Abstract: An electronic method for distance measurement based on pulsed laser time-of-flight is provided. The method comprises generating a wave of outgoing radiant energy pulses having a substantially stable period for providing a wave of pulses reflected from a target object and then measuring reflected energy from the pulse wave over a scanning time window. The scanning time window is shorter than the laser pulse time-of-flight to and from the measurement target. An offset between outgoing pulses and the scanning window is adjusted to capture reflected pulses at desired positions within the scanning window for selected conditions including when the outgoing wave is reflected from a reference surface and when the outgoing wave is reflected from the distance target. Distance is then calculated according to the offset and reflected energy data recorded for the selected conditions.

Abstract: A bobbin assembly is provided that is suitable for dispensing webbed material using a power driven coupling in a toilet seat assembly having a housing with wall portions. The bobbin assembly comprises an extruded thermoplastic hollow tube having a plurality of splines disposed longitudinally therein and an end cap assembly adapted for connection to the wall portion. The splines are constructed and arranged in mating inter-engagement with the power driven coupling. The end coupling is spring biased toward the hollow tube to mate with the hollow tube. The bobbin assembly allows for identical supply and take-up bobbins.

Abstract: An improved pressure regulator suitable for use with paint ball guns comprises a hollow valve body, a valve mechanism for selectively releasing gas from a gas source to an output, and an ON-OFF control. The valve body has a coupling portion, a regulator seat, an output port, an inlet opening, and sidewalls defining a transverse spool socket. The valve mechanism includes a regulator seat, a valve plug movable within a plug chamber for sealing engagement with a regulator seat, and a fluid barrier axially movable with respect to the valve body. A spool is received in the socket and movable between a first position wherein an internal passage is defined between the gas inlet opening and the regulator seat, and a second position wherein the flow of gas from the gas inlet is blocked.

Abstract: A toilet seat assembly for mounting to the toilet bowl can be assembled and disassembled by aligning vanous components of the assembly at predetermined angles with respect to one another. The toilet seat assembly includes a housing defining a cavity for receiving a sleeve dispensing apparatus and a pair of mounting forks. The housing is rotatable between a predetermined assembly angle position where the housing can be installed or removed from the pair of mounting forks and positions beyond the assembly angle where the housing is securely seated within the pair of mounting forks.

Abstract: An electronic trigger grip for a paintball gun having a firing actuator is described. The grip subassembly includes a frame adapted for mounting to the gun, a trigger movably secured to the frame, a sensor positioned to detect a pull of the trigger, a linear motor adapted for mechanical coupled to the firing actuator, and a source of electric power. A pulsation power controller is electrically connected to the sensor, the power source and the linear motor for energizing the linear motor with a pulsating signal in response to a trigger pull.

Abstract: The present invention provides a toilet seat assembly that can be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools by aligning various components of the assembly at a predetermined angle with respect to one another. Another aspect of the invention includes a system composed of a plurality of toilet seat assemblies that communicate information onto and receive information from a computer network that can include the Internet in one embodiment. Another aspect of the invention includes a kit for serviceing the assembly of the invention that includes a plurality of rolls of plastic sleeves.

Abstract: An improved ON-OFF control for a paintball gun comprises sidewalls defining a transverse actuator socket, a gas inlet for fluid communication to a pressurized gas source and a gas outlet, and a spool received in the socket and movable between a first position wherein an internal passage is defined between the gas inlet opening and the gas outlet opening, and a second position wherein the flow of gas from the gas inlet is blocked and the gas outlet is vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved pressure regulator suitable for use with paint ball guns comprises a hollow valve body and a valve mechanism for selectively releasing gas from a gas source to an output. The valve body has a unitary coupling portion, a fill port, an output port, a discharge opening, and an inlet opening. The valve body defines two confined flow passageways. The first connecting the plug chamber and the discharge opening. The second connecting the fill port and the inlet opening. The valve mechanism includes a regulator seat, a polymeric valve plug movable within the plug chamber for sealing engagement with the regulator seat, and a fluid barrier axially movable with respect to the valve body. A spring is provided for urging the fluid barrier toward the regulator seat.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle having an accessory power system includes a drive wheel, an electric motor coupled to the drive wheel, a main power source connected to the motor, and an accessory power source energized by the main power source. The accessory power source provides an accessory output at a voltage that is independent of fluctuations in the voltage supplied by the main power source.

Abstract: A receptacle suitable for receiving drum sticks features a transverse tandem rod clamp having a pair of spaced axially skewed clamp sockets, a tubular canister with an open end for receiving drum sticks, and a claw device for flexible attachment. The tubular canister includes an outwardly extending mounting rod slidably received in one socket of the rod clamp. A projecting mounting rod secured to the claw device is slidably received in the other socket of the rod clamp.