Abstract: A drive apparatus and method for continuously transmitting power to an axle, shaft and the like are disclosed. The drive apparatus includes a flexible ratch (414) such as flexible chain, belt or cable and cooperating first and second ratch engaging energy transmitting members (434) for releasably engaging the flexible ratch (414) to continuously drive an axle (410), shaft or the like. To operate the apparatus, the first and second enerergy transmitting ratch engaging members (434) are moved in a direction parallel to the linear paths of the flexible ratch means (414) which causes the first ratch engaging member (434) to engage and drive the flexible ratch (414) which rotatingly drives the axle (410). The ratch engaging members (434) direction of movement is then reversed so that the first ratch engaging means (434) releases the flexible ratch means (414) as the second ratch engaging means (434) engages the flexible ratch means (414) to continuously drive the axle, shaft or the like (410).

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for welding overlapping edge sections of heat sealable materials are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a frame, a heating body attached to the frame for being positioned between the overlapping sheets to heat the sheets, an alignment control mechanism for urging the overlapping sheet into a desired alignment relative to the overlapped sheet and a pressure roller for pressing the heated sections together to weld them together.

Abstract: Drive apparatus and method for converting linear motion to rotary motion and vice versa are disclosed. The drive apparatus includes a rack having a plurality of spaced first engagement members arranged single file in a first path and a sprocket having a plurality of spaced second engagement members arranged single file in a second path. The rack's engagement members engage the sprocket's engagement members to rotatingly drive the sprocket when the rack is driven and drive the rack when the sprocket is driven. In addition, either the rack's engagement members or the sprocket's engagement members have outer surfaces which are defined by a member selected from the group consisting of cylindrical bearings and reduced friction material. To operate the apparatus to drive a sprocket, a downstroke is made with the rack to move it as far as it can be moved in a first predetermined direction which rotates the sprocket in a desired clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for handling a needle to reduce the likelihood of accidental pricking. The apparatus includes cylindrical sleeve for receiving a phalanx of a finger or thumb. The apparatus also includes a pair of planar magnetic surfaces supported on the cylindrical sleeve for removably holding a needle thereon. The surfaces are spaced from and flush with each other. The spacing between the planar surfaces allows the needle to be easily placed on or removed from the surfaces with the aid of a needle grasping tool. The device further includes a shield located to one side of the spaced planar magnetic surfaces to protect the wearer from accidental pricking when the needle is being placed onto, removed from, or held by the magnetic planar surfaces.

Abstract: An energy absorbing security door bar system is disclosed. The system includes a generally straight elongate member having oppositely facing free ends and the ability to resiliently flex from a straight resting position to a bowed position in which straight lines drawn through the free ends of the elongate member form an included angle of less than about 170 degrees. In addition, the system includes anchoring means for releaseably anchoring the free ends of the elongate member to opposite sides of a door's frame to prevent the door from being opened. A method for preventing forced entry through a door secured with the above security door bar system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing water consumption and preventing damage to a fluid supply system in a house or structure is disclosed. The water management system includes a water management device coupled between provided fluid flow, pressure, and temperature sensors, and a shut-off valve and a drain valve. The device includes flow control means for opening the shut-off valve when flow is detected at any flow sensor and closing the shut-off valve when flow is undetected. The device also includes flow timers which have a selected operational period for each flow sensor and which close the shut-off valve if the operational period of a flow sensor is exceeded. The device also includes temperature timers for closing the shut-off valve and opening the drain valve when a temperature at or below a minimum temperature is detected by the temperature sensor for a selected maximum temperature detection time period.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for heating and applying sheet material to an supported base surface are disclosed. The apparatus includes a mobile frame for transporting, supporting and permitting a roll of sheet material to be unrolled. The apparatus further includes a heating platen for heating the sheet material along its width and for heating the supported base surface. Pressure rollers are also disclosed for pressing the sheet material against the heating platen to facilitate heating thereof and to the base surface to facilitate welding. In addition, the apparatus includes a release mechanism for pivoting the heating platen and the pressure means in unison to and from operating and release positions. In the release position, the sheet material is separated or spaced from the heating platen to prevent it from being overheated thereby and possibly ignited.

Abstract: A saw (10) is provided comprising a frame (20) containing a saw blade (22) and a fluid motor (24), and a handle (28) connected to the frame (22) incorporating means (36b) for connecting to a fluid supply and throttle means for controlling the fluid supply, wherein at least the portion of the handle (28) incorporating the throttle means is releasably connected to the frame (22) or the remainder of the handle so that the throttle means can be relocated elsewhere in the fluid supply. Preferably, the saw (10) further comprises a trolley (40) on which the frame (22) is releasably mountable so that the saw (10) can be operated either as a floor saw or a hand saw. The handle portion (28) can be relocated to the handlebar (50) of the trolley (40) to give the operator direct control over the fluid supply. Alternatively, separate throttle valves can be supplied on the saw (10) and the trolley (40) to achieve the same object.

Abstract: A dynamo having an improved three piece stator system is disclosed. The dynamo stator system includes a physically continuous center winding located between two outer windings such that the configuration provides a strong series magnetic axis across the stator system to generate increased power output. The dynamo further includes a rotor system having a lateral offset mount which enables the rotor poles to rotate about the center winding. The dynamo further includes electrically coupling between the stator system elements to further increase the efficiency of the dynamo during operation and to reduce operational losses. In addition, magnetic insulation means is provided to insulate the rotor and stator elements. Brush means having a plurality of successive brush elements wherein each element has greater resistance than the previous element to further decrease operational losses is additionally provided.

Abstract: An adjustable window well grate is disclosed. The grate includes a plurality of individually adjustable elongate members, each of which has first and second elongated slidable sections, preferably U-shaped stringer sections which are slidable relative to each other to enable one to easily adjust the overall length of the elongate member. By having the ability to adjust the length of each elongate member individually, the grate's overall shape can be adjusted to fit the contour of the window well. In addition to the elongate members, the adjustable grate includes a plurality of cross supports for supporting and connecting a plurality of the elongate members together.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for steadily holding a container in one hand are disclosed. The container has a bottom, side and a swing handle. The apparatus of the invention includes a loop attached to the swing handle for receiving a person's thumb. The loop is sized and configured to enable the container to be steadily held when a thumb is received in the loop with the fingers of the same hand located against the bottom of the container. The method of the present invention includes providing such a container having a swing handle with a loop as described above for receiving a person's thumb. The method further includes engaging the loop with a thumb of one hand and engaging the bottom of the container with the fingers of the same hand so that the thumb and fingers cooperate to enable the person to steadily hold the container in one hand.

Abstract: A device for holding bedding neatly in place on a waterbed is disclosed. The device is designed for use with a conventional waterbed having a fluid-filled mattress supported within a frame structure which is lined with waterproof plastic liner for preventing water from leaking out of the waterbed. The device includes a fastener for gripping an edge portion of a bedsheet and a positioning component for positioning the fastener at a location below the top surface of the fluid-filled mattress between the mattress and the waterbed liner. The positioning component is secured to the waterbed's frame structure without piercing the waterproof plastic liner.