair of white LED head lights (DS1,DS2), at least one blue LED (DS3) that illuminates the interior of the vehicle, and a pair of red LED tail lights (DS4,DS5). The red tail lights (DS4,DS5) are synchronized to illuminate only when the computer (84) is accessing the external hard drive (86).
Abstract: A hydraulic rescue tool (10) is comprised of a hydraulic thrust apparatus (20) consisting of a hydraulic cylinder body (24) having slots (28) within a hollow end and interlocking ears (36) protruding from the slots. A gland (38) is interfaced between the ears, with the gland and ears connected to the cylinder hollow end with threaded fasteners (98). A connecting link (50) is attached to each interlocking ear and a quick disconnect implement unit (22) is attached to each link and to a piston rod (30) within the cylinder body (24). Six dissimilar embodiments of implement units, each having quick disconnect capabilities and different vehicle structure separating utility are attached to the hydraulic thrust apparatus (20).