Abstract: In a Doppler system for determining the average flow velocity of a liquid based on reflection from particles moving with the liquid, and in which system the received signal is subjected to both in-phase and quadrature detection, and is then analyzed into frequency domain in-phase channel amplitude and phase components and quadrature channel amplitude and phase components, an improved method for calculating the average flow velocity, comprising discarding those amplitude components for which the in-phase and quadrature phase components differ from approximately +90 degrees and approximately -90 degrees before using the remaining amplitude components to calculate an average amplitude-weighted frequency that is used in estimating the average flow velocity.

Abstract: The magnet is mounted on a carrier that can be extended from and retracted into a magnetic shield that is affixed to the distal end of an extended hollow flexible tube. A stiff control wire is connected at its distal end to the magnet carrier, and its proximal end is connected to a knob that is moved distally with respect to the hollow flexible tube to push the magnet carrier partially out of the magnetic shield thereby exposing the magnet for use. A soft steel insert is bonded to the proximal side of the magnet, and its presence increases the pulling force of the magnet by 12 to 15 percent. At the proximal end of the tool, a compression spring acting between the hollow flexible tube and the knob keeps the magnet biased within its magnetic shield. When the magnet has been exposed by pushing the control knob in a distal direction, the magnet can be locked in the exposed position by a simple latch that prevents inadvertent withdrawal of the magnet after the sought-after object has been acquired.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting leaks in pneumatic tires includes a source of pressurized carbon dioxide gas that is used to partially re-inflate the flat tire, so that a strong concentration of carbon dioxide gas will be present in any gas that leaks out of the tire. In the vicinity of the leak, the concentration of carbon dioxide gas is greatly enhanced above the normal atmospheric concentration of 300 to 800 parts per million. The enhanced concentration of carbon dioxide gas in the vicinity of the leak is detected by a gas sampling system that includes an audible alarm that alerts the user when the location of the leak has been found.

Abstract: An article in the form of a plug fits into a rearwardly-opening cavity formed in the trailing edge of a surfboard to provide an attachment for a leash. The article includes an internal passage that connects a first rearwardly-opening hole to a second rearwardly-opening hole. The leash is threaded through this passage and a knot is tied in the free end of the leash to secure the surfboard to the leash. The article has a structure that results in a strong connection with the foam of the interior of the surfboard, and the article is shaped to conform, when installed, to the shape of the surfboard. In a preferred embodiment, the article is formed by injection molding or by bonding two parts together to facilitate formation of the internal passage. Attaching the leash to the trailing edge of the surfboard in the manner described eliminates the effect known as "tombstoneing" after the surfer has fallen from the surfboard.

Abstract: A retractable and extendable handle for a piece of luggage is provided at its distal end portion with a distal jaw, and spaced from that, a proximal jaw. These jaws facilitate loading the luggage into an overhead luggage compartment. The jaws may be integral parts of the handle, or they may be parts of an attachment that is affixed to an existing handle. With the handle fully extended, the distal jaw is brought up and over the lip of the floor of the overhead luggage compartment, and then with the proximal jaw pushing against the underside of the lip, the luggage is lifted to force the handle to retract into the luggage. Next, the luggage is pivoted upward about the tip of the distal jaw so that the proximal jaw clears the lip of the floor of the compartment. Thereafter, the luggage is pushed horizontally into the compartment.

Abstract: The lid consists of two unitary parts both of which are molded from a soft rubbery substance. The body of the lid butts against the mouth of a container and includes a vacuum release valve and a check valve through which air may be evacuated from the container. The second part is a bellows pump that sealingly engages the body of the lid. As the bellows pump is worked manually, air is drawn from the container into the pump through the check valve on the body of the lid and the air is then discharged into the atmosphere through a second check valve that is an integral portion of the removable bellows pump. Because of its simplicity and lack of small parts, the lid is easy to clean effectively, and reuse is contemplated. The actuators for the pump and for the vacuum release valve extend to the periphery of the lid thereby making it easy for use by handicapped persons.

Abstract: A belt-mounted flashlight holder includes a belt loop subassembly and a cradle subassembly that are pivotally connected to permit the mounted flashlight to be rotated to any of several detented rotational positions. The cradle subassembly can accommodate flashlights or batons of various diameters within a reasonable range and includes a flexible removable jaw that is forced by a cam against the barrel of the flashlight so that the elastic restoring forces in the movable jaw provide the force that retains the flashlight in the cradle. The flexibility of the movable jaw and cradle permits the flashlight to break away from the cradle in which it is held if the flashlight is jerked by an assailant or if the flashlight becomes caught on an object. The cam includes a high spot that renders it stable in both the locked and released positions. The belt loop subassembly includes provision for mounting the flashlight holder on a wall or other reasonably flat surface.

Abstract: A foot support for a bed rests on the upper surface of the mattress and includes an upwardly inclined foot plate. Lateral motion and twisting of the foot support with respect to the mattress are prevented by downwardly depending fences that lie adjacent the sides of the mattress. In a preferred embodiment, the foot support consists entirely of flat stock which results in a unitary structure that is easy to clean and that nests so that a number of the foot supports can be stacked for storage in a relatively small space.

Abstract: A downhole sucker rod pump especially well adapted for use in pumping thick oils and oils containing particles of sand or rock includes helical grooves or apertures for producing an intermittent unidirectional rotation of the plunger without appreciably restricting the flow of oil through the pump. This rotation distributes wear more uniformly around the plunger. In a first embodiment, helical apertures are provided in the cage portion at the upper end of the plunger. Because of their large axial extent, these apertures collectively provide an outlet of large area for the oil, and thus restrict the flow only slightly. Because of their inclination these apertures produce a torque on the cage and plunger. In a second embodiment, a second plunger is attached to the upper end of the cage. The second plunger includes helical grooves in its cylindrical outer surface.