Abstract: An articulated coordinate measuring arm having swiveling joints which are unlimited by an end-stops. Power and signals are transmitted through a swiveling joint using a multi-conductor electrical slip-ring sub-assembly. Joint position transducer signal conditioners are closely located to the joint position transducers to reduce signal noise degradation. Rigid transfer members connecting the joints comprise a freely rotating shaft mounted within an outer sheath, wherein both shaft and sheath extend substantially the length of the transfer member, and the shaft outer diameter approaches that of the sheath inner diameter.

Abstract: A mechanism for the powered opening and closing of household panels such as windows and doors comprises a worm drive screw, small enough to be mounted within and along the upper track of a sliding panel. A nut threaded on the drive screw moves axially along the screw when the screw is rotated. Motion of the nut is transmitted to the panel by means of a coupling bolt, slidingly mounted within a cavity in the top of the panel. The bolt slides up to engage the nut for powered operation, and slides down to disengage from the nut during manual operation. The position of the bolt can be secured through locking means. A resilient, dielectric transmission accouplement between the drive screw and the motor provides electrical and vibrational isolation, and scalability. A second extendible bolt mounted on an opposite end of the frame hinders pitch deflection of the panel during powered operation. Worm gearing and a solenoid based brake locks the motor and the position of the nut when no power is applied.

Abstract: A tote-caddy for carrying a load of firewood logs or similar loose set of objects comprises a canvas web having at one end a strap for suspending the web from one of its edges to the shoulder of a user, a handle at an opposite edge of the web, and at least one additional handle at an intermediary location along the web; so that a variety of loads and object shapes can be adjustably carried within a loop formed in the web between the strap-supported edge of the web and one of the handles.

Abstract: A brace applied to the back of the knee for inducing a golf or baseball player to assume a correct swinging stance comprises a rigid, padded, oblong plate folded outwardly to an obtuse angle about a near-media transversal line, and secured to the thigh, lower knee and calf of the player by series of three straps securable at an infinity of positions along the backside of the plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adaptor for activating a valve, the adaptor includes a socket at one end thereof to register with the valve, the socket including at least one displaceable engageable ball plunger for gripping the valve when the socket is urged against the valve for operating the valve. The invention also relates to a service box assembly for a water valve disposed in the ground which utilizes the adaptor as well as the method of exposing a water valve to reinstall an inoperable service box rod in a service box assembly having a water valve below ground level. The invention also teaches installation tools to locate and maintain a service box rod within a service box assembly.

Abstract: A self-operated apparatus particularly adapted for massaging a user's wrist and forearm affected by repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome comprises two clamping arms hingedly joined at one end and provided with cooperating handles at the other ends. Rollers and balls are mounted on opposite median sections of the arms. The hinged ends of the arms are universally attached to a support that can be strapped over the user's thigh, whereby an arm can be adjustably clamped between the sets of rollers and balls by bringing the two handles together and the arm and wrist massaged by translating and rotating movements of the arm along an axis perpendicular to the mounting axes of the rollers and balls.

Abstract: In a closure for a container having an opening presenting an upstanding circular bead, said closure comprising: a closure body presenting a spout for dispensing liquids from said container, said spout including an annular recess for releasable securement to said bead; a cap releasably securable to said spout; a lock ring frangibly connected to said cap, said lock ring aligned with said closure body, said annual recess and said bead, said lock ring frangibly breakable from said cap to lock said closure body to said container.

Abstract: A non-lethal incapacitating device comprises a pair of projectiles and trailing wires packaged in a cartridge mountable on the head of a stungun. The cartridge assembly includes a pair of light and directionally stable and non-invasive projectiles having tubular plastic flares, expanded trailing wire coiled in double layers on a rotating magazine, a simple gas capsule side-piercing mechanism, and a compact housing.

Abstract: A method for reducing the dynamic range required of a receiver circuit in a remote transceiver in 2-way communication between local and remote transceivers. By repeatedly transmitting a signal with successively increasing power from one transceiver until a response is received from the other transceiver, the dynamic range and hence complexity of the receiving circuit may be greatly reduced. The operating power of the remote transmitter can then be adjusted according to the level used by the local transmitter, thereby promoting the efficent use of the remote's power supply.

Abstract: A floatation toy device includes a cylindrical elongated member, a variable buoyancy collar and an attachment collar. The floatation toy device provides for an improved and variable buoyancy of the floatation toy device by the user.

Abstract: A disposable club head wiping patch is removably stuck to the lower portion of a golfer's trouser leg. The outer working surface of the patch includes a layer of scouring material preferably made of a piling of synthetic fiber segments hard enough to wipe off mud and grass debris that may have stuck to the club head.

Abstract: A process for growing a light weight, transportable sod-mat and for facilitating the implantation of such a mat on a lawn bed comprises germinating lawn-grass seeds (5) in a thin layer of growing medium (4) spread over a mat of non-woven polypropylene (3) laying on an impermeable membrane (2). After germination, the mat and the inseminated growing medium is installed over a layer of porous material such as decomposed granite covering a conditioned subsoil. Drip irrigation lines are run through the upper region of the porous material.

Abstract: A versatile cooking, and food and beverage handling utensil comprises a vessel made of heat-resistant material provided with an articulated handle that can assume a near horizontal cooking position or a near vertical drinking position. A heat insulating sleeve can be conveniently engaged over the vessel and locked into place by an extension of the articulated handle. A lid assembly has a sealable aperture and a pouring spout or drinking brim. A sieve press can turn the vessel into a coffee or tea brewing pot that doubles as a mug once the sleeve is installed.

Abstract: A basketball rim assembly includes an anchoring plate having a mounting assembly, a back plate, a support member, a rim and a locking mechanism. The anchoring plate is removably attached to the back plate by the mounting assembly, and the locking mechanism, comprising of a cam assembly, locks the back plate to the anchoring plate allowing for the safe and easy removal and placement of the rim.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adaptor having one end for activating a valve and another end for connection to a rod said adaptor including a socket at said one end to register with said valve for operating said valve, and including a slot at said other end for receiving and pivotally connecting to said rod. The invention also teaches a pin removal tool for removing pins underground from the surface.

Abstract: A powder metal gear wheel having a core density of at least 7.3 g/cc, and in one embodiment 7.4 to 7.6 g/cc and a hardened carburized surface. A method of manufacturing transmission gears comprises, sintering a powder metal blank to produce a core density of between 7.4 to 7.6 g/cc, rolling the surface of the gear blank to densify the surface, and then heating the rolled sintered part and carburizing in a vacuum furnace.