Abstract: A programmable boatlift system having a cable extending up from one end of a boatlift cradle, across through a shaft attached to a motor, and down to an opposite end of the boatlift cradle. A position sensor having an idler sheave is placed on the cable, or a position sensor having a collar is placed on the shaft. The motor turns the shaft to cause the cable to move across the roller sheave, or to cause the collar to rotate, to raise or lower the boatlift cradle. The position sensor produces an output signal proportional to the distance the cable travels over the idler sheave or proportional to the number of rotations of the collar. An electronic control circuit uses the output signal to infer the vertical position of the boatlift cradle and to position the boatlift cradle as desired.

Abstract: A combination garage door and roll-up curtain system that allows a flexible curtain to be lowered when the garage door is in a raised position. The system preferably comprises an automated garage door assembly wherein the drive mechanism is mounted to a bracket mounted in turn to the inside wall above the garage opening upper margin. The system preferably further comprises an automated roll-up curtain assembly having a rotatable rod mounted above the garage opening upper margin between the bracket and the inside wall. The rotatable rod has a flexible curtain wound thereabout wherein the first end of the curtain is affixed to the rod and the second end of the curtain is secured along its lateral margins within tracks mounted adjacent the garage opening lateral margins. The second end of the curtain preferably has a weighted member attached thereto to urge the curtain toward the garage opening lower margin and to keep the curtain taut.

Abstract: A structural vent assembly comprising a back member having a forward surface and a rear surface; a mount member adapted to be secured to the support structure between the roof deck and the support structure, the mount member having a proximal end fixedly attached to the rear surface; a front member having an outer surface and an inner surface; and means for connecting the forward surface to the inner surface in spaced apart relationship to form a passage for air flow therebetween, the passage having an upper end and a lower end communicating with the air space of the roof deck.

Abstract: A flexible artificial fishing lure comprising a lure body and a pair of legs extending from the lure body, wherein each leg has an upper leg portion attached to the lure body and a lower leg portion extending rearward of the upper leg portion. Each lower leg portion tapers inwardly such that the thickness of each lower leg portion gradually decreases from an outer edge toward an inner edge. According to this design, the lower leg portions have greater weight along the outer edge than along the inner edge. In operation, the lower leg portions move multi-dimensionally as the lure is pulled through the water, thereby creating substantial motion and concomitant vibrations for attracting fish.

Abstract: A material level detection sensor (10) having a continuous ultrasonic sensor (12) and a capacitive proximity sensor (13). The capacitive proximity sensor detects the material only when the material is at or within the dead zone (15) of the ultrasonic sensor, at which point it switches the ultrasonic sensor off. The ultrasonic sensor transmits a level detection output signal until it is turned off by the capacitive proximity sensor. The capacitive proximity sensor transmits a level detection output signal only when it detects the material, and it will switch the ultrasonic sensor on when it does not detect the material. The material level detection sensor transmits only a single level detection output signal at any given time, providing an accurate and reliable estimate of material level. The device is particularly useful for measuring inventory and consumption of particulate solids and powders in bins or silos (11).

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a street blower to the front end of a zero-turn riding mower. The mounting apparatus comprises a main support beam that extends across the front of the mower frame and rests on top of the frame. The main beam preferably includes a securing mechanism that engages the left and right angled extensions of the mower frame to keep the mounting apparatus from sliding forward, backward, or to the sides. On top of the main support beam is a central eyebolt for anchoring a chain that holds the blower such that the wheels of the blower are preferably all suspended above the ground. At least two lower support arms are attached to the main beam, each of which comprises a vertical support and a horizontal support. At one end of the horizontal support is a cradle designed to support the axle or rear frame of the blower.

Abstract: A mechanical level sensor detects when a fluid material added to a chamber has reached a predetermined level and therefore comprises a predetermined particular volume. Material is added to a chamber until it has reached the predetermined level. Once this level is reached, additional material overflows into a level sensor. The overflow material causes a wheel having a plurality of wells to rotate. This rotation is detected by a control circuit that signals the cessation of addition of material to the chamber and the dispensing of the material present in the chamber. The sensor is highly sensitive due to the almost frictionless rotation of the wheel about its axle.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having a chamber to hold granular or powdered materials, such as candy, and having a dispensing chute with a valve between the chamber and dispensing chute. The valve is biased in a closed position but can be opened by pushing a cam lever. The dispensing apparatus has guide arms to hold a collecting tube so that the collecting tube does not touch the dispensing chute. The guide arms also allow a user to open the valve to cause the candy to flow into the collecting tube by pushing the collecting tube against the cam lever which causes the valve to open.

Abstract: A riding lawnmower with a chassis having a rear portion with two rear wheels, and a cutting blade deck having one or more rotary blades. Batteries are positioned in a U-shaped array around the right side, left side, and rear end of the chassis, above and near the rear wheels to maintain a low center of gravity. The weight of the batteries is evenly distributed over the rear wheels to maintain balance. The batteries are connected in series to each other and to an electric motor. The electric motor is positioned within a central portion of the U-shaped array of batteries. A single electric motor drives both the rotary cutting blades and the rear wheels, which is made possible by placing the batteries near and above the rear wheels, and by positioning the electric motor under the seat.

Abstract: An abdominal muscle exercise device which facilitates exercising and training of abdominal and lower back muscles while in a standing position. The exercise device has a platform with vertical members at the back of the platform. A horizontal member is attached at the top ends of the vertical members. The vertical members have an angled member extending away from the platform to prevent the platform from tipping during use. The vertical members can be removably and/or foldably connected to the platform and can be adjustable in height. The angled members can be removably and/or foldably connected to the vertical members and can be adjustable in length. The exercise device is constructed so that a user can stand on the platform and bend backwards over the horizontal member to exercise the abdominal and lower back muscles. Exercising these muscles in this standing position minimizes the stress encountered by the spine during abdominal exercising, and concentrates the stress on the abdominal muscles.