Abstract: An apparatus is provided for storing vehicles. A vertical support structure is mechanically coupled to a horizontal support structure. Multiple support platforms are provided, including at least an upper vehicle support platform and a lower vehicle support platform. At least one lift arm is pivotally coupled between the vertical support structure and the upper vehicle support platform. A collapsible linkage connection is provided between the upper vehicle support platform and the lower vehicle support platform. A lower vehicle support platform is suspendable below the upper vehicle support platform by the collapsible linkage connection. A control system is utilized to operate the at least one lift arm in order to move the apparatus between modes of operation. In a first vehicle loading position, the upper vehicle support platform and the lower vehicle support platform are in a down position with the upper vehicle support platform directly above the lower vehicle support platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components which includes a base assembly, a work surface, a vertical support pole extending upward from the work surface, at least one bushing concentrically engaging the vertical support pole at a particular axial location, at least one support arm extending radially outward from the bushing, and at least one support surface secured to the support arms in a position substantially orthogonal to the support pole, which minimizes the space requirements for supporting modular and cooperating components, particularly in an office environment. The support apparatus according to the present invention increases the functionality of the modular and cooperating components without exposing the modular and cooperating components to unnecessary risk of harm.

Abstract: A drill bit for use in drilling operations in a wellbore, the drill bit having a bit body including a plurality of bit legs, each supporting a rolling cone cutter; a coupling member formed at an upper portion of said bit body; at least one temperature sensor for monitoring at least one temperature condition of said improved drill bit during drilling operations; and at least one temperature sensor cavity formed in said bit body and adapted for receiving, carrying, and locating said at least one temperature sensor in a particular position relative to said bit body which is empirically determined to optimize temperature sensor discrimination.

Abstract: An improved tilting rotor aircraft, a control system for an elongated shaft, and a method of controlling an elongated shaft are provided. Sensors are utilized to detect an amount of twist on a flexible and elongated shaft. A controller receives the signal and generates a command signal. A plurality of actuators receive the command signals and compensate for the twist in the flexible and elongated shaft.

Abstract: A improved tilt rotor aircraft comprising an airframe, at least one wing member coupled to the airframe, and at least one tilt rotor assembly carried by the at least one wing member. The tilt rotor assembly is actuated by a conversion actuator. The improved tilt rotor aircraft includes a low-height tunable downstop assembly for absorbing oscillatory vibration loads, such as pitch loads and yaw loads. The low-height tunable downstop assembly comprises a pivotable striker assembly having an adjustable stiffness, and a cradle assembly adapted to releasably receive the striker assembly. The striker assembly is attached to the tilt rotor assembly and the cradle assembly is attached to the wing member. A plurality of sensor modules are bonded to the cradle assembly. The sensor modules include a plurality of strain gages arranged to sense shear strain in the cradle assembly. The sensor modules are electrically coupled to sensor circuits and flight control computers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for determining the dip angle and horizontal and vertical conductivities of a wellbore during drilling operations. If the dip angle is not known, the present invention allows for the use of multifrequency measurements and a model which maps dielectric permitivities to conductivities to calculate the horizontal conductivity, the vertical conductivity, the horizontal dielectric permitivity, the dielectric permitivity, and the dip angle. If the dip angle is known, the present invention allows a multifrequency tool to be utilized alone to calculate the horizontal conductivity, the vertical conductivity, the horizontal dielectric permitivity, and the vertical dielectric permitivity.

Abstract: A transducer is described especially for use in providing acoustic transmission in a borehole. The transducer includes a multiple number of magnetic circuit gaps and electrical windings that have been found to provide the power necessary for acoustic operation in borehole while still meeting the stringent dimensional criteria necessitated by boreholes. Various embodiments conforming to the design are described. Moreover, the invention includes transition and reflector sections, as well as a directional coupler and resonator arrangement particularly adapted for borehole acoustic communication.

Abstract: A handheld scanning dictionary is provided. It includes a relatively small housing adapted in size to be held in one hand by a user during use. A scanning input is carried by the housing preferably at a tapered distal end of the housing, which allows text to be scanned as input during a wanding movement of a scanning input mode of operation, with a scanning input in contact with the text, and with the elongated housing held in one hand by the user and oriented generally transverse to a surface which carries such text. The elongated housing is maintained out of contact with the surface which carries the text. A display is carried by the housing in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the housing. The controller is disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the scanning input and the display. A program is provided which is composed of instructions which are executable by the controller.

Abstract: An improved railcar is provided which may be utilized for the transport of relatively lightweight bulky articles, as well as relatively heavy articles such as steel beams. The railcar includes a number of components which cooperate to allow such diversity of uses. A rectangular base structure is provided. A substantially planar deck is secured to the upper surface of the rectangular base structure. A plurality of rail wheel assemblies are coupled to the lower surface of the base structure. The rail wheel assemblies are adapted for engaging a railroad. A first bulkhead member is coupled to a first end of the base structure. A second bulkhead member is coupled to the second end of the base structure. A vertical center partition member is also provided. The vertical center partition member is substantially perpendicular to the base structure. It is located along a longitudinal centerline relative to the base structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for regulating the flow of rates of particulate matter. The invention includes a flow gate with a generally cylindrical body having a flow path defined there through. A stator member is provided in fixed position relative to the cylindrical body. The stator member has a plurality of alternating tapered vein portions and inlet portions. A rotor member is interfaced with the stator member. The rotor member has a plurality of alternating stock portions and outlet port portions. The rotary coupling is utilized to couple the rotor member and the stator member. A position actuator is provided for receiving at least one control input and producing a corresponding displacement of the rotor member. A mechanical coupling is provided between the position actuator and the rotor member.

Abstract: An improved building automation system is provided which is modular in design thus minimizing the amount of instruction necessary to affect control of a particular building system. A relatively small set of interprocess control commands define an interprocess control protocol which is utilized in relatively high level scripts and control applications. The improved building automation system operates to translate control instructions in one particular control protocol to control instructions in a second control protocol. A text parsing program routes interprocess communication commands between modular communication programs to affect control over the automated building systems. The text parsing program includes executable instructions which allow for conditional communication of interprocess control commands depending upon system events.

Abstract: An expense tracking system is provided for use with the portable computer having a computer memory, a computer keyboard, and a display screen, in a vehicle of the type which generates an electrical odometer signal corresponding to the distance traveled by the vehicle. A mileage tracking hardware module is electrically coupled to the portable computer for receiving the electrical odometer signals from the vehicle, and for generating a mileage signal which is readable by the portable computer. A computer program is resident in memory of the portable computer and is operable in a mileage tracking mode for receiving data relating to the trip purpose, trip contact, and trip time, and for receiving the mileage signal from the mileage tracking hardware module and grouping data of the mileage signal with the trip purpose, trip contact, and trip time data, and for storing the group data in the memory of the portable computer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for actuating one or more downhole well tools carried by a production or workstring conduit having an imperforate wall and for blocking fluid communication between an activating fluid body and a second fluid source within said well across dynamic seals between actuating members of the well tool, by producing selective signals through the conduit wall detectable by a member to produce an activating signal for actuating the downhole well tool by a downhole energy source.

Abstract: A rigid water recreation board for towing behind a water vessel. There is an eyelet extending through the board. A rope is attached to the vessel and freely passes through the eyelet. A handle is attached to the rope and is dimensioned such that it may not pass through the eyelet. A rider may lie upon, kneel upon, or stand upon the board as it is being towed by the vessel. The rider has the option of holding onto the handle or letting the handle be pulled against the upper surface of the board while the board is in tow by the vessel.

Abstract: An improved dialer programming system and device in which an assembled dialer may be loaded into a combined programming and printing system to be programmed with predetermined signals and imprinted with associated variable data. The predetermined and programmed signals may be representative of telephone numbers, account authorization numbers, or other data. The associated variable information to be printed may be textual such as name, account number or telephone number data or graphical, such as graphic designs or barcode images. The variable information may be printed or affixed to the dialer using a wide variety of processes adapted to the needs of the end user. An improved assembly design for the dialer device and improved dialer programming and imprinting system are particularly adapted to accommodate high volume production of many dialer devices with different programming and imprinting requirements. Additional new programming techniques for autodialer devices are also described.