Abstract: The exercise apparatus comprises a frame and a carriage. A resistance system resists movement of the carriage with respect to the frame and the longitudinally headward direction. The resistance system allows the resistance to be changed at the head end portion of the frame and further does not require elastic members to travel with the carriage when they are not use. The rebound system that adjusts the range of motion of the carriage comprises two flexible members attached to the carriage and the frame and a resistance member is attached to a central portion of the flexible members and resists lateral seperation of the central portions of the flexible members.
Abstract: An anemometer that visually indicates the speed of the wind by the position of a float housed within a first chamber. The first chamber is in communication with a second chamber through a vertically extending conduit system. The second chamber is in communication with a low-pressure zone of a push differentiating system preferably a Venturi.
Abstract: A crimping and cutting apparatus having upper and lower die members, with each die member having matching crimping surfaces and matching cutting surfaces which define a crimping region and a cutting region. A cylinder and piston assembly moves the first die member between upper and lower positions to accomplish the crimping and the cutting. The apparatus can be grasped manually, and it is particularly adapted for use in an operation where a cable is placed around a bundle of logs, and the ends of the cable are connected by crimping, and one end of the cable being cut from the cable leading to a spool.
Abstract: A fault-monitoring system for a large industrial conveyor belt to detect rips or other faults. There are fault-sensing units in the belt, each comprising a conductive loop extending across the belt and a sensing circuit. First and second frequency signals are directed to the fault sensor and the fault-responsive circuit sends a response of a frequency to indicate either a fault condition or a no-fault condition. Thus, the response from the fault sensor is either an “I am here and I am okay” or “I am here, but there is a fault in the belt” signal.
Abstract: A method of repairing a leak at a branch pipe location in a manner that it is not necessary to drain the water or the liquid from the main pipe at which the repair is being made. The end of the existing branch pipe is removed from a connector at the main pipe, and a temporary plug with an elongate handle is used to branch the connector opening. With the opening remaining closed, an intermediate connector is placed over the elongate handle and welded to the connector, after which the plug member is taken from the opening and a permanent plug put in the upper end of the intermediate connector.
Abstract: This allows for modular floating gardens that can be fabricated into forms chosen by the end user to be aesthetically pleasing even before planting has matured. Because composite floating gardens created from these modules can be large, their form can be pleasing from a distance. Because these are significant structures, they can be incorporated into a process to improve water quality.
Abstract: An automated cleaning system, where dairy cows pass through a foot bath region. The foot bath is periodically changed by implementing an agitation phase where high velocity water jets agitate the waste material in the foot bath and causes these to be discharged, followed by a drain phase where the liquid flows out an outlet. Then, a flushing phase removes the further debris, with the foot bath then being refilled with water and chemical disinfecting liquid for a subsequent cycle where another group of cows would pass through the foot bath region.
Abstract: An improved rotary engine and method for determining the contours of the sealing surfaces thereof. The improved engine provides for maintaining a predetermined, optimal gap between the sealing surfaces during rotation. The gap may be parallel or angled, and may be positive or negative so as to form an interference engagement. The rotors of the engine may be provided with mirror-image sealing surfaces so as to prevent development of excessive back-lash and clearance, and also to permit efficient reverse operation. The sealing surfaces may also be provided with recesses for interrupting the seal at predetermined points in the rotational cycle, for enhanced wear characteristics and/or to accommodate abrasive or shear-sensitive fluids.
Abstract: A method or system by which two or more people can improve communication, understanding and/or relationships. The persons engage in a game or other activity where there are triggering events, such as completing a hand of a game of cards, or expiration of a time period. When there is a triggering event, one person selects an item of information at random (e.g. by drawing a card from a stack of information cards). The person reads the information and expresses a thought relating to the same. The other participants are then also able to comment. If this discussion becomes objectionable in some way, one of the participants can activate a “defuser” to either divert the line of discussion or terminate the discussion, after which the activity phase (e.g. a card game, a counseling session, etc.) is continued.
Abstract: A shelf section adapted to fit against a wall section where there are exposed 2×4 wooden posts at spaced intervals. The shelf section has a horizontal platform, part of which is positioned between adjacent 2×4 posts, and the other part extending outwardly from the posts. A pair of mounting flanges attach to the outer surfaces of the 2×4s, and a pair of braces extend between the flanges and the platform. The shelf section is designed to be made from a single metal sheet cut to the appropriate dimensions and configuration, and is arranged so that a plurality of shelf sections can next within one another for storage, transportation, etc.
Abstract: A flow meter comprising a rotor assembly that is comprised of two rotors having axis of rotation offset from collinear where the two rotors define operating chambers that changing volume with respects to rotation and allow fluid to pass from an inlet port to an outlet port when the number of rotation is indicated the volumetric flow therethrough.
Abstract: A cow indexing and positioning system comprising a first and second actuating systems where the first actuating system repositions a cow brisket bar assembly in the horizontal plane to index the cows located in a stall to be milked. When the cows are finished being milked the first actuating system then disengages from the cows' briskets and the second actuating system vertically raises the cow brisket bar assembly to allow the cows to pass thereunder.
Abstract: A support apparatus having support members attached to a snowboard. The support members having handles that are adapted to be grasped by a user where the user exerts a vertical force upon the handles and a manner to create a downward force upon a support surface that is attached to the snowboard. The user is not bound to the snowboard.
Abstract: An improved rotary engine and method for determining the contours of the sealing surfaces thereof. The improved engine provides for maintaining a predetermined, optimal gap between the sealing surfaces during rotation. The gap may be parallel or angled, and may be positive or negative so as to form an interference engagement. The rotors of the engine may be provided with mirror-image sealing surfaces so as to prevent development of excessive back-lash and clearance, and also to permit efficient reverse operation. The sealing surfaces may also be provided with recesses for interrupting the seal at predetermined points in the rotational cycle, for enhanced wear characteristics and/or to accommodate abrasive or shear-sensitive fluids.
Abstract: A towel that is adapted to be mounted to a chair where the pouch region of the towel functions to hold the main body portion of the towel in a mobile configuration, and the pouch region further supports the head region of the towel onto the upright portion of the chair. The towel comprises a handle attached to the perimeter opening of the pouch portion and the handle is adapted to carry the towel.
Abstract: A nail extraction tool comprising a head portion and a shaft portion where the head portion has a contact surface that is adapted to engage a wooden surface to extracting nail without leaving an indentation upon the wood surface. The nail extraction tool further is adapted to hang from the loop of the belt where the shaft portion extends therethrough the loop and the tool is supported by the lower surface of the head portion.
Abstract: A locking device assembly to connect two sections of cable together. The locking device assembly has a body with two chambers with two wedge members that each have base portions that are each positioned on substantially opposite sides of the body in the chambers. Each wedge member and chamber can hold a cable therein and each cable can have tension place upon it without slippage. The cables can be easily removed by hitting the front end portions of the wedge members.
Abstract: A two piece vase adapted to house flowers or a floral arrangement. An insert is adapted to be mounted in a chamber of a vase structure. The insert is not readily visible when inserted into the vase structure and provides a watertight seal. The insert is further easier to clean and provides a more convenient method of mounting the flowers into the vase.