Abstract: A method and system for attenuating the effects of unknown, unmeasurable and time-varying exogenous disturbances on multiple-input multiple-output dynamical systems are described. The disturbance rejection system is characterized in terms of an ARMARKOV or predictive model controller. The parameters of this controller are revised in real time at discrete time steps so as to generate an input to the dynamical system that attenuates the effect of the exogenous disturbance on any chosen set of measured outputs of the dynamical system. The method for revising the controller parameters involves the steps of defining a novel retrospective cost function based on windows of past data, calculating a gradient that is based on this cost function, and using an implementable adaptive step size that brings the controller parameters closer to optimal controller parameters after each revision.

Abstract: A handle for a bristle holding portion of a brush. The handle is ergonomically shaped to fit a user's hand. The handle is configured into a longitudinal cylinder and can be resilient to further increase the user's comfort. The handle can be sanitized for use with different brushes for different clients. Hook and loop fasteners connect the handle to the bristle holding portion. The handle and the bristle holding portion are either readily separable and rejoinable, allowing the handle to be readily transferable to another bristle holding portion, or alternately, the handle is fixedly formed to the bristle holding portion.

Abstract: A device and method for contouring and sharpening an ice skate blade. The device uses a fixture for holding the ice skate. The fixture employs retractable depending cam rollers to be guided by cam templates recessed into the top surface of the table of the machine. The cam templates are coverable when not in use, thus increasing the usefulness of the top surface of the table. The grinding wheel is movable into and away from the fixture. One of the cam rollers is mounted to an eccentric wheel for pitching the ice skate blade in relation to the grinding wheel. The method comprises the steps of clamping a skate into the fixture, retractably depending or lowering the cam rollers to engage the cam templates in the table of the machine, adjusting the cam roller by operating the eccentric to achieve the desired pitch, moving the grinding wheel to the fixture holding the ice skate and contouring or sharpening the ice skate.

Abstract: A device for positioning a milking machine inflation onto an animal's teat. The device is rubber and has an opening through the device. The device fits over the head of an inflation with the inflation head stopping at an inflation plate inside the device. The inflation with device is positioned over the animal's teat near the udder. The device spaces the inflation from the udder, thus preventing creep of the inflation up the teat and the resultant pinching of the milk canal. Flexible tabs can be provided to the spacer to retain the spacer on the teat. Clip or clips can be provided to hold the device onto the inflation. The device is external to the inflation and is easily removed after milking is completed. The device is easily transferable to another inflation.

Abstract: A device and a method for contouring an ice skate blade. The method comprises the steps of measuring the overall length of the soleplate of the boot and calculating the center point of the soleplate, transferring the center point of the soleplate to the blade and marking the center point of the soleplate onto the blade as the first calibration point. A second and third calibration point, calculated as 25% of the soleplate length are marked from the first calibration point towards the toe and towards the heel of the blade. Toe and heel radius termination points are also marked. The device comprises a measuring tool for measuring the length of the soleplate and having calibration points and radii termination points preset on the device according to the soleplate length. The device therefore eliminates the calculation of all the calibration points and radii termination points each time an ice skate blade is to be contoured.

Abstract: A device and method for automatically controlling accessories connected with a musical instrument. A switch on a movable arm of an instrument stand indicates the presence of the instrument. The switch is normally closed activating all connected accessories unless the instrument is placed in the stand. The placement of the instrument in the stand opens the switch, turning off the power to the accessories. The entire system is set up and then locked out to prevent unauthorized use of the instrument. A battery in the instrument powers a transmitter also contained in the instrument. Thus, is eliminated the wearing of a body transmitter by the performer or a direct line connection. A charging unit is built into the device to automatically charge the battery in the instrument during the time the instrument remains in the stand. Battery replacement is eliminated. A method for improving sound from an instrument comprises encasing the magnetic field coil within a permanent solid material.

Abstract: A golf tee and a method of adjusting the golf tee to different heights. The golf tee has different sized body sections that are separable and may be reattachable. The top different sized section has a golf ball supporting concavity. The tee can be used both outdoors on natural grass and indoors on artificial turf. Outdoors, for high wind conditions, the top different sized section would be separated from the rest of the tee body and only the top section would be used to tee the ball, thus effectively lowering the ball. A lower trajectory is imparted to the ball causing less interaction with the wind. For low or no wind conditions, the full tee or several different sized parts of the tee are used to tee the ball at a greater height for a higher flight trajectory. For indoor use, different sized sections are removable to mimic outdoor shots in various wind conditions. Rubber feet and spikes can be added to the tee to position the tee.