Abstract: An impact sensor comprising a non-ferrous housing having a passage therein and an end member provided at each end of the housing for enclosing the passage at opposite end thereof. At least one pair of magnetic members is mounted in spaced relation in the passage with the first of the at least one pair of magnetic members being rigidly secured in the housing. The second of the at least one pair of magnetic members is slidably positioned in the passage. Each member of the at least one pair of magnetic members has opposite magnetic poles and are positioned in the passage with a pair of poles of like polarity facing each other and with only the repelling magnetic force between the poles of like polarity serving to maintain the spaced relation between the magnetic members of the at least one pair of magnetic members. An inductance coil is circumferentially mounted about the housing.

Abstract: A system for controlling adjustment of the outboard drive unit of a boat by operation of switches mounted on the steering wheel of the boat. The system provides an "up switch, a "down" switch and a transmitter, each of which is adapted for attachment adjacent the gripping portion of the steering wheel. The transmitter provides wireless command signals to a receiver which is adapted for mounting behind the dashboard of the boat. The receiver in response to reception of the signals actuates an relay interface which in turn actuates a selected "up" or "down" trim relay which is a standard component on boats for which the kit is intended. The actuated trim relay provides electrical power to a conventional boat trim drive mechanism which in accordance with the switch command adjusts the position of the drive unit of the boat.

Abstract: A machine for strengthening the leg muscles and for testing the strength of the leg muscles. The machine includes a platform having an actuator end and a weight support end. The platform is pivotally supported by a base. Weights are placed upon the weight support end of the platform. One foot of a standing user is placed upon the actuator end of the platform so as to pivot the platform on the base by the application of pressure by the leg of the user. A pneumatic control system is attached between the base and the platform to provide an adjustable resistance to the pivotal movement of the platform, and for recording the force applied to the platform by the user. An optional stabilizer attachment may be attached to the base for griping by the user to prevent the user from being lifted during applications of extreme force. Alternatively, additional resistance to pivoting of the platform may be provided by use of an elastic cord attachment which is attached to the actuator end of platform and griped by the user.

Abstract: A substantially smokeless cooker is disclosed. The cooker includes a housing having a cooking chamber therein. A first heating element including at least one resistive element is carried in the cooking chamber to supply heat directly to food positioned adjacent thereto for cooking thereof. A steam producing apparatus independent of the first heating element is provided for producing steam. The vapors in the steam are disposed for permeating the food to provide moisture thereto during the cooking thereof.

Abstract: A gasketless connector for connecting a first tubular member having a flared end portion to a second tubular member. The connector member is provided with a substantially domical body portion having inner and outer surfaces and first and second side portions, a first tubular portion extending in a first direction from the first side of the domical portion and a second tubular portion extending in a second direction from the second side of the substantially domical portion. The first tubular portion is disposed for extending into the first tubular member for abutting relation of the flared surface of the first tubular member with the outer surface of the first side of the domical portion. The second tubular portion is disposed for secured relation with the second tubular member.

Abstract: A system and method in which the user is provided the option of automatic recall of selected numbers which have been previously called. The computer based system which is controlled by operation of a conventional push-button telephone repeatedly places selected calls and plays a selected prerecorded message whenever a call is answered. Processors provide the capability of recognizing the results of each call as to whether the call has reached a number which is busy or is answered, and also as to whether the call is answered by a person or by an answering machine. In response to recognition signals, the system, at the appropriate time, plays a selected message. When a call has been successfully completed the called number will be removed from a numbers queue within the system, and the system will record the time and date of the completion. Numbers remaining in the queue will be recalled until successfully completed.

Abstract: A universal clamp assembly for remotely placing a motor flushing device over the water inlet ports of an outdrive of a marine motor from either above (twelve o'clock position), below (six o'clock position), to the right (three o'clock position), or to the left (nine o'clock position) of the motor to direct clean, fresh, water through the inlet ports to flush the interior of the motor. In a second embodiment of the universal clamp assembly as depicted in FIG. 3, the universal clamp assembly comprises a first, generally T-shaped, clamp member including a foundation for securing a motor flushing device thereto in a first orientation; and a second, generally Y-shaped, clamp member including a foundation for alternatively securing a motor flushing device thereto in a second orientation. When assembled, the foundation of the first clamp member is in a plane generally perpendicular with the foundation of the second clamp member.

Abstract: The invention is a torque monitor which attaches to the crank arm of a bicycle pedaling mechanism. A drive link is pivotally attached at one end thereof to a mounting assembly which is rigidly attached to the bicycle crank arm. The end of the drive link opposite the attached end is adapted to receive a bicycle pedal, and is free to move a limited distance relative to the bicycle crank arm. As a positive torque is maintained during a pedaling cycle the free end of the drive link is forced toward the bicycle crank arm. If a negative torque is created, the free end of the drive link is force away from the bicycle crank arm and against a movement limiter. As the torque applied to the drive link changes, the movement of the free end provides both an audible and a tactile feedback to make a rider aware that an improper negative torque is being applied during the pedaling cycle. Drive links of varied lengths may be utilized to change the effective length of the bicycle crank arm.

Abstract: A non-rotatable wheel cover assembly including a mounting assembly for mounting the wheel cover directly to a wheel supporting member of a vehicle. The wheel cover has inner and outer surfaces and the wheel supporting member is disposed for supporting wheels of the vehicle during rotation thereof. The mounting assembly includes a first attaching element mounted on the inner surface of the wheel cover and a wheel cover support assembly for secured relation of the first attaching element and the wheel supporting member. The wheel cover support assembly is disposed for non-rotational support of the first attaching element and the wheel cover during rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: An ice monitoring and detection system for determining the presence and thickness of ice on a surface is provided. The system includes an imaging device which includes at least one lens for providing image signals of the surface. The imaging device is operable in a predetermined portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Image signals from the surface are polarized into discrete polarization changes responsive to the camera receiving image signals proportional to amplitude modulated signals generated by the presence of ice. A processor is provided for converting the modulated signals into discrete polarization changes and for obtaining the difference between the discrete polarization changes which is proportional to the amount of ice on the surface. An indication device provides an output corresponding to the difference between the discrete polarization changes. The difference is indicative of the presence and amount of ice on said surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for winding sheet material for producing a rewound roll having a smaller central hollow core and a more compact configuration. The material is wound so that a first edge of each layer of the roll terminates in the same plane. By compacting the wound sheet material and providing a smaller central bore, the sheet material is made sufficiently rigid so that it may be cut transversely thereacross adjacent and edge thereof without further compressing the material into the hollow core.

Abstract: A transponder for use with a pair of dual-controllable systems remote from each other, such as a two-player computer operated game, allows the players and their associate game units to interactively play against each other from remote locations.The transponder receives status words from an associated controller, retains a copy in temporary storage, and formulates command words for a similarly configured transponder associated with the remote unit. The command word includes a status portion comprising a replica of the stored word, an error detection code, and a confirmation code. The error detection code is used to detect transmission errors in received words, and the confirmation code is used to indicate error-free reception of words from the remote unit. A command word is sent responsively to receipt of each received command word.

Abstract: A module assembly mechanism 10 includes a platform 12 which supports all other members of the system. The platform 12 is constructed of four angular side connectors 14 which are attached at the ends 16 thereof so as to form a rectangular base 18. A support column 22 is rigidly attached to each corner of the base 18. Each of the support columns 22 includes an inner angle 24 and an outer angle 26 which angles are attached to one another by a weld bead 28 at the corners thereof. A stanchion 40 is rigidly attached to the outer angle 26 of each of the columns 22. Each stanchion 40 extends upwardly from the column 22 for connection to a roof module, and extends downwardly for contact with the ground or whatever foundation is provided for placement of the playground equipment.

Abstract: An anti-missile missile for preventing an incoming threat missile from impacting a target without requiring impact of the anti-missile missile with the incoming threat missile. The incoming threat missile is provided with a guidance and control system disposed for receiving a source of guidance energy from an external source for guiding the threat missile to impact with the target. The anti-missile missile includes a body having a container carried thereby and a shield device carried in the container for ejection from the container in the vicinity of the threat missile. The shield device is disposed for controlling the amount of guidance energy received by the guidance and control system thereby rendering the guidance and control system ineffective to guide the threat missile to the target. An ejection device is provided for ejecting the shield device in the vicinity of the threat missile.

Abstract: Electrical pulses are provided to the system as each piston of an automotive engine reaches its top dead center position during a compression stroke. The system measures and stores the time TP which is equivalent to the elapsed between a first and second pulse. The system then measures the current cycle time, TC which is the time accumulating after the second pulse. To this time TC the system instantly adds a predetermined and constant (but adjustable) time advance period, TA. The time TP is fed to a comparator for comparison to the total of the time TA plus the accumulating time TC. When the total of time TA plus the accumulating time TC reaches the value of the time TP, the comparator generates a pulse to fire an automotive ignition coil. When a third pulse arrives the system stores the new value reached by TC as the new TP for the following cycle. Thus, the result of this addition of TA to TC is continuously compared with the stored value of TP, and when the two values coincide ignition is again triggered.

Abstract: A process for fabrication of sintered metal components having improved mechanical, physical and wear-resistent properties.

Abstract: A device for teaching or instructing a person the proper techniques for hitting a volleyball and breaking his fall when diving head first to hit the volleyball to avoid possible injury. The teaching and instructional device of the present invention generally comprises a frame, a curved support member, and a slide. The frame includes a ladder member having steps or rungs thereon, a leg member, and means for adjusting the height of the frame and associated elements to better accommodate persons of different heights. The curved support member may be fixed to or rotatably secured to the frame. The slide is pivotally secured at its upper end to the upper portion of the frame and includes means adjacent its lower end for adjusting the height of the lower end of the slide.

Abstract: A portable (removable) tongue for connecting a house trailer to a towing vehicle for towing the trailer from one location to another with the tongue being adapted for easy and rapid disconnection from the towing vehicle and trailer. The tongue is adapted to be attached to, and removed from, the frame which supports a house trailer and includes a coupler and hitch lock, a pair of arms connected to and diverging from the coupler and hitch lock, a first pair of coupling members associated with the free ends of each arm, and a second pair of coupling members adapted to be secured to the frame of the trailer, and a fastener for locking each first coupling member to a respective second coupling member. The tongue is adapted to be readily secured to the frame of the trailer for towing purposes and easily removed from the frame of the trailer while the trailer is parked in a trailer court for living purposes.

Abstract: A one way animal gate for easy passage of animals in one direction through the gate and for prevention of passage of the animals in the opposite direction. The one way animal gate includes a pair of doors or a single door hinged to a frame, one or more spring elements for normally urging the doors or door to their closed positions, and a stop for preventing movement of the doors or door beyond a desired position to prevent movement of the animals in an undesired direction. The one way animal gate is placed in an opening in a fence line dividing a pasture, paddock or the like.

Abstract: A semi-permanent market material is carried by a missile, along with a warhead, to a target and responsive to impact of the warhead with the target, the identification material is released and applied to the "killed" target thereby providing for instantaneous and also future identification of the "killed" target.