Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo that that has at least one side that incorporates components that create a powered rotation system. The system is connected to either a circuit board or a weighted board that is similarly rotatable and is located in the yo-yo's other side and/or employs a circuit board that is non-symmetric about its rotational axis and/or uses the powered rotation system to only push on a side portion's body member.

Abstract: The invention is an improved yo-yo that has two side units and a string-formed response system incorporated into each side unit. In its most basic form, the response system employs a string that is threaded through spaced-apart apertures in a side unit to form at least one tether engagement pad. The pad may be contacted by the yo-yo's tether in order to cause a return of the yo-yo to a user's hand.

Abstract: The invention is an improved yo-yo that has a rotatable, outwardly-facing roller on each of its two sides. Each roller has an outwardly-facing opening that is sized and shaped to facilitate a non-slip engagement between a finger and the roller. The opening also provides access to an O-ring that functions to secure the roller to the yo-yo.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo in which at least one of the yo-yo's sides includes a powered rotation system capable of maintaining the yo-yo's rotation when the yo-yo is sleeping at the end of its tether. The system functions by converting one of the yo-yo's sides into a motor, and in one embodiment includes a number of permanent magnets, an electromagnet, a sensor capable of detecting a magnet field, and a power source. Also disclosed is the use of a programmable controller to control the system. In another embodiment of the rotation system, a reflector, an energy emitter and a complementary sensor are employed to lead to an actuation of the electromagnet.

Abstract: The invention is an improved yo-yo that has two side units and a string-formed response system incorporated into each side unit. In its most basic form, the response system employs a string that is threaded through spaced-apart apertures in a side unit to form at least one tether engagement pad. The pad may be contacted by the yo-yo's tether in order to cause a return of the yo-yo to a user's hand.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo that includes features that enable a user to adjust the yo-yo's responsiveness. Each of the yo-yo's sides has a movable shuttle having a tether engagement surface. By changing the position of one or both shuttles, a user can affect the yo-yo's ability to return on command. Preferably, the yo-yo also includes readily visible indicia associated with the shuttle's positioning apparatus so that a user can easily set and/or ascertain the yo-yo's responsiveness setting. A user can also change the yo-yo's responsiveness by replacing one set of shuttles with another set that has different tether engagement adaptations. The yo-yo may also include a conventional adjustable string gap and removable rim members.

Abstract: The invention is an improved yo-yo that features unique multi-piece sides. Each side has a removable disk that functions to affect the yo-yo's responsiveness via one or more tether engagement structures that can be contacted by the yo-yo's tether. When the removable disk is made of a resilient material, the disk can be compressed to change the yo-yo's responsiveness. Each removable disk may also form the associated side's rim and thereby functions to substantially define the side's shape. By replacing one set of removable disks with another, a user can quickly and easily change the yo-yo's shape and/or rim material and/or responsiveness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-lubricating thrust bearing having a number of axially-aligned parts. The bearing is preferably in cartridge form and includes an internal circular spring. The spring is located between two adjacent disks and functions to force the disks apart when the bearing loading is below a predetermined amount. In this manner, when the bearing loading is low, the spring applies pressure to the bearing's components and any attached structure. When the bearing loading exceeds a predetermined amount, the spring becomes compressed sufficiently to enable direct contact between the disks while not interfering with the rotational movement of any part of the bearing. The spring can be made of any resilient material, such as spring steel or an elastomer.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder in which the cylinder head contains a motor-driven fluid pump, fluid reservoir, and a main control valve for the cylinder. The cylinder includes a transfer tube that extends through the center of the cylinder's piston and terminates within a hollow ported section of a piston rod. The cylinder head can additionally include two electrically-actuated pilot valves and two pilot-operated check valves. The pilot-operated check valves include structure that, in combination with passages in the cylinder head, cause both pilot-operated check valves to open when pressurized fluid is being directed to one of the pilot-operated check valves by the main control valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder in which the cylinder head contains the main control valve for the cylinder. In one fluid path from the main control valve to an area located on one side of the cylinder's piston, fluid is directed through a transfer tube that extends through the center of the piston and terminates within a hollow ported section of the piston rod. The cylinder head can additionally include two electrically-actuated pilot valves and two pilot-operated check valves. The pilot-operated check valves are located in different passages that extend to areas located on opposite sides of the piston. The pilot-operated check valves include structure that, in combination with passages in the cylinder head, cause both pilot-operated check valves to open when pressurized fluid is being directed to one of the pilot-operated check valves by the main control valve. In the preferred embodiment, electrical wiring to the cylinder head travels through one of the fluid hoses connected to the cylinder.

Abstract: An exhaust and deodorizing system for an animal housing. The system features an exhaust unit provided with an air inlet operatively-connected to the interior of the animal housing. The exhaust unit further includes a replaceable filter, an air outlet and an electric fan. The fan is capable of moving a current of air from the inlet, through the filter, and then to the ambient area via the outlet. An important feature of the invention is a flexible mat that conforms to, and seals, the top of the animal housing. The mat includes a hole that can be placed in at least partial registration with a ventilation hole in the housing. The exhaust unit's inlet fits in, or on, the hole in the mat. It should be noted that exact registration between the exhaust unit's inlet and the ventilation hole in the housing's roof is not required.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling an undersea device. The system employs a gas-pressurized liquid reservoir that can be recharged from at least one replaceable gas bottle. A pressure-regulating valve is employed to control the pressure of the liquid leaving the reservoir. A number of one-shot units, each in the form of a squib-actuated valve coupled with a piston accumulator, are employed to create a hydraulic pilot for a hydraulic direction control valve. The control valve functions to direct pressurized liquid from the reservoir to a hydraulic actuator or other type of hydraulic device.

Abstract: A direct-drive, backlash-free servovalve in which the tip of an electric motor continually engages opposite sides of a receiving groove in the valve spool. The tip has a trapezoidal cross-section and tapers downwardly toward its extreme end. Rotation of the tip causes a translation of the valve spool, and can only progress until a side of the tip jams against one of the groove's sidewalls.

Abstract: A yo-yo having unique tether engagement areas adjacent the axle. The engagement areas include an array of grooves and/or rubber pads located in the tether-facing surface of each of the yo-yo's side pieces. The grooves and/or pads extend from a point proximate the axle to a point significantly spaced from the axle. In the preferred embodiment, the grooves and/or pads are employed in conjunction with an axle having a ball bearing-supported rotatable outer race to which an end loop of the tether is secured.

Abstract: A deformable calendar in the form of a ball-shaped device sized to fit a user's hand and having a tabular register of days and months printed on its exterior surface. The device has a tightly-packed particulate core and a resilient outer covering. A user can increase the size of any part of the printed register by manually stretching the associated part of the covering. The printed register is preferably located on at least two opposite sides of the device so that a user can view any part of the register by a suitable manual manipulation of the device.

Abstract: A yo-yo having unique tether engagement areas adjacent the axle. The engagement areas include an array of grooves and/or rubber pads located in the tether-facing surface of each of the yo-yo's side pieces. The grooves and/or pads extend from a point proximate the axle to a point significantly spaced from the axle. In the preferred embodiment, the grooves and/or pads are employed in conjunction with an axle having a ball bearing-supported rotatable outer race to which an end loop of the tether is secured.

Abstract: A marker flashlight and stand therefore is described. A tube of translucent, somewhat flexible material is adapted for releasable securement to the flashlight's lamp section. When the flashlight is turned on, almost the entire tube of translucent material is caused to glow. The tube can also be coated with a phosphorescent material so that it is capable of glowing even when the flashlight is not producing light. The tube can be removed from the flashlight's lamp section and placed about the body of the flashlight. The tube can be compressed so that the flashlight can still be received within a standard holster-type holder that has an interior area having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the flashlight's body. The tube may include a strap for enabling the tube to be attached to a user's clothing and be a holder for the flashlight.The stand includes a wide base that is adjustably and releasably secured to the body of the flashlight.