Abstract: An instrument display cap, which is capable of interchanging a display member without modifying the structure of the cap, is provided. The instrument display cap includes a tubular tapered body with a transparent disk, pocket and centering member arrangement pivotally positioned in the top open end of the tubular tapered body. A retaining ring, with a spring clip connected thereto, retains the transparent disk, pocket and centering member in place while permitting it to pivot. The transparent disk, pocket and centering member arrangement pivots open to permit the replacement of a display member, such as a photo, or the like, to be easily installed within the pocket. The pivoting arrangement is pivoted closed to display the display member at the top portion of the instrument display cap.

Abstract: An apparatus which closely simulates actual snowboarding is provided. The snowboard simulator apparatus includes a board member with a curved or convex lower surface, a pair of stop members positioned on the longitudinal edges of the board, a pair of cross-rails positioned perpendicularly relative to the stop members and a roller member having a pair of guide slots for engaging with the cross-rails. The rolling travel of the roller member is limited by the stop members while the positioning of the roller member on the lower surface of the board member is controlled by the engagement of the cross-rails with guide slots. The apparatus generates a front-to-back action for the user which closely simulates actual snowboarding. The apparatus is also capable of simulating a pivot turn maneuver as experienced in real snowboarding.

Abstract: A stress-free heatsink assembly and method of manufacturing the same with wire elements embedded into a cured, flexible support element without a rigid base is provided. The heads of the wire elements are embedded in the support element with the enlarged contact surface being in close proximity to and coplanar with the lower surface of the support element. The heatsink assembly adapts to the contour and surface of the heat source as the heat source thermally expands and contracts. Each of the wire elements move independently of one another to adapt to the changing heat source surface to ensure excellent contact of the heat dissipating wire elements to the surface of the heat source at all times. In the manufacture of the stress-free heatsink assembly, the wire elements are introduced into a die member with the heads exposed, a curable media is then placed on top of the heads of the wire elements. A pressure plate provides force to curable media to extrude out excess media on the heads.

Abstract: An improved paint can accessory that permanently replaces an original paint can lid is provided. The accessory includes a main body with three apertures therein. The first aperture is circular and provides access by a siphon hose from paint spraying machines. A releasable plug closes the first aperture when not in use. A semicircular second aperture receives an insert having a pouring spout to permit controlled pouring of liquid contained in the container. A third aperture receives a mixing shaft which is connected to a mixing plate to mix liquid within the container. A handle facilitates actuation of the mixing shaft and, by its rotational position, ensures that the mixing plate is properly positioned. The accessory also completely covers the sealing groove of the paint can to prevent flow of liquid therein.

Abstract: A multiple pin heatsink device with U-shaped wire elements mechanically swaged into channels of a base element is provided. In the manufacture of the multiple pin heatsink, pins of the U-shaped wire element are introduced into respective pin receiving holes present in the upper surface of a die member to expose the central portion of each wire element. A base element with channels that match the arrangement of the wire elements in the die member is applied with pressure to the exposed central portions of the wire elements to effectively swage and expand the central portions of the wire elements into the corresponding matching channels in the base member for permanent attachment of the wire elements to the base element.

Abstract: A goaltender simulator system, which closely simulates shooting on a goal tended by a live goaltender, is provided. The system includes a digital video camera which tracks the trajectory of the object launched toward the goal. The continuous image data is filtered to enable a computer control to accurately determine the trajectory of the object as well as estimate its anticipated trajectory. Knowing the anticipated trajectory of the object, the computer control instructs motors to move the goaltender figure and/or its arms to the appropriate position to block the incoming object in an attempt to prevent it from entering the goal.

Abstract: An ozone generator is provided, with a resonant power circuit to energize the corona plates. The circuit includes a pair of transistors where the primary winding of the transformer acts as the collector load on each of the transistors. Additionally, two other transistors are provided for safety purposes to short the base signal of the power transistors if the power supply to the ozone generating plates gets too high. The circuit is resonant thereby requiring low power consumption. The resonant circuit takes full advantage of the characteristics of the transformer to quickly and efficiently energize the plates for the generation of corona for the purpose of creating ozone.

Abstract: A sailboat provided with a free standing boom and in one version with a free standing mast that is separate from and immediately adjacent and forward of the boom mounting. The boom is separately mounted to be self supporting by a stub shaft in a bearing socket and the shaft is rotatable about an axis that is parallel to the line passing through the luff of the sail with which the boom is associated. The boom may also be a jib boom and in that case the rotatable mounting is closely adjacent the headstay.

Abstract: An eye assembly for a fly-tie fishing lure is disclosed. A pair of eye sockets are provided with a central mounting rod connecting the two sockets together. Each socket includes a cup-shaped portion with a relief pattern thereon for receipt of epoxy eyeball simulating material therein. The relief pattern may be a bead, star, cross or the like. The cup shaped eye sockets with relief pattern greatly improves the adhesion of the epoxy of the eyeball material to each socket. As a result, the eyeballs are resistant to popping off and do not chip after excessive use.

Abstract: A tubular feeder having a cylindrical body and a lower wall for holding feed is provided. A perch extender with a diametrical slot mates with the bottom of the feeder where the perch extender is keyed to the bottom of the feeder. The perch extender can be stored over the bail of feeder. The tubular feeder provides a perch below a lowermost feeding opening.

Abstract: A test fixture for printed circuit boards having an initial seal member and a final seal member. The test fixture includes a probe plate with a pair of channels about its periphery for receiving a pair of seal members. An initial seal member is positioned in the outer channel in the probe plate to spring-bias the diaphragm board and provide an initial seal for the test fixture. A final seal member resides in the inner channel in the probe plate and provides an absolute seal for the test fixture. The final seal does not move during operation thereby reducing friction wear. The two seal members operate separately from one another and can be replaced individually without replacing the other.

Abstract: A ceramic hermetic package is provided having conductive material bonded into apertures in the ceramic housing that connect with a die mounted on a thin substrate through wire and pad connections. The substrate has a heat sink affixed to the bottom and electrical connections are formed on the opposite face of the package from the heat sink so that the encased semiconductor may be mounted on circuit boards in either a vertical position or in a position where the heat sink is horizontal but facing upward.

Abstract: A wire winding and tying machine useful in the winding of steel wire strands or the like includes a tie stock dispenser that delivers a pre cut length of tie stock to a platform. A banking unit picks up the tie stock and delivers it to a position above pre wound strands. The hanking unit includes rockable arms that press the tie stock ends about the wound strands to a position to engage a twister that winds the tie stock about the strands.