Abstract: Elongated metal risers are oriented perpendicular to the front end of a shelf, and extend from proximate the front edge of the shelf to at least the rear edge of the shelf. The risers are roughly from one and a half inches to four and a half inches (forty to one hundred fifteen millimeters) in height, and three to six inches (seventy five to one hundred fifty millimeters) in width. A package stored on the shelf is advantageously supported by left and right side risers and a center riser disposed beneath therebetween, thereby forming left and right insertion channels adjacent the center riser. In storing and retrieving objects from the shelf, a forklift machine advances with its left and right forks aligned with the left and right insertion channels, until the forks are securely under the object.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for joining similar pieces of plastic pipe includes using the shape memory of the pipe pieces to slightly deform a “female” end to permit insertion therein of a non-deformed male end. The deformation is sufficient to permit the insertion but not so large as to preclude the substantially complete “recovery” of the female end's shape and size, using the “shape memory” of the pipe material. Embodiments include, without limitation, single-walled (or mono-walled) pipe, pipe formed from multiple material layers, corrugated pipe, flat-walled pipe, and others. Preferred tools and apparatus are disclosed for stretching the female end and maintaining the desired stretch during transportation and storage, for sealing the joint (via adhesive/sealant, flange gasket, O-ring, or the like), and for further protecting the resulting joint.

Abstract: A valve actuation system in an internal combustion engine provides for, among other things, valve control in a single and dual camshaft “push rod” type engine without the use of a return spring mechanism. In one embodiment of the present invention, a single rocker link or “push rod” is operably connected to a bifurcated rocker valve for opening and closing a single valve.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods include an improved filter and cleaning processes for same. A rotating cleaning element is actuated by vacuum pressure, and relatively precise controls ensure that all portions of the filter's surface are vacuumed cleaned during cleaning cycles. Longitudinal pressure on the rotating cleaning element is balanced to reduce wear and improve performance.

Abstract: A back protector having a back plate configured to, among other things, relieve, reduce, or eliminate the stress or discomfort that can be imposed on a person's upper trunk region during certain activities. The protected areas can include the upper back, spine, and/or lower shoulder area of a person, such as a plumber, in the supine position. The upper trunk protector further includes apparatus or means for attaching the plate to the person to be protected, such as a first elongate strap and a second elongate strap each having a first end and a second end, and a waist belt. Preferably, the waist belt is attached along a bottom portion of the back plate and is configured to be worn about the person's waist, while the first elongate strap and second elongate strap are each attached at the first end to a top section of the back plate and at the second end to corresponding points on the waist belt. Related methods are described.

Abstract: Fence apparatus and related methods for making a fence panel and for connecting the panel to other panels and post elements to form a modular type fence are disclosed. These include a generally planar section of fencing material formed from spaced-apart wires, and the related brackets and posts of the system providing simplified installation, removal, handling, and storage of the fence components.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a socket with an insert having a bladder system for monitoring and compensating for volume fluctuations in a residual limb is provided. A plurality of bladders are preferably provided, in one embodiment, substantially only on a posterior portion of the socket. The bladders may be organized into zones, with the zones being inflatable to differing pressures depending on volume fluctuations in a residual limb. Pressure sensors may be provided for each bladder or for each zone, and flow regulators may be provided to control fluid flow into or out of the bladders or zones of bladders based on readings from the pressure sensors to control volume within the insert. Alternatively, bladders can be manually inflated depending on an amputee's needs.

Abstract: A system for determining the relative displacement of a rigid object is described herein. In one embodiment, the system includes three data sources positioned on an object. The data sources are configured to transmit data relating to positional displacement of the object. Each data source has predefined movement parameters based on the position of each data source on the object. In one embodiment, the system further includes a receiver unit configured to display positional information relating to the object based on the data received from each data source. The positional information represents a single valid solution set generated in part by eliminating positional movements that exceed the predefined movement parameters.

Abstract: A portable spa comprises a reservoir for holding water and an outer wall spaced outwardly from the reservoir. The spa includes an equipment bay located between the reservoir and the outer wall that is accessible from an opening at a top portion of the spa. A cover over the opening to the equipment bay is removable from the top portion of the spa to permit access to the equipment bay. The equipment bay contains substantially all of the equipment necessary for operation of the spa and can be conveniently accessed free of any obstructions around the side of the spa. The spa can be installed either above ground in the manner of a portable spa, or it can be installed directly in the ground in the manner of a permanent in-ground spa. Reinforcing means comprising an internal support framework supports the spa against the lateral external forces generated as a result of in-ground installation.

Abstract: A portable spa comprises a reservoir for holding water and an outer wall spaced outwardly from the reservoir. The spa includes an equipment bay located between the reservoir and the outer wall that is accessible from an opening at a top portion of the spa. A cover over the opening to the equipment bay is removable from the top portion of the spa to permit access to the equipment bay. The equipment bay contains substantially all of the equipment necessary for operation of the spa and can be conveniently accessed free of any obstructions around the side of the spa. The spa can be installed either above ground in the manner of a portable spa, or it can be installed directly in the ground in the manner of a permanent in-ground spa. Reinforcing means comprising an internal support framework supports the spa against the lateral external forces generated as a result of in-ground installation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods include an improved filter (203) and cleaning process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods include an adaptor to establish a flow path through the side of a first piece of tubing (rather than the end of the tubing) into a second piece of tubing or other device. The adaptor includes a threaded head slightly larger than the hole in the side of the tubing into which it is to be inserted, and gripping portions to assist in forcing the threaded head through the opening. After the head has been inserted, a sealing element is tightened to prevent leakage. To join lay-flat tubing to drip tubing, the other end of the adaptor includes an annular barbed end; a sleeve member around the barbed end; and cooperating structures acting between the barbed end and the sleeve to move those relative to each other. Barb structures on the sleeve member cooperate with the barbed end to sealingly engage the drip-tubing end.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods permit splicing or joining a plurality of tubing ends. A central tubular member has a fluid passage therethrough. The tubing ends are mounted over the extremities of the tubular member, and are held in place by a multi-part sleeve around the central member and cooperating detents (on the exterior of the tubular member and on the interior of the sleeve) that pinch or bite the tubing when the sleeve is actuated (such as via a turnbuckle action) to force cooperating pairs of the detents toward each other.

Abstract: A security system for control access of multiple users to a selected area combines rotating electronic security code or equivalent technology with an automatic self-learning receiver. The first transmitter is “learned” by the receiver manually, but subsequent transmitters are learned without the need for actuating the conventional “manual learn” mode of the receiver. Instead, by simply sending the transmit signal twice within a fixed time period, users of the subsequent transmitters use “self-learning” circuitry (interposed between conventional transmitter and receiver technology) in a way that is relatively transparent to the user. Other aspects of conventional systems are provided, such as separate control via computer or otherwise of an authorized list of uniquely-identified transmitters. In alternative embodiments, even the first transmitter/controller can be programmed into the receiver (such as at the time of manufacturing or installing the system).

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided for irrigation systems such as automated sprinkler systems. A pre-assembled housing or valve box includes an inlet for receiving water and one or more outlets for distribution of water to other components in the irrigation system, and also includes manifolding and power and valve means for selectively controlling the flow of water from the outlets. Many of the manifold components are integrally molded with each other and provided in modular form so that the system can be relatively compact and can be customized into a variety of configurations. The manifold can consist of or include integrally formed or interconnected valve bases. The electrical power system includes a main terminal box with power lines leading to connectors adjacent each outlet, so that solenoid valves may be readily connected thereto and replaced as necessary. O-rings, non-conducting gel, and similar mechanisms are provided to ensure the water-tightness of the electrical connections.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system is provided which has a first diaphragm pump, a filter connected to receive the discharge of said first pump, and an accumulator/second diaphragm pump connected to receive the discharge of said filter. Hydraulic fluids pumped by cylinder/piston/stepper assemblies independently actuate each of the diaphragm pumps, providing accurate, controllable and repeatable dispense of the subject fluid. There is also structure operable to suck back fluid from downstream of the second pump.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and filtering fluid is disclosed, in which the fluid flow path is substantially vertical from the fluid inlet through fluid dispense. Substantially all wetted surfaces are Teflon® or some similar non-contaminating fluid, for applications such as cleanroom processes. A valve and a filter chamber are incorporated into a pump head to simplify the flow path and reduce potential contamination points. Preferred methods, and chips or other microelectronic devices fabricated from the apparatus or methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A handle useful in combination with a container includes a plastic strap or bail and a plastic sleeve thereon. The bail or strap of the handle is pivotably connected to the container, and the sleeve can be rotated about the bail. Structures are provided to distribute load forces between the bail and sleeve. Structures are also provided to retain the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the bail. One or more clip members can be provided on the bail to engage the container. The clip member includes positioning elements to locate and engage the handle in a selected position with respect to the container. Preferred methods for assembling and using the apparatus (including the combination of the handle and container) are disclosed.