Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for angular displacement control of rotationally adjustable snowboard bindings, the apparatus including an actuating lever at the binding that is movable between positions to control rotation of the binding. A latching assembly restricts movement of the actuating lever in at least one lever postition to assure non-movement of the actuating lever absent an active manipulation by the user of the latching assembly.

Abstract: The invention is a computer interface utilizing a sensor for sensing that a user is in the immediate vicinity of the computer. The interface consists of a motion sensor, computer software for enabling the computer security in the absence or presence of a user, a keyboard interface connected to the motion sensor and a keyboard connected to the keyboard interface.

Abstract: A rail spike retention and tie preserving mixture and method are disclosed for use in a wood cross tie at the situs of a driven rail spike, the mixture providing a single stage dry mixture application and including ground petroleum pitch, sub-angular silica sand and a hydrocarbon resin adhesive/sealant material. The mixture and method assure better spike retention in the tie while protecting the wood tie from degradation at and around the site of spike placement thus increasing the useful life of the tie.

Abstract: Extricating apparatus and methods are disclosed for aiding movement of a snowmobile after becoming bogged in deep and/or soft snow. The apparatus includes at least a first unit having a stretchable cord with first and second implements joined thereto at opposite ends of the cord. A flexible jacket is provided around but unconnected to the stretchable cord and intermediate the first and second implements, the jacket being made of material that is relatively more rigid than the stretchable cord. The implements are preferably either first and second couplers or a coupler and a graspable member such as a handle, first and second units, one each thus equipped, being preferred.

Abstract: A finger joint architecture, method and formation apparatus are disclosed, the finger joint architecture characterized by an array of interspersed projections and cavities formed at an end face of a first wood product. The projections are spaced from one another in both first and second dimensions defining the end face and are formed by the cavities which are bored through the end face. A mating array of projections and cavities is formed at an end of another wood product to be secured to the first wood product. The projections and cavities thus formed are preferably tapered.

Abstract: A chew article for animals that promotes dental and gingival health, oral exercise, interactive play, and reduction of problem chewing. The article includes a body of elastomeric material having an outer surface interrupted by spaced grooves. Side walls of at least some of the grooves have a corrugated surface configuration including a longitudinal ridge or ridges extending lengthwise intermediate groove depth and spaced from the outer surface of the body. An interior cavity is provided having a constricted access thereinto from without the body, a segment of at least some of the grooves extending through the body and into the cavity thereby defining plural laterally moveable rib portions of the body, the detached rib portions aiding maintenance of more optimal scraping orientation of the ridges when the article is in use.

Abstract: Automated process, conditioning and treatment apparatus and methods are disclosed that are particularly well adapted for closed loop systems using or producing aqueous effluence with varying amounts of suspended solids therein, the apparatus and methods directed to separation of the solids from the effluence and thus cleaning of the centrate. The apparatus includes a mass flow rate meter, liquid polymer injector and control means for receiving the monitored rate from the meter and performing analysis to optimize the rate of injection of liquid polymer. The injector is monitored to further optimize the injection rate.

Abstract: A system and method for storage and delivery of a cryogenic mixed gas is disclosed, the storages apparatus including a compact and lightweight dewar for containing cryogenic temperature mixed gas at supercritical pressure. Different heat exchangers associated with the dewar provide for heat input to the dewar to maintain gas therein in a single phase and provide continued expulsion energy. A backpack receives the dewar and includes means for quick connect of the dewar with an end use outlet, intermediate heat exchangers in the backpack conditioning the mixed gas for end use. No electrical input for fluid circulation is required.

Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed having a cylindrical membrane support (4), which is sealed off between a top plate (26) and a bottom plate (28), whereon the cylindrical outer surface of the membranes support a membrane (6) is located, and which is surrounded by cylindrical components (14, 8) which are sealed off in the top plate and bottom plate thereby forming a cylindrical ring area (16). Permeate collection bores (20) communicate with the membrane through the membrane support and are connected with a permeate draw off connection (60). The suction side of a circulation pump (44) is connected with an enclosed inner chamber (47) formed by the cylindrical membrane support. The outer ring area is connected to the pressure side of the circulation pump and communicates with the inner chamber through a circulation channel (54). The inner chamber is connected to a infeed connection (58). The circulation pump communicates with a draw off (64) on the pressure side for the extraction of concentrate.

Abstract: A tool for manipulating threaded ball joint stud locating bushings at a threaded bore in an axle housing is disclosed. The tool includes a support mountable to the ball joint stud to provide stable location of an extractor assemblage receiving the support therethrough. The extractor assemblage includes portions for engaging the bushing and for securing engagement with the bushing during manipulation of the extractor assemblage to thus rotate the bushing.

Abstract: A finger joint architecture, method and formation apparatus are disclosed, the finger joint architecture characterized by an array of interspersed projections and cavities formed at an end face of a first wood product. The projections are spaced from one another in both first and second dimensions defining the end face and are formed by the cavities which are bored through the end face. A mating array of projections and cavities is formed at an end of another wood product to be secured to the first wood product. The projections and cavities thus formed are preferably tapered.

Abstract: A simple and lightweight, quick action snowboard binding securing device allows continuous rotational adjustment of the orientation of the binding with respect to the snowboard without the need for the removal of the rider's boot and without requiring the use of any tools. A clamping mechanism stiffens the binding and allows the rider's boot to rest directly on the binding for optimum performance. The device can be used with all bindings which have a central aperture to receive a securing disk or hold down plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for entryway access control using serial discretely coded radio frequency transmissions initiated by a single user access request signal. The control apparatus is battery operated and includes a user actuatable input selectively generating a single electrical initiation signal. Circuitry provides first and second conditioned output signals responsive to receipt of the single electrical initiation signal, the output signals enabling first and second transmission channels, respectively, of an RF transmitter or transmitters. A signal delaying circuit delays output of the second conditioned output signal relative to output of the first conditioned output signal.

Abstract: An improved method for manufacture of coated fiber material, for example a composite fly fishing line, is disclosed. The method includes coating fiber of a first material with a hot melt adhesive material. For fly lines, indices of refraction of the materials are preferably selected so that the finished product is substantially transparent absent addition of pigment. The coated fiber material is exposed to electron beam treatment to improve the physical profile of the coating.

Abstract: A hand, wrist and/or lower arm support pad and related assemblies are disclosed for use by operators of typewriter or computer keyboards, ten key pads and/or various computer peripherals such as a trackball or computer mouse. The support pad includes an enclosure defining a containment area having a flowable material therein and structure to assure retention of the enclosure at a selected location. The retention structure may be integral to the enclosure and/or may be associated with related assemblies. The flowable material preferably exhibits fluid-like characteristics, and, more preferably, is characterized by a non-constant shear rate to shear stress ratio. In some embodiments, it is preferred that the material will not flow under its own weight (i.e., no, or substantially reduced, cold flow characteristics).

Abstract: A safety restraint for pets, utilized with an existing vehicular seat belt system, and method for constructing the restraint are disclosed. The restraint includes a harness made of a single length of webbing attached at its ends to form an endless belt, the belt having first and second closed loops formed therein by intermediate securement of one side of the belt with the opposite side of the belt. A connecting strap and tether are connected to different ones of the loops to thereby releasably associate the loops and releasably associate the harness with the seat belt system. Strap sets are utilized to associate opposite sides of the loops to provide securement and fit adjustment on the pet at each loop.

Abstract: Shim assembly configured to be positioned in a wheel assembly to correct alignment and formed of a plurality of flat, tapered elements securable together and positionally adjustable one relative to the other with selectable orientation of the tapers, preferably rotatably secured for mutual angular movement of the elements around an axis, indicia to display the angular relationship of the elements and of the shim assembly orientation, such that the taper of the elements add or subtract to establish the overall composite taper of the shim assembly with the indicia displaying such composite taper and/or providing orientation points for positioning of the shim assembly in a wheel assembly to correct alignment.