Abstract: A digital-data-transmission-line circuit for actively clamping transmission signal and signal-complement amplitudes so as to reduce pattern-related jitter at a receiver/analyzer. The circuit includes a pair of opposing diode devices, where each diode device is coupled across the pair of conducting wires that make up the transmission line. The diode devices clamp the difference in potential between the two transmission lines so that the signal amplitude seen at the receiver will not vary to significantly with the number of like pulses that are transmitted in succession. In this manner, the present invention reduces pattern-dependent jitter in the cross-over from HIGH to LOW as seen at the receiver. By means of the parasitic capacitance accompanying the diode devices, the circuit of the present invention additionally provides some high-frequency filtering and smoothing of the waveform of the received signal.

Abstract: A safety-related control system (SRCS) designed to safeguard personnel operating hazardous production equipment. The SRCS integrates the safety-related part of a machine into one homogenous system for the purpose of increasing safety. In so doing, the SRCS monitors the machine, the operator, and itself for safe operation. The SRCS utilizes a non-material barrier to sense the intrusion of a person's body into a hazardous area of a machine. The SRCS uses machine feedback and/or operator interface to determine whether a hazardous condition is present. If such condition is present, the hazard is rendered harmless by the time the intruding body member can reach the potential danger area. The system includes separable means for stopping motion of the moving parts of the equipment, starting movement of the movable parts, and detecting faults in sections of the system.

Abstract: Snow gun towers are provided for supporting a snow gun above the ground, e.g., above a ski trail. The towers are constructed to be easily rotated between raised and lowered positions, and to maintain the angle of the snow gun with respect to the ground substantially constant during rotation of the tower between its positions. Preferred towers include a compression spring to assist the user in moving the tower between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A servo system for directing the operation of an ultrasound beam is described. The system includes a rotor and stator combination that utilizes electromagnetic forces to move the ultrasound beam in translational and rotational directions. In an embodiment of the invention the rotor is a permanent magnet that may be levitated and moved using a plurality of stator coils. Sensors are used to determine the position of the rotor, which information is used by a controller to regulate the stator operation designed to effect movement of the rotor. The sensors are preferably hall effect sensors. The permanent magnet is optionally placed in a fluid having buoyancy characteristics that reduce the electromagnetic force required to levitate the rotor. The rotor may be located off center within a housing so as to conform to asymmetrical viewing requirements, such as in transcranial Doppler ultrasound measurements.

Abstract: A collapsible lobster trap having an external and internal design very similar to existing, non-collapsible traps, which allows a user to transport by truck, boat, or other means, a larger number of traps per excursion than is currently possible. The trap has a rectangular bottom panel to which a first pair of opposed side panels and a second pair of opposed side panels are hingedly attached. A top panel is hingedly attached to one of the side panels and is secured in the closed position by two retaining straps. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each panel of one pair of opposed side panels is designed with ends overlapping the ends of the other pair of opposed side panels so that the vertical corners of the trap are structurally reinforced while maintaining collapsibility.

Abstract: An auger-holder designed for transporting, stabilizing, and operating an auger from a vehicle, preferably an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The auger-holder includes a primary frame, a secondary frame, an attachment device for attaching the primary frame to a vehicle, and a locking mechanism for securing the secondary frame to the primary frame when the auger is not in use. The primary frame includes a structure of vertical and horizontal support members. The secondary frame is adjustably connected to the primary frame for stability and operability of the auger. The auger-holder optionally includes a hinge apparatus for aligning the auger at a range of angles relative to the plane of underlying terrain.

Abstract: A fuel overflow prevention system for substantially eliminating fuel spillage both due to over-filling during fueling and due to fuel expansion in fuel tanks. The device includes a fuel discharge preventor and a nozzle adapter that work together during re-fueling to allow displacement by fuel of gases within the fuel tank until such time that the fuel reaches a predetermined level in the tank. The predetermined level is chosen through the geometry of the fuel discharge preventor so as to provide sufficient space for thermal expansion of the fuel without subsequent fuel spillage. The fuel discharge preventor also contains a valve that closes upon attainment of the predetermined fuel level and, together with the nozzle adapter, causes a pressure build-up within the filling fuel tank so as to positively actuate the automatic turn-off features of the standard fuel pump nozzle utilized.

Abstract: A sport utility vehicle storage bumper for the rear and the front of the vehicle. The bumper may be mounted to the front or to the rear of the frame of the vehicle. A floor plate or a diamond step plate is hingedly mounted to the storage compartment of the device for convenient opening and closing. The storage chamber is preferably designed with the storage compartments sweeping back at an angle of approximately 45.degree. from the center of the vehicle toward the sides so as to reduce the profile of the vehicle and to minimize the possibility of unnecessarily bumping the storage chamber when moving the vehicle. The closeable lid includes one or more locks for locking one or more chambers of the storage unit. When applied to the front of the vehicle, the storage bumper is designed to accommodate a winch and a chain, in addition to other desirable equipment. When applied to the rear of the vehicle, the storage bumper has sufficient room for storage of a jack, a tow ball, and first aid equipment.

Abstract: A Computer Aided Routing and Positioning System (CARPS) determines a route along selected waypoints that include a travel origin and a travel destination and intermediate waypoints therebetween. The selected waypoints may be uploaded to or downloaded from various geocoding devices that utilize the Global Positioning System (GPS). A CARPS database incorporates travel information selected from a range of multimedia sources about the transportation routes, waypoints, and geographically locatable points of interest (POIs) selected by the user along the travel route. The CARPS software permits user selection of specified POI types within a user-defined region of interest and user selection of particular POIs from the selected types within the region of interest. The transportation routes, waypoints, POIs and region of interest are identifiable in the computer by coordinate locations of a selected geographical coordinate system.

Abstract: A device designed to enable a sailor to move easily about a watercraft. The device includes a bench unit that may extend substantially from port to starboard. One or more bench units are movingly coupled to a rail system extending fore and aft on the watercraft. The bench unit is designed and coupled to the rail system such that the sailor can remain on the bench unit and move it fore and aft by pushing his or her feet on the underlying substrate above which the sailor sits. The bench unit is preferably designed to permit the sailor to straddle it. The bench unit may be a unitary piece extending substantially the entire width of the watercraft. Alternatively, it may be formed of two sections that can be moved independent of one another. A handrail affixed to the bench enhances stability for the sailor. An optional braking system that can be engaged or disengaged by the sailor prevents undesired movement of the bench unit along the rails.

Abstract: A rotary vibrating system is used in surveys of the acoustic properties of the shallow earth. The vibrator itself is of eccentric-mass (or "swinging-weight") form. Coupled to a flywheel, it decelerates freely from a selected high frequency to a selected low frequency. The observed deceleration rate is manipulated to give a measure of the acoustic properties of the near-surface. The eccentricity of the vibrator is then annulled, and the flywheel and vibrator accelerated back to the selected high frequency for another measurement at another location. A display in map form is provided to facilitate visual interpretation of the results.

Abstract: A pest-trapping device that enables quick and easy containment of one or more rodents such as mice or rats. The device includes a container that may be easily manufactured in a unitary piece. A dowel is fixed between opposing walls of the container. A rodent access ramp spans a distance from the surrounding floor to the dowel. An entry hole is located adjacent to the ramp connection to the dowel to provide a rodent path into the container. A baited spinner is rotationally placed on the dowel so that a rodent travelling up the ramp, through the entry hole, and along the dowel will climb atop the baited spinner and lose its balance. The rodent will then be trapped in a well portion of the container. The well may be empty or may contain a quantity of fluid sufficient to drown the rodents. The spinner is preferably formed in the shape of an hourglass.

Abstract: A hole-filling tool designed for compacting a material into holes in wood. The hole-filling tool includes a tube, a plunger, and operating means for aligning and operating the tube and plunger. The tube is thin-walled to allow the user to align the tool properly over the hole. The plunger slides within the tube and forces material therein into the hole to be filled. The hole-filling tool may include a handle and trigger for simplified use of the tool and a loader for packing a sawdust-adhesive-thinner filler material into the tube. The hole-filling tool may also include an automatic filler material feeder, such as an auger.

Abstract: A package for a disk product has an inner box formed with outer and inner surfaces spaced from each other for presenting a disk product. The outer surface is composed of substantially transparent material so that the disk product is visible through the outer surface. The box is formed with at least one hub on the inner surface with a free end extending toward the outer surface. The free end of the hub is constructed to pass through the center hole of the disk product. The hub is formed with a holding surface for holding a disk product suspended on the hub so that it does not contact the inner surface. An outer box encloses the inner box. The outer box is composed of material bearing printing and graphics and is formed with inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface of the outer box is formed with a window for visibility of the disk product through the window and outer surface of the inner box. The outer box may be formed with a frame around the window.

Abstract: A stepper for use during aerobic stepping exercises. The invention has modular platforms that allow for one or more platforms to be stacked upon a base platform. The platform is placed on the base in a pyramid-like manner forming steps in every direction surrounding the stepper so that the user may step from one platform to another in any direction. Interlocking slots and ridges are formed on opposing surfaces of each platform and the base to provide stability during use. A non-slip coating on all opposing surfaces and on the step surfaces to provide additional stability. An optional one-piece cap is provided as a top surface which is also non-slip.

Abstract: An electromechanical transducer drives a resonator plate, which develops oscillating pressure in a contacting liquid. A high-speed check valve rectifies the pressure oscillations, causing pumping. On the driver side of the valve, the high inertial flow impedance in a narrow passageway confines oscillating pressure while admitting non-oscillating fluid flow. On the valve side opposite the driver, a volumetric compliance element decouples the inertia of the fluid passageway to permit fast acceleration and deceleration of fluid pulsing through the valve. A high-speed passive check valve consists of a thin-section o-ring covering a circular slot, with circumferential tension setting the forward bias pressure. Pump frequencies above one kilohertz and microliter stroke volumes are practical. Electrical impedance measurements on the pump indicate fluid volume in the pump.

Abstract: A quick-connect hookup that includes a connector and an adapter designed for quick and easy assembly and disassembly from a common oil drain valve. The adapter is formed with a standardized tabbed section and a customized threaded section. The threaded section of the adapter is made to fit within an outlet of the oil drain valve in substantially permanent manner. The tabbed section of the adapter includes tabs that are made to quickly attach to and detach from the connector via recesses in the connector. The invention includes a method of connecting and evacuating waste oil through the use of vacuum forces and the quick-connect hookup.