Abstract: A tabletop tripod is disclosed. The tripod has a base with a cavity defined in one side thereof, a stationary leg fixedly mounted on the base, two pivoting legs pivotally mounted on the base each having a driving means engaging each other received in the cavity of the base and an equipment base with a threaded stud extending upwardly therefrom pivotally mounted on the base to attach a camera. In such an arrangement, the two pivoting legs can be opened up simultaneously to make using the tripod more convenient.

Abstract: A golf club head, and more specifically a hosel for a golf club head, and a method of angularly orienting a golf club shaft relative to a golf club head. The hosel defines a hollow interior for receiving a golf club shaft through an opening, generally along a central longitudinal axis of the hollow interior. The hollow interior is bounded by a wall adjacent the opening, preferably including a substantially planar or flat portion.

Abstract: A method of operating a database of records. The method includes providing an internet web site containing selected information, and providing a computer containing the database. Each record of the database is associated with each of a number of contacts. An identifying code is generated for each contact, and is transmitted to each contact. When a contact attempts to access the website, the contact is asked to input the code. In response to entry of the code, access is provided to a selected portion of the selected information.

Abstract: A method of producing a high-density article is presented comprising selecting one or more primary tungsten-containing constituents with densities greater than 10.0 g/cc and one or more secondary constituents with densities less than 10.0 g/cc, co-milling the mixture of constituents in a high-energy mill to obtain mechanical alloying effects, then processing the resulting powder product by conventional powder metallurgy to produce an article with bulk density greater than 9.0 g/cc.

Abstract: An automatic locking and release device for a beach umbrella includes a hollow shaft containing two opening thereon and having a runner movably mounted around the hollow shaft, a lever having a lug and a flat head and a stop ring attached to the hollow shaft. A base member securely received in the hollow shaft, the base member has a channel and a recessed cavity with two holes and receives a fastener. The fastener contains a groove to receive a locking member moved therein and two through holes aligning with the two holes of the base member. The fastener includes a cavity defined therein, a boss extending therefrom and a linkage having a first end received in a bore of the boss and the second end moving in the cavity. A locking member extends through the groove of the fastener and includes a locking bar having an extension block and a spring. The extension block is attached to the top of the locking bar.

Abstract: A display unit is provided, the display unit including a housing configured for mounting in an interior region of a vehicle, and a screen mounted on the housing for movement between a stowed position wherein the screen is at least partially contained within the housing and a deployed position wherein the screen projects from the housing to reveal a viewing surface of the screen The display unit further includes a lock mechanism adapted to selectively retain the screen in the stowed position. Upon release of the lock mechanism, however, the screen is free to be pivoted away from the stowed position, and in one embodiment, is automatically pivoted at least partially away from the stowed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a first article, such as an appliance, to a second article, such as a moving vehicle, to permit relative movement of the first article with respect to the second article in order maintain the level of the first article. The apparatus comprises a bracket for fixed attachment to the moving vehicle. There is a handle pivotally connected to the bracket, and a lever pivotally mounted to the handle to pivotally support the appliance and to adjust the position of the appliance with respect to the bracket in response to pivotal movement of the handle. This arrangement permits the appliance to be moved between a lowered position and a raised position while maintaining its level at all times so that the appliance can be stowed to conserve space when not in use.

Abstract: A flame-intumescent coating is provided for a wood-based building product, the coating being adapted to expand to form an expanded coating when exposed to heat from a fire. The coating comprises a polymeric binder, at least one blowing agent dispersed in the binder, and at least one intumescent compound dispersed in the binder. The blowing agent and intumescent compound are adapted to expand the coating when the coating is exposed to heat from a fire. The polymeric binder is formed from a mixture including castor oil and an isocyanate, wherein the castor oil is present in the mixture in a quantity of 9-36% of the total weight of the coating. A flame-retardant building product is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning deposits from a component of a semiconductor crystal growing furnace, where the furnace includes a hot zone and where the component is positioned outside the hot zone during the crystal growing process. The method typically includes providing the furnace including the component, removing the component from outside the hot zone, placing the component within the hot zone, and heating the hot zone to clean the component. The component may be virtually any furnace component, including a graphite chimney, purge tube, quartz window, or ceramic insulator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for long-term, non-invasive measuring of fetal heart rate. The method utilizes the characteristic curves of first and second heart sound received by the preferred electroacoustical converter. The identification and distinction of first and second sounds, furthermore their time relation used for heartbeat identification highly increase the reliability of fetal heart rate determination. The distinction of first and second sound is based on the differences in frequency spectrums measured in a relatively short time window and by the estimation of the power peaks measured on two test frequencies chosen on the two ends of the frequency range of fetal heart sound. The method is implemented in an integrated apparatus to achieve low power consumption for battery-operated long-term measurements. Digital filtering and selective power estimation is applied for continuous computation of power time function on the two test frequencies.

Abstract: A security device of a toy stroller includes two bodies each having two passages to respectively receive the upper frame and the lower frame of the toy stroller. Two engaging members of a seat are respectively mounted to the upper frame and adjacent to the two bodies so as to limit the bodies from being moved along the upper frame to disengage from the lower frame such that the upper frame and the lower frame can not be folded relative to each other.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting an optical input to one or more selected optical outputs. The system includes at least one optical input port, and at least one optical receiver coupled to receive an optical signal via the optical input port. The optical receiver is configured to convert the optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal. The system also includes a plurality of optical output ports, and a plurality of optical transmitters. Each optical transmitter is coupled to a different one of the optical output ports, and is configured to selectively receive the corresponding electrical signal and convert it back to the optical signal for transmission through the optical output port. The system further includes electronic circuitry which is controllable to form an electrical path to convey the corresponding electrical signal from the optical receiver to the optical transmitter coupled to a selected optical output port.

Abstract: A system for optimizing the purge cycle of a fuel cell stack responsive to the performance of the fuel cell. The system includes a controller that measures a process parameter indicative of the rate at which water is being produced in the fuel cell. If the measured value exceeds a threshold value, then the purge assembly is automatically actuated.

Abstract: A transmission for a dune buggy includes an engine, a gearbox, a rear transmission set and a differential. The engine has a drive wheel attached thereto. The gearbox has an input axle mounted therein and extending through the gearbox to connect with a driven wheel. A belt connects the drive wheel and the driven wheel. The gearbox has an output axle mounted therein and extending through the gearbox to connect with a sprocket wheel. The rear transmission set has a first rear wheel axle, a second rear wheel axle and a sprocket. The sprocket is mounted on the second rear wheel axle and is connected to the sprocket wheel by a chain. The differential connects the first rear wheel axle and the second rear wheel axle. The gearbox has several axles and multiple gears. By the engagement of these axles and gears, the transmission can provide a forward drive train or a reverse drive train for a dune buggy.

Abstract: A surgical needle assembly including a hollow needle body, a push rod slidingly fit within the hollow needle body, and a hand-actuable lock mounted on the needle body. The lock selectively limits movement of the push rod relative to the needle body in response to a squeezing or releasing of the lock.