Abstract: A track a vehicle amusement apparatus and methods are disclosed, the apparatus including a vehicle or vehicles movable over a track assembly supported and elevated by a supporting assembly. A plurality of track sections define the track assembly, and the vehicles have wheels, some positioned above and some below the track and at different locations across the track. Drive track sections of the track assembly include first and second relatively reciprocating track members, the vehicles including independently retractable appendages for releasable engagement with different ones of the track members.

Abstract: Pressure-based refreshable scanning tactile graphic display apparatus and methods are disclosed for localized sensory stimulation. The apparatus include a display array having stimulus points embedded in a matrix, an energy source applied at the stimulus points through a modulator, a control unit, and a position sensing and feedback unit or units (such as a mouse-type device or data glove, for example). The energy source is preferably stored and pressurized fluid with application to selected stimulus points (pins, for example) preferably directed at a microvalve array under the control of a computer-based control unit.

Abstract: A combination tool for measuring and cutting materials such as drywall is disclosed. The tool includes a mount formed by first and second housing portions, the first and second housing portions defining a path terminating at an opening at one end of the mount. A tape measure blade receiving slot opens into the mount adjacent to the path and is located and oriented so that the slot and the path are substantially coplanar. A knife blade shuttle is movable along the path and a saw blade is pivotably connected in the mount. An exterior surface of one of the housing portions includes a plurality of rasp teeth formed thereon for filing cut material.

Abstract: Electronic weighing devices and method are disclosed wherein balances (particularly of the direct load type) are adapted to utilize less power thus creating less system heat and thereby enhancing weighing accuracy and range of operation. A preferred embodiment of the device includes a frame having an articulating load support structure connected thereto. The support structure carries a coil and movable capacitor plate while the frame locates a permanent magnet and fixed capacitor plate. An elastic offset, such as a spring, is adjustably located between the support structure and the frame to offset, or counterbalance, the support structure, preferably up to about one-half of the balance's rated capacity in any particular embodiment. A push-pull servo system initially causes current in the coil to flow in a direction producing a resultant force which is additive to the pan load. Only when the counterbalancing force is exceeded by the pan load does the coil current produce a force opposing the pan load.

Abstract: Powered drivers and methods are disclosed, the drivers including a head housing a motor driven drive transfer assembly for operating a rotatable socket engageable at a threaded connector. A reaction unit having a fitting engagement attached to rail guides is movably maintained through the head. A biasing unit is maintained at the head and is operatively associated with the rail guides of the reaction unit to bias the fitting engagement of the reaction unit toward the rotatable socket during tightening rotation of the engaged threaded connector. A probe and switch are associated with different ones of the reaction unit and the head, and are brought into operative association at selected relative locations of the reaction unit and the head during connector rotation to cause motor cessation.

Abstract: An automotive safety harness for pets is disclosed, the harness including first and second closed loops formed by a length of webbing joined at opposite ends and secured at an intersection. The opposite ends at the second closed loop are permanently secured with the first closed loop at a position opposite the first closed loop from the intersection, a first fastener secured to an exterior surface at the position. A securing webbing is configured with first and second interface loops to slidably maintain the first and second closed loops at the position at one interface loop and receive the vehicle seat belt in the other, respectively. A second fastener is secured to the interior of the first interface loop surface, the first and second fasteners releasably engagable.

Abstract: A collapsible beverage container supporting apparatus is disclosed that includes a mounting framework having a first mount spaced from one end of the framework and a second mount located adjacent to the other end. A container stabilizer is pivotably secured at the first mount and is movable between a substantially perpendicular configuration relative to the framework and a stored configuration with the end thereof located adjacent to the one end of the framework. A container bottom support is pivotably located at the second mount and is movable from a stored deployment adjacent to the framework to a substantially perpendicular deployment. Corner mount openings in the tray and/or a rear wall of the framework are provided for receipt of selected sheet material (such as advertising).

Abstract: Fluid blenders and blending methods are provided, the blending apparatus including components accommodating both passive and/or active mixing. The apparatus includes a main body and closure connectable to define a chamber having a fluid outlet. A valved fluid inlet channel opens into the chamber and is tangentially oriented relative to a peripheral wall thereof so that fluid entering the chamber has a primary vortical flow circulation direction. A fluid injection channel opens to the inlet channel at an acute angle relative to direction of fluid flow through the inlet channel. A plurality of barriers are arrayed in the chamber to define interconnected inner and outer chamber portions. An impeller is rotatably mounted at the inner chamber portion and includes a plurality of blades oriented to urge flow from the inner chamber portion to the outer chamber portion.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for efficient elimination of door and frame condensation at widely utilized commercial freezer/refrigeration display cases. The apparatus includes a local controller unit connected with an array of case sensors including an internal case temperature sensor, an external case frame temperature sensor and a dew point sensor. The case frame temperature sensor and dew point sensor are housed to thermally isolate sensing elements thereof from effects of frame temperature changes and ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a sensing element, and to limit heat transfer by the housing to the sensing elements thereby improving sensing accuracy and apparatus performance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for operational support and guidance of pivoting movement of portable band saws are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pivoting mount maintained at a work surface. A support is connected with the mount and includes a forward bracket adjacent to the mount for receiving a front portion of a blade housing structure of the portable band saw. An extension bar of the support supports a rear portion of the blade housing structure, a securing latch at the extension provided to releasably maintain the rear portion of the blade housing structure supported thereat.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mitigating precipitation effects realized at an antenna system of an instrument such as a microwave radiometer are disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a blower mechanism that enables instrument operation even during precipitation events (rain, snow, sleet, or excessive condensation) by causing a flow of air at relatively high velocity tangentially across the antenna system. The air flow is of sufficient force to disallow contact by hydrometeors with the antenna or antenna window of the system by redirecting the path of the falling hydrometeors in flight and/or to sweep hydrometeors reaching or formed at the window from the vicinity of the window. Other mechanisms for such precipitation effects mitigation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for extraction of nails, screws and other such fasteners from wood or other host materials are disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a shank adapted for application at a rotational drive source, a two-part engaging member at one end of the shank having a cavity extending thereinto for receiving therein a fastener to be extracted and openable to release the fastener after extraction. A cutting component is defined at a bottom edge of the engaging member adjacent to an opening to the cavity for cleanly removing host material from around the fastener. A gripping surface formation comprising a spiraling striation is formed at a surface of the cavity for threadably engaging the fastener to be removed.

Abstract: Vanes positioned immediately adjacent the swept area of a moving friction brake rotor induce a flow of air over the rotor by displacing the boundary layer of gases from the rotor surface and conducting such layer along the intercepting surface of the vane, and thus inducing a flow of cooler air over the rotor. Under heavy braking, friction pad particles and substantial quantities of thermal energy in the superheated gases of the boundary layer are removed by the vanes.

Abstract: Differential pressure measurement devices, installations and methods are disclosed, the devices including a main body and retainer. The main body is characterized by a front portion having a substantially constant curvilinear flow facing front surface, a rear portion, and a substantially constant diameter portion between the front portion and the rear portion. The rear portion includes relatively larger and smaller diameter termini. The installation of this invention is maintained in a fluid flow containing conduit and includes a pipe section affixed between sections of the conduit. The device is concentrically located in the otherwise unobstructed flow path defined by the pipe section, with the device retainer downstream of all measurement ports, and obstructs fluid flow thereat to establish annular flow therearound having predictable characteristics.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in measurement of applied load at a chainring assemblage of a pedal powered device are provided. The apparatus includes a link adapted for interposition between a chainring attachment site located on a conventional chainring mount, or spider, and a corresponding chainring attachment locale at a conventional chainring. The link has a geometry and/or material composition selected to accommodate measurement of load exhibited between the attachment site and the corresponding chainring attachment locale. Means for measuring the load exhibited thereby is associated with the link.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for extended refreshable tactile graphic display are disclosed, the apparatus including an array of pins at a display surface, with pin setting actuators and display surface matrix preferably being separable units. The display matrix is provided by stacked functional layers, functions including temporary pin retention and pin locking.

Abstract: A watertight protective carrying case having first and second case body portions each including an outer containment and inner frame. Engageable lips are formed at one part of each inner frame, the lips matable in a sealing relationship when the case is in a closed condition. A cooperative closure assembly is configured and mounted at the outer containments so that upon engagement of the cooperative closure compressive pressure is applied at the frame lips with the engagable lips entirely enclosed by the cooperative closure. The compression thus effected by engagement of the closure is substantially constant at all locations along the interface of the lips thereby providing a tight seal of the entire interface with no need for the closure itself to be watertight.

Abstract: Apparatus for extraction of nails, screws and other such fasteners from wood or other host materials are disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a shank adapted for application at a rotational drive source, a two-part engaging member at one end of the shank having a cavity extending thereinto for receiving therein a fastener to be extracted and openable to release the fastener after extraction. A cutting component is defined at a bottom edge of the engaging member adjacent to an opening to the cavity for cleanly removing host material from around the fastener. A gripping surface formation comprising a spiraling striation is formed at a surface of the cavity for threadably engaging the fastener to be removed.

Abstract: A bed including user adaptable sleep support structure is disclosed, the support structure having a frame and a plurality of flexible support straps anchored between side members of the frame in selected spaced relationships relative to one another, a number of unsupported areas of different widths thus being defined between selected adjacent straps. Adjusting buckles are located at each of the support straps accommodating individual length adjustment of each strap. The support straps together provide the sole body weight support in the support structure.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enabling measurement of a selected fluid characteristic in fluid flowing through a conduit. The device includes a body connected in the conduit having an accelerator section and a flow conditioner section within which a measuring unit such as an averaging pitot is maintained. The flow conditioner section includes a straight, substantially constant diameter conduit length selected to provide a settling distance after the accelerator section and in advance of the measuring unit sufficient to provide stabilization and linearization of the flowing fluid prior to measurement. Utilizing the device, repeatable and accurate measurement of the characteristic (flow rate for example) may be conducted over an operating range characterized by up to at least about a 25 to 1 turndown in flow with a constant flow coefficient independent of fluid flow velocity or Reynolds number.