Abstract: The invention is a sealing system that employs a unique array of offset components, including multiple seal rings, to provide an improved seal with enhanced functionality. In the preferred embodiment, a groove contains two canted-coil springs that are located in a side-by-side relation beneath a pair of expander rings that are also in a side-by-side relation. Located atop the expander rings are three seal rings that are similarly arrayed in a side-by-side relation. To prevent a leak path through the expander rings, a center one of the seal rings overlies the area between the two expander rings.

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 includes a number of permanent magnets, an electromagnet, a sensor capable of detecting a magnet field, and a power source.

Abstract: An aerating base plate designed for placement in the bottom of a conventional plant receptacle, such as a flowerpot. The plate has a sidewall that extends downwardly from the perimeter of a convex top. The top includes a number of perforations that function to enable water and air to flow into, or out of, an interior area of the plate. The plate's sidewall features a number of openings that also enable water and air to flow into, or out of, the plate's interior area. The sidewall's openings are sufficiently small so that they substantially prevent any flow of soil into the plate's interior area.

Abstract: A sealing system adapted for placement into an exterior groove of a structure. The sealing system includes a seal ring having a generally ‘L’-shaped cross-section. The sealing system further includes a canted-coil spring. The seal ring includes an inner surface, an outer surface and two side surfaces. The seal ring's inner surface features a groove that increases the ring's flexibility. The seal ring's outer surface protrudes outwardly until it is pushed inwardly through contact with an inner surface of an external structure. As the outer surface moves inwardly, it causes a compression of the spring while a part of the seal ring flexes and bends about the seal ring's groove. At the same time, the outer surface becomes reoriented in a manner that cause its shape to change to a flatter configuration that is more complementary to the inner surface of the internal structure.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo that features a visual indication system capable of facilitating the setting of the yo-yo's variable response system and then providing an indication to the user of the yo-yo's responsiveness setting. Preferably, the yo-yo includes relatively rotatable sides, with each side having a number of identical visual indicators and a number of tether engagement ribs that are in registry with the indicators.

Abstract: A flexible joint for connection between a pair of conduits for transferring a gas, under pressure, between the conduits. The joint includes a hollow, annular inner member for connection to one of the conduits which defines a spherically shaped, convex seal receiving surface and a hollow annular outer member which defines a spherically shaped, concave seal receiving surface for connection to another of the conduits. The outer member is mounted over the inner member such that the convex and concave surfaces are spaced apart and movable relative to one another about a common center point. Both the inner and outer members are open on opposite sides of their respective spherically shaped surfaces. The outer member may include and outer part and an intermediate part which is removably connected to the outer part. One of the members contains a single seal ring assembly retainer groove which opens toward and opposing one of the surfaces and which is centered on the center point.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo that employs an active starburst tether engagement system located in one or both of the yo-yo's side members. The system makes use of a starburst-shaped array of movable engagement ribs that face the tether and are located near the yo-yo's axle structure. Each rib is independently movable and is located at the end of a flexible finger that enables the rib to be moved by the tether in a direction substantially parallel to the yo-yo's axis of rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed is system for controlling a dynamic hydraulic component, such as a hydraulic actuator or motor. The system allows for either zero, restricted or full fluid flow to the hydraulic component. This enables either no movement, slow, precise movements, or rapid, major movements of the component. The functionality of the system is accomplished using a multi-pilot system acting on a spool valve that has a pilot piston and at least one stop piston. The stop piston(s) can move to limit the movement of the pilot piston.

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.

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 mixture designed to be heated by microwave energy and a container that can inwardly contain the mixture. The mixture is in a dry form and includes a quantity of salt that functions as a heat storage medium. The mixture further includes a quantity of starch material that functions to rapidly absorb microwave energy when it is subjected to microwaves in a conventional microwave oven. The starch material is in powder form and preferably coats the salt to thereby maximize the speed and efficiency of heat transfer between the two materials. The mixture may also include a powder lubricant that functions to improve the mixture's flowability. The container used to receive the microwaveable mixture is preferably flexible and may be manufactured from a fabric, plastic or rubber material. The container may be in the form of a pad or ball and includes a least one inner cavity that contains a quantity of the microwaveable mixture.

Abstract: The invention is a mechanical-type position-sensing and feedback system employed between a main stage spool valve and a pilot stage spool valve of an electro-hydraulic servovalve. The feedback mechanism makes use of a rotatable feedback link that directly senses the position of the slide of the main stage valve and transforms a linear motion of the slide into a linear movement of the sleeve of the pilot stage valve. The feedback link has an elongated body and is adapted for rotation about its body's longitudinal axis.

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 yo-yo having unique tether engagement areas adjacent the axle. The engagement areas include a starburst pattern of grooves located in the tether-facing surface of each of the yo-yo's side pieces. The grooves extend from a point proximate the axle to a point significantly spaced from the axle. In the preferred embodiment, the grooved engagement area is 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: The invention is a multi-stage electro-hydraulic servovalve having a mechanical feedback between the valve's main and pilot stages. The feedback mechanism makes use of an interconnected set of linkages that transform a linear motion of the main stage slide into a rotative movement of a torque rod that can produce a translation of the pilot stage slide. Many of the linkages of the feedback mechanism are located exterior to the valve's fluid boundary and feature readily adjustable connections through which a user can adjust various parameters of the feedback such as the degree of gain and null point.